Keyless entry system for vehicle

• US 20020153995A1
• Filed: 04/11/2002
• Published: 10/24/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/18/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: U-Shin Limited (MinebeaMitsumi Inc.)
• Original Assignee: U-Shin Limited (MinebeaMitsumi Inc.)
• Inventors: Kumano, Masakazu
• Granted Patent: US 6,621,406 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.62
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/245 where the antenna reception area plays a role
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00793 by Hertzian waves
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2209/63 Comprising locating means for detecting the position of the data carrier, i.e. within the vehicle or within a certain distance from the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00309 operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/3241 particular used in keyless entry systems
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20624 Adjustable
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20708 Pedal controlled
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20732 Handles
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20864 Handles
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20888 Pedals
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/2102 Adjustable

Abstract

A keyless entry system for a vehicle is provided, on the vehicle, with detection distance setting means for changing a detection distance within which an electronic key can receive an activation signal. By carrying out predetermined operations, the keyless entry system enters an adjustment mode wherein the detection distance can be changed by the detection distance setting means. With this configuration, the detection distance can be adjusted while the keyless entry system is mounted on the vehicle, whereby it is possible to attain a system causing no malfunction and ensuring high levels of security.

Claims

1. A keyless entry system for a vehicle, wherein an electronic key is activated when said electronic key receives an activation signal transmitted from said vehicle, said electronic key transmits an encrypted signal to said vehicle after judging that said activation signal is a regular signal, and said keyless entry system carries out predetermined control for vehicle-mounted devices after judging that said encrypted signal is a regular signal,

said keyless entry system being characterized in that detection distance setting means for changing a detection distance within which said electronic key can receive said activation signal is provided on said vehicle and that by carrying out predetermined operations said keyless entry system enters an adjustment mode wherein said detection distance can be changed by said detection distance setting means.

2. A keyless entry system for a vehicle in accordance with claim 1, wherein said predetermined operations are a predetermined number or more times of brake pedal operations and a predetermined number or more times of outer handle operations within a predetermined time, and said keyless entry system enters said adjustment mode by carrying out said predetermined operations.

3. A keyless entry system for a vehicle in accordance with claim 2, wherein, in said adjustment mode, one of preset different detection distances is selected sequentially each time the brake pedal is pressed, and by pressing and keeping said brake pedal in its pressed state for a predetermined time, the detection distance selected at that time is set as a new detection distance.

4. A keyless entry system for a vehicle in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a transmission/reception section for generating said activation signal is provided with voltage adjustment means, and said detection distance is changed by changing the output voltage of said voltage adjustment means.

5. A keyless entry system for a vehicle in accordance with claim 1, wherein said keyless entry system has an outside transmission antenna for transmitting said activation signal outside said vehicle interior and an inside transmission antenna for transmitting said activation signal inside said vehicle interior, and said detection distance within which said activation signal transmitted from each antenna is detected can be set for each antenna.

6. A keyless entry system for a vehicle in accordance with claim 5, wherein said keyless entry system has at least two outside transmission antennas and at least two inside transmission antennas, and said detection distance can be set for each antenna.

7. A keyless entry system for a vehicle in accordance with claim 1, wherein, after said electronic key is activated, the alarm device of said electronic key is activated if a signal judged to be irregular is received continuously a predetermined number or more of times.

8. A keyless entry system for a vehicle in accordance with claim 7, wherein signals judged to be irregular are counted, said alarm device is activated when the count reaches a predetermined value, and said count is reset when a signal judged to be regular is received after the start of the counting.

9. A keyless entry system for a vehicle in accordance with claim 8, wherein a lapse of time after the start of the counting is measured and said lapse of time is reset when a predetermined time passes after the start of the counting.

10. A keyless entry system for a vehicle in accordance with claim 9, wherein, after said electronic key is activated and if said electronic key continuously receives a signal judged to be irregular a predetermined number or more of times, the activation of said electronic key is canceled and made impossible thereafter.

11. A keyless entry system for a vehicle in accordance with claim 10, provided with reset means for returning said electronic key to a state wherein the activation of said electronic key is made possible.

12. A keyless entry system for a vehicle in accordance with claim 1, provided with a noise judgment section for making a judgment, after said electronic key is activated, as to whether a received signal is a calling signal to be transmitted or not before a predetermined encrypted signal is transmitted, wherein said noise judgment section is always kept in its activated state, and when a signal received by said noise judgment section is judged as a calling signal, a signal processing section for processing said encrypted signal transmitted after said calling signal and outputting predetermined control signals is activated.

13. A keyless entry system for a vehicle in accordance with claim 12, wherein said noise judgment section judges that a received signal is not said calling signal if the duration of the received signal is shorter than a predetermined time.