JP2009209866A - Vehicle control device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicle control device capable of surely obtaining an ecological running effect even if an occupant except a driver touches a steering wheel. <P>SOLUTION: This vehicle control device comprises: an engine for generating the wheel driving force; a steering wheel provided opposite to a driver's seat so as to change direction of wheels; an electric field generating means built in any one of the steering wheel and the driver's seat so as to generate an electric field in a body of the driver touching the steering wheel or the driver seating on the driver's seat; an electric field detecting means built in the other of the steering wheel and the driver's seat so as to detect the electric field generated in the body of the driver; and a control means for starting the engine (S507) when the electric field detecting means detects the electric field generated by the electric field generating means (S505) in an engine stop (S501). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle control device applied to an eco-run system.

This eco-run system has an idling stop function that skillfully uses starting and stopping of the engine, and the engine operates only when necessary.
Specifically, for example, when the engine reaches an idling state as in a signal waiting state, the engine is stopped, and then the engine is restarted when the signal waiting state is resolved. Thereby, eco-run effects such as fuel saving and CO ₂ reduction can be obtained.

  Here, as a technique for obtaining the idling stop function, steering having switches for starting and stopping the engine is disclosed (for example, refer to Patent Documents 1 and 2). The switch is installed in the center cover part or wheel part of the steering, and when the driver depresses the switch, the engine can be started and stopped.

  Further, a steering having a pressure-sensitive sensor is also disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 3). When the driver removes his / her hand from the steering, the engine stops, and when the driver touches the steering, the engine restarts. To do. It is also known that the engine can be started and stopped according to the depression of the brake pedal.

JP 2000-34939 A JP 2002-235574 A JP 2000-228126 A

However, the above-described conventional technique has a problem that the engine restarts when an occupant other than the driver touches the switch or the steering wheel while the engine is stopped. This is because the switch and steering can be easily touched not only by the driver but also by other passengers.
In the case of a configuration in which the engine is started or stopped in response to a depression operation of the brake pedal, a configuration such as a brake control unit is required separately, and there is a problem that the system becomes complicated.

On the other hand, a similar problem occurs during engine operation. In other words, if an occupant other than the driver is touching the switch or steering while the engine is running, the engine will not stop.
In this way, measures are required to prevent erroneous operations by passengers other than the driver, but none of the above conventional techniques give special consideration.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle control device that can solve the above-described problems and that can reliably obtain an eco-run effect even when a passenger other than the driver touches the steering wheel.

  In order to achieve the above object, a first invention provides an engine that generates driving force for a wheel, a steering wheel that is installed opposite to a driver's seat and changes the direction of the wheel, and either the steering wheel or the driver's seat. Built-in, electric field generating means for generating an electric field in the body of the driver who touches the steering wheel or in the driver's seat, and built in either the steering wheel or the driver's seat. Electric field detection means for detecting the generated electric field, and control means for starting the engine when the engine is stopped and the electric field detection means detects the electric field generated by the electric field generation means.

According to the first invention, the vehicle control device has an electric field generating means, an electric field detecting means, and a control means.
This electric field generating means is built in either the steering wheel or the driver's seat. The electric field generating means generates an electric field on the body of the driver who touches the steering wheel or the driver seated on the driver's seat.

  On the other hand, the electric field detection means is built in either the steering wheel or the driver's seat and detects the electric field generated in the driver's body. The control means starts the engine when the electric field detection means detects an electric field generated by the electric field generation means while the engine is stopped.

In this way, if human body communication is used for the eco-run technology, even if an occupant other than the driver touches the steering wheel while the engine is stopped, the electric field detection means does not detect the electric field, so the engine does not start. As a result, an eco-run effect (fuel saving, CO ₂ reduction, etc.) can be reliably obtained as compared with the conventional case. Further, a unit for starting the engine is not necessary, and a simple configuration is sufficient.

A second invention further comprises a brake for braking the wheel and a brake sensor for detecting an operation state of the brake in the configuration of the first invention, and the control means detects the operation state of the brake. And when an electric field detection means detects the electric field by an electric field generation means, it is characterized by starting an engine.
According to the second invention, in addition to the operation of the first invention, the control means is not only when the electric field detection means detects the electric field generated by the electric field generation means while the engine is stopped, but also when the vehicle is stopped. Is a weighting condition for starting the engine. As a result, the engine is started after ensuring the stop state of the vehicle, which contributes to improving the safety of the vehicle.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, the control device further comprises an accelerator for driving the wheel and an accelerator sensor for detecting an operation state of the accelerator, and the control means detects the operation state of the accelerator. And when an electric field detection means detects the electric field by an electric field generation means, it is characterized by starting an engine.
According to the third invention, in addition to the operation of the first invention, the control means not only allows the electric field detection means to detect the electric field generated by the electric field generation means while the engine is stopped, but also permits the vehicle to start. The state is a weighting condition for starting the engine. In this case, since the engine is started after confirming the intention to start the vehicle, the engine can be started quickly.

  In a fourth aspect based on the first to third aspects, the electric field generating means has first storage means for storing a unique identification signal, and the control means is the same identification signal as the unique identification signal. The electric field generation means modulates the unique identification signal to generate an electric field in the driver's body, and the control means has the electric field detection means by the electric field generation means. As a result of detecting and demodulating the signal, if the same identification signal as the identification signal stored in the second storage means is obtained, the engine is started.

  According to the fourth invention, in addition to the effects of the first to third inventions, an electric field is applied to the body of another passenger except the driver by means other than the electric field generating means (for example, a portable device). If the control means collates the received identification signal with the stored identification signal and determines that the received identification signal is a legitimate identification signal, the engine is turned on. Since the engine is started, the eco-run effect can be obtained more reliably.

  According to a fifth aspect of the invention for achieving the above object, there is provided an engine for generating a driving force for a wheel, a steering device installed opposite to a driver's seat and changing the direction of the wheel, and either the steering wheel or the driver's seat. Built-in, electric field generating means for generating an electric field in the body of the driver who touches the steering wheel or in the driver's seat, and built in either the steering wheel or the driver's seat. Electric field detection means for detecting the generated electric field, and control means for stopping the engine when the engine is in operation and the electric field detection means stops detecting the electric field generated by the electric field generation means.

According to the fifth aspect, the vehicle control device includes the electric field generating means, the electric field detecting means, and the control means.
This electric field generating means is built in either the steering wheel or the driver's seat. The electric field generating means generates an electric field on the body of the driver who touches the steering wheel or the driver seated on the driver's seat.

  On the other hand, the electric field detection means is built in either the steering wheel or the driver's seat and detects the electric field generated in the driver's body. The control means stops the engine when the electric field detection means stops detecting the electric field generated by the electric field generation means during operation of the engine.

  In this way, if human body communication is used in the eco-run technology, even if an occupant other than the driver touches the steering wheel while the engine is running, the electric field generating means generates an electric field on the other occupant. First, when the electric field detected by the driver is no longer detected by the electric field detecting means, the engine stops. As a result, the eco-run effect can be reliably obtained as compared with the conventional case. Further, a unit for stopping the engine is not necessary, and a simple configuration is sufficient.

A sixth invention further comprises a vehicle speed sensor for detecting the speed of the vehicle in the configuration of the fifth invention, wherein the control means detects the substantially zero speed of the vehicle, and the electric field detection means The engine is stopped when the electric field generated by the electric field generating means is no longer detected.
According to the sixth invention, in addition to the action of the fifth invention, the control means is not only when the electric field detection means detects the electric field generated by the electric field generation means during operation of the engine, but also when the vehicle is stopped. Is a weighting condition for stopping the engine. As a result, the engine is stopped after confirming the stop state of the vehicle, which contributes to improving the safety of the vehicle.

  In a seventh aspect based on the fifth or sixth aspect, the electric field generating means has first storage means for storing a unique identification signal, and the control means is the same identification signal as the unique identification signal. The electric field generation means modulates the unique identification signal to generate an electric field in the driver's body, and the control means has the electric field detection means by the electric field generation means. As a result of detecting and demodulating the signal, if the same identification signal as the identification signal stored in the second storage means is obtained, the engine is stopped.

  According to the seventh invention, in addition to the effects of the fifth and sixth inventions, an electric field is applied to the body of another occupant excluding the driver by means other than the electric field generating means (for example, a portable device). If the control means collates the received identification signal with the stored identification signal and determines that the received identification signal is a legitimate identification signal, the engine is turned on. Since it is stopped, the eco-run effect can be obtained more reliably.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle control device that can prevent an erroneous operation by an occupant other than the driver and reliably obtain an eco-run effect.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a driver's seat 4 of a vehicle 1, and an instrument panel 2 is disposed in front of the driver's seat 4 along the vehicle width direction. A windshield 6 is provided in front of the panel 2 so that the traveling direction of the vehicle 1 can be seen from the driver seat 4.

The vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment includes an engine room in front of the windshield 6, and an engine for generating wheel driving force is disposed in the engine room.
On the other hand, a steering 10 is provided behind the panel 2. The steering 10 is disposed so as to face the driver's seat 4 and is rotatably attached to the tip of a column 11 extending from the lower side of the panel 2 toward the driver's seat 4. And if this steering 10 rotates, the direction of the said wheel will change and the advancing direction of the vehicle 1 will be changed.

When viewed from the traveling direction of the vehicle 1, a passenger seat 5 is provided on the right side of the driver seat 4 in this embodiment (FIG. 2), and a rear seat is also provided behind the driver seat 4 and the passenger seat 5. The passenger seat 5 and the rear seat can be seated by other passengers except the driver.
Returning to FIG. 1 again, a shift lever 12 is attached to the peripheral wall of the column 11 so as to be movable up and down, and the lever 12 extends toward the passenger seat 5.

  In the driver's seat 4, instruments 8 for displaying the speed, travel distance, shift position, etc. of the vehicle 1 are arranged in front of the panel 2. A brake pedal and an accelerator are disposed at appropriate positions below the panel 2. A pedal is provided. Each of these pedals is configured to be able to be depressed by the driver. When the driver depresses the brake pedal, the wheel is braked, and when the accelerator pedal is depressed, the wheel is driven.

In front of the panel 2, an air outlet 14 is formed by an air conditioning device, and the air is sent from the outlet 14 toward the driver's seat 4, the passenger seat 5, and the like.
A monitor 16 is installed on the upper surface of the panel 2 between the driver seat 4 and the passenger seat 5. The monitor 16 is a component of the navigation device, and the display screen is configured to display a map, an operation menu, and the like when the device is activated. The monitor 16 may be embedded at an appropriate position on the panel 2.

  A center console 18 is installed between the driver seat 4 and the passenger seat 5. The console 18 protrudes from the lower side of the panel 2 toward the rear of the vehicle 1, and the console 18 is provided with a slot of an audio device, and this slot is configured to allow insertion of a CD, MD, or the like. Further, the console 18 is also provided with an operation device 20, and can operate each device such as the above-described air conditioning apparatus.

Incidentally, an electric field generating means 28 is provided in the driver's seat 4 of the present embodiment.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the electric field generating means 28 has an output electrode 24 for human body communication and a transmitter 26 for human body communication, and the output electrode 24 of this embodiment is operated. Built in the cushion 4a of the seat 4 (FIG. 2). Further, the output electrode 24 is electrically connected to the transmission side control unit 30 via the transmitter 26.

  The control unit 30 outputs, for example, a transmission command with a certain interrupt cycle to the transmitter 26, and the transmitter 26 generates a potential signal according to the transmission command and drives the output electrode 24. As a result, the output electrode 24 can generate an electric field in the body of the driver seated in the driver's seat 4. In other words, the output electrode 24 of the present embodiment generates an electric field in the body of an occupant who is not seated in the driver's seat 4 even when seated in a seat other than the driver's seat 4, that is, the passenger seat 5 or the rear seat. It is configured not to let you.

Further, the electric field generating means 28 of this embodiment has a transmission side storage section (first storage means) for storing a unique ID (identification signal) in the driver's seat 4, and modulates the unique ID. An electric field is generated in the body of the driver seated in the driver's seat 4.
On the other hand, the steering 10 of this embodiment is provided with electric field detection means 38.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the electric field detection means 38 includes a detection electrode 34 for human body communication and a receiver 36 for human body communication, and the detection electrode 34 of the present embodiment. Is built in the wheel portion of the steering 10.

  The detection electrode 34 has a sensing element that detects an electric field generated in the driver's body by touching the steering 10, converts the detection signal into an electric signal, and outputs the electric signal. In other words, when the driver leaves the steering wheel 10, the detection electrode 34 of the present embodiment does not detect the electric field even if an electric field is generated, and other occupants excluding the driver do not touch the steering wheel 10. Even if touched, an electric field is not generated in the first place, so that the electric field is not detected.

The detection electrode 34 is electrically connected to a reception-side control unit (control unit) 40 via a receiver 36 that performs A / D conversion of the electrical signal. The control unit 40 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an I / O. It is composed of an electronic circuit module having a peripheral IC such as a controller.
In addition, the control unit 40 of the present embodiment has a reception-side storage unit (second storage unit) that stores the same ID as the above-described unique ID, and results of demodulating the reception data from the receiver 36 When it is determined that the received ID is a regular ID, various controls of the vehicle are executed.

Specifically, the control unit 40 also has a function as an engine control device. In addition to the receiver 36 described above, various signals related to engine control and travel control of the vehicle 1 are input to the control unit 40. The
More specifically, various sensors for detecting the operating state of the engine such as the brake sensor 52, the accelerator sensor 54, the vehicle speed sensor 56, and the engine rotation speed sensor 58 are electrically connected to the input side of the control unit 40. ing. On the other hand, various actuators such as an engine starting motor 60 are electrically connected to the output side of the control unit 40.

The brake sensor 52 detects the amount of depression of the brake pedal by the driver. When the sensor 52 detects a predetermined amount of depression, the control unit 40 can determine whether the vehicle 1 is stopped.
Further, the accelerator sensor 54 detects the depression amount of the accelerator pedal by the driver, and when the sensor 54 detects a predetermined depression amount, the control unit 40 can confirm the intention to start or the acceleration of the vehicle 1.

  Furthermore, the vehicle speed sensor 56 of the present embodiment detects the rotational speed of the wheels. When the sensor 56 detects a substantially zero rotational speed of the wheel, the speed of the vehicle 1 is assumed to be substantially zero, so that the control unit 40 can confirm the stop state of the vehicle 1 When a rotational speed greater than substantially zero is detected, the traveling state of the vehicle 1 can be confirmed.

  The engine rotational speed sensor 58 detects the rotational speed of the crankshaft of the engine. No load state, for example, a detection signal from the vehicle speed sensor 56 or a detection signal from the accelerator sensor 54 is not input, and When the sensor 58 detects the minimum rotation speed of the crankshaft and this state has been continued for a predetermined period, the control unit 40 can determine the idling state of the engine.

Therefore, the control unit 40 shuts off the electric circuit of the engine system and stops the engine (idling stop). On the other hand, when the start operation of the vehicle 1 is detected in the idling stop state, the control unit 40 drives the engine starting motor 60 and restarts the engine in this embodiment.
As described above, the control unit 40 according to the present embodiment executes the eco-run control that skillfully uses engine start and stop.

Next, referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a flowchart of eco-run control by the receiving side control unit 40. Hereinafter, the operation of the vehicle control device of the present invention will be described.
In step S501 of the figure, it is determined whether or not the engine is in an operating state. When the engine speed sensor 58 detects at least the minimum speed of the crankshaft, that is, when it is determined YES, the process proceeds to step S502, and it is determined whether or not a vehicle speed signal is input.

In step S502, when the vehicle speed sensor 56 detects the rotational speed of the wheel exceeding substantially zero, the traveling state of the vehicle 1 can be confirmed, and the series of routines are exited.
On the other hand, if the vehicle speed sensor 56 detects the substantially zero rotation speed of the wheel in the step S502 and the minimum rotation speed has continued for a predetermined period, the engine has reached an idling state, so NO In step S503, it is determined whether there is an input for human body communication.

  Specifically, when the driver is seated on the driver's seat 4, an electric field including a modulated unique ID is induced from the output electrode 24 of the driver's seat 4 to the driver's body. Here, when the driver's hand touches the steering wheel 10, the detection electrode 34 of the steering wheel 10 detects the electric field. If the received ID is a regular ID, it is determined in step S503 that there is an input for human body communication, and a series of routines are exited.

  On the other hand, when the driver's hand moves away from the steering wheel 10, the detection electrode 34 does not detect the electric field detected so far. Therefore, in step S503, even if an electric field is generated, there is no input of human body communication, that is, it is determined as NO, and the process proceeds to step S504 to cut off the electric circuit of the engine system. As described above, when the predetermined electric field is not detected even though the engine is idling, the engine is stopped and the series of routines are exited.

  In this step S503, the driver's hand is away from the steering wheel 10, but even if another occupant's hand other than the driver touches the steering wheel 10, the human body communication is still performed. There is no input, that is, NO is determined, and the process proceeds to step S504, where the engine is stopped. This is because an electric field is not generated in the other occupant's body, and this electric field cannot be detected.

By the way, when the engine speed sensor 58 does not detect the rotational speed of the crankshaft as in the idling stop state in step S504, the process proceeds from step S501 to step S505 to determine whether or not there is an input of human body communication. Determine.
In step S505, when the driver's hand touches the steering wheel 10, an electric field induced in the body is detected by the detection electrode 34, so that there is an input of human body communication, that is, it is determined as YES. Then, the process proceeds to step S506.

  Subsequently, in this step S506, it is determined whether or not the stop state of the vehicle 1 is secured. When the brake sensor 52 detects a predetermined depression amount, that is, when it is determined YES, the process proceeds to step S507. For example, when a start operation of the vehicle is detected, such as detection of the depression amount by the accelerator sensor 54, a drive signal is output to the starter motor 60. In this way, on condition that a predetermined electric field is detected in the idling stop state, the engine is restarted and a series of routines are exited.

  If there is no human body communication input in step S505, the series of routines are immediately exited to continue the idling stop state. Further, in step S505, the driver's hand is away from the steering wheel 10, while the other passenger's hand other than the driver touches the steering wheel 10 as well. No input is made, that is, it is determined as NO, and a series of routines are immediately exited and the idling stop state is continued. In this case as well, no electric field is generated in the body of the other passenger, and this electric field cannot be detected.

Furthermore, when the brake sensor 52 does not detect the predetermined depression amount in step S506, the stop state of the vehicle 1 is not secured, so that the series of routines is immediately exited at this time as well.
By the way, the intention to start the vehicle may be confirmed instead of the determination of securing the stop state of the vehicle in the step S506.

Specifically, the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 is similar to the above-described embodiment, and stops the engine when the vehicle 1 stops and the driver's hand leaves the steering wheel 10 (steps S601 to S604), and thereafter When the driver's hand touches the steering wheel 10, the engine is restarted.
However, in this embodiment, in step S605, after the driver's hand touches the steering wheel 10 and there is an input of human body communication, that is, it is determined YES, in step S606, it is determined whether or not an accelerator signal is input. is doing.

More specifically, when the accelerator sensor 54 detects a predetermined depression amount, that is, when it is determined YES, the process proceeds to step S607, and a drive signal is output to the starter motor 60.
Therefore, in this case, it is not necessary to detect the start operation of the vehicle 1 described above.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the vehicle control device includes the electric field generation means 28, the electric field detection means 38, and the reception side control unit 40.
The output electrode 24 of the electric field generating means 28 is built in the cushion 4 a of the driver seat 4. The electric field generating means 28 generates an electric field in the body of the driver who is seated in the driver seat 4.

  On the other hand, the detection electrode 34 of the electric field detection means 38 is built in the steering 10 and detects the electric field generated in the driver's body. The reception side control unit 40 restarts the engine when the electric field detection unit 38 detects an electric field generated by the electric field generation unit 28 while the engine is stopped, more specifically, when the driver touches the steering wheel 10. Start.

Thus, if human body communication is used for the eco-run technology, even if an occupant other than the driver is touching the steering wheel 10 while the engine is stopped, the electric field detection means 38 does not detect the electric field, so the engine Does not start. As a result, when an occupant other than the driver touches the steering wheel while the engine is stopped, an eco-run effect (save fuel, reduce CO ₂ , etc.) can be reliably obtained as compared to the conventional case where the engine has started. And a simple configuration is sufficient.

  Further, the receiving side control unit 40 uses the detection signal of the brake sensor 52 to detect the stop state of the vehicle 1 not only when the electric field detection unit 38 detects the electric field generated by the electric field generation unit 28 while the engine is stopped. A weighting condition for restarting. As a result, the engine restart is performed after ensuring the stop state of the vehicle 1, which contributes to improving the safety of the vehicle 1.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the receiving side control unit 40 uses the detection signal of the accelerator sensor 54 to detect not only the case where the electric field detection unit 38 detects the electric field generated by the electric field generation unit 28 while the engine is stopped. The start permission state of the vehicle 1 is set as a weighting condition for engine restart. In this case, since the engine restart is performed after confirming the intention to start the vehicle 1, the engine can be restarted quickly.

On the other hand, when the electric field detection unit 38 stops detecting the electric field generated by the electric field generation unit 28 during operation of the engine, more specifically, when the driver leaves the steering wheel 10, Stop.
In this way, if human body communication is used for the eco-run technology, even if an occupant other than the driver touches the steering wheel 10 while the engine is running, the electric field generating means 28 applies an electric field to the other occupant. If the electric field detected by the driver is no longer detected by the electric field detecting means 38 without being generated, the engine stops. As a result, when an occupant other than the driver touches the steering wheel while the engine is running, the above-mentioned eco-run effect can be obtained more reliably than in the conventional case where the engine has not stopped, and a simple configuration. Just do it.

  Further, the receiving side control unit 40 uses the detection signal of the vehicle speed sensor 56 to detect the stop state of the vehicle 1 not only when the electric field detection unit 38 detects the electric field generated by the electric field generation unit 28 while the engine is running. A weighting condition for stopping. Thereby, the engine is stopped after confirming the stop state of the vehicle 1, which contributes to improving the safety of the vehicle 1.

  Furthermore, even if an electric field is generated in the body of another occupant other than the driver by means other than the electric field generating means 28 (for example, a portable device), the receiving-side control unit 40 receives the received unique Since the engine is restarted or stopped only when the ID is compared with the stored ID and it is determined that the received ID is a legitimate ID, the eco-run effect can be obtained more reliably. .

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, a part of the configurations of the above embodiments can be omitted or arbitrarily combined so as to be different from the above.
Moreover, although the output electrode 24 of the said Example is incorporated in the cushion 4a of the driver's seat 4, it is not necessarily limited to this form, For example, you may incorporate in the seat back 4b and the headrest 4c. Alternatively, it may be built in a portable device owned by the driver.

Further, in the above embodiment, the electric field generating means 28 is provided in the driver's seat 4 and the electric field detecting means 38 is provided in the steering 10. However, the electric field generating means may be provided in the steering 10 and the electric field detecting means may be provided in the driver's seat 4.
The electric field generating means in this case can generate an electric field on the body of the occupant who touched the steering wheel 10. In other words, an electric field is generated when the steering wheel 10 is touched by the driver and other passengers other than the driver.

  On the other hand, the electric field detection means in this case detects the electric field generated in the driver's body by being seated in the driver's seat 4. In other words, when the driver leaves the steering wheel 10, the electric field is not generated, so the electric field is not detected, and even if other occupants except the driver touch the steering wheel 10, they are seated in the driver's seat 4. Therefore, even if an electric field is generated, the electric field is not detected.

  In this case as well, as described above, even if an occupant other than the driver is touching the steering wheel 10, an eco-run effect can be obtained with certainty.

It is explanatory drawing of the compartment provided with the vehicle control apparatus of a present Example. It is the figure which looked at the compartment of FIG. 1 from the advancing direction of the vehicle. It is a control block diagram of the transmission side in the vehicle control apparatus of FIG. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram on the receiving side in the vehicle control device of FIG. 1. It is a flowchart of the eco-run control by the vehicle control apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart of the eco-run control by the vehicle control apparatus in another Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle 4 Driver's seat 10 Steering 28 Electric field generation means 38 Electric field detection means 40 Reception side control part (control means)
52 Brake sensor 54 Accelerator sensor 56 Vehicle speed sensor

Claims (7)

An engine that generates driving force for the wheels;
A steering wheel that is installed facing the driver's seat and changes the direction of the wheels;
Electric field generating means that is built in either the steering or the driver's seat and generates an electric field on the body of the driver who touches the steering wheel or the driver seated on the driver's seat;
An electric field detection means built in either the steering or the driver's seat and detecting an electric field generated in the driver's body;
A vehicle control device comprising: control means for starting the engine when the engine is stopped and the electric field detection means detects an electric field generated by the electric field generation means. The vehicle control device according to claim 1,
A brake for braking the wheel;
A brake sensor for detecting an operation state of the brake;
The control means starts the engine when the brake sensor detects an operation state of the brake and the electric field detection means detects an electric field generated by the electric field generation means. . The vehicle control device according to claim 1,
An accelerator for driving the wheel;
An accelerator sensor for detecting the operation state of the accelerator;
The vehicle control apparatus characterized in that the control means starts the engine when the accelerator sensor detects an operation state of the accelerator and the electric field detection means detects an electric field generated by the electric field generation means. . The vehicle control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The electric field generating means has first storage means for storing a unique identification signal, while the control means has second storage means for storing the same identification signal as the unique identification signal,
The electric field generating means modulates the unique identification signal to generate an electric field in the driver's body,
The control means controls the engine when the same identification signal as the identification signal stored in the second storage means is obtained as a result of the electric field detection means detecting and demodulating the electric field generated by the electric field generation means. A vehicle control device that is started. An engine that generates driving force for the wheels;
A steering wheel that is installed facing the driver's seat and changes the direction of the wheels;
Electric field generating means that is built in either the steering or the driver's seat and generates an electric field on the body of the driver who touches the steering wheel or the driver seated on the driver's seat;
An electric field detection means built in either the steering or the driver's seat and detecting an electric field generated in the driver's body;
A vehicle control device comprising: control means for stopping the engine when the engine is in operation and the electric field detection means stops detecting the electric field generated by the electric field generation means. The vehicle control device according to claim 5,
A vehicle speed sensor for detecting the speed of the vehicle;
The control means stops the engine when the vehicle speed sensor detects a substantially zero speed of the vehicle and the electric field detection means stops detecting the electric field generated by the electric field generation means. Vehicle control device. The vehicle control device according to claim 5 or 6,
The electric field generating means has first storage means for storing a unique identification signal, while the control means has second storage means for storing the same identification signal as the unique identification signal,
The electric field generating means modulates the unique identification signal to generate an electric field in the driver's body,
The control means controls the engine when the same identification signal as the identification signal stored in the second storage means is obtained as a result of the electric field detection means detecting and demodulating the electric field generated by the electric field generation means. A vehicle control device that is stopped.

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