JP2007112252A - Steering lock control device, control method thereof, and display device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a steering lock control device capable of preventing a steering from being locked by issuing a cancel command even when a user erroneously has issued the steering lock command. <P>SOLUTION: When the command for canceling the steering lock command is issued before a predetermined time elapses after the steering lock command is issued from a user, a steering unlock state is maintained. The steering can be prevented from being locked by issuing the cancel command, even when the user erroneously has issued the steering lock command. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling a steering lock of a vehicle, and a display device used in a steering lock control system.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique is known in which when an engine ON / OFF switch is operated with the engine started, the engine is stopped, and when a steering lock switch is operated, a steering shaft is locked by a steering lock mechanism. (See Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-254113 A

  However, the conventional technique has a problem that the steering shaft is immediately locked even if the driver accidentally operates the steering lock switch.

(1) In the steering lock control device and the steering lock control method according to the present invention, when a command for canceling the steering lock command is issued from the user before a predetermined time elapses after the steering lock command is issued from the user, A steering unlock state is maintained.
(2) In the steering lock control device and the steering lock control method according to the present invention, when the steering lock command is issued again from the user before the predetermined time elapses after the steering lock command is issued from the user, It is characterized by locking.
(3) The display device according to the present invention is a steering lock control system that maintains a steering lock state when a command for canceling the steering lock command is issued before a predetermined time elapses after the steering lock command is issued by the user. If the time that has elapsed since the steering lock command was issued is within a predetermined time, a message to that effect is displayed.
(4) The display device according to the present invention is used in a steering lock control system that locks the steering when the steering lock command is issued again before a predetermined time has elapsed since the steering lock command was issued by the user. If the time that has elapsed since the steering lock command is issued is within a predetermined time, a message to that effect is displayed.

(1) According to the steering lock control device and the steering lock control method of the present invention, when a command for canceling the steering lock command is issued before a predetermined time elapses after the steering lock command is issued by the user, Since the steering unlock state is maintained, it is possible to prevent the steering from being locked by issuing a cancel command even when the user erroneously issues a steering lock command.
(2) According to the steering lock control device and the steering lock control method according to the present invention, when the steering lock command is issued again from the user before the predetermined time elapses after the steering lock command is issued from the user, Since the steering is locked, it is possible to prevent the steering from being locked if the steering lock command is not issued again even if the user erroneously issues the steering lock command.
(3) The display device according to the present invention is a steering lock control system that maintains a steering lock state when a command for canceling the steering lock command is issued before a predetermined time elapses after the steering lock command is issued by the user. If the time elapsed since the steering lock command was issued is within a predetermined time, a message to that effect is displayed. Even if the user accidentally issues a steering lock command, the predetermined value is displayed. By issuing a command to cancel the steering lock within the time, it is possible to prevent the steering from being locked.
(4) The display device according to the present invention is used in a steering lock control system that locks the steering when the steering lock command is issued again before a predetermined time has elapsed since the steering lock command was issued by the user. If the elapsed time since the steering lock command is issued is within the predetermined time, the fact is displayed, so even if the user has issued the steering lock command accidentally, within the predetermined time. If the steering lock command is not issued again, the steering can be prevented from being locked.

-First embodiment-
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a steering lock control device according to the first embodiment. The engine start switch 10 is a push button switch that is operated by an occupant when starting an engine (not shown). When the engine start switch 10 is pressed when a predetermined condition is satisfied, engine start control is started. The engine start switch 10 is also used when shifting each power position, as will be described later. The brake switch 15 is turned on when a brake (not shown) is depressed.

  The power supply position control unit (hereinafter referred to as P-POS-C / U) 20 includes a transmission circuit 21, a reception circuit 22, a CPU 23, a ROM 24, and a timer 25. The transmission circuit 21 and the reception circuit 22 exchange signals with the transmission circuit 103 and the reception circuit 104 included in the portable key (vehicle key) 100. The CPU 23 performs ID collation with the portable key 100 and controls the power position including engine start control. Details of the power supply position control will be described later. In the ROM 24, the ID of the portable key is registered in advance. The timer 25 starts timing when an operation for locking the steering is performed by the user.

  The PDU (Power Distribution Unit) 30 includes switches SW1 to SW4 for changing the power supply position. One end of each of the switches SW1 to SW4 is connected to a battery, and the switch is turned on / off based on a command from the P-POS-C / U20. The other end of the switch SW1 is connected to the ACC load 31, and power is supplied to the ACC load 31 when the switch SW1 is turned on. The ACC load 31 is audio (not shown), for example.

  The other end of the switch SW2 is connected to the IGN load 32. When the switch SW2 is turned on, power is supplied to the IGN load 32. The IGN load 32 is, for example, an ignition device (not shown). The other end of the switch SW3 is connected to an electric steering column lock (hereinafter referred to as ESCL) 40. The ESCL 40 locks / unlocks a steering (not shown). When the steering is locked, the user cannot perform the turning operation of the steering. The status switch 90 is a switch that is turned on / off based on the locked / unlocked state of the steering wheel.

  The motor control unit (MC / U) 50 includes a switch SW5 and a starter motor 51. One end of the switch SW5 is connected to the switch SW4, and the other end is connected to the starter motor 51. The switch SW5 is turned on when an ON command signal is output from the P-POS-C / U 20 and a signal indicating that the shift position is at the P or N position is output from the AT control unit 60 described later. To do. When the switches SW4 and SW5 are turned on, power is supplied to the starter motor 51, and the starter motor 51 is driven. Thereby, cranking is started and the engine is started.

  The AT control unit 60 controls an automatic transmission (hereinafter referred to as AT). The shift position sensor 61 detects the shift position and outputs it to the AT control unit 60.

  The engine control unit 70 controls the engine and outputs a signal indicating that the engine is being started (during cranking) or a signal indicating a complete explosion in which the engine has been started to P-POS-C / Output to U20. The engine speed sensor 71 detects the engine speed. The vehicle speed sensor 81 detects the speed of the vehicle. The detected vehicle speed is output to the P-POS-C / U 20 via the meter control unit 80. The P-POS-C / U 20, the AT control unit 60, the engine control unit 70, and the meter control unit 80 are each connected by a CAN communication line.

  The display 110 performs display based on a command from the P-POS-C / U20.

  The power position will be described. In the conventional system that starts the engine by rotating the ignition key, each power supply position is controlled based on the rotation position of the ignition key. In the steering lock control device according to the first embodiment, the P-POS-C / U 20 controls the transition to the LOCK, OFF, ACC, IGN, ST, and RUN positions.

  LOCK is a state in which the steering is locked, and all the switches SW1 to SW5 are turned off and power is not supplied. OFF is a state where the steering is unlocked and power is not supplied. The ACC is a state in which the steering is unlocked, and the switch SW1 is turned on and power is supplied to the ACC load 31.

  IGN is a state in which the steering is unlocked, and the switches SW1 and SW2 are turned on to supply power to the ACC load 31 and the IGN load 32. ST is a state in which the steering is unlocked, and the switches SW2, SW4, and SW5 are turned on to supply power to the IGN load 32 and the starter motor 51. That is, when the power position is ST, cranking is performed. RUN is a complete explosion state indicating that the steering is unlocked, the switches SW1, SW2, and SW4 are turned on, and the engine has started.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the processing contents performed by the steering lock control device in the first embodiment, and is performed by the P-POS-C / U 20 in a state where the power supply position is in RUN or IGN. In step S10, it is determined whether or not the pressing operation of the engine start switch 10 has been performed. If it is determined that the pressing operation of the engine start switch 10 has not been performed, the process waits in step S10. If it is determined that the pressing operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S20.

  In step 20, a process for shifting the power supply position to OFF is performed, and the process proceeds to step S30. In step S30, in order to inform the user that the pressing operation of the engine start switch 10 is necessary to lock the steering, a display for prompting the pressing operation of the engine start switch 10 on the display 110, for example, A message such as “Press the engine start switch to lock the steering wheel” is displayed.

  In step S40 following step S30, it is determined whether or not the pressing operation of the engine start switch 10 has been performed. If it is determined that the pressing operation of the engine start switch 10 has not been performed, the system waits in step S40 and maintains the power position OFF state. On the other hand, if it determines with the pressing operation of the engine start switch 10 having been performed, it will progress to step S50.

  In step S50, the display 110 indicates that the steering lock is to be performed, and time measurement by the timer 25 is started. The display 110 displays, for example, “steering lock. To cancel, press the engine start switch again”.

  In step S60 following step S50, it is determined whether or not the pressing operation of the engine start switch 10 has been performed. In the steering lock control device according to the first embodiment, the engine start switch is locked for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) after the user presses the engine start switch 10 in order to lock the steering. If the pressing operation of 10 is performed, the steering lock process is not performed, and if the pressing operation of the engine start switch 10 is not performed for a predetermined time, the steering lock locking process is performed. Accordingly, in step S60, it is determined whether or not an operation for canceling the steering lock command has been performed.

  If it is determined in step S60 that the pressing operation of the engine start switch 10 (operation for canceling the steering lock command) has been performed, the process proceeds to step S70. In step S70, the display indicating that the steering lock is performed in step S50 is stopped, and reset processing of the time measured by the timer 25 is performed. When the process of canceling the display indicating that the steering lock is performed and the reset process of the timer 25 are performed, the process returns to step S30. In this case, the power position remains OFF.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S60 that the pressing operation of the engine start switch 10 has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S80. In step S80, it is determined whether or not the time measured by the timer 25 has passed a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds). If it is determined that the time measured by the timer 25 has not passed the predetermined time, the process returns to step S60, and if it is determined that the predetermined time has passed, the process proceeds to step S90.

  In step S90, the switch SW3 in the PDU 30 is turned on to supply power to the ESCL 40, and a steering lock request signal is transmitted to the ESCL 40. The ESCL 40 that has received the steering lock request signal performs a process of locking the steering. As a result, the power position shifts to LOCK.

  According to the steering lock control device in the first embodiment, when a command for canceling the steering lock command is issued before a predetermined time has elapsed since the steering lock command is issued by the user, the steering unlock state is set. maintain. As a result, even if the user accidentally performs an operation to lock the steering, it is possible to prevent the steering from being locked if a command for canceling the steering lock command is issued within a predetermined time. .

  Further, according to the steering lock control device in the first embodiment, if a command for canceling the steering lock command is not issued before a predetermined time elapses after the steering lock command is issued by the user, the steering is controlled. Lock it. Therefore, when the steering is actually locked, the user only has to issue the steering lock command once, so that the convenience of operation is high.

  Further, according to the steering lock control device in the first embodiment, when the steering lock command is issued from the user, the operation method for canceling the steering lock command is notified to the user, so the steering lock command is canceled. Therefore, even a user who does not know the operation method can easily cancel the steering lock command. The operation method for canceling the steering lock command is displayed on the display 110 for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) unless an operation for canceling the steering lock command is performed. Therefore, while the operation method for canceling the steering lock command is displayed on the display 110, the user can know that the time elapsed since the steering lock command is issued is within a predetermined time.

-Second Embodiment-
In the steering lock control device according to the first embodiment, the steering unlock state is maintained when a command for canceling the steering lock command is issued before a predetermined time elapses after the steering lock command is issued by the user. If the command for canceling the steering lock command is not issued before the predetermined time elapses, the steering is locked. In the steering lock control device according to the second embodiment, when the steering lock command is issued again before the predetermined time has elapsed since the steering lock command is issued by the user, the steering is locked, and before the predetermined time has elapsed. If the steering lock command is not issued again by the user, the steering unlock state is maintained.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing contents performed by the steering lock control device in the second embodiment, and is performed by the P-POS-C / U 20 in a state where the power supply position is in RUN or IGN. Steps that perform the same processes as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The processing in steps S10 to S40 is the same as the processing in steps S10 to S40 in the flowchart shown in FIG. If it is determined in step S40 that the pressing operation of the engine start switch 10 has been performed, the process proceeds to step S50A.

  In step S50A, the final operation method for performing steering lock is displayed on the display 110, and time measurement by the timer 25 is started. For example, a display such as “please press the engine start switch again to perform steering lock” is displayed on the display 110.

  When the process of step S50A is performed, the process proceeds to step S60A. In step S60A, it is determined whether or not the pressing operation of the engine start switch 10 has been performed. As described above, in the steering lock control device according to the second embodiment, for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) after the user performs the pressing operation of the engine start switch 10 in order to lock the steering. When the engine start switch 10 is pressed again, the steering lock process is performed. If the engine start switch 10 is not pressed for a predetermined time, the steering lock is unlocked. To do. Accordingly, in step S60A, after the user issues a command to lock the steering, it is determined again whether or not the pressing operation of the engine start switch 10 has been performed.

  If it is determined in step S60A that the engine start switch 10 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S90A. In step S90A, the switch SW3 in the PDU 30 is turned on to supply power to the ESCL 40, and a steering lock request signal is transmitted to the ESCL 40. The ESCL 40 that has received the steering lock request signal performs a process of locking the steering.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S60A that the pressing operation of the engine start switch 10 has been performed, the process proceeds to step S80. In step S80, it is determined whether or not the time measured by the timer 25 has passed a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds). If it is determined that the time measured by the timer 25 has not passed the predetermined time, the process returns to step S60A, and if it is determined that the predetermined time has passed, the process proceeds to step S70A.

  In step S70A, the display of the final operation method for performing the steering lock performed in step S50A is stopped, and the process of resetting the time measured by the timer 25 is performed. When the process of canceling the display of the final operation method for performing the steering lock and the reset process of the timer 25 are performed, the process returns to step S30. In this case, the power position remains OFF.

  According to the steering lock control device in the second embodiment, when the steering lock command is issued again before a predetermined time elapses after the steering lock command is issued from the user, the steering is locked. As a result, even if the user mistakenly issues a command for locking the steering, it is possible to prevent the steering from being locked unless the steering lock command is issued again within a predetermined time.

  Further, according to the steering lock control device in the second embodiment, if the steering lock command is not issued again before a predetermined time elapses after the steering lock command is issued from the user, the steering unlock state is established. To maintain. Therefore, a user who has erroneously issued a steering lock command can prevent the steering from being locked unless the steering lock command is issued again.

  Further, according to the steering lock control device in the second embodiment, when the steering lock command is issued from the user, the final operation method for performing the steering lock is notified to the user, so the steering lock operation is required twice. Even in this system, the user is not confused. Note that the final operation method for issuing the steering lock command is displayed on the display 110 for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) unless the final operation for issuing the steering lock command is performed. Therefore, the user can know that the time elapsed since the steering lock command is issued is within a predetermined time while the final operation method for performing the steering lock command is displayed on the display 110.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, in the first embodiment described above, in order to perform the steering lock from the state where the power supply position is RUN or IGN, the user has to press the engine start switch 10 twice. However, the present invention can also be applied to a system that performs steering lock by pressing the engine start switch 10 once when the power supply position is RUN or IGN. That is, if the pressing operation of the engine start switch 10 is performed in step S10 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, the process may be shifted to step S50. Thereafter, if the pressing operation of the engine start switch 10 is not performed within a predetermined time, a process of locking the steering is performed, and the power supply position shifts to LOCK.

  In the second embodiment, in order to perform the steering lock from the state where the power supply position is RUN or IGN, the user has to press the engine start switch 10 three times. You may make it lock. That is, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, when the engine start switch 10 is pressed once from the state where the power supply position is RUN or IGN, the process may proceed to step S50A. Thereafter, if the engine start switch 10 is pressed within a predetermined time, the steering is locked. If the engine start switch 10 is not pressed within the predetermined time, the steering unlock state is set. maintain.

  In the first embodiment described above, the operation for performing the steering lock and the operation for canceling the steering lock command are the pressing operation of the engine start switch 10, but a button for performing the steering lock is provided. It may be provided separately, or a button for canceling the steering lock command may be provided separately. Also in the second embodiment, a button for performing steering lock can be separately provided.

  In the first embodiment, the user is notified by displaying an operation method for canceling the steering lock command on the display 110. However, an operation method for canceling the steering lock command is synthesized from a speaker (not shown). Notification can also be made using voice or the like. Similarly, in the second embodiment, an operation method for performing steering lock can be notified using synthesized speech or the like. It is also possible to notify the user that an elapsed time since the steering command is issued is within a predetermined time by turning on an indicator (not shown).

  In each of the above-described embodiments, two seconds have been described as an example of the predetermined time. However, the predetermined time may be set to an appropriate value in consideration of user convenience.

  The correspondence between the constituent elements of the claims and the constituent elements of the first and second embodiments is as follows. That is, the P-POS-C / U 20, PDU 30 and ESCL 40 constitute steering lock control means, the timer 25 constitutes time measurement means, and the display 110 constitutes cancel operation method notifying means and steering lock operation method notifying means. In addition, the above description is an example to the last, and when interpreting invention, it is not limited to the correspondence of the component of said embodiment and the component of this invention at all.

The figure which shows the structure of the steering lock control apparatus in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the processing content performed by the steering lock control apparatus in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the processing content performed by the steering lock control apparatus in 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Engine start switch, 15 ... Brake switch, 20 ... P-POS-C / U, 23 ... CPU, 24 ... ROM, 21 ... Transmission circuit, 22 ... Reception circuit, 25 ... Timer, 30 ... PDU, 31 ... ACC Load, 32 ... IGN load, 40 ... Electric steering column lock, 50 ... MC-U, 51 ... Starter motor, 60 ... AT control unit, 61 ... Shift position sensor, 70 ... Engine control unit, 71 ... Engine speed Sensor, 80 ... Meter control unit, 81 ... Vehicle speed sensor, 90 ... Status switch, 100 ... Portable key, 101 ... CPU, 102 ... ROM, 103 ... Transmission circuit, 104 ... Reception circuit, SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4, SW5 ... Switch, 110 ... Display

Claims (11)

Steering lock control means for locking / unlocking the steering;
In a state where the steering is unlocked, when a steering lock command is issued from the user, a time measuring means for starting time measurement is provided,
The steering lock control means maintains a steering unlocked state when a command for canceling the steering lock command is issued from the user before the time measured by the time measuring means elapses a predetermined time. Steering lock control device. The steering lock control device according to claim 1,
The steering lock control means locks the steering if a command for canceling the steering lock command is not issued from the user before the time measured by the time measuring means elapses. Steering lock control device. In the steering lock control device according to claim 1 or 2,
A steering lock control device, further comprising a cancel operation method notifying means for notifying a user of an operation method for canceling the steering lock command when a steering lock command is issued from the user. Steering lock control means for locking / unlocking the steering;
In a state where the steering is unlocked, when a steering lock command is issued from the user, a time measuring means for starting time measurement is provided,
The steering lock control means is configured to lock the steering when a steering lock command is issued again from the user before the time measured by the time measuring means passes a predetermined time. apparatus. In the steering lock control device according to claim 4,
The steering lock control means maintains a steering unlocked state unless a steering lock command is issued again from the user before the time measured by the time measuring means passes a predetermined time. Steering lock control device. The steering lock control device according to claim 4 or 5,
A steering lock control device, further comprising a steering lock operation method notifying means for notifying a user of a final operation method for performing a steering lock when a steering lock command is issued from a user. In the steering lock control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The steering lock control device according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit that notifies the user that the time measured by the time measuring unit is within the predetermined time if the time is within the predetermined time. When the steering lock command is issued from the user while the steering is unlocked, time measurement starts,
A steering lock control method, wherein a steering unlock state is maintained when a command for canceling a steering lock command is issued from a user before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of time measurement. When the steering lock command is issued from the user while the steering is unlocked, time measurement starts,
A steering lock control method, wherein a steering lock is performed when a steering lock command is issued again from a user before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of time measurement. In a display device used in a steering lock control system that maintains a steering lock state when a command for canceling the steering lock command is issued before a predetermined time has elapsed since the steering lock command is issued by the user,
If the time elapsed since the steering lock command was issued is within the predetermined time, the display device displays that it is within the predetermined time. In a display device used in a steering lock control system for locking a steering wheel when a steering lock command is issued again before a predetermined time has elapsed since the steering lock command is issued by the user,
If the time elapsed since the steering lock command was issued is within the predetermined time, the display device displays that it is within the predetermined time.

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