JP2005138753A - Immobilizer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an immobilizer capable of easily carrying out various setting such as initial setting and requiring no separate input equipment for setting. <P>SOLUTION: The immobilizer has a transmission means for transmitting the inherent ID code; a receiving means capable of receiving the ID code; a determination means for determining whether or not the ID code received by the receiving means is the previously set regular one; and an engine starting permission means for enabling to start an engine when it is determined by the determination means that the ID code received by the receiving means is the regular one and unenabling to start the engine when it is determined that the received ID code is not the regular one. Predetermined setting can be carried out based on the approaching or abutting time of the transmission means to the receiving means and its timing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an immobilizer capable of preventing theft of a vehicle or the like by enabling the engine to be started when an ID code received by transmitting and receiving a unique ID code is a preset proper one. Is.

  Along with the increase in theft of vehicles in recent years, in addition to mechanical engine start by the ignition key (engine start by the same shape of key shape and key hole shape), it is embedded in the grip part of the ignition key and has a unique ID A transponder capable of transmitting a code, an antenna disposed near the keyhole and capable of receiving an ID code from the transponder, and determining whether or not the ID code received by the antenna is preset. Is provided with an immobilizer provided with a control circuit capable of transmitting a start permission signal to an ECU (engine control device).

According to such a conventional immobilizer, mechanical engine start by an ignition key and electronic engine start permission by transmission / reception of an ID code can be performed together, and the antitheft effect can be improved. Normally, when using the immobilizer, various settings such as setting change and additional key registration cannot be performed by the user.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-81203

  However, the conventional immobilizer has a problem that when the user performs initial settings and other various settings, a separate input device has to be connected, which is cumbersome and the settings are troublesome. In addition, since a separate input device is required only at the time of setting, there is a problem that storage is required until the next setting, and maintenance becomes difficult.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an immobilizer in which various settings such as initial settings can be easily performed and a separate input device for the settings can be made unnecessary. .

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the driver can carry the ID code transmitted from the transmitting means, and the transmitting means for transmitting the unique ID code, and the transmitting means approaching or contacting the transmitting means. A receiving means; a judging means for judging whether or not the ID code received by the receiving means is a preset normal one; and the ID code received by the receiving means by the judging means is a legitimate one An immobilizer having an engine start permission means that enables the engine to be started when it is determined that the received ID code is not legitimate and that the engine cannot be started when it is determined that the received ID code is not legitimate. Thus, a predetermined setting is possible based on the proximity or contact time and timing of the transmitting means to the receiving means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the immobilizer according to the first aspect, the proximity or contact time and timing of the transmission means with respect to the reception means are guided by voice.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the immobilizer according to the first or second aspect, the setting includes a setting for a self-diagnosis mode for self-diagnosis of an electrical failure.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the predetermined setting is possible based on the proximity or contact time and timing of the transmitting means to the receiving means, various settings such as initial settings are easy, and A separate input device can be dispensed with.

  According to the invention of claim 2, since the proximity or contact time of the transmitting means to the receiving means and the timing are guided by voice, a manual for making a desired setting is not required, and further setting is possible. Simplification can be achieved.

  According to the invention of claim 3, since the setting includes a setting for setting a self-diagnosis mode for self-diagnosis of an immobilizer electrical failure, the setting can be facilitated and the reliability of the immobilizer can be further improved. .

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
The immobilizer according to the present embodiment is attached to the driver's seat side of an automobile as a so-called retrofit type (optional), and is connected to the immobilizer main body 1 and the immobilizer main body 1 via the wiring C1 as shown in FIG. The antenna unit 2 and the transmission means 10 as shown in FIG.

  The transmission means 10 can be carried by the driver, and, as shown in FIG. 5, is configured by embedding a transponder 10b capable of transmitting a unique ID code, and is separate from an ignition key (not shown). It has been done. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the transmitting means 10 is formed of a substantially stick-like shape as a whole, a ring hole 10 a provided on the proximal end side thereof, a distal end surface 10 c, It is mainly composed of a gripping portion 10d provided on the proximal side surface.

  Then, for example, a metal ring (not shown) is inserted into the ring hole 10a, and an ignition key gripping part (not shown) is also inserted through the metal ring, thereby connecting the transmitting means 10 and the ignition key. And can be carried around. Further, in order to authenticate the ID code, the grip portion 10d is gripped and brought close to or in contact with the tip surface 10c facing the surface of the antenna portion 2.

  The antenna unit 2 is fixed by sticking or the like in the vicinity of the key hole through which the ignition key of the automobile is inserted. As shown in FIG. 3, the antenna unit 2 is connected to the coil so that the ID code transmitted from the transmitting means 10 can be received. The antenna 2a (receiving means) and a substrate (RF module) 2b electrically connected to the antenna 2a are included. However, the ID code received by the antenna 2a is transmitted to the CPU 4a of the control unit 4 via the code C1.

  The immobilizer body 1 is installed and fixed at a predetermined position on the driver's seat side of the automobile, and as shown in FIG. 2, a control unit 4, a normally closed relay 5 and a speaker 3 are disposed therein, and the control unit 4 The normally closed relay 5 and the speaker 3 are electrically connected to each other. Further, from the immobilizer body 1, in addition to the wiring C1 extending to the antenna unit 2, a wiring C2 extending from the normally closed relay 5, a wiring C3 extending to a key detection switch 8 described later, and a wiring C4 to be grounded extend. It is installed. A connector C having an RL / IN terminal, an RL / OUT terminal, and an OUT terminal is formed at the tip of the wiring C2, as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 4 includes a CPU 4 a serving as a determination unit and a transistor 4 b for monitoring a voltage to detect an electrical failure of the immobilizer and perform self-diagnosis. . The CPU 4a determines whether or not the ID code transmitted from the antenna unit 2 is a preset regular one. In addition to the antenna unit 2, the key detection switch 8 ( Key detection means), normally closed relay 5, and speaker control unit 6 for controlling the guidance sound emitted from the speaker 3 and the like.

  The key detection switch 8 is normally opened, and is closed when the ignition key is inserted into the key hole, so that the ignition key detection signal can be sent to the CPU 4a. Further, the speaker control unit 6 includes a memory 6a, a sound IC 6b, and an amplifier 6c, and sounds stored in the memory 6a in advance (in this embodiment, sounds in Japanese or English, and alarm sounds). Thus, desired guidance and notification can be performed from the speaker 3.

  Further, the normally closed relay 5 as an engine start permission means is mainly composed of a normally closed switch 5a and a coil 5b as an electromagnet, and allows or interrupts the flow of current to the coil 5b based on control by the CPU 4a. By doing so, the normally closed switch 5a can be opened and closed. On the other hand, the wiring L1 connected to the battery with the start switch 7 and the wiring L2 grounded with the cell starter 9 form an engine starting circuit disposed on the vehicle side. The normally-closed relay 5 is arranged via the wiring C2. The start switch 7 is closed by rotating the ignition key inserted into the key hole from the off position to the on position.

  As a result, when the normally closed relay 5 is closed (that is, the normally closed switch 5a is closed), power is supplied to the cell starter 9 by closing the start switch 7, and the engine can be started. If the normally closed relay 5 is open (that is, the normally closed switch 5a is open), even if the start switch 7 is closed, no power is supplied to the cell starter 9 and the engine does not start. It becomes possible.

  Next, the operation of the immobilizer with the above configuration will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. In the initial state where the engine of the automobile is stopped and the ignition key is not inserted into the key hole, the start switch 7 and the key detection switch 8 are opened and the normally closed relay 5 is closed as shown in FIG. The voice guidance by the speaker 3 is in Japanese.

  First, it is determined whether or not the ignition key is inserted into the key hole based on whether or not the detection signal is received from the key detection switch 8 by the CPU 4a (presence of insertion state) (S1), and to the key hole of the ignition key. If there is no insertion, the process proceeds to S2 to authenticate the ID code. Such authentication of the ID code is performed by comparing the ID code received from the transmitting means 10 via the antenna 2a with a predetermined regular ID code.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the received ID code matches the regular one (S3). If the ID code does not match, the process returns to S2, and if it matches, the system is released (S4). This system release means that the current flow to the coil 5b is interrupted by the CPU 4a, the normally closed switch 5a is closed (that is, the normally closed relay 5 is closed to the normal state), and the start switch 7 is turned on. When closed, it means that the engine start circuit becomes conductive and the engine can be started.

  After that, the process proceeds to S5, for example, the speaker 3 is notified with a voice “System has been released”, and it is determined whether or not the ignition key has been inserted into the keyhole within 10 seconds after the system is released ( S6). If the ignition key is inserted into the key hole within 10 seconds, the process proceeds to S7, and the system release state is maintained while the insertion state is detected. On the other hand, the ignition key must not be inserted within 10 seconds. If so, the process proceeds to S8, and the system is activated. If the ignition key insertion state is not detected in S7 (that is, the ignition key is removed from the key hole), the process proceeds to S8 and the system is activated.

  This system operation means that the CPU 4a allows the flow of current to the coil 5b, so that the normally closed switch 5a is opened (that is, the normally closed relay 5 is opened) and the engine starting circuit is turned off. This means that the engine cannot be started even when the start switch 7 is closed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S9, for example, the speaker 3 is notified with a voice “System has been activated”, and the series of controls is completed.

  On the other hand, if the ignition key is inserted into the key hole in S1, the process proceeds to S10 and self-diagnosis is executed (self-diagnosis mode). Such self-diagnosis is performed by monitoring the voltage by the transistor 4b as described above. If it is diagnosed that there is an abnormality, the process proceeds to S18, and a failure is notified by voice. When performing such a failure notification, it is determined whether the normally closed relay 5 is an open failure or a short-circuit failure based on the voltage state of the transistor 4b, and a sound notification corresponding to each failure is made. Good. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the ignition key has been removed from the key hole (S19). If it is determined that the ignition key has been removed, a series of control operations are terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is diagnosed that there is no abnormality in S11, the process proceeds to S12, for example, a notification with a voice “System is in operation” is performed, and then the ID code is authenticated (S13). Here, it is determined whether or not the received ID code matches the regular one (S14). If the ID code does not match, S13 is performed again. If it is determined that the ID code matches, the process proceeds to S15. The system is released.

  After the system is released in S15, the process proceeds to S16, where, for example, a notification with a voice “System has been released” is given, and whether or not the ID code (that is, the ID code that matches the authorized one) has been received for 10 seconds. It is determined (S17). In addition, before such determination, guidance (speech or alarm guidance) for shifting to the setting mode may be performed if the transmitter 10 is kept close to or in contact with the antenna unit 2 for 10 seconds.

  If it is determined in S17 that an ID code (regular ID code, the same applies hereinafter) has not been received for 10 seconds (that is, the transmitting means 10 has been separated from the antenna unit 2 within 10 seconds), the process proceeds to S7. The system release is maintained until it is determined that the ignition key has been removed from the key hole. If it is determined in S17 that the ID code has been received for 10 seconds (that is, the state in which the transmitter 10 is brought close to or in contact with the antenna unit 2 is maintained for 10 seconds), the process proceeds to the setting mode starting from S20. .

  In this setting mode, it is possible to perform a setting in which the sound (announcement) emitted from the speaker 3 is Japanese or English, a setting to use an alarm sound instead of the sound, and a setting to stop the anti-theft function. Specifically, in S20, after giving guidance by voice saying “If you want to change to English announcement, please release the calling means”, proceed to S21, and determine whether or not the ID code has been received for 3 seconds. Is done. If reception of the ID code is interrupted within 3 seconds, it is determined that the transmission means has been released according to the guidance (that is, separated from the antenna unit 2), and the subsequent guidance is set in English in S22. After that, for example, a notification “change to English” is made (S23).

  If it is determined in S21 that the ID code has been received for 3 seconds, it is determined that the guidance setting (change to announcement in English) is not desired, and the process proceeds to S24. For example, “if you want to change to alarm mode, release the calling means. After the guidance with the voice “Please do”, the process proceeds to S25, where it is determined whether or not the ID code has been received for 3 seconds. If reception of the ID code is interrupted within 3 seconds, it is determined that the transmission means has been released according to the guidance (that is, separated from the antenna unit 2), and subsequent guidance is performed by generating an alarm sound in S26. After the setting is made, for example, a notification “change to alarm mode” is made (S27).

  If it is determined in S25 that the ID code has been received for 3 seconds, it is determined that the setting of the guidance (change to the alarm mode) is not desired, and the process proceeds to S28, for example, “If changing to Japanese announcement, call means Please release "". After such guidance, the process proceeds to S29 to determine whether or not the ID code has been received for 3 seconds. If the ID code is not received within 3 seconds, the process proceeds to S30 and the subsequent guidance is set in Japanese. For example, a notification “change to Japanese” is made (S31). This setting should be performed when an announcement in Japanese is desired again after changing from the default Japanese to English mode.

  After the notification in S23, S27, or S31, the process proceeds to S36. For example, the voice guidance “If you are satisfied with this content, please bring the calling means once again” is performed, and the ID code is within 10 seconds. It is determined whether (regular) has been received (S37). If it is determined that the ID code has been received within 10 seconds, the process proceeds to S38, a notification is made with a voice “changed”, and the process proceeds to S7 until it is determined that the ignition key has been removed from the keyhole. Release is maintained.

  If it is determined in S37 that the ID code has not been received within 10 seconds, the process proceeds to S39, and the new setting made in S22, S26, or S30 is canceled. For example, “work is finished”. Notification by voice is performed (S40). Thereafter, similarly to the case where the setting is performed, the process proceeds to S7, and the system release is maintained until it is determined that the ignition key is removed from the key hole.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S29 that the ID code has been received for 3 seconds, it is determined that the setting of guidance (all setting changes related to guidance including change to announcement in Japanese) is not desired, and the process proceeds to S32, for example, Give voice guidance “Please release the caller when stopping the anti-theft function”. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S33, where it is determined whether or not the ID code has been received for 3 seconds. If reception of the ID code is interrupted within 3 seconds, it is determined that the sending means has been released as instructed, and after the anti-theft function is stopped in S34, for example, “the anti-theft function is stopped”. (S35), and the process proceeds to S41.

  In S41, for example, a voice guidance “Please bring the calling means close again if this content is acceptable” is performed, and it is determined whether or not an ID code (regular) is received within 10 seconds ( S42). If it is determined that the ID code has been received within 10 seconds, the process proceeds to S43, a notification is made with the voice “changed”, and the process proceeds to S19 to determine whether the ignition key has been removed from the key hole. If it is determined that it has been removed, a series of control is terminated.

  If it is determined in S42 that the ID code has not been received within 10 seconds, the process proceeds to S44 to cancel the setting for stopping the anti-theft function in S34, for example, the work has been completed. " Performed (S45). After that, as in the case where the antitheft function is stopped, the process proceeds to S19 to determine whether or not the ignition key has been removed from the key hole. If it is determined that the ignition key has been removed, a series of control is terminated.

  By the way, if it is determined in S33 that the ID code has been received for 3 seconds, the registration mode starting from S46 is performed. The registration of a new ID code performed in such a registration mode is also included in the “setting” of the present invention. In S46, it is determined whether or not four ID codes have already been registered. Four of these determination criteria are set based on the number of transmission means (three in the case of this embodiment) delivered to the user when selling an immobilizer, and other numbers are determined depending on the form of sales. It is good also as a standard.

  If it is determined in S46 that the number of registered ID codes is four or less, the process proceeds to S47, and for example, guidance is provided by voice saying "If you want to register additional calling means, please release the calling means" It is determined whether the code has been received for 3 seconds (S48). If reception of the ID code is interrupted within 3 seconds, it is determined that additional registration is to be performed, and the process proceeds to S51, for example, “Registration of transmission means is started. It is determined whether or not a new ID code has been received within 10 seconds after the guidance "Please" (S52).

  If it is determined in S52 that a new ID code has been received within 10 seconds, the process proceeds to S53, where the ID code is newly registered (S53). For example, the voice “New transmission means registered” is used. Notification is performed (S54). After such notification, the system proceeds to S7 and the system release is maintained until it is determined that the ignition key has been removed from the key hole. If it is determined in S48 that the ID code has been received for 3 seconds, and if it is determined in S52 that a new ID code has not been received within 10 seconds, the registration mode ends, and the process proceeds to S40. A voice notification (for example, a notification that “work is finished”) is performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S46 that four ID codes have already been registered, the process proceeds to S49. For example, “Currently, four transmission means are registered. The information of the initial transmission means is deleted and newly registered. If you do, please release the sending means ”. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S50, where it is determined whether or not the ID code has been received for 3 seconds. If it is determined that the ID code has not been received, the process proceeds to S55, where "the initial transmission unit information is deleted and a new transmission unit is registered. Please confirm the means of registration to be registered within 10 seconds ".

  Then, the process proceeds to S56 to determine whether or not a new ID code has been received within 10 seconds. If it is determined that the new ID code has been received, the ID code is newly registered (S57). At this time, in this embodiment, since there are four storage areas where ID codes can be registered, the stored information such as ID codes already registered is erased first, and the information is freed by erasing the information. A new ID code is registered in the storage area. It should be noted that after erasing information and registering a new ID code in S57, and after determining that the ID code has been received for 3 seconds in S50, the registration mode ends, and the process proceeds to S40 to notify by voice (for example, Notification that “work has been completed” is performed.

  According to the present embodiment, as described above, a predetermined setting is possible based on the proximity or contact time and timing of the transmitting means 10 to the antenna unit 2 (that is, the antenna 2a as the receiving means). Various settings such as selection of sound to be generated and new registration of transmission means are easy, and a separate input device for setting can be made unnecessary. Further, since the setting is guided by voice, a manual or the like for making a desired setting can be made unnecessary, and the setting can be further facilitated.

  The immobilizer according to the present embodiment has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and whether or not the self-diagnosis mode is performed is guided by voice or an alarm, and the proximity or contact of the transmission unit to the reception unit and the timing are performed. Based on the above, a predetermined self-diagnosis may be performed. In the present embodiment, the engine can be started or disabled by the normally closed relay 5, but when the CPU 4a as the determining means or the CPU 4a as the determining means determines that the regular ID code has been received, An engine permission signal may be transmitted to the ECU of the vehicle. Further, the setting of the time for the transmitting means to approach or contact the receiving means, the insertion timing of the ignition key into the key hole, or the like may be appropriately changed.

  Furthermore, the immobilizer according to the present embodiment is a so-called retrofitting type (optional), but is not limited to this, and can be applied to an immobilizer assembled at the time of manufacture of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the present invention is applied as an anti-theft device for automobiles, but it is applied to various four-wheeled vehicles, two-wheeled vehicles, ATVs, PWCs, snowmobiles, outboard motors, construction machinery, and the like. May be.

  As long as a predetermined setting is possible based on the proximity or contact time of the transmitting means to the receiving means and the timing, it can be applied to various immobilizers such as an external shape and other functions added.

The external view which shows the immobilizer main body and antenna part in the immobilizer which concerns on embodiment of this invention II-II sectional view in FIG. Side view showing the antenna part of the immobilizer Front view, top view and side view showing transmission means of the immobilizer VV line sectional view in FIG. The immobilizer main body of the same immobilizer, the antenna part, the key detection switch which the vehicle side comprises, and the schematic diagram which shows the wiring state in an engine starting circuit Flow chart showing the control contents of the immobilizer (overall overview) Flow chart showing the control contents of the immobilizer (overall overview) Flow chart showing control contents of the immobilizer (voice selection and function stop) Flow chart showing the control contents of the immobilizer (setting cancellation setting) Flow chart showing the control contents of the immobilizer (setting cancellation setting) Flow chart showing control contents of the immobilizer (registration mode)

Explanation of symbols

1 Immobilizer body 2 Antenna part 2a Antenna (receiving means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Speaker 4 Control part 5 Normally closed relay 6 Speaker control part 7 Start switch 8 Key detection switch 9 Cell starter 10 Transmission means 10b Transponder L1, L2 The wiring which comprises an engine starting circuit C Connector C1-C4 wiring

Claims (3)

A transmission means that the driver can carry and transmits a unique ID code;
A receiving means capable of receiving an ID code transmitted from the transmitting means by bringing the transmitting means close or in contact;
Determining means for determining whether or not the ID code received by the receiving means is a preset regular one;
When the determination means determines that the ID code received by the receiving means is authentic, the engine can be started, and when the received ID code is determined not to be authentic, the engine An engine start permission means for making the start impossible,
An immobilizer having
A predetermined setting is possible based on proximity and contact time and timing of the transmitting means with respect to the receiving means.   The immobilizer according to claim 1, wherein the proximity and contact time and timing of the transmitting unit with respect to the receiving unit are guided by voice.   The immobilizer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the setting includes a setting for a self-diagnosis mode for self-diagnosis of an electrical failure.

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