JP2021095746A - Vehicle electronic key storage device, portable information terminal, electronic key sharing method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an electronic key storage device which realizes simple and low-cost management of one electronic key without any modification to a system using an existing electronic key.SOLUTION: An electronic key storage device 1 includes: a holding mechanism 11 that removably holds an electronic key 20 having an unlock button 21 and a lock button 22 of a vehicle door; a communication module 12 that enables short-range communication with a mobile information terminal 50 to be operated outside the vehicle; and a pressing mechanism 13 that selectively presses the unlock button 21 or the lock button 22 of the held electronic key 20 each time the communication module 12 receives a predetermined signal. The holding mechanism 11 is provided with an energization switch 113 that enables energization of the communication module 12 etc. only when the electronic key 20 is fitted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic key storage device used in a vehicle compartment of a vehicle in which a door can be opened and closed by an electronic key, and a car sharing technique using the electronic key storage device.

When multiple drivers share a vehicle, especially when multiple users share an electronic key that requires high security such as keyless entry and smart key, management including storage location and delivery of the electronic key Becomes complicated. In this regard, Patent Document 1 describes a car-sharing system in which a vehicle is provided with a car-sharing device 34 that performs smart communication instead of the electronic key 2 and enables short-range wireless communication with a mobile terminal 33. It is disclosed.

In this car sharing system, the approach state of the mobile terminal 33 to the vehicle 1 is monitored. When it is determined that the mobile terminal 33 is sufficiently close to the vehicle 1, the mobile terminal 33 automatically transmits an engine start permission request to the car sharing device 34. Upon receiving the engine start permission request, the car sharing device 34 effectively switches its smart function. When the engine switch 28 is operated while the brake is operated, smart collation is executed between the collation ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 9 on the vehicle side and the car sharing device 34, and if successful, the engine of the vehicle 1 is started.

Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a car sharing system including a mobile terminal device 3 and an in-vehicle terminal device 5. In this car sharing system, the in-vehicle terminal device 5 that receives the authentication information from the mobile terminal device 3 by short-range wireless communication performs user authentication based on the authentication information, and if successful, the key used to unlock the vehicle. Information is transmitted to the mobile terminal device 3.
The mobile terminal device 3 sends this key information to the vehicle by RF (Radio Frequency) communication to unlock the door of the vehicle.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-12337 JP-A-2018-92323

In the car sharing system disclosed in Patent Document 1, a car sharing device 34 for providing a collation ECU 9 on the vehicle side and performing smart collation with the collation ECU 9 is indispensable. Therefore, it is necessary to partially process the electric system on the vehicle side and the transmission / reception system of the smart key. However, the electrical system on the vehicle side and the transmission / reception system of the smart key often differ depending on the vehicle manufacturer and vehicle type, which complicates processing.
In particular, in recent years, systems using electronic keys have undergone rapid evolution of functions on the electronic key side, and it is not realistic to change them after the fact.
Such a problem also occurs in the car sharing system disclosed in Patent Document 2. That is, since it is necessary to store the key information used for unlocking the vehicle in the vehicle and the in-vehicle terminal device 5, its management becomes complicated.

A main object of the present invention is to provide a technique for realizing management of one electronic key easily and at low cost without modifying the existing electric system and electronic key system.

In one embodiment of the present invention, there is an unlock button for non-contactly unlocking the locked vehicle door and a lock button for non-contactly locking the unlocked vehicle door. A holding mechanism that holds the vehicle-specific electronic key detachably, a communication module that enables short-range communication between a mobile information terminal operated outside the vehicle interior, and the electronic key held by the holding mechanism. It is characterized by having a pressing mechanism that selectively presses the unlocking button or the locking button each time the communication module receives a predetermined signal, and then autonomously returns to the state before pressing. , Vehicle electronic key storage device is obtained.

In another embodiment of the present invention, there is an unlock button for non-contactly unlocking the locked vehicle door and a lock button for non-contactly locking the unlocked vehicle door. The electronic key peculiar to the vehicle is held detachably, the unlock button is pressed by the first control signal, the lock button is pressed by the second control signal, and after pressing, the lock button is autonomously returned to the state before pressing. The contents of the instruction input from the user through the short-range communication means for performing short-range communication with the electronic key storage device having the pressing mechanism for returning and the operation screen displayed for the user of the electronic key. The analysis means to be analyzed and the first control signal are generated when the content of the instruction is a pressing instruction of the unlock button, and the second control signal is generated when the content of the instruction is a pressing instruction of the lock button. A portable information terminal comprising the control means for generating and transmitting the first control signal or the second control signal to the electronic key storage device through the short-range communication means can be obtained.

According to the present invention, the management of one electronic key can be realized easily and at low cost without any modification to the system using the existing electronic key.

The block block diagram of the electronic key storage device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. Structural explanatory view of the portable housing. A component layout explanatory view of the storage space of the base of the portable housing as viewed from above. The figure which looked at the base part shown in FIG. 3 from the front. Examples of control modes of the two solenoids are (a) being the first pattern, (b) being the second pattern, and (c) being the third pattern. Hardware configuration diagram of a mobile information terminal. The figure which shows the example of the functional block realized in the mobile information terminal. An example of a screen for operating a display of a mobile information terminal, (a) is an initial screen, (b) is a vehicle number input screen, (c) is a screen for inputting an unlocking instruction, and (d) is a locking instruction. Screen for input. The figure which showed the structural example of the pressing mechanism which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. (A) to (d) are diagrams showing a structural example of the pressing mechanism according to the third embodiment.

Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to, for example, an electronic key storage device capable of easily realizing a car sharing system at low cost will be described. The electronic key is an electronic key unique to one vehicle shared by a plurality of users who are drivers, and the shape, structure, and size vary depending on the vehicle type, but here, at least, the lock is locked. It shall be an existing electronic key having an unlock button for non-contactly unlocking the unlocked vehicle door and a lock button for non-contactly locking the unlocked vehicle door.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram of the electronic key storage device 1 according to the first embodiment. The electronic key storage device 1 has a holding mechanism 11, a communication module 12, an unlock button 21, and a lock button that releasably holds an electronic key 20 having an unlock button 21 and a lock button 22 in a portable housing 10. It includes a pressing mechanism 13 that selectively presses 22 and a power supply circuit 14. The power supply circuit 14 is a DC electric circuit including a replaceable button battery, but may be a circuit electrically connected to a vehicle battery.
The electronic key storage device 1 can be used by placing it in any place of the vehicle, for example, an inner pocket of a vehicle door, a back pocket of a driver's seat or a passenger seat, a dashboard, or the like.

The communication module 12 operates by supplying electric power from the power supply circuit 14, and enables short-range communication with the mobile information terminal 50. In this embodiment, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) module (IEEE802.15.1) having a frequency of 2.4 GHz, a data rate of 10 kb / s, and a built-in antenna is used to perform Bluetooth communication with the mobile information terminal 50. To do.
Bluetooth communication is possible only in a coverage area of several meters centered on the built-in antenna of the Bluetooth module. Therefore, there is an advantage that security is maintained as compared with a large-capacity wireless communication having a wide coverage area. In addition, instead of the Bluetooth module, an NFC module or the like capable of communicating with an NFC (Near field communication) module which is standard equipment in recent mobile terminals and the like may be used.

The pressing mechanism 13 selectively presses the unlocking button 21 or the locking button 22 of the electronic key 20 each time the communication module receives a predetermined signal, and then autonomously returns to the state before pressing. Is a set of. Specifically, the pressing mechanism 13 is provided with the first solenoid 131 and the second solenoid 132 that move up and down with respect to the fixed position of the electronic key 20, and the control circuit 133. A displacement mechanism such as the receptacle 134 may be included in the pressing mechanism 13.
Each of the first solenoid 131 and the second solenoid 132 is a component having a displacement body that converts an input electric signal into a physical motion. Specific configuration examples of the first solenoid 131 and the second solenoid 132 will be described in detail later.

The receptacle 134 is an example of a displacement mechanism for fixing the installation positions of the first solenoid 131 and the second solenoid 132 in such a manner that the installation positions of the first solenoid 131 and the second solenoid 132 can be freely changed, and may be integrally molded when the base portion 101 is molded. In the illustrated example, the receptacle 134 is formed in an L shape along the long side and the short side of the base portion 101, but is formed in an I shape along one long side or one short side and two. It may be formed in a U shape along one long side.

FIG. 2 is a structural explanatory view of the portable housing 10. In the following description, for convenience, the three-dimensional X direction of XYZ is the front direction (length), the Y direction (width) is the lateral direction (width), the Z direction (height) is the + Z direction upward, and the −Z direction is −Z direction. May be called downward. The portable terminal 10 is composed of a pair of a palm-sized base portion 101 formed of hard plastic, which is an example of a radio wave transmitting member, and a cover portion 102 that seals an opening of the base portion 101.
The base portion 101 has a two-stage structure, and is an engaging portion 101c for fixing the peripheral edge portion of the upper bottom portion 101b to a portion having a constant height among a pair of side surface portions extending from the lower bottom portion 101a and facing each other in the Y direction. Is formed. A communication module 12, a first solenoid 131, a second solenoid 132, a control circuit 133, a receptacle 134, and a power supply circuit 14 are mounted in a lower storage space separated by a lower bottom portion 101a and an upper bottom portion 101b.
The upper bottom portion 101b is a flat plate in which the movable range of the first solenoid 131 and the second solenoid 132 is cut off, and the remaining parts are in the upper storage space formed by the opening of the base portion 101 and the upper bottom portion 101b. Is implemented.

The edge portion of the base portion 101 is joined to the outer edge portion of the cover portion 102. A hinge 101d is provided on one end face portion of the pair of end face portions of the base portions 101 facing each other in the X direction. Further, of the pair of end portions of the cover portions 102 facing each other in the X direction, the hinge 102d is provided at the end portion close to the hinge 101d. The hinge 101d and the hinge 102d are engaged with each other by a hinge shaft (not shown), and the cover portion 102 can rotate about the hinge shaft. This makes it easy to seal the component storage space of the base portion 101 with the cover portion 102, or to expose the base portion 101 to install or replace parts.

It should be noted that the fact that only one end face portion of the base portion 101 is cut off is a device for facilitating the insertion and removal of the fitting holder 111, which will be described later, by sliding it in the X direction through the end face portion. .. However, when the frequency of inserting and removing the fitting holder 111 is low, the fitting holder 111 may be inserted and removed from the opening of the base portion 101, so such a device is not always necessary. In this case, the base portion 101 and the cover portion 102 can each have a general box shape, which has the advantage of facilitating mass production of the portable housing 10.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of component arrangement when the storage space of the base portion 101 from which the cover portion 102 is removed is viewed from above, and FIG. 4 is a view of the base portion 101 shown in FIG. 3 in the illustrated A direction, that is, viewed from the front. Is. The components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are designated by the same reference numerals for convenience. A fitting holder 111 for holding the electronic key 20 so as to be detachable and a frame 112 for accommodating the fitting holder 111 and fixing the fitting holder 111 at a predetermined position are provided at a substantially central portion of the base portion 101.

The fitting holder 111 is an example of a fitting portion for fitting the electronic key 20 in a detachable manner, and is made of an elastic member such as silicone rubber, polyurethane, or styrofoam. The fitting holder 111 hollows out one of the elastic solids having a substantially square columnar shape or adjacent surface portions (for example, the main surface portion and the short side end portion) in a hole shape along the outer shape (including the thickness) of the electronic key 20. Is created.
The size including the thickness of the hole 111a to be hollowed out is slightly smaller than the outer shape of the electronic key 20. The formation position of the hole 111a is determined according to the installation structure (position, etc.) of the holding mechanism 11 described later. Since the fitting holder 111 is made of an elastic member, the electronic key 20 fitted in the hole 111a is held by the elastic force of the hole 111a.

Of the fitting holder 111, a take-out portion 111b sized to accommodate the tip of a human finger is formed on the peripheral edge of any portion of the hole 111a. The take-out portion 111b allows the driver to easily remove the electronic key 20 fitted in the fitting holder 111 from the hole 111a. An energizing switch 113 is provided at a predetermined portion of the hole of the fitting holder 111. The energizing switch 113 is, for example, a two-contact switch, and one contact is connected to the power supply circuit 14. The other contact of the energizing switch 113 is connected to the communication module 12 and the pressing mechanism 13. When the electronic key 20 is held by the fitting holder 111, the energizing switch 113 is turned on by the pressing pressure of the electronic key 20 (an energized state in which the contacts are conductive), and the electronic key 20 is released from the fitting holder 111. When it is removed, the pressing force is released and it is turned off (the energization stop state in which the contacts are cut off).

The electronic key 20 is generally molded into a shape and structure defined for each vehicle or vehicle type, but the overall shape and size is a small size of about several tens of millimeters square. Therefore, how can the size of the base portion 101 and the frame 112 be fixed at the maximum value of the assumed size, and a fitting holder 111 having a size smaller than that can be created for each electronic key 20 and replaced as appropriate. An electronic key 20 having a different shape and structure can be stored.

Next, the first solenoid 131, the second solenoid 132, the control circuit 133, and the receptacle 134 will be described in detail.
Each solenoid 131, 132 has a fixed iron core which is a permanent magnet, a movable iron core (plunger) whose one end faces the fixed iron core, a coil in which a copper wire is wound around the plunger in a non-contact manner, and a coil. It is a known component provided with a frame that surrounds and fixes the outer surface of the magnet. These solenoids 131 and 132 use DC solenoids that operate with DC power supplied from the power supply circuit 14 via the energization switch 113, but may be AC solenoids. However, in this case, the output of the power supply circuit 14 needs to be AC power.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the receptacle 134 is formed with a concave groove 134a having an opening narrower than that of the hollow portion, and is formed in the frame 1310 of the first solenoid 131 and the frame 1320 of the second solenoid 132. Each of the above is formed with a projecting body (projecting body 1310a in the example of FIG. 4) that is slidably engaged and fixed in the concave groove 134a of the solenoid tank 134. As a result, the first solenoid 131 and the second solenoid 132 can arbitrarily change their installation positions independently of each other. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily handle electronic keys 20 having a wide variety of shapes, structures, and sizes.

One end of the connector 1312 is fixed to the tip of the plunger 1311 of the first solenoid 131 by a screw 1312a. At the other end of the connector 1312, an operating tool 1313 that points in the direction of the unlock button 21 of the electronic key 20 fitted in the fitting holder 111 substantially parallel to the plunger 1311 is fixed by a screw 1313a.
Further, although omitted in FIG. 4 (shown in FIG. 3), one end of the connector 1322 is fixed to the tip of the plunger 1312 of the second solenoid 131 by a screw 1322a. At the other end of the connector 1322, an operating tool 1323 that points in the direction of the lock button 22 of the electronic key 20 fitted in the fitting holder 111 substantially parallel to the plunger 1312 is fixed by a screw 1323a.

In order to allow the length of the connector 1312, 1322 to be freely changed, for example, two metal plates of the same size having a plurality of screw holes formed on top of each other are slid in opposite directions. Then, when the desired length is reached, two metal plates may be fastened to the screw holes with bolts and nuts.
In this way, the electronic key 20 can be stored even if the size of the electronic key 20 and the arrangement of the unlock button 21 and the lock button 22 are different.

The operating tools 1313 and 1323 fixed to the connecting tools 1312 and 1322 are composed of, for example, a soft elastic member formed in the shape of a human fingertip. As the elastic member, silicone material, natural rubber, urethane rubber, acrylic rubber, nitrile rubber, hydrin rubber, butyl rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, chlorobrene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, fluorine rubber and the like can be used. In this embodiment, a silicone material is used as the operating tool 1313, 1323 for the following reasons.

-Silicone material having a siloxane bond (-Si-O-Si-) as its main skeleton has a helix structure (coil-like) in its molecule, and is richer in elasticity than organic rubber or organic synthetic resin. Further, unlike the material containing carbon, it is chemically inert, so that the operating tools 1313, 1323 and the like are not corroded.
-Silicone with a siloxane bond as the main skeleton has almost no change in its attributes even at around 150 degrees Celsius after molding, and can be used semi-permanently as long as it is not broken, although the passenger compartment becomes extremely hot during midsummer sunshine.
-While the embrittlement point of organic rubber is -20 to -30 degrees Celsius, the embrittlement point of inorganic silicone with a siloxane bond as the main skeleton is -60 to -70 degrees Celsius, so other It retains elasticity even at temperatures where various types of elastic materials become embrittled, and has excellent low temperature properties. Therefore, it is suitable for long-term use.
-The physical properties of inorganic silicone with a siloxane bond as the main skeleton are not affected by ozone or ultraviolet rays (organic elastic materials deteriorate rapidly when exposed to ozone or ultraviolet rays). Therefore, it can be used for a long period of time without requiring any maintenance.
-Since it has an affinity for pigments and fluorescent substances, it is easy to color.

Rubber-based silicone materials have a well-known hardness index. For example, among the standards of the Japan Rubber Association (SRIS0101), 5 degrees or more and less than 30 degrees measured with a type A durometer (JIS K6253) is "low hardness", 30 degrees or more and less than 50 degrees is "medium hardness", and 50 degrees or more is "medium hardness". It is classified as "high hardness". Low hardness is about the hardness of human skin, and it is said that about 40 degrees of medium hardness is close to the hardness of an eraser, 60 to 70 degrees is close to the hardness of a car tire, and 80 degrees is close to the hardness of a mouse ball. Hardness is determined by the amount of silica-based powder filler added.

In the present embodiment, in order to make the unlock button 21 and the lock button 22 of the electronic key 20 have a hardness that is not damaged by pressing, a silicone material having a hardness of 30 degrees or more and less than 50 degrees is used as the operating tool 1313, 1323. Experiments by the present inventors have shown that a silicone material having such a hardness range can ensure operability, resilience, and durability that are almost the same as when the unlock button 21 or the lock button 22 is pressed with a human finger. It has become clear.

The operating tools 1313 and 1323 are stopped at the position farthest from the fitting holder 111 when the energization of the coils of the first solenoid 131 and the second solenoid 132 is stopped (default state). In this state, the fitting holder 111 can be freely replaced with another fitting holder.
On the other hand, when the coil of the first solenoid 131 is energized while the fitting holder 111 is fixed to the frame 112, the plunger 1311 is magnetized by the magnetic force of the coil and is attracted to the fixed iron core. As a result, the operating tool 1313 fixed to the tip of the plunger 1311 via the connecting tool 1312 presses the unlock button 21 of the electronic key 20 fitted in the fitting holder 111.

Similarly, when the coil of the second solenoid 132 is energized, the plunger 1321 is magnetized by the magnetic force of the coil and is attracted to the fixed iron core. As a result, the operating tool 1323 fixed to the tip of the plunger 1321 via the connecting tool 1322 presses the lock button 22 of the electronic key 20 fitted in the fitting holder 111.

On the other hand, when the energization of the coils of the solenoids 131 and 132 is stopped, the magnetic force disappears, the plungers 131 and 1321 are released from the fixed electrodes, and the plungers 131 and 1321 autonomously return to their original states. As a result, the operating tools 1313 and 1323 are separated from the unlock button 21 and the lock button 22 of the electronic key 20.

The control circuit 133 is electrically connected to the other end of the energization switch 113 whose one end is connected to the power supply circuit 14 and the communication module 12, and the state of the energization switch 113 and the presence or absence of significant signal reception from the communication module 12. Based on the above, the energization and disconnection (energization stop) of the coils of the solenoids 131 and 132 are controlled.
The control modes include the first pattern to the third pattern shown in FIGS. 5 (a) to 5 (c), and the first control signal and the second control signal selectively transmitted from the mobile information terminal 50. Either pattern is selectively switched based on.

1st pattern (FIG. 5A): When the energization switch 113 is on, the first solenoid 131 and the second solenoid 132 are forcibly stopped energized to eliminate the magnetic force generated in each coil. When the energization switch 113 is off, the control circuit 133 does not operate, but since no magnetic force is generated in the first solenoid 131 and the second solenoid 132, the same state occurs.
Second pattern (FIG. 5B): When the energization switch 113 is on, the coil of the first solenoid 131 is energized for a certain period of time upon receiving the first control signal from the communication module 12, and then the first The energization of the solenoid 131 to the coil is stopped.
Third pattern (FIG. 5 (c)): When the energization switch 113 is on, the coil of the second solenoid 132 is energized for a certain period of time upon receiving the second control signal from the communication module 12, and then the second The energization of the solenoid 132 to the coil is stopped. The energizing time is about 1 second, but other times may be used.

The first control signal is a signal transmitted through the first electric circuit connecting the control circuit 133 and the coil of the first solenoid 131, and is switched from the default disabled state to the enabled (significant signal) in the first circuit. The coil is allowed to be energized for a certain period of time during which the enabled state is maintained (for example, about 1 second during which the logical high continues).
The second control signal is a signal transmitted through the second electric circuit connecting the control circuit 133 and the coil of the second solenoid 132, and is switched from the default disabled state to the enabled (significant signal) in the second circuit. The coil is allowed to be energized for a certain period of time during which the enabled state is maintained (for example, about 1 second during which the logical high continues).

The first pattern is a state in which neither the first control signal nor the second control signal is a significant signal (disabled state). The second pattern is a state in which the first control signal is enabled and the second control signal is disabled. The third pattern is a state in which the second control signal is enabled and the first control signal is disabled. Since both the first control signal and the second control signal are disabled after a certain period of time, the third pattern remains for most of the time.

Whether the first control signal (first electric circuit) or the second control signal (second electric circuit) is determined in the control circuit 133 is a signal ID (for example, a predetermined time) transmitted from the mobile information terminal 50 prior to these control signals. It can be discriminated by recognizing the number of pulses or the data identified by the pulse pattern).

Next, the mobile information terminal 50 will be described. FIG. 6 is a hardware configuration diagram of the mobile information terminal 50. The mobile information terminal 50 is a type of mobile phone having a data processing function, and is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203 and a storage 204, a communication module 205, and a communication. It includes an I / F (Input / Output) 206, an input / output I / F (Input / Output) 207, and a GPS module 208.

The CPU 201 operates the portable information terminal 50 as a computer by executing the control program stored in the ROM 202 by using the RAM 203 as a work area. Since the CPU 201 operates with a clock having a predetermined cycle, the computer has a timer function. The storage 204 is a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage 204 is an application program (hereinafter, “AP”) downloaded from the network N via the communication I / F 206, various data for the AP, and a predetermined authentication code (for example, valid only for a certain period of time) used for pairing described later. (Authentication code such as a one-time password), authority information (for example, ID and password) for accessing a server connected to network N, etc. are stored.

The network N is a wide area network such as the Internet, and in the present embodiment, a management server 30 or the like that manages the usage status or availability status of the vehicle for car sharing by data communication with the mobile information terminal 50 is connected. It is assumed that there is.
The management server 30 includes a vehicle database that records vehicle usage logs in association with vehicle numbers. The usage log includes the ID of the reserved user, the reserved date and time, the unlocking date / time / locking date / time of the vehicle door, the latest position of the vehicle, and the like. The management server 30 also stores authentication information used for pairing with the electronic key storage device 1 and authority information for allowing access from the mobile information terminal 50.

The communication module 205 is a known module that performs Bluetooth communication, which is an example of short-range communication, with another communication module, that is, the communication module 12 of the electronic key storage device 1 in the present embodiment. The communication I / F 206 performs communication control for bidirectional data communication with, for example, the management server 30. The input / output I / F 207 controls input / output with the input device and the output device. The input device is a device that receives input of various instructions from the user through touch operations, keyboard operations, etc. on the displayed operation screen such as a display provided with a touch panel. The output device is the display (operation screen), speaker, external memory, or the like. The GPS module 208 is a general-purpose module with a built-in antenna that receives GPS data from GPS satellites.

The mobile information terminal 50 causes the CPU 201 to execute an AP stored in the storage 204, for example, a usage reservation AP2041 under the control of a control program (operating system, file system, other utility program, etc.) stored in the ROM 202. , Realize various functional blocks.

FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of a functional block realized in the mobile information terminal 50. In the present embodiment, the mobile information terminal 50 has an input control unit 401, an output control unit 402, a current position detection unit 403, a first communication control unit 404, a second communication control unit 405, an instruction analysis unit 406, and a reservation process execution. An example of functioning as a unit 407 and a main control unit 408 that collectively controls them is shown.

The input control unit 401 receives various instructions and the like input from the user through the input / output I / F 207. The output control unit 402 outputs the operation screen for the user, the result of data processing performed under the control of the main control unit 408, and the like to the display or the like through the input / output I / F 307. The current position detection unit 403 detects the current position, the current date and time, and the like from the GPS data.

The first communication control unit 404 controls the Bluetooth communication performed between the communication module 205 and the communication module 12 included in the electronic key storage device 1 after the usage reservation AP2041 is activated. The first communication control unit 401 pairs the communication module 205 with the communication module 12 prior to the Bluetooth communication. For pairing, assuming that the communication module 12 is energized, the authentication code received from the management server 30 is displayed on the display, and the same authentication code as the displayed authentication code is input by operating the touch panel. It is a success. When the pairing is successful, the first communication control unit 401 continues the Bluetooth communication until the pairing is canceled by receiving the communication end instruction or the notification of the power stop of the communication module 12.

When the authentication code is stored in the storage 204 in advance, the pairing can be automatically succeeded by automatically inputting the authentication code without waiting for the operation of the touch panel. At that time, a token or the like for selectively outputting a plurality of authentication codes is provided, and when the same authentication code as any of the outputable authentication codes is received from the management server 30, the pair is automatically paired. You may try to make the ring successful.
Further, even when the use reservation AP2041 is restarted within a predetermined time after the use reservation AP2041 is stopped, the pairing may be automatically succeeded.

The second communication control unit 405 controls data communication (excluding Bluetooth communication) via the communication I / F 206 and the network N. Prior to this data communication, the second communication control unit 405 compares the authority information stored in the storage 204 with the authority information input by the user. That is, authentication is performed. When the authority information matches, the second communication control unit 405 continues the data communication with the management server 30 until the communication end instruction is received.

The first communication control unit 401 and the second communication control unit 402 can operate independently. That is, it is possible to perform data communication with the management server 30 while performing Bluetooth communication. It is also possible to perform only Bluetooth communication or only data communication.

The instruction analysis unit 406 analyzes the contents of various instructions input from the input control unit 401, and outputs data according to the analysis result. In the present embodiment, authentication data when pairing with the electronic key storage device 1 (when setting not to perform automatic pairing), authority information when establishing and accessing a communication path with the management server 30 , Instruction of start and stop (communication path cancellation) of use reservation AP2041, data (vehicle number, etc.) requested by reservation processing execution unit 407, the above-mentioned first control signal and second control signal, etc. are used as one of the analysis results. It shall be output.

The reservation processing execution unit 407 is a function that plays a central role in the usage reservation AP2041. Under the control of the main control unit 408, the reservation processing execution unit 407 cooperates with other functional blocks, the electronic key storage device 1, and the management server 30, and the vehicle. A process is performed to enable the reservation of use of the server and the use of the reserved vehicle (use of the electronic key 20 dedicated to the vehicle). The overall procedure of this process will be specifically described.
Here, for convenience of explanation, the vehicle to be reserved is the vehicle in front of the user operating the mobile information terminal 50, and the dedicated electronic key 20 is stored with the vehicle door locked. It is assumed that the electronic key storage device 1 is placed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

When the usage reservation AP2041 is executed, the reservation processing execution unit 407 causes the initial screen to be displayed on the operation screen of the display of the mobile information terminal 50 by using the AP data stored in the storage 204. FIG. 8A is an example diagram of an initial screen displayed on the operation screen 500. On the initial screen, an ON image 501 for starting data communication with the management server 30 and an OFF image 502 for ending the data communication are displayed. When the user touches the ON image 501, the second communication control unit 402 establishes a communication path with the management server 30 in the above procedure and starts data communication.

When data communication with the management server 30 becomes possible, the operation screen 500 is switched as shown in FIG. 8B. In FIG. 8B, the vehicle number to be used (for example, the last four digits of the license plate) is input to the vehicle number input area 503. The input is performed by the touch operation of the numeric keypad image 504.

When the management server 30 confirms that the vehicle identified by the vehicle number is available and locked by referring to the vehicle database, it creates a new usage log of the reserved user and uses the usage log as the vehicle. In addition to recording in the database, data indicating the usage status of the vehicle (vehicle door is locked, etc.) and a predetermined authentication code are transmitted to the mobile information terminal 50. In the mobile information terminal 50 that has received the authentication code, the first communication control unit 401 automatically starts pairing with the electronic key storage device 1. When pairing is performed manually, the screen for inputting the authentication code is displayed, and the matching with the input authentication code is judged.

When the pairing is successful, the operation screen 500 is switched as shown in FIG. 8 (c). The operation screen 500 illustrated in FIG. 8C includes an unlocking image 505 for selecting unlocking of the vehicle door, a locking image 506 for selecting locking of the vehicle door, and a return to the initial screen. Button image 507 for this is displayed. Since the vehicle door is locked, only the user-selectable unlocked image 505 is highlighted in the illustrated example. The highlighting mode is color change, blinking, and the like.

When the unlocking image 505 is touch-operated, the instruction analysis unit 406 sends data indicating that the unlocking instruction has been input to the management server 30 through the second communication control unit 405 together with the vehicle number, the current position, and the current date and time. And output the above-mentioned first control signal, and transmit this to the electronic key storage device 1 through the first communication control unit 404.
The management server 30 updates the usage log of the vehicle database based on the received data (records the unlocking date and time).
In the electronic key storage device 1, the operating tool 1312 of the first solenoid 131 presses the unlock button 21 of the electronic key 20 when the first control signal is received. As a result, the vehicle door is unlocked by the original function of the electronic key 20. When the vehicle door is unlocked, the user can open the vehicle door, enter the vehicle interior, and take out the electronic key 20 from the fitting holder 111 of the electronic key storage device 1.

The user who has secured the electronic key 20 can use the electronic key 20 to start driving the vehicle or manually lock / unlock the vehicle at any time. Therefore, the button image 507 is touch-operated to display the initial screen of FIG. 8A, and the OFF image 502 is touch-operated. As a result, the data communication with the management server 30 can be terminated. At this time, the usage reservation AP2041 may be terminated.

It is assumed that the time required for the user to touch the unlocked image 505 to open the vehicle door and secure the electronic key 20 in the vehicle interior is less than 3 minutes. Further, when the electronic key 20 is taken out from the electronic key storage device 1, the energizing switch 113 is cut off and the Bluetooth communication is stopped. That is, the pairing is released, which is the assumed usage mode.
Therefore, the reservation processing execution unit 407 forcibly displays the operation screen 500 in FIG. 8 (a) when 3 minutes have passed since the unlocked image 505 was touch-operated in the display of the operation screen 500 in FIG. 8 (c). ) Return to the initial screen. At this time, the reservation processing execution unit 407 may forcibly create a state in which the OFF image 502 is touch-operated to end the data communication with the management server 30.

If the pairing is not released even after 3 minutes have passed since the unlocked image 505 was touch-operated on the display of the operation screen 500 of FIG. 8C, the user uses the electronic key 20 even if the vehicle door is unlocked. It will not be secured in. Therefore, the reservation processing execution unit 407 forcibly creates a state in which the locked image 506 is touch-operated. At this time, the instruction analysis unit 406 transmits data indicating that the forced locking instruction has been input to the management server 30 through the second communication control unit 405 together with the vehicle number, the current position, and the current date and time, and described above. The second control signal of the above is output, and this is transmitted to the electronic key storage device 1 through the first communication control unit 404. The management server 30 updates the usage log of the vehicle database based on the received data (records the locking date and time). In the electronic key storage device 1, the operating tool 1322 of the second solenoid 132 presses the lock button 22 of the electronic key 20 when the first control signal is received. As a result, the vehicle door is locked by the original function of the electronic key 20. This maintains security.
The time of 3 minutes is an example, and may be 2 minutes or 1 minute or less, or may be more than 3 minutes. The user may arbitrarily set this time.

When the user who has normally secured the electronic key 20 finishes driving the vehicle, the user stores the electronic key 20 in the fitting holder 111 of the electronic key storage device 1. As a result, the energization switch 113 is energized and the electronic key storage device 1 can be operated. In this state, when the user activates or restarts the usage reservation AP2401 from outside the vehicle interior, the first communication control unit 404 of the mobile information terminal 50 automatically pairs with the electronic key storage device 1 and displays the display. Display the operation screen 500 shown in FIG. 8A.

When the user touches the ON image 501, authentication and communication path establishment are performed with the management server 30 in the same procedure as described above, and the operation screen 500 is switched as shown in FIG. 8B. When the user inputs the vehicle number, the management server 30 identifies the usage log associated with the vehicle number from the vehicle database, and outputs data indicating that the vehicle door of the vehicle is unlocked to the mobile information terminal 50. Send to. Then, the operation screen 500 of the display of the mobile information terminal 50 is switched as shown in FIG. 8 (d). That is, only the locked image 506 is highlighted. The highlighting mode is the same as in FIG. 8 (c).

When the user touches the lock image 506, the instruction analysis unit 406 sends data indicating that the lock instruction has been input to the management server 30 through the second communication control unit 405 together with the vehicle number, the current position, and the current date and time. And output the above-mentioned second control signal, and transmit this to the electronic key storage device 1 through the first communication control unit 404.
The management server 30 updates the usage log of the vehicle database based on the received data (records the locking date and time). In the electronic key storage device 1, the operating tool 1322 of the second solenoid 132 presses the lock button 22 of the electronic key 20 when the first control signal is received. As a result, the vehicle door is locked by the original function of the electronic key 20.

As described above, according to the electronic key storage device 1 of the present embodiment, a method of sharing an electronic key unique to the vehicle for non-contactly unlocking or locking the vehicle door of the vehicle that can be shared by a plurality of users. It can be easily implemented. That is, the electronic key storage device 1 placed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle holds the vehicle-specific electronic key 20 having the unlock button 21 and the lock button 22 so as to be detachable, and unlocks by the above-mentioned first control signal. A pressing mechanism for pressing the button 21 and pressing the lock button 22 by the above-mentioned second control signal is provided, and each user holds the mobile information terminal 50 so that the electronic key 20 exists in the vehicle interior of the vehicle. ..
As a result, the management of one electronic key 20 can be realized easily and at low cost without any modification to the existing electric system and electronic key system.

Since the electronic key storage device 1 selectively presses the unlock button 21 or the lock button 22 of the electronic key 20 by Bluetooth communication with the mobile information terminal 50 operated outside the vehicle interior, it causes jamming radio waves and noise signals. By receiving the above, it is possible to reduce the situation of malfunction.

The electronic key storage device 1 also enables energization of Bluetooth communication and the pressing mechanism by fitting the electronic key 20 into the fitting holder 111, and limits energization when the electronic key 20 is detached from the fitting holder 111. Since the switch 113 is provided, it is possible to prevent waste of power and malfunction of the electronic key storage device 1 when the electronic key 20 is taken out, and also to store the electronic key depending on whether or not short-range communication is possible by the mobile information terminal 50. Whether or not the electronic key 20 is housed in the device 1 can be easily confirmed from inside and outside the vehicle.

The pressing mechanism of the electronic key storage device 1 has a plunger 1311 that presses the unlock button 21 when the communication module 12 receives the first control signal and autonomously returns to the state before pressing after pressing. After a certain period of time has elapsed from the time when the first solenoid 131 and the communication module 12 received the first control signal, or when the communication module 12 receives the second control signal, the lock button 22 is triggered by the reception. Since it is configured to include a second solenoid 132 having a plunger 1321 that autonomously returns to the state before pressing after pressing, a general-purpose small solenoid that applies the principle of an electromagnet is used at low cost. A small pressing mechanism can be realized.

Since the communication module 12 performs Bluetooth communication in which pairing is started according to predetermined information and the pairing is released when the energization is stopped, the electronic key storage device 1 can be manufactured inexpensively using general-purpose parts.

[Modification example]
In the first embodiment, an example is described on the premise that the electronic key 20 has the unlock button 21 and the lock button 22, but further, a function of unlocking the bonnet and the rear door may be added. It is possible. In this case, in FIGS. 8 (c) and 8 (d), in addition to the unlock button 21 and the lock button 22, the bonnet unlock button and the like are displayed, and when the unlock button is touch-operated. , The configuration may be such that a third control signal that becomes significant only for the time from disabled to enabled at a timing different from that of the first control signal and the second control signal is generated. Further, when it is sufficient to unlock the locked vehicle door, only the unlock button 21 may be provided.

In the first embodiment, an example in which the vehicle number of the shared vehicle can be visually recognized by the user has been described, but the management server 30 may centrally manage which vehicle is in the vacancy status. In this case, the user operates the mobile information terminal 50 to transmit the search request for the vehicle that can be reserved together with the current position and the current time to the management server 30. The management server 30 causes the display of the mobile information terminal 50 to display the vehicle numbers of one or a plurality of vehicles within a predetermined distance range from the current position. The user inputs one of the vehicle numbers according to the operation screen 500 of FIG. 8 (b).

In the first embodiment, an example in which an authentication code used for performing Bluetooth communication with the electronic key storage device 1 is received from the management server 30 has been described, but when management for each family or organization is sufficient, The management server 30 does not necessarily have to be provided. In this case, the authentication code can be paired with the electronic key storage device 1 in the mobile information terminal 20 possessed by the family or the organization members in advance, but the authentication code different from that of others is stored. However, this may be used for automatic or manual pairing.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the configuration of the pressing mechanism 13 is different from that of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a structural example of the pressing mechanism according to the second embodiment. For convenience, the parts having the same function as the parts shown in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals. The pressing mechanism of the second embodiment is simpler and lower than the pressing mechanism 13 of the first embodiment by using a cantilever structure as another example of moving up and down with respect to the fixed position of the electronic key 20. It realizes an electronic key storage device at a cost. In the second embodiment, the cantilever structure for pressing the unlock button 21 of the electronic key 20 is called the first cantilever structure 231 and the cantilever structure for pressing the lock button 22 of the electronic key 20 is called the first cantilever structure 231. It is called the cantilever structure 232 of 2.

The first cantilever structure 231 includes a rigid rod body 2311 having both ends and a support 2312 having a hinge structure. The rod body 2311 corresponds to the connector 1312 of the pressing mechanism 13 of the first embodiment. A screw hole is formed at one end of the rod body 2311. The other end of the rod 2311 is a free end, and a magnetic body 2313 having a predetermined shape and weight is fixed to the lower end surface facing the base portion 101. Further, the operating tool 2314 is fixed to a portion of the central portion of the rod body 2311 that points to the unlock button 21. The operating tool 2314 is made of the same material as the operating tool 1313 in the pressing mechanism 13 of the first embodiment.

The support 2312 sandwiches one end of the rod 2311 at a position slightly higher than the thickness when the electronic key 20 is housed in the fitting holder 111 (the height of the electronic key 20 in the direction away from the base portion 101). , A bolt is loosely fitted into the screw hole of the rod body 2311 (the bolt is fitted and fixed while the inner surface of the screw hole of the rod body 2311 and the surface of the bolt foot are slidable with each other), and one end of the rod body 2311 is rotated. Support freely. The other end of the rod body 2311 can be displaced by 180 degrees or more with one end as a base point when the fitting holder 111 is taken in and out and the electronic key 20 is accommodated and detached from the fitting holder 111.

An electromagnet 2315 is arranged at a portion of the lower bottom portion 101a of the base portion 101 that faces the magnetic body 2313 fixed to the other end (free end) of the rod body 2311. The electromagnet 1314 operates so as to attract the magnetic body 2313 by magnetic force by energizing the electromagnet 1314 for a time during which the first control signal is enabled by the operation of the control circuit 133 (not shown). The magnetic body 2313 is displaced downward by its own weight and the attractive force of the electromagnet 2315. As a result, the operating tool 2314 presses the unlock button 21. When the first control signal is disabled, the magnetic force disappears, the magnetic body 2313 separates from the electromagnet 2315, and the operating tool 2314 also separates from the unlock button 21.

The second cantilever structure 232, like the first cantilever structure 231, includes a rigid rod body 2321 having both ends and a support 2322 having a hinge structure. The rod body 2321 corresponds to the connector 1322 of the pressing mechanism 13 of the first embodiment. A screw hole is formed at one end of the rod body 232. The other end of the rod body 2321 is a free end, and a magnetic body 2323 having a predetermined shape and weight is fixed to the end face facing downward. Further, the operating tool 2324 is fixed to a portion of the central portion of the rod body 2321 that points to the lock button 22. The operating tool 2324 has the same shape and material as the operating tool 1323 in the pressing mechanism 13 of the first embodiment.

The support 2322 sandwiches one end of the rod body 2321 at a position slightly higher than the thickness when the electronic key 20 is housed in the fitting holder 111, and the bolt is loosely fitted into the screw hole of the rod body 2321. One end of the rod body 2321 is rotatably supported. The other end of the rod body 2321 can be displaced by 180 degrees or more with one end as a base point when the electronic key 20 is accommodated in and detached from the fitting holder 111. This facilitates the accommodation and detachment of the electronic key 20.

An electromagnet 2325 is arranged at a portion of the lower bottom portion 101a of the base portion 101 that faces the magnetic body 2323 fixed to the other end (free end) of the rod body 2321. By the operation of the control circuit 133 (not shown), the electromagnet 1325 operates so as to energize and attract the magnetic body 2323 by magnetic force only for the time when the second control signal is enabled.
The magnetic body 2323 is displaced downward by its own weight and the attractive force of the electromagnet 2325. As a result, the operating tool 2324 presses the lock button 22. When the second control signal is disabled, the magnetic force disappears, the magnetic body 2323 separates from the electromagnet 2325, and the operating tool 2324 also separates from the lock button 22.

The installation positions of the first cantilever structure 231 and the second cantilever structure 232 and the electromagnets 2315 and 2325 can be arbitrarily changed independently of each other by, for example, deforming the shape of the receptacle 134. It is a thing.

<Modification example>
The explanation has been made on the premise that the magnetic bodies 2313 and 2323 are metals such as iron oxide that are easily affected by the magnetic force of the electromagnets 2315 and 2325 and lose their properties as magnets as soon as the influence of the magnetic force disappears. Can also be used. In this case, the electromagnets 2315 and 2325 have a different polarity from the permanent magnet when the first control signal and the second control signal are enabled, and the permanent magnet when the first control signal and the second control signal are disabled. They will be arranged so that they have the same polarity. In such a configuration, the pressing force (at the time of different polarity) and the repulsive force (at the same polarity) on the unlocking button 21 and the locking button 22 of the electronic key 20 are said to be stronger than those of a metal such as iron oxide. The effect is obtained.

Further, in order to allow the lengths of the rods 2311 and 3211 to be freely changed, for example, two metal plates of the same size in which a plurality of screw holes are formed are overlapped with each other in long opposite directions. The structure may be such that two metal plates are tightened with bolts and nuts in the screw holes when the desired length is reached.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, the structure of the pressing mechanism, particularly the point that the cantilever structure is used is the same as that in the second embodiment, but the point that the force transmission mechanism by gears is used instead of the magnetic body 2313 and the electromagnet 2314 is used. It is different from the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, the cantilever structure for pressing the unlock button 21 of the electronic key 20 is called the first cantilever structure 331, and the cantilever structure for pressing the lock button 22 of the electronic key 20 is the first. It is called the cantilever structure 332 of 2. 10 (a) to 10 (d) are views showing structural examples of the pressing mechanism according to the third embodiment from different viewpoint directions. For convenience, parts having the same functions as the parts described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.

In the first cantilever structure 331, instead of the magnetic body 2313 described in the second embodiment, one end of the eccentric connecting rod 3313 is loosely fixed to the other end of the rod 2311 with a screw or the like, and the eccentric connecting rod is loosely fixed. The other end of the 3313 is loosely fixed with a screw or the like to a portion eccentric from the center of the large gear 3314 having n (natural number) teeth and a diameter of the tip circle of N (natural number) toward the peripheral edge. The rod body 2311 is configured to be displaced upward (+ Z direction) and downward (−Z direction) with the rotation of the large gear 3314.
Further, instead of the electromagnet 2314 described in the second embodiment, the rotation axis has m (natural number> n: for example, n / 2) teeth, and the diameter of the tip circle is M (natural number <N). ) Is provided with a motor 3316 to which the small gear 3315 is fixed. The motor 3316 is preferably a stepping motor that rotates at a constant angle like the second hand of a clock, but may be a normal DC motor.

The outer end surface of the large gear 3314 meshes with the gear of the small gear 3315 when the other end of the rod 2311 is displaced so as to approach the lower bottom 101a of the base 101 with the support 2312 at one end as the base point. When the other end of the rod body 2311 is displaced in the opposite direction, it separates from the outer end surface of the small gear 3315.
The large gear 3314 and the small gear 3315 are, for example, a pair of spur gears, oblique gears, bevel gears, and straight tooth bevel gears having substantially the same tooth depth, tooth streaks, tooth width, and pitch formed on the outer end surface. , Use one of the bevel gears. Each gear is made of either mechanical structural carbon steel, chrome molybdenum steel, stainless steel, phosphor bronze, aluminum bronze, ductile cast iron, or nylon.

A spur gear is a gear having tooth streaks parallel to the shaft at the center of the gear, and a spur gear is a gear in which the tooth streaks of the spur gear are oblique (helical). Since the oblique tooth gear has a large meshing ratio (contact area) between the gears, it has the advantages of higher strength and quieter sound than the spur gear. A bevel gear is a gear that has a conical outer tooth streak and is shaped like an open umbrella. Depending on the arrangement of the motors 3316, bevel gears having different shaft orientations can be combined to transmit power. The straight tooth bevel gear is a gear in which the tooth streaks of the bevel gear are straight like a spur gear, and the bevel gear is a bevel gear in which the tooth streaks of the bevel gear are diagonal like a bevel gear.

The motor 3316 rotates the small gear 3315 in the first direction, for example, counterclockwise, for the time when the first control signal is enabled by the operation of the control circuit 133 (not shown), and then the first control signal is disabled. It operates to rotate the small gear 3315 in the second direction, for example, clockwise for a certain period of time.
The small gear 3315 transmits a rotational force to the large gear 3314. Then, the large gear 3314 converts the rotational force into an ascending / descending motion (vertical motion) of the rod body 2311 through the eccentric connecting rod 3313. As a result, when the control circuit 133 receives the first control signal, the operating tool 2314 presses the unlocking button 21, and then the operating tool 2314 separates from the unlocking button 21. Since the number of teeth of the small gear 3315 is smaller than the number of teeth of the large gear 3314, the large gear 3314 can be greatly rotated with a small amount of rotation.

The second cantilever structure 332 has the same configuration as the first cantilever 331.
That is, instead of the magnetic body 2323, one end of the eccentric connecting rod 3323 is loosely fixed to the other end of the rod 2321 with a screw or the like, and the other end of the eccentric connecting rod 3323 has n teeth. Then, it is loosely fixed with a screw or the like to a portion eccentric from the center of the large gear 3324 having a tooth tip circle diameter N in the peripheral direction, and the rod body 2321 moves upward (+ Z direction) and downward as the large gear 3324 rotates. It was configured to be displaced in the (-Z direction).
Further, instead of the electromagnet 2324, a small gear 3325 having m (> n: for example, n / 2) teeth and having a diameter of the tip circle of M (<N) was fixed to the rotating shaft. A motor 3326 is provided. The types and materials of the gears 3324 and 3325 are the same as those of the first cantilever structure 331. The motor 3326 is preferably a stepping motor that rotates at a constant angle like the second hand of a clock, but may be a normal DC motor.

The outer end surface of the large gear 3324 is joined to the gear of the small gear 3325 when the other end of the rod body 2321 is displaced so as to approach the lower bottom portion 101a of the base portion 101 with the support 2322 at the one end as a base point. When the other end of the rod body 2321 is displaced in the opposite direction, it separates from the outer end surface of the small gear 3325. The large gear 3324 and the small gear 3325 are, for example, a pair of spur gears, oblique gears, bevel gears, and straight tooth bevel gears having substantially the same tooth depth, tooth streaks, tooth width, and pitch formed on the outer end surface. , Use one of the bevel gears. The outline of each gear is as described in the first cantilever structure 331.

The motor 3326 rotates the small gear 3325 in the first direction, for example, counterclockwise, for the time when the second control signal is enabled by the operation of the control circuit 133 (not shown), and then the second control signal is disabled. It operates to rotate the small gear 3325 in the second direction, for example, clockwise for a certain period of time.
The small gear 3325 transmits a rotational force to the large gear 3324. Then, the large gear 3324 converts the rotational force into an ascending / descending motion (vertical motion) of the rod body 2321 through the eccentric connecting rod 3323. As a result, when the control circuit 133 receives the second control signal, the operating tool 2324 presses the lock button 22, and then the operating tool 2324 separates from the lock button 22. Since the number of teeth of the small gear 3325 is smaller than the number of teeth of the large gear 3324, the large gear 3324 can be greatly rotated with a small amount of rotation.

1st cantilever structure 331, 2nd cantilever structure 332, motor 331
The installation positions of the 316 and 3326 can be arbitrarily changed independently of each other by, for example, deforming the shape of the receptacle 134.

In one embodiment of the present invention, there is an unlock button for non-contactly unlocking the locked vehicle door and a lock button for non-contactly locking the unlocked vehicle door. A holding mechanism that holds the vehicle-specific electronic key detachably, a communication module that performs short-range communication between a mobile information terminal operated outside the vehicle interior, and the opening of the electronic key held by the holding mechanism. The holding mechanism includes a pressing mechanism that selectively presses the lock button or the lock button each time the communication module receives a predetermined signal, and then autonomously returns to the state before pressing. A fitting portion for fitting the electronic key detachably, which is created according to the outer shape of the electronic key and the position of the pressing mechanism, and the communication module by fitting the electronic key into the fitting portion. An electronic key storage device for a vehicle is obtained , which comprises an energization switch that enables energization of the pressing mechanism and limits the energization when the electronic key is detached from the fitting portion.

In another embodiment of the present invention, there is an unlock button for non-contactly unlocking the locked vehicle door and a lock button for non-contactly locking the unlocked vehicle door. A holding mechanism that holds the vehicle-specific electronic key detachably, a communication module that performs short-range communication between a mobile information terminal operated outside the vehicle interior, and the opening of the electronic key held by the holding mechanism. The lock button or the lock button is provided with a pressing mechanism that selectively presses the lock button or the lock button each time the communication module receives a predetermined signal, and then autonomously returns to the state before pressing. When the communication module receives the first control signal, the unlocking button is pressed, and after pressing, the first displacement body autonomously returns to the state before pressing, and the communication module controls the first control. After a certain period of time has passed from the time when the signal is received, or when the communication module receives a second control signal different from the first control signal, the lock button is pressed and the state before pressing is pressed. An operation made of an elastic body at a portion of the first displacement body that points to the unlock button and a portion of the second displacement body that points to the lock button. An electronic key storage device, characterized in that the tool is fixed, and the portable information terminal can be obtained.

FIG. 2 is a structural explanatory view of the portable housing 10. In the following description, for convenience, the three-dimensional X direction of XYZ is the front direction (length), the Y direction (width) is the lateral direction (width), the Z direction (height) is the + Z direction upward, and the −Z direction is −Z direction. May be called downward. The portable housing 10 is composed of a pair of a palm-sized base portion 101 formed of hard plastic, which is an example of a radio wave transmitting member, and a cover portion 102 that seals an opening of the base portion 101. ..
The base portion 101 has a two-stage structure, and is an engaging portion 101c for fixing the peripheral edge portion of the upper bottom portion 101b to a portion having a constant height among a pair of side surface portions extending from the lower bottom portion 101a and facing each other in the Y direction. Is formed. A communication module 12, a first solenoid 131, a second solenoid 132, a control circuit 133, a receptacle 134, and a power supply circuit 14 are mounted in a lower storage space separated by a lower bottom portion 101a and an upper bottom portion 101b.
The upper bottom portion 101b is a flat plate in which the movable range of the first solenoid 131 and the second solenoid 132 is cut off, and the remaining parts are in the upper storage space formed by the opening of the base portion 101 and the upper bottom portion 101b. Is implemented.

In the first embodiment, an example in which an authentication code used for performing Bluetooth communication with the electronic key storage device 1 is received from the management server 30 has been described, but when management for each family or organization is sufficient, The management server 30 does not necessarily have to be provided. In this case, the authentication code can be paired with the electronic key storage device 1 in the mobile information terminal 50 possessed by the family or the organization members in advance, but the authentication code different from that of others is stored. However, this may be used for automatic or manual pairing.

Claims (12)

A vehicle-specific electronic key having an unlock button for non-contact unlocking of a locked vehicle door and a lock button for non-contact locking of an unlocked vehicle door is removably held. Holding mechanism and
A communication module that performs short-range communication with a mobile information terminal operated outside the vehicle interior,
The unlock button or the lock button of the electronic key held by the holding mechanism is selectively pressed each time the communication module receives a predetermined signal, and then autonomously returns to the state before pressing. Pressing mechanism and
An electronic key storage device for a vehicle, characterized in that it has. The holding mechanism is characterized by having a fitting portion for fitting the electronic key detachably, which is created according to the outer shape of the electronic key and the position of the pressing mechanism.
The electronic key storage device according to claim 1. The holding mechanism is provided with an energization switch that enables the communication module and the pressing mechanism to be energized by fitting the electronic key into the fitting portion and limits the energization when the electronic key is detached from the fitting portion. Characterized by being
The electronic key storage device according to claim 2. It is characterized by further having a displacement mechanism for fixing the pressing mechanism in such a manner that the installation position can be arbitrarily changed.
The electronic key storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The pressing mechanism includes a first displacement body that presses the unlock button when the communication module receives the first control signal and autonomously returns to the state before pressing after pressing.
The lock button is pressed after a certain period of time has elapsed from the time when the communication module receives the first control signal, or when the communication module receives a second control signal different from the first control signal. Including a second displacement body that autonomously returns to the state before pressing after pressing.
An operating tool made of an elastic body is fixed to a portion of the first displacement body that points to the unlock button and a portion of the second displacement body that points to the lock button.
The electronic key storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The first displacement body and the second displacement body are configured to include a solenoid that moves up and down with respect to a fixed position of the electronic key.
The electronic key storage device according to claim 5. The first displacement body and the second displacement body are connected to their free ends via a magnetic body or an eccentric connecting rod, and include a cantilever structure in which a gear that meshes with other opposing gears is fixed. Has been
The electronic key storage device according to claim 5. The communication module is characterized in that it performs Bluetooth communication in which pairing is started according to predetermined information and pairing is released when power is stopped.
The electronic key storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The holding mechanism, the communication module, the pressing mechanism, and the power supply circuit are housed in a radio wave transmitting portable housing.
The electronic key storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. A vehicle-specific electronic key having an unlock button for non-contact unlocking of a locked vehicle door and a lock button for non-contact locking of an unlocked vehicle door is removably held. At the same time, the unlocking button is pressed by the first control signal, the lock button is pressed by the second control signal, and the electronic key storage device has a pressing mechanism that autonomously returns to the state before pressing after pressing. Short-range communication means for short-range communication with and
An analysis means for analyzing the content of an instruction input from the user through an operation screen displayed for the user of the electronic key, and an analysis means.
When the content of the instruction is an instruction to press the unlock button, the first control signal is generated, and when the content of the instruction is an instruction to press the lock button, the second control signal is generated to generate the first control signal. A control means for transmitting one control signal or the second control signal to the electronic key storage device through the short-range communication means, and
A mobile information terminal characterized by being equipped with. A computer program for operating a computer as the mobile information terminal according to claim 10. A method of sharing an electronic key unique to the vehicle for non-contactly unlocking or locking the vehicle door of a vehicle shared by a plurality of users.
The vehicle is provided with a vehicle-specific electronic key having an unlock button for non-contactly unlocking the locked vehicle door and a lock button for non-contactly locking the unlocked vehicle door. An electronic key storage device having a pressing mechanism that presses the unlock button by the first control signal and presses the lock button by the second control signal is installed while holding the lock freely.
Each user holds the mobile information terminal according to claim 10, so that the electronic key can be present in the vehicle interior of the vehicle.
How to share an electronic key.

Images