JP2008254672A - Engine start switch - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an engine start switch for simplifying a constitution of a portable machine, by enabling a driver to do without carrying a ballet key. <P>SOLUTION: This engine start switch 1 has: a knob assembly 13; a movable contact 22 moving by its pressing operation, and a fixed contact 28 constituting an ignition switch with the movable contact 22; and stores the ballet key 2 having the immobilizer function in a predetermined position. When the ballet key 2 is required to be taken out, a ballet switch 3 is pushed by bringing the portable machine 4 near to the knob assembly 13, then a solenoid 15 opens the knob assembly 13 by rotating a fitting piece 14, and the ballet key 2 can be taken out. Afterwards, when a light guide 13b is pushed by bringing the ballet key 2 near to the knob assembly 13, a starting signal is outputted to an ECU 6 from the engine start switch 1, and an engine 40 is started. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an engine start switch that can use a Valet key to start an automobile engine.

  In automobiles, there are two types of cars that are prepared in two types: a master key used when a driver gets on and a bullet key. The valet key is a key used when, for example, a key is handed over to a hotel valet parking staff to deposit a car and entrust the movement to a parking lot or the like. Both the master key and the valet key can unlock / lock the vehicle door and start the engine. The master key can further unlock / lock the trunk and glove box, but not the bullet key.

  The master key and valet key are immobilizers that enhance the security against theft by performing wireless communication between the door and engine start switch type key groove and key ridge and the engine start switch. Some have functions.

  A key with an immobilizer function has a built-in IC chip called a transponder in the key or portable device. When the key or portable device is brought close to the engine start switch, the ID code is transmitted from the transponder, and the vehicle side ID code matches. The engine is allowed to start when the engine is started, and then the engine is started by pressing the push button of the engine start switch.

  A keyless system that enables the function of a bullet key having an immobilizer function has also been proposed. For example, there is a method in which the owner sets a bullet mode by operating a mechanical lock of a vehicle with a mechanical key.

In addition, there is a smart keyless system disclosed in Patent Document 1 in which a master key and a bullet key are not required to be individually held and security is improved, and a transponder is built in a portable device having a mechanical key. When a separation piece (tang) is detachably provided and the tongue is removed and the portable device is passed to the valet parking staff, a tongue separation signal indicating that the tongue has been separated is transmitted from the portable device together with the ID signal, and is sent to the vehicle side. The bullet mode is set.
JP 2006-225976 A

  However, according to the conventional smart keyless system, the portable device can be properly used as a master key and a bullet key by attaching and detaching the tongue, but the tongue is smaller than the portable device, so it may be lost after being separated from the portable device . In addition, the structure of the portable device becomes complicated. Further, since there is no place for safely storing the bullet key in the conventional vehicle, it is necessary to carry an extra key.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an engine start switch that can simplify the configuration of a portable device without requiring the driver to carry around an extra bullet key.

  To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a transponder that wirelessly communicates with a portable device having an immobilizer function and a bullet key, a lid member that closes an opening that houses the bullet key, and ID verification of the transponder An engine start switch comprising: a control unit that controls opening and closing of the lid member based on the result.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a transponder that performs wireless communication with a portable device having an immobilizer function, a separation member that is separated from the main body and functions as a bullet key, and ID verification of the transponder An engine start switch comprising: a control unit that controls separation of the separation member based on a result.

  According to the engine start switch of the present invention, the driver can avoid carrying the bullet key, and the configuration of the portable device can be simplified.

[First Embodiment]
(Engine start system configuration)
FIG. 1 shows an engine start switch and an engine start system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a front view of the engine start switch and (b) is an A- of the engine start switch of (a). It is sectional drawing of A line, and a connection diagram of an engine start system.

  The engine start system 100 includes an engine (electronic control) that starts the engine 5 according to the operation of the engine start switch 1, the bullet switch 3 installed in the vicinity of the engine start switch 1, the operation of the bullet switch 3 and the arrangement of the portable device 4. Unit) 6.

  The engine start switch 1 has a cylindrical shape, a case 11 in which a bullet key 2 is housed, and a fulcrum 12 that is attached to one end of a front end opening of the case 11 so as to be openable and closable. A disc-shaped knob assembly 13, an L-shaped engagement piece 14 supported by a fulcrum 14 a and engaged with the upper end of the knob assembly 13, a solenoid 15 that rotationally drives the engagement piece 14, and a case 11 Connector 16 provided at the end, printed circuit board 17 disposed inside case 11, holder 18 that supports the rear end of bullet key 2, stopper 19 that restricts movement of holder 18, holder 18, A spring 20 disposed between the stopper 19, an antenna coil 21 disposed on the inner side of the tip of the case 11, and a knob assembly 13 A movable contact 22 to move the pressing operation, is constituted by a fixed contact 28 which constitute the ignition switch by a movable contact 22.

  The knob assembly 13 includes an annular main body 13a and a light guide 13b that is engraved on the main body 13a with an engraving "ENGINE START STOP" on the surface.

  The printed circuit board 17 includes a microcomputer, a receiving circuit that receives information from the portable device 4, a power amplifier that outputs a signal to be sent to the portable device 4 to the antenna coil 21, and an output of the ignition switch for connecting to the microcomputer. A switch interface, a serial interface for communicating with the ECU 5, a memory for storing an ID code connected to the microcomputer, and an LED lamp 23 for irradiating light to the light guide 13b are provided.

  The bullet switch 3 includes an antenna coil that communicates with the antenna coil 21 and a transponder that operates with a DC power source obtained from the received power of the antenna coil and transmits an ID code. The ID code that can be transmitted from the transponder is limited to engine start, and an ID code different from that of the portable device 4 is assigned.

  The transponder includes a CPU (not shown), a power supply circuit, a detection circuit, an EEPROM for storing an ID code, and the like. When a request signal superimposed on the power signal is received from the engine start switch 1, it is set in advance in response to the request signal. The ID code being transmitted is transmitted as a response signal.

  Similar to the bullet switch 3, the portable device 4 includes an antenna coil and a transponder. The configuration of the transponder of the portable device 4 is the same as that of the bullet switch 3. The portable device 4 includes a battery for operating the transponder, and a power supply circuit that generates power from a power signal from the engine start switch 1 when the battery is exhausted.

  FIG. 2 is a front view showing another configuration example of the engaging piece 14 and the solenoid 15. In this configuration, the solenoid 15 is in a vertical position with respect to the configuration of FIG. 1, and the engaging piece 24 having a step is used, and the actuator of the solenoid 15 and the engaging piece 24 are engaged by a spring 25. Is. The spring 25 is externally fitted to the shaft 15a by a stopper 26 attached to the tip of the shaft 15a of the actuator by a screw 27, and urges the engaging piece 24 counterclockwise.

(Engine start system operation)
Next, the operation of the engine start system 100 will be described.
The engine start switch 1 transmits a request signal superimposed on the power signal at a predetermined frequency and a power signal from the antenna coil 21 by a microcomputer mounted on the printed circuit board 17 every predetermined time or for a fixed time after the door is opened. Yes.

  In this state, for example, when the driver brings the portable device 4 closer to the knob assembly 13 of the engine start switch 1 to about 2 to 3 cm, the power signal and the request signal reach the portable device 4.

  When the portable device 4 is approaching the knob assembly 13, a DC power supply is generated by the power signal in the portable device 4, the transponder of the portable device 4 operates, and the request signal superimposed on the power signal is detected by the detection circuit. Is detected.

  When the CPU of the portable device 4 identifies that the request signal from the antenna coil 21 is a request signal from an automobile corresponding to the portable device 4, the CPU reads the ID code from the EEPROM, and uses the ID code as a radio wave of a predetermined frequency. To be transmitted from the built-in antenna coil.

  The ID code from the portable device 4 is received by the antenna coil 21 of the engine start switch 1, and the microcomputer on the printed circuit board 17 demodulates the signal received by the antenna coil 21 to generate an ID code, which is demodulated. The ID code and the ID code registered in the EEPROM on the printed circuit board 17 are compared, and based on the ID verification result, based on the ID verification result, the engine 5 is allowed to start.

  When the knob b13 is pushed by the driver or the like after the start of the engine 5 is permitted, the contact of the movable contact 22 comes into contact with the contact of the fixed contact 28 and the ignition switch is turned on. The microcomputer of the engine start switch 1 that detects the ignition switch on transmits a start signal to the ECU 6. The ECU 6 that has received the start signal starts a starter (not shown), thereby starting the engine 5.

  The microcomputer of the engine start switch 1 does not permit the engine 5 to start when the ID code of the portable device 4 and the ID code of the engine start switch 1 do not match. At this time, even if the light guide 13b is pressed, the microcomputer does not transmit a start signal to the ECU 6, so the ECU 6 does not start the starter, and therefore the engine 5 does not start. Thereby, theft can be prevented.

  Next, when it is desired to stop the engine 5, the driver stops the vehicle at a safe place, applies the parking brake by stepping on the brake, and pushes the light guide 13b. The microcomputer of the engine start switch 1 permits the engine to stop when it detects that the operation of the parking brake and the vehicle speed stop state are detected and the movable contact 22 is moved and the ignition switch is on. Thereby, the ECU 6 turns off the ignition circuit of the engine 5 and stops the engine 5.

(Removing the bullet key)
Next, in a hotel or the like, when a valet key is handed over to a valet parking staff and a car is deposited, the driver (owner) brings the portable device 4 close to the knob assembly 13 and causes the immobilizer to function. In this state, the bullet switch 3 is pressed to turn it on. When the bullet switch 3 is turned on, the ECU 6 excites the solenoid 15. When the solenoid 15 is excited, the armature moves in the right direction in FIG. 1 and the engaging piece 14 rotates in the clockwise direction, and the upper end of the knob assembly 13 and the distal end of the engaging piece 14 are disengaged. Thereby, the knob assembly 13 rotates counterclockwise around the fulcrum 12 by the urging force of the spring 12a. At the same time, the stopper 19 pushes out the bullet key 2 by the urging force of the spring 20, so that the driver can take out the bullet key 2 with a finger.

  If the ID code of the portable device 4 and the ID code of the engine start switch 1 do not match, the knob assembly 13 does not open, but the ECU 6 issues a warning when the knob assembly 13 is forcibly opened or removed. In addition, the bullet key 2 that is forcibly opened by the knob assembly 13 is not authenticated by the portable device 4 and therefore does not function as a key, so that the vehicle cannot be moved.

  The driver removes the bullet key 2 from the engine start switch 1 and then closes the knob assembly 13. Next, the driver hands the valet key 2 to the valet parking staff. The valet parking person brings the handed valet key 2 closer to the knob assembly 13 of the engine start switch 1 and pushes the knob assembly 13. By this operation, the movable contact 22 is moved and the contact of the movable contact 22 and the contact of the fixed contact 28 come into contact with each other, so that the ignition switch is turned on, and the microcomputer of the engine start switch 1 registers the ID code of the bullet key 2 in advance. When it coincides with the ID code, the ECU 6 transmits a start signal to the ECU 6, and the ECU 6 starts a starter (not shown), thereby starting the engine 5.

(Storing the bullet key)
A driver who gets in the automobile stores the bullet key 2 returned from the bullet parking staff in the engine start switch 1. In this case, the driver energizes the solenoid 15 by bringing the portable device 4 close to the knob assembly 13 and opens the knob assembly 13. Here, the bullet key 2 is inserted into a predetermined position of the engine start switch 1. Next, the knob assembly 13 is closed manually.

(Effects of the first embodiment)
According to the first embodiment, the following effects are obtained.
(1) Since the bullet key 2 can be stored at a predetermined position of the engine start switch 1, the carrying of the bullet key 2 can be made unnecessary.
(2) Unlike the key system disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is not necessary to provide a separation piece (tang), so that the configuration of the portable device can be simplified.
(3) Since the engine start is premised on collation by the portable device 4, even if the bullet key 2 is stolen, the engine cannot be started.

  In the above-described embodiment, the combination of the bullet key 2 and the portable device 4 is shown. However, a combination of a master key and a bullet key having a keyway and a key ring and having an immobilizer function may be used. The portable device 4 may be a cellular phone in which an ID code is registered.

[Second Embodiment]
(Engine start switch configuration)
3A and 3B show an engine start switch according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 3A is a front view of the engine start switch, and FIG. 3B is a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 3, illustration of ECU6 and the engine 5 is abbreviate | omitted. In the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to those having the same or the same functions as those in the first embodiment.

  In this embodiment, instead of the knob assembly 13 of the first embodiment, the knob assembly 30 is configured so as to be detachable from the case 11 and having the function of a bullet key, and the engaging piece 14 and the fulcrums 12, 14a. The springs 12a and 20, the solenoid 15, the holder 18, and the stopper 19 are removed, and other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment. That is, the knob assembly 30 is a separation member that is separated from the case 11 as a main body and functions as a bullet key.

  As shown in FIG. 3 (a), the knob assembly 30 includes a main body 30a and a light guide 30b. The main body 30a is provided with an antenna coil 32 so as to face the transponder 31 and the antenna coil 21. Has been. An LED lamp 23 is disposed at the rear end of the light guide 30b.

  A movable contact 22 is movably disposed below the printed circuit board 17 in the case 11. A protrusion 33 is provided on the outer surface of the tip of the movable contact 22 so as to be able to appear and retract. The protrusion 33 is housed in a recess 34 provided in the movable contact 22 and is always urged outward by a spring 35. The knob assembly 30 is engaged with the distal end portion of the movable contact 22 by fitting the recess 30 c of the knob assembly 30 to the protrusion 33.

  The case 11 is provided with finger insertion recesses 36A and 36B so that when the knob assembly 30 is taken out, both sides of the knob assembly 30 can be easily grasped by two fingers.

(Engine start switch operation)
4A and 4B show a state where the knob assembly is removed from the engine start switch of FIG. 3, where FIG. 4A is a front view and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG.

  Next, the operation of the engine start switch will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 3, when the portable device 4 is brought close to the knob assembly 30, the power signal and the request signal reach the portable device 4 from the engine start switch 1. A DC power source is generated in the portable device 4 by the power signal, the transponder of the portable device 4 operates, and the request signal superimposed on the power signal is detected by the detection circuit.

  When the CPU of the portable device 4 identifies that the request signal from the antenna coil 21 is a request signal from the automobile corresponding to the portable device 4, the CPU of the portable device 4 reads out from the EEPROM in the portable device 4. The ID code is converted into radio waves of a predetermined frequency and transmitted from the built-in antenna coil.

  The ID code from the portable device 4 is received by the antenna coil 21 of the engine start switch 1, and the microcomputer on the printed circuit board 17 demodulates the signal received by the antenna coil 21 to generate an ID code, which is demodulated. The ID code and the ID code registered in the EEPROM on the printed circuit board 17 are compared, and based on the ID verification result, based on the ID verification result, the engine 5 is allowed to start.

  When the knob assembly 30 is pushed after the start of the engine 5 is permitted, the movable contact 22 moves, so that the contact of the movable contact 22 comes into contact with the contact of the fixed contact 28 and the ignition switch is turned on. A start signal is transmitted from the switch 1 to the ECU 6. The ECU 6 that has received the start signal starts a starter (not shown), thereby starting the engine 5.

  The microcomputer of the engine start switch 1 does not permit the engine 5 to start when the ID code of the portable device 4 and the ID code of the engine start switch 1 do not match. At this time, even if the knob assembly 30 is pushed, the microcomputer does not transmit a start signal to the ECU 6, so the engine 5 does not start. Thereby, theft can be prevented.

  Next, when the engine 5 is to be stopped, the driver stops the vehicle at a safe place, applies the parking brake by stepping on the brake, and pushes the knob assembly 30 to stop the engine 5.

(Removing the bullet key)
Next, in a hotel or the like, when a valet key is handed over to the valet parking staff and the car is deposited, the driver (owner) brings the portable device 4 close to the knob assembly 30 and points the recesses 36A and 36B of the engine start switch 1 to each other. , Put a finger around the knob assembly 30 to apply an appropriate tensile force to the knob assembly 30, and remove the knob assembly 30 from the case 11. This state is shown in FIG. When the knob assembly 30 is removed, since the authentication is performed by the portable device 4, the engine start switch 1 recognizes the knob assembly 30 as a bullet key. The driver hands the removed knob assembly 30, that is, the valet key, to the valet parking staff and deposits the car.

  Even after the knob assembly 30 is removed, the engine can be started by the portable device 4 if the portable device 4 is brought close to the engine start switch 1 and the ID code is authenticated.

  The valet parking staff moves the knob assembly 30 closer to the engine start switch 1 when moving the vehicle. Thereby, the ID code of the knob assembly 30 and the ID code of the engine start switch 1 are collated by the microcomputer on the printed circuit board 17, and when the ID code matches, the ECU 6 turns on the LED lamp 23 to the user. Notice.

  Here, if the valet parking staff presses the marking surface of the movable contact 22 shown in FIG. 4B with a finger, the ignition switch is turned on, and a start signal is sent from the engine start switch 1 to the ECU 6. The ECU 6 that has received the start signal starts a starter (not shown) to start the engine 5.

  When the knob assembly 30 is taken out without performing authentication by the portable device 4, the knob assembly 30 is not recognized as a bullet key, so that the knob assembly 30 is brought close to the engine start switch 1 and the movable contact 22 is pushed. However, the engine does not start.

(Effect of the second embodiment)
According to the second embodiment, since the knob assembly 30 is also used as the bullet key, the carrying of the bullet key can be eliminated.

  In the above-described embodiment, the knob assembly 30 is configured to be locked by the protrusion 33, so that anyone can easily remove it. As a measure to prevent this, similarly to the first embodiment, the solenoid 15 and the engaging piece 14 are used, and when the ID code of the portable device 4 and the ID code of the engine start switch 1 coincide, It can be configured to release the lock.

  In this case, if the ID code of the portable device 4 and the ID code of the engine start switch 1 do not match, the knob assembly 30 cannot be removed. However, if the knob assembly 30 is forcibly removed, the ECU 6 issues an alarm and warns. . Note that the knob assembly 30 that is forcibly opened and taken out is not authenticated by the portable device 4 and therefore does not function as a bullet key, so the vehicle cannot be moved.

[Third Embodiment]
In this embodiment, the knob assembly 30 is not used as a bullet key in the second embodiment, but is used as a spare for the portable device 4, and the other configurations are the same as those in the second embodiment. It is. By making the knob assembly 30 a spare for the portable device 4, the knob assembly 30 can be used in place of the portable device 4 even when the battery of the portable device 4 is reduced or the portable device 4 is lost.

[Other embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from or changing the technical idea of the present invention.

The engine start switch and engine start system which concern on the 1st Embodiment of this invention are shown, (a) is a front view of an engine start switch, (b) is the cross section of the AA line of the engine start switch of (a). It is a figure and the connection diagram of an engine start system. It is a front view which shows the other structural example of the engaging piece and solenoid in 1st Embodiment. The engine start switch which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is shown, (a) is a front view of an engine start switch, (b) is the BB sectional drawing of (a). The state which removed the knob assembly from the engine start switch of FIG. 3 is shown, (a) is a front view, (b) is CC sectional view taken on the line of (a).

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Engine start switch 2 Bullet key 3 Bullet switch 4 Portable machine 5 Engine 11 Case 12, 14a Support point 13 Knob assembly 13a Light guide 13b Knob 14 Engagement piece 14a Support point 15 Solenoid 15a Shaft 16 Connector 17 Printed circuit board 18 Holder 19 Stopper 20 Spring 21 Antenna coil 22 Movable contact 23 LED lamp 24 Engagement piece 25 Spring 26 Stopper 27 Screw 28 Fixed contact 30 Knob assembly 30a Main body 30b Light guide 30c Recess 31 Transponder 32 Antenna coil 33 Protrusion 34 Recess 35 Spring 36A, 36B Recess 100 Engine start system

Claims (2)

A transponder that performs wireless communication between a portable device having an immobilizer function and a bullet key;
A lid member that closes an opening that houses the bullet key;
A control unit that controls opening and closing of the lid member based on an ID collation result of the transponder;
An engine start switch characterized by comprising A transponder that communicates wirelessly with a portable device having an immobilizer function;
A separating member that is separated from the main body and functions as a bullet key;
A control unit for controlling separation of the separation member based on an ID collation result of the transponder;
An engine start switch characterized by comprising

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