JP6440598B2 - Smart key and smart key system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a smart key and a smart key system.

  There is a smart key system including a device such as a vehicle and a portable smart key. For example, in the smart key system of Patent Document 1 including a smart key and a vehicle, the vehicle authenticates the smart key by wireless communication using a built-in battery of the smart key. If the authentication is successful, the vehicle unlocks the door and the vehicle enables the operation of the ignition button for starting the engine. The user can start the engine by pressing the activated ignition button.

JP 2004-359057 A

  However, in the conventional smart key system, if the battery of the smart key runs out, the vehicle cannot authenticate the smart key outside the door. In that case, first, the user unlocks the door with a physical key provided in the smart key. Next, when the user holds the smart key near the ignition button, the vehicle authenticates the smart key by short-range wireless communication without using the smart key battery. If the authentication is successful, the vehicle enables the operation of the ignition button. These series of operations are required only in an emergency. In some cases, the time from when the door is unlocked until the ignition button is operated is limited.

  In the conventional smart key system, in the rare emergency when the battery of the smart key runs out, it is necessary for the user to urgently perform complicated operations that the user is not used to. There is a disadvantage that it is hard to recall clearly.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is a smart key that clearly recalls an emergency operation by changing to a shape that enables a plurality of operations in conjunction with one operation. And providing a smart key system.

  The present invention is a smart key used in a device that enables predetermined processing by a series of operations including unlocking of a lock, authentication, and operation of an operation unit having a predetermined shape at least in part. A key that is movable between a first position that does not protrude from the casing to the extent that the lock can be unlocked and a second position that protrudes from the casing to the extent that the lock can be unlocked, A deforming portion that deforms so as to form a first shape that does not engage with the predetermined shape and a second shape that engages with the predetermined shape together with the housing, and the key from the first position to the second position The deforming portion is deformed from the first shape to the second shape in conjunction with the moving operation, and the deforming portion is moved from the second shape in conjunction with the operation of moving the key from the second position to the first position. In the range including the interlocking mechanism for deforming to the first shape, and the engagement start position of the operating portion and the deforming portion An authentication unit that is capable of communicating perform at least part of the authentication, a smart key with a.

  According to this configuration, an emergency operation can be clearly recalled by changing to a shape that enables a plurality of operations in conjunction with one operation.

  Preferably, in the smart key of the present invention, the deformation portion includes a protrusion, and in the first shape, the protrusion is positioned relative to the housing so that the protrusion does not engage with the predetermined shape. In the second shape, at least a part of the protrusion is positioned outside the housing such that the protrusion engages with the predetermined shape.

  According to this configuration, according to this configuration, it is possible to clearly present that some operation is required by the protruding portion.

  Preferably, in the smart key of the present invention, the key moves along the first direction, the protrusion moves along the second direction different from the first direction, and the interlocking mechanism moves to the second direction. The suppression part which suppresses the movement along the 2nd direction of the protrusion part deform | transformed into this shape is included.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the interference between the operation of the key and the deforming unit, and thus it is possible to suppress a useless operation and an erroneous operation for avoiding the interference. Since the movement of the protruding portion in the second direction is suppressed, it is possible to suppress an erroneous operation when operating the operating portion with the protruding portion.

  Preferably, in the smart key of the present invention, the authentication unit transmits predetermined information to the device by wireless communication using the energy of the electromagnetic wave received from the device.

  According to this configuration, even when the smart key battery is exhausted, authentication can be realized.

  The present invention provides an apparatus that enables predetermined processing by a series of operations including unlocking and authentication of a lock and operation of an operation unit having a predetermined shape at least in part, a smart key used in the apparatus, And a smart key is a first position that does not protrude from the casing to the extent that the lock can be unlocked and a second position that protrudes from the casing to the extent that the lock can be unlocked A deformable portion that deforms so as to form a first shape that does not engage with the predetermined shape and a second shape that engages with the predetermined shape together with the housing; In conjunction with the operation of moving from the first position to the second position, the deforming portion is deformed from the first shape to the second shape, and in conjunction with the operation of moving the key from the second position to the first position. An interlocking mechanism for deforming the deformable portion from the second shape to the first shape, an operation portion and a deformable portion; Including an authentication unit for performing at least a portion of communicatively Configured authentication device in range including the engagement starting position is a system.

  According to this configuration, an emergency operation can be clearly recalled by changing to a shape that enables a plurality of operations in conjunction with one operation.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the smart key and smart key system which recall clearly the operation at the time of emergency by changing in the shape which enables several operation in response to one operation are provided.

It is the perspective view which looked at the smart key in the 1st state concerning the embodiment of the present invention from the upper part. It is the perspective view which looked at the smart key in the 1st state concerning the embodiment of the present invention from the lower part. It is a perspective view of the upper housing | casing of FIG. 1A. It is a perspective view of the lower housing | casing of FIG. 1A. It is a perspective view of the deformation | transformation part of FIG. 1A. It is a perspective view of the interlocking mechanism of FIG. 1A. It is a perspective view of the deformation | transformation part of FIG. 1A, an interlocking mechanism, and a key. It is a perspective view in the 1st state of the smart key of Drawing 1A in the state where a part of an upper case and a lower case were removed. It is a perspective view in the 2nd state of the smart key of Drawing 1A in the state where a part of an upper case and a lower case were removed. It is a block diagram of a smart key system provided with the smart key of FIG. 1A. It is a perspective view of the operation part of FIG. 5A. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the smart key in an engagement start position, and an operation part. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the smart key of the state which pressed the button, and the operation part.

(Smart key)
Hereinafter, a smart key 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the smart key 100 in the first state as viewed from above. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the smart key 100 in the first state as viewed from below. The first state refers to a state in which a key 170 described later is accommodated to an unusable level, and the second state refers to a state in which the key 170 is exposed to an extent usable.

  In the present specification, regardless of whether or not there is a description of “substantially”, all shapes are not strictly limited to the geometric shapes used in the description, and include shapes similar to them. The smart key 100 may be realized in other shapes as long as the technical idea shown in the present embodiment is realized. The up-down direction, the front-rear direction, and the left-right direction that are orthogonal to each other are defined for convenience of explanation, and do not limit the actual directions during use.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the smart key 100 includes a housing 110, a deforming unit 150, an interlocking mechanism 160, and a key 170. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 5A, the smart key 100 further includes a first authentication unit 180.

  First, the structure of the housing 110 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B. The housing 110 includes an upper housing 120 and a lower housing 130. The outer shape of the housing 110 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the edges and corners of the housing 110 are rounded. The housing 110 includes an upper plate portion 111 (FIG. 1A), a lower plate portion 112 (FIG. 1B), a left plate portion 113 (FIG. 1A), and a right plate portion, which are formed by an upper housing 120 and a lower housing 130. 114 (FIG. 1B), a front plate portion 115 (FIG. 1A), and a rear plate portion 116 (FIG. 1B).

  The upper plate portion 111 (FIG. 1A) and the lower plate portion 112 (FIG. 1B) are substantially rectangular flat plates each having an inner surface and an outer surface that are parallel to each other, and are spaced apart from each other and are substantially parallel to each other. . However, in the upper plate portion 111 (FIG. 1A) and the lower plate portion 112 (FIG. 1B), the left and right corners of the rear portion are more rounded than the other corners. The outer surface of the upper plate portion 111 (FIG. 1A) is parallel to a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction and faces upward. The upper plate portion 111 (FIG. 1A) is provided with a cylindrical upper hole 141 penetrating in the vertical direction. The upper hole 141 is provided substantially at the center in the left-right direction, and is provided rearward of the center in the front-rear direction. The outer surface of the lower plate portion 112 (FIG. 1B) is parallel to a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction and faces downward.

  The left plate portion 113 (FIG. 1A) and the right plate portion 114 (FIG. 1B) are substantially rectangular flat plates each having an inner surface and an outer surface that are parallel to each other, and are spaced apart from each other and substantially parallel to each other. . The left plate 113 (FIG. 1A) connects the left edge of the upper plate 111 (FIG. 1A) and the left edge of the lower plate 112 (FIG. 1B) vertically. The outer surface of the left plate 113 (FIG. 1A) is parallel to a plane orthogonal to the left-right direction and faces the left. The left plate portion 113 (FIG. 1A) is provided with a left hole 142 penetrating in the left-right direction in a part near the lower end. The left hole 142 is provided rearward of the center in the front-rear direction, and extends with a predetermined length in the front-rear direction. The right plate portion 114 (FIG. 1B) connects the right edge of the upper plate portion 111 (FIG. 1A) and the right edge of the lower plate portion 112 (FIG. 1B) up and down. The outer surface of the right plate portion 114 (FIG. 1B) is parallel to a plane orthogonal to the left-right direction and faces the right side.

  The front plate 115 (FIG. 1A) is a substantially rectangular flat plate having an inner surface and an outer surface that are parallel to each other. The front plate portion 115 (FIG. 1A) connects the front edge of the upper plate portion 111 (FIG. 1A) and the front edge of the lower plate portion 112 (FIG. 1B) vertically, and in addition to the left plate portion 113 (FIG. 1A). The front edge of FIG. 1A and the front edge of the right plate portion 114 (FIG. 1B) are connected to the left and right. The outer surface of the front plate 115 (FIG. 1A) is parallel to a plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction and faces the front. The front plate portion 115 (FIG. 1A) is provided with a front hole 143 penetrating in the front-rear direction in a part near the lower end. The front hole 143 is provided on the left side of the center in the left-right direction.

  The rear plate portion 116 (FIG. 1B) is a flat plate having a large curved surface. The rear plate portion 116 (FIG. 1B) connects the rear edge of the upper plate portion 111 (FIG. 1A) and the rear edge of the lower plate portion 112 (FIG. 1B) in addition to the left plate portion 113 (FIG. 1B). 1A) and the rear edge of the right plate portion 114 (FIG. 1B) are connected to the left and right. The outer surface of the rear plate part 116 (FIG. 1B) is parallel to a plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction and faces the rear.

  Next, the details of the structure of the upper housing 120 will be described with reference to the perspective view of FIG. 2A viewed from below. As shown in FIG. 2A, the upper housing 120 includes an upper plate portion 111, a plate-like upper left plate portion 121, an upper right plate portion 122, and an upper front plate portion that all extend downward from the upper plate portion 111. 123 and an upper rear plate portion 124. A left hole 142 is provided in a part of the lower edge of the upper left plate portion 121. An upper notch 125 is provided at a part of the lower end of the upper front plate portion 123.

  An inner surface 126 of the upper plate portion 111 is parallel to a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction and faces downward. The upper housing 120 includes a first guide piece 127a to a fourth guide piece 127d extending downward from the inner surface 126. The first guide piece 127 a and the second guide piece 127 b that are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction are provided between the upper hole 141 and the upper left plate part 121. A left guide path 128a exists between the first guide piece 127a on the front side and the second guide piece 127b on the rear side. The width of the left guide path 128a in the front-rear direction is substantially constant along the up-down direction. The third guide piece 127 c and the fourth guide piece 127 d that are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction are provided between the upper hole 141 and the upper right plate part 122. A right guide path 128b exists between the third guide piece 127c and the fourth guide piece 127d. The width in the front-rear direction of the right guide path 128b is substantially constant along the vertical direction.

  Next, details of the structure of the lower housing 130 will be described with reference to the perspective view of FIG. 2B. The lower housing 130 includes a lower plate portion 112, a lower left plate portion 131, a lower right plate portion 132, a lower front plate portion 133, and a lower rear plate portion, all of which extend downward from the lower plate portion 112. 134. A lower notch 135 is provided at a part of the lower end of the lower front plate portion 133.

  When the upper housing 120 (FIG. 2A) and the lower housing 130 (FIG. 2B) are combined, the upper left plate portion 121 (FIG. 2A) and the lower left plate portion 131 (FIG. 2B) are combined with the left plate portion 113 (FIG. 2B). FIG. 1A) is formed. The upper right plate portion 122 (FIG. 2A) and the lower right plate portion 132 (FIG. 2B) form the right plate portion 114 (FIG. 1A). A front plate portion 115 (FIG. 1A) is formed by the upper front plate portion 123 (FIG. 2A) and the lower front plate portion 133 (FIG. 2B). A rear plate portion 116 (FIG. 1A) is formed by the upper rear plate portion 124 (FIG. 2A) and the lower rear plate portion 134 (FIG. 2B). A front hole 143 is formed by the upper notch 125 (FIG. 2A) and the lower notch 135 (FIG. 2B). A substantially rectangular parallelepiped space exists in the housing 110.

  Next, the structure of the deforming portion 150 will be described with reference to the perspective view of FIG. 3A. The deformation unit 150 includes a base 151, a protrusion 152, a left leg 153a, and a right leg 153b. The base 151 has a disk shape, and has an upper surface 154 that is substantially parallel to a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction and faces upward. The protruding portion 152 protrudes upward in a columnar shape from the upper surface 154 of the base portion 151. The protrusion 152 is surrounded by a substantially cylindrical engagement curved surface 155 extending along the vertical direction and an engagement end surface 156 that is surrounded by the upper end of the engagement curved surface 155 and substantially parallel to a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction. Have. For example, an emblem of the vehicle may be stamped on the engagement end surface 156. The left leg 153a protrudes in a columnar shape from the lower left side of the base 151 toward the left. The right leg 153b protrudes in a columnar shape from the lower right side of the base 151 toward the right. The left leg 153a and the right leg 153b are provided at the center in the front-rear direction of the base 151, and are spaced apart and extend in a substantially straight line along the left-right direction.

  Next, the structure of the interlocking mechanism 160 will be described with reference to the perspective view of FIG. 3B. The interlocking mechanism 160 includes a rectangular plate-shaped bottom plate 161 along a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction, a rectangular plate-shaped left guide plate 162 a extending upward from the left edge of the bottom plate 161, and an upper side from the right edge of the bottom plate 161. And a right guide plate 162b having a rectangular plate shape extending to the right side.

  The left guide plate 162a includes a left rail 163a that is substantially parallel to a plane orthogonal to the left-right direction and that defines a space penetrating left and right. The left rail 163a includes a left retreat path 164a, a left inclined path 165a, and a left operation path 166a. The left retreat path 164a extends linearly along the front-rear direction. The left operation path 166a extends linearly along the front-rear direction and opens rearward. The left working path 166a is located behind the left retracting path 164a and is located above the left retracting path 164a. The left inclined path 165a extends so as to obliquely and linearly connect the left retreat path 164a and the left working path 166a.

  A knob 167 protrudes leftward from the rear portion of the left side surface of the left guide plate 162a. As shown in FIG. 1A, the knob 167 of the interlocking mechanism 160 is disposed so as to reach the outside through the left hole 142 of the housing 110.

  The right guide plate 162b includes a right rail 163b that is substantially parallel to a plane orthogonal to the left-right direction and that defines a space penetrating left and right. The right rail 163b is configured by a right retreat path 164b, a right inclined path 165b, and a right operation path 166b. The right evacuation path 164b extends linearly along the front-rear direction. The right operation path 166b extends linearly along the front-rear direction and opens rearward. The right working path 166b is located behind the right retracting path 164b and is located above the right retracting path 164b. The right slope 165b extends so as to connect the right retreat path 164b and the right operation path 166b obliquely and linearly.

  The perspective view of FIG. 3C shows a state in which the deforming portion 150, the interlocking mechanism 160, and the key 170 are combined. The base portion 151 and the protruding portion 152 of the deformable portion 150 are located between the left guide plate 162a and the right guide plate 162b of the interlock mechanism 160.

  The left leg 153 a of the deformable portion 150 is disposed in the left rail 163 a of the interlock mechanism 160. Since the vertical width of the left rail 163a is slightly larger than the vertical width of the left leg 153a, the left leg 153a is movable along the left rail 163a. When the left leg 153a is positioned on the left retracting path 164a and the left operating path 166a, the left leg 153a does not substantially move up and down with respect to the housing 110 (FIG. 1A). The right leg 153 b of the deforming portion 150 is disposed in the right rail 163 b of the interlocking mechanism 160. Since the vertical width of the right rail 163b is slightly larger than the vertical width of the right leg 153b, the right leg 153b is movable along the right rail 163b. When the right leg 153b is positioned on the right retraction path 164b and the right operation path 166b, the right leg 153b does not substantially move up and down with respect to the housing 110 (FIG. 1A). The deformation part 150 moves relative to the interlocking mechanism 160 along the left rail 163a and the right rail 163b as a whole.

  The key 170 is drawn in a rectangular parallelepiped shape in the drawing, but has a shape appropriately processed to the extent necessary for operating the lock. The key 170 is coupled to a part of the bottom plate 161 of the interlocking mechanism 160 and is projected linearly forward from the front end of the bottom plate 161.

  The first guide piece 127a and the second guide piece 127b of the upper housing 120 (FIG. 2A) are between the base 151 of the deformable portion 150 and the left guide plate 162a of the interlocking mechanism 160, and the left leg of the deformable portion 150. It arrange | positions so that 153a may be pinched | interposed from front and back. That is, the left leg 153a is disposed so as to be movable in the vertical direction along the left guide path 128a of the upper housing 120 (FIG. 2A). The third guide piece 127c and the fourth guide piece 127d of the upper housing 120 (FIG. 2A) are located between the base 151 of the deformable portion 150 and the right guide plate 162b of the interlocking mechanism 160, and the right leg of the deformable portion 150. It arrange | positions so that 153b may be pinched | interposed from front and back. That is, the right leg 153b is disposed so as to be movable in the vertical direction along the right guide path 128b of the upper housing 120 (FIG. 2A).

  When the interlocking mechanism 160 moves back and forth, the key 170 is arranged so that the key 170 moves back and forth through the front hole 143 (FIG. 1A).

  Next, the operation of the smart key 100 will be described with reference to a perspective view of the smart key 100 in the first state shown in FIG. 4A and a perspective view of the smart key 100 in the second state shown in FIG. 4B.

  First, the first state will be described. In the first state, as shown in FIG. 1A, the knob 167 is located at the rear portion of the left hole 142. As shown in FIG. 4A, the interlocking mechanism 160 is located at the rear in the housing 110. The key 170 is accommodated in the housing 110 to such an extent that the lock cannot be unlocked. The position of the key 170 in the first state is referred to as a storage position.

  In the first state, the left leg 153a of the deforming portion 150 (FIG. 3A) is positioned in the lower left retracting path 164a (FIG. 3B), and the right leg 153b of the deforming portion 150 (FIG. 3A) is retracted to the lower right. It is located on the path 164b (FIG. 3B). The vertical movement of the left leg 153a of the deforming portion 150 (FIG. 3A) is limited by the left retracting path 164a (FIG. 3B), and the vertical movement of the right leg 153b of the deforming section 150 (FIG. 3A) is limited to the right retracting path 164b. Since it is limited by (FIG. 3B), as shown to FIG. 4A, the deformation | transformation part 150 does not move substantially up and down. The left guide plate 162a (FIG. 3B) and the right guide plate 162b (FIG. 3B) function as a suppressing unit that suppresses the vertical movement of the deforming unit 150.

  In the first state, most of the projecting portion 152 of the deformable portion 150 is accommodated in the housing 110. The outer shape formed with the casing 110 and the deforming portion 150 in the first state is referred to as a non-engageable shape. In the present embodiment, the upper portion of the protruding portion 152 including the engagement end surface 156 partially protrudes outside the housing 110, but may be completely accommodated in the housing 110. Since the protrusion 152 is restricted from moving in the vertical direction, it cannot be exposed to the outside simply by applying a vertical force to the protrusion 152.

  When the knob 167 shown in FIG. 1A is moved forward, the left leg 153a of the deformable portion 150 (FIG. 3A) reaches the left working path 166a (FIG. 3B) through the left inclined path 165a (FIG. 3B). The right leg 153b of the deforming portion 150 (FIG. 3A) reaches the right working path 166b (FIG. 3B) through the right inclined path 165b (FIG. 3B). At that time, the left leg 153a (FIG. 3A) moves upward along the left guide path 128a (FIG. 2A), and at the same time, the right leg 153b (FIG. 3A) moves along the right guide path 128b (FIG. 2A). Move upward. As a result, the entire deforming portion 150 gradually moves upward. At the same time, the key 170 gradually goes out of the housing 110 through the front hole 143.

  Next, the second state will be described. Although not shown, in the second state, the knob 167 in FIG. 1A is located at the front of the left hole 142. As shown in FIG. 4B, the interlocking mechanism 160 is located in the front part in the housing 110. The key 170 is exposed outside the housing 110 to such an extent that the lock can be unlocked. The position of the key 170 in the second state is referred to as an exposure position.

  In the second state, the left leg 153a of the deforming portion 150 (FIG. 3A) is positioned in the upper left operation path 166a (FIG. 3B), and the right leg 153b of the deforming portion 150 (FIG. 3A) is operated to the upper right. It is located on the path 166b (FIG. 3B). The vertical movement of the left leg 153a of the deforming portion 150 (FIG. 3A) is restricted by the left operating path 166a (FIG. 3B), and the vertical movement of the right leg 153b of the deforming section 150 (FIG. 3A) is the right operating path 166b. Since it is limited by (FIG. 3B), as shown to FIG. 4B, the deformation | transformation part 150 does not move substantially up and down.

  In the second state, most of the protruding portion 152 of the deformable portion 150 is exposed outside the housing 110. The outer shape formed with the casing 110 and the deforming portion 150 in the second state is referred to as an engageable shape. Note that when the knob 167 shown in FIG. 1A is returned to the rear side, the first state is returned through the reverse route described above. Since the protrusion 152 is restricted from moving in the vertical direction, the protrusion 152 does not move inward simply by applying a vertical force to the protrusion 152.

(Smart Key System 200)
Next, the smart key system 200 will be described. The smart key system 200 includes a smart key 100 and a device 210 that uses the smart key 100 to receive various operations including unlocking the lock. The device 210 enables predetermined processing by a series of operations including unlocking of the lock, authentication, and operation of an operation unit having at least a predetermined shape. The device 210 according to the present embodiment is a vehicle that enables the start of the engine through a series of operations including unlocking the door lock, authentication by short-range wireless communication, and operation of the operation unit as an ignition button. . The device 210 may be another device in which the smart key 100 is used.

  The smart key system 200 has a function for performing operations such as remote authentication and unlocking by performing wireless communication with the apparatus 210 using a battery built in the smart key 100 as a power source. Description is omitted. In the present embodiment, a function for starting the engine of the device 210 in an emergency when the battery built in the smart key 100 has run out will be mainly described.

  The smart key 100 further includes a first authentication unit 180 in addition to the above-described configuration. The first authentication unit 180 receives electromagnetic waves from the outside and returns information without receiving power supply from the power source built in the smart key 100. The first authentication unit 180 of the present embodiment transmits information by wireless communication using RFID (radio frequency identifier) technology. For example, the first authentication unit 180 is an IC tag, but is not limited thereto. The information transmitted by the first authentication unit 180 is authentication information of the smart key 100.

  The apparatus 210 includes a lock 211, a second authentication unit 212, an operation unit 213, and a control unit 214.

  The lock 211 is operated including unlocking and locking by the key 170 of the paired smart key 100. In the smart key 100 in the first state (FIG. 4A), since the key 170 is not exposed to the extent that the lock 211 can be operated, the lock 211 cannot be operated with the key 170. In the smart key 100 in the second state (FIG. 4B), since the key 170 is exposed to the extent that the lock 211 can be operated, the lock 211 can be operated with the key 170. The lock 211 transmits an operation state including unlocking and locking to the control unit 214 by an electric signal.

  The second authentication unit 212 wirelessly communicates with the first authentication unit 180 based on the RFID technology according to a command from the control unit 214, acquires authentication information of the smart key 100, and transmits the authentication information to the control unit 214. The effective communication distance of the second authentication unit 212 is in a range extremely close to the operation unit 213. If the smart key 100 is not located at least between the lock 211 and the operation unit 213, communication between the second authentication unit 212 and the first authentication unit 180 is not performed effectively. Communication between the second authentication unit 212 and the first authentication unit 180 may not be performed effectively unless the smart key 100 touches the operation unit 213 or approaches the operation unit 213 to a distance that is slightly separated. From the point of fraud prevention, it is preferable.

  The operation unit 213 has an outer shape as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 5B. The operation unit 213 includes a substantially cylindrical frame portion 221 and a substantially cylindrical button 222. The button 222 can be pushed along the cylindrical inner surface of the frame portion 221. Inputs of the button 222 including a pressed state and a non-pressed state are transmitted from the operation unit 213 to the control unit 214.

  For example, when the user is outside the apparatus 210 with the lock 211 locked, the control unit 214 does not accept the input from the operation unit 213, stops the second authentication unit 212, and releases the lock 211. Wait for the lock. When the lock 211 is unlocked, the control unit 214 waits for authentication by the second authentication unit 212 for a predetermined time after being unlocked. When the second authentication unit 212 detects the first authentication unit 180 arranged in proximity and acquires the authentication information from the first authentication unit 180, the authentication information is verified, and the smart key 100 is Whether the smart key is an appropriate smart key that is paired with 210 or the smart key 100 is an incorrect smart key that is not paired with the device 210 is determined. When it is determined that the smart key 100 is inappropriate or when a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 214 does not accept an input from the operation unit 213. When it is determined that the smart key 100 is appropriate, the control unit 214 receives an input from the operation unit 213.

  FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating the smart key 100 and the operation unit 213 at the engagement start position. In FIG. 6A, the smart key 100 is shown in a second state, and the button 222 is shown in cross section. The engagement start position is a state where the engagement end surface 156 of the projecting portion 152 of the smart key 100 is in contact with or close to the button 222, and the smart key 100 is pushed toward the button 222. The state in which the button 222 can be operated. The button 222 may not be pressed at all, or may be in a state where it is pressed a predetermined amount before being fully pressed.

  FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating the smart key 100 and the operation unit 212 in a state where the button 222 is pressed. In FIG. 6A, the smart key 100 is shown in a second state, and the button 222 is shown in cross section. The engagement end surface 156 of the protrusion 152 of the smart key 100 contacts the button 222, and the button 222 is pressed down.

  The engagement curved surface 155 of the projecting portion 152 has a cylindrical shape slightly smaller than the cylindrical inner surface of the frame portion 221 of the operation portion 213. When the button 222 is pressed, the engagement curved surface 155 of the protrusion 152 is guided to the cylindrical inner surface of the frame 221, and the movement direction of the protrusion 152 is generally limited to the movement direction of the button 222. In the present embodiment, at least a part of the engagement curved surface 155 of the projecting portion 152 is guided by the cylindrical inner surface of the frame portion 221 or moved, or the moving portion is referred to as the deforming portion 150 and the operating portion. This is referred to as a state where 213 is engaged. The deforming unit 150 of the smart key 100 may have another shape as long as the moving direction of the smart key 100 is generally limited to the moving direction of the button 222. There may be a direction in which the smart key 100 can move in addition to the moving direction of the button 222.

  When the smart key 100 is in the first state (FIG. 4A), even if the protruding portion 152 is brought into contact with the operating portion 213, the protruding amount of the protruding portion 152 is not sufficient, so that the button 222 can be operated. Can not.

  In the smart key system 200 of this embodiment, the deforming unit 150 is deformed in conjunction with the operation of the key 170. That is, since the smart key 100 changes into a shape that allows a plurality of operations in conjunction with one operation, the user can clearly recall an emergency operation.

  In the first state where the key 170 is in the stowed position, it means that the key 170 is not used, so there is a high possibility that the battery has not run out. Therefore, it is unlikely that authentication by the first authentication unit 180 and operation of the operation unit 213 by the deformation unit 150 are required. In the first state, since the deformable portion 150 and the casing 110 are in an incapable shape, the user rarely misunderstands that an operation using the deformable portion 150 is necessary. Furthermore, in the first state, the deformable portion 150 and the housing 110 have a shape that cannot be engaged, so that unnecessary operations can be prevented.

  On the other hand, in the second state in which the key 170 is in the exposed position, it means that the key 170 has been used, so there is a high possibility that the battery has run out. Therefore, authentication by the first authentication unit 180 and operation of the operation unit 213 by the deformation unit 150 are often required. In the second state, since the deformable portion 150 and the housing 110 are in an engageable shape, it is easy for the user to recall that an operation using the deformable portion 150 is necessary. Furthermore, since the authentication is performed within a range including the engagement start position between the operation unit 213 and the deforming unit 150, the authentication and the operation of the operation unit 213 that is enabled after the authentication can be easily performed continuously. That is, it is difficult for the user to misoperate.

  In this embodiment, the operation part 213 of the vehicle 210 includes a button 222 that is pushed into the frame part 221, and the deforming part 150 includes a protrusion 152 that engages with the frame part 221. Even if an attempt is made to press the button 222 with 100, the frame portion 221 prevents the erroneous operation.

  In the smart key 100 of the present embodiment, the protrusion 152 and the key 170 of the deformable portion 150 protrude from the housing 110 in different directions, and therefore the operation of the key 170 and the protrusion 152 is unlikely to interfere. By using the protrusion 152, it is possible to more clearly indicate that some operation is necessary after the key 170 is unlocked.

  Since the movement of the protrusion 152 in the vertical direction is suppressed, an erroneous operation when operating the operation part 213 with the protrusion 152 can be suppressed.

  In the smart key 100, the first authentication unit 180 uses the electromagnetic wave energy received from the device 210 to transmit predetermined information to the device 210 by wireless communication, so even when the battery of the smart key 100 has run out, Authentication can be realized

  The direction in which the button 222 moves along the frame portion 221 is preferably downward and inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. Providing such an inclination makes it difficult for the mart key 100 to be separated from the frame portion 221 even after the user releases his / her hand from the smart key 100, so that erroneous operations can be suppressed.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. That is, those skilled in the art may make various modifications, combinations, subcombinations, and alternatives regarding the components of the above-described embodiments within the technical scope of the present invention or an equivalent scope thereof.

  The present invention is an apparatus and smart device for enabling predetermined processing by a series of operations including unlocking of a lock, authentication, and operation of an operation unit having at least a predetermined shape, such as a vehicle, an aircraft, and a ship. The present invention can be applied to various smart key systems including keys.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Smart key 110 ... Case 150 ... Deformation part 152 ... Protrusion part 160 ... Interlock mechanism 170 ... Key 180 ... 1st authentication part 200 ... Smart key system 210 ... Apparatus (vehicle)
211 ... lock 213 ... operation unit

Claims (5)

A smart key used in a device that enables predetermined processing by a series of operations including unlocking of a lock, authentication, and operation of an operation unit having a predetermined shape at least in part,
A housing,
A key movable to a first position that does not protrude from the housing to the extent that the lock can be unlocked and a second position that protrudes from the housing to the extent that the lock can be unlocked;
A deforming portion for deforming the first shape not engaging with the predetermined shape and the second shape engaging with the predetermined shape together with the housing;
The deformation portion is deformed from the first shape to the second shape in conjunction with an operation of moving the key from the first position to the second position, and the key is moved from the second position. An interlocking mechanism for deforming the deforming portion from the second shape to the first shape in conjunction with an operation of moving to the first position;
An authentication unit configured to be communicable with the device in a range including an engagement start position between the operation unit and the deformation unit, and performing at least a part of the authentication;
Smart key with The deformable portion includes a protruding portion;
In the first shape, the protrusion is positioned relative to the housing so that the protrusion does not engage with the predetermined shape.
In the second shape, at least a part of the protrusion is positioned outside the housing such that the protrusion engages with the predetermined shape.
The smart key according to claim 1. The key moves along a first direction;
The protrusion moves along a second direction different from the first direction;
The interlocking mechanism includes a suppressing portion that suppresses movement of the protruding portion deformed into the second shape along the second direction.
The smart key according to claim 2. The authentication unit transmits predetermined information to the device by wireless communication using energy of electromagnetic waves received from the device.
The smart key according to claim 1. An apparatus that enables predetermined processing by a series of operations including unlocking and authentication of the lock and operation of an operation unit having a predetermined shape at least in part;
A smart key used in the device;
A smart key system comprising:
The smart key is
A housing,
A key movable to a first position that does not protrude from the housing to the extent that the lock can be unlocked and a second position that protrudes from the housing to the extent that the lock can be unlocked;
A deforming portion for deforming the first shape not engaging with the predetermined shape and the second shape engaging with the predetermined shape together with the housing;
The deformation portion is deformed from the first shape to the second shape in conjunction with an operation of moving the key from the first position to the second position, and the key is moved from the second position. An interlocking mechanism for deforming the deforming portion from the second shape to the first shape in conjunction with an operation of moving to the first position;
An authentication unit configured to be communicable with the device in a range including an engagement start position between the operation unit and the deformation unit, and performing at least a part of the authentication;
Including smart key system.

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