Patent Description:
As a mechanism for switching the state of a vehicle between a start-up state and a halt state, the vehicle is provided with a vehicle start-up switch called as an ignition switch or a power switch. For example, in a vehicle, a vehicle start-up switch is provided near a driver's seat.

For example, when a driving source of the vehicle is an internal combustion engine, the internal combustion engine in a stopped state is started up (initially exploded) by pushing a vehicle start-up switch (ignition switch), so that the vehicle comes into a start-up state.

As described in <CIT> and others, in a so-called hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle in which a rotating electric machine is installed as a driving source of a vehicle, as a vehicle start-up switch (power switch) is pushed, a high-voltage wiring connecting an in-vehicle battery to the rotating electric machine comes into a connection state from a cutoff state.

In addition, <CIT> discloses an autonomous traveling vehicle that autonomously travels in a security target facility such as a building. This vehicle is provided with an emergency stop button above a chassis of the vehicle. Further, <CIT> discloses an autonomous driving vehicle and a driverless transportation system that provide a driverless transportation service to a user.

In the meantime, an operation state that does not require a driver can be assumed depending on the autonomous driving mode of a vehicle. For example, the standard by the American Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) defines fully autonomous driving that does not require a driver as the definition of autonomous driving level <NUM>. For example, at the autonomous driving level <NUM>, in a shared vehicle such as a bus or a freight vehicle, it is assumed that the vehicle travels in condition with absence of a driver.

When the vehicle is started up for fully autonomous driving and when the vehicle is halted after the start-up, an operator in charge enters a vehicle cabin, which the operator in charge does not normally need to enter, from outside the vehicle and operates the vehicle start-up switch, which may make the operation more troublesome.

On the other hand, in the autonomous driving levels <NUM> to <NUM>, although the autonomous driving is performed in some modes of the vehicle operation, operation by the driver is required in some situations. That is, it is necessary for the driver to get in the vehicle cabin and operate the vehicle.

Therefore, the present invention discloses a vehicle start-up mechanism configured to perform a start-up operation and a halting operation of the vehicle in accordance with the level of the autonomous driving in a vehicle having an autonomous driving function.

A first aspect of the present invention is a vehicle start-up mechanism according to claim <NUM>. A second aspect is a vehicle start-up mechanism according to claim <NUM>. In both aspects, the vehicle start-up mechanism is provided in a vehicle configured to travel while occupants are boarded in a vehicle cabin. The vehicle start-up mechanism includes: a first vehicle start-up switch configured to switch a state of the vehicle between a start-up state and a halt state; and a switch box provided on an outer surface of the vehicle and having the first vehicle start-up switch. The vehicle has an autonomous driving function.

According to the first and second aspects, an operator in charge who manages the operation of the vehicle can operate the first vehicle start-up switch from outside the vehicle. Therefore, when the level of the autonomous driving is set to level <NUM> which does not require a driver, the operator in charge can carry out the switching between the start-up and the halt of the vehicle without entering the vehicle cabin.

In the first and second aspects, the vehicle start-up mechanism includes a second vehicle start-up switch configured to switch the state of the vehicle between the start-up state and the halt state, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to receive an ON signal and an OFF signal from the first vehicle start-up switch and the second vehicle start-up switch. The control unit is configured to control start-up and halt of the vehicle based on the ON signal or the OFF signal. The control unit may be configured to set the state of the vehicle to the start-up state from the halt state, the setting being triggered when the second vehicle start-up switch is turned on after the first vehicle start-up switch is turned on.

According to the above configuration, for switching the state of the vehicle between the start-up state and the halt state, by requesting the operation of the second vehicle start-up switch in addition to the operation of the first vehicle start-up switch from the outside of the vehicle, for example, it is possible to perform an appropriate start-up operation of the vehicle in the case in which the autonomous driving level is set to level <NUM> to level <NUM>, which requires the driver to operate the vehicle.

In the first aspect, the second vehicle start-up switch may be provided in the vehicle cabin of the vehicle.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to start up and halt the vehicle after the driver enters the vehicle.

In the first aspect, the switch box may be provided with a lid member configured to switch the first vehicle start-up switch between a state of being exposed to the outside and a state of being covered from the outside.

According to the above configuration, the first vehicle start-up switch can be prevented from being exposed to rain and snow.

In the first aspect, the switch box may be provided with a lock-unlock unit for the lid member.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the first vehicle start-up switch from being operated for the purpose of mischief by an unauthorized person other than an authorized person such as an operator in charge.

In the first aspect, the switch box may also function as a charging port for external charging. A charging inlet configured to be connected to an external charging connector may be provided together with the first vehicle start-up switch in the switch box.

According to the above configuration, an external charging mechanism and the vehicle starting mechanism can be put together in a single box.

In the second aspect, the switch box may also function as a fuel supply port unit. A fuel supply port of a fuel inlet pipe into which an external refueling nozzle is inserted may be provided together with the first vehicle start-up switch in the switch box.

According to the above configuration, a fuel supply mechanism and the vehicle starting mechanism can be put together in a single box.

In the first aspect, the switch box may be provided on a rear surface of the vehicle.

According to the above configuration, since the first vehicle start-up switch is disposed on the side opposite to the traveling direction of the vehicle, the safety for the operator of the switch is achieved.

In the first aspect, the switch box may be at a position avoiding an open-close area of an entrance door.

According to the above configuration, the first vehicle start-up switch can be operated without being affected by the open and close of the entrance door.

In the first aspect, the switch box may also function as a charging port for external charging; and a charging inlet configured to be connected to an external charging connector may be provided together with the first vehicle start-up switch in the switch box.

According to the above-described configuration, an operator in charge who manages the operation of the vehicle can operate the first vehicle start-up switch from the outside of the vehicle. Therefore, when the level of the autonomous driving is set to the level <NUM> that does not require a driver, the operator in charge can perform the switching operation between the start-up and the halt of the vehicle without entering the vehicle cabin. In addition, according to the above configuration, the external charging mechanism and the vehicle starting mechanism can be put together in a single box.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to perform the start-up operation and the halting operation of the vehicle in accordance with the level of the autonomous driving.

Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the configuration of a vehicle <NUM> equipped with a vehicle start-up mechanism according to the present embodiment will be described. In <FIG>, the front-rear direction of a vehicle body is indicated by an axis denoted by a symbol FR, the vehicle width direction is indicated by an axis denoted by a symbol LH (left hand), and the vehicle height direction is indicated by an axis denoted by a symbol UP. The front-rear axis FR of the vehicle body has the frontward direction of the vehicle body as its positive direction. The vehicle width axis LH has the left side of the vehicle width direction as its positive direction. The vehicle height axis UP has the upward direction as its positive direction. These three axes are orthogonal to each other.

In the following description, the front side in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body is simply referred to as "front", and the rear side in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body is simply referred to as "rear", unless otherwise specifically mentioned. Further, the upper side in the vehicle height direction is simply referred to as "upper", and the lower side in the vehicle height direction is simply referred to as "lower".

First, the overall configuration of the vehicle <NUM> will be briefly described with reference to <FIG>. <FIG> and <FIG> are perspective views exemplifying the appearance of the vehicle <NUM>. <FIG> exemplifies a perspective view showing the front side (front) and the left side of the vehicle <NUM>. <FIG> exemplifies a perspective view showing the back side (rear) and the right side of the vehicle <NUM>.

The vehicle <NUM> has an autonomous driving function. For example, based on the standards of the American Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the vehicle <NUM> can be operated at from level <NUM> (a driver performs all operations) to level <NUM> (completely autonomous driving). For example, from level <NUM> to level <NUM>, the vehicle is required to be operated at least partially by a driver. For example, at level <NUM> (highly autonomous driving), completely autonomous driving is executed in a limited area, but a driver is required outside this limited area. At level <NUM>, autonomous driving requiring no driver (completely autonomous driving) is executed in any situation.

The vehicle <NUM> is used as a shared bus that travels with occupants boarded in its vehicle cabin, while traveling autonomously along a prescribed route on a specific site, for example. Therefore, the vehicle <NUM> has stop and start repetitively at a relatively high frequency. Further, the vehicle <NUM> has entrance doors <NUM> that are opened and closed at a relatively high frequency for occupants to get on and off. The vehicle <NUM> travels at a relatively low speed (for example, <NUM>/h or less).

However, the usage of the vehicle <NUM> disclosed in the present specification can be changed as appropriate. For example, the vehicle <NUM> may be used as a movable business space. Further, for example, the vehicle <NUM> may be used as a shop such as a retail shop for displaying and selling various products, and a restaurant where foods are cooked and served. As another mode, the vehicle <NUM> may be used as an office where office working, meetings with customers, and the like are conducted. Further, the vehicle <NUM> may be used as a taxi, a bus, or a transportation vehicle for transporting customers and luggage. Moreover, the usage scene of the vehicle <NUM> is not limited to business scenes. For example, the vehicle <NUM> may be used as private transportation means. Further, the traveling pattern and traveling speed of the vehicle <NUM> may be changed as appropriate.

The vehicle <NUM> is an electric vehicle having a drive motor as a prime mover, for example. The vehicle <NUM> is equipped with a main battery <NUM> (see <FIG>) for supplying electric power to this drive motor. The vehicle <NUM> is not limited to an electric vehicle, and may be another type of vehicle. For example, the vehicle <NUM> may be an engine vehicle equipped with an engine (internal combustion engine) as a prime mover, or a hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine and a drive motor as prime movers. Further, the vehicle <NUM> may be a fuel cell vehicle that drives a drive motor with electric power generated by the fuel cell.

The vehicle <NUM> has a substantially symmetrical appearance in the front-rear direction, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The vehicle <NUM> has no hood and no trunk, and has a substantially box-like (rectangular) external shape having a front end surface and a rear end surface that are substantially vertically upright. A pair of front wheels <NUM> are provided near the front end of the vehicle <NUM>, and a pair of rear wheels <NUM> are provided near the rear end thereof.

With reference to <FIG>, side glasses <NUM> as window glasses are provided on the left side surface of the vehicle <NUM>. In addition, the entrance doors <NUM> are provided at the center of the left side surface of the vehicle <NUM>. Note that the vehicle <NUM> is a vehicle for left-hand traffic.

The entrance doors <NUM> are double-sided sliding doors that slide to open and close in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, for example. The entrance doors <NUM> are mostly made of glass. As described above, most of the side surfaces of the vehicle <NUM> are covered with glass, and the remaining parts of the vehicle <NUM> are provided with side outer panels <NUM> that are outer skin panels.

With reference to <FIG>, a windshield <NUM> is provided on the front end surface of the vehicle <NUM>. A front outer panel <NUM> as an outer skin panel is provided below the windshield <NUM>. The front outer panel <NUM> is provided with a pair of headlamps <NUM> (headlights).

With reference to <FIG>, a rear glass <NUM> is provided on an upper part of the rear surface of the vehicle <NUM>, and a rear outer panel <NUM> that is an outer skin panel is provided below the rear glass <NUM>. The rear outer panel <NUM> is provided with a pair of tail lamps <NUM> (backlights) and a switch box <NUM> that is a part of the vehicle start-up mechanism according to the present embodiment. For example, openings are formed in the rear outer panel <NUM>, and the tail lamps <NUM> and the switch box <NUM> are fitted into these openings. The switch box <NUM> is provided within a range of <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less from the ground such that a person can access this switch box <NUM>, for example. Details of the switch box <NUM> will be described later.

<FIG> exemplifies a perspective view of the inside of the vehicle cabin of the vehicle <NUM> as viewed from the vehicle center toward the vehicle front side. In the front part of the vehicle cabin, a meter panel <NUM> is provided at the lower left end of the windshield <NUM>. On the meter panel <NUM>, a vehicle speed, a cruising route, and others are displayed. An operation panel <NUM> is provided at a front left position of the vehicle cabin. Instructions from a driver can be input into the operation panel <NUM>. For example, when any one of the autonomous driving levels from level <NUM> to level <NUM> is set to the vehicle, a driver gets on and drives the vehicle <NUM>.

Further, even in the case in which the autonomous driving level is set to level <NUM> which does not normally require a driver, the driver may be waiting in the vehicle such that monitoring of the vehicle cabin and or switching of the driving level of level <NUM> to level <NUM> can be performed.

A vehicle internal power switch <NUM> (second vehicle start-up switch) is provided in an operation space in the vehicle cabin, that is, in the vicinity of the operation panel <NUM> and the meter panel <NUM>. For example, the vehicle internal power switch <NUM> is provided on an operation console on which the operation panel <NUM> is installed.

The vehicle internal power switch <NUM> (second vehicle start-up switch) is switchable between a state in which the vehicle <NUM> can travel (start-up state) and a state in which the vehicle <NUM> cannot travel (halt state), similarly to a vehicle external power switch <NUM> exemplified in <FIG>.

In the case in which the driving source of the vehicle <NUM> is an engine (internal combustion engine), for example, as either the vehicle external power switch <NUM> or the vehicle internal power switch <NUM> is pushed during the halt state in which the vehicle cannot travel, the internal combustion engine in the halt state is started up (initially exploded), and then the vehicle comes into a state of being able to travel.

Further, in a so-called hybrid vehicle or electric vehicle equipped with a rotating electric machine as a driving source of the vehicle <NUM>, by pushing either the vehicle external power switch <NUM> or the vehicle internal power switch <NUM> while the vehicle is halted, a high-voltage wiring connecting the main battery <NUM> (see <FIG>) to the rotating electric machine is switched from a cutoff state to a connection state.

For example, when the vehicle <NUM> is in a state of being able to travel, that is, in the start-up state, characters "READY" are displayed on the operation panel <NUM>. When either the vehicle external power switch <NUM> or the vehicle internal power switch <NUM> is pushed in this state, characters "READY" disappear from the operation panel <NUM> and the vehicle <NUM> comes into a state of being disabled to travel, that is, into the halt state.

Since the vehicle is equipped with physical switches such as the vehicle external power switch <NUM> and the vehicle internal power switch <NUM>, the vehicle can be reliably started up, for example, in light of a situation that the latter switch is affected by communication environments and the like, as compared with a case in which the vehicle is remotely started up by a remote controller or the like. In addition, for example, by limiting a trigger for starting up the vehicle to only two: the vehicle external power switch <NUM> and the vehicle internal power switch <NUM>, switching between start-up and halt of the vehicle caused by an erroneous operation can be reduced, as compared with a case in which the vehicle <NUM> can be started up by a large number of remote controllers.

In <FIG> and <FIG>, the vehicle external power switch <NUM> is configured as a so-called push-type switch, but the present invention is not limited to this mode. For example, as exemplified in <FIG>, the vehicle external power switch <NUM> may be a key cylinder-type switch. For example, the vehicle external power switch <NUM> is provided with a keyhole <NUM> into which a mechanical key is inserted. As the mechanical key conforming to the shape of the keyhole <NUM> is inserted into the keyhole <NUM>, the keyhole <NUM> and a cylinder mechanism provided with this keyhole <NUM> can be turned. By turning the cylinder mechanism, the cylinder mechanism can be turned between an off position and an on position. For example, by twisting the mechanical key so as to turn the cylinder mechanism from the off position to the on position, the vehicle <NUM> is started up from the state of being disabled to travel (halt state) to the state of being able to travel (start-up state).

As described above, since the vehicle external power switch <NUM> is configured as a key cylinder-type switch, the mechanical key is required for starting up the vehicle; therefore, the start-up and the halt of the vehicle by the vehicle external power switch <NUM> is restricted from being operated by an unauthorized person other than an administrator and an operator in charge (responsible person).

With reference to <FIG>, the vehicle start-up mechanism according to the present embodiment will be described. The vehicle start-up mechanism includes the switch box <NUM>. The switch box <NUM> is provided with the vehicle external power switch <NUM> (first vehicle start-up switch).

With reference to <FIG>, the switch box <NUM> is attached to the rear outer panel <NUM> configuring the outer skin surface of the vehicle. Alternatively, the switch box <NUM> may be attached to the side outer panel <NUM>. As the switch box <NUM> is provided on the rear surface or the side surface of the vehicle, that is, provided on a part avoiding the traveling direction of the vehicle, safety for an operator who operates the vehicle external power switch <NUM> is attained.

In particular, in the case in which the switch box <NUM> is provided on the left side surface of the vehicle (see <FIG>), the switch box <NUM> may be disposed at a position avoiding an open-close area of the entrance doors <NUM> such that the vehicle external power switch <NUM> can be operated without being affected by open and close of the entrance doors <NUM>. The open-close area of the entrance doors <NUM> includes an area occupied when the entrance doors <NUM> are opened, an area occupied when the entrance doors <NUM> are closed, and an area occupied when the entrance doors <NUM> transits between the opened state and the closed state.

Returning to <FIG>, the switch box <NUM> includes a lid box <NUM> that is a tray member recessed inward in the vehicle width direction, and a lid <NUM> that is a lid member. The lid box <NUM> and the lid <NUM> are formed of, for example, the same material as that of the rear outer panel <NUM>, and are formed of an aluminum alloy, for example.

The lid <NUM> is attached to the lid box <NUM> via a hinge mechanism <NUM>. The lid <NUM> is turnable around a rotation shaft of the hinge mechanism <NUM>. Specifically, the lid <NUM> is configured to be turnable between an opened state in which the vehicle external power switch <NUM> is exposed to the outside (the state in <FIG>) and a closed state in which the vehicle external power switch <NUM> is covered (shielded) from the outside (the state in <FIG>). The hinge mechanism <NUM> includes urging means such as a spring (not shown), and the lid <NUM> is urged in the opening direction. In the closed state, the lid <NUM> is engaged with a lock pin <NUM> described later; and in the engagement, movement of the lid <NUM> in the opening direction is restricted. As the vehicle external power switch <NUM> is covered with the lid <NUM>, the vehicle external power switch <NUM> is prevented from being exposed to rain and snow.

The lid <NUM> includes a lid outer <NUM> as an outer member and a lid inner <NUM> as an inner member. A part of the lid inner <NUM> is uprightly bent with respect to the lid outer <NUM> and formed into a locking portion <NUM>. The locking portion <NUM> includes a locking hole <NUM> into which the lock pin <NUM> is inserted, and a stopper <NUM> that receives the front end of the lock pin <NUM>. As the lid <NUM> is closed so as to cover the lid box <NUM> and the lock pin <NUM> is inserted into the locking hole <NUM> of the locking portion <NUM>, the switch box <NUM> comes into a locked state.

In this manner, the lid <NUM> is closed and locked, to thereby prohibit access to the vehicle external power switch <NUM> from the outside. Thereby, access to the vehicle external power switch <NUM> by an unauthorized person other than an administrator and an operator in charge (responsible person) is restricted.

A lock pin <NUM> and a lock mechanism <NUM> are provided, as a locking-unlocking unit for the lid <NUM> as the lid member. The lock pin <NUM> is provided on a side surface 42A of the lid box <NUM> at a position opposite to the hinge mechanism <NUM>. The lock pin <NUM> is configured to be movable forward and backward along its longitudinal direction, and is urged in an extended state by an urging member such as a spring. The lock pin <NUM> is connected to the lock mechanism <NUM>. When the lock mechanism <NUM> is activated, the lock pin <NUM> is retracted from the extended state to a retracted state against the urging member. As a result, the lock pin <NUM> comes out of the locking hole <NUM> to be in an unlocked state, and the lid <NUM> is thus opened.

In the mode shown in <FIG>, the switch box <NUM> also functions as a charging port. That is, the switch box <NUM> is provided with a charging inlet <NUM> together with the vehicle external power switch <NUM>. The charging inlet <NUM> can be connected to an external charging connector (not shown).

For example, in this mode, a plurality of openings is formed in the plate surface of the lid box <NUM>, and the vehicle external power switch <NUM> and the charging inlet <NUM> are fitted into corresponding openings. In addition, for clarifying the illustration, an inlet cover attached to the charging inlet <NUM> is not shown in <FIG>.

Since the charging inlet <NUM> and the vehicle external power switch <NUM> (first vehicle start-up switch) are housed in a single box, the number of components of the vehicle can be reduced as compared with a case in which boxes are separately provided.

Although <FIG> exemplifies the single charging inlet <NUM>, the present invention is not limited to this mode. For example, the lid box <NUM> may be provided with two types of charging inlets <NUM>, which are a charging inlet for quick charging and a charging inlet for normal charging. In this case, the switch box <NUM> is provided with the vehicle external power switch <NUM> in addition to these two types of charging inlets <NUM>.

<FIG> exemplifies an unlocking system of the lid <NUM>. In this example, the lid <NUM> is unlocked by using a smart key <NUM> owned by a person authorized to drive the vehicle <NUM>, such as a driver, an operator in charge, and an administrator. This unlocking system includes the smart key <NUM>, a communication ECU <NUM>, an authentication ECU <NUM>, a charging ECU <NUM>, and the switch box <NUM>.

The smart key <NUM> is a device to enable the entrance doors <NUM> and the lid <NUM> to be unlocked and locked remotely (without direct touching them). The smart key <NUM> is provided with a door lock switch 80A and a door unlock switch 80B for the entrance doors <NUM>. The smart key <NUM> is further provided with an unlock switch 80C for the lid <NUM> of the switch box <NUM>. When these switches are pushed, the smart key <NUM> transmits radio waves. For example, when any one of these switches is pushed, the smart key <NUM> transmits electric waves including an operation command (such as a lid unlock command) corresponding to the switch thus pushed and an identification signal (key ID) of the smart key <NUM>.

The communication ECU <NUM>, the authentication ECU <NUM>, and the charging ECU <NUM> are all electronic control units of the vehicle <NUM>, and are installed in the vehicle <NUM>. Each of these ECUs includes, for example, a computer. With reference to <FIG>, each of the communication ECU <NUM>, the authentication ECU <NUM>, and the charging ECU <NUM> includes a CPU <NUM>, a ROM <NUM>, a RAM <NUM>, and a hard disk drive (HDD) <NUM>, which are connected to an internal bus <NUM>. Each of these ECUs also includes an input-output controller <NUM> for controlling transmission and reception of signals to and from external devices, and this input-output controller <NUM> is also connected to the internal bus <NUM>.

The communication ECU <NUM> has a function of distributing received signals to the other ECUs. The authentication ECU <NUM> determines whether or not the key ID received by the communication ECU <NUM> is an identification symbol to which the management authority for the vehicle <NUM> is given.

The charging ECU <NUM> has a function of managing external charging of the vehicle <NUM>. In addition, the charging ECU <NUM> can output to the lock mechanism <NUM> an unlock command to release the engagement between the lid <NUM> and the lock pin <NUM> of the switch box <NUM> (see <FIG>) that also functions as the charging port.

When the unlock switch 80C of the smart key <NUM> is pushed, a key ID and a lid unlock command are transmitted from the smart key <NUM>. The transmitted signals are received by the communication ECU <NUM>. The communication ECU <NUM> transmits the lid unlock command to the charging ECU <NUM>. The communication ECU <NUM> also transmits the key ID to the authentication ECU <NUM>.

The authentication ECU <NUM> authenticates the key ID. For example, a key ID to which the management authority for the vehicle <NUM> is given is stored on the HDD <NUM> of the authentication ECU <NUM>. The authentication ECU <NUM> compares the received key ID with the stored key ID, and determines whether or not to the received key ID, the management authority is given.

When confirming that to the received key ID, the management authority is given, the authentication ECU <NUM> transmits an authentication completion signal to the charging ECU <NUM>. The charging ECU <NUM> activates the lock mechanism <NUM> (see <FIG>) in response to the authentication completion signal and the lid unlock command. Thereby, the lock pin <NUM> of the switch box <NUM> is displaced from the extended state to the retracted state, and thus the lock pin <NUM> comes off from the locking hole <NUM>. Thereby, the lid <NUM> is opened, so that the vehicle external power switch <NUM> becomes accessible from the outside.

As described above, since the power switch is provided outside the vehicle, for example, when the autonomous driving level of the vehicle <NUM> is set to level <NUM> at which the vehicle can be operated even with the driver absent, it becomes unnecessary for an operator in charge or an administrator to get in the vehicle cabin to carry out the switching control between the start-up and the halt of the vehicle <NUM>.

The vehicle external power switch <NUM> may be prohibited from being operated while the vehicle <NUM> is traveling. For example, the charging ECU <NUM> does not activate the lock mechanism <NUM> while the vehicle is traveling in spite of receiving an authentication completion signal and a lid unlock command. For example, it may be configured that the charging ECU <NUM> is connected to a vehicle speed sensor (not shown), and the charging ECU <NUM> does not activate the lock mechanism <NUM> when the vehicle speed is a predetermined speed or higher (for example, <NUM>/h or higher).

Further, assuming that the power source of the smart key <NUM> is exhausted, the lid <NUM> may be provided with a keyhole used for releasing the engagement with the lock pin <NUM>. For example, by inserting the mechanical key into the keyhole and turning this key, the lock pin <NUM> is retracted and the lid <NUM> is opened.

As described above, in the present embodiment, since the vehicle external power switch <NUM> accessible from the outer skin surface of the vehicle is provided, it is unnecessary for a driver to get in the vehicle cabin and operate the power switch when performing the autonomous driving in which a driver is not required.

Further, since the vehicle external power switch <NUM> is closed by the lid <NUM> and is also locked by the lid <NUM> and the lock pin <NUM>, the vehicle external power switch <NUM> is restricted from being accessed by an unauthorized person.

In the above-described embodiment, the unlocking operation of the lid <NUM> is performed by using the smart key <NUM>, but the present invention is not limited to this mode. For example, the unlocking operation of the lid <NUM> may be performed by using a mobile terminal such as a smartphone owned by an operator in charge or an administrator. For example, icons with the same functions as those of the door lock switch 80A, the door unlock switch 80B, and the unlock switch 80C of the smart key <NUM> are displayed on a display screen of the mobile terminal. Then, for example, when the icon of the unlock switch 80C is tapped, a key ID and a lid unlock command thereof are transmitted from the mobile terminal, and are received by the communication ECU <NUM>.

<FIG> exemplifies another embodiment different from <FIG>. The difference from <FIG> is that, in <FIG>, the switch box <NUM> also functions as a refueling unit. Specifically, the switch box <NUM> is provided with a fuel inlet pipe <NUM> into which an external refueling nozzle can be inserted, instead of the charging inlet <NUM>. The other components are the same as those in <FIG>, and thus description thereof will be appropriately omitted below.

<FIG> exemplifies an embodiment different from that of <FIG>. The difference from <FIG> is that, in <FIG>, a refueling ECU <NUM> is provided instead of the charging ECU <NUM>. The other components are the same as those in <FIG>, and thus description thereof will be appropriately omitted.

In the examples of <FIG> and <FIG>, the vehicle <NUM> may be an engine vehicle equipped with an engine (internal combustion engine) as a prime mover.

With reference to <FIG>, the switch box <NUM> is provided with a fuel supply port <NUM> of the fuel inlet pipe <NUM> together with the vehicle external power switch <NUM>. Specifically, the fuel inlet pipe <NUM> is attached to the lid box <NUM> of the switch box <NUM>. For example, the fuel inlet pipe <NUM> is fitted into an opening formed in the lid box <NUM>. When the lid <NUM> is in the opened state, the fuel supply port <NUM>, which is an end of the fuel inlet pipe <NUM>, is accessible from the outside. In <FIG>, illustration of a fuel cap is omitted for clarifying the illustration.

With reference to <FIG>, the refueling ECU <NUM> is an electronic control unit of the vehicle <NUM> and is installed in the vehicle <NUM>. As with the other ECUs, the refueling ECU <NUM> includes a computer, for example, and includes a CPU <NUM>, a ROM <NUM>, a RAM <NUM>, a hard disk drive (HDD) <NUM>, and an input-output controller <NUM>, which are connected to the internal bus <NUM>.

When the unlock switch 80C is pushed from the smart key <NUM> (or a mobile terminal owned by an operator in charge or an administrator), a lid unlock command is transmitted to the refueling ECU <NUM> via the communication ECU <NUM>. An authentication completion signal is transmitted to the refueling ECU <NUM> from the authentication ECU <NUM>.

In response to the authentication completion signal and the lid unlock command, the refueling ECU <NUM> activates the lock mechanism <NUM> (see <FIG>). Thereby, the lock pin <NUM> of the switch box <NUM> is displaced from the extended state to the retracted state, and the lock pin <NUM> thus comes off from the locking hole <NUM>. Thereby, the lid <NUM> comes into an opened state, so that the vehicle external power switch <NUM> becomes accessible from the outside.

In the above-described embodiment, the switching between the start-up and the halt of the vehicle can be carried out by pushing either the vehicle external power switch <NUM> or the vehicle internal power switch <NUM>; however, the present invention is not limited to this mode. For example, as described below, by pushing both the vehicle external power switch <NUM> and vehicle internal power switch <NUM>, the switching between the start-up and the halt of the vehicle <NUM> may be carried out.

For example, when the autonomous driving level of the vehicle <NUM> is set to level <NUM> to level <NUM>, a partial autonomous driving that requires a driver is executed. In this case, the driver needs to get in the vehicle cabin. Further, in a shared vehicle <NUM>, there is a risk that the vehicle internal power switch <NUM> may be operated by an unauthorized person other than an administrator or an operation in charge (responsible person) for the purpose of mischief or the like.

When such a function that requires a driver to get in the vehicle is selected, it may be controlled to request the driver to execute the start-up and halting operation and also to prohibit the switching between the start-up and the halt of the vehicle <NUM> unless both the vehicle external power switch <NUM> and the vehicle internal power switch <NUM> are pushed, for the purpose of preventing the start-up and the halt of the vehicle <NUM> by an unauthorized person.

With reference to <FIG>, the vehicle <NUM> is provided with a control unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> receives on-off signals of the vehicle external power switch <NUM> and the vehicle internal power switch <NUM>, and can control the start-up of the vehicle (switching from the state of being disabled to travel to the state of being able to travel) and the halt of the vehicle (switching from the state of being able to travel to the state of being disabled to travel).

For example, <FIG> exemplifies a block diagram around the control unit <NUM> in the case in which the vehicle <NUM> is an electric vehicle equipped with a rotating electric machine as a driving source. The control unit <NUM> includes a computer configured by a CPU <NUM>, a ROM <NUM>, a RAM <NUM>, a hard disk drive (HDD) <NUM>, and a circuit board such as an input-output controller <NUM> that are all connected to an internal bus <NUM>, as with the communication ECU <NUM>, the authentication ECU <NUM>, and the charging ECU <NUM> in <FIG>.

The control unit <NUM> is provided with a switch operation setting unit for execution of the switching between the start-up state and the halt state of the vehicle. For example, a part of the storage area of the hard disk drive <NUM> is allocated to the switch operation setting unit. This switch operation setting unit stores the setting of the switching operation regarding whether or not the switching control is executed by turning on one of the vehicle external power switch <NUM> and the vehicle internal power switch <NUM>, or regarding whether or not both the vehicle external power switch <NUM> and the vehicle internal power switch <NUM> are required to be turned on for executing the above switching control.

For example, the switch operation setting is defined through the operating the operation panel <NUM>. For example, when any one of level <NUM> to level <NUM> is selected as the autonomous driving level of the vehicle <NUM>, for executing the switching control between the start-up and the halt of the vehicle, the switch operation setting is set to the setting (setting <NUM>) that requires both the vehicle external power switch <NUM> and the vehicle internal power switch <NUM> to be turned on. When level <NUM> is selected as the autonomous driving level of the vehicle <NUM>, for executing the switching control between the start-up and the halt of the vehicle, the switch operation setting is set to the setting (setting <NUM>) that requires only one of the vehicle external power switch <NUM> and the vehicle internal power switch <NUM> to be turned on.

Alternatively, the switch operation setting may be defined regardless of the level of the autonomous driving. For example, even at level <NUM> that does not require a driver, during a test driving of the vehicle <NUM>, for example, there may be a case in which the driver is required to get in the vehicle. In such a case, regardless of the level of the autonomous driving, for executing the switching control between the start-up and the halt of the vehicle, the switching operation is set to the setting (setting <NUM>) that requires both the vehicle external power switch <NUM> and the vehicle internal power switch <NUM> to be turned on.

As the setting <NUM>, for executing the switching control between the start-up and the halt of the vehicle, the switch operation setting is set to the setting that requires both the vehicle external power switch <NUM> and the vehicle internal power switch <NUM> to be turned on. At this time, an unlock command to release the engagement between the lid <NUM> (see <FIG>) and the lock pin <NUM> is output to the lock mechanism <NUM> by an authorized person such as a driver, an administrator, or an operator in charge (responsible person), as described above. When the lid <NUM> is opened, the authorized person inserts the mechanical key carried with him or her into the keyhole <NUM> of the vehicle external power switch <NUM> and turns this key to the ON position. For example, with the mechanical key inserted into the keyhole <NUM>, this key is twisted <NUM> degrees clockwise. Thereby, an on signal is transmitted from the vehicle external power switch <NUM> to the control unit <NUM>. Then, the lid <NUM> is closed with the mechanical key turned to the ON position.

Further, the authorized person enters the vehicle and pushes the vehicle internal power switch <NUM>. When both the switches are turned on, an on signal is transmitted from the vehicle internal power switch <NUM> to the control unit <NUM>. In response to this signal, the control unit <NUM> switches the state of (starts up) the vehicle <NUM> from the state of being disabled to travel to the state of being able to travel. In accordance with this switching operation, the characters "READY" are displayed on the operation panel <NUM>.

For example, when the state of the vehicle <NUM> is switched from the state of being disabled to travel to the state of being able to travel, a system main relay SMR connecting the main battery <NUM> to a rotating electric machine <NUM> is switched from the cutoff state to the connection state by the control unit <NUM>. Thereby, electric power of the main battery <NUM> is sent to the rotating electric machine <NUM> as a driving source via a buck-boost DC/DC converter <NUM> and an inverter <NUM>. Further, driving force from the rotating electric machine <NUM> is transmitted to wheels <NUM> (for example, rear wheels).

In addition, for halting the vehicle by switching the vehicle state from the state of being able to travel to the state of being disabled to travel, the above unauthorized person first pushes the vehicle internal power switch <NUM>. Thereby, an off signal is transmitted from the vehicle internal power switch <NUM> to the control unit <NUM>.

Further, the authorized person gets out of the vehicle and outputs an unlock command to the lock mechanism <NUM>. When the lid <NUM> is opened in response to the unlock command, the authorized person turns the mechanical key inserted in the keyhole <NUM> so as to move the keyhole <NUM> to the OFF position. At this time, an off signal is transmitted from the vehicle external power switch <NUM> to the control unit <NUM>.

As described above, as the vehicle internal power switch <NUM> and the vehicle external power switch <NUM> are turned off, the control unit <NUM> switches the state of the vehicle <NUM> from the state of being able to travel to the state of being disabled to travel. In accordance with this switching operation, the characters "READY" disappear from the operation panel <NUM>, and the vehicle <NUM> then comes into the state of being disabled to travel, that is, comes into the halt state.

For example, when the state of the vehicle <NUM> is switched from the state of being able to travel to the state of being disabled to travel, the system main relay SMR that connects the main battery <NUM> to the rotating electric machine <NUM> is switched from the connection state to the cutoff state by the control unit <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a flow of the vehicle start-up control by the control unit <NUM>. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, when the vehicle external power switch <NUM> is turned on, that is, the keyhole <NUM> is turned to the ON position, for example, the control unit <NUM> receives an on signal from the vehicle external power switch <NUM>. Further, the control unit <NUM> refers to the switch operation setting unit (not shown).

Then, the control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the state currently set in the switch operation setting unit corresponds to the setting that requires only one of the vehicle external power switch <NUM> and the vehicle internal power switch <NUM> to be turned on (setting <NUM>) for executing the switching control between the start-up and the halt of the vehicle (S <NUM>).

When the setting currently set in the switch operation setting unit is setting <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> switches the system main relay SMR from the cutoff state to the connection state. Thereby, the state of the vehicle <NUM> is switched from the state of being disabled to travel to the state of being able to travel (S <NUM>).

On the other hand, when the setting currently set in the switch operation setting unit is setting <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the vehicle internal power switch <NUM> is turned on (pushed) after the vehicle external power switch <NUM> is turned on (S12). When the vehicle internal power switch <NUM> is not pushed, the control unit <NUM> suspends the start-up of the vehicle <NUM>.

When the vehicle internal power switch <NUM> is pushed in step S12, that is, when an on signal is received from the vehicle internal power switch <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> switches the system main relay SMR from the cutoff state to the connection state. Thereby, the state of the vehicle <NUM> is switched from the state of being disabled to travel to the state of being able to travel (S <NUM>). In other words, the vehicle <NUM> in the halt state is started up by the control unit <NUM> into the state of being able to travel.

<FIG> illustrates a flow of the vehicle halting control by the control unit <NUM>. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the control unit <NUM> receives an off signal from the vehicle internal power switch <NUM> when the vehicle internal power switch <NUM> is turned off. Further, the control unit <NUM> refers to the switch operation setting unit (not shown). For executing the switching control between the start-up and the halt of the vehicle, the control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the setting currently set in the switch operation setting unit is the setting (setting <NUM>) that requires only one of the vehicle external power switch <NUM> and the vehicle internal power switch <NUM> to be turned on (S20).

When the setting currently set in the switch operation setting unit is setting <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> switches the system main relay SMR from the connection state to the cutoff state. Thereby, the state of the vehicle <NUM> is switched from the state of being able to travel to the state of being disabled to travel (the halt state) (S24).

On the other hand, when the setting currently set in the switch operation setting unit is setting <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the vehicle external power switch <NUM> is turned off after the vehicle internal power switch <NUM> is turned off (S22). When the vehicle external power switch <NUM> is not turned off, the control unit <NUM> suspends the halting of the vehicle <NUM> and maintains the vehicle <NUM> in the state of being able to travel.

When the vehicle external power switch <NUM> is turned off in step S22, the control unit <NUM> receives an off signal from the vehicle external power switch <NUM>. In response to this signal, the control unit <NUM> switches the system main relay SMR from the connection state to the cutoff state. Thereby, the state of the vehicle <NUM> is switched from the state of being able to travel to the state of being disabled to travel (the halt state) (S24).

Claim 1:
A vehicle start-up mechanism provided in a vehicle (<NUM>) configured to travel while occupants are boarded in a vehicle cabin, the vehicle (<NUM>) having an autonomous driving function; the vehicle start-up mechanism comprising:
a first vehicle start-up switch (<NUM>) configured to switch a state of the vehicle (<NUM>) between a start-up state in which the vehicle is capable of travelling and a halt state in which the vehicle is incapable of travelling;
a second vehicle start-up switch (<NUM>) configured to switch the state of the vehicle (<NUM>) between the start-up state and the halt state; and
a control unit (<NUM>) configured to receive an ON signal and an OFF signal from the first vehicle start-up switch (<NUM>) and the second vehicle start-up switch (<NUM>), the control unit (<NUM>) being provided with a switch operation setting unit, which configures the signal of only one of said both switches (<NUM>, <NUM>) required for switching between the start-up state and the halt state of the vehicle (<NUM>);
wherein the control unit (<NUM>) is configured to control the start-up state and the halt state of the vehicle (<NUM>) based on said signals from the first vehicle start-up switch (<NUM>) and/or the second vehicle start-up switch (<NUM>) according to the switch operation setting;
the vehicle start-up mechanism further comprising a switch box (<NUM>) provided on an outer surface of the vehicle (<NUM>) and having the first vehicle start-up switch (<NUM>),
the vehicle start-up mechanism being characterized in that it comprises a charging inlet (<NUM>) that is configured to be connected to an external charging connector provided together with the first vehicle start-up switch (<NUM>) in the switch box (<NUM>), the switch box (<NUM>) being configured to function as a charging port for external charging.