JP2010196280A - Smart entry system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a smart entry system which improves convenience to a user. <P>SOLUTION: When a vehicle is substantially stopped even in the case where an electric power switch is turned on and when a transmission is shifted to a parking or neutral position, polling is performed by a transmitter 102 outside a vehicle interior. In the case like this, the vehicle may be brought to stop to receive someone or parked while keeping an air conditioner etc. in an on-state. Thus, when transmitting a request signal the transmitter 102, a person carrying an electronic key can get in the vehicle by utilizing a function of the smart entry system. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a smart entry system that performs bidirectional communication between an electronic key and a vehicle-side unit and unlocks a vehicle door based on the communication result.

  Conventionally, for example, as shown in Non-Patent Document 1, switching control of the state of locking / unlocking of each door is performed based on the collation result of the ID code by bidirectional communication between the portable electronic key and the vehicle side unit. There are known smart entry systems that allow the engine to be started when the user of the electronic key is in the passenger compartment.

  The vehicle-side unit of this smart entry system includes a vehicle exterior transmitter that transmits a request signal (transmission request signal) to the electronic key, a vehicle interior transmitter, and a receiver that receives a response signal (response signal) from the electronic key. And an ECU that controls in-vehicle devices such as doors based on the transmission / reception result with the electronic key. The vehicle interior transmitter and vehicle interior transmitter transmit a request signal with a predetermined transmission output. Thereby, an electronic key detection area is formed in the signal reachable range of the vehicle interior transmitter and the vehicle interior transmitter. In this way, the electronic key carrier is monitored for approaching the vehicle, getting on the vehicle, and getting off the vehicle.

  For example, when a user of an electronic key approaches the vehicle for boarding the vehicle and enters a detection area, the electronic key sends a response signal including an ID code in response to a request signal from a vehicle exterior transmitter. Send to unit. The vehicle side unit unlocks each door with respect to the door lock control device as the in-vehicle device when it is determined that the predetermined relationship is satisfied, for example, the ID code acquired from the electronic key matches the registered ID code. A control signal is given to enter a standby state. In this state, when the user of the electronic key touches the door handle, the door lock control device detects this with a touch sensor and unlocks the door.

  Then, when the area where the electronic key is detected moves from the outside of the vehicle to the passenger compartment by the rider of the electronic key getting on the vehicle, the vehicle side unit controls the in-vehicle device based on the ID code verification result. Allow the engine to start.

MARK X New car manual (Toyota Motor Corp. Service Department, issued on November 9, 2004)

  The smart entry system described above stops transmission of signals from the vehicle interior transmitter and the vehicle interior transmitter when the user of the electronic key gets on the vehicle and turns on the power switch of the vehicle. When the vehicle's power switch is turned on, it can be considered that the holder of the electronic key can get on the vehicle and drive the vehicle, so that further control using the smart entry system is unnecessary. Because it is.

  However, if the control by the smart entry system is completely stopped when the power switch of the vehicle is turned on, a situation inconvenient for the user who uses the vehicle may occur.

  For example, when picking up a family member at a predetermined location such as a station and waiting for the arrival of the family member, the vehicle may stop with the power switch on for reasons such as leaving the air conditioner or audio equipment on. is there. In such a case, a user riding in the vehicle often locks the vehicle door for safety. Then, when the family arrives and tries to get on the vehicle, even if the family carries the electronic key, the vehicle door cannot be unlocked, and the user who rides on the vehicle takes the vehicle from the inside of the vehicle. I have to wait for the door to be unlocked.

  In addition, for example, when the vehicle is stopped in the parking area on the expressway and left away from the vehicle for a short time, if the temperature is high, the air conditioner will remain on. May lock. Even in such a case, when returning to the vehicle, the smart entry system cannot be used to unlock the vehicle door, and the user of the electronic key can use the mechanical key to unlock the vehicle door. And the keyless entry unlock button provided on the electronic key must be operated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object thereof is to provide a smart entry system capable of eliminating the inconvenience described above.

In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, when the vehicle power switch is turned off and each vehicle door is parked in a locked state, the vehicle-side unit is a transmitter outside the vehicle compartment. In response to this request signal, a response signal returned from an electronic key carried by the user of the vehicle is received by the receiver in response to the request signal. In the smart entry system that unlocks the vehicle door based on the fact that the vehicle exterior verification using the ID code included in the response signal is established,
The vehicle-side unit transmits a request signal toward the surroundings of the vehicle using a transmitter outside the vehicle when a predetermined condition is satisfied even when the power switch is turned on. .

  Thus, according to the first aspect of the present invention, even when the power switch of the vehicle is turned on, the vehicle does not completely stop the control of the smart entry system, but when the predetermined condition is satisfied, A request signal is transmitted from the outdoor transmitter around the vehicle. For this reason, when the electronic key holder approaches the vehicle that is stopped with the power switch on, the vehicle door is unlocked by the function of the smart entry system, It becomes possible to get on the vehicle.

  As described in claim 2, it is preferable that the predetermined condition is considered to be satisfied when the vehicle is substantially stopped and the shift position of the transmission is parked or neutral. When such a condition is satisfied, for example, a vehicle occupant does not intend to run the vehicle and may stop to meet someone. Therefore, by sending a request signal from the transmitter outside the passenger compartment, it is possible to use the smart entry system function to get on the vehicle when the person who picks up the phone carries the electronic key. Become. Alternatively, the above-described conditions are satisfied even when the vehicle is parked with the power switch turned on in order to keep the air conditioner on. Therefore, when the carrier of the electronic key returns to the vehicle, the vehicle door can be unlocked by the function of the smart entry system.

  When the condition described in claim 2 is satisfied, as described in claim 3, the vehicle-side unit is maintained in a state where the vehicle is substantially stopped and the shift position of the transmission is parked or neutral. During this time, it is preferable to repeatedly transmit the request signal by the transmitter outside the passenger compartment. Thereby, whenever the carrier of the electronic key approaches the vehicle, the vehicle side unit and the electronic key can perform bidirectional communication to unlock the vehicle door.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the vehicle exterior transmitter has a transmission antenna for transmitting a request signal to each of the plurality of vehicle doors, and the request is individually made around the plurality of vehicle doors by the transmission antenna. The vehicle-side unit can send a request signal only from the locked transmission antenna of the vehicle door except for the unlocked transmission antenna of the vehicle door when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Is preferably transmitted. For vehicle doors that are already unlocked, there is no need to unlock them using the function of the smart entry system. Therefore, it is sufficient that the vehicle door is unlocked using the function of the smart entry system only when the person who carries the electronic key approaches the locked vehicle door.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the vehicle exterior transmitter has a transmission antenna for transmitting a request signal to each of the plurality of vehicle doors, and requests are individually made around the plurality of vehicle doors by the transmission antenna. The vehicle-side unit includes a seating sensor that detects that the occupant is seated for each seat, and the seat on which the occupant is seated when a predetermined condition is satisfied. It is preferable to transmit the request signal only from the transmission antenna of the vehicle door corresponding to the seat on which the occupant is not seated, except for the transmission antenna of the vehicle door corresponding to. When an occupant is seated on some seats in the passenger compartment and the electronic key carrier tries to get on the vehicle, usually the vehicle door corresponding to the seat on which the occupant is seated must be opened. No, to open the vehicle door corresponding to the seat that nobody is seated on yet.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the vehicle exterior transmitter has a transmission antenna for transmitting a request signal to each of the plurality of vehicle doors, and the request is individually made around the plurality of vehicle doors by the transmission antenna. The vehicle side unit considers that the predetermined condition is met when any of the vehicle doors is opened, and the other unit on the same side as the opened vehicle door. It is preferable to transmit the request signal from the transmission antenna of the vehicle door.

  For example, when a baggage is placed in the back seat of a vehicle and arrives at the package delivery destination, the driver carrying the electronic key opens the back seat door with the vehicle power switch on. There is a case to take out the luggage at the door. In this case, even if the rear door on the driver's seat side of the vehicle is locked, transmission of a request signal is started around the rear door on the driver's seat side by opening the door on the driver's seat. For this reason, a driver carrying an electronic key can take advantage of the functions of the smart entry system without operating a mechanical key or an unlock switch for keyless entry provided on the electronic key. The rear door can be unlocked. In addition to the other vehicle door on the same side as the opened vehicle door, the request signal may be transmitted to the vehicle door on the opposite side and the back door or the trunk.

  When transmission of a request signal is started from the vehicle exterior transmitter when the conditions described in claim 6 are satisfied, as described in claim 7, when the vehicle starts traveling, or the shift position of the transmission is It is preferable to stop the transmission of the request signal from the vehicle interior transmitter when it becomes other than parking or neutral. This is because there is no need to unlock the vehicle door using the function of the smart entry system when the vehicle starts running or the shift position of the transmission is other than parking or neutral.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the vehicle exterior transmitter has a transmission antenna for transmitting a request signal to each of the plurality of vehicle doors, and each request is individually made around the plurality of vehicle doors by the transmission antenna. It is possible to transmit a signal, the vehicle side unit has an unlock operation part provided in the vehicle door, and when the unlock operation part is operated, it is considered that a predetermined condition is established, It is preferable that the request signal is transmitted from the transmission antenna of the vehicle door provided with the operated unlock operation unit. When the unlock operation unit is operated, it is highly likely that it was made by the electronic key holder to unlock the vehicle door using the function of the smart entry system. For this reason, the request signal is transmitted from the vehicle exterior transmitter using the operation of the unlock operation unit as a trigger. Accordingly, if the person who operates the unlock operation unit carries the electronic key, the vehicle door is unlocked and the vehicle can be boarded.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the vehicle-side unit includes a vehicle interior transmitter that transmits a request signal toward the vehicle interior of the vehicle, and when a predetermined condition is established, When the response signal is received from the electronic key when the request signal is transmitted to the vehicle, and when the vehicle exterior verification is established, the request signal is transmitted from the vehicle interior transmitter, and the response signal from the same electronic key is received. It is preferable that the transmission of the request signal from the vehicle exterior transmitter is stopped and the vehicle door is not unlocked.

  The transmitter outside the vehicle interior transmits a request signal toward the periphery of the vehicle, but a part of the transmitter may leak into the vehicle interior. And if the electronic key is misplaced in the vehicle interior and the electronic key in the vehicle interior reacts to the request signal leaked into the vehicle interior, even a third party who does not carry the electronic key, It becomes possible to open the vehicle door.

  Therefore, in the invention of claim 9, whether or not the vehicle interior verification is made by the electronic key that is left behind in the vehicle interior by transmitting a request signal from the vehicle interior transmitter when the vehicle exterior verification is established. Is determined. That is, when a response signal is received from the same electronic key used for vehicle exterior verification in response to a request signal from the vehicle interior transmitter, the vehicle exterior verification is performed by an electronic key that has been left behind in the vehicle interior. Judge that it was made. In this case, the transmission of the request signal from the vehicle interior transmitter is stopped to prevent the power of the electronic key from being consumed. Furthermore, the vehicle door is prevented from being opened by a third party who does not carry the electronic key by not unlocking the vehicle door.

  As described in claim 10, when any of the doors of the vehicle is open, the vehicle-side unit transmits the request signal from the vehicle interior transmitter and uses the vehicle interior outside the vehicle interior. The vehicle door may be unlocked based on the verification. This is because when one of the doors of the vehicle is open, it can be considered that there is a legitimate user carrying the electronic key, and it is considered unnecessary to search for the electronic key in the passenger compartment. .

  As described in claim 11, the vehicle interior transmitter includes a front seat transmitter that transmits a request signal toward the front seat space in the vehicle interior, and a request toward the rear seat space in the vehicle interior. A transmitter for a rear seat that transmits a signal, and the transmitter outside the vehicle has a transmission antenna for transmitting a request signal to each of the plurality of vehicle doors, and around the plurality of vehicle doors by the transmission antenna. It is possible to send a request signal individually, and the vehicle unit transmits the front seat when the vehicle exterior verification is performed by the request signal sent around the front door vehicle door. A request signal is transmitted from the aircraft, and if the vehicle exterior matching is performed by the request signal transmitted around the vehicle door for the rear seat, the request signal may be transmitted from the rear seat transmitter. Masui. As a result, the time required to search for the electronic key in the vehicle interior can be shortened, and the responsiveness of the door lock by the smart entry system can be improved.

It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the smart entry system in 1st Embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed to enable unlocking of a door by a smart entry system when a power switch is turned on in the first embodiment. In 2nd Embodiment, when a power switch is turned on, it is a flowchart which shows the process performed in order to enable unlocking of a door by a smart entry system. In 3rd Embodiment, when a power switch is turned on, it is a flowchart which shows the process performed in order to enable unlocking of a door by a smart entry system.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a smart entry system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an overall configuration of a smart entry system 1 according to the present embodiment.

  The smart entry system 1 in the present embodiment controls the locked / unlocked state of each door based on the ID code collation result by bidirectional communication between the electronic key 200 and the vehicle-side unit 100. Further, the vehicle side unit 100 also controls the permission / prohibition state of the engine start of the vehicle based on the ID code collation result in order to improve the security of the vehicle.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic key 200 includes a receiving unit 202 that receives a request signal from the vehicle interior transmitter 102 or the vehicle interior transmitter 104 of the vehicle side unit 100, and an ID in response to reception of this request signal. A transmission unit 204 that transmits a response signal including a code and the like is provided. The electronic key ECU 206 is connected to the above-described receiving unit 202 and transmitting unit 204 and executes various control processes. Specifically, the electronic key ECU 206 determines the presence / absence of reception of a request signal from the corresponding vehicle-side unit 100 based on the reception signal of the reception unit 202, or in response to reception of the request signal, the ID A response signal including a code or the like is generated and transmitted from the transmission unit 204.

  A plurality of electronic keys 200 (for example, a maximum of five) are prepared, but the electrical configuration of each electronic key 200 is common. However, in order to respond to the response signal from the vehicle-side unit 100, each electronic key 200 has a vehicle code indicating a vehicle on which the smart entry system is mounted, a key number code indicating the key number of each electronic key 200, and An ID code is stored. Among these codes, the vehicle code is common to each electronic key 200, but the key number code and the ID code are different for each electronic key 200.

  Although not shown in the drawing, a mechanical key is attached to the electronic key 200 so that the vehicle door can be locked and unlocked even when the battery has run out of the electronic key 200. Furthermore, the electronic key 200 is provided with a lock button and an unlock button (not shown) in order to improve user convenience. When the user operates these lock buttons and unlock buttons, a lock instruction signal or an unlock instruction signal is transmitted from the electronic key 200 to the vehicle-side unit 100 (unidirectional communication by keyless entry). The unlock instruction signal and the unlock instruction signal include the ID code described above. When the ID code is verified in the vehicle-side unit 100, the unlock instruction signal and the unlock instruction signal correspond to the lock instruction signal and the unlock instruction signal. The vehicle door is locked or unlocked. Thus, the smart entry system of the present embodiment also has a wireless lock function and a wireless unlock function by keyless entry.

  The vehicle-side unit 100 includes a vehicle interior transmitter 102 and a vehicle interior transmitter 104. In FIG. 1, for convenience of illustration, only one in-vehicle transmitter 102 and one in-vehicle transmitter 104 are shown, but the out-of-vehicle transmitter 102 is provided in each door. The vehicle interior transmitter 102 includes a front seat transmitter whose transmission range is mainly the space on the front seat side in the vehicle interior, and a rear seat transmission whose transmission range is mainly the space on the rear seat side in the vehicle interior. It consists of a machine. The vehicle interior transmitter 102 and the vehicle interior transmitter 104 transmit a request signal based on a transmission instruction signal from the verification ECU 108 of the vehicle side unit 100.

  The arrival distance of the request signal of the vehicle interior transmitter 102 is set to about 0.7 to 1.0 m, for example, around each vehicle door. Then, when the vehicle with the vehicle power switch turned off and the vehicle door locked is parked, a communication area with the electronic key 200 corresponding to the reach distance of the request signal is periodically formed around each door of the vehicle. , It is possible to detect that the user of the electronic key 200 has approached the vehicle. In addition, although the vehicle interior transmitter 102 transmits a request signal toward the periphery of each door, the radio wave may leak to the vehicle interior to some extent. For this reason, the electronic key 200 may react to a request signal from the vehicle interior outside transmitter 102 while being in the vehicle interior.

  The communication area with the electronic key 200 by the vehicle interior transmitter 104 is formed so as to cover the vehicle interior when the driver's door of the vehicle is opened and closed, when the engine is started, when the door is locked, etc. It detects whether the vehicle is in the passenger compartment.

  The vehicle-side unit 100 is provided in the vehicle interior of the vehicle, is made a response signal receivable state in synchronization with the output of the transmission instruction signal to the transmitters 102 and 104, and receives the response signal transmitted from the electronic key 200. It has a receiver 106. The response signal received by the receiver 106 is output to the verification ECU 108. The collation ECU 108 collates whether or not the ID code included in the received response signal satisfies a predetermined relationship such as coincidence with a registered code registered in advance. In the verification ECU 108, a vehicle code, a key number code of each electronic key 200, and an ID code of each electronic key 200 are registered in advance.

  Then, the verification ECU 108, together with the body ECU 110, the power supply ECU, and the engine ECU (both not shown) depending on whether verification of the received ID code is established or not, permits the door to be locked / unlocked and allows the engine to be started.・ Control stop etc.

  The body ECU 110 outputs a drive signal for controlling the lock / unlock state of each vehicle door to the door lock motor 112 in response to a lock instruction or an unlock instruction from the verification ECU 108. The door lock motor 112 is provided at each door of the vehicle, and locks or unlocks each door by rotating forward / reversely according to a lock signal / unlock signal transmitted from the body ECU 110.

  A touch sensor 114 is provided on the door handle of each door of the vehicle, and it is possible to detect that the user of the electronic key 200 has operated the door handle. The door handle is also provided with a door lock switch 116 configured as a push switch. By operating the door lock switch 116, each door can be locked. The door handle also serves as an antenna for the above-described vehicle interior transmitter 102.

  The detection of the operation of the electronic key 200 by the user on the vehicle door may use, for example, a detection mechanism that mechanically detects that the door handle is pulled forward, without using the touch sensor 114. Further, an unlock button may be installed on the door handle, and an operation on the vehicle door may be detected by operating the unlock button. Further, only one of the touch sensor 114 and the door lock switch 116 may be provided on the vehicle door, and may also be used as an operation unit for unlocking and an operation unit for locking.

  Furthermore, the vehicle-side unit 100 includes a door lock position sensor 118 that detects whether each door of the vehicle is locked or unlocked, and an occupant sits on a seat corresponding to each door. A seat sensor 120 for detecting that the vehicle is running, a door courtesy lamp switch 122 for detecting opening and closing of the door, a vehicle speed sensor 124 for detecting the traveling speed of the vehicle, and a shift position sensor 126 for detecting the shift position of the transmission. Detection signals from these sensors and switches are input to the verification ECU 108 or the body ECU 110.

  The power supply ECU controls the supply and stop of power to each device mounted on the vehicle. The power supply ECU receives signals from sensors and switches (SW) in order to determine whether or not a condition for starting the engine is satisfied. Specifically, a power switch that is provided in the vicinity of the driver's seat and that is operated by the user to instruct start / stop of the engine, a vehicle speed sensor that detects the traveling speed of the vehicle, a shift position sensor that detects the shift position of the transmission, A signal such as a stop lamp switch that outputs an ON signal when the brake pedal is operated by the driver is input to the power supply ECU.

  The power switch is one of an off position for stopping the engine, an accessory position for supplying power to audio equipment, an on position for driving the engine, and a start position for starting the engine. Is switched to.

  For example, when the brake pedal is depressed, the shift position is parking, and the speed of the vehicle is zero, the power supply ECU sends an in-vehicle transmitter 104 to the verification ECU 108 when the engine is started by the power switch. An inquiry is made as to whether or not ID code verification has been established through two-way communication with the electronic key 200 using. In response to this inquiry, the verification ECU 108 determines that the conditions for starting the engine have been satisfied when the vehicle interior verification is established. In this case, the power supply ECU supplies power from the battery to each on-vehicle device via the relay circuit. Further, in synchronization with the response that the vehicle interior verification is established to the power supply ECU, the verification ECU 108 instructs the engine ECU (not shown) to release the immobilizer. As a result, the engine ECU can start the engine. In addition, when executing the door lock control, the verification ECU 108 also instructs the engine ECU to set an immobilizer, and sets the engine to a start prohibited state.

  Next, an example of bidirectional communication performed between the vehicle side unit 100 and the electronic key 200 will be described.

  First, the vehicle-side unit transmits a wake-up signal as a first request signal from the vehicle interior transmitter 102 or the vehicle interior transmitter 104. In the electronic key 200, the electronic key ECU 206 is normally in a sleep state in order to suppress battery consumption. When the electronic key ECU 206 is in the sleep state and receives a wake-up signal, the electronic key ECU 206 wakes up and returns a response signal as a first response signal.

  Upon receiving this response signal, the vehicle-side unit 100 then transmits a vehicle code as a second request signal. When electronic key 200 receives a vehicle code that matches the stored vehicle code, electronic key 200 returns a response signal as a second response signal. The response signal as the second response signal is returned only when the vehicle codes match. When a response signal is not returned from the electronic key 200, the vehicle side unit 100 stops transmitting a request signal at that time.

  When receiving the response signal as the second response signal, the vehicle-side unit 100 then transmits the key number code in a predetermined order as the third request signal. The electronic key 200 returns a response signal as a third response signal at the timing of receiving a key number code that matches the stored key number code.

  When the vehicle side unit 200 receives the response signal as the third response signal, the vehicle side unit 200 then transmits a request signal for requesting the return of the ID code as the fourth request signal. In response to this request signal, the electronic key 200 returns an ID code.

  Through such bidirectional communication between the vehicle-side unit 100 and the electronic key 200, the vehicle-side unit 100 can obtain the key number code and ID code of the electronic key 200 that is the communication partner.

  Here, in the conventional smart entry system, when the user of the electronic key 200 gets on the vehicle and turns on the power switch of the vehicle, transmission of request signals from the vehicle interior transmitter 102 and the vehicle interior transmitter 104 is stopped. Was. Since the vehicle power switch is turned on, the user of the electronic key 200 can be considered to be able to get on the vehicle and run the vehicle, so that further control using the smart entry system is unnecessary. This is because it is considered.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, even when the power switch of the vehicle is turned on, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the request signal is transmitted toward the periphery of the vehicle using the transmitter 102 outside the vehicle. For this reason, when the person who holds the electronic key 200 approaches a vehicle that is stopped with the power switch turned on, the vehicle door is unlocked by the function of the smart entry system. It becomes possible to get on the vehicle.

  Hereinafter, control executed by the smart entry system when the power switch of the vehicle according to the characteristic part of the present embodiment is turned on will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S110, based on a detection signal from the courtesy lamp switch 122, it is determined whether or not any of the vehicle doors has changed from a closed state to an open state. In this determination process, when it is determined that any of the vehicle doors has changed to the open state, the process proceeds to step S120.

  In step S120, polling for periodically transmitting a request signal from the vehicle interior transmitter 102 provided at the vehicle door on the same side as the opened vehicle door is started. That is, when the driver's seat door is opened, the driver's side rear door, when the passenger's seat door is opened, the passenger's seat door is opened, and conversely, the driver's seat rear door is opened. In this case, when the driver's seat door and the rear door of the passenger seat are opened, transmission of a periodic request signal is started from the vehicle exterior transmitter 102 of each passenger seat door. In addition to the other vehicle door on the same side as the opened vehicle door, the request signal may be transmitted to the vehicle door on the opposite side and the back door or the trunk.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, when the power switch of the vehicle is turned on, the request signal is transmitted from the vehicle interior outside transmitter 102 on the condition that one of the vehicle doors is opened.

  In step S130, the above-described two-way communication between the vehicle unit 100 and the electronic key 200 is performed, and it is determined whether or not there is an electronic key 200 for which ID code verification (external vehicle verification) has been established. If there is an electronic key 200 that has been verified outside the vehicle compartment, the process proceeds to step S140. If not, the process proceeds to step S220.

  In step S140, it is determined whether or not any of the vehicle doors remains open. For example, if the vehicle door determined to have been opened in step S110 remains open, the determination in step S140 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step S190. On the other hand, if all the vehicle doors are closed, the determination in step S140 is negative and the process proceeds to step S150.

  In step S150, the electronic key 200 determined to be in-vehicle compartment verification in step S130 is specified by the ID code and / or key number code. In step S160, the request signal is transmitted from the vehicle interior transmitter 104 to search for the electronic key 200 in the vehicle interior. At this time, when a response signal is received from the electronic key 200, the ID code and / or key number code of the electronic key 200 is stored.

  In step S170, the ID code and / or key number code is used to determine whether or not the same electronic key 200 as the electronic key 200 that has been verified outside the vehicle compartment has been found by the vehicle interior search. When the same electronic key 200 is found in the vehicle interior search, the process proceeds to step S180, and polling by the vehicle exterior transmitter 102 is stopped.

  As described above, the vehicle interior transmitter 102 transmits a request signal toward the periphery of the vehicle, but a part thereof may leak into the vehicle interior. If the electronic key 200 is left behind in the passenger compartment, the electronic key 200 in the passenger compartment may react to a request signal leaking into the passenger compartment. If it is determined in step S170 that there is the same electronic key 200 in the vehicle interior, the possibility that the outside-vehicle collation has been made by the electronic key 200 that has been left behind in the vehicle interior is high. Therefore, polling by the vehicle interior transmitter 102 is stopped to prevent the power of the electronic key 200 from being consumed. Furthermore, the vehicle door is prevented from being opened by a third person who does not carry the electronic key 200 by not unlocking the vehicle door.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S170 that the same electronic key 200 is not present in the vehicle interior, the process proceeds to step S190, and since there is an electronic key 200 that has been verified only outside the vehicle, the vehicle door is unlocked. to approve. Specifically, the vehicle door touch sensor 114 provided with the vehicle interior transmitter 102 that performs two-way communication with the electronic key 200 can be energized to detect the door handle operation by the user of the electronic key 200. And

  Note that the vehicle interior transmitter 102 provided at each door receives a transmission instruction from the verification ECU 108 so that each transmits a request signal at a different timing. For this reason, the verification ECU 108 can identify the vehicle interior transmitter 102 that has performed bidirectional communication with the electronic key 200. Further, when bidirectional communication is performed between the vehicle interior transmitter 102 and the electronic key 200, a transmitter code unique to each vehicle exterior transmitter is included, and the electronic key 200 and bidirectional communication can be performed from the transmitter code. The performed vehicle interior transmitter 102 may be specified.

  In step S <b> 200, it is determined whether or not the touch sensor 114 detects a door handle operation (unlock operation) by the user of the electronic key 200. If it is determined that the unlock operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S210, and an unlock instruction is output to the body ECU 110. As a result, the body ECU 110 outputs a drive signal to the door lock motor 112 to unlock the vehicle door. On the other hand, if the unlock operation is not performed, the process proceeds from step S200 to step S220.

  Note that, in the determination process of step S140 described above, when it is determined that any of the vehicle doors is left open, the process of step S190 is performed without executing the process of step S150 and subsequent steps. The reason is that it is considered unnecessary to search for the electronic key 200 in the passenger compartment when any door of the vehicle is open.

  In step S220, based on the detection signal of the vehicle speed sensor 124, it is determined whether or not the vehicle speed is less than 4 km / h. The reason why 4 km / h is used as a reference is that the range in which the vehicle speed sensor 124 can accurately detect the vehicle speed is 4 km / h or more. That is, this determination process determines whether the vehicle is substantially stopped or in a running state. If it can be considered that the vehicle is substantially stopped, the process proceeds to step S230. In step S230, based on the detection signal of the shift position sensor 126, it is determined whether or not the shift position is parking (P) or neutral (N).

  If the vehicle is substantially stopped and the shift position is parked or neutral, the user of the vehicle is not willing to drive the vehicle and the vehicle is considered to remain stationary. Therefore, when these conditions are satisfied, the process proceeds to step S240 in order to further determine whether polling needs to be continued. On the other hand, if the vehicle is not substantially stopped or the shift position is other than parking or neutral, the vehicle is traveling or at least preparing to start traveling. In such a case, it is considered that a passenger who carries the electronic key 200 is unlikely to open the vehicle door. Therefore, it progresses to the process of step S260 and the polling by the vehicle interior transmitter 102 is stopped.

  In step S240, it is determined based on the detection signal of the door lock position sensor 118 whether or not the vehicle door has already been unlocked. If unlocked, there is no need to continue polling, so the process proceeds to step S260 and polling is stopped. If it is locked, the process proceeds to step S250, and based on the detection signal of the seating sensor 120, the occupant has already been seated on the seat corresponding to the vehicle door provided with the vehicle interior transmitter 102 that transmits the request signal. It is determined whether or not the vehicle is on board. When the occupant is already seated on the seat, it is unlikely that the person who carries the electronic key 200 opens the vehicle door corresponding to the seat. Therefore, when the occupant is already seated on the seat, the process proceeds to step S260. On the other hand, when the occupant is not seated, the process returns to the process of step S120, and polling by the vehicle interior outside transmitter 102 is continued. Note that the processing in steps S240 and S250 may be omitted.

  As described above, in this embodiment, even if the power switch of the vehicle is turned on, when any vehicle door is opened, the other vehicle door on the same side as the opened vehicle door A request signal is transmitted from the vehicle interior transmitter 102.

  For example, when the user arrives at the delivery destination of the baggage while the baggage is placed on the rear seat of the vehicle, the driver carrying the electronic key 200 keeps the vehicle on and turns off the door on the rear seat. The door may be opened to take out the luggage. In this case, even if the rear door on the driver's seat side of the vehicle is locked, the request signal is transmitted around the rear door on the driver's seat side by opening the door on the driver's seat. For this reason, the driver carrying the electronic key 200 can utilize the functions of the smart entry system without operating the mechanical key or the unlock button for keyless entry provided on the electronic key 200, and The side rear door can be unlocked.

  Further, when any vehicle door is opened and polling by the outside-vehicle transmitter 102 is started, the vehicle is substantially stopped and the state where the transmission shift position is parked or neutral is maintained. During this time, polling by the out-of-vehicle transmitter 102 is continued. For this reason, it is possible to perform two-way communication with the electronic key 200 whenever the user of the electronic key 200 approaches the vehicle door.

  In addition to the other vehicle door on the same side as the opened vehicle door, the request signal may be transmitted to the vehicle door on the opposite side and the back door or the trunk. In this way, even if the electronic key carrier attempts to open any door other than the vehicle door used for getting off, the function of the smart entry system is used to open the target door. Can be unlocked.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a smart entry system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the configuration of the smart entry system according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the smart entry system according to the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  In the above-described first embodiment, when the vehicle power switch is turned on, a request signal is transmitted from the vehicle interior transmitter 102 on the condition that one of the vehicle doors is opened. On the other hand, in this embodiment, when the vehicle power switch is turned on, the vehicle is substantially stopped and the transmission outside the vehicle is performed on the condition that the shift position of the transmission is parking or neutral. A request signal is transmitted from the machine 102.

  Hereinafter, control executed by the smart entry system when the power switch of the vehicle according to the characteristic part of the present embodiment is turned on will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S310, based on the detection signal of the vehicle speed sensor 124, it is determined whether or not the vehicle speed is less than 4 km / h. Next, in step S320, based on the detection signal of the shift position sensor 126, it is determined whether the shift position is parking (P) or neutral (N). Then, only when these conditions are satisfied, the process proceeds to step S330 and subsequent steps in order to further determine whether polling needs to be executed.

  In step S330, based on the detection signal of the door lock position sensor 118, it is determined whether or not the vehicle door has already been unlocked. In subsequent step S340, based on the detection signal of the seating sensor 120, it is determined whether or not an occupant is already in the seat corresponding to the vehicle door provided with the vehicle interior transmitter 102 that transmits the request signal. In these determination processes, if it is determined that the vehicle door is locked and no occupant is seated on the seat, the process proceeds to step S350.

  In step S350, polling for periodically transmitting a request signal from the vehicle interior transmitter 102 is started. Since the processing after step S350 is the same as the processing in the first embodiment described above (steps S130 to S210, S260), description thereof will be omitted.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, it is determined in the processes of steps S310 and S320 whether the vehicle is substantially stopped and the shift position is parking or neutral. When such a condition is satisfied, the user of the vehicle does not intend to run the vehicle, and may stop the vehicle to meet someone. Therefore, by continuing the polling by the transmitter 102 outside the passenger compartment, it is possible to use the smart entry system function to get on the vehicle when the person picked up picks up the electronic key 200 become. Alternatively, the above-described conditions are satisfied even when the vehicle is parked with the power switch turned on in order to keep the air conditioner on. Therefore, when the user of the electronic key 200 returns to the vehicle, the vehicle door can be unlocked by the function of the smart entry system.

  In the present embodiment, polling by the vehicle exterior transmitter 102 is stopped for the vehicle door corresponding to the seat on which the vehicle door is unlocked or the occupant is seated. This is because it is not necessary to perform unlocking using the function of the smart entry system in the former case, and in the latter case, the passenger is usually seated when the user of the electronic key 200 tries to get on the vehicle. This is because the vehicle door corresponding to the seat is not opened, and the vehicle door corresponding to the seat on which no one is seated is opened.

  The process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 is executed for each vehicle door. Therefore, for example, the determination processes such as steps S330, S340, and S400 are determined individually for each vehicle door. As a result, as a whole vehicle, a situation may occur in which the vehicle interior transmitter 102 that continues polling and the vehicle exterior transmitter 102 that stops polling coexist.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a smart entry system according to a third embodiment of the invention will be described. The configuration of the smart entry system according to the third embodiment is also the same as the configuration of the smart entry system according to the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  The present embodiment is characterized in that when the power switch of the vehicle is turned on, a request signal is transmitted from the vehicle interior transmitter 102 on condition that an unlocking operation has been performed. Hereinafter, control executed by the smart entry system when the power switch of the vehicle according to the characteristic part of the present embodiment is turned on will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S510, it is determined whether or not a door handle operation (unlock operation) is detected by the touch sensor 114. If a door handle operation is detected by the touch sensor 114, the process proceeds to step S520. In this embodiment, while the power switch of the vehicle is turned on, the touch sensor 114 of each door is always energized, and each touch sensor 114 detects that the door handle operation has been performed. Can do.

  In step S520, a request signal is transmitted from the vehicle interior exterior transmitter 102 of the vehicle door on which the unlocking operation has been performed, and a search is made for the presence of the electronic key 200 in the vicinity of the vehicle door.

  In the following step S530, bidirectional communication between the vehicle side unit 100 and the electronic key 200 is performed, and it is determined whether or not there is an electronic key 200 for which ID code verification (external vehicle verification) has been established. If there is an electronic key 200 that has been verified outside the vehicle compartment, the process proceeds to step S540. If not, the process returns to step S510.

  Since the process after step S540 is the same as the process in the first embodiment (steps S140 to S170), the description thereof is omitted. However, in this embodiment, when it is determined that the same electronic key 200 as that used for the vehicle exterior comparison is present in the vehicle interior, the polling is not stopped as in the first embodiment, but only in step S510. It only returns to the process. This is because the present embodiment is configured to transmit the request signal once with the unlock operation as a trigger. In other words, in the present embodiment, since the periodic request signal is not transmitted by the vehicle interior transmitter 102, it is not necessary to stop polling.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when an unlocking operation is performed, a request signal is transmitted around the vehicle door where the unlocking operation is performed. If an unlock operation has been performed, it is likely that it has been done by the user of the electronic key 200 to unlock the vehicle door using the smart entry system function. Therefore, if the person who performed the unlocking operation carries the electronic key 200, the vehicle door is unlocked and the vehicle can be boarded.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, when a predetermined condition is satisfied when the power switch of the vehicle is turned on, a request signal is transmitted by the vehicle interior transmitter 102, and vehicle interior verification is established, the vehicle interior transmitter A request signal is transmitted from 104 to search for the same electronic key 200 in the passenger compartment.

  In the search for the electric key 200 in the vehicle interior, when the vehicle exterior verification is performed by the request signal transmitted around the vehicle door for the front seat, the transmitter for the front seat in the vehicle interior transmitter 104 is used. The request signal is transmitted only from the vehicle, and when the vehicle exterior matching is performed by the request signal transmitted around the vehicle door for the rear seat, the request signal may be transmitted only from the rear seat transmitter. good. As a result, the time required to search for the electronic key 200 in the vehicle interior can be shortened, and the responsiveness of the door lock by the smart entry system can be improved.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Smart entry system 100 Vehicle side unit 102 Car exterior transmitter 104 Car interior transmitter 106 Receiver 108 Verification ECU
110 Body ECU
200 Electronic key

Claims (11)

When the vehicle's power switch is turned off and each vehicle door is parked in a locked state, the vehicle-side unit periodically sends a request signal to the surroundings of the vehicle using an outside-vehicle transmitter. In response to the request signal, the receiver receives a response signal returned from the electronic key carried by the user of the vehicle, and the vehicle exterior verification using the ID code included in the response signal is established. In the smart entry system that unlocks the vehicle door based on
The vehicle-side unit transmits the request signal toward the periphery of the vehicle using the outdoor transmitter when the predetermined condition is satisfied even when the power switch is turned on. A smart entry system characterized by that.   The vehicle-side unit considers that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the vehicle is substantially stopped and the transmission shift position is parking or neutral. Smart entry system.   The vehicle-side unit repeatedly transmits a request signal by the outdoor transmitter while the vehicle is substantially stopped and the shift position of the transmission is maintained to be parked or neutral. The smart entry system according to claim 2. The vehicle exterior transmitter has transmission antennas for transmitting the request signals to a plurality of vehicle doors, respectively, and can transmit request signals individually around the vehicle doors by the transmission antennas. And
The vehicle side unit transmits the request signal only from the transmission antenna of the locked vehicle door, except for the transmission antenna of the unlocked vehicle door, when the predetermined condition is satisfied. The smart entry system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The vehicle exterior transmitter has transmission antennas for transmitting the request signals to a plurality of vehicle doors, respectively, and can transmit request signals individually around the vehicle doors by the transmission antennas. And
The vehicle-side unit includes a seating sensor that detects that an occupant is seated for each seat, and a transmission antenna for a vehicle door corresponding to the seat on which the occupant is seated when the predetermined condition is satisfied. The smart entry system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the request signal is transmitted only from a transmission antenna of a vehicle door corresponding to a seat on which an occupant is not seated. The vehicle exterior transmitter has transmission antennas for transmitting the request signals to a plurality of vehicle doors, respectively, and can transmit request signals individually around the vehicle doors by the transmission antennas. And
The vehicle-side unit considers that the predetermined condition is satisfied when any of the vehicle doors is opened, and transmits the request from a transmission antenna of another vehicle door on the same side as the opened vehicle door. The smart entry system according to claim 1, wherein a signal is transmitted.   The vehicle-side unit stops transmission of a request signal from the vehicle interior transmitter when the vehicle starts traveling or when the transmission shift position is other than parking or neutral. 7. The smart entry system according to 6. The vehicle exterior transmitter has transmission antennas for transmitting the request signals to a plurality of vehicle doors, respectively, and can transmit request signals individually around the vehicle doors by the transmission antennas. And
The vehicle-side unit has an unlock operation unit provided at the vehicle door, and when the unlock operation unit is operated, the unlock operation unit operated by assuming that the predetermined condition is satisfied. The smart entry system according to claim 1, wherein a request signal is transmitted from a transmission antenna of a vehicle door provided. The vehicle side unit is:
A vehicle interior transmitter that transmits the request signal toward the vehicle interior of the vehicle,
When the predetermined condition is satisfied and a request signal is transmitted from the vehicle exterior transmitter toward the periphery of the vehicle, a response signal is received from the electronic key, and when vehicle exterior verification is established, When a request signal is transmitted from a vehicle interior transmitter and a response signal from the same electronic key is received, transmission of the request signal from the vehicle exterior transmitter is stopped and the vehicle door is not unlocked. A smart entry system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.   When the vehicle side unit has any of the doors of the vehicle open, a vehicle exterior verification using the vehicle exterior transmitter is established without transmitting a request signal from the vehicle interior transmitter. The smart entry system according to claim 9, wherein the vehicle door is unlocked based on the information. The vehicle interior transmitter includes a front seat transmitter that transmits a request signal toward a front seat space in the vehicle interior, and a rear seat transmission that transmits a request signal toward a rear seat space in the vehicle interior. The machine,
The vehicle exterior transmitter has transmission antennas for transmitting the request signals to a plurality of vehicle doors, respectively, and can transmit request signals individually around the vehicle doors by the transmission antennas. And
The vehicle-side unit transmits a request signal from the front seat transmitter when a vehicle exterior verification is performed by a request signal transmitted around the front seat vehicle door, and the rear seat vehicle The smart entry system according to claim 9, wherein when a vehicle exterior verification is performed by a request signal transmitted around a door, the request signal is transmitted from the rear seat transmitter.

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