JP2007153190A - Vehicular starting device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicular starting device which positively prevents the theft of a vehicle. <P>SOLUTION: When an authentication code on a portable side sent from a portable machine matches an authentication code on a vehicle side, the vehicular starting device permits starting of an internal combustion engine of the vehicle. The vehicular starting device comprises: a separation detecting means detecting the separation of the portable machine from the vehicle; and a drive continuing intention judging means judging whether an occupant has an continuing intention continuing driving. The vehicle starting device permits restarting of the internal combustion engine when the separation of the portable machine is detected by the separation detecting means at the time of driving the internal combustion engine and when it is judged that the driver has the continuing intention by the drive continuing intention judging means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle starter that starts an internal combustion engine based on, for example, an authentication (ID) code signal transmitted from an electronic key.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electronic key device for a vehicle that permits starting of an engine when an ID match result is obtained when the engine is started and holds engine start permission until an ID match result is obtained when the door is locked after the engine is stopped. It is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Further, an operation prohibition device is known in which an engine control device prohibits the operation of an engine when the vehicle has traveled more than a travelable distance or when the vehicle has been used for a usable time or longer (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP 2001-206199 A JP-A-9-48323

  However, in the vehicle electronic key device shown in Patent Document 1, the engine can be started until the ID matching result is obtained when the door is locked after the engine is stopped. During this time, the vehicle may be stolen.

  Further, in the operation prohibition device shown in Patent Document 2, the engine can be operated until the travelable distance or the usable time, and the vehicle may be stolen during this time.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and has as its main object to prevent theft of the vehicle more reliably.

In order to achieve the above object, one embodiment of the present invention provides:
A vehicle starter that permits the start of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle when a mobile-side authentication code transmitted from a mobile device matches a vehicle-side authentication code,
Separation detecting means for detecting that the portable device is separated from the vehicle;
Driving continuation intention determination means for determining whether or not the occupant has the intention to continue driving,
When the internal combustion engine is driven, the separation detection unit detects the separation of the portable device,
When the internal combustion engine is stopped, when the operation continuation intention determination unit determines that there is the intention to continue, the vehicle starter is allowed to restart the internal combustion engine.

  According to this one aspect, when the internal combustion engine is driven, the separation of the portable device is detected by the separation detection unit, and when the internal combustion engine is stopped, the driving continuation intention determination unit determines that there is a continuation intention. Allow restart of the internal combustion engine. Thereby, even when there is no portable device in the vehicle, the internal combustion engine can be restarted, and the convenience for the user is ensured. Furthermore, since it is confirmed that the occupant has the intention to continue driving, the restart of the internal combustion engine is permitted, so that theft of the vehicle can be more reliably prevented.

In this one aspect, the vehicle further comprises a getting-off detection means for detecting the passenger getting off,
When the passenger getting off is not detected by the getting-off detection means, the driving continuation intention determination means may determine that the occupant has the intention to continue.

In this one aspect, the getting-off detection means has an opening / closing detection unit for detecting an opening / closing state of the driver's seat side door,
When the opening / closing detection unit does not detect the open state of the driver's seat side door, the driving continuation intention determination unit may determine that the occupant has the continuation intention. Further, when the closed state of the driver's seat side door is detected by the opening / closing detection unit, the driving continuation intention determination unit may determine that the occupant has the continuation intention.

In this aspect, the vehicle further includes a getting-off time detecting means for detecting the getting-off time of the occupant,
The driving continuation intention determination unit may determine that the occupant has the intention to continue when the occupant's dismounting time detected by the dismounting time detection unit is a predetermined time or less.

In this one aspect, further comprising stop time detecting means for detecting the stop time of the internal combustion engine,
The operation continuation intention determination unit may determine that the occupant has the intention to continue when the stop time of the internal combustion engine detected by the stop time detection unit is a predetermined time or less.

In this one aspect, the vehicle further comprises position detection means for detecting the current position of the vehicle,
According to the current position of the vehicle detected by the position detection means, the driving continuation intention determination means may vary the predetermined time.

  In this aspect, the vehicle may further include a determination changing unit that changes a method of determining whether or not the occupant has the intention to continue by the driving continuation intention determination unit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to more reliably prevent the vehicle from being stolen.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The basic concept of the vehicle starter, the main hardware configuration, the operating principle, the basic control method, and the like are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a system configuration of a vehicle starter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The vehicle starter 1 according to the present embodiment, for example, locks (locks) / unlocks (unlocks) a vehicle door based on an ID (authentication) verification result using wireless communication between the vehicle key and the vehicle. It is employed in a so-called smart system in which various controls such as engine start permission / prohibition can be automatically performed without the user taking the vehicle key.

  A vehicle starter 1 according to this embodiment includes a smart ECU (Electronic Control) that performs various controls of a vehicle by transmitting and receiving data between the portable device 2 such as an electronic key for the vehicle and the portable device 2. Unit, electronic control unit) 3.

  The smart ECU 3, a steer ECU 5, an immobilizer ECU 6, a door ECU 7, an engine ECU 8, and a portable ECU 2c, which will be described later, are composed of a microcomputer, and execute various processes according to control and calculation programs, and each part of the device. CPU (Central Processing Unit) 3a to be controlled, ROM (Read Only Memory) 3b for storing an execution program of the CPU 3a, readable / writable RAM (Random Access Memory) 3c for storing calculation results, timer, counter, input / output interface (I / O) 3d and the like. The timer and the counter are realized by software stored in the ROM 3b and executed by the CPU 3a.

  The smart ECU 3 is connected to a communication device 4 that transmits and receives data to and from the portable device 2 such as an electronic key for a vehicle. The communication device 4 includes a transmission unit 4a that transmits data to the portable device 2, a reception unit 4b that receives data transmitted from the portable device 2, an antenna 4c, and the like. The smart ECU 3 transmits / receives data to / from the portable device 2 via the communication device 4.

  The ROM 3b of the smart ECU 3 stores an ID code for authenticating the user. As the ROM 3b, for example, an EEPROM or the like that is rewritable and retains stored contents even when the power is turned off is used.

  The smart ECU 3 includes a steering ECU (hereinafter referred to as a steer ECU) 5, an immobilizer ECU (hereinafter referred to as an immobilizer ECU) 6, a door ECU 7, and an engine ECU 8 via a vehicle LAN (Local Area Network) 9. Are connected to each other. The ECUs 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8 perform bidirectional data communication via the vehicle LAN 9 based on, for example, the CAN communication protocol. The ECUs 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8 may be integrally configured.

  For example, the steering ECU 5 controls the actuator to mechanically prohibit the driver's steering wheel operation. The immobilizer ECU 6 prohibits, for example, fuel supply to the engine 8a and ignition operation. The door ECU 7 controls, for example, an actuator to lock / unlock each vehicle door.

  The engine ECU 8 controls the engine 8a in an integrated manner. For example, the engine ECU 8 controls a starter such as a starter motor to control the start of the engine 8a and can also control the drive stop of the engine 8a. Further, the engine ECU 8 detects the driving state of the engine 8a such as start start, drive stop, etc., and provides this information to the smart ECU 3.

  Connected to the engine ECU 8 is a push-type switch 10 that is disposed on the operation panel of the driver's seat and is pressed by the driver. The push switch 10 supplies an operation signal corresponding to the driver's pressing operation to the engine ECU 8. Based on the operation signal from the push switch 10, the engine ECU 8 drives, for example, a starting device to start the engine 8a.

  The smart ECU 3 is connected to an on / off switchable door switch 11 that is disposed at each door of the vehicle and detects the open / closed state of the vehicle door. For example, the door switch 11 outputs an off signal to the smart ECU 3 when the vehicle door is open, and outputs an on signal to the smart ECU 3 when the vehicle door is closed.

  For example, the smart ECU 3 determines whether an occupant has got off the vehicle based on an output signal from the door switch 11. Specifically, when the smart ECU 3 receives an off signal from the door switch 11 on the driver's seat side, the smart ECU 3 can determine that the vehicle door on the driver's seat side has been opened and the passenger has exited.

  The smart ECU 3 is connected to a seating sensor 12 such as a load sensor that is disposed in each seat of the vehicle and detects the seating of an occupant. The smart ECU 3 can determine whether an occupant is seated in the vehicle seat based on the output signal from the seating sensor 12. For example, the load sensor is disposed inside the seat cushion, and detects the seating of the occupant when the electrode contacts the load when the occupant is seated.

  Based on the output signal from the seating sensor 12, the smart ECU 3 determines, for example, whether the occupant has got off the vehicle. Specifically, the smart ECU 3 can determine that the occupant got off when the occupant's seating is no longer detected by the seating sensor 12. Further, the smart ECU 3 may determine with high accuracy whether or not the occupant got off based on the output signal from the door switch 11 and the output signal from the seating sensor 12.

  The portable device 2 includes a smart ECU 3, a transmission / reception circuit 2b that transmits and receives data, and a portable ECU 2c that performs control processing and the like via an antenna 2a. An ID code for authenticating the user is stored in a ROM (for example, EEPROM) of the mobile ECU 2c. As the electronic key as the portable device 2, for example, a card-type electronic key that incorporates an IC and is easily carried by a passenger is employed. The portable ECU 2c reads the ID code from the ROM according to the received request signal via the antenna 2a and the transmission / reception circuit 2b, and outputs it from the antenna 2a.

  For example, the smart ECU 3 transmits a request signal (for example, 2.45 GHz) via the communication device 4 at a predetermined cycle (for example, every 200 msec). When receiving the request signal from the smart ECU 3, the portable ECU 2c of the portable device 2 reads the ID code from the ROM in response to the request signal, and transmits the read ID code to the smart ECU 3. The smart ECU 3 performs user authentication by comparing the ID code signal transmitted from the mobile ECU 2c with the ID code stored in the ROM 3b.

  When the ID code signal transmitted from the portable device 2 matches the ID code stored in the ROM 3b and the user authentication is normally completed, the smart ECU 3 recognizes that the portable device 2 has approached the vehicle, for example. At this time, a control signal is transmitted to the door ECU 7 to unlock all vehicle doors. Further, the smart ECU 3 transmits a control signal to the steer ECU 5 to release the lock of the steering wheel. Further, the smart ECU 3 transmits a control signal to the immobilizer ECU 6 to cancel the prohibition of engine start so that the engine ECU 8 can start the engine.

  Therefore, for example, when the driver performs a predetermined pressing operation on the push switch 10, the engine ECU 8 can start the engine 8a. In addition, once the engine 8a that has been started is stopped, the smart ECU 3 transmits a request signal via the communication device 4, the ID code signal from the portable device 2 is returned, and user authentication is normally performed. When completed, the engine ECU 8 permits the engine 8a to be restarted.

  The portable device 2 can receive a request signal transmitted from the smart ECU 3 when it is within a predetermined area from the antenna 4 c of the communication device 4. Therefore, when the portable device 2 is taken out of the vehicle and outside the predetermined area, the smart ECU 3 does not return an ID code signal from the portable device 2 in response to the request signal to be transmitted. Is determined to be separated. In this case, in principle, restart of the engine 8a is prohibited from the viewpoint of preventing theft of the vehicle.

  By the way, for example, the owner (hereinafter simply referred to as the owner) carrying the portable device 2 gets off while holding the portable device 2 with the engine 8a being driven, and then the portable device 2 is removed. An unaccompanied passenger (hereinafter referred to as a non-owner) may continue to drive the vehicle.

  In this case, conventionally, when an unaccompanied person stops the engine of this vehicle, the smart ECU prohibits restarting the engine because the ID code of the portable device cannot be verified as described above. For this reason, the engine cannot be restarted, which may impair user convenience. On the other hand, since there is no portable device in the vehicle, the vehicle may be stolen if the engine can be restarted even though the ID code cannot be verified by the smart ECU.

  Therefore, in the vehicle starter 1 according to the present embodiment, it is detected that the portable device 2 is separated from the vehicle while the engine 8a is being driven (the vehicle does not have the portable device 2), and the vehicle is not possessed. Only when it is determined that the occupant has an intention to continue driving, even when the vehicle does not have the portable device 2, the restart of the engine 8a is permitted. Accordingly, even when the vehicle does not have the portable device 2, the engine 8a can be restarted under predetermined conditions, and the above inconvenience is eliminated. Furthermore, since it is confirmed that the occupant who is not in possession has a continuation intention to continue driving, the restart of the engine 8a is permitted, so that the vehicle can be more securely prevented from being stolen.

  Next, the control processing flow of the vehicle starter 1 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control processing flow of the vehicle starter 1 according to the present embodiment.

  The smart ECU 3 determines that the engine 8a is being driven based on a signal from the engine ECU 8, and determines whether the portable device 2 is separated from the vehicle based on the ID code signal from the portable device 2 in response to the request signal. Judgment is made (S100).

  When the smart ECU 3 cannot receive the ID code signal from the portable device 2 in response to the request signal and determines that the portable device 2 is separated from the vehicle (Yes in S100), the engine 8a is based on the signal from the engine ECU 8. Then, it is determined whether or not the engine 8a has been started (S110). On the other hand, when the smart ECU 3 receives the ID code signal from the portable device 2 in response to the request signal and determines that the portable device 2 is not separated from the vehicle (No in S100), the routine of this control process is terminated.

  When the smart ECU 3 determines that the starting operation of the engine 8a has been performed (Yes in S110), the smart ECU 3 determines whether or not the occupant who is not in possession has an intention to continue driving (S120). On the other hand, when the smart ECU 3 determines that the starting operation of the engine 8a is not performed (No in S110), the routine of this control process ends.

  When the smart ECU 3 determines that the unoccupied occupant has an intention to continue driving (Yes in S120), the smart ECU 3 permits the engine ECU 8 to restart the engine 8a (S130). On the other hand, when the smart ECU 3 determines that the occupant who is not in possession has no intention to continue driving (No in S120), the smart ECU 3 prohibits the engine ECU 8 from restarting the engine 8a (S140).

  Next, a method for determining whether or not an occupant who is not in possession has an intention to continue driving will be described in detail. Note that the following cases (1) to (3) can be considered as cases where it can be determined that a passenger who is not in possession has an intention to continue driving.

  (1) When a passenger who is not in possession does not get off, it can be determined that there is an intention to continue driving.

  Specifically, when the smart ECU 3 determines that the portable device 2 is separated from the vehicle in the engine driving state and then determines that the unoccupied person has not got off the vehicle based on the output signal from the seating sensor 12. It is determined that the owner has no intention to continue driving. In this case, the smart ECU 3 permits the engine ECU 8 to restart the engine 8a even when the ID code cannot be collated with the portable device 2.

  (2) Even when an occupant who is not in possession gets off, it can be determined that there is an intention to continue driving if the passenger gets on again within a predetermined time T1.

  Specifically, the smart ECU 3 determines that the portable device 2 is separated from the vehicle in the engine driving state, and then, based on the output signal from the seating sensor 12, the unaccompanied person gets off within a predetermined time T1. When it is determined that the user has re-ridden, it is determined that the non-owner is willing to continue driving. In this case, the smart ECU 3 permits the engine ECU 8 to restart the engine 8a even when the ID code cannot be collated with the portable device 2.

  (3) If the portable device 2 is separated from the vehicle, then the engine 8a is stopped, and the engine 8a is restarted within a predetermined time T2 (for example, within 5 minutes) after the engine is stopped, the driving is performed. It can be determined that there is an intention to continue.

  Specifically, the smart ECU 3 determines that the portable device 2 is separated from the vehicle in the engine driving state, and then determines that the engine 8a is stopped based on a signal from the engine ECU 8, and then within a predetermined time T2. When it is determined that the restart operation of the engine 8a has been performed, it is determined that the unoccupied person has an intention to continue driving. In this case, the smart ECU 3 permits the engine ECU 8 to restart the engine 8a even when the ID code cannot be collated with the portable device 2.

  As described above, in the vehicle starter 1 according to the present embodiment, the smart ECU 3 detects that the portable device 2 has been separated from the vehicle while the engine 8a is being driven, and continues driving to a passenger who is not in possession. Only when it is determined that there is an intention to continue, the restart of the engine 8a is permitted. Thereby, even when the vehicle does not have the portable device 2, the engine 8a can be restarted under a predetermined condition, and the convenience for the user is ensured. Furthermore, since it is confirmed that the occupant who is not in possession has a continuation intention to continue driving, the restart of the engine 8a is permitted, so that the vehicle can be more securely prevented from being stolen.

  As mentioned above, although the best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described using one embodiment, the present invention is not limited to such one embodiment, and within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention, Various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiment.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the owner continues to drive the passenger described in (1) to (3) by transmitting an operation signal from the portable device 2 to the smart ECU 3 via the information center. It may be configured to vary the method of determining whether or not there is a willingness to continue. Specifically, the owner who gets off the vehicle transmits an operation signal from the portable device 2 to the smart ECU 3 via the information center. Based on this operation signal, the smart ECU 3 changes the method for determining whether or not the occupant has the intention to continue driving from (1) to (2), for example. As a result, the user can appropriately select the optimum determination method remotely, and the vehicle theft prevention effect is improved.

  In the above embodiment, when the owner gets off the vehicle 8 while driving the engine 8a, or when the passenger continues driving the vehicle after getting off the vehicle. The warning device 20 may give a warning. As the warning device 20, for example, a speaker that gives a warning by voice, a light device that lights and blinks light, a display device such as a liquid crystal display that displays a message, and the like are employed. For example, when the smart ECU 3 determines that the portable device 2 is separated from the vehicle, the smart ECU 3 controls the warning device 20 to warn the occupant. Thereby, the passenger | crew can stop and restart the engine 8a, for example, grasping | ascertaining that there exists no portable device 2. FIG.

  In the above embodiment, the smart ECU 3 may be connected to a navigation device 21 that incorporates a GPS receiver or the like that detects the current position of the vehicle and guides the vehicle to the destination. When the smart ECU 3 determines that the vehicle is in a predetermined position or a predetermined area (for example, a vehicle owner's parking lot) registered in advance based on the current position of the vehicle detected by the navigation device 21 (1). ) To (3) may not be satisfied, the engine ECU 8 may permit the restart of the engine 8a. For example, the engine may be restarted in a predetermined position or a predetermined region where safety is ensured.

  In the above embodiment, when the smart ECU 3 determines that the current position of the vehicle detected by the navigation device 21 is in a pre-registered position or region, the predetermined times T1 and T2 in (2) and (3) above. May be varied (eg, increased).

  In the above embodiment, when the smart ECU 3 determines that the current position of the vehicle detected by the navigation device 21 is in a dangerous area (for example, an area where the crime occurrence rate is a predetermined value or higher), Even when the condition (3) is satisfied, the restart of the engine 8a by the engine ECU 8 may be prohibited. By prohibiting the restart of the engine 8a in the dangerous area, theft of the vehicle can be more reliably prevented.

  In the above embodiment, when the smart ECU 3 determines that the current position of the vehicle detected by the navigation device 21 is in the dangerous area, the predetermined times T1 and T2 in (2) and (3) above can be changed (for example, (Decrease).

  In the above embodiment, when the smart ECU 3 determines that it is a night time zone (for example, 19:00 to 24:00) based on a timepiece such as a radio timepiece, the conditions (1) to (3) are satisfied. Even in such a case, restart of the engine 8a by the engine ECU 8 may be prohibited.

  In the above embodiment, the smart ECU 3 may vary (for example, decrease) the predetermined times T1 and T2 in the above (2) and (3) when it is determined that it is a night time zone.

  In the above-described embodiment, the smart ECU 3 may determine that there is an intention to continue driving depending on the open state of the vehicle door and the occupant's dismounting time. Since the engine 8a may be able to be restarted even when the portable device 2 is not present, for example, when the driver leaves the vehicle (no intention to drive), the restart is prohibited. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a third party from driving the vehicle and stealing it when the driver is away from the vehicle.

  The present invention can be used for, for example, a vehicle starter employed in a smart system. The appearance, weight, size, running performance, etc. of the vehicle to be mounted are not limited.

1 is a schematic block diagram showing a system configuration of a vehicle starter according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the control processing flow of the vehicle starter which concerns on one Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Vehicle starter 2 Mobile device 3 Smart ECU
4 Communication device 5 Steer ECU
6 Immobility ECU
7 Door ECU
8 Engine ECU
11 Door switch 12 Seating sensor

Claims (7)

A vehicle starter that permits the start of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle when a mobile-side authentication code transmitted from a mobile device matches a vehicle-side authentication code,
Separation detecting means for detecting that the portable device is separated from the vehicle;
Driving continuation intention determination means for determining whether or not the occupant has the intention to continue driving,
When the internal combustion engine is driven, the separation detection unit detects the separation of the portable device,
When the internal combustion engine is stopped, when the operation continuation intention determination unit determines that there is the intention to continue, the vehicle starter is allowed to restart the internal combustion engine. The vehicle starting device according to claim 1,
Further comprising a getting-off detection means for detecting the passenger getting off,
The vehicle starter according to claim 1, wherein the continuation intention determination unit determines that the occupant has the intention to continue when the passenger detection of the occupant is not detected by the getting-off detection unit. The vehicle starting device according to claim 2,
The getting-off detection means has an open / close detection unit for detecting an open / closed state of the driver's seat side door,
When the opening / closing detection unit does not detect the open state of the driver's seat side door, the driving continuation intention determination means determines that the occupant has the continuation intention. The vehicle starting device according to claim 1,
The vehicle further comprises a getting-off time detecting means for detecting the getting-off time of the passenger,
The vehicle continuation intention determination means determines that the occupant has the intention to continue when the occupant's dismounting time detected by the dismounting time detection means is a predetermined time or less. . The vehicle starting device according to claim 1,
A stop time detecting means for detecting a stop time of the internal combustion engine;
The vehicle continuation intention determination means determines that the occupant has the intention to continue when the stop time of the internal combustion engine detected by the stop time detection means is a predetermined time or less. apparatus. The vehicle starting device according to claim 4 or 5,
Further comprising position detecting means for detecting a current position of the vehicle;
The vehicle starting device, wherein the driving continuation intention determination unit varies the predetermined time according to the current position of the vehicle detected by the position detection unit. The vehicle starting device according to claim 1,
The vehicle starter further comprising: a judgment changing means for changing a method of judging whether or not the occupant has the intention to continue by the driving continuation intention judging means.

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