JP2009287275A - Electronic key and electronic key system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic key which hardly produce a state in which an object for communication is illegally operated by a third person and an electronic key system. <P>SOLUTION: A communication control circuit 36 for performing a smart communication is provided to the key body 35 of a mobile device 4. An emergency key 39 formed of a mechanical key is storable in the key body 35. A transponder 34 is assembled in the emergency key 39. When the emergency key 39 is inserted into the key body 35, the communication control circuit 36 performs an immobilizer communication with the transponder 34 of the emergency key 39, and registers the transponder code of the transponder 34 therein as a key code used for the smart communication. Namely, the transponder code of the transponder 34 of the emergency key 39 is used by both the smart communication and the immobilizer communication. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic key and an electronic key system for sending a unique key code of a key to a lock side by wireless communication.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an electronic key system using an electronic key (hereinafter referred to as a portable device) that wirelessly transmits a unique key code of itself to the vehicle is widely used in the vehicle. One type of this electronic key system is a key operation free system that automatically transmits a key code of a portable device regardless of the user's will. This key operation free system wirelessly transmits a key code reply request from the vehicle, and when the vehicle receives the key code returned by the portable device in response to this request, the vehicle uses this key code to perform key verification (so-called smart verification). If the smart verification at this time is established, for example, door locking / unlocking and engine starting are permitted or executed.

In this type of electronic key system, the key code is transmitted using the battery built in the portable device as a power source. For example, when the portable device runs out of battery, the key code can be transmitted from the portable device. Therefore, the door lock / unlock operation and the engine start operation cannot be performed. Therefore, in general, a portable device body of a portable device often stores a mechanical key as an emergency key so that at least the door lock of the vehicle can be locked and unlocked when the battery runs out. Therefore, when the portable device runs out of battery, the mechanical key is removed from the portable device body, and the mechanical key is inserted into the key cylinder of the door handle knob on the outside of the vehicle and turned to operate and lock and unlock the door. . Note that this type of system is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1 and the like.
JP 2004-190323 A

  By the way, in a portable device equipped with this type of mechanical key as an emergency key, a mechanical key inserted into the portable device body by a third party who plans unauthorized entry into the vehicle is illegally replaced by another mechanical key. It is also assumed that they are exchanged. At this time, the portable device body is a false key but the mechanical key itself is inserted, so the user cannot immediately notice that the mechanical key has been replaced with the false key, and the mechanical key In order for the user to know that the exchange has been made, it is time to actually operate the unauthorized key. Therefore, while the key is exchanged, a third party who has stolen a regular mechanical key can freely enter the car, for example, an on-vehicle device (car navigation system) can be operated without permission, There was concern that valuable items could be stolen.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic key and an electronic key system that can make it difficult for a communication target to be illegally operated by a third party.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, in the present invention, it is possible to perform key verification by wireless communication with a communication target by using two systems of first wireless communication and second wireless communication, each having a different communication format. If at least one of the first wireless verification according to the first wireless communication and the second wireless verification according to the second wireless communication is satisfied, it is considered that the key verification is satisfied, and the emergency key is mechanical. In an electronic key having a key housed in a key body, the first wireless communication component for the first wireless communication is provided in the key body, the first wireless verification is performed on the key body side, and the second wireless communication is performed. The second wireless communication component is provided in the emergency key, the second wireless verification is performed on the emergency key side, and the second wireless verification component registered in the second wireless communication component is used. A key code, and summarized in that shared between the second wireless collated with the first wireless verification.

  According to this configuration, the code registered as the second wireless verification key code in the second wireless communication component mounted on the emergency key is shared not only as the second wireless verification but also as the first wireless verification key code. To do. Thus, for example, if the emergency key inserted in the key body is illegally replaced by another key by a third party, the key code can be obtained for the first wireless communication component at this time. It becomes possible to make it impossible to take a state. Therefore, after such an unauthorized exchange of the emergency key is performed, for example, when the user tries the first wireless verification with the communication target using this electronic key, the user has not recognized the unauthorized key exchange until this point. However, since the first wireless verification is not established at this time, the user recognizes that the emergency key of the electronic key has been exchanged because the first wireless verification is not established. For this reason, it is possible to take measures such as promptly replacing the key cylinder to be communicated with the user or newly registering the key code registered in the vehicle. It is possible to make it difficult to generate a situation where the user is operated.

  In the present invention, detection means for detecting whether or not the emergency key is inserted into the key body, and when the detection means detects insertion of the emergency key into the key body, the second wireless communication component Registration means for performing an operation of registering a key code of a second wireless communication component in the first wireless communication component by performing an operation of acquiring a key code at a timing when the emergency key is inserted into the key body; The main point is that

  According to this configuration, when the emergency key is inserted into the key body, that is, when the emergency key is stored in the key body, is detected by the detection means, the key code of the second wireless communication component is assigned to the first wireless communication component with the detection timing. The operation of registering with the wireless communication component is executed by the registration means. That is, when the emergency key is inserted into the key body, registration of the key code to the first wireless communication component is executed. Therefore, since the first wireless communication component can acquire the key code from the second wireless communication component only once when the emergency key is inserted into the key body, for example, the first wireless communication component is connected to the first wireless communication component. It is possible to reduce the number of times of executing the code acquisition operation as compared with the case where the key code is acquired from the second wireless communication component each time communication is performed. For this reason, since the number of operations of the electronic key can be suppressed as much as possible, the energy saving of the electronic key can be achieved correspondingly.

In the present invention, comprising: a registration means for acquiring the key code registered in the second wireless communication component by wireless communication, and registering the key code as the key code of the first wireless communication component;
The antenna used when the first wireless communication component performs the first wireless communication, and the registration means used when registering the key code of the second wireless communication component in the first wireless communication component by wireless communication. The gist is that the antenna to be used is shared.

  According to this configuration, one antenna is shared when the first wireless communication component performs the first wireless communication and when the first wireless communication component acquires the key code from the second wireless communication component. As a result, the number of antenna components can be reduced compared to the case where a dedicated antenna is provided for each of these functions, so that the electronic key structure can be simplified and costs can be reduced. It becomes.

  In the present invention, the first wireless communication component when detecting that the emergency key is inserted into the key body and detecting that the emergency key has been removed from the key body. The gist of the present invention is to provide an erasing means for erasing the key code registered in.

  According to this configuration, when the emergency key is extracted from the key body, the key code registered on the key body side until then is deleted, and the key body does not fulfill the function as a key. Therefore, even if the key body after the emergency key has been extracted is stolen by a third party, this key body cannot establish communication with the communication target, so if the key body is stolen Even if you encounter a problem, you can avoid unauthorized use of the communication target.

  In the present invention, the detecting means for detecting whether or not the emergency key is inserted into the key body, and when the detecting means detects that the emergency key has been removed from the key body, before the key removing operation, The gist of the present invention is to include a holding means for holding the key code of the emergency key that has been inserted into the key body on the key body side even after the key is removed.

  According to this configuration, even if the emergency key is extracted from the key body, the key code that has been registered on the key body side until then is maintained, so that the key body maintains a state satisfying the function as a key. Therefore, for example, when using a valet parking service in which a key is given to a hotel employee and the vehicle is transported to a parking lot, the key body can be used as a valet key that is lent to a hotel employee. Therefore, the electronic key can be made highly convenient. Note that the glove box in the car is generally a mechanical key operation type, so even when lending the key body to a hotel employee etc. when using the valet key service, the glove box can be opened and closed freely. You do n’t have to. Therefore, even if the key body is lent to a third party, security against theft of goods in the glove box is ensured.

  In the present invention, key verification by wireless communication with a communication target can be executed by two systems of first wireless communication and second wireless communication, each having a different communication format, and conforms to the first wireless communication. If at least one of the first wireless verification and the second wireless verification according to the second wireless communication is established, it is considered that the key verification is established, and an electronic key in which a mechanical key is housed in the key body as an emergency key In the electronic key system in which a key is used as a key, the first wireless communication component for the first wireless communication is provided in the key body, the first wireless verification is performed on the key body side, and the second wireless communication The second wireless communication component for the emergency key is provided in the emergency key, the second wireless verification is performed on the emergency key side, and the second wireless communication component registered in the second wireless communication component 2 keycode for wireless verification, and summary to be shared between the second wireless collated with the first wireless verification.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can be made hard to produce the condition where the communication object is illegally operated by the third party.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of an electronic key and an electronic key system embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 1 is a kind of an electronic key system 2 that uses an electronic key as a vehicle key, and performs vehicle operations such as door locking / unlocking and engine start / stop without actual key operations. The key operation free system 3 that can be used is mounted. In the key operation free system 3, a portable device 4 capable of transmitting an ID code (key code) unique to a key by wireless communication is used as a vehicle key. The key operation free system 3 transmits a request signal Srq by narrow-range communication as an ID code reply request from the vehicle 1, and when the portable device 4 receives the request signal Srq, the portable device 4 responds to the request signal Srq by its own ID. The ID signal Sid carrying the code is automatically returned to the vehicle 1 by narrow area communication. When the ID code of the portable device 4 matches the ID code of the vehicle 1, door locking / unlocking and engine start / stop are permitted or executed. The vehicle 1 corresponds to a communication target, and the portable device 4 corresponds to an electronic key.

  The key operation free system 3 includes a smart entry system 5 as a function that does not require a key operation at the time of door lock locking / unlocking operation. In such a smart entry system 5, a verification ECU 6 is provided in the vehicle 1 as a controller that performs ID verification with the portable device 4. In addition, the vehicle 1 includes an out-of-vehicle LF transmitter 7 capable of transmitting an LF band signal outside the vehicle, an in-vehicle LF transmitter 8 capable of transmitting an LF band signal into the vehicle, and an RF band transmitted by the portable device 4. An RF receiver 9 capable of receiving signals is provided. In addition, a door ECU 10 that controls door locking / unlocking / unlocking is connected to the verification ECU 6 via an in-vehicle LAN 11. A door lock motor 12 is connected to the door ECU 10 as a drive source at the time of locking and unlocking the door lock.

  When the vehicle 1 is parked (the engine is stopped and the door lock is locked), the verification ECU 6 intermittently transmits the LF band request signal Srq from the outside LF transmitter 7, and the outside communication area of the request signal Srq around the vehicle. To establish wireless communication (hereinafter referred to as smart communication). When the portable device 4 enters the outside communication area and receives the request signal Srq, the portable device 4 responds to the request signal Srq and transmits the ID signal Sid carrying the ID code registered in its own memory 13 to the RF band. Reply with the signal. When smart communication is established when the RF receiver 9 receives the ID signal Sid, the verification ECU 6 compares the ID code registered in its own memory 14 with the ID code of the portable device 4, so-called smart verification. (External vehicle verification) is performed. When the verification ECU 6 recognizes that this outside verification has been established, the verification flag is set in the memory 14 for a certain period of time, and the touch sensor 16 embedded in the exterior door handle knob 15 is activated during that period. . When the door ECU 10 detects that the outside door handle knob 15 is touched by the activated touch sensor 16 when the door lock is locked, the door ECU 10 drives the door lock motor 12 to unlock the locked door lock. Smart communication has arrived at the first wireless communication, and smart verification corresponds to the first wireless verification.

  On the other hand, when the vehicle 1 is in a stopped state (engine stop and door lock unlocked state), the verification ECU 6 detects that the lock button 17 provided on the door handle knob 15 on the vehicle is pushed and operated. 7 sends a request signal Srq. When the verification ECU 6 receives the request signal Srq and recognizes that the verification outside the vehicle is established in the ID signal Sid returned from the portable device 4, the verification ECU 6 outputs a door lock locking request to the door ECU 10. When the door ECU 10 receives this door lock locking request when the door lock is unlocked, the door ECU 10 drives the door lock motor 12 to lock the unlocked door lock.

  Further, the key operation free system 3 has a one-push engine start function as a function capable of performing a start / stop operation of the engine 18 by a simple switch operation without requiring an actual vehicle key operation at the time of engine start / stop operation. There is a system 19. In such a one-push engine start system 19, an engine switch 20 is provided at the driver's seat of the vehicle 1 as an operation system for switching the power state (power position) of the vehicle 1. The engine switch 20 is a push type that pushes in and operates a switch operation unit 21 that is an operation location. Further, after the push operation, the switch operation unit 21 automatically returns to its original position when the hand is released from the switch operation unit 21. It has become.

  The vehicle 1 is provided with an engine ECU 22 that performs ignition control and fuel injection control of the engine 18, a shift ECU 23 that controls an automatic transmission based on operation of a select lever, and a power supply ECU 24 that performs power management of in-vehicle electrical components. It has been. These ECUs 22 to 24 and the in-vehicle LAN 11 are connected to various ECUs such as the verification ECU 6. Further, a vehicle speed sensor 25 that detects the speed of the vehicle 1 and a brake sensor 26 that detects an operation amount of a brake pedal are connected to the power supply ECU 24. Further, an ACC relay 27 connected to various on-vehicle accessories, an IG relay 28 connected to the engine ECU 22, and a starter relay 29 connected to the starter motor of the engine 18 are connected to the power supply ECU 24.

  The verification ECU 6 transmits a request signal Srq from the in-vehicle LF transmitter 8 when it recognizes that the driver has boarded by opening the door with the courtesy switch 30, for example, after the vehicle external verification is established and the door lock is unlocked. Thus, an in-vehicle communication area is formed throughout the vehicle. When the ID signal Sid returned by the portable device 4 entering the in-vehicle communication area is received by the RF receiver 9, the verification ECU 6 compares the ID code registered in itself with the ID code of the portable device 4. Verification, so-called smart verification (in-vehicle verification) is performed. When the in-vehicle collation is established, the collation ECU 6 sets an in-vehicle collation establishment flag in the memory 14 and recognizes that the in-vehicle collation is established.

  When the power supply ECU 24 detects that the engine switch 20 is pressed while the brake pedal is depressed while the engine 18 is stopped, the power supply ECU 24 starts the stopped engine 18 on condition that the vehicle interior verification is established. Accordingly, an activation signal is output to the engine ECU 22 while the three relays 27 to 29 are turned on. If this is not established when the in-vehicle collation is confirmed, the power supply ECU 24 causes the collation ECU 6 to re-execute in-vehicle collation and confirms once again whether or not the in-vehicle collation has been established. The engine ECU 22 that has received the start signal performs confirmation of the in-vehicle collation result and pairing for confirming whether the collation ECU 6 is paired with itself by encrypted communication. After confirming both of these conditions, the engine ECU 22 starts ignition control and fuel injection control and starts the engine 18. On the other hand, when the power supply ECU 24 detects that the engine switch 20 is pressed while the engine 18 is in operation, the three relays 27 to 29 are provided on the condition that the vehicle 1 is stopped (vehicle speed “0”). Are all turned off, and the engine 18 is stopped.

  In addition, the vehicle 1 is equipped with an immobilizer system 31 that performs key verification with the portable device 4 by immobilizer communication, which is a communication system different from smart communication. In this immobilizer system 31, the vehicle 1 is provided with an immobilizer ECU 32 that performs overall control of the immobilizer system 31. The immobilizer ECU 32 is connected to the verification ECU 6 via the in-vehicle LAN 11. A coiled antenna 33 is connected to the immobilizer ECU 32 as an antenna on the vehicle side of the immobilizer system 31. The antenna 33 is attached, for example, around the engine switch 20 and can transmit and receive LF band signals in this example.

  On the other hand, the portable device 4 includes a transponder 34 as an ID registration destination on the portable device 4 side in the immobilizer system 31. The transponder 34 can perform key collation with the antenna 33 of the vehicle 1 by short-range wireless communication. When the transponder 34 receives the driving radio wave Skd transmitted from the antenna 33, the transponder 34 starts driving by the driving radio wave Skd and directs the immobilization signal Str with the transponder code (key code), which is its own unique code, to the vehicle 1. Can be sent. The immobilizer ECU 32 performs immobilizer verification using the transponder code received from the transponder 34, and permits engine start if this verification is established. Note that short-range wireless communication refers to wireless communication having a narrower communication area than smart communication, and is actually wireless communication that needs to be close enough to hold the transponder 34 over the antenna 33. The immobilizer communication corresponds to the second wireless communication, the immobilizer verification corresponds to the second wireless verification, and the transponder 34 corresponds to the second wireless communication component.

  When the driver pushes the engine switch 20 to operate the engine 18, the power supply ECU 24 performs an engine start operation, that is, an on operation of the starter relay 29 because at least one of in-vehicle verification and immobilizer verification is established. to go into. This is because the portable device 4 is battery-driven, so if the battery runs out, the portable device 4 cannot execute smart communication. Therefore, even if the portable device 4 runs out of battery, it is based on wireless communication. This is because the engine 18 can be started under the conditions for establishing ID verification.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the key body 35 of the portable device 4 incorporates a communication control circuit 36 that performs overall control of the portable device 4. The communication control circuit 36 has a function of managing the wireless communication on the portable device 4 side when the portable device 4 performs wireless communication (smart communication) with the vehicle 1 and includes the memory 13 described above. The communication control circuit 36 is connected to the antenna 37 on the key side of the immobilizer system 31 described above. The antenna 37 is an LF antenna that is used not only for immobilizer communication but also for smart communication. As an antenna for receiving LF band signals for smart communication, the antenna 37 not only transmits and receives LF band signals for immobilizer communication. Also work. The communication control circuit 36 is connected to an RF antenna 38 that can transmit an RF band signal. The RF antenna 38 is an antenna used only for smart communication, and is a transmitting antenna capable of transmitting an RF band signal in smart communication. The communication control circuit 36, the LF antenna 37, and the RF antenna 38 constitute a first wireless communication component.

  The key body 35 houses an emergency key 39 formed of a mechanical key as a key used in an emergency such as when the battery of the portable device 4 runs out. The emergency key 39 is provided with a knob portion 40 that serves as a grip portion when the key is held, and a key plate 41 that extends from the knob portion 40 and has a key groove. The transponder 34 of this example is incorporated in the knob portion 40, and when the emergency key 39 is removed from the key body 35, the transponder 34 is separated from the key body 35 together with the key 39. A key insertion hole 42 is formed in the key body 35 at a position near the edge. The emergency key 39 is housed in the key body 35 with the knob 40 exposed to the outside of the key body 35 while the key plate 41 is inserted into the key insertion hole 42.

  In the key body 35, a key insertion detection unit 43 that detects whether or not the emergency key 39 is inserted into the key body 35 (storage presence or absence) is provided at the storage position of the knob portion 40. The key insertion detection unit 43 is composed of, for example, a contact switch, and monitors whether the emergency key 39 is inserted into the key body 35 by checking whether the knob unit 40 is in contact. When the key insertion detection unit 43 is turned on and detects the insertion of the emergency key 39, for example, the key insertion detection unit 43 outputs an on signal to the communication control circuit 36, while the key insertion detection unit 43 turns off and detects the insertion of the emergency key 39. When there is no more, for example, an off signal is output to the communication control circuit 36. The key insertion detection unit 43 corresponds to detection means.

  The communication control circuit 36 is provided with a code registration unit 44 for registering the transponder code of the transponder 34 as an ID code on the smart communication portable device 4 side. When the key insertion detection unit 43 detects the insertion of the emergency key 39 into the key body 35, the code registration unit 44 transmits the driving radio wave Skd from the LF antenna 37 to start immobilizer communication and is mounted on the emergency key 39. The transponder code is obtained from the transponder 34 that has been set. And the code registration part 44 registers this acquired transponder code as ID code by the side of the portable device 4 used at the time of smart communication. That is, the transponder code of this example is shared by two communications, i.e., immobilizer communications and smart communications.

  Further, each time the key insertion detection unit 43 detects the insertion of the emergency key 39 into the key body 35, the code registration unit 44 performs immobilizer communication with the insertion key at this time, Perform code registration. That is, each time the emergency key 39 is inserted into the key body 35, the code registration unit 44 updates the ID code for smart communication registered in the memory 13 with the transponder code of the transponder 34 possessed by the insertion key at that time. (Overwrite. When the emergency key 39 is extracted from the key body 35, the code registration unit 44 deletes the transponder code registered as the ID code in the memory 13 until the key is extracted. The code registration unit 44 constitutes registration means, erasure means, and holding means.

Next, the operation of the electronic key system 2 of this example will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, as shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that the regular emergency key 39 a is stored in the key body 35. When the key insertion detection unit 43 detects the key insertion of the regular emergency key 39a into the key body 35, the code registration unit 44 transmits the drive radio wave Skd from the LF antenna 37, for example, several times with this detection timing. At this time, when the transponder 34 mounted on the regular emergency key 39a enters the radio wave transmission area of the LF antenna 37, the transponder 34 receives the driving radio wave Skd. When the transponder 34 receives the driving radio wave Skd, the operation is switched from the stopped state to the activated state and responds to the driving radio wave Skd. Reply to

  When the code registration unit 44 receives the immobilization signal Str transmitted from the transponder 34 by the LF antenna 37, the code registration unit 44 writes the transponder code included in the immobilization signal Str into the memory 13 as an ID code used in smart communication. Thereby, the transponder code of the transponder 34 is registered in the portable device 4 as an ID code for smart communication. Therefore, after this code registration, when the portable device 4 performs smart communication with the vehicle 1, the transponder code is transmitted as an ID code for smart communication, and external verification and in-vehicle verification are executed. Needless to say, this transponder code is also registered in advance in the vehicle 1 as an ID code used in smart communication. Also, when writing the code, if the previously registered transponder code remains in the memory 13, it is overwritten with the new transponder code.

  By the way, for example, when the user temporarily places the portable device 4 on a table or the like, while looking aside, the regular emergency key 39a of the portable device 4 is freely obtained by a third party. It is also envisaged that a stolen act that is sampled and replaced is attempted. In this case, the key theft person inserts the dummy key 39b into the key body 35 as an illegal key so that the user does not notice for a while that the regular emergency key 39a has been replaced. It is also conceivable to attempt a theft act of taking the vehicle 1 away with the stolen regular emergency key 39a while the user is not approaching the vehicle 1 for a while, such as at midnight when the car is parked. In this example, the dummy key 39b is a simple mechanical key on which no transponder parts are mounted, and includes a counterfeit product in a broad sense.

  When unauthorized replacement of the regular emergency key 39a is performed, the code registration unit 44 detects that the regular emergency key 39a has been extracted from the key body 35 and detects that the key insertion detection unit 43 has extracted the key from the key body 35. The transponder code that has been registered in the memory 13 as the ID code for smart communication until then is deleted. As a result, since the ID code for smart communication is not registered in the key body 35, the vehicle 1 cannot be operated only by the key body 35.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the dummy key 39 b is inserted into the key body 35 by the key theft, the code registration unit 44 uses the key insertion detection unit 43 to insert the dummy key 39 b into the key body 35. When detected, the driving radio wave Skd is transmitted from the LF antenna 37 at the detection timing to try to establish immobilizer verification. However, since the transponder 34 is not on the dummy key 39b of this type, the code registration unit 44 cannot accept the immobilizer signal Str after the transmission of the driving radio wave Skd. Therefore, since the code registration unit 44 is in a state where the immobilizer verification is not established within a predetermined time after the immobilizer communication is canceled (immobilizer signal Str cannot be accepted), the transponder code cannot be registered in the memory 13. For this reason, the ID code for smart communication is not registered in the portable device 4, and the portable device 4 is in a state where smart communication is not possible.

  It is assumed that after the regular emergency key 39a is illegally replaced with the dummy key 39b, a user who is temporarily away from the vehicle 1 has the portable device 4 and tries to get on the vehicle 1. When the vehicle 1 is in a parked state, the user first unlocks the door lock, but since the ID code for smart communication is not registered in the portable device 4 at this time, the user is in the vehicle 1. Even if the vehicle approaches the vehicle outside communication area of the vehicle outside LF transmitter 7, vehicle outside verification is not established. Therefore, even if the user touches the outside door handle knob 15 and tries to unlock the locked door lock, the door lock at this time is not unlocked.

  For this reason, the user will notice that the emergency key 39 that should have been stored in the key body 35 has been replaced with the dummy key 39b unless the portable device 4 is out of batteries. A user who notices an unauthorized replacement of the regular emergency key 39a, for example, replaces the door lock key cylinder attached to the vehicle door with a new one, or the ID registered in the key operation free system 3 or the immobilizer system 31. For example, by changing the code (transponder code) or the like, a vehicle theft countermeasure against the thief of the regular emergency key 39a is executed.

  Further, the dummy key 39b is not limited to a simple mechanical key. For example, a case where a mechanical key with an immobilizer function on which a transponder is mounted is illegally stored is assumed. In this case, the transponder code of the transponder possessed by the mechanical key is registered in the memory 13 as an ID code for smart communication. At this time, the smart communication is performed by the ID code of the portable device 4 and the ID of the vehicle 1. The code will be different. Therefore, even if the mechanical key with the transponder is illegally stored in the key body 35, the smart communication at this time does not establish communication because the ID is not established. Therefore, the emergency key 39 can also be illegally exchanged at this time.

  In this example, the transponder 34 is mounted on the emergency key 39, and the transponder code of the transponder 34 is shared as a key code for two communications of smart communication and immobilizer communication. For this reason, even if the regular emergency key 39a is illegally exchanged for the dummy key 39b without the user's knowledge, the portable device 4 at this time does not have the smart communication function. Can be noticed by the user. Therefore, the user can immediately take a countermeasure against theft such as exchanging a key cylinder for door lock, so that the security against the vehicle theft can be improved.

  Further, when the regular emergency key 39a is extracted from the key body 35, the transponder code that has been registered in the memory 13 as the ID code for smart communication until then is not necessarily erased at the time of extracting the key. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, even after the emergency key 39 is extracted from the key body 35, a transponder code used as an ID code for smart communication may be held in the memory 13. In this case, since only the key body 35 has a key function, the vehicle 1 can be operated only by the key body 35.

  Further, the key body 35 from which the emergency key 39 is extracted may be used as a valet key that is a vehicle key at the time of the valet parking service. The valet parking service is, for example, when a user gets on a vehicle 1 to a hotel entrance or the like, and lends a vehicle key (portable device 4) to a hotel employee at the entrance to make the vehicle 1 a hotel. It is a service to get you to the parking lot. When using this service, the key function of the portable device 4 is restricted to the use of the vehicle 1 so that a third party, a hotel employee, does not freely use the vehicle 1 when lending the vehicle 1 The portable device 4 after the function switching is referred to as a valley key.

  When the communication control circuit 36 receives the request signal Srq from the vehicle 1 and starts smart communication and confirms with the key insertion detection unit 43 that the emergency key 39 is not inserted into the key body 35, as shown in FIG. At this time, a signal in which the vehicle operation restriction request is included in the ID code registered in the memory 13 is transmitted to the vehicle 1 as the ID signal Sid. The vehicle operation restriction request is for the portable device 4 to notify the vehicle 1 that the traveling operation of the vehicle 1 is restricted. Further, the vehicle operation restriction includes, for example, travel speed restriction, travel time limit, engine start frequency restriction, and the like.

  When the ID signal Sid transmitted from the key body 35 is received by the RF receiver 9, the verification ECU 6 performs ID verification (in-vehicle verification, external verification) according to the above-described procedure, and permits vehicle operation if this ID verification is established. However, if the vehicle operation restriction request is included in the ID signal Sid received at this time, the use of the vehicle 1 is permitted with the vehicle operation restricted. For this reason, even when renting the vehicle 1 to a hotel employee when using the valet parking service, the vehicle 1 can be restricted in use, so the vehicle 1 can be freely used by a third party such as a hotel employee. No need to use it. Therefore, since possibility that the vehicle 1 will be stolen is restrained low, the security property with respect to vehicle theft is also ensured.

  By the way, various valuables are often stored in the glove box in the vehicle, but the glove box is often operated by mechanical key operation. This is because the locking / unlocking operation using the mechanical key can be performed in accordance with the user's will, so that the glove box can be securely locked / unlocked. Therefore, for example, even if the key body is lent to a hotel employee when using the valley barking service, the emergency key (mechanical key) is not handed over to the hotel employee at this time, so the opening and closing of the glove box is not permitted. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the glove box being opened by a third party, and it is difficult for the valuables in the glove box to be stolen.

  As another method of using the portable device 4 as a valley key, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, for example, the user has a plurality of emergency keys 39 and the regular emergency key 39 a stored in the portable device 4 is used as a master key. In addition to this, the user holds the emergency key 39c for sub-key positioning. The sub key positioning emergency key 39c is also a mechanical key incorporating a transponder 34 unique to the key. When the user uses the valet parking service, the emergency key 39 inserted in the portable device 4 is changed from the master key-positioned emergency key (that is, the regular emergency key 39a) to the subkey positioning emergency key 39c. Replace with. Then, the user uses the portable device 4 in which the sub key positioning emergency key 39c is stored as a valley key.

  In the case of the portable device 4 equipped with the valley key function, the code registration unit 44, when the regular emergency key 39a is extracted from the key body 35, transponder code C1 that has been registered in the memory 13 as an ID code for smart communication until then. Is retained after the key is removed. When the user replaces the storage key of the key body 35 with the sub key positioning emergency key 39c, the code registration unit 44 detects that the key is inserted by the key insertion detection unit 43, and then immobilizer communication with this detection timing. And the transponder code C2 possessed by the transponder 34 of the subkey positioning emergency key 39c is acquired.

  At this time, the code registration unit 44 compares the transponder code C1 received from the subkey positioning emergency key 39c with the transponder code C2 held in the memory 13, and performs code verification. That is, the code registration unit 44 has the transponder code held by the transponder 34 of the emergency key 39 inserted into the key body 35 before the key removal and the transponder 34 of the emergency key 39 newly inserted into the key body 35. By comparing with the transponder code, it is confirmed whether or not the same emergency key 39 has been inserted before and after the insertion and removal of the key.

  When this code collation is performed and the transponder code matches and the collation is established, the code registration unit 44 continues to use the transponder code held so far even after the key is inserted. That is, when the regular emergency key 39a is removed from the key body 35 and then inserted again into the key body 35, it is determined that the same regular emergency key 39a is inserted into the key body 35 again, and the portable The machine 4 (key body 35) is caused to function as a normal key. In addition, the normal key said here means the vehicle key which does not place a use restriction on the vehicle 1.

  On the other hand, when the emergency key 39c positioned as the sub key is inserted into the key body 35, the registration code of the memory 14 is C1, whereas the transponder code of the transponder 34 of the emergency key 39c at this time is C2. Therefore, immobilizer verification is not established. Therefore, when the code registration unit 44 confirms that the code verification is not established as described above, the code registration unit 44 causes the portable device 4 (key body 35) to function as a valley key. When the portable device 4 functions as a valley key, for example, when the portable device 4 wirelessly transmits an ID code during smart communication, a vehicle use restriction request for instructing the vehicle 1 to be restricted is added to the ID code and transmitted. As another method of applying vehicle restrictions, for example, the arrangement of ID codes (transponder codes) may be changed, and this may be a code that restricts use, or an ID that takes a dedicated code string that imposes vehicle restrictions. A code may be transmitted. Thus, if the portable device 4 is provided with a valet key function, the valet parking service can be used.

According to the configuration of the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) By providing a transponder 34 in the emergency key 39 housed in the key body 35 and using the transponder code of the transponder 34 not only as a key code used for immobilizer communication but also as a key code for smart communication This transponder code is shared by both immobilizer communication and smart communication. Thereby, for example, when the regular emergency key 39a is illegally exchanged with the dummy key 39b by a third party, the key code for use in smart communication is not registered in the portable device 4 at this time. Even if the user tries to operate the vehicle 1 with the portable device 4, the smart communication between the vehicle 1 and the portable device 4 is not established at this time, and the user does not operate the portable device 4. Notice that the regular emergency key 39a has been illegally exchanged. For this reason, the user can take measures such as replacing the key cylinder for the door lock of the vehicle 1 or re-registering the ID code registered in the vehicle 1. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the vehicle is illegally operated, and to improve the security against vehicle theft.

  (2) Whether or not the emergency key 39 is inserted into the key body 35 is monitored by the key insertion detection unit 43 of the key body 35, and the transponder code of the transponder 34 (emergency key 39) is registered in the key body 35 (memory 13). The operation is performed when the emergency key 39 is inserted into the key body 35. For this reason, for example, the number of times of immobilizer communication necessary for code acquisition is reduced compared to the case where the portable device 4 (key body 35) acquires the transponder code from the transponder 34 each time smart communication is performed. Energy saving of the power source of the machine 4 can be achieved.

  (3) The smart communication LF antenna 37 that the key body 35 originally has is also used as an immobilizer communication antenna. For this reason, for example, it is possible to reduce the number of parts required for the antenna compared to the case where a dedicated antenna is prepared for each of the smart communication and the immobilizer communication. You can enjoy the effects of

  (4) When the emergency key 39 is extracted from the key body 35, when the transponder code registered in the key body 35 (memory 13) is deleted from the memory 13, the emergency key 39 is extracted. The key body 35 after being operated does not work as a key. For this reason, even if the key body 35 after the regular emergency key 39a is extracted is stolen by a third party, the vehicle 1 cannot be moved by the key body 35 alone. Even in the case of encounter, the vehicle 1 can be prevented from being illegally used by a third party, and the security against theft of the vehicle 1 can be made higher.

  (5) When the emergency key 39 is extracted from the key body 35, the transponder code registered in the key body 35 (memory 13) is continuously registered in the memory 13 after the key is extracted. In this case, the key body 35 can be used as a valley key. Therefore, since the usage form of the portable device 4 can be made plural, the convenience of the portable device 4 can be enhanced. Even if the key body 35 is lent to the hotel employee at this time, the glove box in the vehicle does not have to be opened and closed without permission if the locking and unlocking is of the mechanical key operation type. In addition, if the vehicle body restriction request is included in the ID signal Sid that is transmitted when the key body 35 after the key removal performs smart communication, the vehicle 1 can be lent in a state where the use restriction is applied. Therefore, security against vehicle theft can be ensured.

  (6) Even after the emergency key 39 is removed from the key body 35, if the transponder code that has been registered in the key body 35 (memory 13) is continuously held, the key body 35 is removed after the key is removed. It becomes possible to work as a kind of electronic key. Therefore, for example, even if the emergency key 39 extracted from the key body 35 is lost somewhere, the vehicle 1 can be operated if the key body 35 is at hand, so that it is difficult to feel inconvenience when such a key is lost. be able to.

(7) Since the portable device 4 can be used as a volley key, this type of portable device 4 can be made highly convenient.
(8) Since the emergency key 39 incorporates the transponder 34, the engine 18 can be started by getting on the vehicle 1 using only the emergency key 39.

Note that the embodiment is not limited to the configuration described so far, and may be modified as follows.
The registration of the transponder code of the transponder 34 of the emergency key 39 in the key body 35 (memory 14) is not necessarily limited when the emergency key 39 is inserted into the key body 35. For example, when the key body 35 performs smart communication with the vehicle 1, the transponder code may be acquired from the emergency key 39 every time.

  The registration of the transponder code of the transponder 34 of the emergency key 39 to the key body 35 (memory 14) is not necessarily performed after the key insertion detection unit 43 detects the insertion of the key into the key body 35, and then the drive radio wave from the LF antenna 37. It is not limited to starting Skd transmission and establishing immobilizer communication. For example, the drive radio wave Skd may be periodically transmitted from the LF antenna 37, and the code registration to the key body 35 may be performed based on whether or not immobilizer communication is established at this time.

-The frequency used in immobilizer communication is not necessarily limited to the LF band, and may be, for example, an RF band.
The key insertion detection unit 43 is not limited to a combination that outputs an on signal when a key is detected and an off signal when no key is detected, and this may be a reverse combination.

  The code registration unit 44 cannot accept the correct transponder code if it cannot accept the immobilizer signal Str when attempting to immobilize communication to register the transponder code of the transponder 34 of the emergency key 39 to itself. As a result, for example, a process of writing a default value (for example, “000... 0”) into the memory 13 may be taken.

  The key insertion detection unit 43 is not necessarily limited to being a contact switch, and for example, a sensor such as an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor may be used as a contactless detection mechanism. Further, it may be confirmed whether or not the emergency key 39 is inserted into the key body 35 by causing the communication control circuit 36 to periodically perform immobilizer communication and checking whether or not this communication is established.

  The antenna 37 for immobilizer communication included in the key body 35 is not necessarily limited to being shared by both the immobilizer communication and the smart communication. For example, a dedicated antenna may be provided for each of these communications.

  The immobilizer system 31 is not limited to the one that repeatedly transmits the drive radio wave Skd at a certain period and attempts to establish communication with the transponder 34. For example, for example, a slot for inserting the portable device 4 is provided in the vehicle, and when the insertion into the slot is detected by a switch in the slot, the drive radio wave from the coil antenna 33 provided in the slot is detected. The transmission of Skd may be started to establish immobilizer communication.

  -After registering the transponder code of the emergency key 39 to the transponder 34, the code registration unit 44 periodically checks with the transponder 34 whether or not the transponder code registered in the memory 13 is correct. You may let the process go to.

  The detection of whether or not the emergency key 39a has been removed from the key body 35 is not limited to being viewed only by the key insertion detection unit 43. For example, when the removal of the emergency key 39a is detected by the key insertion detection unit 43, the emergency key 39a is detected by the key insertion detection unit 43 and the immobilizer verification so that immobilizer communication is performed to check the presence or absence of the emergency key 39a. You may make it look at extraction.

The mounting target of the electronic key system 2 is not necessarily limited to the vehicle 1 and can be applied to other devices and devices such as a house door.
Next, technical ideas that can be grasped from the above-described embodiment and other examples will be described below together with their effects.

  (1) The holding means according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the key code of the emergency key that has been inserted into the key body before the key removing operation is held on the key body side after the key is removed. When the emergency key is reinserted into the key body, the key code of the emergency key inserted at that time is compared with the key code previously held on the key body side. If the key code before and after insertion of the emergency key matches the verification means, the electronic key functions as an unrestricted key, and if the key code does not match, the electronic key functions as a restricted key Limiting means. According to this configuration, the electronic key can be used as a key to which usage restrictions are added, that is, as a valley key.

  (2) The holding means according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the key code of the emergency key that has been inserted into the key body before the key removing operation is held on the key body side after the key removing operation. And detecting means for detecting whether or not the emergency key is inserted into the key body, and restricting means for causing the key body to function as a restricted key when the emergency key is removed. According to this configuration, the electronic key (key body) can be used as a key to which usage restrictions are added, that is, a valley key.

The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the electronic key system in one Embodiment. The schematic block diagram which shows schematic structure of the portable apparatus provided with the emma key. Explanatory drawing which shows the operation | movement state at the time of registering ID of the trap key of an emma key to a key main body. Explanatory drawing which shows the operation state when a dummy key is inserted in the key main body. Explanatory drawing which showed the example which can be used as a key only with a key body. Explanatory drawing which showed the example which can use a portable device (key main body) as a valley key.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Vehicle as communication object, 2 ... Electronic key system, 4 ... Portable machine as electronic key, 34 ... Transponder as 2nd wireless communication component, 35 ... Key body, 36 ... Communication which comprises 1st wireless communication component Control circuit 37... LF antenna constituting first radio communication component and antenna 38. RF antenna constituting first radio communication component 39 (39 a, 39 c) emergency key 43 43 key insertion detection as detection means 44, a code registration unit constituting registration means, erasure means and holding means.

Claims (6)

Key verification by wireless communication with a communication target can be executed by two systems of first wireless communication and second wireless communication, each having a different communication format, and the first wireless verification in accordance with the first wireless communication And an electronic key in which a mechanical key is stored in the key body as an emergency key when at least one of the second wireless verification according to the second wireless communication is satisfied and the key verification is considered to be satisfied.
The first wireless communication component for the first wireless communication is provided on the key body, the first wireless verification is performed on the key body side, and the second wireless communication component for the second wireless communication is provided on the emergency key. The second wireless verification is performed on the emergency key side, and the key code for the second wireless verification registered in the second wireless communication component is set between the first wireless verification and the second wireless verification. Electronic key characterized by sharing. Detecting means for detecting whether or not the emergency key is inserted into the key body;
When the detecting means detects the insertion of the emergency key into the key body, the key code of the second wireless communication component is obtained by performing an operation of acquiring the key code of the second wireless communication component. The electronic key according to claim 1, further comprising a registration unit configured to perform an operation of registering with a wireless communication component at a timing when the emergency key is inserted into the key body. Obtaining a key code registered in the second wireless communication component by wireless communication, and registering the key code as a key code of the first wireless communication component;
The antenna used when the first wireless communication component performs the first wireless communication, and the registration means used when registering the key code of the second wireless communication component in the first wireless communication component by wireless communication. The electronic key according to claim 1, wherein the antenna is shared. Detecting means for detecting whether or not the emergency key is inserted into the key body;
An erasure unit for erasing a key code registered in the first wireless communication component when the detection unit detects that the emergency key has been extracted from the key body. The electronic key as described in any one of 1-3. Detecting means for detecting whether or not the emergency key is inserted into the key body;
When the detecting means detects that the emergency key has been extracted from the key body, the key code of the emergency key that has been inserted into the key body before the key extraction operation is also stored after the key extraction operation. The electronic key according to claim 1, further comprising a holding unit that holds the key body. Key verification by wireless communication with a communication target can be executed by two systems of first wireless communication and second wireless communication, each having a different communication format, and the first wireless verification in accordance with the first wireless communication If at least one of the second wireless verification according to the second wireless communication is established, it is considered that the key verification is established, and an electronic key having a mechanical key housed in the key body as an emergency key is used as a key. In the electronic key system used,
The first wireless communication component for the first wireless communication is provided on the key body, the first wireless verification is performed on the key body side, and the second wireless communication component for the second wireless communication is provided on the emergency key. The second wireless verification is performed on the emergency key side, and the key code for the second wireless verification registered in the second wireless communication component is set between the first wireless verification and the second wireless verification. Electronic key system characterized by sharing.

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