JPH0413184B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a steering lock device that can unlock or lock a steering lock. The present invention relates to a steering lock device having a locking rod that moves between locking positions and an ignition switch connected to one end of the rotator so as to switch between a plurality of switch states as the rotator rotates.

[Conventional technology]

This kind of conventional steering lock device improves the anti-theft performance of a car by making it impossible to unlock the steering lock and start the engine unless a specified key is inserted into the key cylinder and rotated. It was established for the purpose of achieving this goal.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

Incidentally, recently, a keyless entry device has been proposed in which the vehicle door is unlocked and the vehicle can be entered by pressing a plurality of push buttons provided outside the vehicle in a predetermined order.

However, with conventional steering lock devices,
After entering the vehicle without a key as described above, in order to unlock the steering lock and start the engine, the key must be inserted into the steering lock and turned. For this reason, even in automobiles equipped with keyless entry devices, there was a problem in that the driver had to carry the key at all times.

Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present invention solves the following problems:
To provide a steering lock device which enables a car to be operated completely without using a key by making the steering lock keyless without impairing the theft prevention properties of the car.

[Means for solving problems]

In order to achieve the above object, the steering lock device according to the present invention includes a locking rod that moves between a locked position in which it engages with the steering shaft as the rotator rotates and an unlocked position in which it does not engage, and a locking rod that moves as the rotator rotates. In a steering lock device having an ignition switch connected to one end of a rotator so as to switch between a plurality of switch states, the steering lock device includes a motor connected to the rotator via a gear device, and the rotation of the motor is controlled. a control device, wherein the control device stores numbers corresponding to the plurality of switch states of the ignition switch, an input device for inputting an arbitrary number, and the input device Comparing means for comparing the input number and the number stored in the storage means to detect a match between the two, and a switch state of an ignition switch corresponding to the matched number in response to the matching detected by the comparing means. The motor is rotationally controlled to drive the ignition switch via a gear device and a rotator until the ignition switch is in a switch state, and the rotator is engaged with a steering shaft by the rotator rotated by the drive of the motor. It is characterized by comprising a motor control means for moving the locking rod from a locked position to an unlocked position, and a display device for displaying the switch state of the ignition switch.

[Effect]

In the above configuration, the control device that controls the rotation of the motor is provided with a storage device that stores numbers corresponding to the plurality of switch states of the ignition switch, and an input device that inputs arbitrary numbers. A comparison means compares the number input by the means and the number stored in the storage means. When a match between the two is detected by this comparison means,
In response to this, the motor control means rotationally controls the motor to drive the ignition switch via the gear device and the rotator until the switch state of the ignition switch becomes the switch state corresponding to the matching number. do. The rotator rotated by this motor drives the
A locking rod engaged with the steering shaft is moved from a locked position to an unlocked position.

Since the display device displays the switch status of the ignition switch, the current position of the ignition switch can be known from the display.

〔Example〕

An embodiment of the steering lock device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1 and 2, the steering lock device has a frame 3 containing a bearing 2 for bearing a steering shaft 1. In FIGS. The frame 3 has a cylindrical hole 16, into which the bearing 2 is press-fitted and fixed to the frame 3 by caulking.

A guide hole 7 communicating with the cylindrical hole 16 and a housing cavity 5 are formed in the upper part of the frame 3. A lid 6 is fixed to the upper part of the lid 6 by caulking, thereby closing the accommodation cavity 5 so as to prevent unauthorized manipulation of the accommodation cavity 5 from the outside.

A guide hole 17 communicating with the guide hole 7 and a housing cavity 18 are formed on the side of the frame 3, and an ignition switch 14 is disposed within the housing cavity 18 and fixed by a screw 15.

The guide hole 7 has a groove 1 of the steering shaft 1.
locking rod 8 and hanger 9 so as to engage and disengage from a.
is movably housed. The locking rod 8 is pressed toward the steering shaft 1 by a spring 10 via a hanger 9, but is prevented from being pressed beyond a predetermined distance by a rotator 11.

The rotator 11 has an arcuate shape and is rotatably inserted into the receiving cavity 5 and engaged with the hanger 9. The hanger 9 projects on the arcuate plane of the rotator 11 and is pressed downward by a spring 10. The rotator 11 is connected to the output shaft of the pulse motor 12 via a gear device 13, and its end 11a passes through a guide hole 17 and is connected to the rotor 1 built in the ignition switch 14.
9 (FIG. 10) is fitted into the groove 11b.

The gear device 13 uses a shifted gear with a high reduction ratio in order to increase the rotational torque of the rotator 11. In addition, although a pulse motor is used in this example, by adding a brake device,
A DC motor may also be used.

Ignition switch 14 includes a rotor 19 located within an ignition switch case 39, as shown in FIG. The protrusion 41a of the movable contact 41 is inserted into the notch 19a of the rotor 19, and between the rotor 19 and the movable contact 41, a fixed terminal (not shown) fixed to the base 42 and the movable contact 41 are inserted. Spring 4 to maintain proper contact
3 is placed. With this, rotor 1
9. The movable contact 41 and the spring 43 are rotatably housed together in the ignition switch case 39.

Base 42 is ignition switch case 3
A fixed contact (not shown) fixed to the base 42 by caulking to the base 42 has six terminals.
It is connected to BATT, A (ACC), IG, S, R, and LOKC (see Figure 5).

The pulse motor 12 is controlled by a steering lock control device configured as shown in FIG. The steering lock control system has an input device, an output device, and a control device 29 located between the two devices.

The input device includes an input means 20 having a plurality of switches and an input completion switch, and an A/D converter 2 that converts an analog signal into a digital signal.
2, 24, an engine sensor 21 that emits a signal when the engine is running via the A/D converter 22, a speed sensor 23 that issues a signal while driving via the A/D converter 24, and a battery voltage a voltage level check circuit 25 that checks whether the engine can be started by checking the engine; and a gear switch 26 that closes when the transmission gear is in the neutral position or the parking position.
An inversion circuit 27 that inverts the signal from the gear switch 26, an ignition switch 14, and ignition switch terminals LOCK, ACC, IG, S,
In response to the signal output from terminal 5 of R, the ignition switch 14 is LOCK, ACC, ON,
It is composed of a position identification circuit 28 for identifying each START position, that is, each switch position.

The output device is a control means 3 in the control device 29.
8, an ignition switch position display device 32 that displays the position of the ignition switch 14, and an ignition switch position display device 32 that displays the position of the ignition switch 14. It consists of a warning lamp 33 that displays when the transmission gear is in the neutral position or a buzzer 34 that warns when the transmission gear is in a position other than the neutral or arching position.

The control device 29 receives each signal from the input device and controls the output device.

In the steering lock device of the present invention, the motor 12 is driven to rotate the rotator 11 to a predetermined position, move the locking rod 8 of the steering lock to the locked position or the unlocked position, and turn off the ignition switch 14. position, accessory (ACC) position, on position or start position.

That is, when starting the engine from the locked state, the rotator 11 is rotated by the motor 12 in the order of the locked position, unlocked position, off position, ACC position, on position, and start position. In this case, unlock position, off position and ACC
Regarding the positions, each can be made to correspond to each rotational angular position of the rotator, or all of these can be made to correspond to the same angular position of the rotator, but in this embodiment, all of them are made to correspond to the same angular position. ing.

In principle, the control device 29 only needs to be able to rotate the rotator 11 to a desired position by pressing a plurality of push button switches as the input means 20. However, in this embodiment, the control device 29
Input signals are received from the engine sensor 21, speed sensor 23, voltage level check circuit 25, gear switch 26, and position identification circuit 28, and the motor 12 is operated only when it is safe.

That is, the control device 29 is provided with arbitrary number storage means, and four types of numbers are stored in advance in this storage means. When numbers corresponding to these numbers are input from the input means 20, the rotor 19 of the ignition switch 14 is rotated to the position corresponding to each number. Each number is represented by, for example, a four-digit number, and indicates the starting position to start the engine,
The ACC position energizes accessory circuits such as a radio, and the ON position energizes the ignition circuit.
Each corresponds to the lock position for locking the steering shaft.

When a number corresponding to each position is input from the input means 20, the motor 12 rotates, and based on the signals of each rotation angle position determined by the position identification circuit 28, the rotation of the motor is set to a predetermined position, a start position,
It is stopped in either the ACC position, the ON position or the LOCK position.

The details of the operation described above will be explained below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 8 showing the work performed by the microcomputer constituting the control device 29 of FIG. 6 according to a predetermined program.

When the driver inputs the "start number" from the input means 20 to start the engine and finally presses the input completion switch, the start number and input completion switch signal are transmitted to buses 120 and 12 in FIG.
1 to the control device 29 (microcomputer), and the start number is temporarily stored in a temporary storage means formed in an internal RAM (random access memory) (P1).
Thereafter, the input and temporarily stored start number is compared with a number previously stored in a storage means formed in a memory such as the RAM (P2),
As a result of the judgment in P3, if the two match, P4
Proceed to.

P4 receives a signal from the voltage level check circuit 25, and if the battery voltage is normal, P4 is output.
Proceed to step 5, and if the battery voltage is at an abnormal level, turn on the warning lamp for N seconds at P4a, and return to A of the start. In P5, A/D
A signal is received from the engine sensor 21 via the converter 22, and if the engine is in operation, the process returns to start A, and if the engine is not in operation, the process proceeds to P6.

At P6, the determination result based on the signal from the gear switch 26 input via the inverting circuit 27;
If the gear is in the neutral or parking position, the control device 29 gives a forward rotation signal to the pulse motor drive circuit 30 to rotate the pulse motor 12 in the forward direction (P7). As the pulse motor 12 rotates forward, the rotator 11 and its end 11a are rotated through the gear device 13.
The rotor 19 of the ignition switch 14 communicates with the movable contact 4 pressed by the spring 43.
1 (Fig. 10) rotates integrally. Also, a hanger 9 and a locking rod 8 that engage with the rotator 11 are provided.
moves in the unlocking direction as the rotator rotates,
Locking rod 8 is in groove 1a of steering shaft 1
It will come off and be unlocked.

When the movable contact 41 of the ignition switch 14 is rotated from the lock position to the start position,
of the fixed contact fixed at a predetermined position on the base 42.
The start position is reached by passing through the two positions ACC and ON, but when passing through the two positions ACC and ON, the ACC circuit and ON circuit are temporarily switched off as shown in the connection diagram shown in Figure 4. That is, since the ignition circuit is closed, a circuit close signal indicating the ACC position and the ON position is sent from the position identification circuit 28 to the control means 38. However, when the number input by the input signal 20 is the start number, the control means 38 controls the two ACCs.
and ignore the on position close signal.

When the connection is made as shown in the starting position of the connection diagram shown in FIG. 4, a signal is output from the position identification circuit 28, and the control means 3 receives this signal.
8 cuts off the normal rotation signal to the pulse motor drive circuit 30 to stop the pulse motor 12, thereby also stopping the movable contact 41 of the ignition switch 14 (P8 and P9).

When the movable contact 41 stopped at the start position comes into contact with the fixed contact, the engine starting circuit is closed, and as is well known, a series of operations such as activating the starter motor are performed to start the engine. When the engine starts operating, a signal is sent from the engine sensor 21 via the A/D converter 22 to the control means 38, and this signal causes the P
Control means 3 that recognized engine operation in 10
8 sends a reverse rotation signal to the pulse motor driving means 30 to reversely rotate the pulse motor 12 (P11).

As the pulse motor 12 rotates in the opposite direction, the movable contact 41 of the ignition switch 14 also rotates in the opposite direction and is connected to the on position as shown in the connection diagram shown in FIG. A control circuit 2 receives the signal and outputs the signal.
9 cuts off the reverse rotation signal to the pulse motor drive circuit 30 to stop the pulse motor 12, thereby also stopping the movable contact 41 and maintaining the connection at the ON position (P12, 13).

Branches P4, P5, P of the flowchart in Figure 7
6, P8, and P10 will be explained in detail. First, P4
is for detecting the battery voltage level by the voltage level check circuit 25 and determining whether or not to rotate the movable contact 41 to the start position. This is a function that checks the battery voltage in advance to prevent over-discharging of the battery, which causes a large current to flow through the starter motor etc. and causes battery deterioration when the battery does not have enough capacity to start the engine. Motsu.

If it is determined from the output of the voltage level check circuit 25 that the battery voltage is lower than the set voltage, the control means 38 controls the transistor Tr ₁
A signal is sent to the base (FIG. 6), and a warning lamp 33 attached to an instrument panel or the like is turned on for a predetermined period of time to notify the driver that the battery voltage is decreasing (P4a).

When the movable contact 41 is rotated to the start position during engine operation, the movable contact 41 moves to the fourth position.
The connection is made as shown in the starting position of the connection diagram shown in the figure, and the start circuit is closed and the starter motor etc. are operated.However, if the starter motor is operated even though the engine is running, it will be connected to the engine. The starter motor gear may be damaged. Therefore, while the engine is running, the A/D
A signal obtained from the engine sensor 21 via the converter 22 is sent to the control means 38, and while the engine is running, even if a start number is input by the input means 20, the input and stored start number is canceled. Ru.

Similar to P5, when the movable contact 41 is rotated to the start position, P6 closes the start circuit and prevents the danger of the starter motor operating. When other than the position,
Since the gears are in mesh, the vehicle may move forward or backward when the engine starts. At this time, for example, if there are people in front or behind the car, it will be in a very dangerous situation.In order to avoid this, a signal obtained from the gear switch 26 via the reversing circuit 27 is sent to the control means 38, so that the gear is in the neutral or parking position. In other cases, the control means 38 sends a signal to the base of the transistor Tr ₂ (Fig. 6), sounds the buzzer 34, alerts the driver that the gear is engaged (P14), and also switches the gear to neutral or A counter in the control means 38 that counts the predetermined time required to return to the parking position starts counting (P15).

During this counting, P16, P18, P60
When the gear is returned to the neutral or parking position by repeating the above steps, a neutral signal is generated, and the control means 38 inputting this signal cuts off the base signal of the transistor Tr ₂ and turns off the buzzer 34 to stop sounding (P19), P6 Proceed to P7 and beyond.

Further, when the counting by the control means 38 is completed,
The control circuit 38 cuts off the base signal of the transistor Tr ₂ and turns off the buzzer 34 to stop sounding (P1
7) At the same time, cancel the start number and return to A.

Further, when the control means 38 is in the middle of counting, the input means 2
It is determined whether another input signal is input from 0 and stored in the storage means (P18), and if there is no other input signal, the process returns to P16 via P60, but if there is another input signal, Control means 38 even during counting
cuts off the base signal of transistor Tr ₂ to stop the buzzer from sounding (P17), and proceeds to P2 and subsequent steps based on the input signal.

P8 is when the locking rod 8 gets caught in the groove 1a of the steering shaft 1, the hanger 9 fitted with the locking rod 8 is fixed on the flat surface of the rotator 11, the rotator 11 becomes unable to rotate, and the decelerator Even if a signal from the control means 38 is applied to the pulse motor 12 connected to the rotator 11 via a certain gear device 13, the pulse motor 12
remains energized and does not rotate, and as a result, the movable contact 41 of the ignition switch 14 via the rotor 19 also does not rotate, so the ignition switch remains energized for hours while this jamming occurs. This means that the vehicle will not be in the starting position and the engine will not be able to start, but this decision was made to deal with this situation.

In order to solve this problem, if it is determined in P8 that it has not reached the start position, proceed to P20 in Figure 11 and take the time required for the movable contact 41 to reach the start position when the locking rod 8 is not engaged. The control means 38 counts the set predetermined time. When the counting is completed, the control means 38 cuts off the output to the pulse motor drive circuit 30 to stop energizing the pulse motor 12 (P22), and in order to notify the driver that there is a jam, the control means 38 turns on the transistor Tr ₂ A signal is given to the base of the buzzer 34 for a predetermined period of time (P23). After sounding the buzzer for a predetermined period of time, the control means 38 counts up and repeats this operation a set number of times (P25). If the jamming is released by moving the steering wheel or the like within the number of times set based on the judgment in P25, then P4 and subsequent steps are performed.

P26 performs the same operation as P18 described above, and when there is no input signal, performs P4 and subsequent steps. If there is an input signal, the pulse motor 12 is temporarily stopped in P27, and the process proceeds to P38 (FIG. 8). In P38, the control means 38 is the pulse motor drive circuit 3
0 to rotate the pulse motor 12 in the reverse direction. By rotating the pulse motor 12 in the reverse direction, the movable contact 41 also rotates in the reverse direction, and when it is connected to the lock position as shown in the connection diagram shown in FIG. 4, a signal is output from the position identification circuit 28. Upon receiving this signal at P39, the control means 38 cuts off the reverse rotation signal of the pulse motor drive circuit 30 at P34 to stop the pulse motor 12 and also stops the movable contact 41 at the lock position, returning to P1.

In this case, since the lock terminal of the ignition switch 14 is omitted, the position identification circuit 28 detects that the connection in the ACC position shown in the connection diagram shown in FIG. A time pulse may be output from the control means 38.

P10 is the A/D that determines whether the engine has started or not.
The control means 38 determines based on the signal from the engine sensor 21 via the converter 22, and when the engine is not started, the movable contact 41 is maintained at the start position for a predetermined period of time to close the start circuit. If the engine has not started, proceed to P42 in FIG. 9.

At P42, the counter in the control means 38 starts counting, and then returns to P10 via P43 and P44, and if the engine starts within the predetermined time period (P43) to be counted, the steps from P11 onward are performed. If the engine does not start even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the control means 38 counts the number of times the engine remains at the start position (P45), and when this number of times does not reach the predetermined value N (P
46), outputs a reverse rotation signal to the pulse motor drive circuit 30 (P47). The pulse motor 12 and the movable contact 41 rotate in the reverse direction due to the reverse rotation signal, and the movable contact 41
When the connection is made as shown in the ON position in the connection diagram shown in FIG. 4 due to the reverse rotation of to stop the reverse rotation of the pulse motor 12 (P4
9).

Here, in order to maintain the movable contact 41 in the on position for a predetermined time period during which the battery is recovered, the control means 3
8 to count for a predetermined time (P50). When the counting is completed (P51), the process proceeds to P5, and the control means 38 again outputs a normal rotation signal to the pulse motor drive circuit 30 to rotate the pulse motor 12 in the normal direction (P7). When the movable contact 41 reaches the start position, the movable contact 41 is maintained there as described above, and after counting for a predetermined period of time, the pulse motor 12 is reversely rotated again to return to the on position. Repeat this operation a predetermined number of times, and if the engine starts within the predetermined number of times, perform P11 and subsequent steps, but if the engine does not start, P3
2 (Fig. 8), rotate the pulse motor 12 in the reverse direction, and return it to the ACC position (P33).

In P44 and P52, the presence or absence of a new input signal inputted by the input means 20 and stored in the storage means is determined in the same way as in P18 above, and in P44, when there is an input signal, the process goes to P32, and the pulse motor 12 is rotated in the reverse direction to start the ACC. Return to position. If there is no input signal, perform P10 and subsequent steps. When there is an input signal in P52, the process from P32 onward is performed, and when there is no input signal, the process from P50 to P52 is repeated until a predetermined time has elapsed (FIG. 9).

Next, the case where the ACC number and lock number are input will be explained in order with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

When the ACC number is input from the input means 20,
The number is temporarily stored in an internal storage means, and this stored number is compared with a pre-stored ACC number (P2, P3). Since the input number is different from the start number, the process advances from P3 to P28.

In P28, the control means 38 determines whether the vehicle is traveling or stopped based on the signal obtained from the speed sensor 23 via the A/D converter 24, and if the vehicle is traveling, the control means 38 returns to P1 and inputs the signal. The registered number will be cancelled. If it is stopped, the process advances to P30 via P29, where the position identification circuit 28
The current connected position is determined from the signal obtained from the
The control means 38 gives a reverse rotation signal to the pulse motor drive circuit 30 (P32), causing the pulse motor 12 to rotate in the reverse direction. With the reverse rotation of the pulse motor 12, the ignition switch 14 is activated from the above-described configuration.
The movable contact 41 also rotates in the opposite direction, and when it is connected to the ACC position in the connection diagram shown in FIG. 4, a signal is output from the position identification circuit 28. Upon receiving this signal at P33, the control means 38 cuts off the output to the pulse motor drive circuit 30, stops the reverse rotation of the pulse motor 12 (P34), and maintains the movable contact 41 in the ACC position.

If it is determined that the motor is not in the ACC position but in the lock position (P31), the control means 38 gives a normal rotation signal to the pulse motor drive circuit 30, and the pulse motor 12
rotate in the forward direction (P35). The forward rotation of the pulse motor 31 also causes the movable contact 41 to rotate forward, and when the ACC position is reached, a signal is output from the position identification circuit 28, which is input to the control means 38 at P36.
stops the forward rotation of the pulse motor 12 via the pulse motor drive circuit 30 (P34).

Note that if it is not determined that the ACC position is reached at P36, the same operation as that explained in connection with FIG. This leads to P25 and P26. When the process reaches P25, if it is within a predetermined number of times, the process from P35 is performed, and when the predetermined number of times is reached, the process from P38 is performed. At P26, it is determined whether there is an input signal to the temporary storage means, and if there is an input signal, the process from P27 is performed, and if there is no input signal, the process from P35 is performed.

Next, explaining the case where a lock number is input, it is temporarily stored in the storage means in the control means 37 in the same way as when a start number is input. The control means 38 compares the input number with a pre-stored lock number, and if they match, the process proceeds to P37a. P
37a, the control device 29 determines whether the vehicle is running or stopped based on the signal from the speed sensor 23, and cancels the temporarily stored ACC number if the vehicle is running in the same way as when the ACC number was input. However, if the vehicle is stopped, the pulse motor 12 is reversely rotated via the pulse motor drive circuit 30 (P38). Due to the reverse rotation of the pulse motor 12, the rotator 11 and the movable contact 41 of the ignition switch 14 also rotate in the reverse direction via the gear device 13. When the movable contact 41 is rotated in the opposite direction and connected as in the lock position of the connection diagram shown in FIG. 4, a signal is output from the position identification circuit 28, and P
The control means 32 having received this signal in step 39 stops the forward rotation of the pulse motor 12 via the pulse motor drive circuit 30 (P34).

On the other hand, due to the reverse rotation of the rotator 11, the hanger 9 engaged with the rotator 11 and the locking rod 8 fitted with the hanger 9 are
The rotator 11 moves onto the arcuate plane of the rotator 11 by pressing the rotator 11 (FIG. 1). The locking rod 8 fits into the groove 1a of the steering shaft 1, and the steering shaft 1 is locked.

Next, explaining the flowchart from P40 onward in FIG. All you have to do is enter your lock number when you get off the train. However, if the user forgets to enter the lock number, the movable contact 41 of the ignition switch 14 will be in the ON or ACC position, and the circuit will be closed.
Therefore, current continues to flow through the electrical components, which not only accelerates battery discharge, but also poses a risk of theft because the steering shaft 1 is not locked.
In order to prevent these, when a lock signal is input from a button switch (not shown) attached to the outside of the vehicle (P40), the A/D converter 2
2 and the speed sensor 23 via the A/D converter 24. When the vehicle is stopped and the engine is stopped (P41), a reverse rotation signal is sent from the control means 38 to the pulse motor. The pulse motor 12 is reversely rotated (P38), and the steering shaft 1 is locked by the method described above, and the movable contact 41 of the ignition switch 14 is also returned to the lock position.

Note that when each position is connected as shown in the connection diagram shown in FIG. to cause the ignition switch position display device to display each position. This ignition switch position display device is mounted within the driver's visual range.

As mentioned above, the control device 29 receives four types of numbers from the input means 20, namely, a start number, an ACC number, an on number, and a lock number, and controls the rotator 11 and ignition switch 14 in accordance with each number. Generates a signal to rotate to the corresponding angular position. The procedure for inputting the ON number from the input means 20 and directly rotating the ignition switch to the ON position is shown as P55 to P58 in FIG.
P55 can be inserted between P3 and P28, for example.

a start number to be input into the control device 29;
The four types of numbers stored in advance corresponding to the ACC number, ON number, and lock number can be freely changed to improve the anti-theft function.

For this purpose, the RAM in the control device 29 includes a temporary storage means for temporarily storing the number inputted by the input means 20, a fixed number storage means for storing a predetermined fixed number, and an arbitrary number for storing an arbitrary number. An address actuator for specifying an address when writing to the storage means and arbitrary number storage means is formed, and based on the signals stored in these storage means, four types of data are written according to the flowchart of FIG. Change the number.

First, when an arbitrary number from the input means 20 and a subsequent signal from the operation of the input end switch are input, the input number is temporarily stored in the temporary storage means, and the input number is stored in the fixed number storage. It is compared with the fixed number in the means and it is determined whether the input number is a fixed number (P20
2). If it is determined that the number is a fixed number based on the match, the contents of the current address counter are cleared in P203, the contents of addresses N to N+3 of the arbitrary number storage means are cleared in P204, and the contents of the temporary storage means are cleared in P215. be done.

Thereafter, if the number input by the input means 20 and temporarily stored in the temporary storage means does not match the fixed number, that number is determined to be an arbitrary number to be stored (P205). Then, it is determined whether the content of the address counter is 4 (P20
6) If the content is not 4, count up the address counter (P207). When the content of the address counter is 1 (P208),
The number stored in the temporary storage means is stored at address N of the arbitrary number storage means. When the content of the address counter is not 1, it is determined whether the content of the address counter is 2 (P209), and when the content is 2, the number stored in the temporary storage means is stored at address N+1 of the arbitrary number storage means. Store in. When the content of the address counter is not 2, it is next determined whether the content of the address counter is 3 (P211), and when the content is 3, the number of the temporary storage means is set to N+2 of the arbitrary storage means.
It is stored at the address (P212). When the content of the address counter is not 3, the number of the temporary storage means is stored at address N+3 of the arbitrary storage means (P21
3).

When a number is stored at address N to N+3, the process returns to P202 and the above operation is repeated. When the last arbitrary number is input and the address counter reaches 4 (P205), four types of arbitrary numbers are stored. It is determined that the storage of has been completed, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

In this way, the four types of numbers are stored in the arbitrary number storage means, and on the other hand, from the input means 20, which has a plurality of switches and one input completion switch mounted on the instrument panel or within the operable range from the driver's seat. When the switches are pressed in a predetermined order, the coded signals in the order of pressing are sent to the temporary storage means and temporarily stored, and when the coded input completion switch from the input means 20 is pressed, the signals are temporarily stored. The input number temporarily stored in the means is compared with the storage number of the arbitrary number storage means. If they match, the matching signal is sent to a temporary storage means or the like to clear the temporarily stored number.

In the above description of the embodiment, the microcomputer performs the number changing operation according to a predetermined program, but the control device 29 may be configured as shown in FIG. 14.

That is, the control device 29 includes a fixed number storage means 40 composed of a ROM or a diode matrix, a fixed number comparison means 39 connected to this storage means 40, and an arbitrary number storage means 35 composed of a RAM. It has arbitrary number comparison means 36 connected to this storage means 35. Fixed number comparison means 39, arbitrary number storage means 35 and arbitrary number comparison means 36 receive signals from temporary storage means 37 connected to input means 20 via bus 120.

When a five-digit number, for example, is input from the input means 20, the address counter 50 applies a lock signal to the temporary storage means 37 as a synchronization signal, and the temporary storage means 37 stores the five-digit number. When the input completion switch is pressed after the number input is completed, the signal is given to the one-shot multivibrator (OSM) 52, and the output of the OSM 52 resets the address counter 50 and writes data to the temporary storage means 37. The mode is shifted from the read mode to the read mode, and information stored in the temporary storage means 37 is sequentially given to the fixed number comparison means 39 and the arbitrary number comparison means 36 by the output of the ring counter 53.

When the information applied to the arbitrary number comparison means 36 matches the information stored in the arbitrary number storage means 35, the arbitrary number comparison means 36 gives a signal to the pulse motor drive circuit 30. In response, the pulse motor drive circuit 30 drives the pulse motor 12, and the ignition switch is rotated to either the start position, ACC position, on position, or lock position. Further, the P signal generated by the coincidence is applied to each part as shown in the figure, thereby resetting each circuit. When the information applied to the arbitrary number comparison means 36 does not match the information stored in the arbitrary number storage means 35, the arbitrary number comparison means 36 does not produce an output.

When an input signal is applied from the input means 20 and a certain period of time has elapsed thereafter, the retrigger timer 51 outputs an M signal that resets the entire circuit. The retrigger timer 51 does not generate the M signal if the time interval of the signals sequentially inputted from the input means 20 is within a predetermined time.

The information in the temporary storage means 37 is stored in the fixed number comparison means 3.
9, when the fixed number comparison means 39 matches the number stored in the fixed number storage means 40, the fixed number comparison means 39 generates an output, which is applied to the set input of the RS flip-flop 55 to switch the RS flip-flop 55. set state and thereby RS
Flip-flop 55 produces the N signal. This N
In response to the signal, the arbitrary number storage means 35 changes from the read mode to the write mode, making it possible to store a new number. Further, the fixed number comparison means 39 and the arbitrary number comparison means 36 receive an N signal at the disable (DIS) terminal and are brought to a non-functional state, and the temporary storage means 37 and the counter 56 are reset by this N signal. The counter 56 counts the signal of the input completion switch and provides a clock signal to the arbitrary number storage means 35, and also provides a reset signal to the RS flip-flop 55.

At the stage when the N signal is generated from the RS flip-flop 55, an arbitrary start number,
When the ACC number, ON number and lock number are given, and the input completion switch is pressed after pressing the last digit of each number, each number is stored in the arbitrary number storage means 35 via the temporary storage means 37. The four types of numbers are
The data is stored at a predetermined address using a clock signal output from terminals _O0 to _O3 of the counter 56. When the storage of the four types of numbers is completed, the input completion switch is pressed four times, so the counter 56 counts 4, generates a reset signal from the _O4 terminal, and outputs the RS flip-flop 5.
5 is reset. Therefore, since the N signal becomes low level, the arbitrary number storage means 35 enters the read mode, the fixed number comparison means 39 and the arbitrary number comparison means 36 become enabled, and when a predetermined number is input from the input means 20, the pulse starts again. The motor 12 can be driven to a predetermined position.

When installing the device of the present invention on the steering shaft 1 of an automobile, each component is first loaded into the frame 3. That is, the locking rod 8, the spring 10, the hanger 9, the pulse motor 12 having the gear 13, the rotator 11, the ignition switch 14 that engages with the rotator 11, and the control device shown in FIG. be accommodated. Thereafter, the upper part of the frame 3 is covered with a lid 6 shown in FIG. 1, and the lid 6 is fixed to the upper end of the frame 3 by crimping. frame 3
After each component is assembled into the steering shaft 1, the steering shaft 1 is inserted into the cylindrical hole 16, and the bearing 2 is placed at a predetermined position on the steering shaft 1.
When the locking rod 8 is in the locked position in this state, the device cannot be removed from the steering shaft 1 due to engagement with the groove 1a. When it is necessary to remove it, the switches on the input means 20 located outside the frame 3 can be pressed in a predetermined order.

〔effect〕

As explained above, according to the present invention, the number input by the input means and the number stored in the storage means are compared, and when a match is detected, the ignition switch is activated accordingly. The ignition switch is driven through the gear device and the rotator until the switch state corresponds to the matching number. The rotation of the motor is controlled, and the rotator rotated by the motor moves the locking rod from the locked position to the unlocked position, so no keys can be used at all without compromising the vehicle's anti-theft properties. This makes it possible to unlock the steering wheel and operate the car without having to worry about it, eliminating the need to carry the key with you and eliminating the possibility of accidents involving the key being locked in the car. Of course, in addition to automatically unlocking the steering lock, it is also possible to automatically start the engine using the ignition switch, automatically lock the steering lock, and stop the engine.

In addition, the display device displays the switch status of the ignition switch, and the current position of the ignition switch can be known from this display, so the current position can be checked and input for locking can be performed using the input means. It has become possible to accurately determine whether or not it is necessary, making it more desirable in terms of theft prevention.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a side sectional view of the steering lock device according to the present invention, Fig. 2 is a partial sectional view showing the relationship between the locking rod and the steering shaft, Fig. 3 is a plan view of the steering lock without the lid, and Fig. 4 is a partial sectional view showing the relationship between the locking rod and the steering shaft. A connection diagram showing the connection status of each terminal of the ignition switch, Figure 5 is a front view showing these terminals,
FIG. 6 is an electric circuit diagram for operating the steering lock device of the present invention, FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 are flowcharts showing the operation of the control circuit, and FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the ignition switch. 11 and 12 are flowcharts showing other operations of the control circuit, FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of storing a new arbitrary number, and FIG. 14 is an electronic circuit for operating the steering lock device of the present invention. FIG. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Steering shaft, 8... Locking rod, 12... Motor, 29... Control device, 39...
... Control means, 13 ... Gear device, 20 ... Input means, 11 ... Rotator, 30 ... Pulse motor drive circuit, 14 ... Ignition switch, 2
8...Position identification circuit, 35...Arbitrary number storage means (storage means), 36...Arbitrary number comparison means (comparison means), 32...Display device (ignition switch position display device).

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A locking rod that moves between a locked position where it engages with the steering shaft and an unlocked position where it does not engage with the steering shaft as the rotator rotates, and a locking rod that switches between a plurality of switch states as the rotator rotates. and an ignition switch connected to one end of the rotator, the steering lock device being connected to the other end of the rotator via a gear device so as to be disposed on the same axis as the rotator and the ignition switch. and a control device for controlling the rotation of the motor, the control device comprising: a storage means storing numbers corresponding to the plurality of switch states of the ignition switch, and an arbitrary number input. an input means; a comparison means for comparing a number input by the input means with a number stored in the storage means to detect a match between the two; controlling the rotation of the motor to drive the ignition switch via a gear device and a rotator until the switch state becomes a switch state corresponding to the matched number, the rotator being rotated by the drive of the motor; A steering lock comprising: a motor control means for moving a locking rod engaged with a steering shaft from a locked position to an unlocked position; and a display device for displaying a switch state of the ignition switch. Device.