JP2003040082A - Vehicle locking device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the theft of a vehicle body even when a key is stolen. SOLUTION: A driver's seat is provided with a control panel 100. When locking, an arbitrary password is set to a password setting part 110, and a button of a locking instruction input part 120 is pressed. A lock signal is thereby supplied to an operation disturbing part 400 from a control part 200, and the password at that point of time is stored in a password storage part 300. The operation disturbing part 400 receives the lock signal and obstructs the normal operation of an automobile by impeding the start of an engine, impeding the release of a parking brake or fixing the position of a steering system. When unlocking, the same password as that at the locking time is set to the password setting part 110, and the button of an unlock instruction input part 130 is pressed. The control part 200 thereby supplies an unlock signal to the operation disturbing part 400 after collating the password with the password in the password storage part 300, so that operation disturbing operation is terminated.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vehicle locking device that can be used for the prevention of theft of automobiles and motorcycles.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, the damage caused by theft of automobiles and motorcycles in parking lots and streets has been occurring frequently, and it is becoming a serious social problem. Normally, vehicles having power, braking, and steering functions, such as automobiles and motorcycles, are equipped with an engine start key.If the engine start key is not used, the door can be unlocked and the engine can be started. It is a structure that cannot be done. Car makers are also making efforts to prevent theft by developing keys that are difficult to copy. However, professional thieves and others use a special method such as bypassing the electric circuit of the engine starting system to start the engine without using the key and to commit crimes with the clever trick of stealing the vehicle. It is the current situation. In view of such a situation, recently, when it is confirmed that the key exists in the vehicle by embedding the IC in the engine start key and performing wireless communication between the IC and the vehicle control computer. Otherwise, vehicles equipped with immobilizer functions that prevent the engine from starting are being developed.

[0003]

The antitheft measure using the IC as described above is "if there is no engine starting key,
Since it is a measure taken from the viewpoint of "making it impossible to move the vehicle", it is certainly difficult to steal the vehicle without the engine start key. However, conversely, it means that the vehicle can be moved with only the engine start key. Therefore, if the engine start key is not managed, theft cannot be prevented. That is, if the engine start key itself is stolen, the vehicle can easily be stolen.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle locking device capable of sufficiently preventing the theft even if the key is stolen.

[0005]

[Means for Solving the Problems] (1) A first aspect of the present invention is a locking device used for theft prevention of a vehicle having a power function, a braking function and a steering function,
A PIN number setting unit for setting an arbitrary PIN number, a PIN number storage unit for storing the PIN number, a lock instruction input unit for inputting a lock instruction, and an unlock key for inputting an unlock instruction. A lock instruction input unit, an operation obstruction unit having a function of obstructing normal operation of the vehicle when a signal indicating locking is given, and eliminating the obstruction when a signal indicating unlocking is given, and locking When a lock instruction is given from the instruction input unit, a process of giving a signal indicating lock to the operation obstruction unit and storing the personal identification number set at that time in the personal identification number storage unit in the personal identification number storage unit. When the unlock instruction is given from the unlock instruction input unit, the password set in the password setting unit is compared with the password stored in the password storage unit, and both are checked. If they match, the A control unit for providing a signal indicating the tablet is obtained by so provided.

(2) A second aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned first aspect.
In the vehicle lock device according to the aspect, the operation obstruction unit obstructs the operation by preventing the start of the engine used as the power function of the vehicle.

(3) A third aspect of the present invention relates to the above-mentioned first aspect.
In the vehicle lock device according to this aspect, the operation obstruction unit obstructs the operation by blocking the release of the parking brake used as the braking function of the vehicle.

(4) A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to the above-mentioned first aspect.
In the vehicle lock device according to the aspect, the operation obstruction unit obstructs the operation by fixing the position of the steering device used as the steering function of the vehicle.

[0009]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will be described below based on illustrated embodiments. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle locking device according to a basic embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in the figure, this vehicle locking device includes a personal identification number setting unit 1
The operation panel 100 includes a lock instruction input unit 120, an unlock instruction input unit 130, a control unit 200, a personal identification number storage unit 300, and an operation obstruction unit 400. Of these components, the operation panel 1
00 is preferably arranged in a place where the driver of the vehicle can easily operate it. Specifically, in the case of an automobile, it is preferable to dispose the automobile near the dashboard or the steering wheel.

The personal identification number setting unit 110 is a component having a function of setting an arbitrary personal identification number, and has any configuration as long as an arbitrary numerical value of a predetermined digit can be set by a driver's operation. It doesn't matter. The locking instruction input unit 120 is a component for inputting a locking instruction by the driver, and the unlocking instruction input unit 130 is a component for inputting an unlocking instruction by the driver. These may also have any configuration as long as they can input each instruction, but in practice, it is preferable to be configured by a push button type input device.

As shown in the figure, the personal identification number setting section 110, the lock instruction input section 120, and the unlock instruction input section 130 are arranged on the operation panel 100. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a specific configuration example of the operation panel 100. In this example, the personal identification number setting unit 110 is configured by a portion for setting a 4-digit numerical value arranged on the left side, and the locking instruction input unit 120 and the unlocking instruction input unit 130 are “lock” and “unlock”, respectively. It is composed of a push button switch described as “release”. In more detail,
The personal identification number setting unit 110 displays a display unit 111 capable of displaying a four-digit number (in the illustrated example, a state in which a four-digit number “1234” is displayed) is displayed, and It is composed of an upper push button 112 arranged above and a lower push button 113 arranged below each girder. Each time the upper push button 112 is pressed,
The number displayed in the corresponding digit of the display unit 111 is incremented by 1, and each time the lower push button 113 is pressed, the display unit 1
The number displayed in the corresponding digit of 11 is a mechanism that decreases by one. The driver is required to push each of these push buttons 112,
By operating 113, it is possible to set and display an arbitrary 4-digit personal identification number on the display unit 111.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing another structural example of the operation panel 100. In this example, the personal identification number setting unit 110
Are the four rotating rings 114-117 as shown.
And a reference line 118. Each of the rotary rings 114 to 117 is a ring that can rotate about a horizontal axis parallel to the paper surface as a rotation axis, and numbers 0 to 9 are drawn on the outer peripheral surface thereof. The driver
It is possible to set such that arbitrary four-digit numerical values are arranged at the position of the reference line 118 while rotating these rotating rings 114 to 117 independently. In the example shown,
A state in which four-digit numbers “1234” are arranged on the reference line 118 is shown. The lock instruction input unit 120 and the unlock instruction input unit 130 are push button switches described as “lock” and “release”, as in the example shown in FIG.

Both the operation panel 100 shown in FIG. 2 and the operation panel 100 shown in FIG. 3 are arranged at positions where the driver can easily operate them. The 4-digit personal identification number set in the personal identification number setting unit 110 is transmitted to the control unit 200 as electrical data. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 3, an electric signal can be generated by providing a rotary encoder on each of the rotary rings 114 to 117. Further, the locking instruction and the unlocking instruction by the locking instruction input unit 120 and the unlocking instruction input unit 130 are also transmitted to the control unit 200 as an electric signal. In particular,
When the push button that constitutes the lock instruction input unit 120 is pressed,
An electric signal indicating a lock instruction is transmitted to the control unit 200, and when a push button forming the unlock instruction input unit 130 is pressed, an electric signal indicating an unlock instruction is transmitted to the control unit 200.

The control unit 200 is a processing device having a built-in microprocessor, and performs the following processing when there is a locking instruction from the locking instruction input unit 120 or an unlocking instruction from the unlocking instruction input unit 130. Has the function of performing. First, when there is a lock instruction from the lock instruction input unit 120, a signal indicating the lock is given to the operation obstruction unit 400, and the secret code setting unit 110 sets the secret code set at that time. Processing for storing in 300 is performed. On the other hand, when there is an unlocking instruction from the unlocking instruction input unit 130, the personal identification number currently set in the personal identification number setting unit 110 is compared with the personal identification number stored in the personal identification number storage unit 300. , And when both match, a process of giving a signal indicating unlocking to the operation obstruction unit 400 is performed. The personal identification number storage unit 300 is composed of a non-volatile memory that accepts data writing and data reading processing from the control unit 200.

The operation obstruction unit 400 is controlled by the control unit 200.
It is an actuator having a function of interrupting normal operation of the vehicle when a signal indicating locking is given and eliminating this interference when a signal indicating unlocking is given. Here, three methods will be described as methods for hindering the normal operation of the vehicle. The first method is a method of obstructing the operation by blocking the start of the engine used as the power function of the vehicle. Most automobiles of recent years employ an electronic engine control system and perform engine control by a computer. Therefore,
If the first method is adopted, the operation obstruction unit 400
It is possible to interfere with the normal operation of the vehicle by giving an instruction to the engine control computer to prohibit starting the engine. The second method is a method of obstructing the operation by blocking the release of the parking brake used as the braking function of the vehicle. When adopting this method, the parking brake release mechanism is provided with an obstruction mechanism (for example, a mechanism that mechanically locks the release operation) to prevent the release operation, and the obstruction mechanism is operated. It suffices if it can be controlled by the jamming unit 400. A third method is a method of obstructing operation by fixing the position of a steering device used as a steering function of a vehicle. Most of recent automobiles have a steering lock mechanism,
The steering position remains fixed unless the engine start key is inserted. If this third method is adopted, even if the engine start key is inserted by using this existing steering lock mechanism, the steering lock state is maintained unless the operation obstruction unit 400 unlocks it. It may be configured as described above.

Subsequently, a locking operation and an unlocking operation of the vehicle using this vehicle locking device will be specifically described. When the driver wants to lock, the personal identification number setting unit 110 is first.
Operate to set an arbitrary password. Here, for example, by using the personal identification number setting unit 110 on the operation panel 100 as shown in FIG.
Let's assume that you have set a password of "34". In this way, when the predetermined personal identification number is set, the lock instruction input unit 12
It is sufficient to perform the operation of pressing the "lock" button that functions as 0. As a result, the lock instruction input unit 120 to the control unit 2
The lock instruction is transmitted to 00. Then, the control unit 200 gives a signal indicating locking to the operation obstruction unit 400, and the operation obstruction unit 400 functions to obstruct normal operation of the vehicle by a predetermined method. Further, the operation jamming unit 400 performs a process of storing the personal identification number set in the personal identification number setting unit 110 at that time, that is, the data “1234” in the personal identification number storage unit 300. This completes the lock operation. In order to ensure the locking effect of this vehicle locking device, it is preferable that the personal identification number set in the personal identification number setting unit 110 is not known to others. Therefore, in reality, thereafter, an operation of changing the setting content of the personal identification number setting unit 110 is performed so that the personal identification number used for locking is not detected by others. Figure 2
If the personal identification number setting unit 110 of the type shown in FIG.
A configuration for automatically resetting to "00" may be added.

When such a locking operation is completed, the operation obstruction unit 400 obstructs the operation unless an unlocking operation described later is performed. This has nothing to do with the presence or absence of the engine start key, and even if the engine start key is plugged in, the driver will not be able to operate this vehicle normally. For example, even if the engine start key is inserted and rotated, the engine does not start (when the above-mentioned first method is adopted), or the engine starts but the parking brake cannot be released (the above-mentioned second method). If the method is adopted), the steering cannot be unlocked (if the third method described above is adopted), the vehicle cannot be moved in any case. Therefore, even if the engine start key itself were stolen, the vehicle body would not be stolen.

When the driver who has locked the lock wants to unlock it, first, he operates the personal identification number setting unit 110 to set the same personal identification number as the personal identification number used for the locking. In the case of the above example, the operation panel 10 as shown in FIG.
The personal identification number setting unit 110 above 0 may be used to reset the personal identification number "1234" as shown. In this way, when the correct personal identification number is set, the operation of pressing the "cancel" button functioning as the unlock instruction input unit 130 may be performed. As a result, the unlock instruction is transmitted from the unlock instruction input unit 130 to the control unit 200. Then, the control unit 200 gives a signal indicating unlocking to the operation obstruction unit 400, and the operation obstruction unit 400 performs a process of eliminating the operation obstruction that has been performed so far. Thus, there are no obstacles to operation, and the vehicle can be operated normally. Of course, at the time of unlocking operation, the correct PIN (PIN code storage unit 3
If the PIN code stored in 00 is not set, even if you press the “Release” button, the operation interruption will not be canceled. Therefore, a third party who does not know the correct PIN code may perform an unauthorized unlocking operation. Even if it is done, such an unlocking operation is invalid. In addition, if the unlocking operation using the wrong PIN is performed a predetermined number of times in a row, adding a function to warn the horn of the car will give an incorrect solution by trial and error. It is more effective in preventing lock operation.

The advantages of the vehicle locking device according to the present invention are:
The driver is able to lock immediately at any time without wishing to carry any special tools, and likewise to unlock immediately at any time.
Moreover, since the locking / unlocking is performed regardless of the presence or absence of the engine start key, even if the engine start key itself is stolen, the locked state can be maintained without any trouble. Further, since the personal identification number used during the locking operation can be transmitted to another person by a verbal answer, the personal identification number can be transmitted by a verbal answer from the first driver who has performed the locking to another second driver. In this case, the second driver can also unlock. Of course, since it can be decided by the driver whether to lock or not, the locking function according to the present invention can be left unused in the daily riding where there is little risk of theft. Then, when the vehicle is not used for a long period of time or when the vehicle is parked in an unpopular place, the lock function of the present invention can be used to prevent theft.

Although the present invention has been described above based on the illustrated embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be implemented in various other forms. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the personal identification number is composed of four-digit numbers, but the personal identification number may be any number of digits (in order to improve security, the larger the number of digits, the more complicated the setting work is. Become). In addition, the operation panel 1
The form of 00 is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and any form may be used as long as an arbitrary personal identification number can be set. When a push button “lock” is used as the lock instruction input unit 120, there is a possibility that the push button is accidentally pushed even though the lock operation is not intended. If such an erroneous operation occurs, the lock is unintentionally performed, which is not preferable. Therefore, in practice, it is preferable to have a configuration in which it is determined that the lock instruction is input only when the “lock” push button is continuously pressed for 5 seconds or more. Or, for example, only when you press the "lock" push button with the headlight passing switch turned on,
It may be configured to request a “combination operation” that determines that a lock instruction has been input. Also,
When the control unit 200 determines that the lock instruction is input, it is preferable to sound some confirmation sound to call the driver's attention.

[0021]

As described above, according to the vehicle lock device of the present invention, even if the key is stolen, it is possible to sufficiently prevent the theft.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic embodiment of a vehicle locking device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a specific configuration example of an operation panel 100 shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing another specific configuration example of the operation panel 100 shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 ... Operation panel 110 ... PIN code setting section 111 ... Display unit 112 ... Top push button 113 ... Lower push button 114-117 ... Rotating ring 118 ... Baseline 120 ... Locking instruction input section (push button) 130 ... Unlock instruction input section (push button) 200 ... Control unit 300 ... PIN storage 400 ... Operation obstruction section

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A lock device used to prevent theft of a vehicle having a power function, a braking function, and a steering function, and a password setting unit for setting an arbitrary password, and the password A PIN code storage unit for storing, a lock instruction input unit for inputting a lock instruction, an unlock instruction input unit for inputting an unlock instruction, and a vehicle lock when a signal indicating lock is given. An operation obstruction unit that has a function of obstructing normal operation and eliminating the obstruction when a signal indicating unlocking is given, and the operation obstruction unit when there is a locking instruction from the locking instruction input unit. To give a signal to the lock,
A process of storing the personal identification number set at that time in the personal identification number setting unit in the personal identification number storage unit, and when there is an unlock instruction from the unlock instruction input unit, the personal identification number setting unit The personal identification number set at that time is compared with the personal identification number stored in the personal identification number storage unit,
A vehicle locking device comprising: a control unit that gives a signal indicating unlocking to the operation obstruction unit when the two match. 2. The vehicle locking device according to claim 1, wherein the operation obstruction unit obstructs operation by preventing the start of an engine used as a power function of the vehicle. . 3. The vehicle lock device according to claim 1, wherein the operation obstruction unit obstructs operation by blocking the release of a parking brake used as a braking function of the vehicle. apparatus. 4. The vehicle lock device according to claim 1, wherein the operation obstruction unit obstructs operation by fixing a position of a steering device used as a steering function of the vehicle. apparatus.