JP2000033853A - Anti-theft system for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate at least inconvenience of moving a vehicle for repair when correctness of a start code generated by the electronic key cannot be judged, by using a keyless entry system as an emergency unlock means for unlocking the steering lock system. SOLUTION: In this system, an engine is made operable and a steering lock system is unlocked when a key is judged as being the correct key through communication of electric code signals (start code) between an electronic key 1 and a key cylinder 2. On the vehicle a keyless entry system for locking and unlocking the door is provided. In the case where the verification of the start code fails for a plurality of times the driver is expected to operate push buttons 19, 20 for locking and unlocking under predetermined procedures while an indicator lamp 16 is flashing. If the entry code signal is verified and the signal matches, a steering lock actuator 4 is unlocked, thus making the steering operation possible.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention transmits and receives an electric code signal between an electronic key and a code discriminating means on a vehicle side, and determines that a start code issued by the electronic key is a regular code. The present invention relates to a vehicle anti-theft device that enables an engine to start and releases a steering lock device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Hitherto, various anti-theft devices for preventing the use of a duplicate key have been proposed. By transmitting and receiving an electric code signal between an electronic key carried by a driver and a vehicle. Generally, the key is electrically determined, and if it is determined that the key is a legitimate key, for example, an engine that can start the engine is generally used. Until now, power supplies for operating the transmitter incorporated in the electronic key were mainly used, but in recent years, coils have been provided in both the electronic key and the key insertion slot, and both coils have been brought close to each other. Utilizing an electromagnetic induction effect generated at the time, an electronic key that does not require a built-in battery has become known (Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-1514).
No. 1).

[0003]

However, in addition to prohibiting the start of the engine by such an anti-theft device, the locking of the steering lock for mechanically preventing the rotation of the steering shaft can be performed simultaneously. Then, it is effective in increasing the antitheft property. However, if it is impossible to determine the correctness of the key due to, for example, a failure of the signal processing circuit on the key side or the vehicle side, it becomes impossible to release the steering lock as well as start the engine. It became difficult even to move the vehicle, which was inconvenient.

The present invention has been devised in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and has as its main object to provide an electric cord between an electronic key and a code discriminating means on a vehicle side. Signals are sent and received, and if it is determined that the start code issued by the electronic key is a legitimate code, a vehicle anti-theft device that enables the engine to be started and releases the steering lock device due to failure of the signal processing circuit etc. The present invention is configured to prevent inconvenience at least in moving a vehicle for repair, even when the correctness of a code cannot be determined.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, in the vehicle antitheft device having the above-mentioned structure, an electric connection between the electronic key and the code discriminating means on the vehicle side is provided. A steering lock emergency release means for releasing the steering lock device when the correctness of the start code generated by the electronic key based on the transmission / reception of the code signal cannot be determined. According to this, it is possible to release the steering lock device even in an emergency when it is no longer possible to perform normal electrical correctness determination.

As the above-mentioned steering lock emergency release means, in recent years, attention has been paid to the fact that a keyless entry system for locking and unlocking a vehicle door lock by remote control from an external transmitter has become widespread. If the correctness of the entry code of the entry system is used and the steering lock device is released based on this, the increase in the number of parts and the number of assembly steps and the complexity of the structure can be avoided, and the code input The annoyance is also eliminated.

[0007]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The configuration of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic structure of a vehicle anti-theft device constructed according to the present invention. This anti-theft device for a vehicle includes an electronic key 1, a key cylinder 2 provided on the vehicle side, and an electric code signal (start code) between the electronic key 1 and the key cylinder 2. When it is determined that the key is a valid key, an engine operation permission signal is sent to an engine control unit 3 having a control circuit such as an igniter and a fuel pump, and the steering lock actuator 4 is unlocked. And a controller 5.

A key hole 8 into which the electronic key 1 is inserted is provided on the front surface of the rotor 7 of the key cylinder 2. The key hole 8 simply receives the insertion portion 9 of the electronic key 1, and does not judge whether the key is mechanical or not. Rotor 7
Is a LOCK where power supply to onboard electrical components is cut off
The position, the ACC position where the power of the radio and the like are turned on, the ON position where the power of the fuel system and the ignition system are turned on, and the intermittent contact between the four positions of the START position where the power of the engine starter is turned on are incorporated. The rotary switch 10 is connected to the movable contact portion of the rotary switch 10 so as to be relatively non-rotatable. When the electronic key 1 is inserted into the key hole 8 and rotated, the power is turned on and off.

The key cylinder 2 has a key detection switch 12 for detecting that the electronic key 1 has been inserted into the key hole 8.
And a lock pin (not shown) that is detachable from the rotor 8 to allow or prohibit the rotation operation of the rotor 8 by the electronic key 1.
And a key lock solenoid 13 for driving the key detection switch 12. The key detection switch 12 and the key lock solenoid 13 are connected to the controller 5, respectively.

An electronic code signal is transmitted and received between the electronic key 1 and the key cylinder 2 by a transponder 14 built in the electronic key 1 and a coil antenna provided on the key cylinder 2 so as to surround the key hole 8. 15. The transponder 14 of the electronic key 1 encloses a coil antenna for transmitting and receiving a radio signal with the coil antenna 15 of the key cylinder 2 and a code signal transmission circuit in a glass tube whose both ends are rounded and closed. It becomes. The coil antenna 15 of the key cylinder 2 is connected to the controller 5.

The controller 5 includes an electronic key 1 for the driver.
The indicator lamp 16 for notifying the collation status of.

On the other hand, the vehicle is provided with a keyless entry system for locking and unlocking the door by remote control from an electronic key 1 outside the vehicle. The electronic key 1 has a transmission circuit 17 for generating a unique code signal (entry code).
And a transmission antenna 18 are built in. On the outer surface of the electronic key 1, a pair of push buttons 19 for locking and unlocking is provided.
20 are provided, and the required push buttons 19 and 20 are provided.
By pressing, radio signals of codes different from each other for locking and unlocking are transmitted from the transmitting antenna 18.

A radio signal emitted from the electronic key 1 is received by a receiving antenna 21 provided on the vehicle side, and a code signal is sent to a door lock controller 23 via a receiver 22. Door lock controller 23
Then, the input code signal is collated with the stored code by the code signal collation means, and if both match,
The door lock actuator 24 performs the required operation of locking or unlocking.

The door lock controller 23 is connected to the controller 5, and a signal indicating the result of collation of the electronic key 1 by the door lock controller 23 is input to the controller 5.

Next, the operation of the present apparatus will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

First, when the driver gets on the vehicle and starts the engine and unlocks the steering lock, as shown in FIG. 2, the electronic key 1 is inserted into the key hole 8 of the key cylinder 2 (step 1). , Key detection switch 12
Receiving the closing signal, the controller 5 detects the insertion of the electronic key 1 (step 2), and the communication of the radio signal is started between the electronic key 1 and the key cylinder 2 (step 3).

That is, a radio wave is transmitted from the coil antenna 15 on the key cylinder 2 side, and the radio wave is received by the coil antenna of the transponder 14 of the electronic key 1. Then, an electromotive force is generated in the coil antenna by the electromagnetic induction action, and this power is supplied to the code signal transmitting circuit, and a radio signal corresponding to a unique start code stored in advance is transmitted from the coil antenna. The start code signal transmitted from this coil antenna is received by the coil antenna 15 on the key cylinder 2 side, and
Is compared with a code stored in advance (step 4).

Here, if the codes match each other,
It is determined that the key is a legitimate key, and the steering lock actuator 4 is unlocked (step 5). Then, it is determined whether or not the steering lock is actually unlocked by the output of a required sensor (step 6). When it is confirmed that the steering lock has been completely unlocked, the key lock solenoid 13 is turned on. A rotation permission state is set (step 7). Then, when the electronic key 1 is rotated (step 8) and brought to the START position, the voltage of the battery is applied to the starter, and the engine is started (step 9).

When it is determined that the key is a legitimate key by checking the start code, the controller 5 outputs an engine operation permission signal to the engine control unit 3. If the starter is operated without receiving the permission signal, that is, when the starter is operated by any illegal operation without passing through the code collation, whether the engine is started by cutting off the fuel supply in the engine control unit 3 or the like. Alternatively, a process of forcibly stopping the operation is performed.

In the collation of the start code (step 4), if the codes do not match, code collation is attempted a plurality of times (here, three times) (step 1).
0). And if the codes still don't match,
The indicator lamp 16 is turned on for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds).
Blinks (step 11) to inform the driver that the electronic key 1 has been unsuccessfully determined. In response to this, the driver operates the push buttons 19 and 20 for locking and unlocking the door of the electronic key 1 in a predetermined procedure within the blinking time of the indicator lamp. At this time, key detection processing is performed again by the key detection switch 12 (step 1).
2) If the electronic key 1 is not inserted, the process returns to step 2 and when the insertion of the electronic key 1 is confirmed, the system enters a state of waiting for reception of an entry code signal.

FIG. 2 shows an example in which the lock push button 19 and the unlock push button 20 are operated in this order. When the lock push button 19 is first pressed (step 13), the entry of the electronic key 1 is made. The code signal is received by the receiving antenna 21
And is compared with a locking code stored in advance by the door lock controller 23 (step 14).
If they do not match, the process returns to step 2, and if they match, the system enters the next code signal reception waiting state. Here, when the unlocking push button 20 is pressed (step 15),
In the same manner as described above, the code signal generated by the electronic key 1 is compared with the unlocking code (step 16). If the two do not match, the process returns to step 2, and if the two match, the door lock controller 23 is used. Sends a signal indicating that the codes match to the controller 5.

In response to the coincidence signal, the controller 5 determines that the inserted electronic key 1 is a legitimate key, and blinks the indicator lamp 16 in a mode different from that in step 11 (step 17). The driver is notified that the electronic key 1 has been successfully judged, and the steering lock actuator 4 is unlocked (step 18). This allows the steering operation, but the key lock solenoid 13 of the key cylinder 2
Is still in the key rotation prohibited state, and the engine cannot be started.

Next, the operation for locking the steering lock when the driver gets off the vehicle will be described. When the driver turns the electronic key 1 to stop the engine and the electronic key 1 comes to the ACC position as shown in FIG. 3 (step 2).
1) The controller 5 determines whether or not the selector of the automatic transmission (not shown) is at the P position (step 22). If the selector is not at the P position, the key rotation is continuously inhibited (step 22). 23), the rotation of the electronic key 1 to the LOCK position is impossible.

When the controller 5 recognizes that the selector has been moved to the P position, the key lock solenoid 1
3 is set in a key rotation permission state (step 24). As a result, the electronic key 1 can rotate toward the LOCK position. When the electronic key 1 is returned to the LOCK position and the electronic key 1 is removed (step 25), the key detection switch 1
2 is input to the controller 5, and the steering lock actuator 4 is locked in response to the signal (step 26).

The door lock controller 23
It is not desirable that the door lock actuator 24 be operated when determining whether the electronic key 1 is correct or not by the code collation in the above. For example, a signal indicating that the electronic key 1 is correct is transmitted from the controller 5 to the door 5. It is preferable to send it to the lock controller 23. The transmission and reception of the code signal in the keyless entry is not limited to the radio waves as described above, and it is also possible to use, for example, infrared rays having strong directivity. In this case, an infrared receiver is provided on the key cylinder 2 so that an infrared code signal emitted from the electronic key 1 can be received in a state where the electronic key 1 is inserted into the key cylinder 2. Then, in order to prohibit useless operation of the door lock actuator 24, the door lock controller 23 may determine whether the signal is received by the normal receiving antenna 21 or the receiving unit of the key cylinder 2. In addition to the door lock controller 23, a determination circuit dedicated to a code signal from the infrared receiver of the key cylinder 2 may be provided.

[0027]

As described above, according to the present invention, the steering lock can be released even when it is impossible to make a normal electrical right / wrong judgment due to a failure in the signal transmission / reception system. The inconvenience that the movement of the vehicle becomes difficult due to the repair is eliminated. In particular, if the electronic correctness of the key is determined by sending and receiving an entry code signal of a keyless entry system for remotely controlling the application and unlocking of the door lock, the original function of the anti-theft device is not impaired, In addition, the number of parts and the number of assembling steps are not increased and the structure is not complicated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle anti-theft device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a processing flow chart when the engine of the present invention is started and the steering lock is unlocked.

FIG. 3 is a processing flowchart when the steering lock of the device of the present invention is locked.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic key 2 Key cylinder 3 Engine control unit 4 Steering lock actuator 5 Controller 7 Rotor 8 Key hole 9 Insertion part 10 Rotary switch 12 Key detection switch 13 Key lock solenoid 14 Transponder 15 Coil antenna 16 Indicator lamp 17 Transmission circuit 18 Transmission antenna 19 Push Button for Locking 20 Push Button for Unlocking 21 Receiving Antenna 22 Receiver 23 Door Lock Controller 24 Door Lock Actuator

Claims (2)

[Claims] An electronic code signal is transmitted and received between an electronic key and a code discriminating means on a vehicle, and an engine can be started when it is determined that a start code issued by the electronic key is a regular code. And a steering lock emergency release device for releasing the steering lock device when the correctness of the start code cannot be determined. Vehicle anti-theft device. 2. The vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a keyless entry system for locking / unlocking the door based on a determination as to whether the entry code issued by the external transmitter is correct. The vehicle anti-theft device according to claim 1, wherein the steering lock device is released based on the determination.