JPH07117624A - Vehicular engine starter - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To extremely simplify the preparation operation for vehicle departure by carrying out an engine start and the lock release of a steering lock device without utilization of a mechanical ignition key. CONSTITUTION:When a control circuit 15 receives an action order signal Sa from a portable transmitter 11 through a receive device 14, it operates ACC relay 16, IG relays 17, 18, starter relays 19, 20 so as to form the elctrifying passage of a starter motor for starting an engine on the premise that a prescribed start condition is satisfied. When the control circuit 15 receives an unlock order signal Sc from a portable transmitter 11 under such engine start state, the unlock action of a door lock mechanism 12 is carried out and thereafter, when a door release signal S5 and a seat detection signal S6 are inputted, a steering lock device 1 is switched to its unlock state by the electrification of an electro-magnetic solenoid 5 in the steering lock device 1.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vehicle engine starting device provided in association with a vehicle equipped with a steering lock device, and more particularly to a vehicle in which an engine of a vehicle can be started without using an ignition key. Engine starter for vehicle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in general automobiles,
Although it is configured to start the engine using a mechanical ignition key, in such a configuration, it is an indispensable prerequisite to insert the ignition key into the key hole when starting the engine. Is actually on board (or door is open)
However, there is a problem in that the engine can be started only, and it becomes inconvenient, for example, when warming up the engine before starting traveling.

As an apparatus capable of solving such a problem, in recent years, an engine starting apparatus has been considered which is capable of performing engine start control using a remote control terminal carried by a driver. That is, the vehicle engine starting device includes a receiving device that receives an engine starting cipher signal transmitted by a radio signal from a remote control terminal carried by a driver, and a predetermined device when the receiving device receives the cipher signal. The energizing circuit of the engine starter motor is formed on the assumption that the safety conditions of (the transmission is not in the driving position, the parking brake is operated, the engine is not already started, etc.) are satisfied. And a control device, so that the engine can be started without using the ignition key.

[0004]

By the way, a steering lock device is usually provided in an automobile, but the steering lock device is unlocked by the ignition key. Is common. For this reason, even if an engine starting device that does not require an ignition key like the conventional configuration is provided, the operation of inserting the ignition key into the keyhole and rotating it is still necessary, and therefore the preparatory operation for starting the vehicle is required. There was a problem that it was troublesome.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to start an engine and unlock a steering lock device without using a mechanical ignition key to start a vehicle. It is an object of the present invention to provide an engine starting device for a vehicle, which has an effect such that a preparatory operation for it can be greatly simplified.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a vehicle engine starting device provided in association with a vehicle equipped with a steering lock device, the engine starting code signal being an air propagation signal. And a receiving device for receiving a door lock unlocking code signal, start control means for starting an engine of the vehicle when the receiving device receives the engine starting code signal, and the receiving device for the door lock. Unlocking control means for unlocking the door lock mechanism of the vehicle when receiving the unlocking cryptographic signal, and detection of a state of getting on the vehicle driver's seat accompanied by unlocking of the door lock mechanism by at least the unlocking control means And the steering lock device when the detection means is in the detection state in the engine starting state by the start control means. The is obtained by a configuration in which the auxiliary control means for switching to the unlock state.

[0007]

When the receiving device receives the engine start code signal, the start control means starts the engine.
Further, when the receiving device receives the door lock releasing cipher signal, the unlock control means unlocks the door lock mechanism of the vehicle. After the engine is started and the door lock mechanism is unlocked in response to the reception of each coded signal as described above, if the detection means detects the state of getting on the vehicle driver's seat, the auxiliary control is performed. The means switches the steering lock device to an unlocked state. That is, the engine starting operation and the unlocking operation of the door lock mechanism can be performed without using a mechanical ignition key, and the steering lock device can be automatically unlocked in synchronization with such an operation. As a whole, the preparation operation for starting the vehicle can be greatly simplified. In this case, the device for transmitting the engine start code signal and the door lock release code signal as described above is originally held by the driver of the vehicle. Does not increase.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 2 and 3 show different structures of the main parts of the steering lock device 1 for an automobile. 2 and 3, the lock bar 2 arranged so as to be capable of reciprocating in the axial direction has a lock hole 3 a formed by being depressed on the outer periphery of the steering shaft 3.
It is configured so that the rotation of the steering shaft 3 can be restrained by engaging with. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, when the tip end of the lock bar 2 enters into the lock hole 3a and is engaged with the lock bar 2, the rotation of the steering shaft 3 is locked and the lock bar 2 is locked. As shown, when the tip of the lock bar 2 is disengaged from the lock hole 3a, the steering shaft 3 is allowed to rotate and is unlocked.

The lock bar 2 is always urged by the compression coil spring 4 in the engagement direction with the lock hole 3a (the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2), but it is locked when the electromagnetic solenoid 5 is energized. It is configured to be moved in the direction for releasing the engagement with the hole 3a (direction opposite to the arrow A in FIG. 2) and held at the unlocked position. In this case, the push rod 2a is integrally formed on the base end side of the lock bar 2 so as to project, and when the lock bar 2 is moved to the unlocked position (the position shown in FIG. 3), The unlock detection switch 6 is turned on by the push rod 2a.

The ratchet member 7 having an insertion opening 7a through which the lock bar 2 is inserted is arranged so as to be capable of reciprocating in a direction orthogonal to the lock bar 2, and is engaged with a groove 2b formed in the lock bar 2. It has a structure provided with a mating claw portion 7b. The ratchet member 7 is normally urged by the compression coil spring 8 in the engagement direction with the groove 2b (the direction of arrow B in FIG. 2), and when the lock bar 2 is moved to the unlocked position. The claw portion 7b is engaged with the groove 2b to prohibit the movement of the lock bar 2.

The shift lever interlocking rod 9 is a direction in which the ratchet member 7 is disengaged from the groove 2b when the transmission of the automobile is shifted to the parking position (in the case of an automatic transmission) (direction of arrow B in FIG. 2). ) Is pressed and displaced against the compression coil spring 8. The unlock hold switch 10 is configured to be pressed and turned on by the ratchet member 7 in a state where the ratchet member 7 is engaged with the groove 2b.

The steering lock device 1 constructed as described above operates as follows. ... In the state where the automatic transmission is shifted to the parking position, the ratchet member 7 is pressed and displaced by the shift lever interlocking rod 9 in the direction opposite to the arrow B, so that the ratchet member 7 and the lock bar 2 do not engage with each other. The lock lever 2 can be moved. In this case, the unlock hold switch 10 is turned off.

In the above state, when the electromagnetic solenoid 5 is in the energized state, the lock bar 2 is moved in the direction opposite to the arrow A and the engagement with the lock hole 3a of the steering shaft 3 is released. Hold in locked position. In this case, the unlock detection switch 6 is turned on.

In the above state, when the electromagnetic solenoid 5 is in the disconnected state, the lock lever 2 is moved in the direction of arrow A by the spring force of the compression coil spring 4, so that the tip of the lock lever 2 is moved. Is engaged with the lock hole 3a of the steering shaft 3 and switched to the locked state in which the rotation of the steering shaft 3 is restricted (state in FIG. 2). Actually, the tip of the lock lever 2a and the lock hole 3a may not coincide with each other, but in such a state, when the steering shaft 3 is rotated and the tip of the lock lever 2a coincides with the lock hole 3a. Both will be engaged. In this case, the unlock detection switch 6 is turned off.

In the state where the automatic transmission is shifted to a position other than the parking position, the pressing displacement of the ratchet member 7 by the shift lever interlocking rod 9 is released, so that the compression coil spring 8 is applied to the ratchet member 7. A biasing force in the direction of arrow B comes to act.

In the above state, the lock bar 2
Is in the unlocked position, the claw portion 7b of the ratchet member 7 and the groove 2b of the lock bar 2 are engaged with each other and the movement of the lock bar 2 is prohibited (state of FIG. 3). ). Therefore, in this state, even if the electromagnetic solenoid 5 is cut off, the lock lever 2 is not moved to the locked position. In this case, both the unlock detection switch 6 and the unlock hold switch 10 are turned on.

In the above state, the lock bar 2
Is in the lock position, the claw portion 7b of the ratchet member 7 and the groove 2b of the lock bar 2 are in the disengaged state, and the movement of the lock bar 2 is permitted (the unlock detection switch). 6 and unlock hold switch 1
0 is both off). Therefore, when the electromagnetic solenoid 5 is energized from this state, the claw portion 7b of the ratchet member 7 and the groove 2b of the lock bar 2 are engaged when the lock lever 2 is moved to the locked state position. The state is switched to the above.

In FIG. 1 showing the electrical configuration, the portable transmitter 11 is carried by a driver of an automobile, and an operation of a predetermined code for instructing the start and stop of the engine according to its operation. Command signal Sa (corresponding to the engine start code signal in the present invention) and operation stop command signal S
b, the unlocking command signal Sc (corresponding to the door lock unlocking cipher signal in the present invention) and the locking command signal Sd of a predetermined code for unlocking and locking the plurality of vehicle door lock mechanisms 12 are selectively selected. When the signal is generated, the generated signal is transmitted as an air propagation signal, for example, a radio wave signal.

The receiving unit 13 is a receiving device 1 installed in a place where the electric wave reception condition is good in the passenger compartment of the automobile.
4 is provided, and the receiving device 14 is configured to receive the command signals Sa to Sd. The receiving unit 13 includes, in addition to the receiving device 14, a control circuit 15 that receives the command signals Sa to Sd received by the receiving device 14 (start control means, unlock control means and auxiliary control means in the present invention). Equivalent) and a plurality of relays 16 to 20 whose operation is controlled by the control circuit 15.

In this case, the ACC relay 16 connects the accessory circuit of the vehicle to the positive power supply terminal + B1 of the vehicle battery in the operating state, and the IG relays 17 and 18 supply the two ignition circuits of the vehicle in the operating state to the positive power source. It is connected to the terminals + B1 and + B2.
Further, the starter relays 19 and 20 have two systems of starter circuits for energizing an engine starter motor (not shown) in the operating state, the plus power supply terminals + B1 and + B.
It is configured to be formed through 2.

The engine start detecting circuit 21 detects whether or not the engine is normally started based on the engine speed and the state of the ignition device. When the normal starting state is detected, the control circuit 15 is activated. The start signal Sf is given to the.

The parking brake switch 22 generates a brake operation signal S1 when the parking brake of the vehicle is in the operating position, and the shift position switch 2
3 generates a parking signal S2 when the shift position of the vehicle is in the parking position, the bonnet switch 24 generates a bonnet closing signal S3 when the hood of the vehicle is closed, and the door lock detection switch 25 The door lock signal S4 is generated when the door lock mechanism 12 of the automobile is all locked. The signals S1 to S4 are supplied to the control circuit 15, respectively.

The door courtesy switch 26 generates a door opening signal S5 when the driver's seat door is opened, and the seating switch 27 generates a seating detection signal S6 when the driver is seated on the driver's seat. , Their signals S5
And S6 are also provided to the control circuit 15. The door courtesy switch 26 and the seating switch 27 constitute the detecting means in the present invention together with the unlocking function of the door lock mechanism 12 by the control circuit 15 as described later.

The switch 28 with a display is installed, for example, on the instrument panel so that it can be operated by the driver. As shown in FIG. 4, the switch 28 with a display is illuminated with "LOCK, OFF" and "ACC" displayed. Shape switches 28a and 28b, and a light emitting display unit 28 on which "IG" is displayed
Each illumination type switch 28 has a configuration including
The ON signals of a and 28b are applied to the control circuit 15.

Therefore, the control circuit 15 is configured to include a microcomputer, and the input signals Sa to Sd, Sf, S1 to S6 and the ON signals from the illumination type switches 28a and 28b as described above are provided. In addition, the unlock detection switch 6 and the unlock hold switch 10
From the electromagnetic solenoid 5, the door lock mechanism 12, and the relays 1 based on the input signals and a preset program.
6-20, illuminated switch 28 with switch 28 with display
The operation of a light source (not shown) included in each of a and 28b and the light emitting display unit 28c is controlled.

The control circuit 15 will be described below.
The control contents of and the operation of parts related thereto will be described. However, the following description is based on the assumption that the steering lock device 1 is in the locked position (state of FIG. 2) in the initial state and the engine is stopped.

(1) When the control circuit 15 receives the operation command signal Sa from the portable transmitter 1 through the receiving device 14, the start signal Sf is not input, the brake operation signal S1, the parking signal S2, The bonnet closing signal S3 and the door lock signal S4 are all input, that is, the engine has not been started, the parking brake is operating, the transmission shift position is in the parking position, The engine starting program is executed on the assumption that the bonnet is closed and the starting condition that all the door lock mechanisms 12 are locked is satisfied.

In this engine starting program, AC
After the C relay 16 and the IG relays 17 and 18 are sequentially operated to form the accessory circuit and the ignition circuit of the automobile, the starter relays 19 and 20 are operated to form the starter circuit to start the engine.

When the state in which the starter circuit is formed continues for a predetermined upper limit time or longer, the control circuit 15 temporarily shuts off the energizing path, and after a certain period of time elapses thereafter, the engine starts as described above. The abnormal consumption of the vehicle-mounted battery is suppressed by re-executing the operation.

(2) When the engine is started as described above (when the start signal Sf is input), the control circuit 15 stops the operation of the starter relays 19 and 20, and the ACC relay 16 and the IG. The operating state of the relays 17 and 18 is maintained as it is, and the rotation of the engine is continued. Further, at the time of starting the engine as described above, the control circuit 15 controls the illuminated switch 28b of the switch 28 with a display.
And illuminates the light emission display unit 28c to display that the accessory circuit is working and that the engine is rotating, and further, based on that the unlock detection switch 6 is turned off, the switch with the above display is displayed. The illuminated switch 28a of 28 is illuminated to display that the steering lock device 1 is in the locked state.

(3) When the control circuit 15 receives the unlock command signal Sc from the portable transmitter 1 through the receiver 14, the control circuit 15 unlocks the door lock mechanism 12 and receives the lock command signal Sd. When it is received through 14, the door lock mechanism 12 is locked.

In particular, when the control circuit 15 unlocks the door lock mechanism 12 by the unlock command signal Sc in the state where the engine is started by the motion command signal Sa as described above, after that, When the door open signal S5 and the seating detection signal S6 are input (that is, the state of getting on the driver's seat is detected), the electromagnetic solenoid 5 in the steering lock device 1 is kept energized.

At this time, since the transmission is in the parking position, the lock lever 2 in the steering lock device 1 is in a movable state. Therefore, when the electromagnetic solenoid 5 is energized as described above, the lock bar 2 is moved. Is moved in the direction opposite to the arrow A in FIG. 2, the engagement between the lock bar 2 and the lock hole 3a of the steering shaft 3 is released, and the steering lock device 1 is held in the unlocked state.

(4) Thereafter, when the transmission is shifted to a position other than the parking position, the pressing displacement of the ratchet member 7 by the shift lever interlocking rod 9 is released, so that the ratchet member 7 is compressed by the compression coil spring. 2, the claw portion 7b of the ratchet member 7 and the groove 2b of the lock bar 2 are engaged with each other by moving the lock bar 2 in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 2, and thus the movement of the lock bar 2 is prohibited. Therefore, in this state, even if the electromagnetic solenoid 5 is accidentally cut off due to some accident,
The lock lever 2 will not be moved to the locked position.

In such an unlocked state of the steering lock device 1, both the unlock detection switch 6 and the unlock hold switch 10 are turned on, and the ON signals from the respective switches 6 and 10 are transmitted to the control circuit 15. Entered in. Then, in the control circuit 15, the illumination of the illuminated switch 28a of the switch 28 with a display is stopped to display that the locked state of the steering lock device 1 is released.

The state in which the ON signal from the unlock detection switch 6 is not input even though the electromagnetic solenoid 5 is energized corresponds to the state in which the lock lever 2 is not moved to the unlocked position due to being caught in the middle. In such an abnormal state, the control circuit 15 performs control such as prohibiting the operation of the transmission other than the parking position or stopping the engine. ing.

(5) The control circuit 15 controls the transmission of the ON signal from the unlock hold switch 10 when the transmission is shifted to the parking position when the engine is rotating and the steering lock device 1 is in the unlocked state. When the input is lost,
The state where the input of the ON signal from the switch 28 with the display is permitted is exhibited.

When the ON signal is input from the illuminated switch 28b of the switch 28 with the display in the above-mentioned input permissible state, the control circuit 15 receives the IG relays 17 and 1.
The operation of 8 is stopped, the engine is stopped, and the illumination of the light emitting display unit 28c is stopped. In addition, the control circuit 15
When an ON signal is input from the illuminated switch 28a of the display switch 28, the operation of the ACC relay 16a is stopped to interrupt the accessory circuit, the illumination of the illuminated switch 28b is stopped, and the electromagnetic solenoid 5 is turned on. The steering lock device 1 is switched to the locked state by cutting off the power, and the illumination type switch 28a is illuminated for a certain period of time and then the illumination is stopped.

(6) When the operation stop command signal Sb from the portable transmitter 1 is input through the receiving device 14 while the engine is operating, the control circuit 15 is
When the input timing is after performing the lock state release control of the steering lock device 1 as described above, the operation stop command signal Sb is ignored, but the input timing is before the execution of the lock state release control. If there is, ACC relay 16 and IG relay 17, 1
8 is stopped and the engine is stopped.

In short, according to the configuration of the present embodiment described above, the engine can be started and stopped, and the door lock mechanism 12 can be unlocked and locked by remote control using the portable transmitter 11. In particular, when the door lock mechanism 12 is unlocked by the same remote operation and the riding state in the driver's seat is detected in the engine start state by such remote operation, the steering lock device 1 is unlocked. It will be possible to automatically switch to the locked state. As a result, the engine starting operation and the unlocking operation of the door lock mechanism 12 can be performed without using a mechanical ignition key, and the steering lock device 1 can be automatically unlocked in conjunction with such an operation. In general, the preparation operation for starting the vehicle can be greatly simplified. In this case, the portable transmitter 11 for remotely instructing the engine start and the unlocking of the door lock mechanism 12 as described above is
Originally, it is held by the driver of the car,
Security concerns do not increase.

In the above embodiment, the state of getting on the driver's seat is detected by using the door courtesy switch 26 and the seating switch 27. However, the unlock command signal Sc from the portable transmitter 11 is used. Based on this, when the unlocking function of the door lock mechanism 12 by the control circuit 15 is activated, this may be detected as the state of getting on the driver's seat.

[0042]

According to the present invention, as apparent from the above description, in the engine starting state in response to the reception of the cipher signal for starting the engine including the air propagating signal, the cipher for unlocking the door lock including at least the air propagating signal. Since the steering lock device is automatically switched to the unlocked state when the state of getting on the vehicle driver's seat accompanied by the unlocking of the door lock mechanism in response to the reception of the signal is detected, the engine starting and The steering lock device can be unlocked without the use of a mechanical ignition key, which greatly simplifies the preparation operation for starting the vehicle, and also has the excellent effect of not reducing the security. Is.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an electrical configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a partial cross-section of the structure of the main part.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the same portion as FIG. 2 in a different operation state.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a changeover switch.

[Explanation of symbols]

In the drawings, 1 is a steering lock device, 2 is a lock bar, 3 is a steering shaft, 5 is an electromagnetic solenoid,
6 is an unlock detection switch, 10 is an unlock hold switch, 11 is a portable transmitter, 12 is a door lock mechanism, 13 is a receiving unit, 14 is a receiving device, and 15 is a control circuit (starting control means, unlocking control means). , Auxiliary control means),
26 is a door courtesy switch (detection means), 27 is a seating switch (detection means), and 28 is a switch with a display.

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Toshihisa Toda 1 Noda, Oguchi-cho, Oguchi-machi, Niwa-gun, Aichi Prefecture Tokai Rika Electric Works Co., Ltd. No. 1 Tokai Rika Electric Co., Ltd.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A vehicle engine starting device provided in association with a vehicle equipped with a steering lock device, the receiving device receiving an engine start code signal and a door lock code code consisting of an air propagation signal. A start control means for starting the engine of the vehicle when the receiving device receives the engine start code signal; and a door lock mechanism of the vehicle when the receiving device receives the door lock release code signal. Unlocking control means for unlocking, and at least detection means for detecting a state of getting on a vehicle driver's seat accompanied by unlocking of a door lock mechanism by the unlocking control means, and in an engine starting state by the starting control means, Auxiliary control means for switching the steering lock device to the unlocked state when the detection means is in the detection state is provided. Vehicle engine starting device, characterized in that the.