JP2007099049A - Saddle type vehicle equipped with smart key system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a saddle type vehicle equipped with a smart key system allowing a rider to make transmission and reception of signals certainly from whichever direction the rider approaches. <P>SOLUTION: The smart key system 200 of this saddle type vehicle 100 is composed of a vehicle 50 having a handlebar 52, a control device 20 mounted on the vehicle 50, and a portable unit 10 to transmit the response signal on the basis of reception of a request signal sent from the control device 20 via an antenna 22, wherein a request switch 30 to transmit the request signal when it is pushed, is connected with the control device 20, and the request switch 30 and the antenna 22 are arranged along a line 70 stretching in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a straddle-type vehicle equipped with a smart key system, and more particularly to a motorcycle equipped with a smart key system.

  When a wireless communication is performed between a transmitter / receiver (electronic key) carried by the user (user) and a control device mounted on the actual vehicle, the ID is collated, and this is a request from an authorized user. An electronic key system for vehicles (so-called smart key system) for starting an engine or the like has been developed mainly for four-wheeled vehicles (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  In the smart key system for four-wheeled vehicles, the electronic key has the functions of unlocking the door and allowing the engine to start. Usually, a transmission antenna is provided at each door of the four-wheeled vehicle, and the portable device approaches. What can unlock only a door independently of the other door of a vehicle is used (for example, patent document 3). Therefore, in such a smart key system, in the communication between the control device mounted on the actual vehicle and the electronic key, the transmittable range from the control device is narrower than the transmittable range from the electronic key. Yes. Therefore, a plurality of transmission antennas that output signals from the control device are installed according to various applications.

This smart key system has begun to be applied not only for automobiles but also for motorcycles (Patent Document 4).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-349110 JP 2001-349117 A JP 10-317754 A JP 2004-116261 A

  Conventional smart key systems are mainly developed for four-wheeled vehicles, so they have not been developed to solve the problems specific to motorcycles. When applying smart key systems to motorcycles, However, it is the actual situation that the one for four-wheeled vehicles is used as it is.

  In the case of a four-wheeled vehicle, since the user always approaches the door, it is possible to ensure that the smart key system is operated by reliably transmitting and receiving. On the other hand, in the case of a motorcycle, since there is no door, the user can sit on the seat from any direction. When diverting a motorcycle, the transmission range from the control device mounted on the actual vehicle is narrow. It becomes necessary to install a transmitting antenna. However, it is practically impossible to install transmission antennas corresponding to all directions in a motorcycle in which parts installation space is extremely limited as compared with a four-wheeled vehicle. Moreover, if it is actually installed, it will lead not only to layout problems but also to cost increases.

  The present invention has been made in view of such various points, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a smart key system capable of reliably transmitting and receiving a motorcycle user even when approaching from any direction.

  A straddle-type vehicle according to the present invention includes a vehicle having a handle, a control device mounted on the vehicle, and a portable device that transmits a response signal based on reception of a request signal transmitted from the control device via an antenna. A request switch that transmits the request signal when pressed, and the request switch and the antenna are connected to the control device. The saddle-ride type vehicle is arranged along a line in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

  Both the request switch and the antenna are preferably disposed along a center line in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

  The request switch and the antenna may overlap each other.

  The request switch may be provided in the handle or in the vicinity of the handle.

  In a preferred embodiment, the request switch is provided at the center of the handle.

  The request switch may be a trigger switch button for releasing the handle lock.

  In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle is equipped with an engine, a starter switch for starting the engine is provided in the vicinity of the handle or the handle, and in the vicinity of the handle or the handle. Is characterized by the absence of a keyhole.

  The straddle-type vehicle may be a scooter type motorcycle, and the antenna may be installed in a cover provided at a lower portion of the handle of the vehicle.

  The saddle riding type vehicle may be a motorcycle, and the antenna may be installed in the vicinity of a seat attached to the vehicle.

  According to the saddle riding type vehicle of the present invention, the request switch for transmitting a request signal in the smart key system and the antenna for receiving the request signal are arranged along a line in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. It is possible to realize a smart key system that can transmit and receive reliably even if a person approaches from any direction.

  The inventor of the present application has considered what a smart key system suitable for a motorcycle is, and as a result of earnest examination without being constrained by common sense for a four-wheeled vehicle, has developed a technique that enables more reliable transmission and reception, and It came.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, components having substantially the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals for the sake of brevity. In addition, this invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows a top configuration of a saddle riding type vehicle (motorcycle) 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of a smart key system 200 mounted on the motorcycle 100. As shown in FIG.

  The motorcycle 100 of this embodiment includes a vehicle 50 having a handle 52 and a smart key system 200 as shown in FIG. The smart key system 200 includes a control device 20 mounted on the vehicle 50 and a portable device 10 that transmits a response signal based on reception of a request signal transmitted from the control device 20 via the antenna 22. . The control device 20 is connected to a request switch 30 that transmits a request signal when pressed. In the configuration of the present embodiment, the request switch 30 and the antenna 22 are arranged along a line 70 in the front-rear direction 90 of the vehicle 50.

  Here, the application range 12 of the antenna (transmission / reception antenna) 22 is approximately 80 cm in radius. If the length of the user's (rider) hand is about 60 cm, the range 14 in which the rider is located when the request switch 30 is pressed is as shown in FIG. The rider does not get over the handle 52 from the front of the handle 52 and press the request switch 30, but presses the request switch 30 from the left or right of the request switch 30 or from the rear of the left and right.

  Therefore, when the rider presses the request switch 30, the rider is surely positioned in the region 11 where the range 14 where the request switch 30 can reach and the application range 12 of the antenna 22 overlap. Since the portable device 10 is held by the rider, when the rider presses the request switch 30, the portable device 10 exists in the region 11 (that is, the application range 12 of the antenna 22). Reliable transmission / reception between the antennas 22 can be ensured. That is, in the motorcycle 100 of the present embodiment, the request switch 30 and the antenna 22 are arranged along the line 70 in the front-rear direction 90 of the vehicle 50, so that the rider can reliably approach from any direction. A smart key system 200 capable of transmitting and receiving can be realized.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, when the request switch 30 is provided on the left side of the handle 52 and the antenna 22 is provided on the right side under the seat 68, the request switch 30 and the antenna 22 are Are arranged along different lines 72 and 74. If both (30, 22) are arranged along the different lines 72, 74 in this way, the shape of the region 11 where the range 14 where the request switch 30 can reach and the applicable range 12 of the antenna 22 overlap is changed, and the rider requests When the switch 30 is pressed, there are cases where the portable device 10 does not exist within the application range 12 of the antenna 22.

  That is, in this case, the smart key system 200 that can reliably transmit and receive cannot be constructed. In other words, it is necessary to arrange the request switch 30 and the antenna 22 on the same line 70 in order to make the smart key system 200 capable of reliably transmitting and receiving. Here, the line 70 in the present embodiment is a virtual line that falls within the entire width W of the motorcycle 100, and the request switch 30 and the antenna 22 are arranged along the line 70 having this width. Thus, reliable transmission / reception can be ensured.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, it is preferable to arrange both the request switch 30 and the antenna 22 along the center line 70 </ b> C in the front-rear direction 90 of the vehicle 50. In this way, reliable transmission / reception can be ensured more reliably than the configuration shown in FIG. That is, since it becomes a left-right symmetric shape, transmission / reception can be performed at the same level of sensitivity without any problem, regardless of whether the rider approaches from the right side or from the left side.

  In the present embodiment, the request switch 30 is disposed on the tank 66, but the request switch 30 is not limited thereto, and may be disposed on the handle 52 and the vicinity thereof. The motorcycle 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a sports bike having a structure in which a handle 52, a tank 66, and a seat 68 are provided between a front wheel 62 and a rear wheel 64 when viewed from above. The motorcycle 100 is not limited to an on-road type but may be an off-road type or a scooter type.

  The smart key system 200 shown in FIG. 2 will be briefly described as follows. The smart key system 200 receives the code signal transmitted from the portable device 10 carried by the rider by the transceiver 22 mounted on the vehicle 50 side, and performs code verification by the authentication means 25 in the control device 20. And an authentication system for authenticating whether or not the rider is the owner of the vehicle.

  Here, as the portable device 10, for example, a non-contact type IC card can be used. When a non-contact type IC card is used, the code signal is stored in the non-contact type IC card in advance, the IC card is brought close to the receiver 22 to read the code signal, and this is read into the authentication means 25. The code verification is performed by.

  More specifically, the code signal transmitted from the portable device 10 carried by the rider is received by the transmitter / receiver 22, the code is verified by the authentication means in the control device 20, and the rider owns the motorcycle 100. Authentication is performed. In this embodiment, the control apparatus 20 is comprised from the electronic control apparatus (ECU; Electronic Control Unit). The portable device 10 transmits a code signal when receiving a request signal transmitted by operating a request switch (request SW) 30 provided on the vehicle 50 side.

  It can also be constructed so that the steering lock 27 can be released by a release signal from the ECU 20 when the code verification matches in this authentication. That is, the request switch 30 may be a trigger switch for releasing the handle lock. In addition, the engine can be configured to start or be able to start when the verification matches.

  FIG. 5 is a view of the vicinity of the steering wheel monitor as seen from the rider side in the scooter type motorcycle 100. In this example, a display (monitor) 80 is provided behind the handle 52. The display device 80 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display panel.

  An accelerator throttle 82 is provided on the right side of the handle 52, and the request switch 30 is attached to the center of the handle 52. The request switch 30 can also serve as a starter switch for starting the engine. Of course, a starter switch can be provided separately from the request switch 30. In the motorcycle 100 of the present embodiment, since the smart key system 200 is mounted, it is not necessary to provide a keyhole for starting the engine. Accordingly, even in this example, there is no keyhole for the handle 52 or in the vicinity of the handle 52.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 1 described above, the antenna 22 is disposed in the vicinity of the seat 68 (for example, below). In the case of the scooter type motorcycle 100, the antenna 22 is provided below the handle 52. It is also possible to arrange in the cover 84.

  FIG. 6 shows an example in which the antenna 22 is arranged in the cover 84. In this example, the request switch 30 is provided on the cover 84. In the configuration shown in FIG. 6, the antenna 22 and the request switch 30 are arranged so as to contact or overlap each other, but may be separated from each other as long as they are on the line 70 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the antenna 22 and the request switch 30 do not necessarily have to be positioned exactly on the same line 70 as long as they are arranged along the line 70 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. For example, if both the antenna 22 and the request switch 30 are arranged on the right side (or left side) of the motorcycle 100, the vehicle width (full width W) of the motorcycle 100 is relatively narrow. A layout in which the request switch 30 rides on the line 70 or a layout in which the request switch 30 is arranged along the line 70 is likely to occur.

  In FIG. 5 or FIG. 6, the scooter type motorcycle is illustrated as the motorcycle 100, but as shown in FIG. 1 and the like, it is not limited to the scooter type and may be other motorcycles. Further, the “motorcycle” in the specification of the present application means a motorcycle and includes a motorbike and a scooter (or an electric scooter). Specifically, the vehicle can be tilted to turn. Refers to the vehicle. Therefore, even if at least one of the front wheels and the rear wheels is two or more and the number of tires is counted as a tricycle / four-wheel vehicle (or more), it can be included in the “motorcycle”. The present invention can be applied not only to motorcycles but also to other vehicles that can use the effects of the present invention. For example, in addition to motorcycles, four-wheel buggy (ATV: All Terrain Vehicle), snowmobiles, etc. It can apply to what is called a saddle-ride type vehicle.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated by suitable embodiment, such description is not a limitation matter and of course, various modifications are possible. Although the above-mentioned Patent Document 4 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-116261) discloses a technique of a motorcycle equipped with an electronic key system, the configuration and technical idea of the present invention are described and suggested. Not.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, even if the user of a saddle-riding type vehicle (motorcycle) approaches from which direction, the smart key system which can transmit / receive reliably can be provided.

1 is a top view schematically showing a configuration of a saddle riding type vehicle (motorcycle) 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of a smart key system 200 mounted on a motorcycle 100. FIG. 1 is a top view schematically showing a configuration of a motorcycle as a comparative example of an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a top view schematically showing a configuration of a saddle riding type vehicle (motorcycle) 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view around the steering wheel monitor viewed from the rider side in the scooter type motorcycle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view around the steering wheel monitor viewed from the rider side in the scooter type motorcycle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a top view schematically showing a configuration of a saddle riding type vehicle (motorcycle) 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Portable machine 20 Control apparatus 22 Antenna 25 Authentication means 27 Steering lock 30 Request switch 50 Vehicle 52 Handle 62 Front wheel 64 Rear wheel 66 Tank 68 Seat 70 Line 70C Centerline 80 Display 82 Accelerator throttle 84 Cover 90 Front and rear direction 100 Motorcycle ( Saddle type vehicle)
200 Smart Key System

Claims (9)

A vehicle having a handle;
A straddle-type vehicle comprising: a control device mounted on the vehicle; and a smart key system including a portable device that transmits a response signal based on reception of a request signal transmitted from the control device via an antenna. There,
The control device is connected to a request switch that transmits the request signal when pressed.
The straddle-type vehicle, wherein the request switch and the antenna are arranged along a line in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.   The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein both the request switch and the antenna are arranged along a center line in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.   The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the request switch and the antenna are arranged to overlap each other.   The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the request switch is provided in the handle or in the vicinity of the handle.   The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the request switch is provided at a center of the steering wheel.   The straddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the request switch is a button of a trigger switch for releasing a handle lock. The saddle riding type vehicle is a scooter type motorcycle,
The straddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the antenna is installed in a cover provided at a lower portion of the handle of the vehicle.   The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the request switch is provided on the cover. The saddle riding type vehicle is a motorcycle,
The straddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the antenna is installed in the vicinity of a seat attached to the vehicle.

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