JP2005048768A - Remote starter and remote start method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote starter, preventing the excessive elevation of temperature of exhaust gas and the excessive increase in quantity of harmful gas in the periphery of a vehicle by engine starting of remote operation. <P>SOLUTION: This remote starter 11 includes a starting means for starting an engine of a vehicle on receiving an engine starting command from a portable transmitter 21. The remote starter 11 is provided with a means for determining whether or not the engine is frequently started and a means for limiting starting of the engine performed in response to an engine starting command from the portable transmitter 21 when it is determined that the engine is frequently started. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

The present invention relates to a remote starter and a remote starter method, and more particularly to a remote starter and a remote starter method for starting a vehicle engine by remote control.

In recent years, a remote starter for starting a vehicle engine by remote control has been put into practical use (
For example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2 below). FIG. 11 is a block diagram schematically showing a main part of an engine starting system including a conventional remote starting device.

When the ignition key 1 is inserted into the key cylinder 2 by the user and rotated to the starter position, the ACC signal, the IG signal, and the starter signal are supplied from the key cylinder 2 to the engine control unit 3. . When the engine control unit 3 receives these signals,
The cell motor 4 is started to start the engine.

The remote starter 5 includes a key detection means 6 for detecting that the ignition key 1 is inserted into the key cylinder 2, a door opening / closing detection means 7 for detecting the opening / closing of the door, and a parking brake for detecting the operation of the parking brake. The operation detecting means 8 and the selector lever position detecting means 9 for detecting the position of the selector lever are connected. In the remote starter 5, the ignition key 1 is inserted into the key cylinder 2, It is possible to recognize that the door is opened and closed, that the parking brake is operating, and that the selector lever is in the parking position.

When the remote starter 5 receives a signal to start the engine from the transmitter 10 carried by the user, the remote starter 5 first determines whether or not the signal is a normal signal (ie, from another transmitter other than the transmitter 10). If it is not a signal, and if it is determined to be a regular signal, then the remote start condition (for example, the ignition key 1 is not inserted into the key cylinder 2, the door is closed, If the parking brake is activated and the selector lever is in the parking position), and if it is determined that the remote start condition is satisfied, the ACC relay 5a, the IG relay 5b, The ST relay 5c is turned on to supply the ACC signal, the IG signal, and the starter signal to the engine control unit 3. The ACC relay 5a and the IG relay 5b are kept on until the engine is stopped, and the ST relay 5c is kept on for about a few seconds (for example, 2 to 3 seconds).

When the engine control unit 3 receives these signals, the ignition key 1 is turned into the key cylinder 2.
The cell motor 4 is activated to start the engine, as in the case where the engine is inserted and rotated to the starter position. FIG. 12 shows a timing chart from when the engine start signal transmitted from the transmitter 10 is received to when the engine starts.

The remote starter 5 also starts the ACC relay 5a and the IG relay 5b when a predetermined time (for example, 10 to 15 minutes) elapses while the remote start condition is satisfied after the engine is started.
Is turned off to stop the supply of the ACC signal and the IG signal to the engine control unit 3. When the engine control unit 3 stops receiving these signals, the driving of the cell motor 4 is stopped to stop the engine. FIG. 13 shows a timing chart from when the engine start signal transmitted from the transmitter 10 is received until the engine is started and then the engine is stopped. Thus, when the engine is started by remote operation, the warm-up operation is performed for the predetermined time.

Since the engine started by remote control will continue to operate with the vehicle stopped, if the warm-up operation continues for a long time, the temperature of the exhaust gas emitted from the engine will become too high and heat will be applied to the muffler etc. If there is something that burns up near the muffler, there is a risk of fire.

In addition, the exhaust gas emitted from the vehicle may contain harmful gases (for example, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons), and if the warm-up operation continues for a long time as described above, There may be a problem that the amount of harmful gas becomes too large. In particular, when the engine is started by remote control for a vehicle stored in the garage, there is a risk that the garage will be filled with harmful gas and become dangerous. Therefore, if the engine is started by remote control and the warm-up operation is repeated many times, a fire as described above may occur,
Risk of danger.

In order to solve such a problem, for example, as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, an exhaust gas temperature sensor or a gas sensor for detecting a toxic gas concentration is installed in a vehicle, and the exhaust temperature sensor or the gas sensor is used. A method is conceivable in which the engine is stopped when the output level exceeds a predetermined value. However, there is a problem that exhaust temperature sensors and gas sensors are not cheap.
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-1748 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-252519

Means for solving the problems and their effects

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and can prevent the temperature of exhaust gas from becoming too high or the amount of harmful gas around the vehicle from being excessively increased by starting the engine remotely. It is an object to provide a remote starter and a remote start method.

In order to achieve the above object, a remote starter (1) according to the present invention includes a starter that starts a vehicle engine when receiving an engine start command from a transmitter. The engine is frequently started, or the engine is frequently started by the starting condition determining means for determining whether or not the engine is being started frequently. When it is determined that it is frequently performed, a limiting unit is provided for limiting engine start in response to a command from the transmitter.

According to the remote starter (1), it is determined that the engine is started frequently or frequently (for example, the engine start is concentrated or concentrated within a predetermined period). If there is a possibility that the warm-up operation may continue for a long time, or even if it is intermittent, the total warm-up operation time may be prolonged. Engine start is limited. Examples of a method for restricting engine start include a method for prohibiting engine start and a method for shortening the engine operating time.

Therefore, even if the warm-up operation continues for a long time, or even if it is intermittent, the total warm-up operation time becomes longer, so that the temperature of the exhaust gas emitted from the engine becomes too high and the muffler or the like is heated. It is possible to avoid a situation where the vehicle is buried or a situation where the amount of toxic gas around the vehicle becomes excessive.

The remote starter (2) according to the present invention includes a condition establishment determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined reset condition is satisfied in the remote starter (1), and the predetermined condition determination unit. And a first reset unit that resets the determination by the starting condition determination unit when it is determined that the reset condition is satisfied.

By the way, when the user can grasp the situation around the vehicle, it is unlikely that the engine is frequently started until it becomes a dangerous state. The problem described in “Problem to be solved by” will not occur. Further, when the user gets into the vehicle, there is a high possibility that the vehicle will start.

According to the remote starter (2), when it is determined that the predetermined reset condition is satisfied (for example, that the user exists in the vicinity of the vehicle, that the user has entered the vehicle, When it is detected that the vehicle has started, the determination by the start state determination means (that is, determination whether the engine is started frequently or frequently) is reset. As a result, it is possible to prevent the engine start from being restricted more than necessary, so that it is possible to improve convenience while maintaining the safety of engine start by remote control.

In the remote starter (3) according to the present invention, in the remote starter (2), an authorized user of the vehicle is present around the vehicle under the predetermined reset condition.
Alternatively, it is included that the presence of the regular user in the vehicle is detected.

According to the remote starter (3), under the predetermined reset condition, a normal user of the vehicle is present around the vehicle, or the normal user is present in the vehicle. Since it is included in the detection, the determination is reset in response to the presence of the authorized user around the vehicle or the entry of the authorized user into the vehicle. Can do.

Therefore, when the authorized user is away from the vehicle (that is, not in the vehicle), the engine is started frequently or frequently (for example, the engine is continuously started). When this is performed three times), engine start upon receiving a command from the transmitter is limited. In other words, even if the engine is started three times continuously,
If the user gets into the vehicle on the way, the engine start upon receiving a command from the transmitter is not limited. Thereby, the restriction can be applied only when necessary.

Examples of a method for detecting the presence of the authorized user around the vehicle and the presence of the authorized user in the vehicle include, for example, opening the door of the vehicle and an ignition key. For example, there is a method of detecting insertion into the key cylinder, turning on the ACC switch, turning on the IG switch, inactivating the parking brake, or moving the selector lever to a position other than the parking position.

In the remote starter (4) according to the present invention, in any one of the remote starters (1) to (3), the start state determination means frequently starts the engine based on the number of engine starts. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not it is performed frequently.

According to the remote starter (4), it is determined whether or not the engine is frequently started based on the number of engine starts. Therefore, since the engine start by the remote operation is limited depending on the number of repetitions of the engine start, the limitation can be performed more appropriately.

In the remote starter (5) according to the present invention, in the remote starter (4), the start state determination means determines whether or not the number of engine starts is a first predetermined number or more. And when it is determined that the number of engine starts is greater than or equal to the first predetermined number of times, it is determined that the engine is frequently started.

According to the remote starter (5), when it is determined that the number of engine starts is the first predetermined number (for example, 3 times), it is determined that the engine is frequently started. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the fourth engine start from being performed by the engine start command (that is, remote operation) from the transmitter. For example, it is possible to prevent the engine from being remotely started four or more times without the user getting into the vehicle.
As a result, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the exhaust gas from becoming too high and the amount of harmful gas around the vehicle from becoming too large.

In the remote starter (6) according to the present invention, the remote starter (4) determines whether or not the elapsed time from the engine stop to the next engine start is within a first predetermined time. 1 progress determination means, and the start situation determination means performs second engine start within the first predetermined time from engine stop based on the determination result by the first progress determination means.
The engine has a function of determining whether or not the engine has continued for a predetermined number of times, and when it is determined that the engine has been started for the second predetermined number of times within the first predetermined time after the engine is stopped, the engine is frequently started. It is characterized in that it is determined that it has been performed.

According to the remote starter (6), the first predetermined time (eg 3
If it is determined that the engine start has continued within the second predetermined number of times (for example, 3 times) (that is, when the engine is repeatedly started at short intervals), the engine is frequently started. It is determined that it is being performed.

Thereby, for example, when the engine start is repeated three times at short intervals within 30 minutes,
A fourth engine start can be prevented from being performed by an engine start command (ie, remote operation) from the transmitter. Accordingly, since the engine is not started four times at short intervals, it is possible to reliably avoid the warm-up operation for a long time.

The first predetermined time may be changed according to the number of engine start times or the elapsed time from the previous engine stop to the previous engine start. For example, 1
Between the second time and the second time, the first predetermined time is set to 30 minutes, and between the second time and the third time, the first predetermined time is set to 20 minutes, and the elapsed time is 25 minutes. When the time is relatively long, the first predetermined time may be kept at 30 minutes, and when the elapsed time is as short as 5 minutes, the first predetermined time may be changed to be as short as 10 minutes.

In the remote starter (7) according to the present invention, in the remote starter (4), the start state determination means has the number of engine starts within a first predetermined period equal to or greater than a third predetermined number. And determining that the engine is frequently started when it is determined that the number of engine starts within the first predetermined period is greater than or equal to the third predetermined number of times. It is characterized by being. According to the remote starter (7), the number of engine starts within the first predetermined period (for example, 60 minutes from when the engine is first started after the user leaves the vehicle) When it is determined that the predetermined number of times is 3 (for example, 3 times), it is determined that the engine is frequently started. For example, if the engine is started three times within a time period which is not so long as 60 minutes, the engine can be prohibited from being started in response to a command from the transmitter. As a result, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the exhaust gas from becoming too high and the amount of harmful gas around the vehicle from becoming too large.

Further, the remote starter (8) according to the present invention determines whether or not a second predetermined time has elapsed since the engine stop in any of the remote starters (1) to (7). And a restriction canceling means for releasing the restriction on engine start by the restricting means when it is determined by the second progress determining means that the second predetermined time has elapsed since the engine stop. And a second reset means for resetting the number of engine starts in response to the restriction release of the engine start by the restriction release means.

By the way, according to the remote start devices (1) to (7), when it is determined that the engine is frequently started, the engine start in response to the instruction from the transmitter is restricted, and the exhaust gas Thus, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the vehicle from becoming too high and the amount of harmful gas around the vehicle from becoming too large.

According to the remote starter (8), the second predetermined time (eg 3
When it is determined that (0 minutes) has elapsed (that is, when it is determined that a certain amount of time has passed since the engine stopped and it is safe), the engine start restriction by the restriction means is released. Therefore, it is possible to improve convenience while maintaining safety.

In the remote starter (9) according to the present invention, in any one of the remote starters (1) to (3), the elapsed time from the engine stop to the next engine start is equal to or shorter than a third predetermined time. A third progress determination means for determining whether or not the elapsed time from the engine stop to the next engine start is less than or equal to the third predetermined time by the third progress determination means The starting condition determining means determines that the engine is frequently started.

According to the remote starter (9), when it is determined that the elapsed time from the engine stop to the next engine start is equal to or shorter than the third predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) (that is, the engine at short intervals). When the engine is to be repeated), it is determined that the engine is frequently started by the next engine start. Accordingly, for example, it is possible to prevent the engine start from being repeated at short intervals within 30 minutes, so that it is possible to reliably prevent the warm-up operation from continuing for a long time.

The remote starter (10) according to the present invention is the remote starter (10) according to any one of the remote starters (1) to (3), wherein the start state determination means is an engine within a second predetermined period by the next engine start. A function of determining whether or not the number of start times is equal to or greater than a fourth predetermined number of times, and when determining that the number of engine start times within the second predetermined period is equal to or greater than the fourth predetermined number of times, It is characterized by determining that the start is frequently performed.

According to the remote starter (10), the second predetermined period (
For example, when it is determined that the number of engine starts within 60 minutes from the time when the engine is first started after the user leaves the vehicle is the fourth predetermined number of times (for example, 4 times), It is determined that start-up will occur frequently. For example, it is possible to prohibit the engine from being started four times within a time period that is not as long as 60 minutes.
As a result, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the exhaust gas from becoming too high and the amount of harmful gas around the vehicle from becoming too large.

Moreover, the remote starter (11) according to the present invention is the remote starter (11) according to any one of the remote starters (5) to (10), based on the information on the environment of the vehicle. In this case, at least one parameter of the first to third predetermined times and the first or second predetermined period is set.

According to the remote starter (11), the environment of the vehicle (for example, the temperature of exhaust gas emitted from the vehicle, the amount of harmful gas around the vehicle, the temperature around the vehicle, the position where the vehicle exists). Based on the information, at least one of the first to fourth predetermined times, the first to third predetermined times, and the first or second predetermined period is set.

For example, when the exhaust gas emitted from the vehicle is low, the amount of harmful gas around the vehicle is low, or the temperature around the vehicle is low, the vehicle is parked not in the garage but in a wide area that is not closed In some cases, there is no problem even if the threshold value for limiting the engine start is increased and the engine start is limited gradually. Therefore, by setting the parameters as described above, it is possible to further improve convenience while maintaining safety in starting the engine by remote control.

In the remote starter (12) according to the present invention, when the engine start command is received from the transmitter in any of the remote starters (1) to (11), the engine start is performed by the limiting means. It is characterized by having a notification means for notifying the user that it is restricted.

According to the remote starter (12), since the user is informed that the engine start is limited by the limiting means, the user can know the reason why the engine is not started by remote control.

Further, the remote starter (13) according to the present invention detects the frequency of the remote start in the remote starter provided with starter for remotely starting the engine of the vehicle in response to the engine start command from the transmitter. And detecting means for limiting the remote start according to the frequency of the remote start detected by the detecting means.

According to the remote starter (13), the remote start is limited according to the frequency of the remote start. Examples of a method for restricting engine start include a method for prohibiting engine start and a method for shortening the engine operating time.
Therefore, even if the warm-up operation continues for a long time, or even if it is intermittent, the total warm-up operation time (cumulative operation time) becomes longer, and the temperature of the exhaust gas emitted from the engine becomes too high. It is possible to avoid a situation in which heat is trapped in the muffler or the like, or a situation in which the amount of toxic gas around the vehicle becomes excessive.

In the remote starter (14) according to the present invention, in the remote starter (13), when the number of times of remote start within a predetermined period exceeds a predetermined number, the limiting means includes:
The remote start is prohibited.

According to the remote starter (14), the number of times of the remote start is the predetermined number of times (for example,
In the case of exceeding (three times), the remote start is prohibited, assuming that the engine is frequently started. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the fourth engine start from being performed by the engine start command (that is, remote operation) from the transmitter. For example, it is possible to prevent the engine from being remotely started four or more times without the user getting into the vehicle.

Further, the remote starter (15) according to the present invention comprises a measuring means for measuring the cumulative operating time of the engine by the remote start within a predetermined period in the remote starter (13), and within the predetermined period When the number of times of the remote start exceeds a predetermined number of times, or when the cumulative operation time measured by the measuring means exceeds a predetermined time, the limiting means prohibits the remote start. It is characterized by that.

According to the remote starter (15), the remote start is prohibited when the number of times of the remote start within the predetermined period exceeds the predetermined number, and the remote start within the predetermined period The remote start is also prohibited when the accumulated operating time of the engine exceeds the predetermined time. Therefore, even if the frequency of the remote start is not high, if the accumulated operating time of the engine by the remote start within the predetermined period becomes long,
The remote start is prohibited. As a result, the remote start can be reliably prohibited when necessary.

Further, the remote starter (16) according to the present invention is a remote starter provided with a starting means for remotely starting the engine of a vehicle in response to an engine start command from a transmitter. It is characterized by comprising measuring means for measuring the cumulative operating time of the engine due to starting, and limiting means for limiting the remote starting according to the cumulative operating time measured by the measuring means.

According to the remote starter (16), the remote start is limited according to the accumulated operating time of the engine during the remote start within the predetermined period. Examples of a method for restricting engine start include a method for prohibiting engine start and a method for shortening the engine operating time.
Therefore, even if the warm-up operation continues for a long time, or even if it is intermittent, the total warm-up operation time (cumulative operation time) becomes longer, and the temperature of the exhaust gas emitted from the engine becomes too high. It is possible to avoid a situation in which heat is trapped in the muffler or the like, or a situation in which the amount of toxic gas around the vehicle becomes excessive.

In the remote starter (17) according to the present invention, in any one of the remote starters (14) to (16), after the predetermined period, the vehicle door is closed, and then the vehicle It is a period until the door is opened.

According to the remote starter (17), the predetermined period is a period from when the door of the vehicle is closed until the door of the vehicle is opened next (that is, when the user leaves the vehicle). Therefore, when the user is not in the vicinity of the vehicle or in the vehicle, the remote start is limited.

In other words, when the user is in a state where the user can monitor the vehicle, the remote start can be restricted. Therefore, since it is possible to prevent the remote start from being restricted more than necessary, it is possible to improve convenience while maintaining safety of engine start by remote operation.

Further, the remote starter (18) according to the present invention determines whether or not to restrict the remote start when a predetermined condition is satisfied in any of the remote starters (13) to (17). A reset means for resetting information used for determination is provided.

According to the remote starter (18), when the predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, the user is in the vicinity of the vehicle, the user has entered the vehicle, the vehicle is started once, etc.) Is detected), information used for determining whether or not the remote start restriction should be performed is reset. As a result, it is possible to prevent the engine start from being restricted more than necessary, so that it is possible to improve convenience while maintaining the safety of engine start by remote control.

The remote starter (19) according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the remote starter (18), the predetermined condition is that a door of the vehicle is opened.

According to the remote starter (19), since the predetermined condition is that the vehicle door is opened, it is determined whether or not the user exists in the vicinity of the vehicle (that is, the timing to be reset). Can be accurately performed. Thereby, reset can be performed appropriately.

A remote starter (20) according to the present invention is a remote starter having a starter for remotely starting an engine of a vehicle in response to an engine start command from a transmitter. A determination unit that determines whether or not an elapsed time until start is shorter than a predetermined time; and when the determination unit determines that the elapsed time is shorter than the predetermined time,
And a prohibiting means for prohibiting the remote start.

According to the remote starter (20), when the elapsed time from the engine stop to the next engine start is shorter than the predetermined time, the remote start is prohibited. That is, even if it is intermittent, the total warm-up operation time becomes longer within a predetermined period,
It is possible to avoid the situation where the temperature of exhaust gas emitted from the engine becomes too high and heat is trapped in the muffler or the situation where the amount of toxic gas around the vehicle becomes excessive. .

Further, the remote start method (1) according to the present invention includes a step of detecting the frequency of the remote start in the remote start method for remotely starting the engine of the vehicle in response to an engine start command from the transmitter; Determining whether or not the frequency of remote start exceeds a predetermined value, and limiting the remote start when it is determined that the frequency of remote start exceeds the predetermined value. It is said.

According to the remote start method (1), the remote start is limited when the frequency of the remote start exceeds the predetermined value. Examples of a method for restricting engine start include a method for prohibiting engine start and a method for shortening the engine operating time.
Therefore, even if the warm-up operation continues for a long time, or even if it is intermittent, the total warm-up operation time becomes longer, so that the temperature of the exhaust gas emitted from the engine becomes too high and the muffler or the like is heated. It is possible to avoid a situation where the vehicle is buried or a situation where the amount of toxic gas around the vehicle becomes excessive.

The remote start method (2) according to the present invention is a remote start method for remotely starting an engine of a vehicle in response to an engine start command from a transmitter. Determining whether the number of times of remote start exceeds a predetermined number of times until the door of the vehicle is opened; and determining that the number of times of remote start exceeds the predetermined number of times during the period In this case, a step of prohibiting the remote start is provided.

According to the remote start method (2), a period from when the door of the vehicle is closed until the door of the vehicle is opened next (that is, a period until the user returns away from the vehicle) ), When the number of times of remote start exceeds the predetermined number of times, the remote start is prohibited.
Therefore, the remote start is prohibited when the user is neither in the vicinity of the vehicle nor in the vehicle.

In other words, when the user can monitor the vehicle, the remote start can be prohibited. Therefore, since it is possible to prevent the remote start from being prohibited more than necessary, it is possible to improve convenience while maintaining the safety of engine start by remote operation.

Embodiments of a remote starter and a remote start method according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a main part of an engine start system including a remote starter according to Embodiment (1). However, the same components as those in the engine start system shown in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted here.

In the figure, reference numeral 11 denotes a remote starter. The remote starter 11 includes a microcomputer 12, an antenna 13 and a receiving means 14 for receiving a signal transmitted from the portable transmitter 21, I
EEPROM 15 in which D code is stored, ACC relay 16, IG relay 17, and S
The T relay 18 is included.

The remote starter 11 includes a key detection means 6 for detecting that the ignition key 1 has been inserted, a door open / close detection means 7 for detecting the opening / closing of the door, a parking brake operation detection means 8 for detecting the operation of the parking brake, A selector lever position detecting means 9 for detecting the position of the selector lever is connected. In the remote starter 11, the ignition key 1 is inserted into the key cylinder 2, the door open / close state, parking It is possible to recognize that the brake is operating and that the selector lever is in the parking position. The remote starter 11 can turn on the hazard lamp by controlling the lamp lighting device 19.

The portable transmitter 21 includes a microcomputer (not shown), an antenna 22 and a transmission means (not shown) for transmitting a predetermined signal to the remote starter 11, and an EE in which an ID code is stored.
PROM (not shown) and button switch 2 for instructing engine start by remote control
3 and a button switch 24 for instructing to stop the engine.

When the button switch 23 is pressed, the microcomputer of the portable transmitter 21 transmits a signal including an ID code and an engine start instruction code from the antenna 22 to the outside,
When the button switch 24 is pressed, a signal including an ID code and an engine stop instruction code is transmitted from the antenna 22 to the outside.

When the remote starter 11 receives a signal for instructing engine start from the portable transmitter 21 carried by the user, the remote starter 11 first determines whether or not the signal is a normal signal (that is, the portable transmitter 21).
If it ’s not a signal from another transmitter) and if it ’s a legitimate signal,
Next, the remote start conditions (for example, the ignition key 1 is not inserted into the key cylinder 2, the door is closed, the parking brake is activated, the selector lever is in the parking position) are satisfied. If it is determined whether the remote start condition is satisfied, the ACC relay 16, the IG relay 17, the ST relay 18
Is turned on, and the ACC signal, IG signal, and starter signal are supplied to the engine control unit 3. The ACC relay 16 and the IG relay 17 are kept on until the engine is stopped, and the ST relay 18 is about several seconds (for example, 2 to 3 seconds).
It is supposed to be in the on state.

In addition, the remote starter 11 turns off the ACC relay 16 and the IG relay 17 when a predetermined time t ₀ (for example, 10 to 15 minutes) elapses while the remote start condition is satisfied after the engine is started. Thus, the supply of the ACC signal and the IG signal to the engine control unit 3 is stopped. Note that the timing chart from when the engine start signal transmitted from the portable transmitter 21 is received until the engine is started and then the engine is stopped is the same as the timing chart shown in FIG. .

FIG. 2 shows processing operations performed by the microcomputer 12 in the remote starter 11 according to the embodiment (1).
Description will be made based on the flowchart shown in FIG. First, as an initial setting, a flag f for indicating whether or not the engine has been started by remote control and a counter c for counting the number of times the engine has been started are set to 0 (step S1).

Next, in order to detect the user getting on and off the vehicle, it is determined whether or not the door is opened based on the information obtained from the door opening / closing detection means 7 (step S2), and the door is opened (ie, If the user gets off the vehicle, or the user gets into the vehicle, in other words, the user is in the vicinity of the vehicle), the counter c is reset to 0, and the engine is newly started. It returns to a state where it can perform a predetermined number of times c ₁ (for example, c ₁ = 3) (step S2), and then proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, if it is determined that the door is not opened, the counter c cannot be reset, so step S3 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S4.

Here, as a condition for resetting the counter c to 0 (that is, a reset condition for determining the engine start situation), door opening is adopted (see steps S2 and S3). However, the reset condition is to open the door. The remote starter according to another embodiment is not limited, and for example, opens and closes a door (that is, includes not only opening a door but also closing) and a key cylinder 2 of an ignition key 1. Plug in, ACC switch on, I
For example, a switch indicating that the user has actually entered the vehicle, such as G switch-on, parking brake inoperability, or movement of the selector lever to a position other than the parking position, may be adopted, or a combination thereof may be used.

In step S4, it is determined whether or not a signal has been received via the antenna 13 and the receiving means 14. If it is determined that a signal has been received, the ID code included in the next received signal is stored in the EEPROM 15. It is determined whether or not the ID code matches (step S5). On the other hand, if it is determined that no signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S17 to perform the processing operation a (see FIG. 3), and then returns to step S2.

In step S5, the ID code included in the received signal matches the ID code stored in the EEPROM 15 (that is, the portable transmitter 21 carried by the authorized user).
If it is determined that the signal transmitted from the portable transmitter 21 is received, it is then determined whether or not the signal transmitted from the portable transmitter 21 includes an instruction code for starting the engine (step S6).
). On the other hand, the ID code included in the received signal is stored in the EEPROM 15
If it is determined that the code does not match, it is not necessary to perform the processing operations in steps S6 to S16 and S18, and the process directly returns to step S2.

If it is determined in step S6 that the signal transmitted from the portable transmitter 21 includes an engine start instruction code, it is next determined whether or not the flag f is 0 (step S7). On the other hand, if it is determined that the engine start instruction code is not included, the process proceeds to step S18 to perform the processing operation b (see FIG. 4), and then returns to step S2.

In step S7, the flag f is 0 (that is, the engine is not started).
If the remote start condition is satisfied based on information obtained from the key detection means 6, the door opening / closing detection means 7, the parking brake operation detection means 8, and the selector lever position detection means 9, respectively. It is determined whether or not (step S8). On the other hand, the flag f is 0
If it is determined that the engine is not started (that is, the engine has already started), steps S8 to S
Since there is no need to perform the 16 processing operations, the process directly returns to step S2.

If it is determined in step S8 that the remote start condition is not satisfied (that is, the engine cannot be started by remote operation), the lamp lighting device 19 is controlled to notify the user to that effect. This causes the hazard lamp to blink five times (step S9), and then returns to step S2.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the remote start condition is satisfied, then 1 is added to the counter c (
Step S10) It is determined whether or not the counter c obtained by adding 1 is equal to or less than a predetermined number of times c ₁ (for example, c ₁ = 3) (Step S11). If it is determined that the number of engine starts from the time of opening (as described in steps S2 and S3, the counter c is reset to 0 when the door is opened) has not yet reached 3. Since it is not necessary to prohibit starting, in order to drive the cell motor 4, the ACC relay 16, the IG relay 17, and the ST relay 18 are turned on, and the ACC signal, the IG signal, and the starter signal are sent to the engine control unit 3. Supply (step S12).

Next, the timer ta for measuring the elapsed time from the start of the engine is reset to 0 (step S13), the flag f is set to 1 (step S14), and the engine is started by remote control In order to notify the user, the hazard lamp is blinked three times by controlling the lamp lighting device 19 (step S15), and then the process returns to step S2. That is, the notification is made in a different form from the case where the engine start by the remote operation is not realized.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the counter c is not 3 or less (that is, the number of engine starts has already reached 3 since the last time the door was opened), the user does not get into the vehicle. The lamp lighting device 19 is controlled in order to determine that the engine is frequently started in spite of the continuous operation, and to inform the user that engine start by remote control is not accepted by the determination. 2 blinks the hazard lamp 5 times
Repeatedly (step S16), and then returns to step S2. In this way, the engine start is limited so that the number of engine starts from the time when the door is opened last time is a maximum of three times. In addition, the notification that the engine cannot be started by remote operation is different from the notification when the remote start condition is not satisfied, so the engine start is realized for any reason to the user. I can tell you not.

In the processing operation a shown in FIG. 3, it is first determined whether or not the flag f is 1 (step S2).
1) If it is determined that the flag f is 1 (that is, the engine is started), then the key detection means 6, the door opening / closing detection means 7, the parking brake operation detection means 8, and the selector lever position detection means Whether or not the remote start condition is satisfied is determined based on the information obtained from each of 9 (step S22). On the other hand, if it is determined that the flag f is not 1, it is not necessary to perform the processing operations of steps S22 to S25, so that the processing operation a is terminated as it is.

If it is determined in step S22 that the remote start condition is not satisfied (that is, the engine cannot be started by remote operation), the ACC relay 16 and the IG relay 17 are turned off to stop the engine. The supply of the ACC signal and the IG signal to the engine control unit 3 is stopped (step S23), and then the flag f is returned to 0 (step S2).
4).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the remote start condition is satisfied, then the timer ta is set to a predetermined time t.
It is determined whether or not ₀ (for example, 10 to 15 minutes) or longer (step S25), and the timer ta is equal to or longer than a predetermined time t ₀ (that is, 10 to 15 after starting the engine by remote operation). In order to stop the engine, the ACC relay 16 and the IG relay 17 are turned off to stop the supply of the ACC signal and the IG signal to the engine control unit 3 (step S23). The flag f is returned to 0 (step S24).

In the processing operation b shown in FIG. 4, it is first determined whether or not the signal transmitted from the portable transmitter 21 includes an instruction code for stopping the engine (step S31).
If it is determined that the signal transmitted from 1 includes the engine stop instruction code, it is then determined whether or not the flag f is 1 (step S32). On the other hand, if it is determined that the instruction code for stopping the engine is not included, it is not necessary to perform the processing operations of steps S32 to S34, so that the processing operation b is terminated as it is.

In step S32, the flag f is 1 (that is, the engine is started).
If so, the ACC relay 16 and the IG relay 17 are turned off to stop the engine, and the supply of the ACC signal and the IG signal to the engine control unit 3 is stopped (step S33).
Thereafter, the flag f is returned to 0 (step S34). On the other hand, when it is determined that the flag f is not 1, it is not necessary to perform the processing operations of steps S33 and S34, so that the processing operation b is performed as it is.
Exit.

According to the remote starter according to the above embodiment (1), it is determined that the engine start count c is not less than a predetermined count c ₁ (for example, three times) and the engine start is frequently performed. If there is a possibility that the warm-up operation will continue for a long time (or if the total warm-up operation time may be prolonged even if intermittent), an engine start command from the portable transmitter 21 Starting the engine is prohibited. That is, when the number of engine starts by remote operation within a predetermined period exceeds a predetermined number, engine start by remote operation is prohibited.

Thereby, for example, it is possible to prevent the fourth engine start from being performed by an engine start command (ie, remote operation) from the portable transmitter 21. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the engine from starting frequently even though the state where the user does not get into the vehicle continues, so that it is possible to reliably prevent the warm-up operation from continuing for a long time. it can.

Here, the determination as to whether or not the warm-up operation has continued for a long time and the determination as to whether or not the total warm-up operation time has become longer are made based on the number of engine starts. In another embodiment, a timer t for measuring the elapsed time since the engine was started
It is also possible to actually measure the cumulative operation time of the engine (total warm-up operation time) using a and make these determinations based on the actual cumulative operation time of the engine.

Further, when it is determined that the door is opened and the user is in the vicinity of the vehicle or the user is getting into the vehicle, the counter c is reset to 0, and the engine can be started again three times. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the engine start from being prohibited more than necessary. As a result, it is possible to improve convenience while ensuring the safety of engine start by remote control.

In addition, here, the engine start is limited according to the frequency of engine start by remote operation (or the cumulative operation time of the engine) in the period from when the door is opened until the next door is opened. However, in another embodiment, depending on the frequency of engine start by remote operation (or cumulative engine operation time) during the period from when the door is closed until the next door is opened, the engine is started. You may make it restrict | limit.

In the remote starter according to the embodiment (1), the remote start condition includes that the door is closed. Therefore, after the door is opened, the door is next opened. The frequency of engine start by remote control (or the cumulative operating time of the engine) during the period is:
It becomes substantially the same as the frequency of engine start by remote operation (or the cumulative operation time of the engine) in the period from when the door is closed to when the door is next opened.

Further, in the remote starter according to the above embodiment (1), the remote start is limited based on the number of remote start within a period from when the door is opened to when it is next opened, For example, when the number of remote start within the period exceeds a predetermined number, the remote start is limited, but in another embodiment, not only the number of remote start but also the period The remote start may be limited even when the cumulative operating time of the engine due to the remote start exceeds a predetermined time.

Next, the remote starter according to Embodiment (2) will be described. However, Embodiment (2)
Since the remote starter 11A according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as that of the remote starter 11 shown in FIG. 1 except for the microcomputer 12, a different reference numeral is given to the microcomputer, and description of other components is omitted here. To do.

In the figure, reference numeral 11A denotes a remote starter. The remote starter 11A includes a microcomputer 12A, an antenna 13 for receiving a signal transmitted from the portable transmitter 21, and a receiving means 14.
EEPROM 15 storing ID code, ACC relay 16, and IG relay 17
And the ST relay 18.

Processing operations performed by the microcomputer 12A in the remote starter 11A according to Embodiment (2) will be described based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. However, since the processing operation performed by the microcomputer 12A has many parts in common with the processing operation performed by the microcomputer 12 shown in FIGS.
Here, a part of the description is omitted.

First, in step S44, it is determined that no signal has been received, and the processing operation c (see FIG. 6) performed in step S59 will be described. The difference between the processing operation c and the processing operation a shown in FIG. 3 is that the supply of the ACC signal and the IG signal to the engine control unit 3 is stopped by turning off the ACC relay 16 and the IG relay 17 in order to stop the engine. After (Step S63
), Resetting the timer tb for measuring the elapsed time from the engine stop to 0 and starting (step S64).

Next, in step S46 (FIG. 5), it is determined that the engine transmission instruction code is not included in the signal transmitted from the portable transmitter 21, and the processing operation d performed by proceeding to step S60 (see FIG. 7). Will be described. The difference between the processing operation d and the processing operation b shown in FIG.
Similar to the difference between the processing operation c and the processing operation a, the ACC relay 1 is used to stop the engine.
6 and the IG relay 17 are turned off, and after stopping the supply of the ACC signal and the IG signal to the engine control unit 3 (step S73), a timer t for measuring the elapsed time from the engine stop
The process of starting b by resetting b to 0 is performed (step S74).

If it is determined in step S51 (FIG. 5) that the counter c is not 3 or less (that is, the number of engine starts has already reached 3 since the last time the door was opened), then the timer tb is predetermined. Whether or not the time t ₁ (for example, 30 minutes) is exceeded (step S 1).
54) If it is determined that the timer tb is 30 minutes or more (that is, a certain time has elapsed since the previous engine stop), even if the engine is started next, the engine is frequently started. The counter c is set to 1 (step S57),
Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S52, and a processing operation for driving the cell motor 4 is performed.

On the other hand, in step S56, the timer tb is not longer than 30 minutes (that is, the number of times the engine has been started since the last time the door was opened has reached three times, and not much time has passed since the previous engine stop). If it is determined, it is determined that the engine is frequently started by the current engine start, and a notification process is performed to inform the user that the engine start by remote control is not accepted by the determination (step S58). Then, the process returns to step S42.

According to the remote starter according to the above embodiment (2), when the number of engine starts from the time when the previous door is opened reaches three times, and not much time has passed since the previous engine stop, This time the engine is started, the engine is frequently started (that is, even if intermittent, the total warm-up operation time may be increased)
Is determined, and engine start in response to an engine start command from the portable transmitter 21 is prohibited.

In other words, even if the engine has been started three times, if a certain amount of time has elapsed since the previous engine stop, the engine start in response to the engine start command from the portable transmitter 21 is Not prohibited. As a result, the safety of starting the engine by remote control can be secured, and the convenience can be further improved.

Here, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time t ₁ (for example, 30 minutes) has elapsed since the previous engine stop, a timer tb for measuring the elapsed time since the engine stop (set to 0 when the engine is stopped). Although performed using a timer) to be reset, it determines whether a predetermined time t ₁ from the last engine stop has passed is not limited to the case of using a timer tb.

In the remote starter according to another embodiment, for example, a predetermined time from the previous engine start using a timer T (timer reset to 0 when the engine is started) for measuring an elapsed time since the previous engine start. It may be determined whether or not a predetermined time t ₁ has elapsed since the previous engine stop by determining whether or not the time T ₁ (= t ₀ + t ₁ ) has elapsed. When the predetermined time t ₀ (that is, the warm-up time) is 15 minutes, the predetermined time T ₁ is 45 minutes.

Next, the remote starter according to Embodiment (3) will be described. However, Embodiment (3)
Since the remote starter 11B according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as the remote starter 11 shown in FIG. 1 except for the microcomputer 12, the microcomputer is given a different reference numeral, and the description of the other components is omitted here. To do.

In the figure, reference numeral 11B denotes a remote starter. The remote starter 11B includes a microcomputer 12B, an antenna 13 for receiving a signal transmitted from the portable transmitter 21, and a receiving means 14.
EEPROM 15 storing ID code, ACC relay 16, and IG relay 17
And the ST relay 18.

Processing operations performed by the microcomputer 12B in the remote starter 11B according to Embodiment (3) will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. However, since the processing operation performed by the microcomputer 12B has many parts in common with the processing operation performed by the microcomputer 12A shown in FIG. 5, a part of the description is omitted here.

If it is determined in step S88 that the remote start condition is satisfied, whether or not the timer tb for measuring the elapsed time from the next engine stop is equal to or longer than a predetermined time t ₂ (for example, 30 minutes). (Step S90) and the timer tb is not 30 minutes or more (ie,
If it is determined that the time has not passed since the previous engine stop, 1 is added to the counter c (step S91), and the counter c obtained by adding 1 is c ₂ (for example, c ₂ = 3) It is determined whether or not (step S92), and it is determined that the counter c is 3 or less (that is, the number of engine starts since the last time the door was opened has not yet reached 3). Then, in order to drive the cell motor 4, the ACC relay 16, the IG relay 17, and the ST relay 18 are turned on, and the ACC signal, the IG signal, and the starter signal are supplied to the engine control unit 3 (steps). S93).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S90 that the timer tb is 30 minutes or longer (that is, a certain amount of time has elapsed since the previous engine stop), it is determined that the engine is not started frequently. The counter c is set to 1 (step S98), and then the process proceeds to step S93 to perform a processing operation for driving the cell motor 4.

According to the remote starter according to the above embodiment (3), the number of engine starts within a predetermined time t ₂ (for example, 30 minutes) from the previous engine stop is the predetermined number of times c ₂ (for example, three times). (I.e., engine start is repeatedly performed at short time intervals), and it is determined that the engine start is to be repeated by this engine start (for example, the fourth engine start) (i.e., Even if it is intermittent, there is a possibility that the total warm-up operation time may become long), and engine start in response to an engine start command from the portable transmitter 21 is prohibited.

Thereby, for example, when the engine start is repeated three times at short intervals within 30 minutes,
It is possible to prevent the fourth engine start from being performed by the engine start command (ie, remote operation) from the portable transmitter 21. Accordingly, since the engine is not started four times at short intervals, it is possible to reliably avoid the warm-up operation for a long time.

Here, it is determined whether a predetermined time t ₂ (for example, 30 minutes) has elapsed since the previous engine stop, a timer tb for measuring the elapsed time since the engine stop (set to 0 when the engine is stopped). However, the determination as to whether or not the predetermined time t ₂ has elapsed since the previous engine stop is not limited to the case where the timer tb is used.

In the remote starter according to another embodiment, for example, a predetermined time from the previous engine start using a timer T (timer reset to 0 when the engine is started) for measuring an elapsed time since the previous engine start. It may be determined whether or not a predetermined time t ₂ has elapsed since the previous engine stop by determining whether or not the time T ₂ (= t ₀ + t ₂ ) has elapsed. When the predetermined time t ₀ (that is, the warm-up time) is 15 minutes, the predetermined time T ₂ is 45 minutes.

Further, here, when the engine start is repeated at a short interval, the engine start by the remote operation is limited. However, in another embodiment, it is prohibited to repeat the engine start at a short interval. For example, when the elapsed time from the engine stop to the next engine start is shorter than a predetermined time, the remote start may be prohibited.

Next, the remote starter according to Embodiment (4) will be described. However, Embodiment (4)
Since the remote starter 11C according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as the remote starter 11 shown in FIG. 1 except for the microcomputer 12, the microcomputer is given a different reference numeral, and the description of the other components is omitted here. To do.

In the figure, 11C represents a remote starter, which includes a microcomputer 12C, an antenna 13 for receiving a signal transmitted from the portable transmitter 21, and a receiving means 14.
EEPROM 15 storing ID code, ACC relay 16, and IG relay 17
And the ST relay 18.

Processing operations performed by the microcomputer 12C in the remote starter 11C according to Embodiment (4) will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. However, since the processing operation performed by the microcomputer 12C has many parts in common with the processing operation performed by the microcomputer 12A shown in FIG. 5, a part of the description is omitted here.

If it is determined in step S108 that the remote start condition is established, then 1 is added to the counter c (step S110), and whether or not the counter c obtained by adding 1 is 2 or more (
That is, it is determined whether or not the engine is started for the second time or more after the first engine start after the previous opening of the door (step S111), and if it is determined that the counter c is 2 or more, then the engine The timer tb for measuring the elapsed time from the stop is a predetermined time t ₃
It is determined whether or not (for example, 30 minutes) or more (step S112), and the timer tb is 30.
If it is determined that it is greater than or equal to minutes (that is, a certain amount of time has elapsed since the previous engine stop), the ACC relay 16, the IG relay 17,
Then, the ST relay 18 is turned on, and the ACC signal, the IG signal, and the starter signal are supplied to the engine control unit 3 (step S113).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the timer tb is not longer than 30 minutes (that is, not much time has elapsed since the previous engine stop), it is determined that the engine is frequently started by the current engine start, A notification process is performed to notify the user that the engine start by remote control is not accepted by the determination (step S117), and then step S
Return to 102. If it is determined in step S111 that the counter c is not equal to or greater than 2, step S112 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S113 as it is to perform a processing operation for driving the cell motor 4.

According to the remote starter according to the above embodiment (4), when it is determined that the elapsed time from the previous engine stop to the current engine start is less than or equal to a predetermined time t ₃ (for example, 30 minutes) ( That is, when the engine start is repeatedly performed at short intervals), it is determined that the engine start is frequently performed by the current engine start. As a result, for example, it is possible to prevent the engine start from being repeated at short intervals of 30 minutes or less, so even if it is intermittent, it is reliably avoided that the total warm-up operation time becomes long. Can do.

Here, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time t ₃ (for example, 30 minutes) has elapsed since the previous engine stop, a timer tb for measuring the elapsed time since the engine stop (set to 0 when the engine is stopped). However, the determination of whether or not the predetermined time t ₃ has elapsed since the previous engine stop is not limited to the case where the timer tb is used.

In the remote starter according to another embodiment, for example, a predetermined time from the previous engine start using a timer T (timer reset to 0 when the engine is started) for measuring an elapsed time since the previous engine start. It may be determined whether or not a predetermined time t ₃ has elapsed since the previous engine stop by determining whether or not the time T ₃ (= t ₀ + t ₃ ) has elapsed. When the predetermined time t ₀ (that is, the warm-up time) is 15 minutes, the predetermined time T ₃ is 45 minutes.

Next, the remote starter according to Embodiment (5) will be described. However, Embodiment (5)
Since the remote starter 11D according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as the remote starter 11 shown in FIG. 1 except for the microcomputer 12, the microcomputer is given a different reference numeral, and the description of the other components is omitted here. To do.

In the figure, reference numeral 11D denotes a remote starter. The remote starter 11D includes a microcomputer 12D, an antenna 13 for receiving a signal transmitted from the portable transmitter 21, and a receiving means 14.
EEPROM 15 storing ID code, ACC relay 16, and IG relay 17
And the ST relay 18.

The processing operation performed by the microcomputer 12D in the remote starter 11D according to Embodiment (5) will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. However, since the processing operation performed by the microcomputer 12D has many parts in common with the processing operation performed by the microcomputer 12 shown in FIG. 2, a part of the description is omitted here.

If it is determined in step S128 that the remote start condition is satisfied, a timer tc (see step S135) for measuring an elapsed time from the next engine start time is set to a predetermined time t ₄ (for example, 60). Minutes) or less (step S130). If it is determined that the timer tc is 60 minutes or less, then 1 is added to the counter c (step S1).
31) It is determined whether or not the counter c obtained by adding 1 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined number of times c ₃ (for example, c ₃ = 3) (step S132), and the counter c is not equal to or smaller than 3 (ie, 60 minutes have elapsed). If it is determined that the number of engine starts has reached 3 times), it is determined that the engine is frequently started by the fourth engine start, and the engine start by remote operation is not accepted by the determination. A notification process for notifying the user of this is performed (step S140), and then the process returns to step S122. In this way, the number of engine starts in 60 minutes is limited to a maximum of three times.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S132 that the counter c is 3 or less, the ACC relay 16, the IG relay 17, and the ST relay 18 are then used to drive the cell motor 4.
Is turned on, the ACC signal, the IG signal, and the starter signal are supplied to the engine control unit 3 (step S133), and then it is determined whether or not the counter c is 1 (step S13).
4). Note that the counter c is reset to 0 in step S123 or step S139.
Is set to 1, and the number of engine starts is recounted.

If it is determined that the counter c is 1 (that is, the current engine start is the first engine start by being re-counted), the elapsed time from the time of the current engine start is measured. Then, the timer tc is reset to 0 and started (step S135), and then the process proceeds to step S136. On the other hand, if it is determined that the counter c is not 1, step S135 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S136.

If it is determined in step S130 that the timer tc is not 60 minutes or less (that is, 60 minutes have passed since the start of a certain engine), the number of engine starts is newly set to 3.
The counter c is set to 1 in order to return to a state where it can be performed once (step S139).
Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S133.

According to the remote starter according to the above embodiment (5), a predetermined time t ₄ (for example, from the time when the engine is started for the first time after the user leaves the vehicle) by the next engine start.
When it is determined that the number of engine starts within 4 minutes is 0, it is determined that the engine is frequently started. For example, it is possible to prohibit the engine from being started four times within a time period that is not as long as 60 minutes. As a result, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the exhaust gas from becoming too high and the amount of harmful gas around the vehicle from becoming too large.

In the remote starter according to the above embodiment (5), the time interval between the previous engine stop and the current engine start is not limited, but the remote starter according to another embodiment Then, for example, a condition that a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) needs to elapse from the previous engine stop to the current engine start may be considered. Further, a restriction may be provided only for the time interval between the engine start that is newly counted again and the first engine stop and the previous engine stop.

Further, here, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time t ₄ (for example, 60 minutes) has elapsed since the time when the engine was first started after the user left the vehicle. Although performed using the timer tc for measuring the elapsed time from the time (timer is reset to 0 when the first engine start), the first predetermined time t ₄ from the engine start has elapsed The determination of whether or not there is is not limited to the case of using the timer tc.

In the remote starter according to another embodiment, for example, a timer T ′ for measuring an elapsed time from when the first engine start is stopped (it is reset to 0 when the first engine start stops). A predetermined time T ′ ₁ (= t ₄ −t ₀ ) has elapsed since the time when the first engine start was stopped. It may be determined whether or not the predetermined time t ₄ has elapsed. When the predetermined time t ₀ (that is, the warm-up time) is 15 minutes, the predetermined time T ′ ₁ is 45 minutes.

In the remote starter according to the above embodiments (1) to (5), the case where the parameters of the predetermined number of times c _{1 to} c ₃ and the predetermined time t _{1 to} t ₄ are fixed has been described. In the remote starter according to another embodiment, the vehicle environment (for example, the temperature of exhaust gas emitted from the vehicle, the amount of harmful gas around the vehicle, the temperature around the vehicle, the vehicle If the exhaust gas emitted from the vehicle is low, the amount of harmful gas around the vehicle is low, the temperature around the vehicle is low, the vehicle is not in the garage When the vehicle is stopped in a wide area that is not closed, these parameters may be set so that the threshold value for restricting engine start is increased.

Information on the temperature of exhaust gas emitted from the vehicle, the amount of harmful gas around the vehicle, and the temperature around the vehicle can be obtained by installing various sensors on the vehicle, and the vehicle is present in the garage. Information on whether or not the user is doing can be acquired from a navigation device or the like.

In the remote starter according to the above embodiments (1) to (5), in order to start the engine, the ACC relay 16, the IG relay 17, and the ST relay 18 are turned on,
After the flag f is set to 1 and the ACC relay 16 and the IG relay 17 are turned off,
Although the flag f is set to 0, in the remote starter according to another embodiment, a signal from an alternator L terminal or the like that outputs a High signal when the engine is driven is taken in, and the actual engine driving state is obtained. Based on this, the numerical value of the flag f may be switched.

It is the block diagram which showed roughly the principal part of the engine starting system comprised including the remote starter which concerns on embodiment (1) of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the processing operation which the microcomputer in the remote starting device which concerns on embodiment (1) performs. It is the flowchart which showed the processing operation which the microcomputer in the remote starting device which concerns on embodiment (1) performs. It is the flowchart which showed the processing operation which the microcomputer in the remote starting device which concerns on embodiment (1) performs. It is the flowchart which showed the processing operation which the microcomputer in the remote starter which concerns on embodiment (2) performs. It is the flowchart which showed the processing operation which the microcomputer in the remote starter which concerns on embodiment (2) performs. It is the flowchart which showed the processing operation which the microcomputer in the remote starter which concerns on embodiment (2) performs. It is the flowchart which showed the processing operation which the microcomputer in the remote starter concerning Embodiment (3) performs. It is the flowchart which showed the processing operation which the microcomputer in the remote starting device which concerns on embodiment (4) performs. It is the flowchart which showed the processing operation which the microcomputer in the remote starter concerning Embodiment (5) performs. It is the block diagram which showed roughly the principal part of the engine starting system comprised including the conventional remote starter. 3 is a timing chart showing a flow from reception of a signal instructing engine start transmitted from a transmitter until engine start. 6 is a timing chart showing a flow from reception of a signal instructing engine start transmitted from a transmitter until engine start and engine stop thereafter.

Explanation of symbols

11, 11A-11D Remote starter 12, 12A-12D Microcomputer 16 ACC relay 17 IG relay 18 ST relay

Claims (22)

In a remote starter having a starting means for starting an engine of a vehicle when receiving an engine start command from a transmitter,
Starting condition determination means for determining whether or not engine starting is frequently performed in response to a command from the transmitter; and
A limiting means for restricting engine start in response to a command from the transmitter when it is determined by the starting condition determining means that the engine is frequently started or frequently Remote starter characterized by. Condition establishment determination means for determining whether or not a predetermined reset condition is established;
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a first reset unit that resets the determination by the starting condition determination unit when the condition establishment determination unit determines that the predetermined reset condition is satisfied. Remote starter. The predetermined reset condition includes detecting that a regular user of the vehicle is present around the vehicle or that the regular user is present in the vehicle. The remote starter according to claim 2, wherein: 2. The start state determination means determines whether the engine is started frequently or frequently based on the number of engine starts.
4. The remote starter according to any one of items 3. The starting condition determining means has a function of determining whether or not the number of engine starts is a first predetermined number or more;
5. The remote starter according to claim 4, wherein when it is determined that the number of engine starts is equal to or greater than the first predetermined number, the engine is determined to be frequently started. First progress determining means for determining whether an elapsed time from the engine stop to the next engine start is within a first predetermined time;
A function for determining whether or not the engine start in the first predetermined time has continued for a second predetermined number of times after the engine has stopped based on a determination result by the first progress determination unit; Have
The engine start is determined to be frequently performed when it is determined that the engine start within the first predetermined time from the engine stop is continued for the second predetermined number of times. Item 5. The remote starter according to Item 4. The start state determination means has a function of determining whether or not the number of engine starts within a first predetermined period is equal to or greater than a third predetermined number of times;
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein if it is determined that the number of engine starts within the first predetermined period is greater than or equal to the third predetermined number, the engine is determined to be frequently started. The remote starter described. Second progress determining means for determining whether or not a second predetermined time has elapsed since the engine was stopped;
When the second progress determining means determines that the second predetermined time has elapsed since the engine stop, a restriction releasing means for canceling the engine start restriction by the restricting means;
8. The remote according to claim 1, further comprising: a second reset unit that resets the number of engine starts in response to the release of the engine start restriction by the restriction release unit. Starter. A third progress determining means for determining whether or not an elapsed time from the engine stop to the next engine start is equal to or shorter than a third predetermined time;
When it is determined by the third progress determining means that the elapsed time from the engine stop to the next engine start is equal to or shorter than the third predetermined time,
The remote starter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the start state determination means determines that the engine is frequently started. The start condition determining means has a function of determining whether or not the number of engine starts within a second predetermined period is equal to or greater than a fourth predetermined number by the next engine start;
The engine according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the number of engine starts within the second predetermined period is equal to or greater than the fourth predetermined number, the engine is determined to be frequently started. The remote starter according to any one of the items. Based on information about the environment of the vehicle, the first to fourth predetermined times, the first to the first times.
The remote start according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein at least one parameter of the third predetermined time and the first or second predetermined period is set. apparatus. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising notification means for notifying a user that engine start is restricted by the restriction means when receiving an engine start command from the transmitter. The remote starter according to Item. In a remote starter comprising start means for remotely starting a vehicle engine in response to an engine start command from a transmitter,
Detecting means for detecting the frequency of the remote start;
A remote starting device, comprising: limiting means for limiting the remote starting according to the frequency of the remote starting detected by the detecting means. If the number of remote start within a predetermined period exceeds a predetermined number of times,
14. The remote starter according to claim 13, wherein the limiting means prohibits the remote start. Measuring means for measuring the cumulative operating time of the engine by the remote start within a predetermined period,
When the number of times of remote start within the predetermined period exceeds a predetermined number, or when the cumulative operation time measured by the measuring means exceeds a predetermined time,
14. The remote starter according to claim 13, wherein the limiting means prohibits the remote start. In a remote starter comprising start means for remotely starting a vehicle engine in response to an engine start command from a transmitter,
Measuring means for measuring a cumulative operating time of the engine by the remote start within a predetermined period;
A remote starter comprising: limiting means for limiting the remote start according to the accumulated operation time measured by the measuring means. The remote control according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the predetermined period is a period from when the door of the vehicle is closed to when the door of the vehicle is next opened. Starter. 18. A reset means for resetting information used for determining whether or not to restrict the remote start when a predetermined condition is satisfied is provided. Remote starter. 2. The predetermined condition is that the door of the vehicle is opened.
9. The remote starter according to 8. In a remote starter comprising start means for remotely starting a vehicle engine in response to an engine start command from a transmitter,
Determination means for determining whether or not an elapsed time from the engine stop to the next engine start is shorter than a predetermined time;
A remote starter comprising: prohibiting means for prohibiting the remote start when the determining means determines that the elapsed time is shorter than the predetermined time. In a remote start method for remotely starting a vehicle engine in response to an engine start command from a transmitter,
Detecting the frequency of the remote start;
Determining whether the frequency of the remote start exceeds a predetermined value;
And a step of restricting the remote start when it is determined that the frequency of the remote start exceeds the predetermined value. In a remote start method for remotely starting a vehicle engine in response to an engine start command from a transmitter,
Determining whether or not the number of times of the remote start exceeds a predetermined number in a period from when the door of the vehicle is closed until the door of the vehicle is next opened;
And a step of prohibiting the remote start when it is determined that the number of the remote start exceeds the predetermined number during the period.

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