JP2004066954A - Vehicle theft prevention method and device and engine starting system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent start of an engine by any other person and eliminate the necessity for carrying a special device. <P>SOLUTION: A theft prevention device 20 has a start control unit 22 connected with a harness 19. A signal pattern corresponding to a switching position and switching order of an ignition switch 10 by switching operation of an ignition switch key 16 is stored in a start condition storage part 26 of the start control unit 22. A start control part 24 of the start control unit 22 monitors signal outputted into the harness 19 by switching operation of the ignition switch key 16 and operates a relay 28 when its signal pattern agrees with the pattern stored in the start condition storage part 26 to start an engine. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vehicle theft prevention method, and more particularly to a vehicle theft prevention method and apparatus that makes it difficult for others to start the vehicle engine to prevent theft of the vehicle, and to start the engine by remote control while preventing theft of the vehicle. It relates to an engine starting device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 4 is a front view of an ignition switch of a general vehicle. As shown in FIG. 4, the ignition switch 10 has a key hole 14 in the center of a key cylinder 12 into which a key (ignition switch key) not shown is inserted. The key cylinder 12 has a LOCK position for removing and inserting an ignition switch key, an OFF position for shutting off power, an ACC position for turning on an accessory switch unit for supplying power to an instrument panel, an ON position for turning on an ignition switch unit, and a starter switch unit. Are provided, and these positions are sequentially switched by an ignition switch key. Then, when starting the vehicle engine, as shown in FIG. 5, the ignition switch key is rotated clockwise in FIG. 4 from the LOCK position to the ST position to start the engine, and is turned on when the engine is started. Return to the position.
[0003]
As described above, since the engine of a general vehicle can be started only by turning on the ignition switch key to the ST position of the ignition switch 10, the engine is easily stolen. For this reason, conventionally, when a user of the vehicle leaves the vehicle, a unique identification code (ID code) is set in the control unit, and when the engine of the vehicle is started, the control unit is input from the remote control device. A vehicle theft device has been developed in which a user is confirmed based on an identification code and the engine is started. Also, by inserting a special key into a predetermined keyhole, the user is confirmed to be a user, and a vehicle antitheft device has been developed which can start the engine.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in order to start the engine of the vehicle, the above-described conventional vehicle antitheft device requires the user to carry a remote control device for inputting an ID code or a special key. For this reason, when the remote control device or the special key is lost, the vehicle cannot be driven, which is very inconvenient in a hurry. On the other hand, in order to not only prevent theft of the vehicle but also improve the convenience of the vehicle, it is desirable to be able to start the engine by remote control.
[0005]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, and has as its object to prevent the start of the engine by others and to eliminate the necessity of carrying a special device or the like.
Another object of the present invention is to improve convenience while preventing theft of a vehicle.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a method for preventing vehicle theft according to the present invention is characterized in that an arbitrary switch position and a switch order of an ignition switch provided with a plurality of switch positions are stored in advance, and the ignition by an ignition switch key is performed. When the switching operation of the switch coincides with the stored switching position and the switching order, the engine of the vehicle is started.
[0007]
And the vehicle anti-theft device implementing the above-described vehicle anti-theft method is an ignition switch having a plurality of switching positions, an ignition switch key for starting and stopping the engine by switching the plurality of switching positions of the ignition switch, A starting condition storage unit for storing the switching position and the switching order by the switching operation of the ignition switch key, and a switching operation of the ignition switch key corresponding to the switching position and the switching order stored in the starting condition storage unit. And a start control unit for starting the engine when the engine is turned on.
[0008]
The starting condition storage unit is configured to be able to store the holding time at the switching position of the ignition switch key, and the start control unit is configured to switch the switching position by the switching operation of the ignition switch key, the switching order, and the holding time at the switching position. The engine can be started when the switching position, the switching order, and the holding time at the switching position stored in the above-mentioned method match. Further, the start control unit may cause the start condition storage unit to store the details of the operation when the ignition switch key is operated within a predetermined time after the engine is stopped.
[0009]
The engine starting device according to the present invention includes a receiving unit connected to the starting control unit of the above-described vehicle anti-theft device, and a signal corresponding to a switching operation of the ignition switch key transmitted to the starting control unit via the receiving unit. And a remote control unit for starting the engine.
[0010]
[Action]
According to the present invention as described above, the switching position and the switching order of the ignition switch are freely registered (set), and the engine is not started when the ignition switch does not match with the switching position. Starting becomes difficult, and theft of the vehicle can be prevented. Therefore, even if the ignition switch key for switching the ignition switch is copied, the engine cannot be started, and there is no risk of the vehicle being stolen. Moreover, the user does not need to carry any special device or key to prevent the vehicle from being stolen.
[0011]
By storing not only the switching position and the switching order by the switching operation of the ignition switch key but also the holding time at the switching position of the ignition switch key, the engine starting conditions can be further complicated, and theft can be further prevented. Can be achieved. In addition, when the ignition switch key is operated within a predetermined time after the engine is stopped, the engine start conditions can be set, which eliminates the need for auxiliary switches for setting the start conditions and reduces costs. It is also possible to easily change the engine start conditions and the like. If a signal corresponding to an operation of switching an ignition switch key is input to a start control unit of the vehicle antitheft device having the above-described operation by a remote control so that the engine can be started, it is convenient while preventing theft of the vehicle. Performance can be improved.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Preferred embodiments of a vehicle theft prevention method and apparatus and an engine starting device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Parts corresponding to those described in the related art are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.
[0013]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a vehicle antitheft device and an engine starting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the antitheft device 20 includes an ignition switch 10, an ignition switch key 16 inserted into a keyhole 14 (see FIG. 2) of the ignition switch 10, and a start control unit 22.
[0014]
The ignition switch 10 has a plurality of built-in switches for connecting and disconnecting a battery (+ B) as a vehicle power supply, an accessory (ACC) such as an instrument panel, an ignition coil (IG), and a starter motor (ST). These switches are turned on and off by an ignition switch key 16 to supply the current output from the battery to the accessory, the ignition coil, and the starter motor. The battery, the accessory, the ignition coil, the starter motor and the ignition switch 10 are connected via a connector 17 and 18 to a detachable harness 19.
[0015]
In the case of the embodiment, the start control unit 22 includes a start control unit 24 including a CPU, a start condition storage unit 26, and a relay 28. The start control unit 24 is connected to the accessory wiring 30, the ignition wiring 32, and the starter wiring 34 of the harness 19, and receives signals from the corresponding switch units. The start condition storage unit 26 is formed from a writable and erasable non-volatile memory, and in the case of the embodiment, is formed from an electrically writable and erasable EEPROM. The start condition storage unit 26 is connected to the start control unit 24. As described in detail later, the start condition of the engine by the switching operation of the ignition switch key 16 is written by the start control unit 24. The relay 28 is connected to the starter wiring 34 of the harness 19 in the case of the embodiment. The relay 28 receives a control signal from the start control unit 24, and connects and disconnects the starter wiring 34 according to the control signal of the start control unit 24.
[0016]
In the antitheft device 20 of the embodiment having the above configuration, the engine start conditions are set (registered) as shown in FIG. 2 in order to prevent the vehicle from being stolen. When the ignition switch key 16 is operated within a predetermined time after the engine of the vehicle is stopped, for example, within 5 seconds after the engine is normally stopped, the start control unit 24 of the antitheft device 20 starts the engine. It is regarded as a condition registration act, and the registration mode is set. Further, the start control unit 24, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the user sequentially switches the switching position in the order of OFF → ACC → OFF → ACC → ON → ACC → ON → ST, When the ignition switch key 16 is held at the ST position for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds), it is determined that the act of registering the starting condition has been completed.
[0017]
When the ignition switch key 16 sequentially switches the switching position of the ignition switch 10 as described above, the accessory wiring 30, the ignition wiring 32, and the starter wiring 34 of the harness 19 correspond to the switching positions in FIG. Signals appear as shown in FIG. Therefore, when the act of registering the start conditions is completed, the start control unit 24 sets the signal patterns shown in FIGS. 2B to 2D corresponding to the switching operation of the ignition switch key 16 as the engine start conditions. It is written into the starting condition storage unit 26.
[0018]
When the start conditions of the engine are registered (set) in this manner, the start control unit 24 monitors the signal output to the harness 19 and stores the pattern of the signal output to the harness 19 in the start condition storage unit 26. It is determined whether or not the pattern matches the written pattern. Then, the start control unit 24 outputs a start permission signal to the relay 28 and turns on the relay 28 only when the pattern of the signal output to the harness 19 matches the pattern stored in the start condition storage unit 26. Then, the starter wiring 34 is connected to supply electric current from the battery to the starter motor to start the engine. When the engine is started, the user returns the ignition switch key 16 to the ON position as shown in FIG.
[0019]
Therefore, even if another person other than the user turns the ignition switch key 16 to the ST position in the same manner as in the related art, the engine cannot be started and the vehicle can be prevented from being stolen. For this reason, even if the ignition switch key (so-called car key) 16 is copied, the vehicle can be prevented from being stolen. Moreover, the antitheft device 20 of the embodiment does not require the user to carry any special device or key. Moreover, since the anti-theft device 20 only connects the start control unit 22 to the harness 19, the start control unit 22 can be easily attached. Further, the ignition switch key 16 can be safely left to another person except when the vehicle needs to be moved.
[0020]
Note that the above embodiment is one aspect of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which only the switching position and the switching order by the switching operation of the ignition switch key 16 are registered as the starting conditions. However, for example, the first "hold the key at the ACC position for 1 second or more" The time may be added to the starting condition as in As described above, by adding the time to the starting condition, the starting condition of the engine becomes more complicated, the coincidence of the starting condition by accident is reduced, and the theft of the vehicle can be prevented. Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the start condition can be registered when the ignition switch key 16 is operated within a predetermined time after the engine has stopped normally. A hidden switch may be provided so that the starting condition can be registered when the switch is turned on. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the relay 28 is provided on the starter wiring 34 of the harness 19 to cut off the circuit of the starter and the starter motor is not operated in order to prevent the engine from starting is described. The method may be another method such as not operating the fuel injection device. The antitheft device 20 according to the embodiment can provide a remotely operated engine starting device because the wiring of the remotely operated engine starting device can be used as it is.
[0021]
That is, in the engine starting device 40 shown in FIG. 1, a receiving unit 42 is provided inside the starting control unit 22 as shown by a dashed line, and the receiving unit 42 is connected to the starting control unit 24. It is. Further, the engine starting device 40 has a portable remote control unit (remote control) 46 that transmits a signal 44 such as a radio wave to the receiving unit 42. The remote controller 46 outputs a signal 44 corresponding to a signal output to the harness 19 based on a switching operation of the ignition switch key 16. The receiving unit 42 may be provided separately from the start control unit 22 and may be electrically connected to the start control unit 24 by wiring or the like.
[0022]
The engine starting device 40 configured as described above transmits a signal 44 from the remote controller 46 to the receiving unit 42 of the anti-theft device 20. When receiving the signal 44 from the remote controller 46, the receiving unit 42 inputs the signal 44 to the start control unit 24. The start control unit 24 determines whether the signal 44 input from the reception unit 42 matches the signal pattern stored in the start condition storage unit 26, and activates the relay 28 by operating the relay 28 when the signal pattern matches. To start.
[0023]
By forming the engine starting device 40 in this way, for example, the engine can be idled in advance in winter or the vehicle interior can be cooled to an appropriate temperature in summer in advance, and the convenience is improved.
[0024]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the switching position and the switching order of the ignition switch are freely registered (set), and if they do not match, the engine is not started. This makes it difficult to start the engine, thereby preventing the vehicle from being stolen. Moreover, the user does not need to carry any special device or key to prevent the vehicle from being stolen.
Further, according to the engine starting device of the present invention, convenience can be improved while preventing the vehicle from being stolen.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a vehicle antitheft device and an engine starting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a method for setting an engine start condition according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a relationship between a switching position of an ignition switch key and a signal output to a harness.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an ignition switch of the vehicle.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a conventional engine starting method.
[Explanation of symbols]
10: ignition switch, 16: ignition switch key, 19: harness, 20: anti-theft device, 22: start control unit, 24: start control unit, 26: start Condition storage unit, 28 Relay, 30 Wiring for accessory, 32 Wiring for ignition, 34 Wiring for starter, 40 Engine starting device, 42 Receiver, 46 ...... Remote control unit (remote control).

Claims (5)

When an arbitrary switch position and a switch order of an ignition switch provided with a plurality of switch positions are stored in advance, and a switch operation of the ignition switch by an ignition switch key matches the stored switch position and the switch order. And starting the engine of the vehicle. An ignition switch having a plurality of switching positions;
An ignition switch key for switching the plurality of switching positions of the ignition switch to start and stop the engine,
A starting condition storage unit for storing the switching position and the switching order by the switching operation of the ignition switch key;
When the switching operation of the ignition switch key matches the switching position and the switching sequence stored in the starting condition storage unit, a start control unit that starts the engine;
A vehicle anti-theft device comprising: The vehicle antitheft device according to claim 2,
The starting condition storage unit can store a holding time at a switching position of the ignition switch key,
The start control unit includes a switching position by the switching operation of the ignition switch key, a switching order and a holding time at the switching position.The switching position stored in the starting condition storage unit, a switching order and a holding time at the switching position. Starting the engine when they match,
An anti-theft device for a vehicle. The vehicle anti-theft device according to claim 2 or 3,
When the ignition switch key is operated within a predetermined time after the stop of the engine, the start control unit stores the contents of the operation in the start condition storage unit. apparatus. A receiving unit connected to a start control unit of the vehicle anti-theft device according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
A remote operation unit that inputs a signal corresponding to a switching operation of the ignition switch key to the start control unit via the reception unit, and starts the engine;
An engine starting device comprising:

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