JP4315028B2 - Smart keyless system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a smart keyless system installed in a vehicle such as an automobile.

  As is well known, as one of remote control systems installed in vehicles such as automobiles in recent years, a user holding a portable device having a wireless communication function (for example, a vehicle occupant) within a communication range with an in-vehicle wireless device. A so-called smart keyless system has been proposed in which the door can be unlocked simply by entering the vehicle, that is, only by approaching a certain range of the vehicle or by touching a predetermined part of the vehicle body (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ). According to this system, the door can be locked and unlocked simply by separating or approaching the vehicle with a certain range as a reference, without the need to perform any special operation such as a transmission operation of the portable device. Improves.

  In such a smart keyless system, a vehicle interior detection antenna that sends out a vehicle interior detection signal to detect whether or not the mobile device is in the vehicle interior, and whether the mobile device is within a predetermined range outside the vehicle interior. In order to detect whether or not the vehicle is in the vehicle, an out-of-vehicle detection antenna for transmitting an out-of-vehicle detection signal is provided in the vehicle. When the portable device enters the predetermined range (the transmission range of the detection antenna outside the vehicle compartment) as the user approaches the vehicle, the portable device is activated upon receipt of the detection signal outside the vehicle compartment, Output a signal. When the response signal is received by the vehicle-mounted receiving antenna, it is recognized that the user is approaching the vehicle, and the control unit is configured to drive the door locking and unlocking mechanism to unlock the door. ing.

  In addition to the automatic lock / unlock function of the door, the smart entry system function allows the operation of an ignition switch for switching the operation state of the engine control unit without a key operation (hereinafter referred to as an ignition operation permission function). It has been known. This function is used when the portable device outputs a response signal to the vehicle interior detection signal sent from the vehicle interior detection antenna and the reception antenna receives the response signal. When this is detected, the operation of the ignition switch (ignition operation) is permitted to the user without requiring a key operation.

  According to this ignition operation permission function, it is possible to save the trouble of inserting the key during the ignition operation, but unless the portable device is detected in the vehicle interior, the ignition operation is not permitted. There is a risk that the engine cannot be started again. In order to avoid such a situation, in a smart keyless system, a portable device is usually detected by constantly outputting a vehicle interior detection signal, particularly when it is determined that the portable device has moved out of the vehicle compartment. The user is alerted at.

  In a smart keyless system, an LF wave (for example, about 30 to 300 kHz) that is effective for communication in a relatively narrow range is usually used as a vehicle interior detection signal. An RF wave (for example, about 300 MHz to 3 GHz) that can communicate even in a relatively wide range is used.

JP 2002-194937 A

By the way, in order to accurately detect the portable device in the vehicle interior, the vehicle interior detection signal usually forms a detection area that covers the vehicle interior space, and preferably a detection area in the same range as the vehicle interior space. Although it is output, in practice, it is difficult to secure a detection area in exactly the same range as the vehicle interior space, and it is impossible to avoid the detection area extending outside the vehicle interior. Thus, conventionally, a vehicle interior detection signal is received by a radio antenna (for example, 1300 kHz) received by, for example, an antenna embedded in a window panel at the rear of the vehicle, and further by a pole antenna installed near the rear end of the vehicle. In addition, there is a problem that radio noise is generated due to interference between the harmonic wave based on the vehicle interior detection signal and the radio wave.
In the conventional smart keyless system, the vehicle interior detection signal is always output to detect the portable device. As a method for reducing such radio noise, there is a method of suppressing the output of the vehicle interior detection signal. However, in this case, it is necessary to sufficiently ensure the reliability of portable device detection.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above technical problem, and is capable of reducing radio noise by suppressing the output of a vehicle interior detection signal for mobile device detection while ensuring the reliability of mobile device detection. The purpose is to provide a keyless system.

According to claim 1 of the present invention, receives the vehicle interior detecting antenna for portable machine transmits radio signals for detecting whether the vehicle compartment, the signal from the passenger compartment detecting antenna A mobile device that wirelessly transmits a response signal to the signal, a receiving antenna that receives the response signal from the mobile device, and a response signal received from the mobile device by the receiving antenna. In a smart keyless system for a vehicle having a control means for permitting operation of a predetermined control device when it is detected that the portable device is in the vehicle compartment, the vehicle has an antenna for receiving radio waves equipped with a radio, the predetermined control device is an engine control unit provided with an ignition switch for switching the operating state of the control device, said control means, Serial ignition switch is set to ON, after the portable device is detected to be in the vehicle interior, the vehicle interior to reduce the radio noise due to interference between the signals and radio waves from the passenger compartment detecting antenna The output of the signal from the detection antenna is suppressed and stopped.

  The invention according to claim 2 of the present application is the invention according to claim 1, further comprising door opening / closing detection means for detecting opening / closing of the door, and the door opening / closing detection means detects that the door is in an open state. Then, the output signal is output from the vehicle interior detection means.

  Furthermore, in the invention according to claim 3 of the present application, in the invention according to claim 2, the output output from the vehicle interior detection means when the door opening / closing detection means detects that the door is open. The signal includes information for instructing the portable device to automatically output a transmission signal to the vehicle interior detection means at a predetermined cycle.

Furthermore, in the invention according to claim 4 of the present application, in the invention according to claim 2, when the door opening / closing detection means detects that the door is in the closed state, the portable device automatically The output transmission signal is stopped.

  Furthermore, the invention according to claim 5 of the present application is the invention according to claim 3, wherein the output signal is output from the vehicle interior detection means in conjunction with the door opening operation detected by the door opening / closing detection means. It is characterized by outputting.

  The invention according to claim 6 of the present application further includes window opening / closing detection means for detecting opening / closing of the window according to any one of the inventions according to claims 1 to 5, wherein the window opening / closing detection means When it is detected that the vehicle is in the open state, the output signal is output from the vehicle interior detection means.

Still, the invention according to claim 7 of the present application, the vehicle interior detecting antenna for portable machine transmits radio signals for detecting whether the vehicle compartment, from the passenger compartment detecting antenna A portable device that receives a signal and wirelessly transmits a response signal to the signal, a receiving antenna that receives a response signal from the portable device, and a response signal from the portable device is received by the receiving antenna. Thus , in a smart keyless system for a vehicle having a control means for permitting operation of a predetermined control device when it is detected that the portable device is in a vehicle compartment, the vehicle is configured to receive radio waves. comprise a vehicle radio having an antenna, said control means, after that the portable device is in the vehicle compartment is detected, the interference between the signals and radio waves from the passenger compartment detecting antenna Is obtained is characterized in that to suppress the output of the output signal from the passenger compartment sensing antenna to reduce radio noise that.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle interior detection antenna that wirelessly transmits a signal for detecting whether or not the portable device is in a vehicle interior, and a signal received from the vehicle interior detection antenna. A portable device that wirelessly transmits a response signal to the signal, a receiving antenna that receives the response signal from the portable device, and the response signal from the portable device is received by the receiving antenna. A smart keyless system for a vehicle having a control means for permitting the operation of a predetermined control device when it is detected that the vehicle is in the passenger compartment, the vehicle includes an in-vehicle radio having an antenna for receiving radio waves, Open / close detecting means for detecting opening / closing of the door or window of the vehicle, and the control means is configured to detect the portable device when it is detected that the portable device is in the passenger compartment. The output signal from the vehicle interior detection antenna is suppressed so as to reduce radio noise caused by interference between the signal from the indoor detection antenna and radio waves, and then the open state of the door or window is detected by the open / close detection means. In this case, the output of the output signal from the vehicle interior detection antenna is restored.
The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to claim 1, 7 or 8, characterized in that the antenna for receiving radio waves of the in-vehicle radio is embedded in a wind panel at the rear of the vehicle. .

  According to the invention according to claim 1 of the present application, without detecting a signal for detecting the portable device from the vehicle interior detection means more than necessary, the interference between the harmonic based on the signal for detecting the portable device and the radio wave is caused. Radio noise that can be generated can be reduced. In addition, power consumption can be reduced by suppressing the output of the vehicle interior detection signal.

  Further, according to the invention according to claim 2 of the present application, when there is a possibility that the portable device may go out of the passenger compartment due to the opening operation of the door, the portable device is provided by outputting an output signal from the passenger compartment detection means. Can be grasped in a timely manner, and the reliability of portable device detection can be ensured.

  Furthermore, according to the invention according to claim 3 of the present application, an output signal from the vehicle interior detection means is required by causing the portable device to automatically output a transmission signal to the vehicle interior detection means at a predetermined cycle. Without being able to grasp the situation of the portable device.

  Furthermore, according to the invention according to claim 4 of the present application, when a closed state of the door is detected, a transmission signal is required from the portable device by stopping a transmission signal automatically output from the portable device. It is possible to prevent the above output.

  Further, according to the invention of claim 5 of the present application, the noise can be sprinkled with the generation timing of the radio noise almost simultaneously with the generation timing of the sound when the door is opened.

  Furthermore, according to the invention according to claim 6 of the present application, when there is a possibility that the portable device goes out of the passenger compartment due to the opening operation of the window, by outputting an output signal from the passenger compartment detection means, The status of the portable device can be grasped in a timely manner, and the reliability of portable device detection can be ensured.

  Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 7 of the present application, harmonics and radio waves based on the portable device detection signal can be output without outputting the portable device detection signal more than necessary from the vehicle interior detection means. Radio noise that may be generated due to interference with the noise can be reduced. In addition, power consumption can be reduced by suppressing the output of the vehicle interior detection signal.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a basic configuration of a smart keyless system installed in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. This smart keyless system is a main unit of the system, and includes a control unit 2 that performs various determinations and controls, an ignition switch 3 for switching the operation state (on / off state) of the engine control unit, and a portable authentication key 20. Vehicle interior detection antenna 5 for transmitting a vehicle interior detection signal and a reception antenna 6 for receiving a response signal from the authentication key 20. The ignition switch 3 is connected to the control unit 2 so as to be able to send and receive signals. In addition, a vehicle interior detection antenna 5 and a reception antenna 6 are also connected to the control unit 2 so as to be able to exchange signals.

  In addition, this smart keyless system includes an alarm buzzer 7 that emits an alarm sound under a predetermined condition, a door door switch 8 that detects opening and closing of a door 10, and a window switch that detects opening and closing of a window (door window) that can be moved up and down. 9. The alarm buzzer 7, the door switch 8, and the window switch 9 are also connected to the control unit 2 so as to be able to exchange signals.

  As the vehicle interior detection signal, an LF wave (for example, about 30 to 300 kHz) effective for communication in a relatively narrow range is used, and the response signal of the authentication key 20 is an RF signal that can be communicated in a relatively wide range. A wave (for example, about 300 MHz to 3 GHz) is used. The vehicle interior detection antenna 5 is configured as a so-called coil antenna formed by winding a coil around a ferrite bar.

  Since the smart keyless system has an automatic door lock / unlock function, an out-of-vehicle detection that outputs an out-of-vehicle detection signal to detect whether or not the authentication key 20 is within a predetermined range outside the vehicle. Other configurations such as an antenna for use are provided, but are omitted here.

  In the smart keyless system having such a configuration, when the reception antenna 6 receives the transmission signal from the authentication key 20 and detects that the authentication key 20 is in the vehicle interior, the control unit 2 causes the ignition switch 3 to be switched. An instruction signal for permitting the operation is output to the ignition switch 3. At the same time, an instruction signal for unlocking the steering (not shown) is output from the control unit 2 to the steering lock device 4.

When the operation of the ignition switch 3 is permitted in accordance with an instruction signal transmitted from the controller unit 2 with the detection of the authentication key 20 in the vehicle compartment, a knob (not shown) provided there can be rotated. Then, when the knob is rotated and set to a predetermined position, the operating state of the engine control unit is switched. For example, when the knob is set to “lock position”, the engine control unit is in a stopped state without power consumption, and when set to “accessory position”, the engine control unit is in a stopped state. In the state where accessories mounted on the vehicle such as lighting and audio equipment can be used, and when starting the engine control unit, it was once rotated to the “start position” and then set to the “on position”. In this case, the engine control unit is activated. The operation specifications of the ignition switch 3 are well known in the art.
Hereinafter, a state in which the knob of the ignition switch 3 is set to the “accessory position” or the “on position” is referred to as an “ignition on state”.

  As described above, the vehicle interior detection signal is output via the vehicle interior detection antenna 5 so as to form the detection area S corresponding to the vehicle interior space, but the detection area S protrudes outside the vehicle interior, There is a possibility that harmonics received by the glass antenna or the pole antenna and based on the vehicle interior detection signal interfere with radio radio waves and generate radio noise. In this embodiment, in order to reduce such radio noise, a device has been devised to suppress the output of the vehicle interior detection signal while ensuring the reliability of the authentication key detection in the ignition-on state.

  Basically, when the control unit 1 detects that the authentication key 20 is in the vehicle interior and the ignition switch 3 is switched on, a vehicle interior detection signal via the vehicle interior detection antenna 5 is detected. Was stopped (interrupted). When the door switch 8 or the window switch 9 detects that the door 10 or the window is open, a vehicle interior detection signal is output via the vehicle interior detection antenna 5. At this time, the output signal for detecting the vehicle interior is information indicating that the authentication key 20 automatically outputs a transmission signal to the control unit 1 in a predetermined cycle (self-transmission instruction). Information).

  When the door switch 8 and the window switch 9 detect that the door 10 and the window are closed, the response signal that the authentication key 20 automatically outputs to the authentication key 20 is stopped. A vehicle interior detection signal including information instructing the vehicle interior is output via the vehicle interior detection antenna 5. Further, the vehicle interior detection signal is output from the control unit 2 in conjunction with the opening operation of the door 10 and the window detected by the door switch 8 and the window switch 9.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the detection process of the authentication key 20 in the ignition-on state by the smart keyless system. In this process, after it is detected that the authentication key 20 is in the vehicle interior, when the ignition switch 3 is set to the ON state (S11), the vehicle interior detection is performed from the control unit 2 via the vehicle interior detection antenna 5. A signal for use (LF wave) is transmitted (S12). This vehicle interior detection signal includes information (self-transmission instruction information) that instructs the authentication key 20 to automatically output the transmission signal to the control unit 1 at a predetermined cycle. The authentication key 20 that has received this information thereafter outputs a transmission signal to the control unit 2 at a predetermined cycle without requiring a vehicle interior detection signal. Accordingly, transmission of the vehicle interior detection signal is interrupted.

  In S12, if the ignition switch 3 is set to the on state and the vehicle interior detection signal instructing self-transmission is output at the same time, even when a harmonic based on the vehicle interior detection signal interferes with the radio wave, The radio noise is generated almost simultaneously with the sound generated when the ignition switch 2 is operated, so that the noise can be disturbed.

  Subsequently, based on the presence / absence of a transmission signal from the authentication key 20, it is determined whether or not the authentication key 20 is in the passenger compartment (S13). As a result, when the signal from the authentication key 20 is not received, that is, when it is determined that the authentication key 20 has moved out of the passenger compartment, the vehicle interior is continuously passed from the control unit 2 via the passenger compartment detection antenna 5. A detection signal is transmitted (S21). This vehicle interior detection signal includes information (self-transmission stop information) that instructs the authentication key 20 to stop outputting the transmission signal to the authentication key 20, and the authentication key that has received this information 20 stops the output of the periodic transmission signal. Thereafter, the alarm buzzer 7 is turned on to inform the user that the authentication key 20 has moved outside the passenger compartment (S22). In this case, the process is completed.

  On the other hand, if a transmission signal output periodically is received as a result of S13, that is, if it is determined that the authentication key 20 is in the passenger compartment, it is determined whether the door 10 is closed or not. A determination is made based on the signal detected by the switch 8 (S14). As a result, if it is determined that the door 10 is open, the process returns to S13 and the subsequent processing is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the door 10 is closed, it is subsequently determined based on the signal detected by the window switch 9 whether the window is closed (S15).

  As a result of S15, when it is determined that the window is open or empty, the process returns to S13, and the subsequent processing is repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the window is closed, a vehicle interior detection signal is output from the control unit 2 via the vehicle interior detection antenna 5 (S16). This vehicle interior detection signal includes self-transmission stop information similar to the signal output in S22, and the authentication key 20 that has received this command information stops the output of the periodic transmission signal. .

  Further, after S16, it is determined whether or not the ignition is on (S17). If it is determined that the ignition is not on as a result, the processing is immediately terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the ignition is on, whether or not the door 10 is closed is determined similarly to the case of S14 (S18), and as a result, the door 10 is opened or opened. If determined, a vehicle interior detection signal including self-transmission instruction information similar to the signal output in S12 is output from the control unit 2 via the vehicle interior detection antenna 5 (S20). Here, when it is determined that the door 10 has been opened, if a vehicle interior detection signal instructing self-transmission is output, harmonics based on the output vehicle interior detection signal interfere with radio waves. However, the radio noise is generated almost simultaneously with the sound generated when the door 10 is opened, so that the noise can be disturbed.

After S20, the process returns to S13, and the subsequent processing is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the door 10 is closed, whether or not the window is closed is determined similarly to the case of S15 (S19). As a result, when it is determined that the window is open or opened, a vehicle interior detection signal including self-transmission instruction information similar to the signal output in S12 is transmitted from the control unit 2 to the vehicle interior detection antenna 5. (S20). In this case, if it is determined that the window has been opened, if a vehicle interior detection signal instructing self-transmission is output, harmonics based on the output vehicle interior detection signal may interfere with radio waves. Radio noise is generated almost simultaneously with the sound of the opening of the window, and it is possible to distort the noise.
After S20, the process returns to S13, and the subsequent processing is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the window is closed, the process returns to S17 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  As is apparent from the above description, in the present embodiment, the reliability of the authentication key detection is ensured, and the output of the vehicle interior detection signal is suppressed. Radio noise that may occur due to interference with radio waves can be reduced. It can also be expected that power consumption is reduced by suppressing the output of the vehicle interior detection signal. Furthermore, even when the engine is stopped, the vehicle interior detection signal is not output more than necessary, so that the battery can be prevented from running out.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, and it goes without saying that various improvements and design changes are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.
For example, in FIG. 1, only one vehicle interior detection antenna 5 is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as long as a detection area that covers (preferably substantially matches) the vehicle interior space is formed, the vehicle A plurality of indoor detection antennas may be provided.

It is a figure showing the basic composition of the smart keyless system concerning the embodiment of the present invention roughly. It is a flowchart about the detection process of the authentication key in the ignition-on state by the smart keyless system.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Vehicle 2 ... Control unit 3 ... Ignition switch 4 ... Steering lock device 5 ... Car interior detection antenna 6 ... Reception antenna 7 ... Alarm buzzer 8 ... Door switch 9 ... Window switch 10 ... Door 20 ... Authentication key S ... Detection area

Claims (9)

A cabin detecting antenna for portable machine transmits radio signals for detecting whether the vehicle compartment,
A portable device that receives a signal from the vehicle interior detection antenna and wirelessly transmits a response signal to the signal;
A receiving antenna for receiving a response signal from the portable device;
Control means for permitting operation of a predetermined control device when it is detected that the portable device is in a vehicle interior by receiving a response signal from the portable device by the receiving antenna ;
In a smart keyless system for vehicles having
The vehicle includes an in-vehicle radio having an antenna for receiving radio waves,
The predetermined control device is an engine control unit including an ignition switch that switches an operation state of the control device.
The control means reduces radio noise due to interference between a signal from the vehicle interior detection antenna and a radio wave after the ignition switch is set to an on state and the portable device is detected to be in the vehicle interior. A smart keyless system that suppresses output of a signal from the vehicle interior detection antenna .   And a door opening / closing detecting means for detecting the opening / closing of the door, wherein the door opening / closing detecting means outputs the output signal from the vehicle interior detecting means when it is detected that the door is open. The smart keyless system according to claim 1.   When the door opening / closing detection means detects that the door is in an open state, the output signal output from the vehicle interior detection means is sent to the portable device by the portable device to the vehicle interior detection means. 3. The smart keyless system according to claim 2, further comprising information for instructing to automatically output the transmission signal at a predetermined cycle. 3. The smart keyless system according to claim 2 , wherein when the door open / close detection means detects that the door is closed, the transmission signal automatically output from the portable device is stopped.   4. The smart keyless system according to claim 3, wherein the output signal is output from the vehicle interior detection means in conjunction with a door opening operation detected by the door opening / closing detection means.   Further, it comprises window opening / closing detection means for detecting opening / closing of the window, and when the window opening / closing detection means detects that the window is open, the vehicle interior detection means outputs the output signal. The smart keyless system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A cabin detecting antenna for portable machine transmits radio signals for detecting whether the vehicle compartment,
A portable device that receives a signal from the vehicle interior detection antenna and wirelessly transmits a response signal to the signal;
A receiving antenna for receiving a response signal from the portable device;
Control means for permitting operation of a predetermined control device when it is detected that the portable device is in a vehicle interior by receiving a response signal from the portable device by the receiving antenna ;
In a smart keyless system for vehicles having
The vehicle includes an in-vehicle radio having an antenna for receiving radio waves,
After detecting that the portable device is in the vehicle interior , the control means is configured to reduce radio noise due to interference between a signal from the vehicle interior detection antenna and radio waves, from the vehicle interior detection antenna . A smart keyless system that suppresses output signal output . A vehicle interior detection antenna that wirelessly transmits a signal for detecting whether the portable device is in the vehicle interior;
A portable device that receives a signal from the vehicle interior detection antenna and wirelessly transmits a response signal to the signal;
A receiving antenna for receiving a response signal from the portable device;
Control means for permitting operation of a predetermined control device when it is detected that the portable device is in a vehicle interior by receiving a response signal from the portable device by the receiving antenna;
In a smart keyless system for vehicles having
The vehicle includes an in-vehicle radio having an antenna for receiving radio waves, and an opening / closing detection means for detecting opening / closing of the door or window of the vehicle,
The control means is configured to reduce radio noise caused by interference between a signal from the vehicle interior detection antenna and a radio wave when the portable device is detected to be in the vehicle interior. The output of the output signal from the detection antenna is suppressed, and then the output of the output signal from the vehicle interior detection antenna is restored when the open / close detection means detects the open state of the door or window. Smart keyless system. 9. The smart keyless system according to claim 1, wherein an antenna for receiving radio waves of the in-vehicle radio is embedded in a wind panel at the rear of the vehicle.

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