JP6778093B2 - Electric steering lock device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electric steering lock device.

There is known an electric steering lock device that locks the steering of a vehicle and prevents the theft of the vehicle by engaging a lock bolt that is operated by the driving force of an electric motor with a recess provided in the steering shaft.

Some such electric steering lock devices use two relays to switch and cut off the polarity of the current supplied from the power supply to the electric motor. However, there is a concern that foreign matter may accumulate on the contacts of the relay, causing a poor continuity state and preventing the electric motor from being driven.

To solve this problem, for example, in Patent Document 1, a continuity determination circuit is provided between the first and second relays and the drive limiting unit, and the contact state of each relay is switched to cause the relay to have poor continuity. It is disclosed that it is determined whether or not the relay is caused, and when it is determined that the conduction failure is caused, the relay is operated in order to solve this problem.

Further, in Patent Document 2, voltage sensors are provided on the lock relay side and the unlock relay side, respectively, and the abnormalities of the lock relay and the unlock relay are detected by monitoring each voltage on both ends of the electric motor. Is disclosed.

JP 2013-086592 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-096573

However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, even when the continuity state of the relay is normal, it is unnecessary to perform the continuity determination for switching the contact of the relay each time the electric steering lock device is driven. There is a problem that the operation noise of the relay is generated. Therefore, it is conceivable to control the contacts of the relay related to the control to eliminate the poor continuity only when the driving of the electric steering lock device is not completed within a predetermined time. However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is highly likely that a normal relay will be controlled because it is not possible to identify which relay has the conduction failure. ..

Further, as in the technique described in Patent Document 2, a voltage sensor on the lock relay side and a voltage sensor on the unlock relay side are separately provided, and each voltage on both ends of the electric motor is monitored to lock the lock relay or unlock. It is possible to detect an abnormality in the lock relay, but there is a problem that the cost increases because a separate voltage sensor is required for each relay.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and it is possible to identify a relay having a conduction failure with a simple and inexpensive configuration without unnecessarily generating an operating noise of the relay. Provide an electric steering lock device.

Embodiment 1; In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a lock member that engages with the steering shaft of a vehicle, a lock drive that moves the lock member to a lock position that engages with the steering shaft, and the lock member. The electric motor that performs an unlock drive that moves the electric motor to an unlock position that does not engage with the steering shaft and the polarity of the current supplied from the power supply to the electric motor are switched and cut off to drive the electric motor to the lock drive or A first relay and a second relay to be unlocked, a control unit to control the first relay and the second relay, a position detecting unit to detect the position of the lock member, and the lock drive or the said At the time of unlock drive, either the first relay or the second relay is the execution determination unit that determines whether or not the lock drive or the unlock drive is normally executed from the detection state of the position detection unit. When the continuity detection unit connected to one relay and detecting the continuity state of the one relay and the execution determination unit determine that the lock drive or the unlock drive has not been normally executed, the continuity When a signal indicating a non-conducting state output from the detection unit is detected, it is determined that one of the relays to which the continuity detection unit is connected has a continuity failure, and the signal is output from the continuity detection unit. An electric steering lock device including a continuity failure determining unit for determining that the other relay to which the continuity detecting unit is not connected has a continuity failure when a signal indicating a continuity state is detected. Is proposing.

Embodiment 2; In one or more embodiments of the present invention, in Embodiment 1, the first relay is connected to the first common terminal connected to one end of the electric motor and the power supply. The second relay includes a first normally open terminal connected to the first common terminal and a first normally closed terminal connected to the ground when the electric motor is unlocked. A second common terminal connected to the other end of the electric motor, a second normally open terminal connected to the power supply and connected to the second common terminal when the electric motor is locked, and a ground. The electric steering lock device is proposed, which comprises a second normally closed terminal connected to the second common terminal, and the continuity detecting unit is connected to the second common terminal.

Form 3; In the first or higher embodiment of the present invention, when the execution determination unit determines that the lock drive has not been normally executed during the lock drive, the continuity failure determination unit When a signal indicating a non-conducting state is detected by the continuity detecting unit, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the contact of the second normally open terminal, and a signal indicating a conducting state is detected by the continuity detecting unit. In this case, we have proposed an electric steering lock device characterized in that it is determined that there is an abnormality in the contact point of the first normally closed terminal.

Embodiment 4; In the first or higher embodiment of the present invention, when the execution determination unit determines that the unlock drive has not been normally executed during the unlock drive, the continuity failure When the continuity detection unit detects a signal indicating a non-conduction state, the determination unit determines that there is an abnormality in the contact of the second normally closed terminal, and the continuity detection unit outputs a signal indicating the continuity state. We have proposed an electric steering lock device characterized in that when it is detected, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the contact of the first normally open terminal.

Embodiment 5; In one or more embodiments of the present invention, in Embodiment 1, the first relay is connected to a first common terminal connected to one end of the electric motor and the power supply. The second relay includes a first normally open terminal connected to the first common terminal and a first normally closed terminal connected to the ground when the electric motor is unlocked. A second common terminal connected to the other end of the electric motor, a second normally open terminal connected to the power supply and connected to the second common terminal when the electric motor is locked, and a ground. We propose an electric steering lock device including a second normally closed terminal connected to the above, and the continuity detecting unit is connected to the first common terminal.

Form 6; In the first or higher embodiment of the present invention, when the execution determination unit determines that the lock drive has not been normally executed during the lock drive, the continuity failure determination unit Determines that there is an abnormality in the contact of the first normally closed terminal when a signal indicating a non-conducting state is detected by the continuity detecting unit, and the continuity detecting unit detects a signal indicating a conducting state. In this case, we have proposed an electric steering lock device characterized in that it is determined that there is an abnormality in the contact point of the second normally open terminal.

Embodiment 7; In the first or higher embodiment of the present invention, when the execution determination unit determines that the unlock drive has not been normally executed during the unlock drive, the continuity failure When the continuity detection unit detects a signal indicating a non-conduction state, the determination unit determines that there is an abnormality in the contact of the first normally open terminal, and the continuity detection unit outputs a signal indicating the continuity state. We have proposed an electric steering lock device characterized in that when it is detected, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the contact of the second normally closed terminal.

8; In one or more embodiments of the present invention, for any one of the first to seventh embodiments, the first control unit is determined by the continuity failure determination unit to have a continuity failure. We have proposed an electric steering lock device characterized by controlling the contact of a relay or a second relay to be switched at least once.

9; One or more embodiments of the present invention include, for Embodiment 8, a power supply switching unit that switches power supply from the power source to the first relay and the second relay, wherein the control unit In a state where the power supply switching unit is switched so that power is supplied from the power source to the first relay and the second relay, the first continuity determination unit determines that there is a continuity failure. We have proposed an electric steering lock device characterized by controlling at least switching the contacts of the first relay or the second relay so that an arc is generated at the contacts of the relay or the second relay.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to identify a relay causing a conduction failure with a simple and inexpensive configuration without unnecessarily generating an operating noise of the relay. ..

It is an exploded perspective view of the electric steering lock device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing in the locked state of the electric steering lock device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing in the unlocked state of the electric steering lock device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is an electric block diagram of the electric steering lock device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart when the lock drive is normal in the electric steering lock device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a relay contact diagram in the case where the lock drive is normal in the electric steering lock device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart when there is an abnormality in the lock drive due to the abnormality between the normally open terminal and the common terminal of a lock relay in the electric steering lock device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a relay contact diagram in the case where there is an abnormality in the lock drive due to the abnormality between the normally open terminal and the common terminal of the lock relay in the electric steering lock device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart when there is an abnormality in the lock drive due to the abnormality between the normally closed terminal and the common terminal of the unlock relay in the electric steering lock device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a relay contact diagram in the case where there is an abnormality in the lock drive due to the abnormality between the normally closed terminal and the common terminal of the unlock relay in the electric steering lock device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart when the unlock drive is normal in the electric steering lock device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a relay contact diagram in the case where the unlock drive is normal in the electric steering lock device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart in the case where there is an abnormality in the unlock drive due to the abnormality between the normally open terminal and the common terminal of the unlock relay in the electric steering lock device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a relay contact diagram in the case where there is an abnormality in the unlock drive by the abnormality between the normally open terminal and the common terminal of the unlock relay in the electric steering lock device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart when there is an abnormality in the unlock drive by the abnormality between the normally closed terminal and the common terminal of a lock relay in the electric steering lock device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a relay contact diagram in the case where there is an abnormality in the unlock drive due to the abnormality between the normally closed terminal and the common terminal of a lock relay in the electric steering lock device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a control flowchart of the whole device in the electric steering lock device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a control flowchart at the time of lock drive in the electric steering lock device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a control flowchart at the time of lock drive in the electric steering lock device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a control flowchart at the time of unlock drive in the electric steering lock device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a control flowchart at the time of unlock drive in the electric steering lock device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a control flowchart at the time of relay switching in the electric steering lock device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a control flowchart at the time of relay switching in the electric steering lock device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is an electric block diagram of the electric steering lock device which concerns on the modified embodiment of this invention.

<Embodiment>
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 23.

<Mechanical configuration of electric steering lock device>
The mechanical configuration and operation of the electric steering lock device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

The electric steering lock device 100 according to the present embodiment locks / unlocks the rotation of a steering shaft (steering wheel) (not shown) by an electric action.

The housing 110 is formed in a substantially rectangular box shape, and an arc-shaped mounting recess 111 is formed above the housing 110. A column tube (not shown) is fitted in the mounting recess 111. A steering shaft is inserted into the column tube, and a steering wheel is attached to one end of the steering shaft. The other end of the steering shaft is connected to the steering gearbox. Then, when the driver rotates the steering wheel, the rotation is transmitted to the steering gearbox via the steering shaft, the steering mechanism is driven, and the pair of left and right front wheels are steered to perform the required steering.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the housing 110 is formed with a lock unit accommodating portion 112 and a substrate accommodating portion 113, and the lock unit accommodating portion 112 accommodates the lock unit (lock member) 120. There is. The lock unit 120 has a driver 122 having a male screw portion 123 formed on the outer periphery of the lower end portion, and a plate-shaped lock bolt 121 housed in the driver 122 so as to be vertically movable. The lock unit 120 is provided with a magnet holding arm 124, and the magnet 125 is press-fitted into the tip of the magnet holding arm 124 and stored.

The gear member 130 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is rotatably housed in the lock unit housing portion 112. The lower outer circumference of the gear member 130 is rotatably held by a gear holding cylinder portion 141 erected on the inner surface (upper surface) of the lid 140. A worm wheel 131 is formed on the lower outer circumference of the gear member 130, and a female screw portion 132 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is formed on the inner circumference.

The lower part of the driver 122 is inserted into the gear member 130, and the male screw portion 123 formed on the outer circumference of the lower portion of the driver 122 is the female screw portion 132 formed on the inner circumference of the gear member 130. It is in mesh. A spring 170 is reduced between the gear holding cylinder portion 141 of the lid 140 and the driver 122. The lock unit 120 is constantly urged upward by a spring 170.

The electric motor 150 is housed in the lock unit housing portion 112 in a horizontal state. A worm gear 151 having a small diameter is attached to the output shaft of the electric motor 150 so as to rotate integrally with the output shaft. The worm gear 151 meshes with a worm wheel 131 formed on the outer periphery of the gear member 130. The worm gear 151 and the worm wheel 131 form a drive mechanism that converts the rotational force of the output shaft of the electric motor 150 into the advancing / retreating force of the lock unit 120.

The printed circuit board 160 is housed in the board housing portion 113 so that its inner surface is parallel to the operating direction of the lock unit 120. At the positions corresponding to the upper and lower lock positions and unlock positions on the inner surface of the printed circuit board 160, the lock sensor (position detection unit) 161 and the unlock sensor (position detection unit), which are magnetic sensors, are located on the printed circuit board 160 as a base unit. 162 and each are fixed. An operating position detection mechanism is configured by these lock sensor 161, an unlock sensor 162, and a magnet 125, and the position (lock position / unlock position) of the lock unit 120 is detected by this operating position detection mechanism.

<Mechanical action of electric steering lock device>
The unlock drive and the lock drive of the electric steering lock device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the electrical configuration shown in FIG.

(Lock drive: Drive from unlock position to lock position)
1. 1. When the user operates the engine start SW in the engine operating state (steering lock is unlocked), the upper ECU (electronic control unit) that transmits a control signal to the electric steering lock device 100 is the control unit of the electric steering lock device 100. A lock drive request signal is transmitted to 196.
2. When the control unit 196 receives the lock drive request signal from the host ECU, the control unit 196 drives the electric motor 150 in the lock direction.
3. 3. The rotation of the output shaft of the electric motor 150 causes the worm gear 151 and the gear member 130 provided with the worm wheel 131 that meshes with the worm gear 151 to rotate.
4. When the gear member 130 rotates, the lock unit 120 moves in the protruding direction (upper of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3) by the screw mechanism (conversion mechanism) provided inside the gear member 130.
5. When the lock unit 120 moves to the lock position, the lock sensor 161 and the unlock sensor 162 detect the movement of the lock unit 120 to the lock position, and the control unit 196 stops the electric motor 150 and locks to the upper ECU. A signal is transmitted and the lock drive ends (see FIG. 2).

(Unlock drive: Drive from lock position to unlock position)
1. 1. When the user operates the engine start SW in the engine stopped state (steering lock is locked), the host ECU transmits an unlock drive request signal to the control unit 196 of the electric steering lock device 100.
2. When the control unit 196 receives the unlock drive request signal from the host ECU, the control unit 196 drives the electric motor 150 in the unlock direction.
3. 3. The rotation of the output shaft of the electric motor 150 causes the worm gear 151 and the gear member 130 provided with the worm wheel 131 that meshes with the worm gear 151 to rotate.
4. When the gear member 130 rotates, the lock unit 120 moves in the backward direction (lower of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3) by the screw mechanism (conversion mechanism) provided inside the gear member 130.
5. When the lock unit 120 moves to the unlock position, the lock sensor 161 and the unlock sensor 162 detect the movement of the lock unit 120 to the unlock position, and the control unit 196 stops the electric motor 150 to the upper ECU. An unlock completion signal is transmitted, and the unlock drive ends (see FIG. 3).

<Electrical configuration of electric steering lock device>
The electrical configuration of the electric steering lock device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, the electric steering lock device 100 includes a lock unit 120, a magnet 125, a lock sensor 161, an unlock sensor 162, a steering shaft 180, an electric motor 150, and an unlock relay (first). Relay) 192, lock relay (second relay) 193, continuity detection unit 194, power supply relay (power supply switching unit) 195, relay sticking detection unit 199, semiconductor switches Q1, Q2, Q3, It includes a control unit 196. Further, the control unit 196 includes an execution determination unit 197 and a continuity failure determination unit 198.

The lock unit 120 moves between the lock position and the unlock position by the driving force of the electric motor 150, and puts the steering shaft 180 in the locked or unlocked state. The magnet 125 is press-fitted and housed in the tip of the magnet holding arm 124 of the lock unit 120, and the lock sensor 161 and the unlock sensor 162 are placed at the position (lock position) of the lock unit 120 by magnetic action with the magnet 125. / Unlock position) is detected. The lock sensor 161 and the unlock sensor 162 are composed of, for example, Hall elements.

The electric motor 150 applies forward rotation and reverse rotation rotational forces to the lock unit 120 according to the relay operation of the unlock relay 192 or the lock relay 193, which will be described later, and guides the steering shaft 180 to the locked state and the unlocked state. The unlock relay 192 is composed of a coil L1 that receives an electric signal and changes it into a mechanical movement, and a contact portion that opens and closes electricity. The contact portion is a first common terminal COM1 and a first normally open terminal NO1. It is composed of the first normally closed terminal NC1 and receives an unlock drive signal from the control unit 196, which will be described later, and supplies a voltage to the electric motor 150 so that the steering shaft 180 is in the unlocked state. Further, the lock relay 193 is composed of a coil L2 that receives an electric signal and changes it into a mechanical movement, and a contact portion that opens and closes electricity. The contact portion is a second common terminal COM2 and a second normally open terminal. It is composed of NO2 and a second normally closed terminal NC2, and receives a lock drive signal from the control unit 196, which will be described later, to supply a voltage to the electric motor 150 so that the steering shaft 180 is locked.

The continuity detection unit 194 includes a resistor R2 having one end connected to the second common terminal COM2 and the other end connected to the terminal of the control unit 196, and the other end of the resistor R2 and the resistor R1 connected to the ground. Then, the conduction state in the lock relay 193 is transmitted to the control unit 196 by the High level signal and the Low level signal.

The power relay 195 is composed of a coil L3 that receives an electric signal and changes it into a mechanical movement, and a contact portion that opens and closes electricity. The contact portion includes a third common terminal COM3, a third normally open terminal NO3, and a third. It is composed of three normally closed terminals NC3, and supplies power to the unlock relay 192 and the lock relay 193 in response to a power supply permission signal from the control unit 196, which will be described later.

The relay sticking detection unit 199 has a resistor R3 having one end connected to the third normally open terminal NO3 of the power relay 195 and the other end connected to a 5V power supply via a diode D, and one end having a third normally open terminal. It is composed of a resistor R4 connected to NO3 and the other end connected to the terminal of the control unit 196, and a resistor R5 connected to the other end of the resistor R4 and the ground, and the contact of the unlock relay 192 or the lock relay 193 is formed. Whether or not it is a sticking failure that sticks to the normally open terminals NO1 and NO2 is transmitted to the control unit 196 by a high level signal, a diode level signal, and a low level signal. Specifically, when the signal of the relay sticking detection unit 199 is a Middle level signal, there is no sticking on any of the normally open terminals NO1 and NO2 of the unlock relay 192 and the lock relay 193, and the unlock relay 192 and the lock relay When there is sticking on at least one of the normally open terminals NO1 and NO2 of 193, the output signal from the relay sticking detection unit 199 becomes the Low level signal. At this time, when the power relay 195 is turned on, the output signal from the relay sticking detection unit 199 becomes a high level signal regardless of whether or not the relay is stuck.

The semiconductor switch Q1 is a changeover switch that supplies a power supply voltage (for example, 12V) to the coil L3 constituting the power supply relay 195 when the power supply permission signal from the control unit 196 is a high level signal. The semiconductor switch Q2 is a changeover switch that supplies a power supply voltage to the coil L1 constituting the unlock relay 192 when the unlock drive signal from the control unit 196 is a high level signal. Further, the semiconductor switch Q3 is a changeover switch that supplies a power supply voltage to the coil L2 of the lock relay 193 when the lock drive signal from the control unit 196 is a high level signal.

The control unit 196 electrically controls the entire electric steering lock device 100 by receiving a lock drive request signal or an unlock drive request signal from a higher-level ECU according to a control program stored in a ROM or the like (not shown). Further, the execution determination unit 197 included in the control unit 196 determines whether or not the lock drive or unlock drive is normally executed from the detection states of the lock sensor 161 and the unlock sensor 162 during the lock drive or unlock drive. .. Further, the continuity failure determination unit 198 included in the control unit 196 determines the non-conduction state output from the continuity detection unit 194 when the execution determination unit 197 determines that the lock drive or unlock drive has not been normally executed. When the indicated signal is detected, it is determined that the lock relay 193 to which the continuity detection unit 194 is connected has a continuity failure, and when the signal indicating the continuity state output from the continuity detection unit 194 is detected. Determines that the unlock relay 192 to which the continuity detection unit 194 is not connected has a continuity failure.

<Electrical action of electric steering lock device>
The electrical operation of the electric steering lock device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the timing charts of FIGS. 5 to 16 and the flowcharts of FIGS. 17 to 23.

[Poor continuity location; none, drive mode; lock drive]
A lock drive when both the unlock relay 192 and the lock relay 193 are in a conductive state will be described with reference to FIG. First, in STEP 1, the control unit 196 turns off the power supply permission signal, the lock drive signal, and the unlock drive signal, and the output signal of the continuity detection unit 194 is Low. Further, the detection state of the sensor at this time is an unlocked state.

In STEP2, the control unit 196 turns on (High) the power supply permission signal.

In STEP 3, when the control unit 196 turns on the lock drive signal for a predetermined time, a current flows in the direction shown in FIG. 6 and the electric motor 150 rotates in the lock direction. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the contact of the lock relay 193 is switched from the second normally closed terminal NC2 side to the second normally opened terminal NO2 side, so that the power supply and the electric motor 150 become a closed circuit and become electric. A driving force is generated in the motor 150 in the direction of moving the lock unit 120 in the lock direction, and the lock drive is executed. At this time, since the output signal of the continuity detection unit 194 is High, it can be determined that the lock relay 193 is in the continuity state. Further, since the lock unit 120 moves in the unlock position direction and is in an intermediate position other than the unlock position and the lock position, the detection state of the sensor is in the intermediate state.

In STEP 4, when the lock unit 120 moves to the lock position and the detection state of the sensor becomes the lock state, the control unit 196 turns off the lock drive signal and stops the lock drive. At this time, since the contact of the lock relay 193 is switched from the second normally open terminal NO2 side to the second normally closed terminal NC2 side, the output signal of the continuity detection unit 194 becomes Low.

In STEP 5, since the lock drive is normally completed, the control unit 196 turns off the power supply permission signal and ends the lock drive.

[Poor continuity location; second normally open terminal NO2-second common terminal COM2 of lock relay 193, drive mode; lock drive]
With reference to FIG. 7, the lock drive when there is a conduction failure portion between the second normally open terminal NO2-second common terminal COM2 of the lock relay 193 will be described. First, in STEP 1, the control unit 196 turns off the power supply permission signal, the lock drive signal, and the unlock drive signal, and the output signal of the continuity detection unit 194 is Low. Further, the detection state of the sensor at this time is an unlocked state.

In STEP 2, the control unit 196 turns on the power supply permission signal.

In STEP 3, the control unit 196 turns on the lock drive signal for a predetermined time, but the sensor detection state remains the unlocked state. At this time, since the output signal of the continuity detection unit 194 is Low even though the lock drive signal is ON, the lock relay 193 determines that the continuity is poor.

In STEP 4, since the detection state of the sensor remains in the unlocked state, it is determined that the lock drive has not been performed normally, and the control unit 196 turns off the lock drive signal to stop the lock drive. At this time, it is determined that the lock drive has not been performed normally, and it is determined from STEP 3 that the lock relay 193 is in a poor continuity state. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, foreign matter is deposited on the contact of the second normally open terminal NO2 of the lock relay 193, and the contact of the second normally open terminal NO2 and the contact of the second common terminal COM2 are closed. It is determined that the lock drive cannot be executed because the current cannot be supplied to the electric motor 150 because of the poor continuity state.

In STEP 5, since the lock drive was not completed normally, the control unit 196 turns off the power supply permission signal and temporarily ends the lock drive.

In STEP6, from the determination of the continuity failure state of the lock relay 193 of STEP3 and the determination of the abnormal termination of the lock drive of STEP4, between the contact of the second normally open terminal NO2 of the lock relay 193 and the contact of the second common terminal COM2. It is determined that there is a foreign substance in the device, and relay switching control for removing the foreign substance is performed in STEP 7 and STEP 8.

In STEP 7, the control unit 196 first turns on the power supply permission signal in order to perform the "relay switching control for removing foreign matter" described in STEP 6. Then, in STEP 8, the control unit 196 switches the lock drive signal from OFF to ON several times. That is, in STEP 8, the lock drive signal is turned ON when the power is supplied to the unlock relay 192 and the lock relay 193 from the power supply and the unlock drive signal is OFF. At this time, since the potential difference between the contact of the second normally open terminal NO2 and the contact of the second common terminal COM2 is large, an arc is generated and foreign matter is removed. In FIG. 7, this operation is performed a plurality of times in order to ensure the removal of foreign matter. Further, as shown in STEP 8, when the foreign matter is removed by the relay switching control, the contact of the second normally open terminal NO2 and the contact of the second common terminal COM2 are closed, so that the output signal of the continuity detection unit 194 is output. Become High. Further, after STEP10, the lock drive as shown in FIG. 5 is performed again.

[Poor continuity location; first normally closed terminal NC1-first common terminal COM1 of unlock relay 192, drive mode; lock drive]
A lock drive will be described with reference to FIG. 9 when there is a poor continuity portion between the first normally closed terminal NC1 and the first common terminal COM1 of the unlock relay 192. In STEP 1, the control unit 196 turns off the power supply permission signal, the lock drive signal, and the unlock drive signal, and the output signal of the continuity detection unit 194 is Low. Further, the detection state of the sensor at this time is an unlocked state.

In STEP 2, the control unit 196 turns on the power supply permission signal.

In STEP 3, the control unit 196 turns on the lock drive signal for a predetermined time, but the sensor detection state remains the unlocked state. At this time, since the output signal of the continuity detection unit 194 becomes High, the lock relay 193 determines that it is in the continuity state.

In STEP 4, since the sensor state remains in the unlocked state, it is determined that the lock drive has not been performed normally, and the control unit 196 turns off the lock drive signal to stop the lock drive. At this time, it is determined that the lock drive has not been performed normally, and it is determined from STEP 3 that the unlock relay 192 is in a poor continuity state. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, foreign matter is deposited on the contact of the first normally closed terminal NC1 of the unlock relay 192, and the contact of the first normally closed terminal NC1 and the contact of the first common terminal COM1 are closed. It is determined that the lock drive cannot be executed because the electric current cannot be supplied to the electric motor 150 because of the poor continuity state.

In STEP 5, since the lock drive was not completed normally, the control unit 196 turns off the power supply permission signal and temporarily ends the lock drive.

In STEP6, from the determination of the continuity state of the lock relay 193 of STEP3 and the determination of the abnormal termination of the lock drive of STEP4, between the contact of the first normally closed terminal NC1 of the unlock relay 192 and the contact of the first common terminal COM1. It is determined that there is a foreign substance in the device, and relay switching control for removing the foreign substance is performed in STEP 7 and STEP 8.

In STEP 7, the control unit 196 first turns on the power supply permission signal in order to perform the "relay switching control for removing foreign matter" described in STEP 6. Then, in STEP 8, the unlock drive signal is switched from ON to OFF several times with the lock drive signal turned ON by the control unit 196. That is, in STEP 8, the unlock drive signal is turned off from the state where the power is supplied to the unlock relay 192 and the lock relay 193 from the power supply and the lock drive signal and the unlock drive signal are ON. At this time, since the potential difference between the contact of the first normally closed terminal NC1 and the contact of the first common terminal COM1 is large, an arc is generated and foreign matter is removed. In FIG. 9, this operation is performed a plurality of times in order to ensure the removal of foreign matter. Further, as shown in STEP 8, when the foreign matter is removed by the relay switching control, the contact of the first normally closed terminal NC1 and the contact of the first common terminal COM1 are closed, so that the output signal of the continuity detection unit 194 is output. Become High. Further, after STEP10, the lock drive as shown in FIG. 5 is performed again.

[Poor continuity location; none, drive mode; unlock drive]
The unlock drive when both the unlock relay 192 and the lock relay 193 are in a conductive state will be described with reference to FIG. First, in STEP 1, the control unit 196 turns off the power supply permission signal, the lock drive signal, and the unlock drive signal, and the output signal of the continuity detection unit 194 is Low. Further, the detection state of the sensor at this time is a locked state.

In STEP 2, the control unit 196 turns on the power supply permission signal.

In STEP 3, when the control unit 196 turns on the unlock drive signal for a predetermined time, a current flows in the direction as shown in FIG. 12, and the electric motor 150 rotates in the unlock direction. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the contact of the unlock relay 192 is switched from the first normally closed terminal NC1 side to the first normally opened terminal NO1, so that the power supply and the electric motor 150 become a closed circuit. A driving force is generated in the electric motor 150 in the direction of moving the lock unit 120 in the unlocking direction, and the unlocking drive is executed. At this time, since the output signal of the continuity detection unit 194 remains Low, the lock relay 193 determines that it is in the continuity state. Further, since the lock unit 120 moves in the unlock position direction and is in an intermediate position other than the unlock position and the lock position, the detection state of the sensor is in the intermediate state.

In STEP 4, when the lock unit 120 moves to the unlock position and the sensor detection state becomes the unlock state, the control unit 196 turns off the unlock drive signal and stops the unlock drive. At this time, the contact of the unlock relay 192 is switched from the first normally open terminal NO1 side to the first normally closed terminal NC1 side. Further, since the detection state of the sensor is in the unlocked state, it is determined that the unlock drive is normally performed, and the unlock relay 192 is also determined to be in the conductive state.

In STEP 5, since the unlock drive is completed normally, the control unit 196 turns off the power supply permission signal and ends the unlock drive.

[Poor continuity location; first normally open terminal NO1 to first common terminal COM1 of unlock relay 192, drive mode; unlock drive]
With reference to FIG. 13, the unlock drive when there is a conduction failure portion between the first normally open terminal NO1-first common terminal COM1 of the unlock relay 192 will be described. First, in STEP 1, the control unit 196 turns off the power supply permission signal, the lock drive signal, and the unlock drive signal, and the output signal of the continuity detection unit 194 is Low. Further, the detection state of the sensor at this time is a locked state.

In STEP 2, the control unit 196 turns on the power supply permission signal.

In STEP3, the control unit 196 turns on the unlock drive signal for a predetermined time, but the detection state of the sensor remains the locked state. At this time, since the output signal of the continuity detection unit 194 is Low, the lock relay 193 determines that it is in the continuity state.

In STEP 4, since the detection state of the sensor remains in the locked state, it is determined that the unlock drive has not been performed normally, and the control unit 196 turns off the unlock drive signal to stop the unlock drive. At this time, it is determined that the unlock drive has not been performed normally, and the unlock relay 192 is determined to be in a poor continuity state from STEP3. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, foreign matter is deposited on the contact of the first normally open terminal NO1 of the unlock relay 192, and the contact of the first normally open terminal NO1 and the contact of the first common terminal COM1 are closed. It is determined that the unlock drive cannot be executed because the current cannot be supplied to the electric motor 150 because of the poor continuity state.

In STEP 5, since the unlock drive was not completed normally, the control unit 196 turns off the power supply permission signal and temporarily ends the unlock drive.

In STEP6, the contact of the first normally open terminal NO1 of the unlock relay 192 and the contact of the first common terminal COM1 are determined based on the determination of the continuity state of the lock relay 193 of STEP3 and the determination of the abnormal termination of the unlock drive of STEP4. It is determined that there is a foreign matter in between, and relay switching control for removing the foreign matter is performed in STEP7 and STEP8.

In order to perform the "relay switching control for removing foreign matter" described in STEP 6, in STEP 7, the control unit 196 first turns on the power supply permission signal from the state of STEP 6. Then, in STEP 8, the control unit 196 switches the unlock drive signal from OFF to ON several times. That is, in STEP 8, the unlock drive signal is turned ON while the power is being supplied to the unlock relay 192 and the lock relay 193 from the power supply and the lock drive signal is OFF. At this time, since the potential difference between the contact NO1 of the first normally open terminal and the contact of the first common terminal COM1 is large, an arc is generated and foreign matter is removed. In FIG. 14, this operation is performed a plurality of times in order to ensure the removal of foreign matter. Further, after STEP 10, the unlock drive as shown in FIG. 11 is performed again.

[Poor continuity location; second normally closed terminal NC2-second common terminal COM2 of lock relay 193, drive mode; unlock drive]
With reference to FIG. 15, an unlock drive when there is a conduction failure portion between the second normally closed terminal NC2-second common terminal COM2 of the lock relay 193 will be described. First, in STEP 1, the control unit 196 turns off the power supply permission signal, the lock drive signal, and the unlock drive signal, and the output signal of the continuity detection unit 194 is Low. Further, the detection state of the sensor at this time is a locked state.

In STEP 2, the control unit 196 turns on the power supply permission signal.

In STEP3, the control unit 196 turns on the unlock drive signal for a predetermined time, but the detection state of the sensor remains the locked state. At this time, although the unlock drive signal is ON and the lock drive signal is OFF, the output signal of the continuity detection unit 194 is High, so that the lock relay 193 determines that the continuity is poor.

In STEP 4, since the detection state of the sensor remains in the locked state, it is determined that the unlock drive has not been performed normally, and the control unit 196 turns off the unlock drive signal to stop the unlock drive. In this case, since the sensor state remains in the locked state, it is determined that the unlock drive is not normally performed, and it is determined from STEP 3 that the lock relay 193 is in the poor continuity state. That is, as shown in FIG. 16, foreign matter is deposited on the contact of the second normally closed terminal NC2 of the lock relay 193, and the contact of the second normally closed terminal NC2 and the contact of the second common terminal COM2 are closed. It is determined that the unlock drive cannot be executed because the current cannot be supplied to the electric motor 150 because of the poor continuity state.

In STEP 5, since the unlock drive was not completed normally, the control unit 196 turns off the power supply permission signal and temporarily ends the unlock drive.

In STEP 6, the contact of the second normally closed terminal NC2 of the lock relay 193 and the contact of the second common terminal COM2 are determined based on the determination of the continuity failure state of the lock relay 193 of STEP 3 and the determination of the abnormal termination of the unlock drive of STEP 4. It is determined that there is a foreign matter in between, and relay switching control for removing the foreign matter is performed in STEP7 and STEP8.

In order to perform the "relay switching control for removing foreign matter" described in STEP 6, in STEP 7, the control unit 196 first turns on the power supply permission signal from the state of STEP 6. Then, in STEP 8, with the unlock drive signal turned ON, the control unit 196 switches the lock drive signal from ON to OFF several times. That is, in STEP 8, the lock drive signal is turned off from the state where the power is supplied to the unlock relay 192 and the lock relay 193 from the power supply and the lock drive signal and the unlock drive signal are ON. At this time, since the potential difference between the contact of the second normally closed terminal NC2 and the contact of the second common terminal COM2 is large, an arc is generated and foreign matter is removed. In FIG. 15, this operation is performed a plurality of times in order to ensure the removal of foreign matter. Further, as shown in STEP 8, when the foreign matter is removed by the relay switching control, the contact of the second normally closed terminal NC2 of the lock relay 193 and the contact of the second common terminal COM2 are closed, so that the continuity detection unit 194 Output signal becomes Low. Further, after STEP 10, the unlock drive as shown in FIG. 11 is performed again.

<Control of the entire electric steering lock device>
The control of the entire electric steering lock device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the control unit 196 determines whether or not a lock drive request signal has been received from the host ECU (step S101). When the control unit 196 receives the lock drive request signal from the host ECU (“Yes” in step S101), the process shifts to lock drive (step S102). The details of the lock drive will be described later.

On the other hand, when the control unit 196 has not received the lock drive request signal from the host ECU (“No” in step S101), it is determined whether or not the unlock drive request signal has been received from the host ECU (“No”). Step S103). When the control unit 196 receives the unlock drive request signal from the host ECU (“Yes” in step S103), the process shifts to unlock drive (step S104). The details of the unlock drive will be described later. If the control unit 196 has not received the unlock drive request signal from the host ECU (“No” in step S103), the process ends.

After shifting to the lock drive or the unlock drive, the control unit 196 determines whether or not there is a lock relay switching control flag or an unlock relay switching control flag (step S105). Then, when the control unit 196 determines that the lock relay switching control flag or the unlock relay switching control flag is present (“Yes” in step S105), the process proceeds to relay switching control (step S106). On the other hand, when the control unit 196 determines that there is no lock relay switching control flag or unlock relay switching control flag (“No” in step S105), the process ends. The details of the relay switching control will be described later.

After shifting to the relay switching control, the control unit 196 determines whether or not the drive request signal from the host ECU is lock drive (step S107). Then, when the control unit 196 determines that the drive request signal from the host ECU is lock drive (“Yes” in step S107), the process shifts to lock drive (step S108). On the other hand, when the control unit 196 determines that the drive request signal from the host ECU is not the lock drive (“No” in step S107), the process shifts to the unlock drive (step S109).

In the above description, when the relay switching control flag is set during lock drive or unlock drive, the relay switching control is performed as it is, and the lock drive or unlock drive is performed again, but the present invention is not limited to this. , When the relay switching control flag is set, the drive is temporarily terminated, and the next time a drive request signal is received from the host ECU, the relay switching control is first performed to perform lock drive or unlock drive. It may be.

<Lock drive>
Lock drive will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19.

The control unit 196 turns on the power supply permission signal (step S201), and then turns on the lock drive signal (step S202). Then, the control unit 196 determines whether or not the output signal of the continuity detection unit 194 is a signal indicating a continuity state (step S203). The control unit 196 detects the relay sticking by the relay sticking detection unit 199 before turning on the power supply permission signal, but the details thereof will be omitted.

When the control unit 196 determines that the output signal of the continuity detection unit 194 is a signal indicating the continuity state (“Yes” in step S203), the control unit 196 releases the lock relay abnormality flag (step S204). Further, when the control unit 196 determines that the output signal of the continuity detection unit 194 is not a signal indicating a conduction state (a signal indicating a non-conduction state) (“No” in step S203), the lock relay is abnormal. The flag is set (step S205).

Next, the control unit 196 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the lock drive signal was turned on (step S206), and determines that the predetermined time has not yet elapsed (“No” in step S206). ) Next, it is determined whether or not the detection states of the lock sensor 161 and the unlock sensor 162 are in the locked state (step S207). At this time, when the control unit 196 determines that the locked state is not set (“No” in step S207), the process returns to step S203.

On the other hand, when the control unit 196 determines that the lock state is set (“Yes” in step S207), it determines that the lock drive has ended normally (step S208), and releases the unlock relay switching control flag. (Step S209), and then the lock relay switching control flag is released (step S210).

Then, the control unit 196 turns off the lock drive signal (step S211), turns off the power supply permission signal (step S212), and returns to the main routine.

When the control unit 196 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed since the lock drive signal was turned on (“Yes” in step S206), it determines that the lock drive has ended abnormally (step S213), and then locks. It is determined whether or not the relay abnormality flag is present (step S214). Then, when the lock relay abnormality flag is present (“Yes” in step S214), the control unit 196 sets the lock relay switching control flag (step S215) and turns off the lock drive signal (step S211). The power supply permission signal is turned off (step S212), and the process returns to the main routine.

On the other hand, when there is no lock relay abnormality flag (“No” in step S214), the control unit 196 sets the unlock relay switching control flag (step S216) and turns off the lock drive signal (step S211). ), Turn off the power supply permission signal (step S212), and return to the main routine.

<Unlock drive>
The unlock drive will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21.

The control unit 196 turns on the power supply permission signal (step S301), and then turns on the unlock drive signal (step S302). Then, the control unit 196 determines whether or not the output signal of the continuity detection unit 194 is a signal indicating a continuity state (step S303). The control unit 196 detects the relay sticking by the relay sticking detection unit 199 before turning on the power supply permission signal, but the details thereof will be omitted.

When the control unit 196 determines that the output signal of the continuity detection unit 194 is a signal indicating the continuity state (“Yes” in step S303), the control unit 196 releases the lock relay abnormality flag (step S304). Further, when the control unit 196 determines that the output signal of the continuity detection unit 194 is not a signal indicating a conduction state (a signal indicating a non-conduction state) (“No” in step S303), the lock relay is abnormal. The flag is set (step S305).

Next, the control unit 196 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the unlock drive signal was turned on (step S306), and determines that the predetermined time has not yet elapsed (“No” in step S306). Then, it is determined whether or not the detection states of the lock sensor 161 and the unlock sensor 162 are in the unlocked state (step S307). At this time, when the control unit 196 determines that the unlocked state is not set (“No” in step S307), the process returns to step S303.

On the other hand, when the control unit 196 determines that the unlock state is in the unlocked state (“Yes” in step S307), it determines that the unlock drive has ended normally (step S308), and the unlock relay switching control flag (Step S309), and then the lock relay switching control flag is released (step S310).

Then, the control unit 196 turns off the unlock drive signal (step S311), turns off the power supply permission signal (step S312), and returns to the main routine.

When the control unit 196 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed since the unlock drive signal was turned on (“Yes” in step S306), it determines that the unlock drive has ended abnormally (step S313), and then , It is determined whether or not the lock relay abnormality flag is present (step S314). Then, when the lock relay abnormality flag is present (“Yes” in step S314), the control unit 196 sets the lock relay switching control flag (step S315) and turns off the unlock drive signal (step S311). , Turn off the power supply permission signal (step S312), and return to the main routine.

On the other hand, when there is no lock relay abnormality flag (“No” in step S314), the control unit 196 sets the unlock relay switching control flag (step S316) and turns off the unlock drive signal (step S316). S311), the power supply permission signal is turned off (step S312), and the process returns to the main routine.

<Relay switching control>
The relay switching control will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23.

The control unit 196 determines the presence / absence of the lock relay switching control flag (step S401). When the control unit 196 has the lock relay switching control flag (“Yes” in step S401), the power supply permission signal is turned ON (step S402), and then the drive request signal from the host ECU is locked. It is determined whether or not there is (step S403).

When the control unit 196 determines that the drive request signal from the host ECU is lock drive (“Yes” in step S403), as shown in STEP 8 of FIG. 7, “lock drive signal ON” and “lock” The control of "drive signal OFF" is executed a predetermined number of times (step S404), the power supply permission signal is turned OFF (step S405), and the process returns to the main routine, as shown in STEP 10 of FIG.

On the other hand, when the control unit 196 determines that the drive request signal from the host ECU is not lock drive (“No” in step S403), the unlock drive signal is turned on as shown in STEP 8 of FIG. (Step S406), after the control of "lock drive signal ON" and "lock drive signal OFF" is executed a predetermined number of times (step S407), as shown in STEP 15 of FIG. 7, the unlock drive signal is turned OFF. (Step S408), the power supply permission signal is turned off (step S405), and the process returns to the main routine.

Further, in step S401, when the control unit 196 determines that the lock relay switching control flag is not present (“No” in step S401), it is determined whether or not the unlock relay switching control flag is present (step S409). Then, when the control unit 196 determines that there is no unlock relay switching control flag (“No” in step S409), the process returns to the main routine.

On the other hand, when the control unit 196 determines that the unlock relay switching control flag is present (“Yes” in step S409), the power supply permission signal is turned ON (step S410), and then the drive from the upper ECU is performed. It is determined whether or not the request signal is unlocked (step S411).

When the control unit 196 determines in step S411 that the drive request signal from the host ECU is unlock drive (“Yes” in step S411), “unlock drive” is shown in STEP 8 of FIG. The control of "signal ON" and "unlock drive signal OFF" is executed a predetermined number of times (step S412), the power supply permission signal is turned OFF (step S413), and the process returns to the main routine, as shown in STEP 10 of FIG.

On the other hand, when the control unit 196 determines that the drive request signal from the host ECU is not unlock drive (“No” in step S411), the lock drive signal is turned on as shown in STEP 8 of FIG. (Step S414), after the control of "unlock drive signal ON" and "unlock drive signal OFF" is executed a predetermined number of times (step S415), the lock drive signal is turned OFF as shown in STEP 10 of FIG. At the same time (step S416), the power supply permission signal is turned off (step S413), and the process returns to the main routine.

<Modification example>
In the above-described embodiment, the continuity detection unit 194 monitors the second common terminal COM2 of the lock relay 193 to detect the continuity state at the terminal contact of the unlock relay 192 or the lock relay 193, which is shown in FIG. 24. As described above, the continuity detection unit 194 may monitor the first common terminal COM1 of the unlock relay 192 to detect the continuity state at the terminal contacts of the unlock relay 192 or the lock relay 193.

<Action / effect of this embodiment>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the execution determination unit 197 is locked or unlocked, whether or not the lock or unlock drive is normally executed from the detection state of the position detection unit is determined. After making a determination, the continuity detection unit 194 is connected to either one of the first relay and the second relay, detects the continuity state of one relay, and the continuity failure determination unit 198 determines the execution determination unit 197. When it is determined that the lock drive or unlock drive has not been normally executed and a signal indicating a non-conducting state output from the continuity detection unit 194 is detected, the continuity detection unit 194 is connected. If it is determined that one of the relays has a continuity failure and a signal indicating the continuity state output from the continuity detection unit 194 is detected, the continuity detection unit 194 is not connected to the other relay. By determining that there is, it is possible to identify a relay having poor continuity with a simple and inexpensive configuration without unnecessarily generating a relay operating noise.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the first relay is connected to the first common terminal COM1 connected to one end of the electric motor 150 and the power supply, and is the first common when the electric motor 150 is unlocked. A first normally open terminal NO1 connected to the terminal COM1 and a first normally closed terminal NC1 connected to the ground, and a second relay is connected to the other end of the electric motor 150. 2 common terminal COM2, 2nd normally open terminal NO2 connected to the power supply and connected to the 2nd common terminal COM2 when the electric motor 150 is locked, and 2nd normally closed terminal NC2 connected to the ground. And, the continuity detection unit 194 is connected to the second common terminal COM2. Then, when the execution determination unit 197 determines that the lock drive has not been normally executed during the lock drive, the continuity failure determination unit 198 detects a signal indicating a non-conduction state by the continuity detection unit 194. , It is determined that there is an abnormality in the contact of the second normally open terminal NO2, and when a signal indicating the continuity state is detected by the continuity detection unit 194, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the contact of the first normally closed terminal NC1. To do. On the other hand, when the execution determination unit 197 determines that the unlock drive has not been normally executed during the unlock drive, the continuity failure determination unit 198 detects a signal indicating a non-conduction state by the continuity detection unit 194. In this case, when it is determined that the contact of the second normally closed terminal NC2 has an abnormality and the continuity detection unit 194 detects a signal indicating the continuity state, the contact of the first normally open terminal NO1 has an abnormality. Is determined. Therefore, it is possible to determine which relay has poor continuity and which contact of the relay has a foreign substance depending on whether the lock drive or the unlock drive is executed.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the first relay is connected to the first common terminal COM1 connected to one end of the electric motor 150 and the power supply, and is the first common when the electric motor 150 is unlocked. A first normally open terminal NO1 connected to the terminal COM1 and a first normally closed terminal NC1 connected to the ground, and a second relay is connected to the other end of the electric motor 150. 2 common terminal COM2, 2nd normally open terminal NO2 connected to the power supply and connected to the 2nd common terminal COM2 when the electric motor 150 is locked, and 2nd normally closed terminal NC2 connected to the ground. And, the continuity detection unit 194 is connected to the first common terminal COM1. Then, when the execution determination unit 197 determines that the lock drive has not been normally executed during the lock drive, the continuity failure determination unit 198 detects a signal indicating a non-conduction state by the continuity detection unit 194. , It is determined that there is an abnormality in the contact of the first normally closed terminal NC1, and when the continuity detection unit 194 detects a signal indicating the continuity state, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the contact of the second normally open terminal NO2. To do. On the other hand, when the execution determination unit 197 determines that the unlock drive has not been normally executed during the unlock drive, the continuity failure determination unit 198 detects a signal indicating a non-conduction state by the continuity detection unit 194. In this case, when it is determined that the contact of the first normally open terminal NO1 has an abnormality and the continuity detection unit 194 detects a signal indicating the continuity state, the contact of the second normally closed terminal NC2 has an abnormality. Is determined. Therefore, it is possible to determine which relay has poor continuity and which contact of the relay has a foreign substance depending on whether the lock drive or the unlock drive is executed.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the control unit 196 controls to switch the contacts of the first relay or the second relay determined by the continuity failure determination unit 198 at least once. Therefore, the foreign matter accumulated on the contacts can be removed by a simple method to eliminate the poor continuity state.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the power supply switching unit 195 for switching the power supply from the power supply to the first relay or the second relay is provided, and in the control unit 196, the power supply switching unit 195 is the first from the power supply. In a state where power is supplied to the relay or the second relay, an arc is generated at the contact point of the first relay or the second relay determined by the continuity failure determination unit 198 to have a continuity failure. In addition, control for switching at least the contacts of the first relay or the second relay is performed. Therefore, the foreign matter accumulated on the contacts can be removed by a simple method to eliminate the poor continuity state.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

100; Electric steering lock device 120; Lock unit (lock member)
125; Magnet 150; Electric motor 161; Lock sensor (position detector)
162; Unlock sensor (position detector)
180; Steering shaft 192; Unlock relay (first relay)
193; Lock relay (second relay)
194; Continuity detection unit 195; Power relay (power supply switching unit)
196; Control unit 197; Execution determination unit 198; Continuity failure determination unit

Claims (9)

A lock member that engages with the steering shaft of the vehicle,
An electric motor that performs a lock drive that moves the lock member to a lock position that engages with the steering shaft and an unlock drive that moves the lock member to an unlock position that does not engage with the steering shaft.
A first relay and a second relay that switch and cut off the polarity of the current supplied from the power source to the electric motor to drive the electric motor to lock or unlock.
A control unit that controls the first relay and the second relay,
A position detection unit that detects the position of the lock member and
An execution determination unit that determines whether or not the lock drive or the unlock drive has been normally executed from the detection state of the position detection unit during the lock drive or the unlock drive.
A continuity detection unit that is connected to either one of the first relay or the second relay and detects the continuity state of the one relay.
When it is determined by the execution determination unit that the lock drive or the unlock drive has not been normally executed, if a signal indicating a non-conduction state output from the continuity detection unit is detected, the continuity is detected. If it is determined that one of the relays to which the detection unit is connected has a continuity failure and a signal indicating the continuity state output from the continuity detection unit is detected, the continuity detection unit is not connected. A continuity failure determination unit that determines that the other relay has continuity failure,
An electric steering lock device characterized by being provided with. The first relay
With the first common terminal connected to one end of the electric motor,
A first normally open terminal connected to the power supply and connected to the first common terminal when the electric motor is unlocked.
The first normally closed terminal connected to the ground,
With
The second relay
With the second common terminal connected to the other end of the electric motor,
A second normally open terminal connected to the power supply and connected to the second common terminal when the electric motor is driven to lock,
The second normally closed terminal connected to the ground,
With
The electric steering lock device according to claim 1, wherein the continuity detection unit is connected to the second common terminal. When the execution determination unit determines that the lock drive has not been normally executed during the lock drive,
The continuity failure determination unit
When a signal indicating a non-conducting state is detected by the continuity detecting unit, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the contact of the second normally open terminal, and a signal indicating a conducting state is detected by the continuity detecting unit. The electric steering lock device according to claim 2, wherein it is determined that there is an abnormality in the contact of the first normally closed terminal. When the execution determination unit determines that the unlock drive has not been normally executed during the unlock drive,
The continuity failure determination unit
When a signal indicating a non-conduction state is detected by the continuity detection unit, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the contact of the second normally closed terminal, and a signal indicating a continuity state is detected by the continuity detection unit. The electric steering lock device according to claim 2, wherein it is determined that there is an abnormality in the contact of the first normally open terminal. The first relay
With the first common terminal connected to one end of the electric motor,
A first normally open terminal connected to the power supply and connected to the first common terminal when the electric motor is unlocked.
The first normally closed terminal connected to the ground,
With
The second relay
With the second common terminal connected to the other end of the electric motor,
A second normally open terminal connected to the power supply and connected to the second common terminal when the electric motor is driven to lock,
The second normally closed terminal connected to the ground,
With
The electric steering lock device according to claim 1, wherein the continuity detection unit is connected to the first common terminal. When the execution determination unit determines that the lock drive has not been normally executed during the lock drive,
The continuity failure determination unit
When a signal indicating a non-conduction state is detected by the continuity detection unit, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the contact of the first normally closed terminal, and a signal indicating a continuity state is detected by the continuity detection unit. The electric steering lock device according to claim 5, wherein it is determined that there is an abnormality in the contact of the second normally open terminal. When the execution determination unit determines that the unlock drive has not been normally executed during the unlock drive,
The continuity failure determination unit
When a signal indicating a non-conduction state is detected by the continuity detection unit, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the contact of the first normally open terminal, and a signal indicating a continuity state is detected by the continuity detection unit. The electric steering lock device according to claim 5, wherein it is determined that there is an abnormality in the contact of the second normally closed terminal. Claims 1 to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls to switch the contacts of the first relay or the second relay determined to have a continuity failure by the continuity failure determination unit at least once. 7. The electric steering lock device according to any one of 7. A power supply switching unit for switching power supply from the power source to the first relay and the second relay is provided.
The control unit determines that there is a continuity failure by the continuity failure determining unit in a state where the power supply switching unit is switched so that power is supplied from the power supply to the first relay and the second relay. The eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that at least the contacts of the first relay or the second relay are controlled to be switched so that an arc is generated at the contacts of the first relay or the second relay. Electric steering lock device.