JPH10287208A - Steering lock system for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To properly perform lock action of a steering lock mechanism though performing its unlock according to whether reading is provided or not of an ID code from a portable memory carrier. SOLUTION: In a control device 4, in an unlock condition of a steering lock mechanism 17, in the case that a driver having an ID tag 1 gets off, only in the case of materializing a preset lock condition of the steering lock mechanism 17, it is locked through a steering lock actuator 17a, also switched to a condition inhibiting an engine start through an engine control ECU 21, in the case of an ignition switch 15 except in an off-position, the ignition switch 15 is moved to the off-position through a key lock actuator 19.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a steering lock system for a vehicle in which an operation of a steering lock mechanism is performed by using an actuator, and in particular, an ID code read from a portable storage carrier is registered in the vehicle in advance. The present invention relates to a vehicle steering lock system including control means for unlocking the steering lock mechanism with the electric actuator when the ID code matches the ID code and switching the main switch to a state where operation of the main switch is permitted.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various countermeasures have been taken to enhance security against vehicle theft. As an example of such a measure, an ID code unique to a tag carried by a driver is stored, and only when the ID code read from the tag matches an ID code registered in advance on the vehicle side, the main It is considered that the configuration is switched to a state in which the operation of an ignition switch, which is a switch, is permitted.

In the case of employing such a configuration, it is necessary to unlock the steering lock mechanism before the operation of the ignition switch is permitted as described above. For this reason, conventionally, the ID read from the tag
It has been considered that the steering lock mechanism is unlocked by an actuator before the operation of the ignition switch is permitted when the code matches the ID code of the vehicle. Further, the steering lock mechanism is locked when the ignition switch is operated to an off position (lock position).

[0004]

In the above-mentioned conventional configuration, the steering lock mechanism is locked only when the ignition switch is turned to the off position. For example, the driver holding the tag can use the ignition switch as an accessory. If the user gets off the vehicle with the steering wheel operated to the position, the steering lock mechanism remains unlocked. In such a state, the vehicle can be moved (including towing and running), so that the vehicle is more likely to be stolen. As a result, the original tag and steering lock mechanism are provided. There was an unresolved problem that the meaning was lost.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide an ID read from a portable storage carrier.
When the code matches the ID code registered in the vehicle in advance, the steering lock mechanism is unlocked by the actuator and the switch is switched to a state in which the operation of the main switch is permitted, thereby enhancing the safety against theft. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a steering lock system for a vehicle, which can perform locking operation of a steering lock mechanism accurately and can sufficiently secure safety against vehicle theft.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention forms an actuator for operating a steering lock mechanism, an off position for shutting off an accessory circuit and a vehicle traveling circuit, and an accessory circuit. A main switch provided to be selectively operable to an accessory position for carrying out, an on position for forming a vehicle traveling circuit, a portable storage carrier storing a unique ID code, and Reading means for performing an operation of reading an ID code; and an ID code provided so as to always hold a state in which the operation of the main switch is prohibited, and the ID code read by the reading means is registered in advance in the vehicle. When the actuator locks, the steering lock mechanism is unlocked by the actuator, Control means for switching to a state in which operation of an in-switch is permitted; and a predetermined lock condition when the continuous operation of reading the ID code by the reading means is stopped halfway in the unlocked state of the steering lock mechanism. And an auxiliary control means for locking the steering lock mechanism through the actuator on the premise that the above condition is satisfied (claim 1).

In such a configuration, the driver of the vehicle always carries the portable storage carrier, and when the vehicle drive circuit is formed by the main switch, the storage ID of the storage carrier is used. The code is read by the reading means. At this time, when the read ID code coincides with the ID code registered in the vehicle in advance, the control means unlocks the steering lock mechanism with the actuator and operates the main switch which has been in the operation prohibited state until then. Is switched to a state in which is permitted, so that an operation of turning on the vehicle driving circuit can be performed according to the operation of the main switch.

In the state where the steering lock mechanism is unlocked as described above, for example, when the driver carrying the storage carrier gets off the vehicle, the continuous state of the reading operation of the ID code by the reading means is stopped halfway. Therefore, the auxiliary control means locks the steering lock mechanism through the actuator on the assumption that a predetermined lock condition is satisfied.

Therefore, even if the driver carrying the storage carrier gets off the vehicle without operating the main switch to the off position, the steering lock mechanism is automatically locked and the vehicle can be moved or run. Since it becomes impossible, the security against theft of the vehicle can be increased.

In this case, it is preferable that the lock condition includes at least a stopped state of the vehicle (claim 2). According to such a structure, the steering lock mechanism is inadvertently operated in the running state of the vehicle. Locking can be reliably prevented.

Further, the auxiliary control means may be configured to generate an alarm when executing control for locking the steering lock mechanism. According to this configuration, when the driver holding the storage carrier gets off without operating the main switch to the off position, the steering lock mechanism is locked, and an alarm is issued at the same time. For example, it is possible to cope with forgetting to operate the main switch, thereby improving convenience.

The auxiliary control means may execute a control for locking the steering lock mechanism when a preset delay time has elapsed (claim 4). A situation in which the locking operation of the steering lock mechanism is performed more frequently than necessary can be prevented beforehand.

When a lock control of the steering lock mechanism is performed by the auxiliary control means while the main switch is at a position other than the off position, a return mechanism for moving the main switch to the off position may be provided. Good (claim 5). According to this configuration, when the driver carrying the storage carrier gets off the vehicle without operating the main switch to the off position, the main switch is automatically moved to the off position by the return mechanism. The convenience in the use condition of is improved.

In a case where the vehicle is in a running state in a state where the steering lock mechanism is unlocked and the vehicle running circuit is shut off, the reading means reads the ID code registered on the vehicle side from the storage carrier. An alarm may be generated when reading of the matching ID code is stopped (claim 6). According to such a configuration, if a third party who does not have a storage carrier moves the vehicle, an alarm is generated, so that the security against theft of the vehicle can be further improved.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an automobile using an engine as a power source will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an outline of the entire electrical configuration by a combination of functional blocks. This figure 1
, The ID tag 1 carried by the vehicle driver (corresponding to the portable storage carrier in the present invention) is a unique tag ID
When a trigger signal described later is received, an answerback signal including the tag ID code is transmitted.

A remote control 2 also carried by the vehicle driver
Although not specifically shown, a lock switch and an unlock switch are provided, and in each case when these switches are operated, an operation of transmitting a lock signal and an unlock signal using a radio wave as a medium is performed. It has become. In this case, the lock signal and the unlock signal include a type code indicating the type and a preset ID code for the door lock mechanism.

The receiving circuit 3 mounted on the vehicle is provided so as to be able to receive the lock signal and the unlock signal within a predetermined receiving range (for example, a radius of about several meters). (Corresponding to the control means and the auxiliary control means in the present invention).

The transmission / reception unit 5 (corresponding to the reading means in the present invention) is disposed in an appropriate position in the vehicle, for example, an overhead console 6, as shown in FIG. A driver (indicated by reference numeral A in FIG. 3) performs a transmission / reception operation (reading operation of an ID code for a tag in the ID tag 1) using a radio signal as a medium with the ID tag 1 carried by the driver. Has become. Specifically, the transmitting / receiving unit 5 performs a transmitting operation of a trigger signal in response to a command from the control device 4, and when the ID tag 1 receiving the trigger signal performs the transmitting operation of the answerback signal, The answer back signal is received and given to the control device 4.

The human detecting sensor 8 is for detecting a state in which a human is approaching within a predetermined distance from the driver's seat in the vehicle (a range in which the engine can be started). For example, a microwave is used as a medium. It is configured using a human body sensor (dielectric sensor) or the like, and provides a detection signal to the control device 4.

The control device 4 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM,
The parking brake is configured by a microcomputer having an I / O interface and the like. In addition to the reception signals from the reception circuit 3 and the transmission / reception unit 4 and the detection signal from the human detection sensor 8, the parking brake has the following functions. Switch 9, door lock detection switch 10, door courtesy switch 11, shift position switch 12,
Each signal is received from a vehicle speed sensor 13, an engine speed sensor 14, and an ignition switch 15 (corresponding to a main switch in the present invention).

The parking brake switch 9 generates a brake-on signal when the parking brake is operating. The door lock detection switch 10 generates a lock detection signal when the vehicle door lock mechanism 16 is in a locked state, and generates an unlock detection signal when the vehicle is in an unlocked state. The door courtesy switch 11 generates a door open signal when the vehicle door is open. The shift position switch 12 generates a parking signal and a neutral signal in each state where the automatic transmission of the vehicle is in the parking position and the neutral position, respectively.

The vehicle speed sensor 13 generates a pulse-shaped vehicle speed signal having a cycle corresponding to the running speed of the vehicle while the vehicle is running. The engine speed sensor 14 generates a pulse-shaped speed signal having a cycle corresponding to the engine speed in the operating state of the vehicle engine.

The ignition switch 15 is provided on the dashboard 18 of the vehicle as shown in FIG. 3, for example.
Rotation operation from FF is key lock actuator 19
(Corresponding to the return mechanism in the present invention). Also, the ignition switch 15
In the state where the operation is permitted, as shown in FIG. 4, an accessory position for forming an accessory circuit in accordance with the operation of the operation dial 15a from the above-mentioned OFF position OFF in a general ignition switch. The ACC and the ON position for forming an ignition circuit (corresponding to a vehicle driving circuit in the present invention) and the start position ST for forming a starter circuit can be sequentially rotated to start position ST. Position ST
Is maintained only during the period during which the operating force is applied), and generates an OFF signal, an accessory signal, an ON signal, and a start signal indicating those states in the state where the respective positions are operated. The key lock actuator 19 has a function of moving the ignition switch 15 to the off position OFF.

The door lock mechanism 16 is operated by a door lock actuator 16a composed of, for example, an electromagnetic solenoid. The steering lock mechanism 17 is for selectively locking the rotation of the steering shaft, and is, for example, a steering lock actuator 17a formed by combining a motor and a speed reduction mechanism.
(Corresponding to the actuator in the present invention). The storage device 20 stores (registers) a tag ID code and a door lock mechanism ID code unique to the vehicle in advance. The control device 4 can access the storage device 20. I have.

The engine control ECU 21 has a well-known configuration for performing fuel injection control, ignition timing control, idling control, and the like of the vehicle engine. The parking signal and the neutral signal from the shift position switch 12 and the vehicle speed sensor 13 are provided. In addition to the vehicle speed signal from the engine, the speed signal from the engine speed sensor 14, the ON signal and the starter signal from the ignition switch 15, a crank position signal required for engine control, an idle signal, and the like are input. I have.

On the basis of the input signals as described above, the programs stored in advance, and the data stored in the storage device 20, the control unit 4 transmits and receives the transmission / reception unit 5, the door lock actuator 16a, the steering lock actuator 17a, the key lock actuator 19. The control of the engine control ECU 21 is performed. FIG. 2 shows a part related to the gist of the present invention in the contents of control by the control device 4, which will be described below together with related operations.

In FIG. 2, the control device 4 first starts a timer operation (about several tens of seconds) of a human detection timer realized by an internal program (step S1), and thereafter, cyclically repeats steps S2 to S5. To form a standby loop to be executed.

In step S2, it is determined whether or not the timer for detecting a person has timed out. In step S3, it is determined whether or not an unlock signal has been received from the remote controller 2. It is determined whether or not the lock signal has been received. Further, in a step S5, it is determined whether or not a lock condition of the steering lock mechanism 17 is satisfied.

In this case, the steering lock mechanism 1
The lock condition 7 is satisfied when the ignition switch 15 is operated to the OFF position OFF, for example, when the steering lock mechanism is unlocked, the engine is stopped, and the vehicle is stopped. If the lock condition is satisfied (“YES” in step S5), the process returns to the standby loop (steps S1 to S5) after executing step S6 for locking the steering lock mechanism 17 through the steering lock actuator 17a. .

When a lock signal is received from the remote controller 2 ("YES" in step S4), it is determined whether the lock condition of the door lock mechanism 16 is satisfied (step S7). For example, the lock condition is such that when the ignition switch 15 is in the OFF position OFF, the door lock mechanism 16 is in the unlocked state, and the door lock mechanism ID code in the received lock signal is stored in the storage device 20. This is established when the ID code matches with the door lock mechanism ID code.

If the lock condition is not satisfied when the lock signal is received, the process returns to the standby loop as it is, but if the lock condition is satisfied ("Y" in step S7).
ES "), the locking operation of the door lock mechanism 16 is performed through the door lock actuator 16a (step S8).
And returns to the waiting loop.

When an unlock signal is received from the remote controller 2 ("YES" in step S3), it is determined whether the unlock condition of the door lock mechanism 16 is satisfied (step S9). The unlock condition is that, for example, when the ignition switch 15 is in the OFF position OFF, the running of the vehicle is stopped, the door lock mechanism 16 is in the locked state, and the door lock mechanism in the received unlock signal is used. ID code is storage device 2
This is established when the ID code matches the door lock mechanism ID code stored in 0.

When the unlock condition is not satisfied at the time of receiving the unlock signal, the process returns to the standby loop as it is, but when the unlock condition is satisfied ("YES" in step S9), the door lock actuator is activated. After executing step S10 for unlocking the door lock mechanism 16 through 16a, the process returns to the standby loop.

When the time for the human detection timer expires ("YES" in step S2), after executing step S11 for restarting the human detection timer,
Based on the output from the human detection sensor 8, it is determined whether or not there is a person approaching within a predetermined distance from the driver's seat (step S).
12). If "YES" is determined in step S12, an operation of transmitting a trigger signal from the transmitting / receiving unit 5 is performed (step S13).

After the trigger signal transmission operation is performed, I
It is determined whether or not the answer back signal from the D tag 1 has been received for a predetermined short time t (steps S14 and S1).
5). If the answer back signal is not received within the time t, the process proceeds to step S22 described later. If the answer back signal is received, the tag ID code in the answer back signal is stored in the storage device 20 in advance. It is determined whether or not it matches the stored tag ID code (step S16).

If the tag ID codes do not match, the process returns to the standby loop, but if they match, it is determined whether or not the unlock condition of the steering lock mechanism 17 is satisfied (step S17). The unlock condition of the steering lock mechanism 17 in this case is set so that the following conditions (1) to (6) are satisfied when the steering lock mechanism 17 is locked. Is done.

(1) When the shift position is in the parking position while the ignition switch 15 is in the off position OFF. (2) When the shift position is in the neutral position and the parking brake is in the operating state while the ignition switch 15 is in the off position OFF. (3) Ignition switch 15 is in accessory position A
When the shift position is in the parking position while being operated to the CC. (4) Ignition switch 15 is in accessory position A
When the shift position is in the neutral position and the parking brake is in the operating state while the vehicle is being operated to the CC. (5) When the ignition switch 15 is operated to the ON position ON and the engine is stopped and the shift position is in the parking position. (6) When the ignition switch 15 is operated to the ON position ON, the engine is stopped, the shift position is in the neutral position, and the parking brake is operating.

The steering lock mechanism 17 as described above
When the unlock condition is not satisfied, the process returns to the standby loop as it is, but when the unlock condition is satisfied (“YES” in step S17), the steering lock mechanism 1 is controlled through the steering lock actuator 17a.
Step S18 for performing an unlocking operation of the ignition switch 1 through the key lock actuator 19
Step S19 of switching to a state in which the operation of Step 5 is permitted,
After step S20 of giving the engine start permission to the engine control ECU 21 and step S21 of setting the permission flag F to "1" are sequentially executed, the process returns to the standby loop.

As a result of the execution of steps S12 to S21 as described above, the driver carrying the ID tag 1 storing the same tag ID code as that of the vehicle approaches within a predetermined distance from the driver's seat. When the state is reached, the unlocking condition (1) of the steering lock mechanism 17 described above is applied.
Only when one of the conditions (6) is satisfied, the steering lock mechanism 17 is automatically unlocked, the ignition switch 15 is switched to the operable state, and the engine control ECU 21 can start the engine. State will be switched. In this case, the permission flag F indicating that the engine can be started is set.

On the other hand, if "NO" is determined in the step S12 (when a person is not approaching within a predetermined distance from the driver's seat at the time when the timer for detecting a person has timed out), "NO" is determined in the step S15. If it is determined to be "YES" (if the answerback signal is not received within the predetermined time t after performing the operation of transmitting the trigger signal), it is determined whether or not the permission flag F is set (step). S22).

If the permission flag F has not been set, the process returns to the standby loop, but if it has been set, an operation of transmitting a trigger signal from the transmission / reception unit 5 is performed (step S23).

After the trigger signal transmission operation is performed, it is determined whether or not the answer back signal from the ID tag 1 has been received for a predetermined short time t (step S2).
4, S25). If the answer back signal is not received within the time t, the process proceeds to step S27 described below.
When the answer back signal is received, it is determined whether or not the tag ID code in the answer back signal matches the tag ID code stored in the storage device 20 in advance (step S26).

If the tag ID codes match, the process returns to the standby loop as it is, but if they do not match, the process proceeds to step S27. In step S27, it is determined whether or not the lock condition of the steering lock mechanism 17 is satisfied. The lock condition of the steering lock mechanism 17 in this case is set so that the following conditions (7) to (12) are satisfied when the steering lock mechanism 17 is unlocked. Is done. The state in which the shift position is in the parking position may be regarded as the vehicle being in a stopped state.

(7) When the shift position is in the parking position while the ignition switch 15 is in the off position OFF. (8) When the shift position is other than the parking position and the vehicle is stopped while the ignition switch 15 is in the off position OFF. (9) Ignition switch 15 is in accessory position A
When the shift position is in the parking position in the state of CC. (10) Ignition switch 15 is in accessory position A
When the shift position is other than the parking position and the vehicle is stopped in the state of CC. (11) When the shift position is in the parking position with the ignition switch 15 in the ON position ON. (12) When the ignition switch 15 is in the ON position ON and the shift position is other than the parking position, and the engine is stopped and the vehicle is stopped.

The steering lock mechanism 17 as described above
When the lock condition is not satisfied, the process returns to the standby loop, but when the lock condition is satisfied (step S2).
7 ("YES"), the process waits until the preset delay time t 'elapses (step S28), and the delay time t'
Has elapsed, step S29 of locking the steering lock mechanism 17 via the steering lock actuator 17a, step S30 of canceling the engine start permission to the engine control ECU 21 and prohibiting the start of the engine, and resetting the permission flag F to "0" After sequentially executing step S31, it is determined whether or not the ignition switch 15 is at the OFF position OFF (step S32).

If "YES" is determined in step S32, the process returns to the standby loop, but if "NO" is determined (when the ignition switch 15 is at any position other than the OFF position OFF), the key lock actuator is turned off. 19 turns the ignition switch 15 to the off position O
After executing step S33 of moving to the FF, the process returns to the standby loop. Incidentally, when the ignition switch 15 is moved to the OFF position OFF, the rotation operation of the ignition switch 15 is performed by the key lock actuator 19.
To return to the state forbidden.

As a result of the execution of steps S22 to S33 as described above, when the permission flag F is set, that is, in a state where the engine can be started (including a state where the engine has been started), the same as the vehicle side When the driver holding the ID tag 1 in which the tag ID code is stored is separated from the driver's seat by a predetermined distance or more, the locking conditions (7) to (1) of the steering lock mechanism 17 are set.
Only when one of the conditions 2) is satisfied, the steering lock mechanism 17 is automatically locked when the predetermined delay time t 'has elapsed, and the engine control ECU 21
Is switched to a state in which engine start is prohibited. Also, when the ignition switch 15 is in the off position O
If the position is other than the FF, the ignition switch 15 is automatically returned to the off position OFF. In this case, the permission flag F is reset.

In short, according to the configuration of the present embodiment described above, the same tag ID code as that of the vehicle is stored in the I
When the driver carrying the D tag 1 gets into the driver's seat, the steering lock mechanism 17 is automatically unlocked and the engine is started only when a preset unlock condition is satisfied. Although the state can be switched to a possible state, when the steering lock mechanism 17 is unlocked, the ID tag 1
When the driver carrying the vehicle gets off the vehicle, the steering lock mechanism 17 is automatically locked and the engine start is prohibited only when the preset lock condition of the steering lock mechanism 17 is satisfied. It can be switched to the state where it is turned on.

Therefore, even if the driver carrying the ID tag 1 gets off the vehicle without operating the ignition switch 15 to the OFF position, the steering lock mechanism 17 is automatically locked and the engine is started. Is prohibited and the vehicle cannot be moved or run, so that the security against theft of the vehicle can be improved.

In this case, since the lock condition includes at least the vehicle stopped state (a state in which the shift position is in the parking position corresponds to a vehicle stopped state), the steering lock mechanism 17 determines whether the vehicle is in the running state. Thus, it is possible to reliably prevent a situation in which the lock is carelessly performed.

As described above, the steering lock mechanism 17
Is performed when a preset delay time t ′ has elapsed, and therefore, the steering lock mechanism 1 is locked.
7 can be prevented from being performed more frequently than necessary.

In the case where the lock control of the steering lock mechanism 17 is performed as described above, when the ignition switch 15 is at a position other than the OFF position, that is, when the driver carrying the ID tag 1 When the user gets off the vehicle without operating the switch to the off position OFF, the ignition switch 15 is automatically moved to the off position OFF, so that convenience in an actual use state is improved.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be expanded or modified as described below. When the control for automatically locking the steering lock mechanism 17 is performed as described above, a configuration may be used in which an alarm is generated using sound, visual display, or the like. In such a configuration, if the driver carrying the ID tag 1 gets off without operating the ignition switch 15 to the off position OFF, the steering lock mechanism 17 is locked and an alarm is issued at the same time. Is issued, so that it is possible to cope with forgetting to operate the ignition switch 15 and the convenience is improved.

When the vehicle is running while the steering lock mechanism 17 is unlocked and the engine is stopped (the ignition circuit is shut off), the same tag ID code as that of the vehicle is stored. I
When the driver carrying the D tag 1 is away from the driver's seat by a predetermined distance or more (the transmitting / receiving unit 5 determines that the ID tag 1 matches the ID code stored on the vehicle side).
When reading the code is stopped), an alarm may be generated by using a sound or a visual display. According to such a configuration, when a third person who does not possess the ID tag 1 moves the vehicle, an alarm is generated, so that the security against theft of the vehicle can be further enhanced.

Although the remote controller 2 for remotely controlling the door lock mechanism 16 is provided, a configuration in which the lock and unlock operations of the door lock mechanism 16 can be controlled using the ID tag 1 may be employed. Further, a single operation unit having both functions of the ID tag 1 and the remote controller 2 may be provided.

Further, as the locking condition of the steering lock mechanism 17, the following conditions (13) to (16) can be added. However, even when the locking operation of the steering lock mechanism 17 is performed based on such a locking condition, the ignition switch 1
It is desirable to operate a function of automatically moving the ignition switch 15 to the off position OFF when the switch 5 is at a position other than the OFF position.

(13) When the door lock mechanism 16 is locked by the remote controller 2 when the ignition switch 15 is in the off position OFF or the accessory position ACC and the shift position is in the parking position, the transmission / reception unit 5 When the reading of the ID code matching the ID code stored in the vehicle from the ID tag 1 is stopped.

(14) Door lock mechanism 1 using ID tag 1
6, when the ignition switch 15 is in the off position OFF or the accessory position ACC and the shift position is in the parking position, the door lock mechanism 16 is connected to the ID tag 1 when the ignition switch 15 is in the off position or the accessory position ACC. When locked by.

(15) When the door lock mechanism 16 is locked by the remote controller 2 when the ignition switch 15 is in the ON position ON, the shift position is in the parking position, and the engine is stopped, transmission / reception is performed. When the unit 5 has stopped reading the ID code that matches the ID code stored in the vehicle from the ID tag 1.

(16) Door lock mechanism 1 using ID tag 1
6, when the ignition switch 15 is in the ON position ON, the shift position is in the parking position, and the engine is stopped, the door lock mechanism 16 When locked by the ID tag 1.

Although a human body sensor using a microwave as a medium is used as the human detection sensor 8, a human body sensor using ultrasonic waves or infrared rays, or a human body sensor using a seat switch provided in a driver's seat is realized. It is also good. However, the human detection sensor 8 is not always necessary. For example, if the transmission / reception unit 5 performs an operation of transmitting a trigger signal at regular intervals, the human detection sensor 8 becomes unnecessary. The installation position of the transmission / reception unit 5 is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be provided at an appropriate position in the vehicle compartment, for example, in the seat back of the driver's seat 7.

The operation dial 15 is used as a main switch.
Although the ignition switch 15 operated by the key a is provided, the ignition switch operated by the engine key may be provided as a main switch. Although the description has been given of the embodiment in which the invention is applied to an automobile using an engine as a power source, the invention can be applied to an electric automobile, a hybrid car, and the like.

[0063]

According to the present invention, as apparent from the above description, when the ID code read from the portable storage carrier matches the ID code registered in advance in the vehicle, the steering lock mechanism is actuated by the actuator. When the steering lock mechanism is unlocked while the steering lock mechanism is unlocked, the same ID code as the ID code registered in advance on the vehicle side is used from the storage carrier. When the continuation state of the reading operation is stopped halfway, the steering lock mechanism is locked on the assumption that a predetermined lock condition is satisfied.
This has a beneficial effect that the locking operation of the steering lock mechanism can be performed accurately and the safety against theft of the vehicle can be sufficiently ensured.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall functional block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing control contents by a control device.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle interior for explaining an arrangement state of a transmission / reception unit.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an ignition switch.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 is an ID tag (portable storage carrier), 2 is a remote controller, 4 is a control device (control means, auxiliary control means), 5 is a transmitting / receiving unit (reading means), 15 is an ignition switch (main switch), and 16 is a door lock. Reference numeral 16a denotes a door lock actuator, 17 denotes a steering lock mechanism, 17a denotes a steering lock actuator (actuator), 19 denotes a key lock actuator (return mechanism), and 21 denotes an engine control ECU.

Claims (6)

[Claims] An actuator for operating a steering lock mechanism, an off position for shutting off an accessory circuit and a vehicle driving circuit, an accessory position for forming an accessory circuit, and an actuator position for forming a vehicle driving circuit. A main switch selectively operable to an on position; a portable storage carrier storing a unique ID code; reading means for reading an ID code from the storage carrier; and always operating the main switch. Is provided so as to hold a state in which the steering lock mechanism is unlocked by the actuator when the ID code read by the reading unit matches an ID code registered in the vehicle in advance. Control means for switching to a state in which operation of the main switch is permitted; and In the unlocked state of the steering lock mechanism, when the continuation state of the reading operation of the ID code by the reading means is stopped halfway, the steering is performed through the actuator on the assumption that a predetermined lock condition is satisfied. A steering lock system for a vehicle, comprising: auxiliary control means for locking a lock mechanism. 2. The vehicle steering lock system according to claim 1, wherein the lock condition includes at least a stopped state of the vehicle. 3. The steering lock system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary control unit generates an alarm when executing control for locking the steering lock mechanism. 4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary control means executes control for locking the steering lock mechanism when a preset delay time has elapsed.
The steering lock system for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. A return mechanism for moving the main switch to the off position when the lock control of the steering lock mechanism is performed by the auxiliary control unit while the main switch is at a position other than the off position. The vehicle steering lock system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: 6. When the vehicle is in a running state in a state where the steering lock mechanism is unlocked and the vehicle running circuit is shut off, an ID registered on the vehicle side from the storage carrier by the reading means. The steering lock system for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an alarm is issued when reading of an ID code that matches the code is stopped.