JP2005125929A - Vehicular engine starter - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicular engine starter capable of shortening the time from the depressing operation of an engine start switch to the start of an engine. <P>SOLUTION: An immobilizer ECU 3 determines whether or not an ID code acquired from a vehicular key 10 is matched with an ID code stored in a ROM. When the ID codes are matched with each other, an engine start permission signal is transmitted to an engine ECU 8 to maintain an engine in an engine start waiting condition. The immobilizer ECU 3 maintains information on whether or not the ID codes are matched with each other. A power supply changing ECU 4 checks whether or not the ID code maintained by the immobilizer 3 is matched when a brake switch 7 is in an ON state. If the ID code is matched, the power supply changing ECU 4 transmits the start signal to the engine ECU 8 when the ON signal from a start/stop switch 2 is inputted. The engine ECU 8 acquiring the start signal starts the engine. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle engine starter.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is an engine starter that can start and stop an engine without rotating a mechanical key. This engine starting device includes a vehicle key storing an ID code carried by a driver, an ID code reading device, an immobilizer ECU, a push-type engine starting switch, an engine ECU, a power supply switching ECU that outputs a starting signal to the engine ECU, and the like It has.

  When the driver starts the engine, the code reader reads the vehicle key ID code when the driver holds the vehicle key or inserts it into the key slot. The read ID code is transmitted to the immobilizer ECU. The immobilizer ECU collates the ID code with the ID code stored on the vehicle side and holds the collation result. The verification result is output from the immobilizer ECU to the power supply switching ECU in response to a request from the power supply switching ECU.

  When the driver presses the engine start switch, the power supply switching ECU requests the immobilizer ECU to output the ID code verification result. And when the collation result that ID code matched is acquired, power supply ECU transmits the signal which instruct | indicates starting of an engine to engine ECU.

  However, in the conventional engine starter described above, it is confirmed whether or not the ID codes match when the engine start switch is pressed. Therefore, there has been a time lag from the pressing operation of the engine start switch to the engine start.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle engine starter that can shorten the time from the pressing operation of the engine start switch to the engine start.

  In order to achieve the above object, the vehicle engine starter according to claim 1 is an operation switch for instructing engine start of the vehicle, and a code acquisition means for acquiring the authentication code from a vehicle key storing the authentication code. And a storage means for storing a confirmation code having a predetermined correspondence relationship with the authentication code, and a code authentication means for confirming whether the authentication code and the confirmation code have a predetermined correspondence relation and holding the confirmation result And when the engine switch is instructed by the operation switch, the confirmation result held by the code authenticating means indicates that the authentication code and the confirmation code are in a predetermined correspondence relationship. Start permission control means for giving a start signal, engine control means for starting the engine when the engine start signal is given, and start The controllable means obtains the confirmation result of the code authenticating means at a timing earlier than an instruction to start the engine by the operation switch, and determines whether the authentication code and the confirmation code have a predetermined correspondence relationship in advance. It is characterized by confirming.

  According to this, the control device can confirm whether or not the authentication code and the confirmation code are in a predetermined correspondence relationship before the engine start instruction is given by the operation switch. Accordingly, the engine can be started as soon as the engine start instruction is given by the operation switch, and the time until the engine is started can be shortened.

  Further, in the vehicle engine starter according to claim 2, the start permission control means includes a detection means for detecting a depression operation of either the brake pedal or the clutch pedal, and when the depression operation of the pedal is performed. The confirmation result of the code authentication means is acquired, and it is confirmed whether or not the authentication code and the confirmation code have a predetermined correspondence relationship.

  When instructing the engine start with the operation switch, it is desirable to depress the brake pedal or clutch pedal to prevent sudden start. Usually, such pedal operation is performed prior to operation of an operation switch for instructing start of the engine. Therefore, the start permission control means confirms whether the authentication code and the confirmation code are in a predetermined correspondence when the brake pedal is depressed, so that the authentication result is displayed before the operation switch is operated. I can confirm.

  In the vehicle engine starter according to claim 3, when the start permission control means tries to acquire the confirmation result from the code authentication means, the code acquisition means does not acquire the authentication code. The acquisition means is characterized in that an authentication code is acquired from a vehicle key when a pedal depression operation is performed.

  According to this, even when the code acquisition means does not acquire the authentication code from the vehicle key when the start permission control means tries to acquire the confirmation result from the code authentication means, An authentication code can be obtained from the key.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the start permission control means includes door opening detection means for detecting an operation of opening the door of the vehicle, and when the operation of opening the door is performed. The confirmation result of the code authentication means is acquired, and it is confirmed whether or not the authentication code and the confirmation code have a predetermined correspondence relationship.

  It is necessary to open the vehicle door and enter the vehicle compartment before instructing to start the engine with the operation switch. Therefore, the start permission control means confirms whether or not the authentication code and the confirmation code have a predetermined correspondence at the time when the operation of opening the vehicle door is performed, before the operation switch is operated. You can check the authentication result.

  Further, in the vehicle engine starter according to claim 5, when the start permission control means tries to acquire the confirmation result from the code authentication means, the code acquisition means does not acquire the authentication code. The acquisition means acquires the authentication code from the vehicle key when the door is opened.

  According to this, at the time when the operation for opening the door is performed even when the code acquisition means has not acquired the authentication code from the vehicle key at the time when the start permission control means has attempted to acquire the confirmation result from the code authentication means The authentication code can be obtained from the vehicle key.

  Further, in the vehicle engine starter according to claim 6, the start permission control means includes seating detection means for detecting whether or not the passenger is seated in the seat of the driver's seat of the vehicle, and the passenger in the seat When the user is seated, the confirmation result of the code authenticating means is acquired, and it is confirmed whether or not the authentication code and the confirmation code are in a predetermined correspondence relationship.

  The passenger often sits in the driver's seat of the vehicle before instructing to start the engine with the operation switch. Accordingly, the start permission control means confirms whether the authentication code and the confirmation code are in a predetermined correspondence when the passenger is seated on the seat, so that the authentication result is obtained before the operation switch is operated. Can be confirmed.

  Further, in the vehicle engine starter according to claim 7, when the start permission control means tries to acquire the confirmation result from the code authentication means, the code acquisition means does not acquire the authentication code. The acquisition means is characterized in that an authentication code is acquired from the vehicle key when a passenger sits on the seat.

  According to this, even when the code acquisition means does not acquire the authentication code from the vehicle key when the start permission control means tries to acquire the confirmation result from the code authentication means, An authentication code can be obtained from the key.

  The vehicle engine starter according to claim 8 includes at least two operation units, an instruction means for instructing the vehicle engine start when the two operation units are operated simultaneously, and an authentication code. An authentication means for acquiring an authentication code from a stored vehicle key, checking whether the authentication code is in a predetermined correspondence with a pre-stored confirmation code, and holding an authentication result; When the engine is instructed to start the engine, the confirmation signal held by the code authentication means indicates that the authentication code and the confirmation code indicate that they have a predetermined correspondence relationship. The start permission control means to be applied, the engine control means for starting the engine when the engine start signal is given, and the start permission control means have two operations. The confirmation result of the code authentication means is acquired when one of them is operated, and it is confirmed in advance whether or not the authentication code and the confirmation code have a predetermined correspondence relationship. is there.

  According to this, it is possible to confirm whether or not the authentication code and the confirmation code are in a predetermined correspondence relationship when one of the two operation units of the instruction means for instructing engine start is operated. Therefore, the engine can be started as soon as the two operation units are operated simultaneously, and the time until the engine is started can be shortened.

  The operation and effect of the vehicle engine starting device according to claims 9, 10, and 11 is the same as that of the above-described claims 2, 4, and 6, and therefore the description thereof is omitted. To do.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle engine starter according to the present embodiment. The vehicle engine starter includes an in-vehicle device 1 and a vehicle key 10. The vehicle key 10 is a key that stores an ID code for key verification.

  The in-vehicle device 1 includes a start / stop switch 2, an immobilizer ECU 3, an ACC relay 5, an IG relay 6, a brake switch 7, an engine ECU 8, and a power supply switching ECU 4 connected thereto.

  The start / stop switch 2 is composed of a momentary push button switch. That is, when the start / stop switch 2 is pressed, the contact becomes conductive and an on signal is output.

  The immobilizer ECU 3 is a control unit including a known CPU, ROM, and RAM, and is connected to a code reading device 3a. When the vehicle key 10 is inserted into the key slot, the code reading device 3a reads the ID code stored in the vehicle key 10 and transmits it to the immobilizer ECU 3.

  The immobilizer ECU 3 collates the acquired ID code with the ID code stored in the ROM. If they match, an engine start permission signal is transmitted to the engine ECU 8. Further, the immobilizer ECU 3 holds information that the acquired ID code matches the ID code stored in the ROM.

  The power supply switching ECU 4 is a control unit including a known CPU, ROM, and RAM. The power supply switching ECU 4 switches the operating states of the ACC relay 5 and the IG relay 6 each time the start / stop switch 2 is pressed while the brake pedal is not depressed. Further, in the engine start standby state (vehicle speed 0 km), the power supply switching ECU 4 acquires the ID code collation result held by the immobilizer ECU 3 when the brake pedal is depressed. When it is a collation result that the obtained collation results match, the power supply switching ECU 4 outputs a start signal for starting the engine to the engine ECU 8.

  In the operating state, the ACC relay 5 connects the accessory circuit of the vehicle to the positive power supply terminal of the in-vehicle battery, and puts the accessory circuit in an energized state. The IG relay 6 connects a starter motor or the like for starting the engine of the vehicle in an operating state in addition to the accessory circuit in response to an engine start signal from the power supply switching ECU 4 to the positive power supply terminal, and energizes the starter motor or the like. . Further, when the IG relay 6 acquires an engine stop signal from the power supply switching ECU 4, the IG relay 6 is disconnected and the starter motor or the like and the plus power terminal of the in-vehicle battery are not energized.

  The brake switch 7 is a switch that is turned on when the brake pedal is depressed, and inputs a signal indicating the on state to the power supply switching ECU 4.

  The engine ECU 8 is a control unit including a known CPU, ROM, and RAM. When the engine ECU 8 acquires the engine start permission signal from the immobilizer ECU 3, the engine ECU 8 puts the engine into an engine start standby state in which the starter motor or the like can be started. Further, the engine ECU 8 starts the operations of the starter motor, the fuel injection device, and the ignition device based on the start signal from the power supply switching ECU 4. Thus, the engine is started by the fuel being injected into the engine while the starter motor is rotating and the spark plug is ignited. Further, the engine ECU 8 stops the engine by stopping fuel injection and ignition of the spark plug based on a stop signal from the power supply switching ECU 4.

  Here, the operation of the vehicle engine starter will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the vehicle engine starter during the engine start operation. FIG. 3 is an image diagram showing the operation at the time of engine start operation, (a) is when the vehicle key is inserted into the key slot, (b) is when the brake pedal is depressed, and (c) is when the start / This is a case where the stop switch is pressed.

  The process starts when the engine is stopped (vehicle speed 0 km). In step S1, the ID code of the vehicle key 10 is acquired. When the vehicle key 10 is inserted into the key slot, the code reading device 3a reads the ID code of the vehicle key 10 and transmits it to the immobilizer ECU 3.

  In step S2, the brake state is confirmed. That is, the power supply switching ECU 4 acquires a signal from the brake switch 7.

  In step S3, the power supply switching ECU 4 determines from the acquired signal of the brake switch 7 whether or not the brake pedal is depressed (the brake switch 7 is turned on). When the brake is on, that is, when the brake pedal is depressed, the process proceeds to step S4. If the brake is off, that is, if the brake pedal is not depressed, the process proceeds to step S9.

  In step S4, an ID code collation result is acquired. That is, the power supply switching ECU 4 obtains the collation result of the ID code held by the immobilizer ECU 3.

  In step S5, the power supply switching ECU 4 confirms whether or not an ON signal is input from the start / stop switch 2.

  In step S <b> 6, the power supply switching ECU 4 determines whether an ON signal is input from the start / stop switch 2. As shown in FIG. 3C, if the start / stop switch 2 is pressed and an ON signal is input, the process proceeds to step S7. On the other hand, if it is not input, the process is terminated.

  In step S7, the power supply switching ECU 4 sets the ACC relay 5 and the IG relay 6 to the operating state, and connects the starter motor and the like to the positive power supply terminal of the in-vehicle battery.

  In step S8, the power supply switching ECU 4 transmits an engine start signal to the engine ECU 8.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the brake is off, in step S9, the power supply switching ECU 4 checks whether or not an on signal is input from the start / stop switch 2.

  In step S <b> 10, the power supply switching ECU 4 determines whether an ON signal is input from the start / stop switch 2. As shown in FIG. 3C, if the start / stop switch 2 is pressed and an on signal is input, the process proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, if it is not input, the process is terminated.

  In step S11, the power supply switching ECU 4 obtains a collation result of the ID code held by the immobilizer ECU 3.

  In step S12, the power supply switching ECU 4 sets the ACC relay 5 and the IG relay 6 to the operating state, and connects the starter motor and the like to the positive power supply terminal of the in-vehicle battery.

  In this way, since the ID code is confirmed to match when the brake pedal is depressed, the engine can be started as soon as the start / stop switch 2 is instructed to start the engine. Can be shortened.

  The confirmation of the ID code collation result by the power supply switching ECU 4 is performed when the brake pedal is depressed (when the brake switch 7 is turned on), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the vehicle includes a clutch, a clutch switch that is turned on when the clutch pedal is depressed may be provided, and a signal of the clutch switch may be input to the power supply switching ECU 4. Then, the ID code collation result may be confirmed at the time when the clutch pedal is depressed (when the clutch switch is turned on).

  The power supply switching ECU 4 performs the timing to check whether the ID code of the vehicle key 10 matches the ID code stored in the ROM to the immobilizer ECU 3 at the time of brake on. Is not limited to this. For example, a door opening sensor that detects the opening of the vehicle door may be provided, and the detection may be performed when the door opening sensor detects that the vehicle door is opened.

  The power supply switching ECU 4 performs the timing to check whether the ID code of the vehicle key 10 matches the ID code stored in the ROM to the immobilizer ECU 3 at the time of brake on. Is not limited to this. For example, a seating sensor that detects whether or not a passenger is seated in the seat of the driver's seat of the vehicle may be provided, and may be performed when the seating sensor detects that the passenger is seated on the seat.

  In the present embodiment, the power supply switching ECU 4 obtains the collation result of the ID code held by the immobilizer ECU 3, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the power switching ECU 4 confirms the ID code collation result and the code reading device 3a has not acquired the ID code of the vehicle key 10, the brake switch 7 is turned on, the clutch switch is turned on, The power supply switching ECU 4 instructs the code reading device 3a to acquire the ID code of the vehicle key 10 when it is detected that the vehicle door is opened or when a passenger is seated on the seat. It may be.

  The vehicle key 10 has been described with respect to the format in which the vehicle key 10 is inserted into the key slot and the ID code is read by the code reading device 3a. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a so-called smart key device including a communication device in a vehicle key and an in-vehicle device may be used. In this case, the communication device on the vehicle-mounted device side sets a predetermined detection area, and transmits a question signal at predetermined intervals in the detection area. When the vehicle key holder enters the detection area, the vehicle key side communication device transmits the ID code to the in-vehicle device side communication device in response to the question signal. The vehicle key 10 may be a mechanical key as long as it has a function as an immobilizer.

  As a modification, whether the ID code held by the immobilizer ECU 3 is matched by the power supply switching ECU 4 is determined by either depressing the brake pedal or clutch pedal or pressing the start / stop switch 2. It may be performed when one is done.

  In the case of this modification, the power supply switching ECU 4 outputs an engine start signal when information indicating that the brake switch 7 or the clutch pedal is on and an on signal from the start / stop switch 2 are input simultaneously. It transmits to engine ECU8.

  In this way, the ID code verification can be performed when either the depression of the brake pedal 7 or the clutch pedal or the pressing operation of the start / stop switch 2 is performed. Therefore, the engine can be started as soon as both the depression of the brake pedal or the clutch pedal and the pressing operation of the start / stop switch 2 are operated, and the time until the engine is started can be shortened.

  Further, by providing a door opening sensor for detecting the operation of opening the vehicle door, the operation of opening the door and the pressing operation of the start / stop switch 2 instead of the operation of depressing the brake pedal 7 or the clutch pedal in the modified example. The ID code collation confirmation may be performed when either one of the above is performed.

  Further, by providing seating detection means for detecting whether or not the passenger is seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle, instead of the depression operation of the brake pedal 7 or the clutch pedal in the modified example, the seating of the passenger You may make it perform ID code collation confirmation at the time of any one of seating and the pressing operation of the start / stop switch 2 being made.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle engine starter according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flow figure showing processing operation of a vehicular engine starting device at the time of engine starting operation concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is an image figure which shows the operation | movement at the time of engine starting operation concerning embodiment of this invention, (a) is a time of inserting a vehicle key in a key slot, (b) is a case where a brake pedal is depressed, ( c) is a case where the start / stop switch is pressed.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 In-vehicle machine, 2 Start / stop switch, 3 Immobilizer ECU, 4 Power supply ECU, 5 ACC relay, 6 IG relay, 7 Brake switch, 8 Engine ECU, 10 Vehicle key

Claims (11)

An operation switch for instructing the vehicle engine to start;
Code acquisition means for acquiring the authentication code from the vehicle key storing the authentication code;
Storage means for storing a confirmation code having a predetermined correspondence with the authentication code;
Confirming whether or not the authentication code and the confirmation code have a predetermined correspondence, and a code authentication means for holding the confirmation result;
When an instruction to start the engine is made by the operation switch, the confirmation result held by the code authenticating means indicates that the authentication code and the confirmation code indicate a predetermined correspondence relationship. Start permission control means for giving an engine start signal;
Engine control means for starting the engine when the engine start signal is given;
The start permission control means obtains a confirmation result of the code authentication means at a timing earlier than an instruction to start the engine by the operation switch, and the authentication code and the confirmation code have a predetermined correspondence relationship in advance. It is confirmed whether or not the engine starting device. The start permission control means has detection means for detecting a depression operation of either a brake pedal or a clutch pedal, and when the depression operation of the pedal is performed, obtains a confirmation result of the code authentication means, 2. The vehicle engine starting device according to claim 1, wherein it is confirmed whether or not the authentication code and the confirmation code are in a predetermined correspondence relationship. If the code acquisition means has not acquired the authentication code at the time when the start permission control means tries to acquire a confirmation result from the code authentication means, the code acquisition means may The vehicle engine starter according to claim 2, wherein an authentication code is obtained from the vehicle key at the time of being made. The start permission control means includes door opening detection means for detecting an operation of opening a vehicle door, and when the operation of opening the door is performed, obtains a confirmation result of the code authentication means, 2. The vehicular engine starting device according to claim 1, wherein it is confirmed whether or not the authentication code and the confirmation code are in a predetermined correspondence relationship. If the code acquisition means has not acquired the authentication code when the start permission control means tries to acquire a confirmation result from the code authentication means, the code acquisition means operates to open the door. The vehicle engine starter according to claim 4, wherein an authentication code is acquired from the vehicle key at the time when is performed. The start permission control means includes seating detection means for detecting whether or not a passenger is seated in a driver's seat of a vehicle, and the confirmation result of the code authentication means when the passenger is seated in the seat The vehicle engine starter according to claim 1, further comprising: confirming whether or not the authentication code and the confirmation code are in a predetermined correspondence relationship. When the start permission control means tries to obtain the confirmation result from the code authentication means, if the code acquisition means has not acquired the authentication code, the code acquisition means The vehicle engine starter according to claim 4, wherein an authentication code is obtained from the vehicle key when seated. An instruction means having at least two operation units, and instructing the vehicle engine to start when the two operation units are operated simultaneously;
An authentication that obtains the authentication code from the vehicle key storing the authentication code, checks whether the authentication code has a predetermined correspondence with the confirmation code stored in advance, and holds the confirmation result Means,
On the condition that when the engine start instruction is given by the instruction means, the confirmation result held by the code authentication means indicates that the authentication code and the confirmation code are in a predetermined correspondence relationship. Start permission control means for giving an engine start signal;
Engine control means for starting the engine when the engine start signal is given;
The start permission control means acquires a confirmation result of the code authentication means when one of the two operation units is operated, and the authentication code and the confirmation code have a predetermined correspondence relationship in advance. It is confirmed whether or not the engine starting device. 9. The engine starter according to claim 8, wherein the two operation portions of the instruction means include an operation switch and a brake pedal or a clutch pedal. 9. The engine starter according to claim 8, wherein the two operation units of the instruction unit include an operation switch and a door opening detection unit that detects an operation of opening a vehicle door. 9. The engine according to claim 8, wherein the two operation units of the instruction unit include an operation switch and a seating detection unit that detects whether or not a passenger is seated in a driver's seat of the vehicle. Starter.

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