JP3831058B2 - Steering lock system for vehicles - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a steering lock system for a vehicle in which an operation of a steering lock mechanism is performed using an electric actuator, and in particular, an ID code in which an ID code read from a portable memory carrier is registered in advance on the vehicle side It is related with the steering lock system for vehicles provided with the control means which validates the function of the main switch for vehicle travel when it corresponds, and unlocks the steering lock mechanism by the electric actuator.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, various measures have been taken to increase safety against vehicle theft. As an example of such measures, the vehicle stores the ID code unique to the tag carried by the driver and only when the ID code read from the tag matches the ID code registered in advance on the vehicle side. It is considered that the function of an ignition switch that is a main switch for traveling is made effective. In the case of adopting such a configuration, it is necessary to unlock the steering lock mechanism at the stage before the function of the ignition switch is validated as described above. For this reason, conventionally, when the ID code read from the tag coincides with the vehicle-side ID code, the steering lock mechanism is unlocked by the electric actuator prior to enabling the function of the ignition switch. It is considered to be.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the configuration in which the steering lock mechanism is unlocked by the electric actuator as described above, it is inevitable that a certain amount of time is required to complete the unlocking operation. For this reason, until the operation is completed, the engine start by the ignition switch is prohibited, and an uncomfortable feeling may occur during the operation, which has been an unsolved problem.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle main switch when an ID code read from a portable storage carrier matches an ID code registered in advance on the vehicle side. The steering lock mechanism is unlocked by an electric actuator and the steering lock mechanism is unlocked to improve the safety against theft. An object of the present invention is to provide a steering lock system for a vehicle that has an effect of reliably preventing an uncomfortable feeling in operation of a start switch.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an electric actuator for operating a steering lock mechanism, a portable storage carrier storing a unique ID code, and a reading means for reading the ID code from the storage carrier. When the ID code read by the reading means matches the ID code registered in advance on the vehicle side, the function of the main switch for driving the vehicle is enabled and the steering lock mechanism is unlocked by the electric actuator. A vehicle steering lock system comprising:
  A door that unlocks the vehicle door lock mechanism when the ID code read by the reading means matches an ID code registered in advance or when an unlock signal is received from a remote control device provided separately. The electric actuator is provided when a predetermined unlocking condition is established when the door lock mechanism is unlocked by the door lock mechanism control means. To control the unlocking of the steering lock mechanismIn addition, when the reading unit does not read an ID code registered in advance from the storage carrier within a predetermined time after performing the unlock control of the steering lock mechanism, the electric actuator Acts to lock the steering lock mechanismIt is made into a structure (Claim 1).
[0006]
According to this configuration, when the function of the main switch is validated and the engine is started, the storage ID code of the portable storage carrier is read by the reading means. At this time, when the read ID code matches the ID code registered in advance on the vehicle side, the control means activates the function of the main switch, so that the engine start operation can be performed. In this case, it is necessary to unlock the steering lock device prior to starting the engine. The unlocking is performed when the ID code read by the reading means coincides with the ID code registered in advance on the vehicle side. However, it is also performed in the following cases.
[0007]
That is, in order to operate the main switch, it is necessary to unlock the door lock mechanism for the vehicle and open the door. Such unlocking of the door lock mechanism is performed when the ID code read by the reading means from the portable storage carrier matches the ID code registered in advance, or by receiving an unlock signal from a separately provided remote control device. When received, it is performed by the door lock mechanism control means. When the door lock mechanism is unlocked in this way, the control means operates the electric actuator to unlock the steering lock mechanism when a predetermined unlock condition is satisfied at the time of the unlock. become.
[0008]
  That is, since the steering lock mechanism is unlocked when the door lock mechanism is unlocked, the steering lock mechanism is already unlocked when the main switch is operated thereafter. Therefore, when the main switch is operated, there is no sense of incongruity as in the conventional configuration, and the operability is improved. Further, since a portable storage carrier or a remote control device is necessary for unlocking the door lock mechanism and hence the steering lock mechanism, there is no possibility that the security against theft is lowered.In addition, even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the steering lock mechanism is unlocked, if the reading means does not read the ID code registered in advance from the storage carrier, the steering lock mechanism automatically enters the locked state. Will be returned to. As a result, it becomes possible to prevent a situation in which the vehicle travels without using the main switch by a third party who does not have a storage carrier, and security against theft is improved.
[0009]
In this case, when the predetermined unlock condition is established when the vehicle door is opened or opened after the door lock mechanism is unlocked by the door lock mechanism control means, A configuration may be adopted in which an electric actuator is operated to perform control for unlocking the steering lock mechanism (claim 2).
[0010]
According to this configuration, the unlocking operation of the steering lock mechanism is performed when the vehicle door is opened or opened after the door lock mechanism is unlocked, that is, when the driver gets into the vehicle. Is no longer done in the dark.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an automobile using an engine as a power source will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an outline of the entire electrical configuration by a combination of functional blocks. In FIG. 1, an ID tag 1 (corresponding to a portable storage carrier in the present invention) carried by a vehicle driver is stored in advance with a unique tag ID code, and when a trigger signal described later is received. The answer back signal including the tag ID code is transmitted.
[0014]
Similarly, the remote controller 2 (corresponding to the remote control device in the present invention) carried by the vehicle driver includes a lock switch and an unlock switch, although not specifically shown, and in each case where these switches are operated. In this configuration, an operation for transmitting a lock signal and an unlock signal using radio waves as media is performed. In this case, the lock signal and the unlock signal are configured to include a type code indicating the type and a door lock mechanism ID code set in advance.
[0015]
The reception circuit 3 mounted on the vehicle side is provided so as to be able to receive the lock signal and the unlock signal within a predetermined reception range (for example, a radius of about several meters), and the reception signal is transmitted to the control device 4 (the present invention). This corresponds to the control means and door lock mechanism control means.
[0016]
The transmission / reception unit 5 (corresponding to the reading means in the present invention) is an appropriate position in the vehicle, for example, in the overhead console 6 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, an ID that is placed in an appropriate position in the vehicle, for example, in the seat back of the driver's seat 7, and carried by the vehicle driver (shown with a symbol A in FIGS. 3 and 4). A transmission / reception operation (reading operation of a tag ID code in the ID tag 1) using a radio wave signal as a medium with the tag 1 is performed. Specifically, the transmission / reception unit 5 performs a trigger signal transmission operation in response to a command from the control device 4, and when the ID tag 1 that has received this trigger signal performs the answerback signal transmission operation, The answer back signal is received and given to the control device 4.
[0017]
The human detection sensor 8 is for detecting a state in which a person approaches within a range of a predetermined distance from the driver's seat in the vehicle (a range in which the engine can be started). For example, a human body sensor using a microwave as a medium ( The detection signal is supplied to the control device 4 using a dielectric sensor).
[0018]
The control device 4 is constituted by a microcomputer equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O interface, etc., and receives a reception signal from the reception circuit 3 and the transmission / reception unit 4 and a detection signal from the human detection sensor 8. In addition, a parking brake switch 9, a door lock detection switch 10, a door courtesy switch 11, a shift position switch 12, a vehicle speed sensor 13, an engine speed sensor 14, an engine key switch 15 (vehicle travel in the present invention) whose functions are listed below. Each signal from the key remind switch 16 is received.
[0019]
The parking brake switch 9 generates a brake-on signal when the parking brake is operating. The door lock detection switch 10 generates a lock detection signal when the vehicle door lock mechanism 17 is in a locked state, and generates an unlock detection signal when the vehicle door lock mechanism 17 is in an unlocked state. The door courtesy switch 11 generates a door opening signal when the vehicle door is opened. The shift position switch 12 generates a parking signal and a neutral signal in each state where the automatic transmission of the vehicle is in the parking position and the neutral position, respectively.
[0020]
The vehicle speed sensor 13 generates a pulsed vehicle speed signal having a period corresponding to the traveling speed in the traveling state of the vehicle. The engine rotational speed sensor 14 generates a pulse rotational speed signal with a period corresponding to the engine rotational speed in the operating state of the vehicle engine. The engine key switch 15 includes an off signal, an accessory signal, and an on signal that indicate an unillustrated engine key (ignition key) in an off position OFF, an accessory position ACC, an on position ON, and a start position ST. And a start signal. The key remind switch 16 generates a key detection signal in a state where the engine key is inserted into the key hole.
[0021]
In this embodiment, the engine key switch 15 that is operated by an engine key (ignition key) is provided as a main switch for driving the vehicle. However, an operation knob and an off position OFF by this operation knob are provided on the vehicle side. Provide an engine start switch operable to the accessory position ACC, ON position ON and start position ST, and add a function of switching the operation knob to an operable state when an appropriate ID code is read from the ID tag 1 Therefore, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the engine key is not required (in this case, the key remind switch 16 is also unnecessary).
[0022]
The door lock mechanism 17 is configured to be operated by a door lock actuator 17a made of, for example, an electromagnetic solenoid. The steering lock mechanism 18 is for selectively locking the rotation of the steering shaft. For example, the steering lock mechanism 18 is operated by a steering lock actuator 18a (corresponding to an electric actuator in the present invention) formed by combining a motor and a speed reduction mechanism. It has become. The storage device 19 is configured to store in advance a tag ID code and a door lock mechanism ID code unique to the vehicle, and the control device 4 can access the storage device 19.
[0023]
The engine control ECU 20 has a well-known configuration for performing fuel injection control, ignition timing control, idle control, and the like of the vehicle engine. The engine control ECU 20 includes a parking signal and neutral signal from the shift position switch 12, and a vehicle speed from the vehicle speed sensor 13. In addition to the signal, the rotational speed signal from the engine rotational speed sensor 14, the ON signal from the engine key switch 15, and the starter signal, a crank position signal, an idle signal, and the like necessary for engine control are input.
[0024]
The control device 4 controls the transmission / reception unit 5, the door lock actuator 17a, the steering lock actuator 18a, and the engine control ECU 20 based on the input signals as described above, the program stored in advance, and the data stored in the storage device 19. It is configured to do. FIG. 2 shows a part related to the gist of the present invention in the contents of control by the control device 4 as described above, and this will be described below together with related actions.
[0025]
In FIG. 2, the control device 4 first starts a timer operation (about several tens of seconds) of a human detection timer realized by an internal program (step S1), and then cyclically executes steps S2 to S6. Form a wait loop.
[0026]
In step S2, it is determined whether or not the person detection timer has expired. In step S3, it is determined whether or not a confirmation timer, which will be described later, has expired. In step S4, it is determined whether or not an unlock signal is received from the remote controller 2, and in step S5, whether or not a lock signal is received from the remote controller 2 is determined. Further, in step S6, it is determined whether or not the lock condition of the steering lock mechanism 18 is satisfied.
[0027]
In this case, the steering lock mechanism 18 is locked when the engine key switch 15 is operated to the OFF position OFF, for example, the steering lock mechanism is unlocked, the engine is stopped, and the vehicle is stopped running. When this lock condition is satisfied ("YES" in step S6), after executing step S7 for performing the locking operation of the steering lock mechanism 18 through the steering lock actuator 18a, the lock condition is satisfied. The process returns to the standby loop (steps S1 to S6).
[0028]
When the lock signal is received from the remote controller 2 (“YES” in step S5), it is determined whether or not the lock condition of the door lock mechanism 17 is satisfied (step S8). This lock condition is, for example, when the door lock mechanism 17 is unlocked and received when the engine key is not inserted into the key hole (when the key detection signal from the key remind switch 16 is not received). This is established when the door lock mechanism ID code in the lock signal matches the door lock mechanism ID code stored in the storage device 19.
[0029]
When the lock condition is not satisfied at the time of receiving the lock signal, the process returns to the standby loop as it is. However, when the lock condition is satisfied (“YES” in step S8), the door lock actuator 17a is used. After executing step S9 for performing the locking operation of the door lock mechanism 17, the process returns to the standby loop.
[0030]
When an unlock signal is received from the remote controller 2 (“YES” in step S4), it is determined whether an unlock condition for the door lock mechanism 17 is satisfied (step S10). This unlocking condition is, for example, when the engine key is not inserted into the key hole (when the key detection signal from the key remind switch 16 is not received) and the vehicle is stopped and the door lock mechanism 17 Is established when the door lock mechanism ID code in the received unlock signal matches the door lock mechanism ID code stored in the storage device 19.
[0031]
When the unlock condition is not satisfied at the time of receiving the unlock signal, the process returns to the standby loop as it is, but when it is satisfied (“YES” in step S10), the door lock actuator 17a is returned. Then, the door lock mechanism 17 is unlocked (step S11), and thereafter, it is determined whether or not the unlock condition of the steering lock mechanism 18 is satisfied (step S12).
[0032]
In this case, the unlocking condition of the steering lock mechanism 18 is set so as to be satisfied when either of the following conditions (1) and (2) is satisfied under the situation where the steering lock mechanism 18 is locked. Is done. However, since the above step S12 is executed when it is determined “YES” in the above step S10, the unlocking condition of the steering lock mechanism 18 is actually set to the key hole in the engine key. It also includes being in an unplugged state.
[0033]
(1) When the shift position is in the parking position.
(2) When the shift position is in the neutral position and the vehicle speed is “0”.
[0034]
When the unlocking condition of the steering lock mechanism 18 as described above is not satisfied, the process returns to the standby loop as it is. However, when the unlocking condition is satisfied (“YES” in step S12), the steering lock mechanism 18a is operated through the steering lock actuator 18a. Step S13 for performing 18 unlocking operations and Step S14 for starting the timer operation (about 1 minute) of the confirmation timer realized by the internal program are sequentially executed, and then the process returns to the standby loop (Steps S1 to S6).
[0035]
As a result of executing steps S10 to S14 as described above, when the door lock mechanism 17 is unlocked by the remote controller 2, any of the above-described unlock conditions (1) and (2) of the steering lock mechanism 18 is established. Only when this is the case, the steering lock mechanism 18 is automatically unlocked. When the engine key is inserted into the key hole, the unlocking operation of the door lock mechanism 17 by the remote controller 2 is prohibited (a state determined as “NO” in step S10). Thus, the automatic unlocking operation of the steering lock mechanism 18 is not performed.
[0036]
On the other hand, when the confirmation timer for which the timer operation has started in step S14 has expired ("YES" in step S3), the steering lock is performed after executing step S15 for returning the confirmation timer to the initial state. It is determined whether or not the lock condition of the mechanism 18 is satisfied (step S16).
[0037]
The lock condition of the steering lock mechanism 18 in this case is established, for example, when the steering lock mechanism is unlocked, the engine is stopped, the vehicle speed is “0”, and the engine key switch 15 is in the OFF position OFF (engine Whether or not the key is inserted into the keyhole). When this lock condition is satisfied (“YES” in step S16), the process returns to the standby loop after executing step S17 for performing the locking operation of the steering lock mechanism 18 through the steering lock actuator 18a, but the lock condition is not satisfied. Sometimes it returns to the waiting loop.
[0038]
When the human detection timer expires ("YES" in step S2), after executing step S18 for restarting the human detection timer, the predetermined time is determined from the driver's seat based on the output from the human detection sensor 8. It is determined whether or not there is a person approaching within the distance range (step S19). If “NO” is determined in the step S19, the process returns to the standby loop. If “YES” is determined, an operation of transmitting a trigger signal from the transmission / reception unit 5 is performed (step S20).
[0039]
After performing the trigger signal transmission operation, it is determined whether or not the answerback signal from the ID tag 1 has been received for a predetermined short time t (steps S21 and S22). If the answerback signal is not received within time t, the process returns to the standby loop. If the answerback signal is received, the tag ID code in the answerback signal is stored in the storage device 19 in advance. It is determined whether or not the tag ID code matches (step S23).
[0040]
If the tag ID codes do not match, the process returns to the standby loop. If the tag ID codes match, the steering lock mechanism 18 is locked after step S24 is executed to return the confirmation timer to the initial state. Is determined (step S25). If the steering lock mechanism 18 is in the locked state, it is determined whether or not the unlocking condition of the steering lock mechanism 18 is satisfied (step S26).
[0041]
In this case, the unlocking condition of the steering lock mechanism 18 is set so as to be satisfied when any of the following conditions (3) to (8) is satisfied under the situation where the steering lock mechanism 18 is locked. Is done.
[0042]
(3) When the shift position is in the parking position with the engine key not inserted into the key hole.
(4) When the engine key is not inserted into the key hole and the shift position is in the neutral position and the vehicle speed is “0”.
(5) When the shift position is at the parking position with the engine key switch 15 being operated to the accessory position ACC.
(6) When the engine key switch 15 is operated to the accessory position ACC and the shift position is at the neutral position and the vehicle speed is “0”.
(7) When the engine is stopped while the engine key switch 15 is operated to the ON position ON.
(8) When the engine key switch 15 is operated to the ON position ON, the engine is stopped, the shift position is in the neutral position, and the parking brake is in the operating state.
[0043]
When the unlocking condition of the steering lock mechanism 18 as described above is not satisfied, the process returns to the standby loop as it is. However, when the unlocking condition is satisfied (“YES” in step S26), the steering lock mechanism 18a is operated through the steering lock actuator 18a. Step S27 for performing the unlocking operation 18 and step S28 for giving engine start permission to the engine control ECU 20 are sequentially executed, and then the process returns to the standby loop.
[0044]
In the state where the tag ID code in the answer back signal from the ID tag 1 matches the tag ID code in the storage device 19, the steering lock mechanism 18 has already been unlocked ("NO" in step S25). )), The process jumps to steps S26 and S27 and executes only step S28, and then returns to the standby loop.
[0045]
As a result of the execution of steps S19 to S28 as described above, the driver having the ID tag 1 storing the same tag ID code as that on the vehicle side approaches a predetermined distance from the driver's seat. The steering lock mechanism 18 is automatically unlocked and the engine is started only when any of the above unlock conditions (3) to (8) of the steering lock mechanism 18 is satisfied. It will be switched to a possible state. Further, when the driver who has the ID tag 1 storing the same tag ID code as that on the vehicle side approaches a predetermined distance from the driver's seat, the steering lock mechanism 18 has already been unlocked. Even in the case where the engine is started, the engine is switched to a state where the engine can be started.
[0046]
In short, according to the above-described configuration of the present embodiment, when the driver having the ID tag 1 and the remote controller 2 unlocks the door lock mechanism 17 with the remote controller 2 in order to drive the vehicle, the unlocking is performed. When the unlocking condition of the steering lock mechanism 18 is satisfied at the time, the steering lock mechanism 18 is unlocked through the steering lock actuator 18a.
[0047]
That is, since the steering lock mechanism 18 is automatically unlocked when the door lock mechanism 17 is unlocked, the steering lock mechanism 18 has already been unlocked when the engine key switch 15 is operated thereafter. become. Therefore, when the engine key switch 15 is operated, there is no sense of incongruity unlike the conventional configuration, and the operability is improved.
[0048]
In this case, since the remote controller 2 is necessary for unlocking the door lock mechanism 17 and hence the steering lock mechanism 18, there is no possibility that the security against theft is lowered. Further, in order to start the engine, it is necessary for the driver to have the ID tag 1 in which the same tag ID code as the vehicle side is stored, so that security against theft is improved. .
[0049]
Further, when the steering lock mechanism 18 is automatically unlocked in response to the door lock mechanism 17 being unlocked by the remote controller 2 as described above, a preset time (set in the confirmation timer) is set thereafter. The steering lock mechanism 18 is automatically returned to the locked state when the ID tag 1 storing the same tag ID code as that on the vehicle side does not come within a predetermined distance from the driver's seat. It comes to be. For this reason, it becomes possible to prevent a situation in which the vehicle travels without using the engine key switch 15 by a third party who does not have the ID tag 1, and the security against theft is further improved. .
[0050]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be expanded or modified as described below.
The control device 4 described in the above embodiment is configured to perform control to unlock the steering lock mechanism 18 when a predetermined unlock condition is satisfied when the door lock mechanism 17 is unlocked by the remote controller 2. However, the steering lock mechanism 18 may be controlled to be unlocked when a predetermined unlock condition is satisfied when the vehicle door is opened or opened.
[0051]
According to this configuration, the unlocking operation of the steering lock mechanism 18 is performed when the vehicle door is opened or opened after the door lock mechanism 17 is unlocked, that is, when the driver gets into the vehicle. Locking is no longer performed without darkness.
[0052]
Although the remote controller 2 for remotely operating the door lock mechanism 17 is provided, the ID tag 1 may be used to control the lock and unlock operations of the door lock mechanism 17. In addition, a single operation unit having both functions of the ID tag 1 and the remote controller 2 may be provided, and the remote controller 2 can be incorporated into an engine key. Although a human body sensor using a microwave as a medium is used as the human detection sensor 8, a human detection sensor may be realized by a human body sensor using ultrasonic waves, infrared rays, or a seat switch provided in a driver's seat. Is.
Although the embodiment applied to an automobile using an engine as a power source has been described, the invention can also be applied to an electric car, a hybrid car, and the like.
[0053]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the present invention, as is apparent from the above description, the unlocking operation of the door lock mechanism is performed according to whether the ID code read from the portable storage carrier matches the ID code registered in advance or separately. When the predetermined unlock condition is satisfied at the time when the unlock signal is received from the provided remote control device, the steering lock mechanism is automatically unlocked. When the ID code read from the portable memory carrier matches the ID code registered in advance on the vehicle side, the function of the main switch for driving the vehicle is enabled and the steering lock mechanism is unlocked by the electric actuator. Steering lock while improving safety against theft by adopting a locking configuration Is intended to achieve the beneficial effect of a situation in which the discomfort is caused to the operation of the main switch is due to the fact that the unlocking operation of the structure is delayed can be reliably prevented.In addition, according to the present invention, it becomes possible to prevent a situation in which a vehicle travels without using the main switch by a third party who does not have a storage carrier, so that security against theft is improved. become.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall functional block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the contents of control by the control device.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the interior of a passenger compartment for explaining the arrangement state of transmission / reception units;
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the interior of a vehicle interior for explaining the arrangement state of transmission / reception units, part 2;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 is an ID tag (portable storage carrier), 2 is a remote control (remote control device), 4 is a control device (control means, door lock mechanism control means), 5 is a transmission / reception unit (reading means), 8 is a human detection sensor, Reference numeral 15 denotes an engine key switch (main switch), 17 a door lock mechanism, 17a a door lock actuator, 18 a steering lock mechanism, 18a a steering lock actuator (electric actuator), and 20 an engine control ECU.

Claims (2)

An electric actuator for operating the steering lock mechanism, a portable storage carrier storing a unique ID code, a reading means for reading the ID code from the storage carrier, and an ID code read by the reading means is a vehicle The vehicle steering lock includes a control means for enabling the function of the main switch for driving the vehicle when it coincides with an ID code registered in advance on the side and unlocking the steering lock mechanism by the electric actuator. In the system,
Door that unlocks the door lock mechanism for the vehicle when the ID code read by the reading means matches an ID code registered in advance or when an unlock signal is received from a remote control device provided separately A lock mechanism control means;
The control means operates the electric actuator to unlock the steering lock mechanism when a predetermined unlock condition is satisfied when the door lock mechanism is unlocked by the door lock mechanism control means. When the reading means does not read an ID code registered in advance from the storage carrier within a predetermined time after performing the locking control and the unlocking control of the steering lock mechanism, A steering lock system for a vehicle, wherein the steering lock mechanism is configured to perform an operation of locking the steering lock mechanism by an electric actuator .   The control means includes the electric actuator when a predetermined unlock condition is satisfied when the vehicle door is opened or opened after the door lock mechanism is unlocked by the door lock mechanism control means. 2. The vehicle steering lock system according to claim 1, wherein the steering lock system is configured to perform a control to unlock the steering lock mechanism by operating the steering wheel.

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