JP4377049B2 - Vehicle engine control device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vehicle engine control device that starts a vehicle engine by remote control.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for the purpose of improving the operability of a vehicle, a vehicle engine control device that starts an engine by remote operation has been proposed.
[0003]
This type of vehicle engine control device is configured by a remote controller carried by a driver and a communication control device mounted on the vehicle. When the driver operates the remote controller, a radio signal including a predetermined ID code is output from the remote controller. The communication control device is configured to be able to receive the radio signal up to a position separated from the vehicle by a predetermined distance. When receiving the radio signal, the ID code of the radio signal and an ID code set in advance in the radio signal Compare As a result, when the ID codes match, the communication control apparatus automatically starts the engine. For this reason, when performing warm-up operation in winter, for example, it is not necessary to go to the vehicle to simply start the engine. Therefore, the operability of the vehicle is improved.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional vehicle engine starter, even if a third party outside the vehicle operates the remote control device with the driver getting in the vehicle without having the remote control device, the engine can be started. Is possible. For this reason, the engine may be started regardless of the driver's will.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is a vehicle capable of preventing the engine from being controlled by remote operation even though the remote operation is originally unnecessary. An engine control device for a vehicle is provided.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problem, in the invention according to claim 1, in the case where the remote control device that transmits a radio signal including a predetermined ID code to the outside and the radio controller that is mounted in the vehicle and receives the radio signal A request output from the communication control device to an ignition key in a vehicle engine control device comprising a communication control device that automatically starts or stops the engine when the ID code matches a preset ID code A receiving unit configured to receive a signal; and a transmitting unit configured to transmit a predetermined transmission signal to the outside when the request signal is received, wherein the communication control device receives a radio signal output from the remote controller. Receiving means; request signal output means for transmitting the request signal to at least a predetermined area in the vehicle compartment; and the ignition And a second receiving means for receiving a transmission signal transmitted from the engine, and a control means for prohibiting remote control of the engine by the remote controller when receiving a transmission signal from at least the ignition key. To do.
[0007]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle engine control device according to the first aspect, the communication control device outputs the request signal using the radio signal as a trigger when receiving the radio signal from the remote controller. The gist is that the request signal is not output when the wireless signal is not received.
[0008]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle engine control device according to the first aspect, the communication control device outputs the request signal at every predetermined time, and outputs from the ignition key in response to the request signal. The gist is to make the engine startable when a transmission signal is received, and prohibit remote control of the engine when a radio signal is received from the remote controller in the engine startable state.
[0009]
The “action” of the present invention will be described below.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the ignition key can be bidirectionally communicated with the communication control device. The communication control device prohibits remote control (remote start or stop) of the engine by the remote controller when at least a transmission signal from the ignition key is received. Since the ignition key and the communication control device can communicate with each other in the vehicle compartment, remote control of the engine is prohibited when the owner of the ignition key exists in the vehicle. That is, the engine is not remotely controlled by the remote controller even though the ignition key holder is present in the vehicle.
[0010]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the request signal is output only when a radio signal from the remote controller is received. For this reason, useless output of the request signal is prevented, and power consumption of the vehicle battery can be suppressed.
[0011]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the first aspect, the control means of the communication control device makes the engine startable when the ignition key is present in the vehicle. For this reason, when starting the engine by an operation other than the remote controller, an ignition key is essential. Therefore, unauthorized engine start is prohibited and the crime prevention property of the vehicle is improved.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
[0013]
As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicular engine control device 1 includes a remote controller 11 and an ignition key 21 possessed by the owner (driver) of the vehicle 2, and a communication control device 31 mounted on the vehicle 2. I have.
[0014]
The remote controller 11 includes an operation unit 12, a microcomputer (microcomputer) 13, and a transmission circuit 14.
The operation unit 12 includes a push button switch or the like, and can be manually operated by a driver. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 12 includes two push button switches including an engine start switch and an engine stop switch. When the operation unit 12 is operated, the microcomputer 13 outputs a starter signal including an operation code (engine start code or engine stop code) and a predetermined ID code. This starter signal is modulated into a radio signal having a predetermined frequency by the transmission circuit 14 and output from the antenna 15 to the outside as a radio signal.
[0015]
The ignition key 21 includes a receiving circuit 22 as a receiving unit, a microcomputer 23, and a transmitting circuit 24 as a transmitting unit.
The receiving circuit 22 receives a request signal from the communication control device 31 and inputs the signal to the microcomputer 23. When the request signal from the receiving circuit 22 is input, the microcomputer 23 outputs a transmission signal (ID code signal) including a predetermined ID code set in advance. The transmission circuit 24 modulates the ID code signal into a radio wave having a predetermined frequency (300 MHz in the present embodiment) and transmits it to the outside. Antennas 25 and 26 are connected to the receiving circuit 22 and the transmitting circuit 24, respectively. In this embodiment, the receiving circuit 22 and the antenna 25 are formed so as to be able to receive a 134 kHz radio wave, and the transmitting circuit 24 and the antenna 26 are formed so as to be able to transmit a 300 MHz radio wave.
[0016]
On the other hand, the communication control device 31 includes a first receiving circuit 32 as a first receiving unit, a second receiving circuit 33 as a second receiving unit, a transmitting circuit 34 as a transmitting unit, and a microcomputer 35 as a controlling unit. It has. A shift position sensor 41, a courtesy switch 42 and an engine starter 43 are connected to the microcomputer 35. The shift position sensor 41 detects where the shift position is, and outputs the detection result to the microcomputer 35. The courtesy switch 42 is a switch provided in each door and trunk door, detects the open / closed state of each door or trunk, and outputs the detection result to the microcomputer 35. The engine starting device 43 is a device for automatically starting and stopping the engine, and outputs the driving state of the engine to the microcomputer 35.
[0017]
Antennas 36 to 38 are connected to the reception circuits 32 and 33 and the transmission circuit 34, respectively. These antennas 36 to 38 are disposed at predetermined locations in the vehicle compartment.
[0018]
The first receiving circuit 32 receives the starter signal output from the remote controller 11 via the antenna 36, demodulates the starter signal into a pulse signal, generates a received signal, and converts the received signal into a microcomputer. To 35.
[0019]
On the other hand, the transmission circuit 34 converts the request signal output from the microcomputer 35 into a radio wave or a magnetic signal (in this embodiment, a 134 kHz radio wave) and outputs the request signal to a predetermined area in the vehicle 2 through the antenna 38. The second receiving circuit 33 receives the ID code signal output from the ignition key 21 via the antenna 27, demodulates the ID code signal into a pulse signal, generates a received signal, and receives the received signal. Is output to the microcomputer 35. Therefore, mutual communication between the ignition key 21 and the communication control device 31 is possible within the output area of these request signals.
[0020]
The microcomputer 35 is a CPU unit that includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (not shown). The microcomputer 35 records a first ID code and a second ID code that are set in advance. The first ID code is set in correspondence with the ID code set in the remote controller 11, and the second ID code is set in correspondence with the ID code set in the ignition key 21. .
[0021]
Next, processing performed by the microcomputer 35 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This process is repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals based on a program stored in the ROM constituting the microcomputer 35. The program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium other than the ROM.
[0022]
First, in step S <b> 1, the microcomputer 35 determines whether a starter signal from the remote controller 11 has been received. Then, the microcomputer 35 proceeds to the process of step S2 when receiving the starter signal, and once ends the process when not receiving the starter signal. That is, the microcomputer 35 is in a state of waiting for the starter signal reception from the remote controller 11. More specifically, in step S1, the microcomputer 35 compares the ID code included in the starter signal with the first ID code when the starter signal is received, and proceeds to the process of step S2 when they match. . Further, the microcomputer 35 once terminates the processing here when the starter signal is not received and when the ID codes do not match.
[0023]
In step S2, the microcomputer 35 monitors the output signal from the shift position sensor 41, and determines whether or not the shift position is in the “P” range or the “N” range. If the shift position is in the “P” range or the “N” range, the microcomputer 35 proceeds to the process of step S3, and if not, the process is temporarily terminated.
[0024]
In step S3, the microcomputer 35 monitors the output signal from the courtesy switch 42, and determines whether or not each door and trunk is closed. Then, the microcomputer 35 proceeds to step S4 when each door and trunk is closed, and once ends at least one of each door and trunk is open.
[0025]
In step S <b> 4, the microcomputer 35 outputs a request signal to the transmission circuit 34.
In the subsequent step S5, the microcomputer 35 compares the ID code included in the ID code signal from the ignition key 21 with the second ID code, and once they match, the process is temporarily terminated. Further, the microcomputer 35 proceeds to the process of step S6 when the ID codes do not match. That is, the microcomputer 35 proceeds to the process of step S6 even when the ID code signal from the ignition key 21 cannot be received.
[0026]
In step S <b> 6, the microcomputer 35 outputs a predetermined control signal to the engine starter 43. Specifically, if the operation code included in the starter signal is an engine start code, the microcomputer 35 outputs a control signal for starting the engine to the engine starter 43. If the operation code included in the starter signal is an engine stop code, the microcomputer 35 outputs a control signal for stopping the engine to the engine starter 43.
[0027]
Next, the operation mode of the microcomputer 35 based on such processing will be described with reference to FIG. This operation mode is based on the premise that the shift position is in the “P” range or the “N” range and the door and the trunk are closed.
[0028]
First, when receiving a starter signal from the remote controller 11 as indicated by a point P1 in the figure, the microcomputer 35 outputs a request signal as indicated by a point P2. When the ID code signal from the ignition key 21 cannot be received between the points P3 to P4 or when the ID codes do not match, the microcomputer 35 outputs a control signal as indicated by the point P4. That is, the microcomputer 35 outputs a control signal to the engine starter 43 when the ignition key 21 is not present in the vehicle 2 when the starter signal is received. For this reason, the engine is automatically started or stopped based on the starter signal. The microcomputer 35 outputs a request signal only when it receives a starter signal. That is, the request signal is output with the reception of the starter signal as a trigger.
[0029]
When the microcomputer 35 receives a starter signal as indicated by a point P5 in the figure, it outputs a request signal at a point P6. When the ID code signal is received as indicated by point P7 and the ID codes match each other, the microcomputer 35 prohibits the output of the control signal as indicated by point P8. That is, when the ignition key 21 is present in the vehicle 2, the microcomputer 35 does not automatically start or stop the engine despite receiving the starter signal.
[0030]
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The ignition key 21 can communicate with the communication control device 31 bidirectionally. When the communication control device 31 receives the starter signal from the remote controller 11 and receives the ID code signal from the ignition key 21, the remote controller 11 remotely controls the engine (remote start or remote stop). Is to be prohibited. Since the ignition key 21 and the communication control device 31 can communicate with each other in the vehicle 2, remote control of the engine is prohibited when the owner of the ignition key 21 exists in the vehicle 2. That is, it is possible to prevent the engine from being remotely controlled by the remote controller 11 even though the owner of the ignition key 21 exists in the vehicle 2. For this reason, when the remote controller 11 is operated by a third party outside the vehicle, the engine is prevented from being controlled by the remote operation even though the remote operation is originally unnecessary. be able to.
[0031]
(2) The request signal is output only when the starter signal from the remote controller 11 is received. For this reason, useless output of the request signal is prevented, and power consumption of the vehicle battery can be suppressed.
(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, points different from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and common points will be simply denoted by the same member numbers, and description thereof will be omitted.
[0032]
In the present embodiment, an engine start switch (not shown) is provided in the vehicle 2. The engine is started / stopped when the engine start switch is operated under a predetermined condition. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the microcomputer 35 intermittently outputs a request signal every predetermined time T.
[0033]
In such a vehicular engine control apparatus 1, the main difference from the first embodiment is the processing content of the microcomputer 35. Therefore, processing performed by the microcomputer 35 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0034]
First, in step S <b> 11, the microcomputer 35 intermittently outputs request signals to the transmission circuit 34 every predetermined time T.
In subsequent step S12, the microcomputer 35 compares the ID code included in the ID code signal from the ignition key 21 with the second ID code, and when they match, the process proceeds to step S13.
[0035]
In step S13, the microcomputer 35 outputs an engine start permission signal for permitting the engine start device 43 to start the engine, and the process here is temporarily terminated. Therefore, the engine can be started by the ignition key 21 only while the engine start permission signal is output. That is, the engine starts when the engine start switch is operated while the engine start permission signal is being output.
[0036]
The microcomputer 35 proceeds to the process of step S14 when the ID codes do not match in step S12. In other words, the microcomputer 35 proceeds to the process of step S14 even when the ID code signal from the ignition key 21 cannot be obtained.
[0037]
In step S <b> 14, the microcomputer 35 determines whether a starter signal from the remote controller 11 has been received. Here, the microcomputer 35 proceeds to the process of step S15 when receiving the starter signal, and once ends the process when not receiving the starter signal. More specifically, in step S1, the microcomputer 35 compares the ID code included in the starter signal with the first ID code when the starter signal is received, and proceeds to the process of step S15 when they match. . That is, the microcomputer 35 is in a state of waiting for the starter signal reception from the remote controller 11 when the ignition key 21 is not present in the vehicle 2. Further, the microcomputer 35 once ends the processing here when the ID codes do not coincide with each other and when the starter signal is not received.
[0038]
In step S15, the microcomputer 35 monitors the output signal from the shift position sensor 41, and determines whether or not the shift position is in the “P” range or the “N” range. If the shift position is in the “P” range or the “N” range, the microcomputer 35 proceeds to the process of step S16, and if not, the process is temporarily terminated.
[0039]
In step S16, the microcomputer 35 monitors the output signal from the courtesy switch 42, and determines whether or not each door and trunk is closed. Then, the microcomputer 35 proceeds to the process of step S17 when each door and trunk is in a closed state, and once ends the process when at least one of each door and trunk is in an open state.
[0040]
In step S <b> 17, the microcomputer 35 outputs a predetermined control signal to the engine starter 43. Specifically, if the operation code included in the starter signal is an engine start code, the microcomputer 35 outputs a control signal for starting the engine to the engine starter 43. If the operation code included in the starter signal is an engine stop code, the microcomputer 35 outputs a control signal for stopping the engine to the engine starter 43.
[0041]
Next, the operation mode of the microcomputer 35 based on such processing will be described with reference to FIG. This operation mode is based on the premise that the shift position is in the “P” range or the “N” range and the door and the trunk are closed.
[0042]
First, the microcomputer 35 outputs a request signal as indicated by a point P1 in FIG. When the ID code signal from the ignition key 21 is received and the ID codes match as shown by the point P2, the microcomputer 35 permits the engine start device 43 to start the engine as shown by the point P2. Output a signal. This engine start permission signal is output while receiving the ID code signal. That is, as shown in the figure, when the ID code signal is received between points P2 and P5, the engine start permission signal is output between points P2 and P5. When the microcomputer 35 receives the starter signal from the remote controller 11 between the points P2 to P5 as indicated by the point P3, the microcomputer 35 prohibits the output of the control signal as indicated by the point P4. That is, when the ignition key 21 is present in the vehicle 2, the microcomputer 35 performs control so that the engine can be started only by the ignition key 21 (in this embodiment, the engine start switch). Moreover, since the engine can be started only when the ID code of the ignition key 21 matches the second ID code of the communication control device 31, the vehicle engine control device 1 functions as a smart ignition device.
[0043]
If the microcomputer 35 receives the starter signal when the engine start permission signal is not output as indicated by point P6, it outputs a control signal to the engine starter 43 as indicated by point P7. That is, the microcomputer 35 outputs a control signal when the ignition key 21 is not present in the vehicle 2 when the starter signal is received. For this reason, the engine is automatically started or stopped based on the starter signal.
[0044]
Therefore, according to this embodiment, in addition to the effect described in the above (1) in the first embodiment, the following effect can be obtained.
(3) The microcomputer 35 makes the engine startable when the ignition key 21 is present in the vehicle 2. For this reason, when starting the engine by an operation other than the remote controller 11, the ignition key 21 is essential. Therefore, unauthorized engine start with a forged key or the like can be prohibited, and the crime prevention property of the vehicle can be improved.
[0045]
(4) In the engine startable state, the engine is started when the engine start switch is operated. That is, the vehicle engine control device functions as a smart ignition device. For this reason, it is not necessary to insert the ignition key 21 into the key switch when starting the engine, and the operability of the vehicle 2 can be improved.
[0046]
In addition, in order to function as such a smart ignition device, it is not necessary to change or add a hardware configuration of the vehicle engine control device 1, and it is possible to prevent an increase in cost.
[0047]
In addition, you may change embodiment of this invention as follows.
In each of the embodiments, the shift position sensor 41, the courtesy switch 42, and the engine starter 43 are connected to the microcomputer 35. When receiving the starter signal from the remote controller 11, the microcomputer 35 starts the engine when the shift position is in the “P” and “N” ranges and the door and the trunk are closed. ing. However, a parking brake sensor 44 and a key switch 45 are further connected to the microcomputer 35 as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. In addition to the above conditions, the engine may be started only when the parking brake sensor 44 is in the ON state and when the key switch 45 is in the OFF state. The parking brake sensor 44 is turned on when the parking brake is operated, and the key switch 45 is turned on when the ignition key 21 is inserted into the key cylinder. In this way, the engine can be started by the remote controller 11 only in a safer state.
[0048]
In each of the above embodiments, a door lock driving device 46 is connected to the microcomputer 35 as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. In addition, a request signal can be selectively output from the transmission circuit 34 of the communication control device 31 between the vehicle interior and the vehicle exterior. Then, when the microcomputer 35 receives the ID code signal when outputting the request signal to the outside of the vehicle, the door lock driving device 46 is driven to automatically unlock the door lock. Further, when the microcomputer 35 cannot receive the ID code signal when the request signal is output to the outside of the vehicle, the door lock is automatically locked. If it does in this way, the engine control apparatus 1 for vehicles can be functioned as a smart entry apparatus, and the operativity of the vehicle 2 can be improved more.
[0049]
In the second embodiment, an engine start switch is provided in the vehicle 2 so that the engine can be started by operating the engine start switch while the microcomputer 35 receives the ID code signal from the ignition key 21. ing. That is, the vehicle engine control device 1 is made to function as a smart ignition device. However, the engine start switch is not always necessary. That is, a conventional structure in which the engine is started by inserting the ignition key 21 into the key cylinder and rotating the key 21 may be employed. In this way, the vehicle engine control device 1 can have an immobilizer function, and the crime prevention property of the vehicle 2 can be improved.
[0050]
Next, in addition to the technical ideas described in the claims, the technical ideas grasped by the embodiment described above are listed below.
(1) In a vehicle engine control device comprising a remote control device and a communication control device that automatically starts an engine when a radio signal is received from the remote control device, the communication control device Communication means capable of mutual communication is provided, and the communication control device outputs a request signal to a predetermined area in a vehicle compartment and receives a transmission signal from the ignition key in response to the request signal. Prohibit remote control of the engine.
[0051]
(2) In the engine start control method for a vehicle engine control device comprising a remote control device and a communication control device for automatically starting the engine when receiving a radio signal from the remote control device, the communication control The device detects whether or not an ignition key is present in the vehicle compartment, and prohibits remote control of the engine by the remote controller when the ignition key is present in the vehicle compartment.
[0052]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the first to third aspects of the invention, it is possible to prevent the engine from being controlled by the remote operation even though the remote operation is originally unnecessary. it can.
[0053]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, power consumption of the vehicle battery can be suppressed.
According to invention of Claim 3, the crime prevention property of a vehicle can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle engine control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the control unit of the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a time chart showing an example of a control mode executed by the control unit of the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing executed by a control unit of the second embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a time chart showing an example of a control mode executed by the control unit of the second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Vehicle engine control apparatus, 2 ... Vehicle, 11 ... Remote control machine, 21 ... Ignition key, 22 ... Receiving circuit as receiving means, 23 ... Microcomputer (microcomputer), 24 ... Transmitting circuit as transmitting means, 31 ... Communication control device, 32 ... first receiving circuit as first receiving means, 33 ... second receiving circuit as second receiving means, 34 ... transmitting circuit as request signal output means, 35 ... microcomputer as control means (Microcomputer), 43 ... engine starter.

Claims (3)

A remote control device that transmits a radio signal including a predetermined ID code to the outside, and an engine that is mounted in a vehicle and automatically receives the radio signal when the ID code matches a preset ID code. In a vehicle engine control device comprising a communication control device for starting or stopping automatically,
The ignition key is provided with receiving means for receiving a request signal output from the communication control device, and transmitting means for transmitting a predetermined transmission signal to the outside when the request signal is received,
The communication control device is transmitted from a first receiving means for receiving a radio signal output from the remote controller, a request signal output means for transmitting the request signal to at least a predetermined area in a vehicle compartment, and an ignition key. A vehicle engine comprising: a second receiving means for receiving the transmitted signal; and a control means for prohibiting remote control of the engine by the remote controller when receiving a transmission signal from at least the ignition key. Control device. The communication control device causes the request signal to be output by using the radio signal as a trigger when receiving the radio signal from the remote controller, and does not output the request signal when the radio signal is not received. The vehicle engine control device according to claim 1. The communication control device outputs the request signal at predetermined time intervals, sets the engine to a startable state when receiving a transmission signal from the ignition key in response to the request signal, and sets the remote control in the engine startable state. The vehicular engine control device according to claim 1, wherein remote control of the engine is prohibited when a radio signal is received from the operating device.

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