JP2011021319A - Key battery exhaustion warning device of electronic key system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a key battery exhaustion warning device of an electronic key system capable of accurately notifying the user that the exhaustion of the battery is approaching. <P>SOLUTION: This smart key system 1 includes a smart key 2 and a security device 3. A two-way communication on electric key authentication is allowed therebetween. When the use of the normal smart key 2 is affirmatively determined by the key authentication, a door lock is released under the condition that the operation by the user is performed. When the voltage of a button battery 26 built in the smart key 2 is lower than the reference value, even if the affirmative determination is performed as above, the degree of the operations by the user which is required to release the door lock is forcibly increased, and the door lock is released under the conditions that these operations are performed. For example, when the battery voltage is low, three operations are required though normally merely one operation is required. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a key battery dead battery warning device for an electronic key system in which a controlled object is operated on the condition that a user operation is performed when it is determined that a legitimate electronic key is used by electrical key authentication. It is about.

  In Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2, when the battery voltage of the electronic key is lowered, a warning means such as a display or a buzzer provided in the vehicle is activated to notify the user that the battery is nearing the electronic key. A technique related to a warning device for a key battery exhaustion in a vehicle electronic key system that is informed is disclosed.

JP 60-64272 A Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 1-129459

  However, in the configurations disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the warning by the display or the buzzer is not noticed, or even if it is noticed, it is ignored without much importance and the battery is not replaced for a while. As a result, if the battery suddenly runs out, it will be impossible to unlock the door lock and start the engine.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and its purpose is to provide a key battery warning device for an electronic key system capable of accurately telling the user that the battery is about to run out. Is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is controlled on condition that a user operation is performed when it is affirmed that an authorized electronic key is used by electrical key authentication. In the key battery dead warning device of the electronic key system in which the object is operated, when the power supply power built in the electronic key is lower than a reference value, an operation to increase the degree of user operation necessary for the control object to be operated The gist is to provide a load increasing means.

  According to the same configuration, when the power supply with a built-in electronic key is below the reference value, even if it is affirmed that the regular electronic key was used by electrical key authentication, The degree of user operation necessary to activate the controlled object is increased, and the controlled object is activated on condition that such an operation has been performed. In general, when the power supply power decreases due to approaching a battery exhaustion or the like, the responsiveness of the control target operation with respect to the user operation deteriorates. It tends to be done.

  Therefore, in this configuration, based on this trend, when the power supply is reduced, the user is forced to take actions that seem to be performed unconsciously or consciously, following the previous battery exhaustion. , The user whose control object is to be activated when doing so is given the impression that the battery is almost dead. In short, since the situation at the time of running out of the battery is actively created, the user can easily recognize that this situation exists. Therefore, it is possible to accurately tell the user that the battery is about to run out.

  Of course, just because the power supply built in the electronic key is lower than the reference value does not prohibit the operation of the controlled object, so the user will not panic and the convenience of the electronic key system will be improved. Can be maintained.

  The battery of the present invention includes not only a primary battery and a secondary battery but also a power source such as a constant voltage source and a constant current source. The concept of running out of battery includes the replacement time because the primary battery is exhausted and the replacement time is reached, the secondary battery is discharged and the charge time is reached, the constant voltage source or the constant current source is broken, etc. For example, it is impossible to supply sufficient electric power to function an electric / electronic component with a built-in electronic key.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the key battery depletion warning device of the electronic key system according to the first aspect, the operation load increasing means controls when the power supply power built in the electronic key is below a reference value. The gist of the invention is to increase the degree of user operation required for operating the control target by increasing at least one of the number of operation times and the operation time required for the operation of the target.

  According to the same configuration, when a user performs a behavior that is likely to be performed by the user when the battery runs out, such as repeated operation or long-time operation, as a condition necessary for the controlled object to be activated. It is easy to imagine that the battery has run out for the user whose control object is to be activated. Accordingly, maintenance such as battery replacement can be promoted.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the key battery exhaustion warning device of the electronic key system according to the first or second aspect, the operation load increasing means is configured such that the power supply power built in the electronic key falls below a reference value. When the door lock is unlocked and unlocked, the degree of user operation necessary for operating the control target is increased by increasing at least one of the number of operation times and the operation time of the door handle operation. This is the gist.

  According to the same configuration, when the power supply is reduced, the door lock is not unlocked and unlocked even if the door handle operation is performed normally without knowing that, so the user repeats the door handle operation or performs the operation for a long time. By doing so, the door lock is unlocked and unlocked, and it is intuitively imagined that the battery has run out, or at least feels poor responsiveness without having to imagine the battery running out. Therefore, the user himself can perform maintenance such as battery replacement, or can know the fact that the battery has run out to the dealer, and can take appropriate measures in any case.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the key battery exhaustion warning device of the electronic key system according to any one of the first to third aspects, the operation load increasing means has a power source built in the electronic key. Increasing at least one of the number of engine start operations and the operation time required to start the engine when the value is below the reference value increases the degree of user operation required to operate the controlled object. The gist is to do.

  According to this configuration, when the power supply is low, the engine will not start even if the engine start operation is performed normally without knowing that, so the user should repeat the engine start operation or perform it for a long time at this time. The engine is started and intuitively imagines that the battery has run out, or at least feels poor responsiveness without having to imagine running out of battery. Therefore, the user himself can perform maintenance such as battery replacement, or can know the fact that the battery has run out to the dealer, and can take appropriate measures in any case.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the key battery exhaustion warning device of the electronic key system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the operation load increasing means has a power source built in the electronic key. When the control target is below the reference value, the control target is increased by increasing at least one of the number of operation times and the operation time of the remote operation necessary for the control target to be activated based on the operation of the remote control means equipped with the electronic key. The gist is to increase the degree of user operation necessary to be activated.

  According to the same configuration, when the power supply is reduced, the control target is not activated even if the remote operation is performed normally without knowing that, so the user can repeat the remote operation or perform the operation for a long time. The controlled object is activated and intuitively imagines that the battery has run out, or at least feels poor responsiveness without having to imagine the battery running out. Therefore, the user himself can perform maintenance such as battery replacement, or can know the fact that the battery has run out to the dealer, and can take appropriate measures in any case.

Since this invention is comprised as mentioned above, there exist the following effects.
According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately tell the user that the battery is about to run out.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the smart key system for vehicles which has a smart entry function in 1st Embodiment which actualized the key battery exhaustion warning apparatus of the electronic key system which concerns on this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows a smart communication area outside a vehicle. Explanatory drawing which shows a low voltage detection bit and ID code signal containing it. The block diagram which shows the structure of the smart key system for vehicles which has a smart ignition function in 2nd Embodiment which actualized the key battery exhaustion warning apparatus of the electronic key system which concerns on this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows a smart communication area in a vehicle. The block diagram which shows the structure of the remote keyless entry system for vehicles in 3rd Embodiment which actualized the key battery exhaustion warning apparatus of the electronic key system which concerns on this invention.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a key battery exhaust warning device of a smart key system for a vehicle having a smart entry function will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the smart key system 1 is applied to the vehicle of this embodiment. The smart key system 1 includes a smart key 2 possessed by a vehicle user and a security device 3 provided on the vehicle side, and bidirectional communication is possible between them. The smart key 2 is generally called a portable device because of its possession.

  The smart key 2 has a reception function by wireless communication and a transmission function by wireless communication, and includes a reception antenna 21, a reception circuit 22, a microcomputer 23, a transmission circuit 24, and a transmission antenna 25.

  The receiving antenna 21 is a medium for receiving a request signal transmitted from the security device 3. The reception circuit 22 demodulates the request signal received by the reception antenna 21 to generate a reception signal, and outputs the reception signal to the microcomputer 23.

  The microcomputer 23 includes a nonvolatile memory 23a, and an ID code (ID code of the smart key 2) set individually for the smart key 2 is stored in the memory 23a. When the reception signal related to the request signal is input from the reception circuit 22, the microcomputer 23 generates a signal (ID code signal) including the ID code of the smart key 2 in order to respond to the request signal. The code signal is output to the transmission circuit 24.

  The transmission circuit 24 modulates the ID code signal input from the microcomputer 23 into a radio wave having a predetermined frequency (300 MHz in this embodiment). The transmission antenna 25 is a medium for transmitting the ID code signal modulated by the transmission circuit 24.

  The smart key 2 has a built-in button type battery 26. The smart key 2 covers the power from the button type battery 26 and performs a series of operations from reception of a request signal to transmission of an ID code signal. It has become. Incidentally, the button-type battery 26 is a primary battery that cannot be charged, and the smart key 2 is configured so that it can be replaced with a new one when it is consumed.

  The security device 3 has a transmission function by wireless communication and a reception function by wireless communication, and includes a transmission circuit 31, a transmission antenna 32, a reception antenna 33, a reception circuit 34, and a security control device 35. In the vehicle of this embodiment, various control devices are electrically connected via an in-vehicle communication network. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, these control devices are collectively referred to as a security control device, which is denoted by reference numeral 35. As will be described in detail later, the security control device 35 mainly performs security control related to electrical key authentication.

  The transmission circuit 31 modulates the request signal input from the security control device 35 into a radio wave having a predetermined frequency (134 KHz in this embodiment). The transmission antenna 32 is a medium for transmitting the request signal modulated by the transmission circuit 31.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the transmission antenna 32 is built in the door outside handle 36, and a request signal transmitted from the transmission antenna 32 has a radius of about 1 m around the door outside handle 36 outside the vehicle. It is designed to cover the area of In FIG. 2, the transmission area of such a request signal is indicated by a two-dot chain line as the external smart communication area A32. In the external smart communication area A32, bidirectional communication between the smart key 2 and the security device 3 is possible. That is, when the smart key 2 is brought into the smart communication area A32 outside the vehicle in the state where the request signal is transmitted in the smart communication area A32, the smart key 2 receives the request signal. 2 transmits an ID code signal.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the receiving antenna 33 is a medium for receiving the ID code signal transmitted from the smart key 2 as a response signal to the request signal. The reception circuit 34 demodulates the ID code signal received by the reception antenna 33 to generate a reception signal and outputs the reception signal to the security control device 35.

  The security control device 35 includes a non-volatile memory 35a, and the memory 35a has the same ID code as the smart key 2 (= regular smart key 2) adapted to the vehicle on which the security device 3 is mounted. ID codes (reference ID codes) are stored.

  The security control device 35 makes a request to the transmission circuit 31 in a state where the door lock is locked in order to monitor the approach to the vehicle (entrance to the smart communication area A32 outside the vehicle) accompanying the boarding by the holder of the authorized smart key 2. Output a signal. That is, in this case, the security control device 35 executes the first external smart communication control. As a result, a request signal is transmitted from the transmission antenna 32 into the outside smart communication area A32.

  When the received signal related to the ID code signal is input from the receiving circuit 34 in association with the execution of the first smart communication control outside the vehicle, the security control device 35 includes the ID code and the reference ID included in the received signal. Determine whether the code matches. That is, in this case, the security control device 35 executes ID code verification. And when both ID codes correspond by this ID code collation, the security control apparatus 35 recognizes that the regular smart key 2 exists in the smart communication area A32 outside a vehicle. Then, when the security control device 35 detects the touch operation on the door outside handle 36 through the door handle sensor 37 in the recognized state, the boarding by the owner of the regular smart key 2 in this case The door lock will be unlocked. As a result, boarding by the holder of the smart key 2 is allowed. The door handle sensor 37 is built in the door outside handle 36 and integrated with the transmission antenna 32.

  In addition, the security control device 35 monitors the approach to the vehicle (entrance to the smart communication area A32 outside the vehicle) when the owner of the proper smart key 2 gets off, so that when the door lock switch 38 is operated, the transmission circuit 31 Output a request signal. That is, in this case, the security control device 35 executes the second smart communication control outside the vehicle. As a result, a request signal is transmitted from the transmission antenna 32 into the outside smart communication area A32. The door lock switch 38 is provided on the door outside handle 36.

  When the received signal related to the ID code signal is input from the receiving circuit 34 in association with the execution of the second smart communication control outside the vehicle, the security control device 35 includes the ID code and the reference ID included in the received signal. Determine whether the code matches. That is, in this case, the security control device 35 executes ID code verification. And when both ID codes correspond by this ID code collation, the security control apparatus 35 recognizes that the regular smart key 2 exists in the smart communication area A32 outside a vehicle. In this case, the security control device 35 locks the door lock because the intention of getting off the vehicle by the owner of the authorized smart key 2 is recognized. In addition, since the door lock is locked under the condition that the smart key 2 is taken out of the vehicle in this way, the door lock is locked while the smart key 2 is left in the vehicle. The occurrence of inlock can be prevented.

  As described above, in the vehicle according to the present embodiment, the door lock is performed on the condition that the user operation is performed when it is determined by the electrical key authentication that the regular smart key 2 is present in the smart communication area A32 outside the vehicle. The function (smart entry function) is applied.

Next, features of the present embodiment will be described.
As described above, in the vehicle according to the present embodiment, bidirectional communication related to key authentication is performed between the smart key 2 and the security device 3. Among them, the microcomputer 23 of the smart key 2 generates an ID code signal in response to a request signal from the security device 3, and monitors the battery voltage of the button-type battery 26, and this battery voltage is When the reference value is equal to or greater than X, a low voltage detection bit (in this case, “0”) indicating that the battery voltage is a normal value is added to the ID code signal. On the other hand, when the battery voltage of the button-type battery 26 is lower than the reference value X, the microcomputer 23 has not yet reached a state where the battery has run out, such as inability to communicate immediately, but the battery voltage has dropped and the battery is about to run out. Is added to the ID code signal.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the low voltage detection bit is indicated by 1 bit (either “0” or “1”), which is added after the header, ID code, and response. Continuing from the extension bit and stop bit, the header to the stop bit are configured as an ID code signal of one frame.

  When such an ID code signal is received by the security device 3 and a received signal related thereto is input from the receiving circuit 34 to the security control device 35, the security control device 35 performs ID code verification as described above. However, it is further analyzed whether the low voltage detection bit is “0” or “1”.

  Then, as a result of the analysis, when the low voltage detection bit is “0”, the security control device 35 recognizes that the battery voltage of the smart key 2 that is the communication partner is a normal value. In this case, the security control device 35 recognizes that the regular smart key 2 exists in the smart communication area A32 outside the vehicle, and the touch operation on the door handle sensor 37 has been performed once. When the door is detected, the door lock is unlocked.

  On the other hand, if the low voltage detection bit is “1” as a result of analyzing the received signal related to the ID code signal input from the receiving circuit 34, the security control device 35 determines the battery voltage of the smart key 2 that is the communication partner. Recognize that the battery is about to run out. In this case, the security control device 35 performs only one touch operation on the door handle sensor 37 while recognizing that the regular smart key 2 exists in the smart communication area A32 outside the vehicle. Then, do not unlock the door lock. That is, in this case, the security control device 35 recognizes that the regular smart key 2 is present in the smart communication area A32 outside the vehicle, and the touch operation on the door handle sensor 37 is performed for a predetermined period (for example, 15 seconds). ) Is unlocked N times (for example, 3 times), the door lock is unlocked.

  In addition, when the door lock switch 38 is operated once, the security control device 35 executes the second smart communication outside the vehicle. When the low voltage detection bit is “0”, the security control device 35 performs a normal smart key. When it is recognized that 2 exists in the smart communication area A32 outside the vehicle, the door lock is immediately locked.

  On the other hand, when the low voltage detection bit is “1”, the security control device 35 executes the second smart communication outside the vehicle when the door lock switch 38 is operated once, and the normal smart key there. Even if 2 is recognized to exist in the smart communication area A32 outside the vehicle, the door lock is not locked. That is, in this case, the security control device 35 recognizes that the regular smart key 2 exists in the smart communication area A32 outside the vehicle, and within a predetermined period (for example, 10 seconds) thereafter, the door lock switch When 38 is further operated M times (for example, twice), the door lock is locked.

  In summary, in this embodiment, when the battery voltage built in the smart key 2 is a normal value, it is affirmed that the regular smart key 2 exists in the smart communication area A32 outside the vehicle by electrical key authentication. The door lock is unlocked and unlocked on condition that a normal user operation is performed. Here, the normal user operation refers to a single touch operation on the door handle sensor 37 when the door lock is unlocked, and a single press operation on the door lock switch 38 when the door lock is locked. .

  On the other hand, when the battery voltage in the smart key 2 decreases and the battery is almost exhausted, it is determined that the normal smart key 2 exists in the smart communication area A32 outside the vehicle by electrical key authentication. However, the door lock is not unlocked or unlocked only by a normal user operation. That is, in this case, the degree of user operation necessary for unlocking and unlocking the door lock is increased. Specifically, in order to unlock the door lock, N touch operations on the door handle sensor 37 are performed. In addition, a pressing operation on the door lock switch 38 is required “1 + M” times in order to lock the door lock.

In the present embodiment, the security control device 35 corresponds to an operation load increasing unit.
As described above, according to the first embodiment, the following operational effects can be achieved.

  (1) When the battery voltage in the smart key 2 is lower than the reference value X, even if it is affirmed that the regular smart key 2 is used by electrical key authentication, The degree of user operation necessary to unlock and unlock the door lock is increased, and the door lock is unlocked and unlocked on the condition that such an operation has been performed. In general, when the battery voltage drops due to approaching battery exhaustion, etc., the responsiveness of door lock locking / unlocking with respect to the user operation deteriorates. Therefore, the user operation is repeated or prolonged for increasing the door lock locking / unlocking success rate. There is a tendency to be made over the period.

  Therefore, in this configuration, based on this trend, when the battery voltage drops, the user is forced to take actions that seem to be performed unconsciously or consciously, following the previous battery exhaustion. , The user who has been locked and unlocked when doing so is given the impression that the battery is almost dead. In short, since the situation at the time of running out of the battery is actively created, the user can easily recognize that this situation exists. Therefore, it is possible to accurately tell the user that the battery is about to run out.

  (2) Just because the battery voltage in the smart key 2 is lower than the reference value X does not prohibit the door lock and unlock, so the user will not panic and the smart key system 1 can maintain the convenience of the smart entry function.

  (3) When the battery voltage in the smart key 2 is lower than the reference value X, the security control device 35 increases the number of user operations necessary for unlocking and unlocking the door lock, so that the door lock is activated. The degree of user operation necessary for locking and unlocking is increased. For this reason, by making the actions that are likely to be performed by the user when the battery runs out, such as repeated operations, as a condition necessary for the door lock to be unlocked, the door lock is unlocked and unlocked when it is performed. It is easy for a user who is supposed to do so to imagine that the battery has run out. Accordingly, maintenance such as battery replacement can be promoted.

  (4) When the battery voltage in the smart key 2 is lower than the reference value X, the security control device 35 increases the number of door handle operations necessary for the door lock to be unlocked and unlocked. The degree of user operation necessary to lock and unlock is increased. For this reason, when the battery voltage drops, the door lock will not be unlocked and unlocked even if the door handle operation is performed normally without knowing that, so the user will repeat the door handle operation at this time and the door lock will be unlocked and unlocked accordingly. Intuitively, the user feels at least the poor responsiveness without having to imagine that the battery has run out or without having to imagine the battery running out. Therefore, the user himself can perform maintenance such as battery replacement, or can know the fact that the battery has run out to the dealer, and can take appropriate measures in any case.

(5) Since the low voltage detection bit is added to the ID code signal by smart communication, the communication mode is not complicated. In short, smart communication can be used effectively.
(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a key battery exhaustion warning device of a smart key system for a vehicle having a smart ignition function will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the smart key system 4 is applied to the vehicle of this embodiment. The smart key system 4 includes a smart key 5 possessed by a vehicle user and a security device 6 provided on the vehicle side, and bidirectional communication is possible between them. The smart key 5 of the present embodiment has the same configuration as that of the smart key 2 of the first embodiment. Therefore, for each component that has been assigned a number in the 20th order in the first embodiment, In the present embodiment, reference numerals in the 50s are attached and detailed description is omitted. For example, in the present embodiment, a reference numeral 53 is assigned to a microcomputer that is assigned a reference numeral 23 in the first embodiment.

  The security device 6 has a transmission function by wireless communication and a reception function by wireless communication, and includes a transmission circuit 61, a transmission antenna 62, a reception antenna 63, a reception circuit 64, and a security control device 65. In the vehicle of this embodiment, various control devices are electrically connected via an in-vehicle communication network. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, these control devices are collectively referred to as a security control device, which is denoted by reference numeral 65. As will be described in detail later, the security control device 65 mainly performs security control related to electrical key authentication.

  The transmission circuit 61 modulates the request signal input from the security control device 65 into a radio wave having a predetermined frequency (134 KHz in this embodiment). The transmission antenna 62 is a medium for transmitting the request signal modulated by the transmission circuit 61.

  Here, the request signal transmitted from the transmission antenna 62 extends over substantially the entire area inside the vehicle and hardly reaches outside the vehicle. In FIG. 5, such a request signal transmission area is indicated by a two-dot chain line as the in-vehicle smart communication area A62. In the in-vehicle smart communication area A62, bidirectional communication between the smart key 5 and the security device 6 is possible. That is, when the smart key 5 is brought into the in-car smart communication area A62 in a state where the request signal is transmitted in the in-car smart communication area A62, the request signal is received by the smart key 5 and the smart key 5 An ID code signal is transmitted from 5.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the receiving antenna 63 is a medium for receiving the ID code signal transmitted from the smart key 5 as a response signal to the request signal. The receiving circuit 64 demodulates the ID code signal received by the receiving antenna 63 to generate a received signal, and outputs the received signal to the security control device 65.

  The security control device 65 includes a non-volatile memory 65a, and the memory 65a has the same ID code as the smart key 5 (= the regular smart key 5) adapted to the vehicle on which the security device 6 is mounted. ID codes (reference ID codes) are stored.

  The security control device 65 detects that the door has been opened when it is detected that the door has been opened in order to monitor boarding by the holder of the authorized smart key 5 (entrance to the in-vehicle smart communication area A62). A request signal is output to the transmission circuit 61 on the condition that this has been done. That is, in this case, the security control device 65 executes in-vehicle smart communication control. As a result, a request signal is transmitted from the transmission antenna 62 into the in-vehicle smart communication area A62.

  When the security control device 65 receives the reception signal related to the ID code signal from the reception circuit 64 as a result of executing the smart communication control in the vehicle, the ID code and the reference ID code included in the reception signal are Determine whether they match. That is, in this case, the security control device 65 performs ID code verification. And when both ID codes correspond by this ID code collation, the security control apparatus 65 recognizes that the regular smart key 5 exists in the in-vehicle smart communication area A62. Then, the security control device 35 starts the engine on the condition that the brake operation is performed when the power switch 66 is operated in the state recognized as described above.

  As described above, in the vehicle according to the present embodiment, the condition that the power switch 66 is pressed when it is determined that the regular smart key 5 is present in the in-vehicle smart communication area A62 by electrical key authentication. The function to start the engine (one-push type smart ignition function) is applied.

Next, features of the present embodiment will be described.
As described above, in the vehicle according to the present embodiment, bidirectional communication related to key authentication is performed between the smart key 5 and the security device 6. Among them, the microcomputer 53 of the smart key 5 generates an ID code signal in response to a request signal from the security device 6. Here, as with the microcomputer 23 of the first embodiment, a button type battery is used. 56 battery voltages are monitored and a low voltage detection bit is added to the ID code signal (see FIG. 3).

  When such an ID code signal is received by the security device 6 and a received signal related thereto is input from the reception circuit 64 to the security control device 65, the security control device 65 performs ID code verification as described above. However, similarly to the security control device 35 of the first embodiment, the low voltage detection bit is analyzed.

  When the low voltage detection bit is “0” as a result of the analysis, the security control device 65 recognizes that the battery voltage of the smart key 5 that is the communication partner is a normal value. In this case, the security control device 65 recognizes that the regular smart key 5 exists in the in-vehicle smart communication area A62, and the brake operation is performed when the power switch 66 is operated once. Start the engine on the condition that it is done.

  On the other hand, if the low voltage detection bit is “1” as a result of analyzing the received signal related to the ID code signal input from the receiving circuit 64, the security control device 65 determines the battery voltage of the smart key 5 that is the communication partner. Recognize that the battery is about to run out. In this case, the security control device 65 recognizes that the regular smart key 5 exists in the in-vehicle smart communication area A62, and the brake operation is performed only by operating the power switch 66 once. Does not start the engine even if That is, in this case, the security control device 65 recognizes that the regular smart key 5 exists in the in-vehicle smart communication area A62, and the power switch 66 is N within a predetermined period (for example, 15 seconds). When the engine is operated twice (for example, three times), the engine is started on the condition that the brake operation is being performed.

  In summary, in the present embodiment, when the battery voltage in the smart key 5 is a normal value, it is affirmed that the regular smart key 5 is present in the in-vehicle smart communication area A62 by electrical key authentication. The engine is started on condition that a normal user operation is performed. Here, the normal user operation refers to a single pressing operation on the power switch 66.

  On the other hand, when the battery voltage in the smart key 5 decreases and the battery is almost exhausted, it is determined that the normal smart key 5 exists in the in-car smart communication area A62 by electrical key authentication. However, the engine is not started only by a normal user operation. That is, in this case, the degree of user operation necessary for starting the engine is increased, and specifically, N times of pressing operation on the power switch 66 are necessary.

In the present embodiment, the security control device 65 corresponds to an operation load increasing unit.
As described above, according to the second embodiment, the following operational effects can be achieved.

  (1) When the battery voltage in the smart key 5 is lower than the reference value X, even if it is affirmed that the regular smart key 5 is used by electrical key authentication, The degree of user operation necessary for starting the engine is increased, and the engine is started on the condition that such an operation has been performed. In general, when the battery voltage is lowered due to the approach of battery exhaustion or the like, the responsiveness of the engine start to the user operation is deteriorated. Therefore, the user operation is repeated or performed over a long time to increase the engine start success rate. Tend to.

  Therefore, in this configuration, based on this trend, when the battery voltage drops, the user is forced to take actions that seem to be performed unconsciously or consciously, following the previous battery exhaustion. , The user who has started the engine when doing so gives the impression that the battery is almost dead. In short, since the situation at the time of running out of the battery is actively created, the user can easily recognize that this situation exists. Therefore, it is possible to accurately tell the user that the battery is about to run out.

  (2) Just because the battery voltage in the smart key 5 is lower than the reference value X does not prohibit the engine from starting, so the user will not panic and the smart key system 4 Convenience can be maintained with the smart ignition function.

  (3) When the battery voltage in the smart key 5 is lower than the reference value X, the security control device 65 starts the engine by increasing the number of user operations necessary for starting the engine. Therefore, the degree of user operation necessary for this is increased. For this reason, the action that is likely to be performed by the user when the battery runs out like a repetitive operation is set as a necessary condition for starting the engine, and the engine is started when it is performed. It is easy to imagine that the battery has run out for the old user. Accordingly, maintenance such as battery replacement can be promoted.

  (4) When the battery voltage in the smart key 5 is lower than the reference value X, the security control device 65 increases the number of engine start operations necessary for starting the engine to start the engine. Therefore, the degree of user operation necessary for this is increased. For this reason, when the battery voltage is low, the engine is not started even if the engine start operation is normally performed without knowing that, so the user repeats the engine start operation at this time, and the engine is started by doing so. Even if you think of running out of battery or not running out of battery, you can at least feel the poor responsiveness. Therefore, the user himself can perform maintenance such as battery replacement, or can know the fact that the battery has run out to the dealer, and can take appropriate measures in any case.

(5) Since the low voltage detection bit is added to the ID code signal by smart communication, the communication mode is not complicated. In short, smart communication can be used effectively.
(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a key battery exhaustion warning device of a remote keyless entry system for a vehicle will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a remote keyless entry system 7 is applied to the vehicle of this embodiment. The remote keyless entry system 7 includes a radio wave key 8 possessed by a vehicle user and a security device 9 provided on the vehicle side, and enables unidirectional communication between the two using the radio key 8 as a transmission side. .

The radio wave key 8 has a transmission function by wireless communication, and includes an unlock button 81, a lock button 82, a microcomputer 83, a transmission circuit 84, and a transmission antenna 85.
The unlock button 81 is operated to unlock the door lock by remote operation by operating it at a point away from the vehicle (in this embodiment, a point about 10 m at the longest from the vehicle). Is. That is, in the present embodiment, the door lock can be unlocked by operating the unlock button 81 within a 10 m radius area (remote keyless communication area) centered on the vehicle.

  The lock button 82 is operated to lock the door lock by remote control by operating it at a point away from the vehicle (in this embodiment, a point about 10 m at the longest from the vehicle). is there. In other words, in this embodiment, the door lock can be locked by operating the lock button 82 within a 10 m radius area (remote keyless communication area) centered on the vehicle.

  The microcomputer 83 includes a non-volatile memory 83a, and an ID code (ID code of the radio key 8) individually set for the radio key 8 is stored in the memory 83a. When the unlock button 81 is operated, the microcomputer 83 requests an operation code (remote operation for unlocking request) to request unlocking of the door lock in order to request the vehicle to unlock the door lock. Code) and a signal including the ID code of the radio wave key 8 (unlock request remote operation signal) are generated, and this unlock request remote operation signal is output to the transmission circuit 84.

  Further, when the lock button 82 is operated, the microcomputer 83 requests an operation code (locking request remote operation code) and a radio wave for requesting the door to be locked to request the vehicle to lock the door lock. A signal (locking request remote operation signal) including the ID code of the key 8 is generated, and this locking request remote operation signal is output to the transmission circuit 84.

  The transmission circuit 84 modulates the remote operation signal (unlock requesting remote operation signal / locking request remote operation signal) input from the microcomputer 83 into a radio wave having a predetermined frequency (300 MHz in this embodiment). The transmission antenna 85 is a medium for transmitting the remote operation signal modulated by the transmission circuit 84.

  The radio wave key 8 has a built-in button type battery 86. The radio wave key 8 receives power from the button type battery 86, and monitors the operation of the unlock button 81 or the lock button 82 to transmit a remote operation signal. A series of operations are performed. Incidentally, the button-type battery 86 is a primary battery that cannot be charged, and the radio wave key 8 is configured so that it can be replaced with a new one when it is consumed.

  The security device 9 has a reception function by wireless communication, and includes a reception antenna 91, a reception circuit 92, and a security control device 93. In the vehicle of this embodiment, various control devices are electrically connected via an in-vehicle communication network. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, these control devices are collectively referred to as a security control device and denoted by reference numeral 93. As will be described in detail later, the security control device 93 mainly performs security control related to electrical key authentication.

  The receiving antenna 91 is a medium for receiving a remote operation signal transmitted from the radio wave key 8. The receiving circuit 92 demodulates the remote operation signal received by the receiving antenna 91 to generate a received signal, and outputs the received signal to the security control device 93.

  The security control device 93 includes a non-volatile memory 93a, and the memory 93a has the same ID code as the radio wave key 8 (= the regular radio key 8) suitable for the vehicle on which the security device 9 is mounted. ID codes (reference ID codes) are stored.

  When the reception signal related to the remote operation signal is input from the reception circuit 92, the security control device 93 determines whether the ID code included in the reception signal matches the reference ID code. That is, in this case, the security control device 93 executes ID code verification. Then, the security control device 93 recognizes that the legitimate radio wave key 8 has been used when the two ID codes match by this ID code verification.

  Then, when the security control device 93 recognizes in this way and the received signal input from the receiving circuit 92 includes the unlocking request remote operation code, the security control device 93 performs remote operation using the regular radio wave key 8. Recognize that there was a request for unlocking the door lock. And the security control apparatus 93 will unlock | release a door lock, when it recognizes in this way.

  Further, when the security control device 35 recognizes that the regular radio wave key 8 has been used by ID code verification and the received signal input from the receiving circuit 92 includes the lock request remote operation code, It is recognized that there is a request for locking the door lock by remote operation using the regular radio wave key 8. And the security control apparatus 93 locks a door lock, when it recognizes in this way.

  As described above, the vehicle of this embodiment is provided with the condition that, when it is affirmed that the regular radio key 8 is used by electrical key authentication, the remote operation using the radio key 8 has been performed. The function (remote keyless entry function) that locks and unlocks the door is applied.

Next, features of the present embodiment will be described.
As described above, in the vehicle of this embodiment, unidirectional communication related to key authentication is performed between the radio wave key 8 and the security device 9. Among them, the microcomputer 83 of the radio wave key 8 generates a remote operation signal when the unlock button 81 or the lock button 82 is operated. Here, the battery voltage of the button-type battery 86 is monitored, and the low voltage A detection bit is added to the remote control signal. That is, when the battery voltage of the button-type battery 86 is equal to or higher than the reference value X, the microcomputer 83 uses a low voltage detection bit (in this case, “0”) indicating that the battery voltage is a normal value as a remote operation signal. Append. On the other hand, when the battery voltage of the button-type battery 86 is lower than the reference value X, the microcomputer 83 has not yet reached a state where the battery has run out such as inability to communicate, but the battery voltage has dropped and the battery is about to run out. A low voltage detection bit (in this case, “1”) indicating that the remote control signal is present.

  Then, when such a remote operation signal is received by the security device 9 and a received signal related thereto is input from the receiving circuit 92 to the security control device 93, the security control device 93 checks the ID code as described above. However, the low voltage detection bit is further analyzed.

  When the low voltage detection bit is “0” as a result of the analysis, the security control device 93 recognizes that the battery voltage of the radio wave key 8 that is the communication partner is a normal value. In this case, when the unlock button 81 (lock button 82) of the regular radio wave key 8 is operated once in the remote keyless communication area, the security control device 93 unlocks (locks) the door lock.

  On the other hand, if the low voltage detection bit is “1” as a result of analyzing the received signal related to the remote operation signal input from the receiving circuit 92, the security control device 93 determines the battery voltage of the radio wave key 8 as the communication partner. Recognize that the battery is about to run out. In this case, the security control device 93 does not unlock (lock) the door lock only by operating the unlock button 81 (lock button 82) of the regular radio wave key 8 once in the remote keyless communication area. That is, in this case, the security control device 93 operates the unlock button 81 (lock button 82) of the regular radio wave key 8 N times (for example, three times) within a predetermined period (for example, 15 seconds) in the remote keyless communication area. When unlocked, the door lock is unlocked.

  In summary, in this embodiment, when the battery voltage built in the radio key 8 is a normal value, when it is determined by the electrical key authentication that the regular radio key 8 is used, normal user operation is performed. The door lock is unlocked and unlocked on the condition that Here, the normal user operation refers to a single pressing operation on the unlock button 81 when the door lock is unlocked, and a single pressing operation on the lock button 82 when the door lock is locked.

  On the other hand, when the battery voltage of the built-in radio key 8 is low and the battery is almost dead, even if it is determined that the proper radio key 8 has been used by electrical key authentication, normal user operation The door lock will not be unlocked or unlocked simply by doing. That is, in this case, the degree of user operation necessary for unlocking and unlocking the door lock is increased. Specifically, in order to unlock the door lock, N pressing operations on the unlock button 81 are performed. In addition, in order to lock the door lock, it is necessary to press the lock button 82 N times.

In the present embodiment, the security control device 93 corresponds to an operation load increasing unit.
As described above, according to the third embodiment, the following operational effects can be obtained.

  (1) When the battery voltage in the radio key 8 is lower than the reference value X, even if it is affirmed that the regular radio key 8 has been used by electrical key authentication, The degree of user operation necessary to unlock and unlock the door lock is increased, and the door lock is unlocked and unlocked on the condition that such an operation has been performed. In general, when the battery voltage drops due to approaching battery exhaustion, etc., the responsiveness of door lock locking / unlocking with respect to the user operation deteriorates. Therefore, the user operation is repeated or prolonged for increasing the door lock locking / unlocking success rate. There is a tendency to be made over the period.

  Therefore, in this configuration, based on this trend, when the battery voltage drops, the user is forced to take actions that seem to be performed unconsciously or consciously, following the previous battery exhaustion. , The user who has been locked and unlocked when doing so is given the impression that the battery is almost dead. In short, since the situation at the time of running out of the battery is actively created, the user can easily recognize that this situation exists. Therefore, it is possible to accurately tell the user that the battery is about to run out.

  (2) Just because the battery voltage in the radio wave key 8 is below the reference value X does not prohibit the door lock and unlock, so the user will not panic and remote keyless entry The convenience by the remote keyless entry function of the system 7 can be maintained.

  (3) When the battery voltage built in the radio wave key 8 is below the reference value X, the security control device 93 increases the number of user operations necessary for the door lock to be unlocked and unlocked. The degree of user operation necessary for locking and unlocking is increased. For this reason, by making the actions that are likely to be performed by the user when the battery runs out, such as repeated operations, as a condition necessary for the door lock to be unlocked, the door lock is unlocked and unlocked when it is performed. It is easy for a user who is supposed to do so to imagine that the battery has run out. Accordingly, maintenance such as battery replacement can be promoted.

  (4) When the battery voltage built in the radio wave key 8 is below the reference value X, the security control device 93 increases the number of remote operations necessary for the door lock to be unlocked and unlocked. The degree of user operation necessary for locking and unlocking is increased. For this reason, when the battery voltage drops, the door lock is not unlocked and unlocked even if the remote operation is normally performed without knowing that, so the user repeats the remote operation at this time, and the door lock is unlocked and unlocked by doing so, Intuitively imagines running out of battery, or at least feels poor responsiveness without having to imagine running out of battery. Therefore, the user himself can perform maintenance such as battery replacement or know the fact that the battery has run out to the dealer, and can take appropriate measures in any case.

  (5) Since the low voltage detection bit is added to the remote operation signal by remote keyless communication, the communication mode is not complicated. In short, remote keyless communication can be used effectively.

In addition, each said embodiment can also be changed and actualized as follows.
In each of the above embodiments, the low voltage detection bit is 1 bit, but the low voltage detection bit may be a plurality of bits. For example, when the low voltage detection bit is 2 bits, the first reference value X1, the second reference value X2, and the third reference value X3 are set in descending order. When battery voltage ≧ X1, bit “00” is set. When X2 ≦ battery voltage <X1, bit “01” is set. When X3 ≦ battery voltage <X2, bit “10” is set. In the case of <X3, the bit “11” is added to the ID code signal or the remote operation signal.

  On the security device side that can receive this, when the degree of user operation necessary to operate the control target is increased, the degree of user operation is increased as the battery voltage is lower. May be. For example, when a signal including the low voltage detection bit “00” is received, the control target is activated by one user operation, and when a signal including “01” is received, the control target is operated by two user operations. When a signal including “10” is received, the control target is activated by three user operations. When a signal including “11” is received, the control target is operated by four user operations.

  In short, when the low voltage detection bit is a plurality of bits, the reference value may be subdivided, and the degree of user operation necessary for operating the control target may be increased as the voltage is lower. Of course, when the low voltage detection bit is a plurality of bits, it may be 3 bits or more.

In addition to smart communication or remote keyless communication, a key voltage detection signal including a low voltage detection bit may be transmitted from the key to the security device.
In each of the above embodiments, when the battery voltage built in the key is lower than the reference value, the number of user operations required to operate the control target is increased, but instead or in addition to this, The operation time for the user operation may be increased. For example, when the longest time required to perform a touch operation or a pressing operation once within the range of common sense is 1 second, when the battery voltage is higher than a reference value, that is, a normal value, it is continuously The controlled object is activated on condition that a user operation for one second is performed. On the other hand, when the battery voltage is lower than the reference value, the controlled object is operated on condition that a user operation for 3 seconds is continuously performed.

  When adopting such a configuration, when the action that is likely to be performed by the user when the battery runs out, such as long-time operation, is made a necessary condition for the controlled object to be activated, It is easy to imagine that the battery has run out for the user whose control object is to be activated. Accordingly, maintenance such as battery replacement can be promoted.

  In addition, when the battery voltage drops, the controlled object is not activated even if the user operation is performed normally without knowing that, so the user performs the user operation for a long time and the controlled object is activated by doing so. Even if the user thinks that the battery has run out, or at least feels the poor responsiveness without having to imagine the battery running out. Therefore, the user himself can perform maintenance such as battery replacement, or can know the fact that the battery has run out to the dealer, and can take appropriate measures in any case.

  -For vehicles having at least two of the smart entry function described in the first embodiment, the smart ignition function described in the second embodiment, and the remote keyless entry function described in the third embodiment. The present invention may be embodied in a key battery exhaust warning device of a composite electronic key system.

-You may use together the warning by the key battery exhaustion warning apparatus of each said embodiment, and the warning by warning means, such as a display and a buzzer.
The remote control means provided with the electronic key is not limited to the unlock button 81 and the lock button 82 provided with the radio wave key 8 of the third embodiment. For example, the engine is started by remote control for the purpose of warm-up operation or the like. A remote engine start button for opening the trunk, a trunk button for opening the trunk by remote control, and the like.

  ・ Although it is an extremely rare example, when locking / unlocking the door lock, this was done not by door handle operation but by increasing the degree of user operation not directly related to door lock locking / unlocking. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the door lock is locked and unlocked on the condition.

  ・ Similarly, when starting the engine, it is not the engine start operation but the degree of user operation not directly related to the engine start is increased, and the engine is started on the condition that such an operation is performed. May be adopted.

  ・ Similarly, when locking and unlocking the door lock by remote control, for example, it is not important to operate the unlock button or lock button provided with the key, but to increase the degree of user operation not directly related to the unlocking and unlocking of the door lock. A configuration may be adopted in which the door lock is locked and unlocked on condition that such an operation has been performed.

  The present invention may be embodied in a key battery exhaustion warning device of a building electronic key system instead of a key battery exhaustion warning device of a vehicle electronic key system. For example, the smart entry function described in the first embodiment or the remote keyless entry function described in the third embodiment may be applied to an electronic key system for buildings. In this case, when the battery voltage in the electronic key is lower than the reference value, for example, the degree of user operation (door knob operation or remote operation using the electronic key) necessary to unlock and unlock the door of the entrance door The door locks are unlocked and unlocked on the condition that these operations are performed.

  The battery of the present invention includes not only a primary battery and a secondary battery but also a power source such as a constant voltage source and a constant current source. The concept of running out of battery includes the replacement time because the primary battery is exhausted and the replacement time is reached, the secondary battery is discharged and the charge time is reached, the constant voltage source or the constant current source is broken, etc. For example, it is impossible to supply sufficient electric power to function an electric / electronic component with a built-in electronic key.

  -Regarding the values of N and M used for the number of user operations required when the battery voltage is reduced in each of the embodiments, the value of N is not limited to "3", and the value of M is limited to "2" Of course, it is not done. Further, the predetermined period used there is of course not limited to 15 seconds or 10 seconds.

  In each of the above embodiments, the voltage value is used as the reference value of the power supply power, but it may be a current value or a power value.

(First embodiment)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Smart key system (electronic key system), 2 ... Smart key (electronic key), 26 ... Button type battery, 35 ... Security control apparatus (operation load increasing means), 37 ... Door handle sensor, 38 ... Door lock switch.

(Second Embodiment)
4 ... smart key system (electronic key system), 5 ... smart key (electronic key), 56 ... button type battery, 65 ... security control device (operation load increasing means), 66 ... power switch.

(Third embodiment)
7 ... Remote keyless entry system (electronic key system), 8 ... Radio wave key (electronic key), 81 ... Unlock button (remote operation means with electronic key), 82 ... Lock button (remote operation means with electronic key), 86 ... button type battery, 93 ... security control device (operation load increasing means).

Claims (5)

In the key battery dead battery warning device of the electronic key system in which the controlled object is operated on the condition that the user operation is performed when it is determined that the regular electronic key is used by the electrical key authentication,
A key battery for an electronic key system, comprising operation load increasing means for increasing a degree of user operation necessary for operating a control target when power supply power built in the electronic key is lower than a reference value. Out warning device. The operation load increasing means increases the control frequency by increasing at least one of the number of user operations and the operation time necessary for the control target to be activated when the power supply built in the electronic key is below a reference value. The key battery exhaustion warning device of the electronic key system according to claim 1, wherein the degree of user operation necessary to activate the object is increased. The operation load increasing means is configured to increase at least one of the number of operation times and the operation time of the door handle operation necessary for the door lock to be unlocked and unlocked when the power supply built in the electronic key is lower than a reference value. The key battery exhaustion warning device of the electronic key system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the degree of user operation necessary for operating the control target is increased. The operation load increasing means increases the at least one of the number of operation times and the operation time of the engine start operation necessary for starting the engine when the power supply power built in the electronic key is lower than a reference value, thereby controlling the operation load. The key battery exhaustion warning device of the electronic key system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the degree of user operation necessary for the target to be activated is increased. The operation load increasing means is a remote operation necessary for operating a control object based on an operation of the remote operation means provided in the electronic key when the power supply power built in the electronic key is below a reference value. The key battery of the electronic key system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the degree of user operation necessary for operating the control target is increased by increasing at least one of the number of times and the operation time. Out warning device.

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