Patent Publication Number: US-2022239325-A1

Title: Casing device, remote control system, and power supply control device

Description:
FIELD 
     The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a casing device adapted to be disposed in a prescribed space in order to house a communication device that is configured to output information necessary for control of a controlled device. The presently disclosed subject matter also relates to a remote control system including the casing device. The presently disclosed subject matter also relates to a power supply control device configured to control power supply from a power supply to the communication device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     European Patent Publication No. 3418985A1 discloses a casing device adapted to be disposed in a vehicle cabin opened and closed by a door of a vehicle. The casing device includes a housing section, a transceiver, and an actuator. The housing section houses an electronic key as an example of the communication device. The electronic key is a device configured to cause a control device installed in the vehicle to control a locking/unlocking device configured to lock/unlock the door through wireless communication when a specific operation is performed. The locking/unlocking device is an example of the controlled device. When the transceiver receives a locking/unlocking instruction from a mobile device adapted to be carried by a user, the actuator performs the specific operation described above with respect to the electronic key. As a result, in a state that the electronic key is left in the vehicle cabin, it is possible to remotely control the operation of the locking/unlocking device with the mobile device from, for example, the outside of the vehicle cabin. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is demanded to suppress occurrence of a situation that a controlled device is unexpectedly controlled. 
     In order to meet the demand described above, a first illustrative aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter provides a casing device adapted to be disposed in a prescribed space that is opened/closed by an opening/closing body, comprising: 
     a casing having a housing section adapted to house a communication device configured to cause a control device to perform control of a controlled device based on first wireless communication including reception of a first signal using a first frequency band and transmission of a second signal using a second frequency band as a response to the first signal; 
     an actuator configured to actuate a movable portion of the communication device housed in the housing section; 
     a transceiver configured to receive, based on second wireless communication, a trigger signal from a mobile device adapted to be carried by a user; and 
     a controller configured to cause the actuator to actuate the movable portion so as to cause the communication device to transmit the second signal in a case where the communication device receives the trigger signal; 
     a detector configured to an intensity of the first signal; and 
     a power supply control device configured to switch between a state that power supply from a power source to the communication device is enabled and a state the power supply is disabled, 
     wherein the controller is configured to cause the power supply control device to disable the power supply in a case where the intensity of the first signal detected by the detector is no less than a threshold value while the trigger signal is not received by the communication device. 
     In order to meet the demand described above, a second illustrative aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter provides a remote control system, comprising: 
     a casing device adapted to be disposed in a prescribed space that is opened/closed by an opening/closing body; 
     a control device configured to perform control of a controlled device; and 
     a communication device configured to cause the control device to perform the control of the controlled device based on first wireless communication including reception of a first signal using a first frequency band and transmission of a second signal using a second frequency band as a response to the first signal, 
     wherein the casing device includes:
         a casing having a housing section adapted to house the communication device;   an actuator configured to actuate a movable portion of the communication device housed in the housing section;   a transceiver configured to receive, based on second wireless communication, a trigger signal from a mobile device adapted to be carried by a user; and   a controller configured to cause the actuator to actuate the movable portion so as to cause the communication device to transmit the second signal in a case where the communication device receives the trigger signal;   a detector configured to an intensity of the first signal; and   a power supply control device configured to switch between a state that power supply from a power source to the communication device is enabled and a state the power supply is disabled,       

     wherein the controller is configured to cause the power supply control device to disable the power supply in a case where the intensity of the first signal detected by the detector is no less than a threshold value while the trigger signal is not received by the communication device. 
     With the configuration according to each of the first aspect and second aspects described above, even if the first signal unexpectedly arrives at the casing device in a situation that the user does not intend to perform the operation control of the controlled device with the mobile device, the second signal is not transmitted from the communication device, so that the control device can be prevented from performing the operation control of the controlled device. In other words, it is possible to reduce a possibility that the controlled device is unexpectedly controlled in the state that the communication device is housed in the casing device disposed in the prescribed space. 
     In order to meet the demand described above, a third illustrative aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter provides a power supply control device configured to control power supply from a power source to a communication device configured to output information necessary for controlling a controlled device, comprising: 
     a conductive path being switchable between a conductive state that the power source and the communication device are electrically connected, and an insulative state that the power source and the communication device are electrically isolated; and 
     a switching element configured to switch the conductive path from the conductive state to the insulative state based on a force generated without contact. 
     With the configuration according to the third aspect described above, it is possible to cut off the power supply from the power source to the communication device in a situation that the user does not intend to perform the operation control of the controlled device with the mobile device. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation that the controlled device is unexpectedly controlled. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a configuration of a remote control system according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary configuration of a casing device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary operation of the casing device of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a battery control device attached to a battery of an electronic key of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary configuration of the battery control device of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  illustrates of an exemplary operation of the casing device of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 7  illustrates of an exemplary operation of the casing device of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a specific configuration of a controller of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an exemplary flow of processing to be executed by the controller of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  illustrates another exemplary flow of processing to be executed by the controller of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 11  illustrates of another exemplary operation of the casing device of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 12  illustrates of another exemplary operation of the casing device of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 13  illustrates another exemplary configuration of the battery control device of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 14  illustrates another exemplary configuration of the casing device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 15  illustrates of an exemplary operation of the casing device of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  illustrates another exemplary configuration of the casing device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 17  illustrates of an exemplary operation of the casing device of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  illustrates another exemplary configuration of the casing device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 19  illustrates of an exemplary operation of the casing device of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20  illustrates another exemplary flow of processing to be executed by the controller of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a battery control device adapted to be used independently of the casing device. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.  FIG. 1  illustrates a configuration of a remote control system  10  according to an embodiment. In each of the drawings, the scale is appropriately changed in order to make each element illustrated have a recognizable size. 
     The remote control system  10  includes a control device  11 . The control device  11  is installed in a vehicle  20 . The control device  11  is configured to control the operation of a locking/unlocking device  31  installed in the vehicle  20 . The locking/unlocking device  31  is a device configured to lock/unlock a door  22  for opening/closing a vehicle cabin  21  of the vehicle  20 . The vehicle  20  is an example of a mobile entity. The vehicle cabin  21  is an example of the prescribed space. The door  22  is an example of an opening/closing body. The locking/unlocking device  31  is an example of the controlled device. 
     The remote control system  10  includes an electronic key  12 . The electronic key  12  is a device adapted to be carried by a user  40 . The electronic key  12  is a device capable of causing the control device  11  to control the operation of the locking/unlocking device  31  based on first wireless communication. The first wireless communication includes transmitting and receiving a first signal S 1  using a first frequency band and a second signal S 2  using a second frequency band. The first frequency band and the second frequency band are different from each other. Examples of the first frequency band include a low frequency (LF) band. Examples of the second frequency band include an ultra high frequency (UHF) band. In other words, the electronic key  12  outputs information necessary for controlling the locking/unlocking device  31 . 
     Specifically, the control device  11  transmits the first signal S 1  through a communication device disposed at an appropriate position in the vehicle  20 . The transmission of the first signal S 1  may be performed continuously or intermittently. The electronic key  12  includes a communication device including an antenna capable of receiving the first signal S 1  and transmitting the second signal S 2 . The electronic key  12  is configured to transmit the second signal S 2  upon receiving the first signal S 1 . The second signal S 2  is configured to include authentication information required for the authentication of the electronic key  12 . The authentication information is information capable of specifying at least one of the electronic key  12  and the user  40 . 
     The control device  11  is configured to execute authentication processing upon reception of the second signal S 2  through a communication device disposed at an appropriate position in the vehicle  20 . Specifically, the control device  11  is configured to match the authentication information included in the second signal S 2  with authentication information of the electronic key  12  stored in a storage device (not illustrated) in advance. When the matching degree between the two pieces of information exceeds a threshold value, the control device  11  determines that the authentication of the electronic key  12  is succeeded. 
     When it is determined that the authentication of the electronic key  12  is succeeded, the control device  11  is configured to output a control signal CS for causing the locking/unlocking device  31  to perform the locking/unlocking operation. For example, the locking/unlocking device  31  may be configured to perform the locking/unlocking of the door  22  when the user  40  touches a touch sensor provided on the door handle in a state that the authentication of the electronic key  12  is succeeded. 
     That is, when the user  40  carrying the electronic key  12  enters an area capable of receiving the first signal S 1 , the authentication of the electronic key  12  is performed through the first wireless communication. When the authentication is succeeded, the user  40  can lock/unlock the door  22  without performing an operation such as inserting and rotating a key into a key cylinder. 
     The remote control system  10  includes a casing device  13 . The casing device  13  is configured to be disposed in the vehicle cabin  21  of the vehicle  20 . The casing device  13  is configured to house the electronic key  12 . That is, the electronic key  12  can be disposed in the vehicle cabin  21 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary configuration of the casing device  13 . The casing device  13  includes a casing  131 . The casing  131  includes a housing section  131   a  in which the electronic key  12  is housed. The housing  131  is formed of a material capable of allowing the first signal S 1  and the second signal S 2  to permeate. 
     The casing device  13  includes an actuator  132 . The actuator  132  is configured to actuate a movable portion  121  of the electronic key  12  housed in the housing section  131   a . The electronic key  12  is configured to transmit the second signal S 2  regardless of the reception state of the first signal S 1  when a prescribed operation is performed with respect to the movable portion  121 . The movable portion  121  can be implemented by a button, a lever, or the like. The actuator  132  may be implemented by a solenoid, a cam mechanism, a rack-and-pinion mechanism, or the like. Examples of the actuation of the movable portion  121  for causing the electronic key  12  to transmit the second signal S 2  include N-times repetitive depressions and the like. 
     The casing device  13  includes a transceiver  133 . The transceiver  133  includes an antenna for performing second wireless communication with a mobile device  50 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the mobile device  50  is a device adapted to be carried by the user  40 . Examples of the mobile device  50  include a general-purpose portable information terminal such as a smartphone. In this example, the second wireless communication is short-range wireless communication. 
     As used herein, the term “short-range wireless communication” means wireless communication performed in accordance with standard IEEE 802.15 or IEEE 802.11. Examples of the technology capable of executing such wireless communication include Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark), UWB (Ultra Wide Band), ZigBee (registered trademark), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark). As used herein, the term “short-range wireless communication” is distinguished from “near field wireless communication” performed with a non-contact communication technique in which a mobile device transmits information upon reception of minute power from a radio wave transmitted from a reading device. Examples of the technique capable of executing the near field wireless communication include an RF-ID and an NFC. 
     When it is desired to lock/unlock the door  22  of the vehicle  20  in a state that the electronic key  12  is housed in the casing device  13 , the user  40  performs a prescribed operation with respect to the mobile device  50 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the mobile device  50  is configured to transmit a lock/unlock signal LK based on the prescribed operation. The lock/unlock signal LK is an example of a trigger signal. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the casing device  13  includes a controller  134 . The controller  134  is configured to control the operation of the actuator  132 . Specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the controller  134  is configured to cause the actuator  132  to perform an actuation of the movable portion  121  for causing the electronic key  12  to transmit the second signal S 2  when the transceiver  133  receives the lock/unlock signal LK. In brief, when the transceiver  133  receives the lock/unlock signal LK, the second signal S 2  is transmitted from the electronic key  12 . 
     The second signal S 2  transmitted from the electronic key  12  is received by the control device  11  installed in the vehicle  20 . As described above, when the second signal S 2  is received, the control device  11  performs the authentication processing of the electronic key  12 , and outputs the control signal CS for causing the locking/unlocking device  31  to lock/unlock the door  22 . 
     Accordingly, when the user  40  transmits the lock/unlock signal LK from the mobile device  50  in the state that the electronic key  12  is housed in the casing device  13  disposed in the vehicle cabin  21 , the door  22  can be locked/unlocked. In other words, the user  40  can lock/unlock the door  22  by the prescribed operation with respect to the mobile device  50  from outside the vehicle cabin  21  without carrying the electronic key  12 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the casing device  13  includes a detector  135 . The detector  135  includes an antenna capable of detecting an intensity of a signal using the first frequency band. In other words, the detector  135  can detect the intensity of the first signal S 1 . 
     The casing device  13  includes a battery control device  136 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the battery control device  136  is configured to be attached to a battery  122  for supplying power required for the operation of the electronic key  12 . The battery  122  is an example of a power source. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary configuration of the battery control device  136 . The battery control device  136  includes a coil  136   a , a rectifying circuit  136   b , and a switching element  136   c . The switching element  136   c  is configured to electrically isolate a positive electrode  122   a  and a negative electrode  122   b  of the battery  122  when power is supplied from the coil  136   a . In this example, a depletion-type N-channel field-effect transistor (FET) is used as the switching element  136   c . That is, the battery control device  136  is configured to switch between a state that the power supply from the battery  122  to the electronic key  12  is enabled and a state that the power supply from the battery  122  to the electronic key  12  is disabled. The battery control device  136  is an example of a power supply control device. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the casing device  13  includes a radio source  137 . In this example, the radio source  137  includes an antenna for transmitting a radio wave. The controller  134  is configured to switch between a state that a high frequency signal is supplied to the antenna and a state that the high frequency is not supplied. When a high frequency signal is supplied to the antenna, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a radio wave W is generated from the radio source  137 . 
     When the radio wave W generated from the radio source  137  reaches the coil  136   a  of the battery control device  136 , an induced electromotive force is generated in the coil  136   a , so that the switching element  136   c  receives power from the coil  136   a  with the electromagnetic induction. Accordingly, the positive electrode  122   a  and the negative electrode  122   b  of the battery  122  are electrically isolated, so that the power supply to the electronic key  12  is stopped. The induced electromotive force is an example of a force generated without contact. 
     In the accompanying drawings, the battery control device  136  without hatching represents a state that the power supply from the battery  122  to the electronic key  12  is enabled. The battery control device  136  with hatching indicates a state that the power supply from the battery  122  to the electronic key  12  is disabled. 
     The controller  134  is configured to supply a high frequency signal to the antenna of the radio source  137  to generate the radio wave W in a case where the intensity of the first signal S 1  detected by the detector  135  is no less than a threshold value while the transceiver  133  does not receive the lock/unlock signal LK. The threshold value may be set so as to be less than the reception intensity of the first signal S 1  at the electronic key  12  necessary for transmitting the second signal S 2 . As a result, the battery control device  136  disables the power supply from the battery  122  to the electronic key  12 . Accordingly, the second signal S 2  is not transmitted from the electronic key  12 . 
     According to the configuration of the present embodiment, even if the first signal S 1  unexpectedly arrives at the casing device  13  in a situation that the user  40  does not intend to perform the locking/unlocking of the door  22  with the mobile device  50 , the second signal S 2  is not transmitted from the electronic key  12 , so that the control device  11  can be prevented from performing the operation control of the locking/unlocking device  31 . In other words, it is possible to reduce a possibility that the door  22  is unexpectedly locked/unlocked in the state that the electronic key  12  is housed in the casing device  13  disposed in the vehicle cabin  21 . Accordingly, it is possible to improve the security of the casing device  13  adapted to be disposed in the vehicle cabin  21  in order to house the electronic key  12  to be remotely controlled. It is also possible to improve the security of the remote control system  10  including the casing device  13 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a more specific configuration of the controller  134  of the casing device  13  configured as described above. The controller  134  includes a reception interface  134   a , a processor  134   b , and an output interface  134   c.    
     The reception interface  134   a  is configured as an interface capable of receiving a reception signal RC indicating that the lock/unlock signal LK transmitted from the mobile device  50  is received by the transceiver  133 . Instead of the reception signal RC, the lock/unlock signal LK itself may be inputted to the reception interface  134   a.    
     The detector  135  is configured to output a first detection signal D 1  corresponding to the intensity of the first signal S 1  as detected. The reception interface  134   a  is configured as an interface capable of receiving the first detection signal D 1  as well. 
     The processor  134   b  is configured to output, from the output interface  134   c , a first control signal C 1  for causing the actuator  132  to perform an actuation of the movable portion  121  for causing the electronic key  12  to transmit the second signal S 2  when the reception interface  134   a  receives the reception signal RC. 
     In addition, the processor  134   b  is configured to output, from the output interface  134   c , a second control signal C 2  for causing the radio source  137  to generate the radio wave W, in a case where the intensity of the first signal S 1  corresponding to the first detection signal D 1  is no less than a threshold value while the reception interface  134   a  does not receive the reception signal RC. It should be noted that the processor  134   b  is configured to output, from the output interface  134   c , a third control signal C 3  for causing the radio source  137  to stop generating the radio wave W. 
     In brief, the output interface  134   c  is configured as an interface for outputting a signal for causing the actuator  132  and the radio source  137  to perform desired operations. 
     The processor  134   b  having the above-described function can be implemented by a processing element such as a microcontroller. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a flow of processing to be executed by the processor  134   b  of the controller  134  configured as described above. 
     The processor  134   b  determines whether the transceiver  133  receives the lock/unlock signal LK from the mobile device  50  (STEP 11 ). 
     When it is determined that the lock/unlock signal LK is received (YES in STEP 11 ), the processor  134   b  outputs, from the output interface  134   c , the first control signal C 1  for causing the actuator  132  to actuate the movable portion  121  of the electronic key  12  (STEP 12 ). As a result, the second signal S 2  is transmitted from the electronic key  12 . The second signal S 2  is transmitted to the outside of the casing device  13 , and is received by the control device  11 . The control device  11  having received the second signal S 2  causes the locking/unlocking device  31  to perform the locking/unlocking operation of the door  22 . 
     When it is determined that the lock/unlock signal LK is not received (NO in STEP 11 ), the processor  134   b  determines whether the intensity of the first signal S 1  detected by the detector  135  is no less than the threshold value (STEP 13 ). When the intensity of the first signal S 1  detected by the detector  135  is less than the threshold value (NO in STEP 13 ), the processing returns to STEP 11 . 
     When it is determined that the intensity of the first signal S 1  detected by the detector  135  is no less than the threshold value (YES in STEP 13 ), the processor  134   b  outputs, from the output interface  134   c , the second control signal C 2  for causing the radio source  137  to generate the radio wave W (STEP 14 ). As a result, the battery control device  136  disables the power supply from the battery  122  to the electronic key  12 . 
     Subsequently, the processor  134   b  determines whether the intensity of the first signal S 1  detected by the detector  135  is no less than the threshold value (STEP 15 ). The processing is repeated until it is determined that the intensity of the first signal S 1  detected by the detector  135  is less than the threshold value (YES in STEP 15 ). 
     When it is determined that the intensity of the first signal S 1  detected by the detector  135  is less than the threshold value (NO in STEP 15 ), the processor  134   b  outputs, from the output interface  134   c , the third control signal C 3  for causing the radio source  137  to stop generating the radio wave W (STEP 16 ). In other words, the generation of the radio wave W is continued until the intensity of the first signal S 1  that has unexpectedly arrived decreases to a value less than the threshold value. 
     The processor  134   b  may be configured to acquire an elapsed time length since the previous determination was made in a case where it is determined that the intensity of the first signal S 1  detected by the detector  135  is no less than the threshold value (YES in STEP 13 ). In this case, the processor  134   b  may be configured to determine whether the intensity of the first signal S 1  detected by the detector  135  cyclically exceeds the threshold value based on the elapsed time lengths acquired more than once (STEP 17 ). 
     When it is determined that the intensity of the first signal S 1  detected by the detector  135  does not cyclically exceeds the threshold value (NO in STEP 17 ), the processor  134   b  outputs, from the output interface  134   c , the second control signal C 2  for causing the radio source  137  to generate the radio wave W (STEP 14 ). 
     When it is determined that the intensity of the first signal S 1  detected by the detector  135  cyclically exceeds the threshold value (YES in STEP 17 ), the processor  134   b  stops the generation of the radio wave W by the radio source  137 , and terminates the processing. 
     For example, another vehicle employing a similar remote control system may be parked next to the vehicle  20 , so that a first signal S 1  may be cyclically transmitted from a control device installed in another vehicle. According to the configuration as described above, it is possible to suppress power consumption caused by repetition of the generation of the radio wave W in response to the arrival of such a first signal S 1 . 
     The detector  135  may include an antenna capable of detecting an intensity of a signal using the second frequency band. In other words, the detector  135  may be so configured as to be able to detect the intensity of the second signal S 2  as well. In this case, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the detector  135  is configured to output a second detection signal D 2  corresponding to the intensity of the detected second signal S 2 . The reception interface  134   a  is configured as an interface capable of receiving the second detection signal D 2  as well. 
     In this case, the processor  134   b  may be configured to output, from the output interface  134   c , the second control signal C 2  for causing the radio source  137  to generate the radio wave W in a case where the intensity of the second signal S 2  corresponding to the second detection signal D 2  is no less than a threshold value while the reception interface  134   a  does not receive the reception signal RC. The threshold value is determined so as to correspond to the intensity of the second signal S 2  transmitted from the electronic key  12 . 
     For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , in a case where the intensity of the first signal S 1  detected by the detector  135  is less than the threshold value while the reception interface  134   a  does not receive the reception signal RC (NO in STEP 13 ), the processor  134   b  determines whether the intensity of the second signal S 2  detected by the detector  135  is no less than the threshold value (STEP 18 ). 
     When it is determined that the intensity of the second signal S 2  detected by the detector  135  is less than the threshold value (NO in STEP 18 ), the processing returns to STEP 11 . 
     When it is determined that the intensity of the second signal S 2  detected by the detector  135  is no less than the threshold value (YES in STEP 18 ), the processor  134   b  outputs, from the output interface  134   c , the second control signal C 2  for causing the radio source  137  to generate the radio wave W (STEP 14 ). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the second signal S 2  may be unexpectedly transmitted from the electronic key  12  due to arrival of such a first signal S 1  that has an intensity less than the threshold value. In such a specification that the first signal S 1  and the second signal S 2  are communicated with the control device  11  more than once until the operation control of the locking/unlocking device  31  is enabled, the power supply from the battery  122  is cut off by the second signal S 2  is transmitted from the electronic key  12  for the first time. Accordingly, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , it is possible to prevent the second signal S 2  from being transmitted in response to a first signal S 2  that arrives subsequently. As a result, it is possible to reduce a possibility that the door  22  is locked/unlocked by the second signal S 2  unexpectedly transmitted from the electronic key  12 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates another exemplary configuration of the battery control device  136 . In this example, the battery control device  136  includes a magnetic sensor  136   d  in place of the coil  136   a  and the rectifying circuit  136   b . The magnetic sensor  136   d  is configured to detect a magnetic force, and to output a signal corresponding to a strength of the detected magnetic force. The magnetic sensor  136   d  can be implemented by, for example, a magnetoresistive element, a Hall element, or the like. 
     The battery control device  136  according to the present example includes a controller  136   e  and a biasing circuit  136   f . The signal outputted from the magnetic sensor  136   d  is inputted to the controller  136   e . The controller  136   e  is configured to control the biasing circuit  136   f  so that power is supplied to the switching element  136   c  when a signal corresponding to a magnetic force having a strength exceeding a threshold value is inputted from the magnetic sensor  136   d . The controller  136   e  may be implemented by a control element such as a microcontroller. 
     Namely, in the battery control device  136  according to the present example, when a magnetic force having a strength exceeding the threshold value is applied to the magnetic sensor  136   d , power is supplied to the switching element  136   c , so that the positive electrode  122   a  and the negative electrode  122   b  of the battery  122  are electrically isolated. In other words, the switching element  136   c  is configured to electrically isolate the positive electrode  122   a  and the negative electrode  122   b  of the battery  122  when the strength of the magnetic force detected by the magnetic sensor  136   d  exceeds the threshold value. The magnetic force is an example of the force generated without contact. 
     The magnetic sensor  136   d  and the controller  136   e  can be operated by receiving power supplied from the battery  122 . However, power may be supplied from a power source (not illustrated) independent of the battery  122 . In this case, the controller  136   e  may be configured to intermittently supply power from the power source to the magnetic sensor  136   d.    
       FIG. 14  illustrates another exemplary configuration of the casing device  13 . The casing device  13  according to the present example includes a permanent magnet  138 . The strength of the magnetism M generated from the permanent magnet  138  is determined to such an extent that power can be supplied to the switching element  136   c  through the magnetic sensor  136   d  illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
     The controller  134  according to the present example is configured to be capable of changing the position of the permanent magnet  138  by actuating an actuator (not illustrated). The actuator can be implemented by a solenoid, a cam mechanism, a rack-and-pinion mechanism, or the like. 
     In the initial state illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the permanent magnet  138  is disposed at a position remote from the battery control device  136 . Specifically, the permanent magnet  138  is disposed at a position where power cannot be supplied to the switching element  136   c  through the magnetic sensor  136   d  by the magnetism M generated from the permanent magnet  138 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , when the intensity of the first signal S 1  or the second signal S 2  detected by the detector  135  is no less than the threshold value while the transceiver  133  does not receive the lock/unlock signal LK, the controller  134  causes the permanent magnet  138  to approach the battery control device  136 . When the magnetism M from the permanent magnet  138  is detected by the magnetic sensor  136   d  and the power supply to the switching element  136   c  is initiated, the battery control device  136  disables the power supply from the battery  122  to the electronic key  12 . Namely, the controller  134  causes the battery control device  136  to disable the supply power from the battery  122  to the electronic key  12  by increasing the magnetic force to be detected by the magnetic sensor  136   d.    
     In this example, the second control signal C 2  illustrated in  FIG. 8  is used to displace the permanent magnet  138  from the position illustrated in  FIG. 14  to the position illustrated in  FIG. 15 . The third control signal C 3  is used to displace the permanent magnet  138  from the position illustrated in  FIG. 15  to the position illustrated in  FIG. 14 . 
     In the case of the configuration using the radio source  137  described with reference to  FIGS. 2 to 11 , it is necessary to supply power to the radio source  137  while causing the battery control device  136  to disable the supply power from the battery  122  to the electronic key  12 . On the other hand, in the case of the configuration according to the present example, power required for causing the battery control device  136  to disable the power supply from the battery  122  to the electronic key  12  only needs to be supplied when the actuator is activated to cause the permanent magnet  138  approach the battery control device  136 . Accordingly, power consumption in the casing device  13  can be suppressed. From the viewpoint of suppressing the increase in the number of movable components, the configuration using the radio source  137  is also advantageous. 
     It should be noted that, instead of the switching element  136   c  illustrated in  FIG. 13 , a switching element for electrically isolating the positive electrode  122   a  and the negative electrode  122   b  of the battery  122  when the detected magnetic strength is less than the threshold value may be connected between the positive electrode  122   a  and the negative electrode  122   b  of the battery  122 . Examples of such a switching element include a magnetic reed switch. In this case, the switching element serves as the magnetic sensor. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a configuration of the casing device  13  that can be employed in this case. In the initial state illustrated in this figure, the permanent magnet  138  is disposed adjacent to the battery control device  136 . Specifically, the permanent magnet  138  is disposed at a position where power can be supplied to the switching element  136   c  through the magnetic sensor  136   d  by the magnetism M generated from the permanent magnet  138 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , when the intensity of the first signal S 1  or the second signal S 2  detected by the detector  135  is no less than the threshold value while the transceiver  133  does not receive the lock/unlock signal LK, the controller  134  causes the permanent magnet  138  to depart from the battery control device  136 . As the magnetism M from the permanent magnet is weakened, the switching element electrically isolates the positive electrode  122   a  and the negative electrode  122   b  of the battery  122 . Accordingly, the battery control device  136  disables the power supply from the battery  122  to the electronic key  12 . That is, the controller  134  causes the battery control device  136  to disable the supply power from the battery  122  to the electronic key  12  by weakening the magnetism M to be detected by the magnetic sensor. 
     In this example, the second control signal C 2  illustrated in  FIG. 8  is used to displace the permanent magnet  138  from the position illustrated in  FIG. 16  to the position illustrated in  FIG. 17 . The third control signal C 3  is used to displace the permanent magnet  138  from the position illustrated in  FIG. 17  to the position illustrated in  FIG. 16 . 
     The magnetic sensor  136   d  illustrated in  FIG. 13  may be configured to detect a change in the magnetic polarity. In this case, the controller  136   e  and the biasing circuit  136   f  may be configured to supply power to the switching element  136   c  when the magnetic polarity as detected changes, for example, from the N-pole to the S-pole. In other words, the switching element  136   c  may be configured to electrically isolate the positive electrode  122   a  and the negative electrode  122   b  of the battery  122  when the magnetic polarity as detected changes. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a configuration of the casing device  13  that can be employed in this case. In the initial state illustrated in this figure, the N-pole is disposed adjacent to the battery control device  136 . 
     The controller  134  according to the present example is configured to be capable of changing the magnetic pole of the permanent magnet  138  to be disposed adjacent to the battery control device  136  by actuating an actuator (not illustrated). The actuator can be implemented by a solenoid, a cam mechanism, a rack-and-pinion mechanism, or the like. 
     Specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 19 , when the intensity of the first signal S 1  or the second signal S 2  detected by the detector  135  is no less than the threshold value while the transceiver  133  does not receive the lock/unlock signal LK, the controller  134  displaces the permanent magnet  138  such that the S-pole thereof is disposed adjacent to the battery control device  136 . Since the magnetic pole detected by the magnetic sensor  136   d  changes from the N-pole to the S-pole, power is supplied to the switching element  136   c , so that the power supply from the battery  122  to the electronic key  12  is disabled. Namely, the controller  134  causes the battery control device  136  to disable the supply power from the battery  122  to the electronic key  12  by changing the magnetic pole of the magnetism (the direction of the magnetic force) to be detected by the magnetic sensor  136   d.    
     In this example, the second control signal C 2  illustrated in  FIG. 8  is used to change the permanent magnet  138  from the state illustrated in  FIG. 18  to the state illustrated in  FIG. 19 . The third control signal C 3  is used to change the permanent magnet  138  from the state illustrated in  FIG. 19  to the state illustrated in  FIG. 18 . 
     The second signal S 2  transmitted from the electronic key  12  can also be used for causing the control device  11  to perform the operation control of another controlled device installed in the vehicle  20 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , another example of the controlled device includes an activator  32 . The activator  32  is a device for activating a driving source of the vehicle  20 . The driving source may be a combustion engine or an electric motor. 
     Specifically, the first signal S 1  may be transmitted from a communication device disposed at an appropriate position in the vehicle  20  when the user  40  seated in a driver&#39;s seat steps on a brake pedal. When the electronic key  12  receives the first signal S 1 , the electronic key  12  transmits the second signal S 2  as a response. When the second signal S 2  is received by the control device  11 , the authentication processing of the electronic key  12  is performed as described above. The control device  11  may be configured to output a control signal CS for causing the activator  32  installed in the vehicle  20  to activate the driving source when the user  40  touches, for example, an ignition switch in a state that the authentication of the electronic key  12  is succeeded. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a flow of processing that can be executed by the processor  134   b  of the casing device  13  in such a configuration. 
     The processor  134   b  determines whether the transceiver  133  receives an unlock signal for causing the locking/unlocking device  31  to unlock the door  22  from the mobile device  50  (STEP 21 ). 
     When it is determined that the unlock signal is received (YES in STEP 21 ), the processor  134   b  outputs, from the output interface  134   c , the first control signal C 1  for causing the actuator  132  to actuate the movable portion  121  of the electronic key  12  (STEP 22 ). As a result, the second signal S 2  is transmitted from the electronic key  12 . The second signal S 2  is transmitted to the outside of the casing device  13 , and is received by the control device  11 . The control device  11  having received the second signal S 2  causes the locking/unlocking device  31  to perform the unlocking operation of the door  22 . 
     When it is determined that the unlock signal is not received (NO in STEP 21 ), the processor  134   b  determines whether the intensity of the first signal S 1  detected by the detector  135  is no less than the threshold value (STEP 23 ). When the intensity of the first signal S 1  detected by the detector  135  is less than the threshold value (NO in STEP 23 ), the processing returns to STEP 21 . 
     When the intensity of the first signal S 1  detected by the detector  135  is less than the threshold value (YES in STEP 23 ), the processing proceeds to STEP 14  in  FIG. 9 . In other words, the processor  134   b  outputs, from the output interface  134   c , the second control signal C 2  for bring about a change in the radio source  137  according to each of the above examples. As a result, a first signal S 1  coming unexpectedly is prevented from reaching the electronic key  12 . 
     Subsequently, the processor  134   b  determines whether the intensity of the first signal S 1  detected by the detector  135  is no less than the threshold value (STEP 24 ). The processing is repeated until it is determined that the intensity of the first signal S 1  detected by the detector  135  is no less than the threshold value (NO in STEP 24 ). As described above, when the first signal S 1  is transmitted from the control device  11  by the user  40  stepping on the brake pedal, the first signal S 1  having an intensity no less than the threshold value is detected by the detector  135 . 
     The processor  134   b  may be configured to acquire an elapsed time length since the processing of STEP 21  is performed. When it is determined that the intensity of the first signal S 1  detected by the detector  135  is no less than the threshold value (YES in STEP 24 ), the processor  134   b  determines whether a prescribed time length has elapsed (STEP 25 ). Examples of the prescribed time length include 30 seconds, 60 seconds, and the like. 
     When it is determined that the prescribed time length has elapsed at a time point when the first signal S 1  having an intensity no less than the threshold value is detected (YES in STEP 25 ), the processor  134   b  causes the transceiver  133  to transmit a confirmation request signal to the mobile device  50  (STEP 26 ). Specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , a fourth control signal C 4  for causing the transceiver  133  to transmit the confirmation request signal is outputted from the output interface  134   c.    
     The confirmation request signal is received by the mobile device  50  through the second wireless communication. The mobile device  50  is configured to perform notification to the user  40  to request a specific operation upon reception of the confirmation request signal. The request for the operation may be made through at least one of a visual notification, an audio notification, and a tactile notification. The specific operation may be an actuation of a switch, or may be an input of a voice or a gesture. The switch may be a mechanical switch provided in the mobile device  50 , or may be an image displayed on a screen of the mobile device  50 . 
     It should be noted that, instead of the second wireless communication performed by the transceiver  133 , an operation with respect to the mobile device  50  may be requested through a notification device provided at an appropriate position in the vehicle cabin  21 . In this case, the fourth control signal C 4  is configured to cause the notification device to perform an operation request. 
     When the user  40  performs a specific operation with respect to the mobile device  50 , a confirmation signal is transmitted from the mobile device  50 . The confirmation signal is received by the transceiver  133  through the second wireless communication. 
     The processor  134   b  determines whether the confirmation signal is received by the transceiver  133  (STEP 27  in  FIG. 20 ). When it is determined that the confirmation signal is received (YES in STEP 27 ), the processor  134   b  outputs, from the output interface  134   c , the first control signal C 1  for causing the actuator  132  to actuate the movable portion  121  to cause the electronic key  12  to transmit the second signal S 2  (STEP 28 ). As a result, the operation control of the activator  32  by the control device  11  is enabled, so that the user  40  can activate the driving source of the vehicle  20 . 
     When it is determined that the confirmation signal is not received by the transceiver  133  even if the prescribed time period has elapsed (NO in STEP 27 ), the processor  134   b  does not perform the output of the first control signal C 1  (STEP 29 ). In brief, the second signal S 2  as a response to the received first signal S 1  is not transmitted. Accordingly, the operation control of the activator  32  by the control device  11  is disabled. 
     When it is determined that the prescribed time length has not elapsed at a time point when the first signal S 1  having an intensity no less than the threshold value is detected (NO in STEP 25 ), the processor  134   b  outputs, from the output interface  134   c , the first control signal C 1  for causing the actuator  132  to actuate the movable portion  121  to cause the electronic key  12  to transmit the second signal S 2  (STEP 28 ). In other words, he operation control of the activator  32  by the control device  11  is enabled without requesting an operation with respect to the mobile device  50 . 
     According to such a configuration, it is possible to enhance security for a person who intends to activate the driving source of the vehicle  20  with the electronic key  12  housed in the casing device  13  disposed in the vehicle cabin  21  without carrying the mobile device  50 , while ensuring convenience for the user  40  possessing the mobile device  50 . 
     The above embodiments are merely illustrative for facilitating understanding of the gist of the presently disclosed subject matter. The configuration according to each of the above embodiments can be appropriately modified or changed without departing from the gist of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
     In the above embodiment, the electronic key  12  is housed in the housing section  131   a  of the casing device  13 . However, at least a portion of the electronic key  12  including the communication device and the movable portion  121  may be housed in the housing section  131   a.    
     In the above embodiment, the second wireless communication performed between the mobile device  50  and the transceiver  133  is the short-range wireless communication. In this case, it is possible to enhance the degree of freedom as for the position where the casing device  13  is disposed in the vehicle cabin  21 . However, the second wireless communication may be the near field wireless communication. 
     In the above embodiment, the electronic key  12  housed in the casing device  13  is remotely controlled based on the lock/unlock signal LK transmitted from the mobile device  50 , so that the locking/unlocking of the door  22  of the vehicle  20  by the locking/unlocking device  31  is performed. As a result, it is possible to enhance the security of the vehicle cabin  21  opened and closed by the door  22 . In addition, it is possible to improve the security of the vehicle  20  as the mobile entity that is relatively easy to be subjected to theft. 
     However, the mobile entity on which the control device  11  and the locking/unlocking device  31  are installed is not limited to the vehicle  20 . Examples of the mobile entity include railways, aircrafts, and ships. The mobile entity may not require a driver. 
     In addition, the opening/closing body to be locked/unlocked by the locking/unlocking device is not limited to the door  22  of the vehicle  20 . Doors and windows in houses and facilities may also be an example of the opening/closing body. In this case, it is possible to enhance the security of a prescribed space opened and closed by the opening/closing body. 
     In the above embodiment, the battery control device  136  is described as a component of the casing device  13 . However, the battery control device  136  can be used independently of the casing device  13 . 
     For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 21 , the electronic key  12  in which the battery control device  136  is attached to the battery  122  may be placed on a tray device  60 . The tray device  60  includes a radio source  61 . The radio source  61  may include an antenna for transmitting a radio wave. Instead of the radio source  61 , a permanent magnet may be used. 
     The battery control device  136  may have a configuration illustrated in  FIG. 5  or  FIG. 13 . In this case, the power supply from the battery  122  to the electronic key  12  is cut off while the radio wave W generated from the radio source  61  or the magnetism M generated from the permanent magnet is applied to the battery control device  136 . 
     For example, the tray device  60  may be disposed in a living space that is opened and closed by an opening/closing body. By bring the electronic key  12  into the living space and placing the same on the tray device  60 , the user  40  can suppress the occurrence of a situation that the second signal S 2  is unexpectedly transmitted in response to the first signal S 1  coming in the living space. As a result, it is possible to enhance the security of the remote control system  10  including the electronic key  12 . 
     The controlled device controlled by the second signal S 2  transmitted from the electronic key  12  through the remote control from the mobile device  50  is not limited to the locking/unlocking device  31  installed in the vehicle  20 . The operation of the above-described activator  32  or an anti-theft device of the vehicle  20 , a security device, a lighting device, an air conditioner, and an audio-visual equipment in the vehicle  20  or the above-described house or facility can be appropriately controlled. The signal transmitted from the mobile device  50  for causing each of these controlled devices to operate may be an example of the trigger signal. 
     The controller  134  of the casing device  13  may be configured to perform authentication of the mobile device  50  in order to enable control of the controlled device such as the locking/unlocking device  31 . In this case, the controller  134  is configured to cause the battery control device  136  to cut off the power supply from the battery  122  to the electronic key  12  until the authentication is succeeded. According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation that the controlled device is unexpectedly controlled while the authentication is not succeeded. 
     In the above embodiment, an inductive electromotive force or a magnetic force is utilized to cause the battery control device  136  to cut off the power supply from the battery  122  to the electronic key  12 . Other examples of the force generated without contact may include, gravity, ultrasonic vibration, or the like. 
     The battery control device  136  need not be installed in the electronic key  12  together with the battery  122 . For example, the relationship between the driving source of the vehicle  20  and the activator  32  for outputting the control signal CS for activator the driving source may be a relationship between the controlled device and the communication device. In this case, there may be provided a power supply control device configured to cut off the power supply from the power source installed in the vehicle  20  to the activator  32  until the authentication of the electronic key  12  is succeeded to enable the activation of the driving source. According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation that the driving source is unexpectedly activated while the authentication is not succeeded. 
     The present application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-011059 filed on Jan. 27, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.