JP2013143803A - Electronic apparatus, charging device, charging system and charging method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic apparatus, a charging device, a charging system and a charging method that enable contactless charging even in the event of wireless communication which may experience a radio wave interference during contactless charging.SOLUTION: An electronic key 300 that is supplied with power from a vehicle 200 in a contactless manner includes: a contactless charging circuit 310 that has a wireless charging communication function for implanting contactless charging from the vehicle 200, and receives power transmitted in a contactless charging manner from the vehicle 200; a secondary battery 350 that is charged with the power received by the contactless charging circuit 310; and a wireless communication circuit 330 that has a wireless communication function for implementing wireless communication with the vehicle 200. When both wireless charging communication and wireless communication are established with the vehicle 200, the electronic key 300 turns on the wireless charging communication function and turns off the wireless communication function.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device, a charging device, a charging system, a charging method, and the like. For example, the present invention relates to an electronic device, a charging device, a charging system, a charging method, and the like that can be charged by a non-contact charging method.

  In recent years, for example, an electronic key system using a low frequency (hereinafter referred to as LF) band of 300 kHz or less is being adopted for many vehicles and electronic keys. In this type of electronic key system, it is detected that the user holding the electronic key has approached the vehicle and the door is unlocked, or conversely, the door is locked by detecting that the user has left the vehicle. Can be locked.

  By the way, in such an electronic key system, only the function of the electronic key is used and the power consumption is small. Therefore, a primary battery such as a coin battery is mainly used as the power source of the electronic key. For this reason, when the remaining amount of the primary battery is low, it is displayed by an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like, and the user is prompted to replace the battery. In this case, it takes time to replace the battery, and inconveniences such as inability to communicate with the vehicle occur during the battery replacement.

  On the other hand, it is conceivable to use a secondary battery as a power source for the electronic key. However, when the remaining capacity of the secondary battery is low, it takes time to charge the secondary battery with the AC adapter, and as with the primary battery, communication with the vehicle is not possible during battery replacement. Inconvenience such as inability to occur.

  Accordingly, various techniques for avoiding battery consumption of the electronic key in the electronic key system have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for avoiding battery consumption of an electronic key by restricting search of the electronic key by wireless polling communication when the door is locked while the electronic key is placed in the vehicle. It is disclosed.

  Here, when a secondary battery is used as a power source of an electronic device such as an electronic key, it can be considered to charge by a so-called non-contact charging method (for example, an electromagnetic induction method). However, the radio communication frequency band of the LF band normally used in the electronic key system is several tens of kHz to several hundreds of kHz, and the use frequency band in the non-contact charging method (for example, the electromagnetic induction method) is also the above LF. It is the same as the radio communication frequency band of the band. At present, a primary battery is used for the electronic key, and LF band wireless communication and non-contact charging are not performed at the same time. However, in the case of simultaneous operation, a malfunction may be assumed due to interference.

  Thus, various techniques have been proposed in which wireless communication and non-contact charging are performed at the same time, thereby avoiding malfunction due to radio wave interference or the like. For example, in Patent Document 2, the charging side acquires a reception status from an electronic device having a reception function, performs normal charging when the reception sensitivity is low, and performs quick charging when the reception sensitivity is high, so that wireless charging is performed even during charging. A technique is disclosed in which communication is not affected. For example, Patent Document 3 discloses a technique in which an instruction to stop power transmission is issued to the power transmission side so as not to affect the operation during non-contact charging.

JP 2008-045373 A JP 2011-078191 A JP 2009-290928 A

  In the future, the electronic keys in the electronic key system are expected to be multifunctional by adding functions such as a display function, a sensor function, and an audio output function. For this reason, the power consumption of the electronic key is increased. For example, in a coin battery, the battery capacity is insufficient, and it is expected that battery replacement frequently occurs.

  In addition, if the power consumption increases, it is expected that due to the rapid decrease of the remaining battery level, the electronic key will not suddenly operate and wireless communication cannot be performed, and it will not operate when necessary. .

  Therefore, by using a secondary battery as the power source of the electronic key and by appropriately charging the secondary battery by non-contact charging that can be easily charged, the above situation can be avoided relatively easily. It is possible that However, as described above, when contactless charging is performed, wireless communication in the LF band is hindered, and it is difficult to simply add a contactless charging function in an electronic key that performs wireless communication in the LF band. There's a problem.

  With respect to this point, the techniques disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 still have a problem that the wireless communication in the LF band is hindered when performing non-contact charging. Moreover, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 3, since power transmission is stopped, there remains a problem that contactless charging cannot be performed during wireless communication.

  The problems as described above are not limited to the electronic key and the vehicle constituting the electronic key system, and the same applies to the electronic device and the charging device constituting the charging system.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above technical problems. According to some aspects of the present invention, an electronic device, a charging device, a charging system, a charging method, and the like that can perform non-contact charging even when performing wireless communication that may cause radio wave interference during non-contact charging. Can be provided.

  (1) The first aspect of the present invention has a wireless charging communication function for an electronic device to which power is supplied from a charging device in a contactless manner to perform charging in a contactless manner with the charging device, Wireless communication for performing wireless communication between a power receiving unit that receives power transmitted from the charging device by a non-contact charging method, a secondary battery that is charged with power received by the power receiving unit, and the charging device When wireless charging communication and wireless communication are established with the charging device, the wireless charging communication function is turned on and the wireless communication function is turned off.

  In this embodiment, an electronic device that includes a secondary battery, receives power supplied from a charging device by a non-contact charging method, and is configured to be able to charge the secondary battery is contactless with the charging device. In addition to performing wireless charging communication to perform charging, wireless communication is performed. At this time, when wireless charging communication and wireless communication are established, communication is performed with the charging device by wireless charging communication, and the wireless communication function is turned off. Thereby, it is a case where a radio wave interferes when performing wireless charging communication and wireless communication at the same time, and charging of the electronic device can be performed. Therefore, even if the power consumption of the electronic device increases due to the multi-function, it is possible to avoid a situation where the operation suddenly stops due to a rapid decrease in the remaining battery level. In addition, by performing information that should originally be transmitted and received through wireless communication via wireless charging communication, both wireless charging and wireless communication can be achieved.

  (2) In the electronic device according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, wireless charging communication is not established with the charging device, and wireless communication is established with the charging device. Then, the wireless communication function is turned on.

  According to this aspect, since the wireless communication function is turned on when the wireless charging communication is not established and the wireless communication is established, in addition to the above effect, the wireless communication with the charging device is performed. Will be able to.

  (3) In the electronic device according to the third aspect of the present invention, when the wireless charging communication and the wireless communication are not established with the charging device in the first aspect or the second aspect, the wireless charging communication function Is turned off, the transmission function of the wireless communication function is turned off, and the reception function of the wireless communication function is turned on.

  According to this aspect, when the wireless charging communication and the wireless communication are not established, the reception function of the wireless communication function is turned on, so that the wireless communication is performed when the electronic device eventually enters an area where wireless communication is possible. Will be able to. At this time, since the wireless charging communication function is turned off, wireless communication can be established without wasteful power consumption.

  (4) An electronic device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the electronic device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the charging device is a vehicle and the electronic key of the vehicle.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide an electronic key capable of non-contact charging from a vehicle even when performing wireless communication that may cause radio wave interference during non-contact charging.

  (5) According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a charging device configured to be able to supply electric power in a non-contact manner to an electronic device having a secondary battery. A power transmission unit having a wireless charging communication function for performing power transmission to the electronic device by a non-contact charging method, and a wireless communication unit having a wireless communication function for performing wireless communication with the electronic device; When wireless charging communication and wireless communication are established with the electronic device, the wireless charging communication function is turned on and the wireless communication function is turned off.

  In this aspect, the charging device capable of charging the secondary battery included in the electronic device by non-contact charging performs wireless charging communication with the electronic device in order to perform non-contact charging, Perform wireless communication. At this time, when wireless charging communication and wireless communication are established, communication is performed with the electronic device by wireless charging communication, and the wireless communication function is turned off. Thereby, it is a case where a radio wave interferes when performing wireless charging communication and wireless communication at the same time, and charging of the electronic device can be performed. Therefore, even if the power consumption of the electronic device increases due to the multi-function, it is possible to avoid a situation where the operation suddenly stops due to a rapid decrease in the remaining battery level. In addition, by performing information that should originally be transmitted and received through wireless communication via wireless charging communication, both wireless charging and wireless communication can be achieved.

  (6) In the charging device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, wireless charging communication is not established with the electronic device, and wireless communication is established with the electronic device. Then, the wireless communication function is turned on.

  According to this aspect, the wireless communication function is turned on when the wireless charging communication is not established and the wireless communication is established. Therefore, in addition to the above effects, wireless communication with the electronic device is performed. Will be able to.

  (7) The charging device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention provides the wireless charging communication function when the wireless charging communication and the wireless communication are not established with the electronic device according to the fifth aspect or the sixth aspect. And turn on the wireless communication function.

  According to this aspect, since the wireless communication function is turned on when the wireless charging communication and the wireless communication are not established, the wireless communication can be performed when the electronic device eventually enters an area where wireless communication is possible. It becomes like this. At this time, since the wireless charging communication function is turned off, the wireless communication can be established without wasteful power consumption particularly in the electronic device.

  (8) A charging device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the battery charger according to any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, wherein the electronic device is an electronic key and is mounted on a vehicle corresponding to the electronic key. .

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a vehicle that can perform non-contact charging with respect to the electronic key even when performing wireless communication that may cause radio wave interference during non-contact charging.

  (9) According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the charging system, the electronic device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects and the charging device according to any of the fifth to eighth aspects. Including.

  According to this aspect, even when wireless communication that may cause radio wave interference during non-contact charging is performed, the charging system includes an electronic device and a charging device that can perform non-contact charging on the electronic device. Will be able to provide.

  (10) According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a charging method in a charging system configured such that power can be supplied from a charging device to an electronic device having a secondary battery by a non-contact charging method. Wireless communication confirmation step for confirming wireless communication with the electronic device, and wireless charging communication confirmation step for confirming wireless charging communication for charging by the non-contact charging method between the charging device and the electronic device. When the wireless communication and the wireless charging communication are established, the wireless communication function of the electronic device and the charging device is turned off, and the wireless charging communication function of the electronic device and the charging device is turned on.

  In this aspect, the electronic device including the secondary battery is configured to receive power supplied from the charging device by a non-contact charging method and to charge the secondary battery. The electronic device and the charging device perform wireless charging communication and wireless communication in order to perform charging without contact. At this time, when wireless charging communication and wireless communication are established, communication is performed with the charging device by wireless charging communication, and the wireless communication function is turned off. Thereby, it is a case where a radio wave interferes when performing wireless charging communication and wireless communication at the same time, and the charging device can charge the electronic device. Therefore, even if the power consumption of the electronic device increases due to the multi-function, it is possible to avoid a situation where the operation suddenly stops due to a rapid decrease in the remaining battery level. In addition, by performing information that should originally be transmitted and received through wireless communication via wireless charging communication, both wireless charging and wireless communication can be achieved.

  (11) A charging method according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the wireless communication of the electronic device and the charging device when the wireless communication is established and the wireless charging communication is not established in the tenth aspect. Turn on the function.

  According to this aspect, since the wireless communication function is turned on when the wireless charging communication is not established and the wireless communication is established, in addition to the above effect, the wireless communication between the charging device and the electronic device is performed. Will be able to do.

  (12) The charging method according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the wireless method of the electronic device and the charging device when the wireless communication and the wireless charging communication are not established in the tenth aspect or the eleventh aspect. The charging communication function is turned off, the wireless communication function transmission function of the electronic device is turned off, the wireless communication function reception function of the electronic device is turned on, and the wireless communication function of the charging device is turned on.

  According to this aspect, when the wireless charging communication and the wireless communication are not established, the reception function of the wireless communication function is turned on, so that the wireless communication is performed when the electronic device eventually enters an area where wireless communication is possible. Will be able to. At this time, since the wireless charging communication function is turned off, wireless communication between the electronic device and the charging device can be established without consuming unnecessary power in the electronic device.

The figure which shows the outline | summary of a structure of the electronic key system which concerns on this embodiment. The block diagram of the structural example of the vehicle of FIG. 1, and an electronic key. FIG. 3A is a diagram schematically showing the position of the electronic key with respect to the vehicle when the vehicle is viewed from above. FIG. 3B is an explanatory diagram of each area of FIG. The sequence diagram of the 1st example of the charging method in the electronic key system of this embodiment. The sequence diagram of the 2nd example of the charging method in the electronic key system of this embodiment. The sequence diagram of the 3rd example of the charging method in the electronic key system of this embodiment. The flowchart of the operation example of the vehicle in this embodiment. The flowchart of the operation example of the electronic key in this embodiment. The figure which shows the outline | summary of each operation | movement of a vehicle and an electronic key according to the distance between a vehicle and an electronic key. The figure which shows the outline | summary of the radio | wireless communication and radio | wireless charge communication for every area by a vehicle and an electronic key. The figure which shows the detailed operation example of the electronic key system in this embodiment. The block diagram of the structural example of the vehicle in the 1st modification of this embodiment. The block diagram of the structural example of the electronic key system in the 2nd modification of this embodiment. The block diagram of the structural example of the electronic key system in the 3rd modification of this embodiment. The flowchart of the operation example of the electronic key system in the 4th modification of this embodiment. The flowchart of the operation example of the electronic key system in the 5th modification of this embodiment. The flowchart of the operation example of the vehicle in the 6th modification of this embodiment. The flowchart of the operation example of the electronic key in the 6th modification of this embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below do not unduly limit the contents of the present invention described in the claims. In addition, all of the configurations described below are not necessarily indispensable configuration requirements for solving the problems of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, an electronic key system including a vehicle having a charging function by a non-contact charging method for an electronic key having a secondary battery will be described as an example of a charging system including the electronic device and the charging device according to the present invention. The charging system according to the present invention is not limited to the electronic key system described below.

[Electronic key system]
FIG. 1 shows an outline of the configuration of an electronic key system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the electronic key system in the present embodiment is not limited to that shown in FIG.

  The electronic key system 100 includes a vehicle 200 such as an automobile (a main body in a broad sense) and an electronic key 300 (a terminal in a broad sense) as a portable communication device. In the electronic key system 100, as a communication system, wireless communication is performed between the vehicle 200 and the electronic key 300, and the electronic key 300 can be controlled to lock and release the door of the vehicle 200. ing.

  Specifically, the vehicle 200 periodically transmits an amplitude modulation signal 202 having a first frequency on which data to be transmitted to the electronic key 300 is superimposed, and waits for a response from the electronic key 300. The amplitude modulation signal 202 is an ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) signal in which transmission data is superimposed on the amplitude component of the signal, for example. When the electronic key 300 receives the amplitude modulation signal 202 from the vehicle 200, the electronic key 300 responds to the vehicle 200 with a signal 204 of the second frequency. Thereafter, a signal is exchanged between the vehicle 200 and the electronic key 300, and when the electronic key 300 is authenticated, predetermined control such as locking and releasing of the door of the vehicle 200, starting and stopping of the engine is permitted. It is like that.

  The electronic key 300 must operate with low power consumption and be able to easily grasp the position of the electronic key 300 from the vehicle 200 so that a call from the vehicle 200 can be handled. Therefore, it is assumed that the first frequency of the amplitude modulation signal 202 received by the electronic key 300 is 300 kHz or less, for example, a frequency in a low frequency (LF) band of several tens kHz to several hundreds kHz. On the other hand, the second frequency is assumed to be a frequency in a high frequency (RF) band of, for example, 300 MHz or 430 MHz.

  The electronic key 300 as an electronic device operates using a built-in secondary battery as a power source. In the electronic key system 100, as a charging system, a vehicle 200 (or a vehicle equipped with a charging device) as a charging device supplies power to the electronic key 300 by a non-contact charging method, and the secondary provided in the electronic key 300 is provided. The battery can be charged.

  Specifically, when the vehicle 200 receives a response from the electronic key 300 while searching for the electronic key 300, the vehicle 200 communicates with the electronic key 300 to confirm a charging-side device, or to confirm safety. Then, wireless charging communication (non-contact charging communication) such as communication for notifying the remaining battery level is performed. Thereafter, the vehicle 200 transmits electric power to the electronic key 300 by an electromagnetic induction method among known non-contact charging methods, and the electronic key 300 charges the secondary battery with the received electric power. That is, wireless charging communication is performed prior to charging by the non-contact charging method. At this time, the wireless charging communication is communication in the LF band from the viewpoint of power transmission efficiency.

  FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a configuration example of the vehicle 200 and the electronic key 300 of FIG. In FIG. 2, the same parts as those in FIG.

  The vehicle 200 includes a non-contact charging circuit (primary side, power transmission unit) 210 as a wireless charging device, a wireless communication circuit (wireless communication unit) 220, and a communication switching circuit 230. The non-contact charging circuit 210 includes a receiving circuit 212, a transmitting circuit 214, a charging control circuit 216, and a coil 218. The wireless communication circuit 220 includes an RF reception circuit 222, an antenna 224, an LF transmission circuit 226, and a coil 228.

The electronic key 300 includes a non-contact charging circuit (secondary side, power receiving unit) 310, a wireless communication circuit (wireless communication unit) 330, a communication switching circuit 340, and a secondary battery 350. Operates as a power source. The non-contact charging circuit 310 includes a rectifying circuit 312, a charge management circuit 314, a receiving circuit 316, a transmitting circuit 318, and a coil 320. The wireless communication circuit 330 includes an RF transmission circuit 332, an antenna 334, an LF reception circuit 336, and coils 338 ₁ , 338 ₂ , and 338 ₃ .

  In such an electronic key system 100, the vehicle 200 transmits a communication signal in the LF band for confirming the position of the electronic key 300 by the wireless communication circuit 220. The electronic key 300 that has received this communication signal responds to the vehicle 200 with an RF band communication signal. When wireless communication is established between the vehicle 200 and the electronic key 300, the electronic key 300 is authenticated, and after the authentication, predetermined control such as locking and releasing of the door of the vehicle 200, starting and stopping of the engine is permitted. It has become. On the other hand, the vehicle 200 performs wireless charging communication for confirmation of the electronic key 300 by the non-contact charging circuit 210. In this wireless charging communication, the electronic key 300 responds to the confirmation from the vehicle 200. When wireless charging communication is established between the vehicle 200 and the electronic key 300, the vehicle 200 transmits power by a known non-contact charging method, and the electronic key 300 charges the secondary battery 350 with the power received from the vehicle 200. Be able to.

  In the present embodiment, on / off of each contactless charging circuit and wireless communication circuit can be controlled according to the establishment status of wireless communication between the vehicle 200 and the electronic key 300 and the establishment status of wireless charging communication. It can be done. When the contactless charging circuit is set to ON, the wireless charging communication function is set to ON, and when the contactless charging circuit is set to OFF, the wireless charging communication function is set to OFF. When the wireless communication circuit is set to ON, the wireless communication function is set to ON, and when the wireless communication circuit is set to OFF, the wireless communication function is set to OFF. As a result, in the electronic key system 100, it is possible to eliminate the influence of malfunction due to radio wave interference between the LF band wireless communication and the wireless charging communication. Therefore, in this embodiment, each part of the vehicle 200 and the electronic key 300 operates as follows.

  First, in the vehicle 200, in the non-contact charging circuit 210, the charging control circuit 216 performs wireless charging communication with the electronic key 300 and controls power transmission to the electronic key 300. The reception circuit 212 performs reception processing in wireless charging communication with the electronic key 300. The transmission circuit 214 performs transmission processing in wireless charging communication with the electronic key 300. The coil 218 functions as a transmission / reception antenna in wireless charging communication with the electronic key 300 and also functions as a power transmission coil for the electronic key 300.

  In the wireless communication circuit 220, the RF reception circuit 222 performs reception processing on the RF band communication signal from the electronic key 300. The antenna 224 receives an RF band communication signal transmitted by the electronic key 300. The LF transmission circuit 226 generates an LF band communication signal for position confirmation with respect to the electronic key 300 and transmits the communication signal via the coil 228.

  The communication switching circuit 230 can switch communication with the electronic key 300 to wireless charging communication by the non-contact charging circuit 210 or wireless communication by the wireless communication circuit 220. Specifically, the communication switching circuit 230 monitors the establishment status of the wireless charging communication and the wireless communication, and performs communication with the electronic key 300 wirelessly by the non-contact charging circuit 210 according to the establishment status of both communications. Switching to charging communication or wireless communication by the wireless communication circuit 220 can be performed.

  Next, in the electronic key 300, in the non-contact charging circuit 310, the rectifier circuit 312 rectifies the current generated when the coil 320 receives power. The charge management circuit 314 uses the current rectified by the rectifier circuit 312 to control charging of the secondary battery 350 and to manage the remaining amount of the secondary battery 350. The reception circuit 316 performs reception processing in wireless charging communication with the vehicle 200. The transmission circuit 318 performs transmission processing in wireless charging communication with the vehicle 200. The coil 320 functions as a transmission / reception antenna in wireless charging communication with the vehicle 200 and also functions as a coil for receiving power from the vehicle 200.

In the wireless communication circuit 330, the RF transmission circuit 332 performs transmission processing of the RF band communication signal to the vehicle 200 as a response to the LF band communication signal from the vehicle 200. Antenna 334 transmits an RF band communication signal to vehicle 200. The LF reception circuit 336 performs reception processing of the communication signal in the LF band for position confirmation from the vehicle 200 received by the coils 338 _{1 to} 338 ₃ . Each of the coils 338 _{1 to} 338 ₃ corresponds to two horizontal directions (X axis, Y axis) and a vertical direction (Z axis), and functions as a reception antenna coil of the coils 338 _{1 to} 338 ₃ .

  The communication switching circuit 340 can switch communication with the vehicle 200 to wireless charging communication by the non-contact charging circuit 310 or wireless communication by the wireless communication circuit 330. Specifically, the communication switching circuit 340 monitors the establishment status of the wireless charging communication and the wireless communication, and performs wireless communication with the vehicle 200 according to the establishment status of both communications by the wireless charging circuit 310. Communication or wireless communication by the wireless communication circuit 330 can be switched.

  The communication switching circuit 230 and the communication switching circuit 340 determine the position of the electronic key 300 with reference to the vehicle 200 as follows by monitoring the establishment status of the wireless charging communication and the wireless communication, and in the determined area. In response, the communication is switched as described above.

  FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are explanatory diagrams of areas that are discriminated based on the establishment status of wireless charging communication and wireless communication in the present embodiment. FIG. 3A schematically shows the position of the electronic key 300 relative to the vehicle 200 when the vehicle 200 is viewed from above. FIG. 3B is an explanatory diagram of each area in FIG.

  Here, it is assumed that a wireless charging device that is a primary side of contactless charging is installed in the vicinity of the driver's seat of vehicle 200. At this time, in the area AR3 that is more than a predetermined distance outside the vehicle 200, the electronic key 300 cannot receive the LF band communication signal from the vehicle 200, and the electronic key 300 responds with the RF band communication signal. Can not. On the other hand, in the area AR2 that is outside or inside the vehicle 200 or the area AR1 that is inside the vehicle 200, the electronic key 300 can receive a communication signal in the LF band from the vehicle 200, and the electronic key 300 is RF. It is possible to respond with a communication signal in a band. Area AR1 is an area in the vicinity of the driver's seat of vehicle 200, and is an area where wireless charging communication is possible with the wireless charging device.

  That is, the area AR1 corresponds to an area where wireless charging communication can be established and wireless communication can be established. Area AR2 corresponds to an area where wireless charging communication cannot be established and wireless communication can be established. Area AR3 corresponds to an area where wireless charging communication cannot be established and wireless communication cannot be established.

  FIG. 4 shows a sequence diagram of a first example of a charging method in the electronic key system 100 of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 shows an example of a sequence when the electronic key 300 is located in the area AR1.

  First, in the electronic key system 100, confirmation of wireless communication (LF communication) using a communication signal in the LF band is performed between the vehicle 200 and the electronic key 300 (SQ1, wireless communication confirmation step). Subsequently, in the electronic key system 100, confirmation of wireless charging communication is performed between the vehicle 200 and the electronic key 300 (SQ2, wireless charging confirmation step). As a result, when the wireless communication and the wireless charging communication using the communication signal in the LF band are established, the vehicle 200 turns on the wireless charging communication function (SQ3), and the electronic key 300 turns on the wireless charging communication function ( SQ4). Furthermore, vehicle 200 turns off the wireless communication function (turns off the LF transmission function and the RF reception function) (SQ5). Similarly, electronic key 300 turns off the wireless communication function (turns off the LF reception function and the RF transmission function) (SQ6).

  Therefore, when the electronic key 300 is located in the area AR1, wireless charging communication is performed between the vehicle 200 and the electronic key 300. That is, wireless charging communication can be performed, for example, on the electronic key 300 without contact without interference by radio waves in the LF band of wireless communication. At this time, by transmitting and receiving information to be transmitted and received by wireless communication by wireless charging communication, wireless communication can be performed while charging, and an easy-to-use electronic key system can be provided. Become.

  FIG. 5 shows a sequence diagram of a second example of the charging method in the electronic key system 100 of the present embodiment. FIG. 5 shows an example of a sequence when the electronic key 300 is located in the area AR2.

  First, in the electronic key system 100, confirmation of wireless communication using a communication signal in the LF band is performed between the vehicle 200 and the electronic key 300 (SQ10, wireless communication confirmation step). Subsequently, in the electronic key system 100, the wireless charging communication is confirmed between the vehicle 200 and the electronic key 300 (SQ11, wireless charging communication confirmation step). As a result, when the wireless communication using the communication signal in the LF band is established and the wireless charging communication is not established, the vehicle 200 turns on the wireless communication function (the LF transmission function and the RF reception function are turned on) (SQ12 ). At this time, the vehicle 200 turns on or off the wireless charging communication function. The electronic key 300 turns on the wireless communication function (turns on the LF reception function and the RF transmission function) (SQ13). At this time, the electronic key 300 turns on or off the wireless charging communication function.

  Therefore, when the electronic key 300 is located in the area AR2, the vehicle 200 performs wireless communication with the electronic key 300. Thereby, normal wireless communication can be performed between the vehicle 200 and the electronic key 300.

  FIG. 6 shows a sequence diagram of a third example of the charging method in the electronic key system 100 of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 shows an example of a sequence when the electronic key 300 is located in the area AR3.

  First, in the electronic key system 100, wireless communication confirmation using a communication signal in the LF band is performed between the vehicle 200 and the electronic key 300 (SQ20, wireless communication confirmation step). Subsequently, in the electronic key system 100, the wireless charging communication is confirmed between the vehicle 200 and the electronic key 300 (SQ21, wireless charging communication confirmation step). As a result, when the wireless communication using the communication signal in the LF band is not established and the wireless charging communication is not established, the vehicle 200 turns off the wireless charging communication function (SQ22), and the electronic key 300 is wirelessly charged. The communication function is turned off (SQ23). Furthermore, vehicle 200 turns on the wireless communication function (the LF transmission function and the RF reception function are turned on) (SQ24). The electronic key 300 turns off the RF transmission function of the wireless communication function and turns on the LF reception function of the wireless communication function (SQ25).

  Therefore, when the electronic key 300 is located in the area AR3, the vehicle 200 can stop the non-contact charging function with the electronic key 300, and can suppress wasteful power consumption. On the other hand, the vehicle 200 can continue searching for the electronic key 300 by wireless communication.

  Next, detailed operation examples of the vehicle 200 and the electronic key 300 constituting the electronic key system 100 will be described.

〔vehicle〕
FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of an operation example of the vehicle 200 in the present embodiment. In the vehicle 200, it is assumed that the operation of the non-contact charging circuit 210 is set to OFF when the operation is started.

  First, the LF transmission circuit 226 transmits a communication signal in the LF band for confirmation of the electronic key 300 via the coil 228 (step S1). The RF receiving circuit 222 waits for a response by an RF band communication signal from the electronic key 300 via the antenna 224 (step S2). When there is no response from the electronic key 300 (step S2: N), the operation of the vehicle 200 returns to step S1. When there is a response from the electronic key 300 (step S2: Y), the vehicle 200 transmits and receives an LF band signal and receives an RF band signal with the electronic key 300 to authenticate the electronic key 300. Communication is performed (step S3).

  Subsequently, the vehicle 200 sets the operation of the non-contact charging circuit 210 to ON in order to determine whether or not non-contact charging is possible (step S4). Next, wireless charging communication is started from the transmission circuit 214, and the non-contact charging circuit 310 of the electronic key 300 is confirmed (step S5). When there is no response from the electronic key 300 (step S6: N), the vehicle 200 turns on the operation of the wireless communication circuit 220, switches to wireless communication by the communication switching circuit 230, and operates the contactless charging circuit 210. Is stopped (step S7). Thereafter, the operation of the vehicle 200 returns to step S1.

  When there is a response from the electronic key 300 in step S6 (step S6: Y), the vehicle 200 performs wireless charging communication with the electronic key 300, and confirms the charging side device, safety, and the remaining battery. The amount is notified (step S8). Thereafter, the vehicle 200 stops the operation of the wireless communication circuit 220 and switches to wireless charging communication by the communication switching circuit 230 (step S9).

  When the secondary battery 350 included in the electronic key 300 is fully charged (step S10: Y), the non-contact charging circuit 210 waits for power transmission (step S11). When the secondary battery 350 included in the electronic key 300 is not fully charged (step S10: N), the non-contact charging circuit 210 transmits power (step S12).

  Subsequent to step S11 or step S12, when the operation ends (step S13: Y), the vehicle 200 ends a series of operations (end). When the operation is not finished in step S13 (step S13: N), the operation of the vehicle 200 returns to step S5.

  In FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not the electronic key 300 is located in the area AR3 by step S2, and whether or not the electronic key 300 is located in the areas AR1 and AR2 is determined by step S6.

[Electronic key]
FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of an operation example of the electronic key 300 in the present embodiment. In the electronic key 300, it is assumed that the operation of the non-contact charging circuit 310 is set to OFF when the operation is started.

First, the LF reception circuit 336 receives a confirmation LF band communication signal from the vehicle 200 via the coils 338 _{1 to} 338 ₃ (step S20). When the electronic key 300 responds to the confirmation communication signal from the vehicle 200 (step S21: Y), the RF transmission circuit 332 responds to the vehicle 200 with an RF band communication signal via the antenna 334. Send. The electronic key 300 performs communication such as authentication of the electronic key 300 by transmitting an RF band signal and receiving an LF band signal with the vehicle 200 (step S22). In step S21, when the electronic key 300 does not respond to the confirmation communication signal from the vehicle 200 (step S21: N), the operation of the electronic key 300 returns to step S20.

  Subsequent to step S22, the electronic key 300 sets the operation of the non-contact charging circuit 310 to ON in order to perform non-contact charging (step S23). Next, wireless charging communication with the vehicle 200 is started in the receiving circuit 316, and the non-contact charging circuit 310 of the electronic key 300 is confirmed (step S24). Here, when the electronic key 300 does not respond (step S25: N), the electronic key 300 sets the operation of the wireless communication circuit 330 to ON, switches to wireless communication by the communication switching circuit 340, and also uses the non-contact charging circuit 310. Is stopped (step S26). Thereafter, the operation of the electronic key 300 returns to step S20.

  When the electronic key 300 responds in step S25 (step S25: Y), the electronic key 300 performs wireless charging communication with the vehicle 200, confirms the charging side device, confirms safety, and notifies the remaining battery level. Etc. are performed (step S27). Thereafter, the electronic key 300 stops the operation of the wireless communication circuit 330 and switches to wireless charging communication by the communication switching circuit 340 (step S28).

  When the secondary battery 350 is fully charged (step S29: Y), the non-contact charging circuit 310 waits for power reception (step S30). When the secondary battery 350 is not fully charged (step S29: N), the non-contact charging circuit 310 receives power (step S31).

  Subsequent to step S30 or step S31, when the operation ends (step S32: Y), the electronic key 300 ends a series of operations (end). When the operation is not finished in step S32 (step S32: N), the operation of the electronic key 300 returns to step S24.

  In FIG. 8, it is determined whether or not the electronic key 300 is located in the area AR3 at step S21, and it is determined whether or not the electronic key 300 is located in the areas AR1 and AR2 at step S25.

[Operation example of electronic key system]
9 and 10 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the electronic key system 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 9 shows an outline of each operation of the vehicle 200 and the electronic key 300 according to the distance between the vehicle 200 and the electronic key 300. FIG. 10 shows an outline of wireless communication and wireless charging communication for each area using the vehicle 200 and the electronic key 300.

  In the area AR3 where wireless communication (LF communication) cannot be established and wireless charging communication cannot be established, and contactless charging is not possible, the operation of the contactless charging circuit is stopped in the vehicle 200 and the electronic key 300. . At this time, as shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10, although the communication signal of the LF band is periodically sent from the vehicle 200 to the electronic key 300, the electronic key 300 does not respond to the vehicle 200.

  On the other hand, in the area AR2 where the wireless communication can be established but the wireless charging communication cannot be established and the contactless charging is impossible, the vehicle 200 and the electronic key 300 detect the contactless charging circuit. Then, wireless communication is performed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10, the vehicle 200 sends a communication signal in the LF band to the electronic key 300, and the electronic key 300 responds to the vehicle 200 with a communication signal in the RF band. Become. Then, the non-contact charging circuit 210 of the vehicle 200 detects the non-contact charging circuit 310 of the electronic key 300, but there is no response from the non-contact charging circuit 310. The electronic key 300 responds with a communication signal in the RF band, temporarily operates the contactless charging circuit 310, waits for a call from the contactless charging circuit 210 from the vehicle 200, and after a predetermined time-out period has elapsed, The non-contact charging circuit 310 is stopped again.

  In the area AR1 where the wireless communication can be established and the wireless charging communication can be established, the operation of the wireless communication circuit is stopped and switched to the wireless charging communication in the vehicle 200 and the electronic key 300. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10, the non-contact charging circuit 210 of the vehicle 200 detects the non-contact charging circuit 310 of the electronic key 300, and the non-contact charging circuit 310 responds, and the secondary battery 350 It will be in the state in which power transmission and reception are performed according to the remaining amount. When the secondary battery 350 is not fully charged, power is transmitted and received by a non-contact charging method, and the electronic key 300 charges the secondary battery 350 with the received power. When the secondary battery 350 is fully charged, power transmission and reception are interrupted. Thus, in the area AR1, wireless communication and wireless charging communication are inherently possible. Therefore, wireless communication is stopped and forcibly switched to wireless charging communication, so that there is no interference with communication due to radio wave interference without contact. Charging etc. can be performed.

[Detailed operation example]
Here, a detailed operation example of the electronic key system 100 in the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 11 shows a detailed operation example of the electronic key system 100 in the present embodiment. FIG. 11 shows that after the user holding the electronic key 300 approaches the vehicle 200 from the area AR3 and charges the electronic key 300 by a non-contact charging circuit as a wireless charging device installed near the driver's seat of the vehicle 200, An example of operation when the vehicle 200 leaves the area AR3 is shown.

  When the position of the electronic key 300 is the area AR3, the communication signal of the LF band is periodically transmitted from the vehicle 200 in a state where the operation of the non-contact charging circuit is stopped, but the electronic key 300 receives this communication signal. I can't respond and I can't respond.

  When the position of the electronic key 300 enters the area AR2 from the area AR3, the electronic key 300 can receive the LF band communication signal from the vehicle 200, and responds to the vehicle 200 with the RF band communication signal. The operation stop state of the non-contact charging circuit 310 is released.

  The vehicle 200 that has received a response from the electronic key 300 cancels the operation stop state of the contactless charging circuit 210, and the contactless charging circuit 210 calls for confirmation of the contactless charging circuit 310. In the area AR2, the contactless charging circuit 310 cannot receive this call, and therefore cannot respond to the contactless charging circuit 210. Therefore, after a predetermined time-out period has elapsed, the vehicle 200 sets the non-contact charging circuit 210 to the operation stop state again, and the electronic key 300 also sets the non-contact charging circuit 310 to the operation stop state again. . In the area AR2, a call for confirmation of the contactless charging circuit 310 is periodically performed from the contactless charging circuit 210.

  When the position of the electronic key 300 enters the area AR1 from the area AR2, the contactless charging circuit 310 can receive a confirmation call from the contactless charging circuit 210 and respond to the contactless charging circuit 210. It becomes like this. Therefore, the contactless charging circuit 210 and the contactless charging circuit 310 perform confirmation of the contactless charging circuit 210 and notification of the remaining amount of the secondary battery 350 through wireless charging communication. Thereafter, the contactless charging circuit 210 stops the operation of the wireless communication circuit 220, and the contactless charging circuit 310 stops the operation of the wireless communication circuit 320.

  When the secondary battery 350 needs to be charged, the vehicle 200 transmits electric power by the non-contact charging circuit 210. The electronic key 300 receives power from the non-contact charging circuit 310 and charges the secondary battery 350. After that, the contactless charging circuit 210 calls again for confirmation of the contactless charging circuit 310, waits for a response from the contactless charging circuit 310, and continues the contactless charging as necessary.

  Thus, when charging of the secondary battery 350 becomes unnecessary, the contactless charging circuit 210 interrupts power transmission, and the contactless charging circuit 310 interrupts power reception.

  Thereafter, when the position of the electronic key 300 moves away from the area AR 1 to the area AR 2, the contactless charging circuit 310 can no longer receive a confirmation call from the contactless charging circuit 210, and the contactless charging circuit 210 Will not be able to respond. Therefore, after a predetermined time-out period has elapsed, vehicle 200 sets non-contact charging circuit 210 to an operation stop state and cancels the operation stop state of wireless communication circuit 220. The electronic key 300 also sets the non-contact charging circuit 310 to the operation stop state and cancels the operation stop state of the wireless communication circuit 330. Then, the vehicle 200 and the electronic key 300 perform wireless communication by switching from wireless charging communication to wireless communication. In area AR2, a call for confirmation of contactless charging circuit 310 is periodically performed from contactless charging circuit 210.

  Further, when the position of the electronic key 300 moves away from the area AR2 to the area AR3, a communication signal in the LF band is periodically transmitted from the vehicle 200, but the electronic key 300 cannot receive this communication signal and responds. I can't do that.

  As described in the series of operation examples in FIG. 11, according to the present embodiment, an electronic key system that performs non-contact charging while performing wireless communication using a communication signal in the LF band can be provided. Become.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the vehicle 200 and the electronic key 300 that can simultaneously mount the wireless communication function using the communication signal in the LF band and the non-contact charging function without hindering communication due to radio wave interference. The electronic key system 100 can be provided. As a result, the secondary battery operates as a power source, and a non-contact charging function to the secondary battery is realized even when power consumption increases due to the multi-functionalization of electronic devices such as electronic keys using communication signals in the LF band. In addition, the battery can be charged during operation without the need for battery charging. Further, as in the past, the non-contact charging function and the wireless communication function can be made compatible by using a communication signal in the LF band that makes it easy to grasp the position of an electronic device such as an electronic key.

[First Modification]
In the present embodiment, the non-contact charging circuit 210 as a wireless charging device is described as being installed in the vicinity of the driver's seat in the vehicle 200, but is limited to the arrangement of each part constituting the vehicle 200 illustrated in FIG. 2. Is not to be done.

  FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of a configuration example of the vehicle in the first modification of the present embodiment. In FIG. 12, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as in FIG.

  The configuration of the vehicle 200a in the first modification is the same as the configuration of the vehicle 200 in the present embodiment. However, each part which comprises the vehicle 200a is provided in the position which mutually separated in the vehicle 200a. For example, the non-contact charging circuit 210 may be installed in the vicinity of the driver's seat, and the wireless communication circuit 220 may be installed in the rear part of the vehicle 200.

  The electronic key system in the first modified example is the same as that of the present embodiment except for the configuration other than the vehicle 200a shown in FIG. Further, since the electronic key system in the first modification operates in the same manner as in the present embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  According to the first modified example described above, the same effects as in the present embodiment can be obtained even if the respective parts are dispersedly arranged in the vehicle 200a.

[Second Modification]
In the present embodiment, the case where a communication signal in the LF band is transmitted from the vehicle 200 to the electronic key 300 has been described.

  FIG. 13 shows a block diagram of a configuration example of the electronic key system in the second modification of the present embodiment. In FIG. 13, the same parts as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

The electronic key system 100b according to the second modification includes a vehicle 200b and an electronic key 300b. The vehicle 200b includes a contactless charging circuit 210, a wireless communication circuit 220b, and a communication switching circuit 230. The wireless communication circuit 220b includes an LF reception circuit 222b, coils 224 ₁ b, 224 ₂ b, and 224 ₃ b, a transmission circuit 226b, and an antenna 228b. The coils 224 ₁ b, 224 ₂ b, and 224 ₃ b function as reception antenna coils in the triaxial direction. The electronic key 300b includes a non-contact charging circuit 310, a wireless communication circuit 330b, a communication switching circuit 340, and a secondary battery 350. The wireless communication circuit 330b includes an LF transmission circuit 332b, a coil 334b, a reception circuit 336b, and an antenna 338b.

  The electronic key system 100b in the second modification differs from the electronic key system 100 in the present embodiment in that the communication signal of the LF band is not transmitted from the vehicle to the electronic key, but the communication of the LF band from the electronic key. The point is to send a signal to the vehicle.

That is, in the wireless communication circuit 220b, the LF reception circuit 222b performs reception processing on the communication signal in the LF band from the electronic key 300b. The coils 224 ₁ b to 224 ₃ b receive the LF band communication signal transmitted by the electronic key 300 b. The transmission circuit 226b generates a position confirmation communication signal for the electronic key 300b and transmits the communication signal via the antenna 228b. In the wireless communication circuit 330b, the LF transmission circuit 332b performs a transmission process of a communication signal in the LF band to the vehicle 200b as a response to the communication signal from the vehicle 200b. Coil 334b transmits an LF band communication signal to vehicle 200b. The reception circuit 336b performs reception processing of a communication signal for position confirmation from the vehicle 200b received by the antenna 338b.

  Since the electronic key system 100b according to the second modification operates in the same manner as the present embodiment, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

  According to the second modified example described above, the same effects as in the present embodiment can be obtained even when a communication signal in the LF band is transmitted from the electronic key 300b to the vehicle 200b.

[Third Modification]
In the present embodiment, the case where an RF band communication signal is transmitted from the electronic key 300 to the vehicle 200 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the electronic key system in the third modification of the present embodiment. In FIG. 14, the same parts as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

The electronic key system 100c in the third modification includes a vehicle 200c and an electronic key 300c. The vehicle 200c includes a non-contact charging circuit 210, a wireless communication circuit 220c, and a communication switching circuit 230. The wireless communication circuit 220c includes an LF reception circuit 222c, coils 224 ₁ c, 224 ₂ c, and 224 ₃ c, an LF transmission circuit 226c, and a coil 228. The coils 224 ₁ c, 224 ₂ c, and 224 ₃ c function as reception antenna coils in the triaxial direction. The electronic key 300c includes a non-contact charging circuit 310, a wireless communication circuit 330c, a communication switching circuit 340, and a secondary battery 350. The wireless communication circuit 330c includes an LF transmission circuit 332c, a coil 334c, a reception circuit 336c, and coils 338 ₁ , 338 ₂ , and 338 ₃ .

  The electronic key system 100c in the third modified example is different from the electronic key system 100 in the present embodiment in that an RF band communication signal is not transmitted from the electronic key to the vehicle, but communication from the electronic key to the LF band is performed. The point is to send a signal to the vehicle.

That is, in the wireless communication circuit 220c, the LF reception circuit 222c performs reception processing on the communication signal in the LF band from the electronic key 300c. The coils 224 ₁ c to 224 ₃ c receive the LF band communication signal transmitted by the electronic key 300 c. The LF transmission circuit 226 c generates a position confirmation LF band communication signal for the electronic key 300 c and transmits the communication signal via the coil 228. In the wireless communication circuit 330c, the LF transmission circuit 332c performs transmission processing of the communication signal in the LF band for the vehicle 200c as a response to the communication signal in the LF band from the vehicle 200c. Coil 334c transmits an LF band communication signal to vehicle 200c. The reception circuit 336c performs reception processing of the communication signal in the LF band for position confirmation from the vehicle 200c received by the coils 338 _{1 to} 338 ₃ .

  Since the electronic key system 100c according to the third modification operates in the same manner as the present embodiment, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

  According to the third modification described above, the same effect as that of the present embodiment can be obtained even when a communication signal in the LF band is transmitted or received between the vehicle 200c and the electronic key 300c. be able to.

[Fourth Modification]
In the electronic key system in the present embodiment, after the vehicle confirms the electronic key by wireless communication, the vehicle determines whether or not the electronic key can be contactlessly charged. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Absent.

  FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of an operation example of the electronic key system in the fourth modification of the present embodiment. Each of the vehicle and the electronic key constituting the electronic key system in the fourth modification operates according to the flow shown in FIG.

  The configuration of the electronic key system in the fourth modification is the same as that of the present embodiment. The operation of the electronic key system in the fourth modified example operates as shown in FIG.

  First, the vehicle confirms the electronic key (secondary side) by wireless charging communication (step S40). When the electronic key does not respond to this confirmation (step S41: N), the wireless communication circuit of the vehicle and the electronic key is set to ON and switched to wireless communication (step S42). Thereafter, the vehicle confirms the electronic key using the communication signal in the LF band (step S43).

  When the electronic key responds to the confirmation in step S43 (step S44: Y), the vehicle uses an LF band communication signal for the electronic key, and the electronic key uses an RF band communication signal for the vehicle. Wireless communication is performed (step S45). Thereafter, the operation of the electronic key system returns to step S40 (return).

  In step S44, when the electronic key does not respond to the confirmation in step S43 (step S44: N), the operation of the electronic key system returns to step S40 (return).

  In step S41, when the electronic key responds to the confirmation in step S40 (step S41: Y), the wireless communication circuit of the vehicle and the electronic key is set to off and switched to wireless charging communication (step S46). Thereafter, the vehicle and the electronic key can be charged by contactless charging, and information to be transmitted / received via wireless communication can be performed via wireless charging communication. Thereafter, the operation of the electronic key system returns to step S40 (return).

  According to the fourth modification described above, the same effect as that of the present embodiment can be obtained even when the vehicle confirms the electronic key by wireless charging communication and then confirms by wireless communication.

[Fifth Modification]
In the electronic key system according to the present embodiment, after the vehicle has confirmed the electronic key by wireless communication, the vehicle determines whether or not the electronic key can be contactlessly charged. You may make it perform confirmation by communication simultaneously.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the electronic key system in the fifth modification of the present embodiment. Each of the vehicle and the electronic key constituting the electronic key system in the fifth modification operates according to the flow shown in FIG.

  The configuration of the electronic key system in the fifth modification is the same as that of the present embodiment. The operation of the electronic key system in the fifth modified example operates as shown in FIG.

  First, the vehicle confirms the electronic key by wireless charging communication, and the vehicle confirms the electronic key by wireless communication (step S50). When the electronic key responds to the confirmation in step S50 by wireless charging communication (step S51: Y), the wireless communication circuit of the vehicle and the electronic key is set to OFF and switched to wireless charging communication (step S52). Thereafter, the vehicle and the electronic key can be charged by contactless charging, and information to be transmitted / received via wireless communication can be performed via wireless charging communication. Thereafter, the operation of the electronic key system returns to step S50 (return).

  When the electronic key does not respond by wireless charging communication to the confirmation in step S50 (step S51: N), the vehicle and the electronic key non-contact charging circuit are set to off (step S53). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the electronic key responds by wireless communication to the confirmation in step S50 (step S54).

  In step S54, when the electronic key responds by wireless communication (step S54: Y), the electronic key system switches to wireless communication between the vehicle and the electronic key and transmits / receives via wireless communication (step S55). Thereafter, the operation of the electronic key system returns to step S50 (return).

  In step S54, when the electronic key does not respond by wireless communication (step S54: N), the operation of the electronic key system returns to step S50 (return).

  According to the fifth modified example described above, even when the vehicle confirms the electronic key at the same time through wireless charging communication and wireless communication, the same effect as in the present embodiment can be obtained.

[Sixth Modification]
7 and 8, an area in which wireless communication is possible in which the electronic key responds to confirmation by wireless communication from the vehicle, and wireless charging communication in which the electronic key responds to confirmation by wireless charging communication from the vehicle are possible. In the area, the wireless communication circuit has been described as being stopped. However, in both the above-described areas, only communication using the LF band communication signal may be stopped, and communication using the RF band communication signal may be enabled.

  The configuration of the electronic key system in the sixth modification is the same as that of this embodiment. Therefore, the operation of the vehicle and the electronic key constituting the electronic key system in the sixth modification will be described using the reference numerals of the configuration in FIG.

  FIG. 17 shows a flowchart of an operation example of the vehicle 200 in the sixth modified example of the present embodiment. In the vehicle 200, it is assumed that the operation of the non-contact charging circuit 210 is set to OFF when the operation is started.

  First, the LF transmission circuit 226 transmits a communication signal for confirmation of the electronic key 300 via the coil 228 (step S60). The RF receiving circuit 222 waits for a response by an RF band communication signal from the electronic key 300 via the antenna 224 (step S61). When there is no response from the electronic key 300 (step S61: N), the operation of the vehicle 200 returns to step S60. When there is a response from the electronic key 300 (step S61: Y), the vehicle 200 transmits and receives an LF band signal and receives an RF band signal with the electronic key 300 to authenticate the electronic key 300. Communication is performed (step S62).

  Subsequently, the vehicle 200 sets the operation of the non-contact charging circuit 210 to ON to determine whether or not the non-contact charging is possible (step S63). Next, wireless charging communication is started from the transmission circuit 214, and the non-contact charging circuit 310 of the electronic key 300 is confirmed (step S64). When there is no response from the electronic key 300 (step S65: N), the vehicle 200 turns on the operation of the LF transmission circuit 226, switches to wireless communication by the communication switching circuit 230, and operates the non-contact charging circuit 210. Is stopped (step S66). Thereafter, the operation of the vehicle 200 returns to step S60.

  When there is a response from the electronic key 300 in step S65 (step S65: Y), the vehicle 200 performs wireless charging communication with the electronic key 300, confirms the charging side device, confirms safety, and leaves the battery. An amount notification or the like is performed (step S67). Thereafter, the vehicle 200 stops the operation of the LF transmission circuit 226 and switches to wireless charging communication by the communication switching circuit 230 (step S68).

  When the secondary battery 350 included in the electronic key 300 is fully charged (step S69: Y), the non-contact charging circuit 210 waits for power transmission (step S70). When the secondary battery 350 included in the electronic key 300 is not fully charged (step S69: N), the non-contact charging circuit 210 transmits power (step S71).

  Subsequent to step S70 or step S71, when the operation ends (step S72: Y), the vehicle 200 ends a series of operations (end). When the operation is not finished in step S72 (step S72: N), the operation of the vehicle 200 returns to step S64.

  FIG. 18 shows a flowchart of an operation example of the electronic key 300 in the sixth modified example of the present embodiment. In the electronic key 300, it is assumed that the operation of the non-contact charging circuit 310 is set to OFF when the operation is started.

First, the LF reception circuit 336 receives a communication signal for confirmation from the vehicle 200 via the coils 338 _{1 to} 338 ₃ (step S80). When the electronic key 300 responds to the confirmation communication signal from the vehicle 200 (step S81: Y), the RF transmission circuit 332 responds to the vehicle 200 with an RF band communication signal via the antenna 334. Send. The electronic key 300 performs communication such as authentication of the electronic key 300 by transmitting an RF band signal and receiving an LF band signal with the vehicle 200 (step S82). When the electronic key 300 does not respond to the confirmation communication signal from the vehicle 200 in step S81 (step S81: N), the operation of the electronic key 300 returns to step S80.

  Subsequent to step S82, the electronic key 300 sets the operation of the non-contact charging circuit 310 to ON in order to perform non-contact charging (step S83). Next, wireless charging communication with the vehicle 200 is started in the receiving circuit 316, and the non-contact charging circuit 310 of the electronic key 300 is confirmed (step S84). Here, when the electronic key 300 does not respond (step S85: N), the electronic key 300 turns on the operation of the LF reception circuit 336, switches to wireless communication by the communication switching circuit 340, and also uses the non-contact charging circuit 310. Is stopped (step S86). Thereafter, the operation of the electronic key 300 returns to step S80.

  When the electronic key 300 responds in step S85 (step S85: Y), the electronic key 300 performs wireless charging communication with the vehicle 200, confirms the charging side device, confirms safety, and notifies the remaining battery level. Etc. are performed (step S87). Thereafter, the electronic key 300 stops the operation of the LF reception circuit 336 and switches to wireless charging communication by the communication switching circuit 340 (step S88).

  When the secondary battery 350 is fully charged (step S89: Y), the non-contact charging circuit 310 waits for power reception (step S90). When the secondary battery 350 is not fully charged (step S89: N), the non-contact charging circuit 310 receives power (step S91).

  Subsequent to step S90 or step S91, when the operation ends (step S92: Y), the electronic key 300 ends the series of operations (end). If the operation is not finished in step S92 (step S92: N), the operation of the electronic key 300 returns to step S84.

  As described above, according to the sixth modification, in addition to the effects of the present embodiment, a communication path using a communication signal in the RF band in an area where wireless communication is possible and an area where wireless charging communication is possible. Can be used.

  As mentioned above, although the electronic device, the charging device, the charging system, the charging method, and the like according to the present invention have been described based on the above-described embodiment or its modification, the present invention is limited to the above-described embodiment or its modification. It is not a thing. For example, the present invention can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof, and the following modifications are possible.

  (1) In the present embodiment or its modification, the electronic key system has been described as an example of the charging system according to the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this. The charging system according to the present invention may be a communication system using wireless devices such as active tags.

  (2) In the present embodiment or its modification, the electronic key has been described as an example of the electronic apparatus according to the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this. The electronic device according to the present invention may be a wireless device such as an active tag.

  (3) In the present embodiment or its modification, the vehicle has been described as an example of the charging device according to the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  (4) In the present embodiment or its modification, the electromagnetic induction method has been described as an example of the non-contact charging method, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  (5) In the present embodiment or its modification, the communication signal in the LF band or the RF band has been described as an example of wireless communication, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  (6) In the present embodiment or the modification thereof, the electronic key wireless communication circuit has been described as including a triaxial coil. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the single axial direction or 2 The configuration may include only an axial coil.

  (7) Although the present invention has been described as an electronic device, a charging device, a charging system, a charging method, and the like in the above-described embodiment or its modification, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a charging method according to the present invention, an operation flow of the electronic device according to the present invention, or a program describing a processing procedure of the operation flow of the charging device according to the present invention, or a recording medium on which the program is recorded. Also good.

100, 100b, 100c ... electronic key system (charging system),
200, 200a, 200b, 200c ... vehicle (charging device), 202 ... amplitude modulation signal,
204 ... signal, 210 ... contactless charging circuit (primary side),
212, 316, 336b ... receiving circuit, 214, 226b, 318 ... transmitting circuit,
216 ... Charge control circuit,
218, 224 ₁ b, 224 ₂ b, 224 ₃ b, 224 ₁ c, 224 ₂ c, 224 ₃ c, 228, 320, 334b, 334c ... coil,
220, 220b, 220c, 330, 330b, 330c ... wireless communication circuit,
222: RF receiving circuit,
224, 228b, 334, 338 ₁ , 338 ₂ , 338 ₃ , 338b ... antenna, 226, 226c, 332b, 332c ... LF transmission circuit,
230, 340 ... communication switching circuit,
300, 300b, 300c ... electronic key (electronic device),
310 ... Non-contact charging circuit (secondary side), 312 ... Rectifier circuit, 314 ... Charge management circuit,
332 ... RF transmission circuit, 336, 222b, 222c, 336c ... LF reception circuit,
350 ... secondary battery, AR1, AR2, AR3 ... area

Claims (12)

An electronic device to which power is supplied from a charging device in a contactless manner,
A power receiving unit that has a wireless charging communication function for charging contactlessly with the charging device, and that receives power transmitted by the contactless charging method from the charging device;
A secondary battery in which power received by the power receiving unit is charged;
A wireless communication unit having a wireless communication function for performing wireless communication with the charging device,
An electronic apparatus comprising: turning on the wireless charging communication function and turning off the wireless communication function when wireless charging communication and wireless communication are established with the charging device. In claim 1,
An electronic apparatus comprising: turning on the wireless communication function when wireless charging communication is not established with the charging device and wireless communication is established with the charging device. In claim 1 or 2,
When wireless charging communication and wireless communication are not established with the charging device, the wireless charging communication function is turned off, the transmission function of the wireless communication function is turned off, and the reception function of the wireless communication function is turned on. Features electronic equipment. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3,
The electronic device is characterized in that the charging device is a vehicle and is an electronic key of the vehicle. A charging device configured to be capable of supplying electric power in a non-contact manner to an electronic device having a secondary battery,
A power transmission unit having a wireless charging communication function for charging in a non-contact manner with the electronic device, and transmitting power to the electronic device by a non-contact charging method,
A wireless communication unit having a wireless communication function for performing wireless communication with the electronic device,
A charging device, wherein when the wireless charging communication and wireless communication are established with the electronic device, the wireless charging communication function is turned on and the wireless communication function is turned off. In claim 5,
A charging device that turns on the wireless communication function when wireless charging communication is not established with the electronic device and wireless communication is established with the electronic device. In claim 5 or 6,
A charging device, wherein when the wireless charging communication and wireless communication are not established with the electronic device, the wireless charging communication function is turned off and the wireless communication function is turned on. In any of claims 5 to 7,
The charging apparatus, wherein the electronic device is an electronic key and is mounted on a vehicle corresponding to the electronic key. An electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A charging system comprising: the charging device according to claim 5. A charging method in a charging system configured to be able to supply power from a charging device to an electronic device having a secondary battery by a non-contact charging method,
A wireless communication confirmation step for confirming wireless communication between the charging device and the electronic device;
A wireless charging communication confirmation step for confirming wireless charging communication for charging by the non-contact charging method between the charging device and the electronic device,
When the wireless communication and the wireless charging communication are established, the wireless communication function of the electronic device and the charging device is turned off, and the wireless charging communication function of the electronic device and the charging device is turned on. . In claim 10,
A charging method comprising: turning on a wireless communication function of the electronic device and the charging device when the wireless communication is established and the wireless charging communication is not established. In claim 10 or 11,
When the wireless communication and the wireless charging communication are not established, the wireless charging communication function of the electronic device and the charging device is turned off, the transmission function of the wireless communication function of the electronic device is turned off, and the wireless communication of the electronic device is performed. A charging method comprising turning on a function reception function and turning on a wireless communication function of the charging device.

Images