JP2017119453A - Engine starter for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a vehicle engine starter capable of ensuring a sufficient opportunity for a user to restart an engine while ensuring security. An in-vehicle device (100) mounted on a vehicle has a door that is closed from an open state when the vehicle engine is in an operation-permitted state, and the key (200) is not present in the vehicle interior. When it is set that there is a key take-out history, the user in the vehicle's room is willing to get off, and when there is a key take-out history, a notification is made that there is no key in the vehicle's room, and the door is opened. A control signal indicating that the open state is not set is output. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an engine starter for a vehicle such as a smart entry system for a vehicle that uses an electronic key by transmitting and receiving an electronic signal without using a physical mechanical key inserted into a cylinder lock.

  The smart entry system allows the driver to carry the electronic key, without inserting the mechanical key into the cylinder lock, for example, by operating a switch provided near the door handle, The engine can be started.

  In an engine starter represented by a smart entry system, when a user in a vehicle compartment stops the engine after the electronic key is taken out by a passenger, the engine is restarted because the electronic key is not in the vehicle. There is a problem that cannot be done.

  Therefore, when it is confirmed that the key has been taken out of the vehicle in the engine start state, it is assumed that there is a key takeout history. A technique is disclosed that enables the engine to be restarted even if there is no key in the passenger compartment when there is a key takeout history after the engine stops (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 4602216

  In Patent Document 1, the key takeout history is “no history” when the door is locked from outside the vehicle while the engine is stopped. In other words, if the user gets off the vehicle and locks the door, the user cannot even get on, rather than restart the engine.

  In addition, when any door is opened while the engine is stopped, the key take-out history is maintained as “with history”. Although the engine can be started in this state, there is a security problem because it cannot be determined whether the user has started or a third party who has entered from the outside has started. If one of the doors is opened when the engine is stopped, the problem can be solved if the key takeout history is set to "No history", but the engine can be restarted when the door is opened. This eliminates the opportunity for the user to restart the engine.

  Against the background of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle engine starter that can sufficiently secure an opportunity for a user to restart an engine while ensuring security.

A vehicle engine starter for solving the above-described problem includes an in-vehicle device (100) mounted on a vehicle and a key (200) possessed by a user,
The in-vehicle device detects whether or not a key is present, and a prime mover state acquisition unit (113) that acquires the state of the prime mover of the vehicle, a door open / close state acquisition unit (113) that acquires an open / close state of the door of the vehicle. A key detection unit (111) and a history setting unit (111) for setting that there is a key takeout history when the door is in the closed state when the prime mover is in the operation-permitted state and there is no key in the vehicle interior. ), An intention determination unit (111) that determines whether or not the user has an intention to get out of the vehicle, and a key take-out history, and if it is determined that there is an intention to get off, A notification unit (118) for notifying that the door does not exist, and an output unit (113) for outputting a control signal indicating that the door is not opened.

  In the above configuration, when there is a key takeout history after the prime mover stops, the user in the vehicle interior does not open the door. Therefore, unlike the prior art, it is possible to prevent the user from opening the door and easily losing the opportunity to restart the prime mover. In addition, by notifying the user that there is no key in the vehicle, the user can restart the prime mover without any trouble even after stopping the prime mover in a state where there is no key in the vehicle. Furthermore, since the prime mover can be restarted only when the door is not open, a third party cannot get into the vehicle and restart the prime mover, thereby ensuring security.

  Further, the vehicle engine starter includes a condition determination unit (111) that determines whether or not a predetermined release condition is satisfied, and when the release condition is satisfied, the output unit opens the door. A control signal to that effect is output. With this configuration, it is possible to prioritize the intention of the user in the vehicle to get out of the vehicle with the knowledge that the prime mover cannot be restarted.

The figure which shows the structure of the engine start apparatus for vehicles. The flowchart which shows a key taking-out determination process. The flowchart which shows a door opening control process.

  Hereinafter, an example in which the vehicle engine starter is applied to a smart entry system will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the smart entry system 1 includes an in-vehicle device 100 mounted on a vehicle and a key 200 possessed by the user.

  The in-vehicle device 100 includes a verification ECU 110, a body ECU 130, and doors 150 to 180, which are communicably connected via an in-vehicle LAN 190.

  The verification ECU 110 includes a key detection unit, a history setting unit, an intention determination unit, a control unit 111 that is a condition determination unit, a memory 112 that uses a nonvolatile storage medium such as a flash memory connected to the control unit 111, and a motor state acquisition A signal input / output circuit (hereinafter abbreviated as “I / O”) 113 which is an output unit, a door opening / closing state acquisition unit, an operation acquisition unit, a lock state acquisition unit, and an output unit. Various functions of the verification ECU 110 are realized by a CPU (not shown) executing a verification control program stored in the memory 112.

  Connected to the verification ECU 110 are an LF transmission unit 114, an RF reception unit 115, an engine SW (switch) 116, an operation unit 117, a notification unit 118, a DCM 119, and a submergence detection unit 120.

  The LF transmission unit 114 uses, for example, an LF (long wave) band (or may be a very long wave band) with respect to the key 200, for example, an indoor antenna 114a attached to the lower portion of the center console, and a door antenna 156 included in the door 150. Etc. to transmit a radio signal such as a response request signal. A radio signal arrives only within a predetermined transmission area from each antenna.

  The RF receiving unit 115 includes an antenna, and receives a radio signal such as a response signal for responding to a response request signal transmitted from the key 200 using, for example, an RF (high frequency) band radio wave.

  The engine SW 116 is a switch operated by the user when starting the engine, which is an engine or a motor. When the engine SW 116 detects that the user has operated the engine SW 116, the verification ECU 110 determines whether the engine is permitted to start. If it is in a state in which the start is permitted, a start permission signal is output from the verification ECU 110 to the motor control system device.

  The operation unit 117 may be either a mechanical switch or a touch panel formed on the display screen of the notification unit 118.

  The notification unit 118 includes, for example, at least one of a known LCD and a speaker that outputs an acoustic signal. As the notification unit 118, a display device of a meter device that displays a vehicle speed, an engine speed, or the like, or a known navigation device or audio device may be used.

  The DCM 119 is a communication circuit that performs communication with the outside of the vehicle. It can be connected to the Internet, a public telephone line, etc. via the DCM 119.

  The submergence detection unit 120 detects that the vehicle is submerged, and is described in detail in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-136969.

  The body ECU 130 includes a control unit 131 and a memory 132 and an I / O 133 connected to the control unit 131. The control unit 131, the memory 132, and the I / O 133 have the same configuration as the control unit 111, the memory 112, and the I / O 113 of the verification ECU 110, respectively. Various functions of the body ECU 130 are realized by the CPU executing the body control program stored in the memory 132.

  The body ECU 130 is connected to a courtesy SW (switch) 134 that detects the open / closed state of the door and a G sensor 135 that detects the acceleration of the vehicle. The courtesy SW 134 can detect the open / closed state of each of the driver's seat door, passenger seat door, right rear seat door, and left rear seat door.

  The doors 150, 160, 170, and 180 correspond to, for example, a driver seat door, a passenger seat door, a right rear seat door, and a left rear seat door, respectively. Since the doors 150 to 180 have the same configuration, the door 150 will be described as an example.

  The door 150 includes a door ECU 151, a door knob 152 connected to the door ECU 151, a door handle 153, a door lock device 154, a door latch 155, and a door antenna 156 connected to the LF transmitter 114.

  Door ECU 151 includes a well-known CPU, memory, and peripheral circuits (all not shown). Various functions of the door ECU 151 are realized by the CPU executing the door control program stored in the memory.

  The door knob 152 is attached to the vehicle interior side. The door handle 153 is attached to the outside of the vehicle. The door knob 152 and the door handle 153 are operated to open and close the door. The door may be a hinge type (also referred to as a swing type) door or a sliding type door. The door may include a back door.

  The door handle 153 includes a sensor 153a and a switch 153b operated by the user. The sensor 153a unlocks the door, and the switch 153b is used to lock the door.

  The door lock device 154 includes a known door lock mechanism and an actuator that drives the door lock mechanism. Based on a control command from the door ECU 151, the door lock mechanism is driven to switch to a locked state or an unlocked state.

  The door latch 155 is a general term for a latch provided on a door and a striker provided on a vehicle body. The door latch 155 closes / opens the door by restraining / releasing the striker. Details of the latch are described in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication Nos. 2009-007927 and 2014-190124.

  The key 200 includes at least a control unit 210, a memory 211, an LF reception unit 212, and an RF transmission unit 213 connected to the control unit 210.

  The control unit 210 is configured as a computer including a known CPU and peripheral circuits such as a signal input / output circuit (both not shown). Various functions of the key 200 are realized by the CPU executing a key control program stored in the memory 211.

  The memory 211 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, and stores data necessary for the operation of the key 200, such as a key control program and an ID code used for collation of the key 200.

  The LF receiving unit 212 receives a radio signal such as a response request signal transmitted from the verification ECU 110 using an LF band radio wave. The RF transmission unit 213 transmits a radio signal such as a response signal to the verification ECU 110 using radio waves in the RF band. The response signal includes an ID code for identifying the key 200.

  With the above configuration, when the user touches the sensor 153a, the door ECU 151 outputs the detection information of the sensor 153a to the verification ECU 110. The verification ECU 110 transmits a response request signal from the door antenna 156 provided on the door 150 including the sensor 153a via the LF transmission unit 114. The key 200 that has received the response request signal transmits a response signal including an ID code to the verification ECU 110.

  When the verification ECU 110 receives the response signal from the key 200 via the RF receiver 115, the verification ECU 110 compares the received ID code with the master code stored in the memory 112 in advance, and the two match and the verification is normal. For example, a control signal including permission to unlock all doors is output to the door ECU 151.

  Similarly, when the user operates the switch 153b, collation is performed by the collation ECU 110. When the collation is normally performed, for example, a control signal including permission to lock all doors is output to the door ECU 151.

  When the user operates the door knob 152, the door ECU 151 outputs information on the operation of the door knob 152 to the verification ECU 110. The verification ECU 110 determines whether or not the door can be opened, and outputs a determination result to the door ECU 151. The door ECU 151 controls the drive of the door latch 155 based on the determination result.

  The key take-out determination process in FIG. 2 will be described. This process is included in the verification control program, and is executed by the control unit 111 of the verification ECU 110. Further, this process is executed on the assumption that the accessory switch (ACC) or the ignition switch (IG) is in the on state, that is, the prime mover is in the operation permitted state.

  The states of ACC and IG are detected by the engine SW 116, for example. Each time the engine SW 136 is pressed, the state changes cyclically in the order of OFF → ACC ON → IG ON → OFF.

  When the ACC or IG changes from the on state to the off state (S11: Yes), it is determined whether any door is opened or whether the door is locked from the outside. The door open / close state is determined by obtaining the state of courtesy SW 134 from body ECU 130.

  Regarding locking from the outside of the vehicle, as described above, there are a case where locking is performed by operating the switch 153b and a case where locking is performed by a mechanical key. For example, when the state of the door lock device is changed from the unlocked state to the locked state in a state where the collation is not performed and a door lock switch (not shown) provided in the vehicle interior is not operated, Judged as locked from outside the vehicle.

  When any one of the doors is opened or locked from outside the vehicle (S12: Yes), the key takeout history stored in the memory 112 is cleared (S13). On the other hand, when all the doors are not opened and not locked from the outside of the vehicle (S12: No), this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when ACC or IG is on (S11: No), it is determined whether any door is open and then all doors are closed. When all the doors are not closed (S14: No), the process returns to S11.

  On the other hand, when all the doors are in the closed state (S14: Yes), vehicle interior verification is performed (S15). That is, a response request signal is transmitted into the vehicle interior via the LF transmitter 114 and the indoor antenna 114a.

  When collation is normally performed, that is, when the key 200 is present in the vehicle interior (S16: Yes), the key takeout history is cleared (S17). Thereafter, the process returns to S11. On the other hand, when the collation is not normally performed, that is, when the key 200 is not present in the vehicle interior (S16: No), the key takeout history is set (S18). Thereafter, the process returns to S11.

  The door opening control process of FIG. 3 will be described. This process is included in the verification control program, and is executed by the control unit 11 of the verification ECU 110. Further, this processing is executed on the assumption that the accessory switch (ACC) and the ignition switch (IG) are in an off state. The user's operation target is the door 150.

  First, the state of the key takeout history stored in the memory 112 is determined. When the key take-out history is not set (S31: No), this process ends. On the other hand, when the key take-out history is set (S31: Yes), it is determined whether or not an operation of the engine SW 116 is detected.

  When the operation of the engine SW 116 is detected (S32: Yes), a signal permitting the start of the prime mover is output (S33). At this time, it is premised that the conditions for permitting the starting of the prime mover are satisfied, such as the shift lever is in the parking position or the brake pedal is depressed. Then, this process is complete | finished.

  As described above, when the user tries to start the prime mover when it is determined that there is a key takeout history and there is no intention to get off, the output unit outputs a signal to permit the start of the prime mover By having the configuration, even if the key is taken out of the vehicle, the user in the vehicle can start the prime mover as long as the user stays in the vehicle.

  On the other hand, when the operation of the engine SW 116 is not detected (S32: No), the state of the door knob 152 and the door handle 153 is acquired from the door ECU 150, and it is determined whether any of these is operated. When it is not operated (S34: No), the process returns to S31.

  On the other hand, when it is operated (S34: Yes), it is determined whether or not it is a getting-off operation. For example, when the door knob 152 is pulled, when the sensor 153a or the switch 153b is operated, or when a switch for opening the slide door or the back door is operated, it is determined that the operation is for getting off. That is, an operation from the outside is also regarded as a getting-off operation. When it is not a getting-off operation (S35: No), it returns to S31.

On the other hand, when it is a getting-off operation (S35: Yes), it is determined whether the vehicle is in an emergency state. Examples of the emergency state include the following.
-When the acceleration of the vehicle detected by the G sensor 135 exceeds a predetermined value, such as at the time of a collision.
-When the submergence detection unit 120 detects submergence of the vehicle.
When it is an emergency state (S36: Yes), it progresses to S43. By having the configuration of “providing a vehicle state acquisition unit for acquiring the vehicle state and the condition determination unit determines that the release condition is satisfied when the vehicle state is a predetermined state”, It is possible to prevent the user from escaping from the vehicle.

On the other hand, when the vehicle is not in an emergency state (S36: No), it is determined whether or not the key 200 or the mechanical key is in the vicinity of the vehicle using at least one of the following.
-Based on the collation result of the key 200 as mentioned above, when the elapsed time after performing locking / unlocking of all the doors is less than predetermined time, it determines with the key 200 being in the periphery of a vehicle. There is a high possibility that a user who has gone out of the vehicle with the key 200 still is in the vicinity of the vehicle.
-When the elapsed time since the door was locked / unlocked with the mechanical key is less than the predetermined time, it is determined that the mechanical key is in the vicinity of the vehicle. The reason is the same as in the case of the key 200 described above.

  As described above, the condition determination unit includes a locking state acquisition unit (113) that acquires the locking state of the door, and the locking state acquisition unit acquires that the user has locked or unlocked the door from the outside of the vehicle. Has a configuration of “determining that the release condition is satisfied”, the user in the vehicle can safely go out of the vehicle. This configuration also takes into account the situation where the key battery is exhausted and the mechanical key must be used.

When the elapsed time after the engine SW is turned off falls below a predetermined time, it is determined that the key 200 is in the vicinity of the vehicle.

In response to a response request signal from the verification ECU 110 via the door antenna 156, a response signal is received from the key 200, and when the verification is successful, it is determined that the key 200 is in the vicinity of the vehicle. With this configuration, “when the key detection unit detects that the key is within a predetermined range outside the vehicle, the condition determination unit determines that the release condition is satisfied”, the user in the vehicle is safe. You can go out of your car with a heart.

  When the key 200 or the mechanical key is in the vicinity of the vehicle (S37: Yes), the process proceeds to S43. On the other hand, when it is not in the vicinity of the vehicle (S37: No), it is not permitted to open the door 150 (S38). That is, a control signal is output to the door ECU 150 so that the door latch 155 is closed and the door 150 is not opened.

  Next, the notification unit 118 is informed of a message including that there is no key 200 in the vehicle interior and that the prime mover cannot be restarted if the passenger gets off (S39). The notification mode may be any of message display on the display screen and notification by a buzzer or a voice message. This message may be transmitted via DCM 119 to a mobile terminal such as a smartphone of a user registered in advance in memory 112, that is, a user who is likely to have key 200.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the user's getting-off operation continues. For example, when the operation detected in S35 is repeatedly performed, it is determined that the user's getting-off operation continues. When the getting-off operation is not continued (S40: No), the process returns to S31.

  On the other hand, when the getting-off operation continues (S40: Yes), the notification unit 118 is notified of a guidance message including an operation procedure for releasing the state in which the door 150 is not permitted to be opened (S41). . In addition, by having a configuration in which the notification unit notifies the operation procedure when the intention determination unit determines that the intention to get off continues, the user's intention to get off can be prioritized, and a password or special There is no need to learn the operation, which improves convenience.

  Further, the guidance message may be transmitted to the above-described portable terminal via the DCM 119.

  Further, when the getting-off operation is continued (S40: Yes), the process may proceed to S43, which will be described later, and allow the door 150 to be opened (indicated by a dashed arrow). With this configuration, “when the intention determination unit determines that the intention to get off continues, the condition determination unit determines that the release condition is satisfied”, the user's intention to get off can be prioritized. For example, when the user repeatedly performs the door opening operation, it can be determined that the intention to get off continues.

  Further, the guidance message may be notified regardless of whether the getting-off operation is continued. In this case, S40 is not executed. With this configuration, “the notification unit notifies the operation procedure for opening the door”, the user does not need to learn a password or special operation, and convenience is improved.

In S42, it is determined whether or not the user operation is a release operation. The release operation uses at least one of the following.
When the user operates the operation unit 117 according to the guidance displayed on the display screen of the notification unit 118 in S41. With this configuration, “when the user executes an operation procedure, the condition determination unit determines that the release condition is satisfied”, the user does not need to learn a password or special operation, and convenience is improved. To do. The operation procedure may be the same as the operation described later.

-When the door knob 152 is continuously pulled for a certain time.
-When the door knob 152 is operated more than a certain number of times.
• When the door knob 152 is operated while depressing the brake pedal. The operation information of the brake pedal is acquired from another device such as a brake ECU that performs brake control via the in-vehicle LAN 190.

  When it is not a release operation (S42: No), the process returns to S31. On the other hand, when the operation is a release operation (S42: Yes), the door 150 is permitted to be opened (S43). That is, a control signal for opening the door 150 and opening the door 150 is output to the door ECU 150. Next, the key takeout history is cleared. (S44). Then, this process is complete | finished.

  S42, “When the operation state corresponds to a predetermined release operation, the condition determination unit has a release condition when the operation state is an operation state acquisition unit (113) that acquires the operation state of the operation unit (117) by the user. By having the configuration of “determining that it has been established”, a user in the vehicle can prioritize the intention to get out of the vehicle.

  By having a configuration of “the history setting unit sets that there is no key takeout history when the door is opened” in S44, a malicious third party opened the door to get into the vehicle from outside the vehicle. When there is no key takeout history and the prime mover cannot be started, it is possible to prevent the vehicle from being escaped.

  According to the above description, for example, when the user leaves the vehicle and returns to the home with the prime mover of the vehicle started, enters the vehicle while driving with the key at home, and arrives at the destination and stops the prime mover When you try to get out of the car, you will notice that there is no key because the door will not open. You can return to your home, perform a release operation, etc., get out of the car, and get back the keys.

  Although the embodiments have been described above, these are merely examples, and are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art are possible without departing from the scope of the claims. .

1 Smart entry system (vehicle engine starter)
100 On-vehicle device 110 Verification ECU
111 control unit (key detection unit, history setting unit, intention determination unit, condition determination unit)
112 memory 113 signal input / output circuit (I / O: prime mover state acquisition unit, door open / close state acquisition unit, operation acquisition unit, lock state acquisition unit, output unit)
117 Operation unit 118 Notification unit 200 Key

Claims (10)

An on-vehicle device (100) mounted on a vehicle, and a key (200) possessed by a user,
The in-vehicle device is
A prime mover state obtaining unit (113) for obtaining a state of the prime mover of the vehicle;
A door open / close state acquisition unit (113) for acquiring an open / close state of the door of the vehicle;
A key detection unit (111) for detecting whether or not the key exists;
A history setting unit (111) for setting that there is a key take-out history when the door is in the closed state from the open state when the prime mover is in an operation-permitted state and the key is not present in the vehicle interior;
An intention determination unit (111) that determines whether or not the user in the vehicle has an intention to get off;
When it is set that there is the key takeout history and it is determined that there is an intention to get off,
A notification unit (118) for notifying that the key is not present in the vehicle interior;
An output unit (113) for outputting a control signal not to open the door;
A vehicle engine starter comprising:   The vehicle engine starter according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies an operation procedure for opening the door.   The vehicle engine starter according to claim 2, wherein when the intention determination unit determines that the intention to get off continues, the notification unit notifies the operation procedure. A condition determination unit (111) for determining whether or not a predetermined release condition is satisfied;
The vehicular engine starting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the release condition is satisfied, the output unit outputs a control signal for opening the door. An operation acquisition unit (113) for acquiring an operation of the operation unit (117) by the user;
The vehicle engine starter according to claim 4, wherein when the operation corresponds to a predetermined release operation, the condition determination unit determines that the release condition is satisfied.   6. The condition determination unit according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the condition determination unit determines that the release condition is satisfied when the key detection unit detects that the key is within a predetermined range outside the vehicle. Vehicle engine starter. A locking state acquisition unit (113) for acquiring the locking state of the door;
The condition determination unit determines that the release condition is satisfied when the locked state acquisition unit acquires that the user has locked or unlocked the door from the outside of the vehicle. Item 7. The vehicle engine starter according to any one of Items 6 to 7.   8. The method according to claim 4, wherein when the user executes the operation procedure, the condition determination unit determines that the release condition is satisfied, and quotes claim 2 or claim 3. The vehicle engine starter according to claim 1.   When it is determined that there is the key take-out history and it is determined that there is no intention to get off, when the user tries to start the prime mover, the output unit gives a signal to permit the start of the prime mover. The vehicle engine starter according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which outputs the vehicle engine starter.   The vehicle engine starter according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the history setting unit sets that there is no key takeout history when the door is opened.

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