JPH11330993A - Transmitter for keyless entry device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prolong the life of a battery by preventing a defect in the contacting of the battery and also lowering the power consumption. SOLUTION: The battery 9 is welded to a power terminal part of a circuit board by a means for laser spot welding, etc. When one of manual switches SW1 and SW2 is operated, a transistor 26 operates to supply electric power from the battery 9 to a CPU 21. After the operation of the manual switch SW1 or SW2 completed, a capacitor 30 supplies a current for a specific time Δt1 to delay the stop of the electric power to the CPU 21. Thus, the electric power is supplied only while one of the manual switches SW1 and SW2 is operated, so that the power consumption is reducible to prolong the life of the battery. Therefore, although the battery 9 is fixed by welding, no problem is generated and a defect in contacting is prevented to improve the reliability to the contrary.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a transmitter of a keyless entry device for a vehicle, for example, for remotely locking and unlocking a door lock of a vehicle, and more particularly to a transmitter having a battery therein.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there have been proposed various keyless entry devices for vehicles which can perform locking and unlocking, starting of an engine and the like by electronic and electric remote control without using a mechanical key plate. In this type of device, a user carries a transmitter serving as a remote key, and a receiver for controlling locking and unlocking is mounted on the vehicle body side. Then, when the user operates the manual switch of the transmitter, a unique identification code is transmitted from the transmitter,
When the identification code of the transmitter matches the identification code registered in the receiver, a predetermined lock or unlock control signal is output.

Here, the transmitter is provided with a battery in order to secure a working distance or the like. However, since the transmitter is a remote key and is required to be small and light, a large battery is mounted. It is not possible. Therefore, a small battery such as a button-type lithium battery is mounted on the transmitter.

[0004]

In the prior art described above, since a relatively small capacity battery is mounted on the transmitter,
Battery replacement is possible to deal with running out of battery.
If the transmitter consumes very little power, there is no need to replace the battery until the expected life of the transmitter has expired. However, in the conventional transmitter, the CPU is operated and the input signal of the manual switch is detected even in the standby state so as to constantly monitor the operation of the manual switch. In the case of standby, even if the mode shifts to the power saving mode, a current of about 1 μA is constantly consumed, so that the battery is consumed and it is not possible to avoid running out of the battery. Therefore, in the prior art,
The batteries in the transmitter must be replaceable.

[0005] However, if the battery is replaceable, poor contact may occur due to aging or the like, which may lead to malfunction or malfunction of the transmitter. In other words, if a contact failure occurs at the contact between each electrode of the battery and the power supply terminal provided on the circuit board of the transmitter, it is not possible to supply power stably to the electronic circuit on the circuit board. However, there is a possibility that a trouble such as the identification code not being transmitted may occur. In addition, the contact resistance increases due to poor contact of the contact, and the voltage drops by the increased contact resistance. Therefore, the low voltage below the specified value causes the CPU to malfunction and the standby power saving mode cannot be maintained. There is also. If the power saving mode cannot be maintained, the power consumption increases and the battery is further consumed.

[0006] In particular, a transmitter used in a keyless entry device for a vehicle is liable to be exposed to a bad environment such as a vehicle body vibration and a temperature change in the vehicle because the transmitter is for a vehicle. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the battery of the transmitter may have temporary contact failure due to repeated thermal expansion and thermal contraction due to vehicle body vibration and temperature change.

[0007] In addition, the user usually treats the transmitter in the same manner as a conventional mechanical key without treating it as an electronic precision device. Therefore, at the time of getting on and off the rainy weather, the transmitter is exposed to rainwater, and water may enter the inside of the transmitter, which may lead to defective electrical contacts and damage to circuit elements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described various problems, and has as its object to increase the life of a battery and prevent battery contact failure, thereby improving the reliability of a vehicle. To provide a keyless entry device transmitter. Another object of the present invention is to provide a transmitter of a keyless entry device for a vehicle, which prevents intrusion of moisture from the outside and protects an electronic circuit inside the transmitter, thereby further improving reliability. It is in.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To solve the above-mentioned problems, a transmitter for a keyless entry device for a vehicle according to the present invention has a battery fixed to a circuit board to improve the reliability of a contact and a standby state. To reduce power consumption.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in a transmitter of a keyless entry device for a vehicle, a predetermined operation signal is transmitted to a vehicle to perform predetermined control according to the operation signal. A circuit board provided, a manual switch provided on the circuit board, a main control circuit provided on the circuit board and transmitting a predetermined operation signal in accordance with an operation of the manual switch, and a power terminal of the circuit board A battery provided in conduction with the unit, a power control circuit provided on the circuit board positioned between the main control circuit and the battery, and controlling power supply from the battery to the main control circuit; Wherein the battery is irremovably fixed to a power supply terminal portion of the circuit board, and the power control circuit, when the manual switch is not operated,
Power supply from the battery to the main control circuit is stopped.

Here, the "predetermined control" can include, for example, locking and unlocking of a door lock device, opening and closing of a power window device, and the like. The “main control circuit” includes, for example, a CPU and transmits a predetermined operation signal in response to an operation of a manual switch.
The main control circuit need not be composed of a single electronic circuit, a single integrated circuit, or the like.

The battery is fixed to the power supply terminal of the circuit board so as not to be detachable. Specifically, for example, the electrodes of the battery and the power supply terminal can be fixed in a state of being electrically connected to each other by means such as soldering or laser spot welding. Thereby, the contact failure of the battery is prevented. The power control circuit stops the power supply from the battery to the main control circuit when the manual switch is not operated. That is, for example, by directly or indirectly interposing a manual switch in the middle of a power supply line connecting the power supply input terminal of the main control circuit and the electrode of the battery, the main control is performed only while the manual switch is operated. Power can be supplied to the circuit. Accordingly, the power consumption during the standby state where the manual switch is not operated can be made substantially close to zero, and the battery life can be extended. That is, by combining the configuration in which the battery is fixed to the power supply terminal portion and the configuration in which power supply during standby is cut off, the present invention does not require the battery replacement of the transmitter. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a contact failure between the battery and the power supply terminal portion, thereby improving the reliability and increasing the battery life,
Battery life can be approximated to the expected life of the transmitter.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there may be further provided a power consumption control means for shifting the main control circuit to a power saving mode when the manual switch is continuously operated for a predetermined time or more. it can.

For example, when the transmitter is stored in a pocket of a handbag or clothing, a manual switch of the transmitter may be continuously operated by contacting another object or the like. Operation signals are continuously transmitted unnecessarily,
This leads to rapid battery consumption. Therefore, when the manual switch is continuously operated for a predetermined time or longer, the power consumption control unit switches the main control circuit to the power saving mode to reduce the power consumption during the standby.
Here, the “power saving mode” means a control mode in which power consumption is smaller than that in a normal state, and it is preferable that power consumption can be reduced as much as possible.

[0015] In the invention according to claim 3, the power control circuit may cause the battery to supply power to the main control circuit until a predetermined time elapses after the operation of the manual switch is completed. it can.

When the manual switch is operated, power is supplied to the main control circuit, and a predetermined operation signal is output by the main control circuit. The required transmission time differs depending on the number of bits of the operation signal and the like. If the operation time of the manual switch is short, the operation signal may not be transmitted completely.
That is, the operation time of the manual switch must be longer than the time required to complete the transmission of the operation signal. However, since the operation time of the manual switch varies for each user or for each operation condition, it is difficult to always ask the user for a stable operation time longer than a certain time,
Also, the usability of the user is reduced. Therefore, when the manual switch is operated, power is supplied to the main control circuit for a predetermined time even after the operation is completed, so that the time required for transmitting the operation signal is secured, and stable transmission can be performed. .

In the invention according to claim 4, the whole of the circuit board is liquid-tightly sealed by a flexible insulating enclosing body and housed in the casing, and the circuit board is inserted through the flexible insulating enclosing body. Thus, the manual switch can be configured to be operable.

For example, a resin sheet such as a heat-weldable urethane-based elastomer is used as a flexible insulating enclosure.
By sealing and welding the entire circuit board with the resin sheet, it is possible to prevent external moisture from entering the circuit board. Therefore, by combining with the above-described configuration that does not require battery replacement, even if the battery is not replaced, the reliability of the circuit can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to FIGS.

1. 1. Configuration FIG. 1 is an explanatory view schematically showing the entirety of a keyless entry device for a vehicle. Keyless entry devices for vehicles
It comprises a transmitter 1 carried by a user and a receiver 101 provided on the vehicle 100 side. The transmitter 1
As will be described later in conjunction with FIG. SW2 (hereinafter, also referred to as “manual switch SW” when indicating the entire manual switch) and the like.

When the user operates the manual switch SW, a predetermined operation signal is transmitted from the transmitter 1 by this. The predetermined operation signal includes, for example, an identification code registered in the transmitter 1 in advance and a control code indicating a control command such as lock or unlock. Receiver 1
When the 01 receives the operation signal, it compares the identification code of the transmission side with the identification code of the reception side, and outputs a control signal corresponding to the control code when both identification codes match. Therefore, the user needs to operate the blade part 3 forming the mechanical key.
The door lock can be locked and unlocked by remote control without inserting the lock into the keyhole of the door panel.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG. 1 and a rear view of the battery 9 and the like. For example, the casing 2 formed in a thin card shape as a whole includes a casing main body 4 and a cover 5 fitted to the casing main body 4 to cover an opening.
The casing body 4 has openings 4A and 4B corresponding to the manual switches SW1 and SW2, respectively.

A circuit board 6 is provided in the casing 2. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 3, various circuit elements and the like are mounted on the circuit board 6 in addition to the manual switch SW. A pair of power supply terminals 7 and 8 are provided below the circuit board 6, and the battery 9 is sandwiched between the power supply terminals 7 and 8. An insulating tube 10 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the battery 9. As shown on the lower side in FIG. 2, the contact portion 8A of the power supply terminal portion 8 is formed in an elliptical shape protruding toward the electrode side of the battery 9. At two welding points P1 and P2 located at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the contact portion 8A, for example, the electrode of the battery 9 and the contact portion 8A are welded by means of laser spot welding. Similarly, predetermined portions are also welded to the power supply terminal portion 7 side by means such as laser spot welding or the like, whereby the respective electrodes of the battery 9 and the respective terminal portions 7 and 8 are firmly connected to each other. .

The entire circuit board 6 on which the electronic components are mounted is covered with a flexible resin sheet 11 made of, for example, a heat-weldable urethane-based elastomer or the like. The circuit board 6 is sealed in a liquid-tight closed space. For example, a thin flexible resin sheet 11 of 0.5 mm or less, preferably 0.2 mm or less.
The circuit board 6 on which the manual switch SW and the like are mounted
By connecting the edges of the flexible resin sheet by heat welding to form an enclosed space, the sealed space is shielded from external moisture and the like.

An operating member 12 for operating the manual switches SW1 and SW2 is mounted on the back side of the casing body 4. The operation member 12 includes, for example, a thin sheet portion 13 made of a resin material and a casing body 4.
And a thick operating portion 14 formed integrally with the seat portion 13 corresponding to the openings 4A and 4B of the manual operating portion 14. On the lower surface side of the operating portion 14, manual switches SW1 and SW2 are provided.
The projections 14A and 14B protruding corresponding to the respective parts are integrally formed. Then, the user operates the operation unit 14.
Is pressed down with a finger pad, the operation unit 14 is displaced downward, and the protrusions 14A and 14B press the manual switches SW1 and SW2 via the flexible resin sheet 11, whereby the manual switches SW1 and SW2 are operated. Then, a predetermined operation signal is transmitted. Further, the sheet portion 13 is provided on the back surface side of the casing body 4 so as to cover the upper side of the circuit board 6, and its peripheral portion 13 </ b> A is sandwiched and fixed to the joint surface between the casing body 4 and the cover 5, It functions as a member.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram schematically showing an electric circuit formed on the circuit board 6. As shown in FIG.

The CPU 21 for generating operation signals and the like includes:
A transmission circuit 22 for transmitting an operation signal and a nonvolatile memory 23 storing an identification code and the like are connected.
The power supply voltage terminal (VDD) of the CPU 21 is connected to the power supply line 2.
4 is connected to the positive electrode of the battery 9 via the CPU 4.
Is connected to the negative electrode of the battery 9 via the ground wire 25, thereby the CPU 21
Operate by power supply from the battery 9. The power supply circuit of the transmission circuit 22 is controlled by the CPU 21. Therefore, the CPU 21
Is not supplied to the transmission circuit 22. Here, the CPU 21 and the transmission circuit 2
2 corresponds to a “main control circuit”, and each element (26, 27, 3) described later provided between the power supply line 24 and the ground line 25.
0, 31) and each wiring corresponds to a “power control circuit”.

A PNP transistor 26 is provided in the power supply line 24, and an FET 27 is provided between the base of the transistor 26 and the ground line 25. The transistor 26 is connected to the CPU 21 from the battery 9.
To supply / interrupt power to the FET2
Reference numeral 7 is for controlling the operation of the transistor 26. Manual switches SW1 and SW2 are connected between the gate side of the FET 27 and the power supply line 24 via diodes 28 and 29, respectively. Thus, when one of the manual switches SW1 and SW2 is operated and the contact is closed, the FET 27 is operated, the base current of the transistor 26 flows, and the transistor 26 is operated. When the transistor 26 operates, the electric power from the battery 9 becomes C
It is supplied to the PU 21.

The gate side of the FET 27 and the ground line 2
5, a capacitor 30 and a resistor 31 are provided. The capacitor 30 is connected to the manual switches SW1, SW
When any of the two is opened and the inflow of current is stopped, the stored charge is supplied to the FET 27 for a predetermined time determined by the relationship between the resistance value of the resistor 31 and the capacitance of the capacitor 30. Thus, the stop of the power supply to the CPU 21 is delayed by a predetermined time.

The switch input ports IS1,
IS2 is connected to each of the manual switches SW1 and SW2 via signal lines 32 and 33, and NPN transistors 34 and 35 are provided in the middle of the signal lines 32 and 33, respectively. Further, the signal lines 32 and 33 are
They are connected by a diode 36 that allows the current from the manual switch SW1 to flow toward the signal line 33. When the manual switch SW1 is operated and the contacts are closed, the current from the battery 9 is supplied to the transistors 34 and 35, respectively, and the transistors 34 and 35 are operated. Therefore, the switch input ports IS1 and IS2 are both set to the low level. Is input. On the other hand, the manual switch S
When W2 is operated and the contact is closed, only the transistor 35 is operated, and a low level signal is input only to the switch input port IS2. Note that R1 to R10 in FIG.
Is a resistor, and C1 is a capacitor.

2. Operation Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. First, FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing signal transitions at main points in the electric circuit shown in FIG.

When one of the manual switches SW1 and SW2 is operated, a voltage is supplied to the gate of the FET 27 to operate the FET 27, whereby the transistor 26 is operated and the power from the battery 9 is supplied to the CPU 21. Is done. On the other hand, by the operation of the manual switches SW1 and SW2, the corresponding switch input ports IS1 and IS2 are
A low level signal is input. Therefore, the CPU 21
Can detect the operation state of the manual switches SW1 and SW2 by monitoring the voltage change of the switch input ports IS1 and IS2. That is, when both the potentials of the switch input ports IS1 and IS2 are at the low level,
It can be determined that the manual switch SW1 is being operated, and when only the potential of the switch input port IS2 is at the low level, it can be determined that the manual switch SW2 is being operated. Further, the switch input port IS
2 is at a high level, the manual switch SW
It can be determined that none of SW1 and SW2 has been operated.

At time T1, the manual switch S
As soon as the operation of W1 and SW2 is stopped and the contact is opened, the corresponding switch input port IS1, IS
2 changes to a high level. However, FET27
Is supplied with a voltage for a time Δt1 determined by a predetermined time constant, the power supply to the CPU 21 is stopped at a time T1 after a lapse of a predetermined time Δt1 from the time T1.
It becomes 2.

Here, the predetermined time Δt1 is set to, for example, about ten times (for example, 8 seconds) the required transmission time (for example, 0.7 seconds) required from generation of the operation signal to completion of transmission. preferable. The allowance of about 10 times is provided in order to secure a stable power supply time longer than the required transmission time even when the capacity of the capacitor 30 is reduced due to aging.

Further, the time required for transmitting the operation signal, that is, the manual switch S is maintained even after the required transmission time has expired.
When W1 and SW2 are continuously operated, the CPU 21
Shifts to a power saving mode and reduces power consumption as much as possible.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation signal transmission process. This processing is performed by the manual switch SW1.
Alternatively, the operation starts when power is supplied to the CPU 21 by the operation of SW2, and in step (hereinafter abbreviated as “S”) 1, the potential of the switch input ports IS1 and IS2 is monitored to determine whether the manual switch SW1 has been operated. Is determined. If the potentials of the switch input ports IS1 and IS2 are both low, it is determined that the manual switch SW1 has been operated, and the process proceeds to S2, where the control code (unlock code) and the identification code assigned to the manual switch SW1 are included. Is generated and transmitted. On the other hand, when the potential of the switch input port IS1 is high level,
If the potential of S2 is at the low level, it is determined in S3 that the manual switch SW2 has been operated, and the process proceeds to S4, where the operation including the control code (lock code) and the identification code assigned to the manual switch SW2 is performed. Generate and transmit a signal.

In the determination step S1, it is determined whether or not the operation is the operation of the manual switch SW1, but this is only an example, and for example, it is determined whether or not the operation is the operation of the manual switch SW2. May be determined, or which of the manual switches is operated may be detected based on the potentials of the switch input ports IS1 and IS2.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a power saving process for shifting to the power saving mode. This processing starts when power is supplied to the CPU 21 and S1
In 1, it is determined whether the required transmission time has elapsed,
It is determined whether the time required to transmit the operation signal has elapsed since the power was supplied to 21. If the required transmission time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S12, and by monitoring the potential of the switch input ports IS1, IS2, it is determined whether any of the manual switches SW1, SW2 is being operated, and the manual switch SW1 is determined. , SW2, the operation proceeds to S13 and shifts to the power saving mode. Then, it is monitored whether or not the operation of the manual switches SW1 and SW2 is stopped (S14).
At 4, the determination is "NO" and the process returns to S13, where the power saving mode is maintained. When the operation of both the manual switches SW1 and SW2 is stopped, the power saving mode is released (S15).

According to the present embodiment configured as described above, the following effects can be obtained.

First, each electrode of the battery 9 is welded to the power supply terminals 7 and 8 of the circuit board 6 by laser spot welding or the like.
CPU 21 only when manual switch SW is operated
To supply power to the transmitter 1, the power consumption of the transmitter 1 can be significantly reduced as compared with the related art, thereby increasing the battery life of the non-replaceable battery 9 and approaching the expected life of the transmitter 1. be able to. Therefore, a problem due to the inability to replace the battery does not occur, and conversely, the battery 9 is connected to the power supply terminals 7 and 8.
, It is possible to prevent the occurrence of poor contact with the battery 9 due to vehicle vibration or the like, and to enhance reliability. In addition, there is no need to replace the battery, and the usability is improved.

Second, when the manual switch SW is continuously operated for a predetermined time or longer, the CPU 21 is shifted to the power saving mode, so that wasteful power consumption can be prevented and the battery life can be improved. it can.

Third, since power is supplied to the CPU 21 for a predetermined time Δt1 after the operation of the manual switch SW is completed, an operation signal can be completely transmitted, and stable remote operation can be performed. .

Fourthly, since the entire circuit board 6 is liquid-tightly sealed by the flexible resin sheet 11, rainwater or the like from the outside infiltrates the casing 2 to cause poor contact or destruction of elements. Can be prevented from occurring. Therefore, in the present invention in which the battery 9 cannot be replaced, the reliability of the electric circuit on the circuit board 6 can be maintained for a long time, and the usability is improved.

It should be noted that those skilled in the art are not limited to the above embodiments, and can make various additions and changes without departing from the present invention. In particular, the electric circuit shown in FIG. 3 is merely an example, and those skilled in the art can easily form another circuit having a function equivalent to this.

[0045]

As described above, according to the transmitter of the keyless entry device for a vehicle according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the power consumption and increase the battery life while preventing the contact failure of the battery. As a result, it is possible to prevent malfunctions, malfunctions, and the like from occurring, thereby improving reliability.

Further, since the entire circuit board is hermetically sealed with a flexible insulating encapsulant, it is possible to prevent intrusion of moisture from the outside, prevent damage to the circuit elements and poor contact, and maintain the circuit board for a long period of time. Circuit reliability can be maintained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view showing an entire vehicle keyless entry device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1 and a rear view of a battery and the like.

FIG. 3 is a circuit configuration diagram showing a configuration of an electric circuit formed on a circuit board.

FIG. 4 is a time chart showing a state change of a manual switch, a CPU, and the like.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a transmission process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a power saving process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Transmitter 2 Casing 6 Circuit board 7 Power supply terminal part 8 Power supply terminal part 9 Battery 11 Flexible resin sheet 12 Operation member 21 CPU SW1 Manual switch SW2 Manual switch

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A transmitter for a keyless entry device for a vehicle, which transmits a predetermined operation signal to a vehicle to perform predetermined control according to the operation signal, wherein: a circuit board provided in a casing; A manual switch provided on the circuit board; a main control circuit provided on the circuit board, for transmitting a predetermined operation signal in response to the operation of the manual switch; and a conductive switch provided on a power supply terminal of the circuit board. And a power control circuit provided between the main control circuit and the battery, the power control circuit being provided on the circuit board, and controlling power supply from the battery to the main control circuit. A power control circuit, the power control circuit is configured to control a power supply from the battery to the main control circuit when the manual switch is not operated. Transmitter of a keyless entry system for a vehicle, characterized in that to stop the feeding. 2. The keyless vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising power consumption control means for shifting the main control circuit to a power saving mode when the manual switch is continuously operated for a predetermined time or more. Entry device transmitter. 3. The power control circuit causes the battery to supply power to the main control circuit until a predetermined time elapses after the operation of the manual switch ends.
A transmitter for a keyless entry device for a vehicle according to claim 1. 4. The entire circuit board is liquid-tightly sealed by a flexible insulating enclosing body and housed in the casing,
The transmitter of the keyless entry device for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the manual switch is configured to be operable via the flexible insulating enclosure.