JP2012188800A - Electronic key system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic key system which allows a user to reliably find the voltage reduction of a battery of an electronic key.SOLUTION: With a battery 26 of an electronic key 2 having battery voltage on normal status, the locked and unlocked states of a vehicle door are quickly changed over through contact with a door handlebar 37 or the like. With the battery 26 in low voltage status, the contact with the door handlebar 37 or the like allows the locked and unlocked states of the vehicle door not to be changed over at once, or allows the locked and unlocked states of the vehicle door to be changed over after lapse of a delay time. The intentional reduction of the responsibility to an operation, or the intentional reduction of eventual convenience allows a user to more reliably find the voltage reduction of the battery.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic key system.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electronic key system that enables locking / unlocking of a vehicle door or starting of an engine through wireless communication between the electronic key and the vehicle is known. The electronic key performs communication with the vehicle based on the power from the built-in battery. For this reason, if the battery of the electronic key runs out, communication with the vehicle becomes impossible. Thus, before communication becomes impossible, the structure which notifies a user that the battery is near to an electronic key through warning means, such as a vehicle-mounted display and a buzzer, is known (for example, refer patent document 1 and 2). ).

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

  However, in the configurations disclosed in Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2, there is a possibility that the user may not be aware of a warning by a display, a buzzer, or the like. Even if the user notices that, it is possible to lock and unlock the vehicle door without any problem at present, so there is a risk that the battery will not be replaced without much importance. In this case, it becomes impossible to unlock the vehicle door or start the engine through communication because the battery of the electronic key eventually runs out.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an electronic key system that allows a user to more reliably recognize a decrease in battery voltage of the electronic key.

Hereinafter, means for achieving the above-described object and its operation and effects will be described.
The invention according to claim 1 is an electronic key system including an electronic key that enables control of the control target by executing wireless communication with the control target based on power from a built-in battery. The switch that is operated when executing the control of the control target, and when the battery voltage is in a low voltage state that is less than a threshold value, the control target control through the switch operation is performed only for a delay time. The gist of the invention is that it includes a control delay means that executes with delay.

  According to this configuration, when the battery voltage becomes less than the threshold value, execution of control of the control target through the operation of the switch is delayed by the delay time. Therefore, the user can more reliably recognize the decrease in the battery voltage of the electronic key through the delay in execution of the control.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the electronic key system according to the first aspect, when the electronic key receives a request signal wirelessly transmitted from the control target, the response includes battery voltage information related to the voltage of the battery. When the control object includes the switch and the control delay means, and the control delay means recognizes that the low voltage state is based on the battery voltage information included in the received response signal The gist is that the control of the control object through the operation of the switch is delayed by the delay time.

  According to this configuration, when the low voltage state is recognized based on the battery voltage information included in the response signal received by the control target, the control through the switch operation is delayed by the delay time. As described above, even in a system in which bidirectional communication is performed between the electronic key and the control target, the user can be made aware of the decrease in the battery voltage of the electronic key through the control delay. Further, since the control delay means is provided in the control target, an electronic key that requires high portability can be configured in a compact manner.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electronic key system according to the first aspect, the electronic key includes the switch, and when the switch is operated, the control includes battery voltage information regarding the voltage of the battery. Transmitting a request signal, the control object comprises the control delay means, and when the control delay means recognizes that the low voltage state is based on the battery voltage information included in the received control request signal, The gist of the present invention is that the control of the control object through the operation of the switch is delayed by the delay time.

  According to the configuration, when the low voltage state is recognized based on the battery voltage information included in the control request signal received by the control target, the control through the switch operation is delayed by the delay time. As described above, even in a system in which unidirectional communication from the electronic key to the control target is performed, the user can be made aware of the decrease in the battery voltage of the electronic key through the control delay. Further, since the control delay means is provided in the control target, an electronic key that requires high portability can be configured in a compact manner.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, in an electronic key system, a user can be made to recognize more reliably the fall of the battery voltage of an electronic key.

The block diagram of the key operation free system in 1st Embodiment. The top view of the vehicle which showed the communication area in 1st Embodiment. The timing chart which showed the operation timing of the switch in 1st Embodiment, and the execution timing of locking / unlocking. The block diagram of the wireless key system in 2nd Embodiment.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a key operation free system which is a kind of electronic key system will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle according to the present embodiment is equipped with a key operation free system 1 that can control the vehicle without performing a key operation as an electronic key system. The key operation free system 1 includes an electronic key 2 possessed by a vehicle user and an in-vehicle device 3 provided on the vehicle side. The vehicle door can be locked and unlocked through two-way communication between the electronic key 2 and the in-vehicle device 3. The configuration of this system will be described below.

The electronic key 2 includes a reception antenna 21, a reception circuit 22, a microcomputer 23, a transmission circuit 24, a transmission antenna 25, and a battery 26.
The battery 26 supplies operating power to each part of the electronic key 2. In this example, the battery 26 is a button-type primary battery that cannot be charged. When the battery runs out, it is configured to be replaceable with a new battery 26.

  The receiving antenna 21 receives a request signal transmitted from the in-vehicle device 3. The receiving circuit 22 demodulates the request signal received through the receiving antenna 21 and outputs the demodulated signal to the microcomputer 23.

  The microcomputer 23 includes a nonvolatile memory 23a, and an ID code individually set for the electronic key 2 is stored in the memory 23a. When a request signal is input from the receiving circuit 22, the microcomputer 23 generates a response signal including the ID code of the electronic key 2 in order to respond to the request signal.

  Further, the microcomputer 23 includes a detection unit 23 b that detects the voltage of the battery 26. The microcomputer 23 determines that the battery voltage is in a normal state when the battery voltage detected through the detection unit 23b is equal to or higher than the threshold value, and the battery voltage decreases when the battery voltage is lower than the threshold value. It is determined that the low voltage state has occurred. Even when the battery 26 is in a low voltage state, the vehicle door cannot be unlocked or unlocked immediately through communication with the vehicle-mounted device 3. Is possible. In other words, from such a viewpoint, the threshold value is set to a value higher than the minimum operating voltage of the electronic key.

  The microcomputer 23 includes in the response signal as battery voltage information whether the battery 26 is in a normal state or a low voltage state. Specifically, a bit of battery voltage information is added to the response signal, and the bit is set to bit 0 in the normal state and bit 1 in the low voltage state. The microcomputer 23 outputs the generated response signal to the transmission circuit 24.

  The transmission circuit 24 modulates the response signal input from the microcomputer 23 into a radio wave having a predetermined frequency (300 MHz in this embodiment). The transmission antenna 25 wirelessly transmits the response signal modulated by the transmission circuit 24.

  The in-vehicle device 3 includes a transmission circuit 31, a transmission antenna 32, a reception antenna 33, a reception circuit 34, and an in-vehicle control device 35. In addition, a door handle sensor 37, a door lock switch 38, and a door lock device 39 are electrically connected to the in-vehicle device 3.

  The in-vehicle control device 35 generates a request signal at a predetermined cycle and outputs it to the transmission circuit 31. The transmission circuit 31 modulates the request signal input from the in-vehicle control device 35 into a radio wave having a predetermined frequency (134 KHz in this embodiment). The transmission antenna 32 wirelessly transmits the request signal modulated by the transmission circuit 31.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the transmission antenna 32 is built in the door outside handle 36. Then, a request signal is transmitted from the transmitting antenna 32 to an area (communication area A) having a radius of about 1 m around the door outside handle 36 outside the vehicle. When a request signal is transmitted into the communication area A with the electronic key 2 being brought into the communication area A, the electronic key 2 transmits a response signal in response to the received request signal.

  Further, the door outside handle 36 is provided with a door handle sensor 37 for detecting a user's contact, and a door lock switch 38 is provided so that it can be pushed. The door lock device 39 switches the locking / unlocking state of the vehicle door based on a command from the in-vehicle control device 35.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the in-vehicle control device 35 includes a nonvolatile memory 35a, and the memory 35a stores the same ID code as the ID code of the electronic key 2. Moreover, the vehicle-mounted control apparatus 35 is provided with the timer 35b which measures the delay time mentioned later.

  The receiving antenna 33 receives the response signal transmitted from the electronic key 2. The receiving circuit 34 demodulates the response signal received through the receiving antenna 33 and outputs the demodulated signal to the in-vehicle control device 35.

  When the response signal is input from the receiving circuit 34, the in-vehicle control device 35 collates the ID code included in the signal with the ID code stored in the memory 35a, and the battery included in the signal. It is recognized whether the battery 26 is in a normal state or a low voltage state through the voltage information (exactly bit 0 or 1).

  When the verification of the ID code is established, the in-vehicle control device 35 assumes that the regular electronic key 2 is present in the communication area A and enters the locking / unlocking permission state. In this state, the vehicle-mounted control device 35 detects contact with the door outside handle 36 through the door handle sensor 37. At this time, if the battery 26 is in a normal state, the vehicle door is immediately unlocked as shown on the left side of FIG. On the other hand, if the battery 26 is in a low voltage state at this time, the vehicle door is unlocked after the delay time T measured through the timer 35b has elapsed as shown on the right side of FIG.

  Similarly, when the door lock switch 38 is pushed in the lock / unlock permission state, the vehicle-mounted control device 35 immediately switches the lock / unlock state of the vehicle door if the battery 26 is in the normal state. On the other hand, at this time, if the battery 26 is in a low voltage state, the vehicle door is switched to the locked / unlocked state after the delay time T measured through the timer 35b has elapsed.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) If the voltage of the battery 26 of the electronic key 2 is in a normal state, the vehicle door can be quickly switched between the locked state and the unlocked state through contact with the door handle sensor 37 or the like. When the battery 26 is in a low voltage state, even if the door handle sensor 37 is touched, the unlocking state of the vehicle door is not immediately switched, and the vehicle door is unlocked after the delay time T has elapsed. The lock state is switched. In this way, by deliberately reducing the responsiveness to the operation and thus the convenience, the user can be surely made aware of the decrease in the battery voltage. This provides the user with a stronger motivation for battery replacement than the notification of voltage drop due to an alarm or display.

  (2) In the in-vehicle device 3, processing related to the delay of locking / unlocking is performed based on the battery voltage information included in the response signal. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform this process with the electronic key 2, and the electronic key 2 that requires relatively high portability can be configured compactly.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The vehicle of this embodiment is equipped with a wireless key system that locks and unlocks a vehicle door through a key operation as an electronic key system. Hereinafter, a description will be given focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the wireless key system 7, unidirectional communication is performed with the electronic key 2 as the transmission side and the in-vehicle device 3 as the reception side. Therefore, unlike the first embodiment, the electronic key 2 is configured by omitting the receiving antenna 21 and the receiving circuit 22, and the in-vehicle device 3 is configured by omitting the transmitting circuit 31 and the transmitting antenna 32. Further, the door handle sensor 37 and the door lock switch 38 are also omitted.

  The electronic key 2 includes an unlock switch 41 and a lock switch 42. The lock switch 42 and the unlock switch 41 are push switches, and when operated, an operation signal to that effect is output to the microcomputer 23. Thereby, it is recognized that the lock switch 42 or the unlock switch 41 is operated in the microcomputer 23.

  The microcomputer 23 generates a lock request signal including the ID code stored in its own memory 23 a when the lock switch 42 is operated and the battery voltage information of the battery 26, and outputs it to the transmission circuit 24. In addition, when the unlock switch 41 is operated, an unlock request signal including the ID code stored in its own memory 23 a and the battery voltage information of the battery 26 is generated and output to the transmission circuit 24. The battery voltage information is information indicating whether the battery 26 is in a normal state or a low voltage state, as in the first embodiment.

  The transmission circuit 24 modulates the lock request signal or the unlock request signal input from the microcomputer 23 into a radio wave having a predetermined frequency (300 MHz in this embodiment). The transmission antenna 25 wirelessly transmits the lock request signal or the unlock request signal modulated by the transmission circuit 24.

  On the other hand, in the in-vehicle device 3, when the receiving circuit 34 receives the locking request signal or the unlocking request signal from the electronic key 2 via the receiving antenna 33, the receiving circuit 34 demodulates it and outputs it to the in-vehicle control device 35. When the lock request signal or the unlock request signal is input from the receiving circuit 34, the in-vehicle control device 35 collates the ID code included in the signal with the ID code stored in the memory 35a, It is recognized whether the battery 26 is in a normal state or a low voltage state through battery voltage information included in the signal.

  The vehicle-mounted control device 35 immediately locks the vehicle door when it recognizes that the battery 26 is in the normal state when the collation of the ID code is established for the lock request signal. On the other hand, the vehicle-mounted control device 35 waits for the elapse of the delay time T measured through the timer 35b when it recognizes that the ID code is verified for the locking request signal and the battery 26 is in a low voltage state. Lock the vehicle door.

  In the same manner, the vehicle-mounted control device 35 unlocks the vehicle door immediately when it is recognized that the ID code has been verified for the unlock request signal and the battery 26 is in the normal state. On the other hand, the vehicle-mounted control device 35 waits for the elapse of the delay time T measured through the timer 35b when it recognizes that the ID code is collated for the unlock request signal and the battery 26 is in a low voltage state. Unlock the vehicle door.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(3) If the voltage of the battery 26 of the electronic key 2 is in a normal state, the vehicle door can be unlocked or locked quickly through the operation of the unlock switch 41 or the lock switch 42. When the battery 26 is in a low voltage state, after the operation of the unlock switch 41 or the lock switch 42, the vehicle door is unlocked or locked after the delay time T has elapsed. In this way, by reducing the responsiveness to the operation of the unlock switch 41 or the like, the user can be surely made aware of the decrease in the battery voltage by reducing the convenience. This gives the user a stronger motivation for battery replacement than the notification by alarm or display.

  (4) In particular, the wireless key system is similar to a remote controller in a television or the like in that it can be remotely controlled through a switch operation. Generally, when the response of the television or the like to the switch operation of the controller becomes worse, the user recognizes that the battery needs to be replaced. Under such an image, by delaying the response to the operation of the unlock switch 41 or the like of the electronic key 2, the user can sensuously recognize that it is caused by battery consumption.

In addition, the said embodiment can be implemented with the following forms which changed this suitably.
In the above embodiments, the execution of locking and unlocking of the vehicle door is delayed when the battery 26 is in a low voltage state based on the battery voltage information included in the signal received by the in-vehicle device 3. However, the transmission timing of the signal from the electronic key 2 may be delayed when the battery 26 is in a low voltage state.

  Specifically, in the first embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which a request signal is transmitted from the in-vehicle device 3 when the door handle sensor 37 detects a user contact or when the door lock switch 38 is operated. To do. Then, when the battery 26 is in a low voltage state, the microcomputer 23 recognizes the request signal and then waits for the delay time T to elapse to generate a response signal. Thereby, for example, when the user touches the door handle sensor 37 in a low voltage state, even if the electronic key 2 receives the request signal, the electronic key 2 does not immediately return a response signal, but waits for the delay time T to elapse. Reply. Therefore, as a result, it is possible to delay the switching execution timing of the locking / unlocking state.

  In the second embodiment, when the unlock switch 41 or the lock switch 42 is operated when the battery 26 is in a low voltage state, the microcomputer 23 waits for the delay time T to elapse to release the unlock request signal or the lock request. Generate a signal. As a result, the switching execution timing of the locked / unlocked state can be delayed as a result.

  According to these structures, it is not necessary to add battery voltage information to a response signal, a lock request signal, or the like. Moreover, the process which concerns on the delay of control execution in the vehicle equipment 3 can be abbreviate | omitted. Therefore, since the vehicle-mounted device 3 only needs to perform the same processing as the conventional one, in the existing electronic key system, the electronic key 2 according to the present invention is additionally registered in the vehicle-mounted device 3 later, as in the above embodiments. The effect is obtained.

  In the above embodiments, the delay time T is constant. However, the delay time T may be set longer as the voltage of the battery 26 decreases. In this case, a more detailed battery voltage in the low voltage state is added to the response signal or the like as battery voltage information. The in-vehicle device 3 sets the delay time T longer as the battery voltage becomes lower in the low voltage state. Thereby, since the responsiveness gradually decreases, the user is likely to notice that the cause of the control delay is not a failure but a decrease in the battery voltage.

  In the above embodiments, the battery voltage information is always included in the response signal or the like. However, the battery voltage information may be included only when the battery 26 is in a low voltage state. Thereby, when the voltage of the battery 26 is in a normal state, it is not necessary to include battery voltage information in the response signal or the like.

  A composite electronic key system including the key operation free system in the first embodiment and the wireless key system in the second embodiment may be used. In this case, even when the vehicle door is locked and unlocked using any system, if the battery 26 is in a low voltage state, the execution of the locking and unlocking is delayed.

-In addition to the warning about battery exhaustion through the delay in execution of locking and unlocking in each of the above embodiments, warnings such as a display and a buzzer may be used in combination.
-In 1st Embodiment, when the battery 26 of the electronic key 2 was in a low voltage state, the execution timing of locking / unlocking of a vehicle door was delayed. However, in the low voltage state, the delayed control is not limited to the vehicle door, and may be, for example, engine start. Specifically, the vehicle-mounted device 3 enters the engine start permission state when collation of the ID code is established through communication with the electronic key 2 in the vehicle. In this state, when the engine switch provided in the vicinity of the driver's seat is operated, the in-vehicle device 3 starts the engine immediately if the voltage of the battery 26 is in a normal state. At this time, if the battery 26 is in a low voltage state, the engine is started after the delay time T has elapsed. Thereby, even when the engine is started, the user can be notified that the battery voltage of the electronic key 2 has dropped. Moreover, in an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, the timing for making the vehicle ready to travel is delayed.

  Further, the control target is not limited to the above as long as it can be controlled through communication with the electronic key 2, for example, a trunk device that opens and closes a trunk, a slide door device that opens and closes a slide door, and the like. It may be. Even in this case, in the low voltage state of the battery 26, the opening and closing timing of the trunk and the sliding door is delayed. The controlled object is not limited to a vehicle, and may be a door lock device for a building.

  In each of the above embodiments, the battery 26 is a primary battery, but may be a secondary battery. Even in this case, the user can recognize that the electronic key 2 needs to be charged through the delay of the control execution.

Next, the technical idea that can be grasped from the embodiment will be described together with the effects.
(A) In the electronic key system according to claim 1, the control target includes the switch, and when the switch is operated, a request signal requesting a response of the electronic key is transmitted, and the electronic key When the response signal to be transmitted is received, control is executed, and the electronic key includes the control delay means, and when the control delay means receives the request signal, the control delay means transmits the response signal after the delay time elapses. Electronic key system to do.

  According to the configuration, the execution timing of the control in the controlled object is delayed by delaying the transmission timing of the response signal from the electronic key. In this configuration, it is not necessary to add battery voltage information to the response signal.

  (B) In the electronic key system according to claim 1, the control object performs control when receiving a control request signal transmitted from the electronic key, and the electronic key controls the control delay means and the switch. And when the switch is operated, the control delay means transmits the control request signal after the delay time elapses and recognizes that the switch is not in the low voltage state. An electronic key system for transmitting the control request signal to

  According to this configuration, the execution timing of the control in the controlled object is delayed by delaying the transmission timing of the control request signal based on the switch operation of the electronic key. In this configuration, it is not necessary to add battery voltage information to the control request signal.

(C) In the electronic key system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and (a) and (b), the delay time is set longer as the battery voltage decreases in the low voltage state. According to the same configuration, the delay time becomes longer as the battery voltage of the electronic key decreases. Thereby, since the responsiveness gradually decreases, the user is likely to notice that the cause of the control delay is not a failure but a decrease in the battery voltage.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Key operation free system, 2 ... Electronic key, 3 ... In-vehicle machine (control object), 7 ... Wireless key system, 23 ... Microcomputer, 26 ... Battery, 35 ... In-vehicle control device (control delay means), 37 ... Door handle Sensor (switch), 38 ... Door lock switch (switch), 39 ... Door lock device, 41 ... Unlock switch (switch), 42 ... Lock switch (switch).

Claims (3)

In an electronic key system including an electronic key that enables control of the control target by executing wireless communication with the control target based on power from a built-in battery,
A switch operated when executing the control of the control object;
An electronic key system comprising: control delay means for delaying the control of the control object through the operation of the switch by a delay time when the battery voltage is lower than a threshold value. . The electronic key system according to claim 1.
When the electronic key receives a request signal wirelessly transmitted from the control target, the electronic key transmits a response signal including battery voltage information regarding the voltage of the battery,
The control object includes the switch and the control delay means,
When the control delay means recognizes the low voltage state based on the battery voltage information included in the received response signal, the control delay means delays the control of the control target through the operation of the switch by the delay time. Electronic key system to execute. The electronic key system according to claim 1.
The electronic key includes the switch, and when the switch is operated, transmits a control request signal including battery voltage information related to the voltage of the battery,
The control object includes the control delay means,
When the control delay means recognizes the low voltage state based on the battery voltage information included in the received control request signal, the control delay means delays the control of the control target through the switch operation by the delay time. Electronic key system to execute.

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