Lock for vehicles and theft prevention system

Abstract

To reduce the scale of a power supply source in an apparatus mounted in a vehicle.SOLUTION: A lock for use in changing conditions of a vehicle between a locked condition and unlocked condition includes a movable part capable of moving between a locked position associated with the locked condition and an unlocked position associated with the unlocked condition, and a power generation part that includes a coil and magnetostriction member and causes the coil to generate electric power by deforming the magnetostriction member according to a movement of the movable part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to locks and anti-theft systems for vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] A known example of a conventional anti-theft system for vehicles is a technology in which identification information transmitted by a small radio attached to a stolen bicycle (vehicle) is relayed by one of fixed antennas positioned at predetermined intervals and transmitted to a cloud server, and the position of the fixed antenna that transmitted the identification information is identified as the location of the bicycle (vehicle) (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-71301 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Batteries are generally used to supply power to devices installed in vehicles in connection with such bicycle (vehicle) theft prevention systems, but in order to maintain the operation of the devices, operations such as charging and replacing the batteries are required to prevent the batteries from running out. Considering this, it is preferable to minimize the number of batteries installed in the vehicles, or to make the devices operable without batteries, and in particular, in the case of bicycles, there is a strong demand for devices to be operable without relatively heavy batteries in order to reduce the weight of the bicycle (vehicle) itself.

[0005] In consideration of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to reduce the scale of power supply in a device provided in a vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is a lock for a vehicle that switches a vehicle between a locked state and an unlocked state, and includes a movable part that can move (swing) between a locked position corresponding to the locked state and an unlocked position corresponding to the unlocked state, and a power generating part that includes a coil and a magnetostrictive member and generates electricity in the coil by deforming the magnetostrictive member in response to the movement of the movable part.

[0007] According to the above configuration, since the power is generated according to the movement of the movable part of the vehicle lock, it is possible to operate by receiving the power supply. In this case, it is possible to omit the battery, and it is possible to reduce the scale of the power supply in the lock.

[0008] (2) One aspect of the present invention is a vehicle lock as described in (1), in which the power generating unit includes a frame to which a magnetostrictive member is attached and which is formed to contain a non-magnetic material, a first yoke portion which supports the frame together with the magnetostrictive member so that the frame can swing in a first direction, and a second yoke portion which is connected to the first yoke portion and is arranged alongside the magnetostrictive member in a second direction different from the first direction, and a yoke which is formed to contain a magnetic material, and the coil may be wound around at least one of the yoke and the magnetostrictive member.

[0009] According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress an increase in size of the magnetostrictive member of the power generation unit, and therefore it is also possible to suppress an increase in size and weight of the lock including the power generation unit.

[0010] (3) One aspect of the present invention is an anti-theft system comprising a lock that switches a vehicle between a locked state and an unlocked state, the lock including a movable part that can move between a locked position corresponding to the locked state and an unlocked position corresponding to the unlocked state, and a power generating part that includes a coil and a magnetostrictive member and generates power in the coil by deforming the magnetostrictive member in response to movement of the movable part, a first detection part that detects whether the lock is locked or unlocked based on the power generation status of the power generating part, a second detection part that detects whether the vehicle is moving or stopped based on the power generation status of the power generating part, an alarm part that issues an alarm, and an alarm control part that causes the alarm part to issue an alarm based on the detection results of each of the first detection part and the second detection part.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the lock device equipped with a magnetostrictive power generating unit operates by receiving power supply from the power generating unit in response to the movement of the movable unit, and detects whether the lock is in a locked or unlocked state in response to the power generation status of the power generating unit, and can notify based on the detection result. In this case, it is possible to omit a battery for notification, and it is possible to reduce the scale of the power supply reduction in the lock.

[0012] (4) One aspect of the present invention is an anti-theft system that includes a power generation unit that is provided in a vehicle or an accessory of the vehicle and generates power by vibrating, a first detection unit that detects locked and unlocked states of a lock that switches the vehicle between locked and unlocked states, a second detection unit that detects whether the vehicle is moving or stopped based on the power generation status of the power generation unit, and an alarm control unit that causes an alarm unit to issue an alarm based on the detection results of the first detection unit and the second detection unit.

[0013] According to the above configuration, a certain device equipped with a power generating unit is capable of detecting whether the vehicle is in a moving or stopped state based on the power generation status of the power generating unit while receiving power supply from the power generating unit when vibration is applied. In addition, the anti-theft system can issue a warning using the detection result of whether the vehicle is in a moving or stopped state and the detection result of the lock / unlock state. In this case, it is possible to omit a battery for the warning, and it is possible to reduce the scale of the power supply reduction in the device that detects whether the vehicle is in a moving or stopped state.

[0014] (5) One aspect of the present invention is the anti-theft system described in (4), in which the power generation unit generates electricity by vibrations caused by the movement of the vehicle.

[0015] According to the above configuration, the power generation unit is configured to be able to generate power from vibrations caused by the movement of the vehicle, and it is possible to determine whether the vehicle is moving based on the power generation status of the power generation unit.

[0016] (6) One aspect of the present invention is the anti-theft system according to (4) or (5), which may further include a power storage unit that stores the power generated by the power generation unit.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the power generated by the power generation unit is stored in the power storage unit, making it possible to operate the device using the power stored in the power storage unit when the power generation unit is not generating power.

[0018] (7) One aspect of the present invention is an anti-theft system as described in any one of (4) to (6), further comprising a first communication unit that communicates with an external device having an external alarm unit that issues an alarm, and the alarm control unit may cause the external alarm unit of the external device to notify the occurrence of vehicle theft via communication by the first communication unit.

[0019] According to the above configuration, it is possible to cause an external device to execute a notification that the vehicle has been stolen.

[0020] (8) One aspect of the present invention is an anti-theft system as described in (7), which includes a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating the location of the vehicle, and an alarm control unit that may cause an external alarm unit of an external device to report the location information via communication by the first communication unit.

[0021] According to the above configuration, the location of a stolen vehicle can be notified by an external device.

[0022] (9) One aspect of the present invention is an anti-theft system described in any one of (4) to (8), wherein the lock has a second communication unit that communicates with an external device, receives instructions from the external device via the second communication unit, and switches between a locked state and an unlocked state in response to the received instructions.

[0023] According to the above configuration, the lock can be locked and unlocked by remote control from an external device.

[0024] (10) One aspect of the present invention is a lock for a vehicle as described in (1) or (2), wherein the vehicle may be a human-powered vehicle.

[0025] According to the above configuration, the human-powered vehicle can be prevented from being theft.

[0026] (11) One aspect of the present invention is the anti-theft system described in any one of (3) to (9), in which the vehicle may be a human-powered vehicle.

[0027] According to the above configuration, the human-powered vehicle can be prevented from being theft. Effect of the Invention

[0028] According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an effect of reducing the scale of the power supply in a device provided in a vehicle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a control device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 11 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the control device of the first embodiment as viewed from a fourth direction D4. FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the control device of the first embodiment, taken along line III-III in FIG. 2; FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing a part of a configuration example of a power generation device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of a configuration example of the power generation device of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the configuration example of the control device of the first embodiment when an operating member is operated. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an anti-theft system according to a first embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a lock in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a lock in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a user terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an anti-theft support server in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a structure of user information in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by the lock, the user terminal, and the theft prevention support server in the first embodiment in relation to reporting the occurrence of a theft. [Figure 14] An example of a procedure of a process executed by the user terminal and the theft prevention support server in the first embodiment in relation to displaying the theft location will be described. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of another example of the lock in the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an anti-theft system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an anti-theft device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18]FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an anti-theft support server in the second embodiment. [Figure 19] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by a user terminal and an anti-theft support server in the second embodiment in relation to management of a lock state (locked state / unlocked state). [Figure 20] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by an anti-theft device, an anti-theft support server, and a user terminal in relation to a theft notification in the second embodiment. [Figure 21] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process procedure executed by a user terminal in relation to management of a lock state (locked state / unlocked state) of a lock in the third embodiment. [Figure 22] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by the anti-theft device, the theft prevention support server, and the user terminal in relation to a theft notification in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] First Embodiment The following is a description of the anti-theft system of this embodiment. The anti-theft system of this embodiment includes a bicycle lock (one example of a device provided on a vehicle) as one device. The lock is equipped with a power generation device (one example of a power generation unit) that generates electricity when vibration is applied, and operates using the electricity generated by the power generation device.

[0031] [Example of power generation device structure] First, a structural example of the power generation device of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 6. In describing the power generation device here, a control device 10 including the power generation device and a circuit operated by the power generation device will be taken as an example.

[0032] 1 to 6, directions are indicated by arrows in each figure as appropriate. A first direction D1 is a direction that acts to oscillate the magnetostrictive member in the embodiment described below, and a fourth direction D4 is a direction opposite to the first direction D1. In the following description, the side facing the first direction D1 is referred to as the "first direction D1 side", and the side facing the fourth direction D4 is referred to as the "fourth direction D4 side".

[0033] The second direction D2 is a direction different from the first direction D1, and in the embodiment described below, is a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. The fifth direction is the opposite direction to the second direction D2. In the following description, the side facing the second direction D2 is referred to as the "second direction D2 side," and the side facing the fifth direction D5 is referred to as the "fifth direction D5 side."

[0034] The third direction D3 is a direction different from the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, and in the embodiment described below, is a direction perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 and in which the second extension portion of the magnetostrictive member extends. The sixth direction D6 is a direction opposite to the third direction D3. In the following description, the side facing the third direction D3 is referred to as the "third direction D3 side", and the side facing the sixth direction D6 is referred to as the "sixth direction D6 side".

[0035] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a portion of a control device 10 of an anti-theft system according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a view showing the configuration example of the control device 10 according to this embodiment as seen from a fourth direction D4 (from above in Fig. 1). Fig. 2 shows the control device 10 with a cover 17, which will be described later, removed. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration example of a portion of the control device 10 according to this embodiment, taken along line III-III in Fig. 2.

[0036] The control device 10 of this embodiment includes a housing 15, a power generation device 20, a detection member 40, and a circuit member 60, as shown in FIG.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 15 has a substantially rectangular box shape. The housing 15 may have other shapes, such as a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 15 accommodates the power generating device 20, the detection member 40, and the circuit member 60 inside. The housing 15 is formed to include a non-magnetic material. In other words, the housing 15 is at least partially formed of a non-magnetic material. In this embodiment, the housing 15 is formed of a magnetic material. In this embodiment, the entire housing 15 is formed of a non-magnetic material. For example, the housing 15 is formed of a non-magnetic metal such as aluminum and stainless steel, and a resin. The housing 15 may include a magnetic material. In this case, it is sufficient that the housing 15 has non-magnetic properties as a whole. In this embodiment, the housing 15 is made of a resin. The housing 15 has a housing main body portion 16, a lid portion 17, and a partition plate 18.

[0038] The housing body 16 has a rectangular tubular shape that opens in the fourth direction D4. The housing body 16 has a side wall portion 16a and a bottom wall portion 16b.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 1, the side wall portion 16a has a rectangular tubular shape extending in a first direction D1. As shown in Fig. 2, when viewed from the first direction D1, the long side of the side wall portion 16a extends in a third direction D3, and the short side of the side wall portion 16a extends in a second direction D2. As shown in Fig. 3, the side wall portion 16a surrounds the power generation device 20, the detection member 40, and the circuit member 60. The bottom wall portion 16b has a plate shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. The outer edge of the bottom wall portion 16b is connected to the side wall portion 16a.

[0040] 1, the lid portion 17 has a plate shape that extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. The lid portion 17 is fixed to the housing body portion 16. The lid portion 17 closes the opening of the housing body portion 16. The lid portion 17 is provided with an insertion hole 17a.

[0041] The insertion hole 17a is a substantially square hole penetrating the lid portion 17 in the first direction D1. The insertion hole 17a may be another shape, such as a circle. The insertion hole 17a is provided near the center of the lid portion 17 in the second direction D2 and on the edge portion on the third direction D3 side.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 3, the partition plate 18 has a plate shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the partition plate 18 is fixed to the inner surface of the side wall portion 16a. The partition plate 18 is partially fixed to the side wall portion 16a. As shown in Fig. 3, a space is formed between the partition plate 18 and the side wall portion 16a. At least one through hole 18a is provided in the partition plate 18. In this embodiment, two through holes 18a are provided in the partition plate 18.

[0043] The two through holes 18a are holes that penetrate the partition plate 18 in the first direction D1. The two through holes 18a are located closer to the sixth direction D6 than the center of the partition plate 18.

[0044] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a part of an example of the configuration of the power generation device 20 of this embodiment. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of an example of the configuration of the power generation device 20 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the power generating device 20 is accommodated inside the housing 15. The power generating device 20 is an inverse magnetostrictive power generating device. As shown in Fig. 4, the power generating device 20 includes a yoke 21, a magnetostrictive member 23, a frame 24, a coil 26, a magnetic flux generating member 27, and a crimping pin 29. In addition, as shown in Fig. 3, the power generating device 20 includes an operation unit 30.

[0045] In the first direction D1, the yoke 21 is disposed between the cover portion 17 and the partition plate 18. The yoke 21 is disposed at an interval in the first direction D1 from the cover portion 17 and the partition plate 18. As shown in FIG. 2, the yoke 21 has a substantially L-shape when viewed from the first direction D1. The yoke 21 is formed so as to include a magnetic material. In other words, the yoke 21 is at least partially formed of a magnetic material. In this embodiment, the yoke 21 is formed of a magnetic material. In this embodiment, the entire yoke 21 is formed of a magnetic material. The material of the yoke 21 is not particularly limited, and is formed of, for example, soft magnetic steel. The yoke 21 may be formed of, for example, SS400, which is one type of soft magnetic steel. The yoke 21 may include both a magnetic material and a non-magnetic material. The yoke 21 has a first yoke portion 21a and a second yoke portion 21b connected to the first yoke portion 21a.

[0046] The first yoke portion 21a has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the second direction D2. The first yoke portion 21a has a first yoke end portion 21p and a second yoke end portion 21q. The second yoke end portion 21q is an end portion opposite to the first yoke end portion 21p in the second direction D2. The second yoke end portion 21q is located on the fifth direction D5 side of the first yoke end portion 21p. The first yoke portion 21a is disposed on the sixth direction D6 side of the coil 26. The first yoke portion 21a is fixed to the side wall portion 16a. The first yoke portion 21a has a connecting portion 21a1 and a supporting portion 21a2.

[0047] The connecting portion 21a1 is a portion of the first yoke portion 21a that is connected to the second yoke portion 21b. The connecting portion 21a1 is a portion of the first yoke portion 21a on the second direction D2 side. When viewed from the third direction D3, the connecting portion 21a1 overlaps with the second yoke portion 21b. The supporting portion 21a2 is a portion of the first yoke portion 21a that supports the frame 24 and the magnetostrictive member 23. In this embodiment, the supporting portion 21a2 is a portion that overlaps with the magnetostrictive member 23 when viewed from the first direction D1. The supporting portion 21a2 is disposed on the fourth direction D4 side of the connecting portion 21a1. The supporting portion 21a2 is disposed away from the connecting portion 21a1 in the second direction D2.

[0048] The second yoke portion 21b has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the third direction D3. The second yoke portion 21b has a third yoke end 21r and a fourth yoke end 21s. The fourth yoke end 21s is an end opposite to the third yoke end 21r in the third direction D3. The fourth yoke end 21s is located on the sixth direction D6 side of the third yoke end 21r. The second yoke portion 21b is disposed on the second direction D2 side of the magnetostrictive member 23 and the coil 26. The second yoke portion 21b faces the magnetostrictive member 23 and the coil 26 at an interval in the second direction D2. The second yoke portion 21b is disposed side by side with the magnetostrictive member 23 in the second direction D2. In the present invention, "disposed side by side in the second direction D2" does not mean only the case where they are disposed side by side in the second direction D2, but also means the case where they are disposed side by side in a direction inclined from the second direction D2 to the first direction D1. In other words, "arranged side by side in the second direction D2" is a concept that includes arrangements other than overlapping arrangement in the first direction D1.

[0049] The fourth yoke end 21s of the second yoke portion 21b is connected to the connecting portion 21a1. The first yoke end 21p of the first yoke portion 21a may be connected to the fourth yoke end 21s of the second yoke portion. The second yoke end 21q of the first yoke portion 21a does not need to be connected to the third yoke end 21r of the second yoke portion. The first yoke end 21p of the first yoke portion 21a may be connected to a portion other than the fourth yoke end 21s of the second yoke portion. A portion of the first yoke portion other than the first yoke end 21p may be connected to the fourth yoke end 21s of the second yoke portion. In this embodiment, the first yoke portion 21a is formed integrally with the second yoke portion 21b. The first yoke portion 21a forms an integral single member together with the second yoke portion 21b. The second yoke portion 21b is fixed to a surface of the side wall portion 16a facing the fourth direction D4.

[0050] 5, the yoke 21 includes a plurality of yoke plates 21d, an intermediate yoke plate 21g, and an annular plate 21i. As shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of yoke plates 21d, the intermediate yoke plate 21g, and the annular plate 21i are fixed to one another by crimp pins 29.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 5, the yoke plate 21d has a plate shape that extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. When viewed from the first direction D1, the yoke plate 21d has a substantially L-shape. A first portion 21k that is a portion of the yoke plate 21d extending in the second direction D2 constitutes the first yoke portion 21a. A second portion 21m that is a portion of the yoke plate 21d extending in the third direction D3 constitutes the second yoke portion 21b. The multiple yoke plates 21d include a first yoke plate 21e and a second yoke plate 21f.

[0052] The first yoke plate 21e is disposed closer to the fourth direction D4 than the intermediate yoke plate 21g. In this embodiment, the multiple yoke plates 21d have three first yoke plates 21e. That is, the multiple yoke plates 21d have at least one first yoke plate 21e. The number of first yoke plates 21e included in the multiple yoke plates 21d may be two or less, or may be four or more. The first yoke plates 21e are stacked in the first direction D1. That is, the yoke 21 has multiple yoke plates 21d stacked in the first direction D1.

[0053] The second yoke plate 21f is disposed closer to the first direction D1 than the intermediate yoke plate 21g. In this embodiment, the multiple yoke plates 21d have three second yoke plates 21f. That is, the multiple yoke plates 21d have at least one second yoke plate 21f. The number of second yoke plates 21f included in the multiple yoke plates 21d may be two or less, or may be four or more. The second yoke plates 21f are stacked in the first direction D1. That is, the yoke 21 has multiple yoke plates 21d stacked in the first direction D1.

[0054] The intermediate yoke plate 21g has a substantially L-shaped plate shape. The thickness direction of the intermediate yoke plate 21g is the first direction D1. The intermediate yoke plate 21g is disposed between the first yoke plate 21e and the second yoke plate 21f. The intermediate yoke plate 21g has a first intermediate yoke end 21t and a second intermediate yoke end 21u. The second intermediate yoke end 21u is an end opposite to the first intermediate yoke end 21t in the second direction D2. The second intermediate yoke end 21u is located closer to the fifth direction D5 side than the first intermediate yoke end 21t. As shown in FIG. 4, the intermediate yoke plate 21g contacts the first yoke plate 21e in the first direction D1. The intermediate yoke plate 21g contacts the second yoke plate 21f in the first direction D1 via the frame 24. As shown in FIG. 5, the intermediate yoke plate 21g is located closer to the second direction D2 side than the magnetostrictive member 23.

[0055] The annular plate 21i has a circular plate shape. The plate thickness direction of the annular plate 21i is the first direction D1. The annular plate 21i is disposed opposite the intermediate yoke plate 21g across the magnetostrictive member 23 in the second direction D2. The annular plate 21i is disposed between the first yoke plate 21e and the second yoke plate 21f. As shown in FIG. 4, the annular plate 21i contacts the first yoke plate 21e in the first direction D1. The annular plate 21i contacts the second yoke plate 21f in the first direction D1 via the frame 24.

[0056] The frame 24 has a plate shape that spreads in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. In the first direction D1, the frame 24 is disposed between the intermediate yoke plate 21g and the second yoke plate 21f. The frame 24 is formed so as to include a nonmagnetic material. In other words, the frame 24 is at least partially formed of a nonmagnetic material. In this embodiment, the frame 24 is formed of a nonmagnetic material. In this embodiment, the entire frame 24 is formed of a nonmagnetic material. For example, the frame 24 is formed of stainless steel. The frame 24 may include a magnetic material. In this case, it is sufficient that the frame 24 has nonmagnetic properties as a whole. The frame 24 has a first frame portion 24a, a second frame portion 24b, and a second extension portion 24c.

[0057] The first frame portion 24a has a plate shape extending in the second direction D2. When viewed from the first direction D1, the first frame portion 24a overlaps with the first yoke portion 21a. As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the first frame portion 24a contacts the first yoke plate 21e via the intermediate yoke plate 21g and the annular plate 21i. The first frame portion 24a contacts the second yoke plate 21f. The first frame portion 24a is fixed to the yoke 21 by a crimp pin 29.

[0058] The second frame portion 24b has a plate shape extending in the third direction D3. The second frame portion 24b is connected to the first frame portion 24a. When viewed from the first direction D1, the second frame portion 24b overlaps with the second yoke portion 21b. The second frame portion 24b contacts the first yoke plate 21e via the intermediate yoke plate 21g. The second frame portion 24b contacts the second yoke plate 21f. The second frame portion 24b is fixed to the yoke 21 by a crimp pin 29.

[0059] The second extension portion 24c extends in the third direction D3. More specifically, the second extension portion 24c extends from the first frame portion 24a in the third direction D3. When viewed from the first direction D1, the second extension portion 24c has a substantially rectangular shape. As shown in FIG. 2, the second extension portion 24c is disposed closer to the third direction D3 than the first yoke portion 21a and closer to the fourth direction D4 than the second yoke portion 21b. The second extension portion 24c is supported by the first yoke portion 21a via the first frame portion 24a so as to be swingable in the first direction D1. That is, the first yoke portion 21a supports the frame 24 so as to be swingable in the first direction D1. As shown in FIG. 3, the second extension portion 24c has a third end 24e and a fourth end 24f.

[0060] The third end 24e is an end of the second extension portion 24c on the sixth direction D6 side. The third end 24e is connected to the first frame portion 24a. The third end 24e contacts the yoke 21. The fourth end 24f is an end of the second extension portion 24c on the third direction D3 side. The fourth end 24f is disposed away from the third end 24e in the third direction D3.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 5, the magnetostrictive member 23 has a plate shape extending in the third direction D3. The plate thickness direction of the magnetostrictive member 23 is the first direction D1. When viewed from the first direction D1, the magnetostrictive member 23 has a substantially rectangular shape. When viewed from the first direction D1, the magnetostrictive member 23 overlaps with the second extension portion 24c. The magnetostrictive member 23 is attached to the second extension portion 24c. That is, the magnetostrictive member 23 is attached to the frame 24. When viewed from the second direction D2, the magnetostrictive member 23 overlaps with the intermediate yoke plate 21g. In the first direction D1, the magnetostrictive member 23 is located between the first yoke plate 21e and the second yoke plate 21f. The magnetostrictive member 23 is made of a magnetostrictive material. The magnetostrictive member 23 is made of, for example, an Fe-Ga alloy. The magnetic permeability of the magnetostrictive member 23 changes due to mechanical strain. Furthermore, the magnetization direction of the magnetostrictive member 23 changes due to mechanical strain. The magnetostrictive member 23 has a first extending portion 23a.

[0062] The first extension portion 23a is a portion of the magnetostrictive member 23 that extends in the third direction D3. In this embodiment, the magnetostrictive member 23 is composed of only the first extension portion 23a. When viewed from the first direction D1, the first extension portion 23a overlaps with the second extension portion 24c. That is, the first extension portion 23a at least partially overlaps with the second extension portion 24c in the first direction D1. Note that, when viewed from the first direction D1, a portion of the first extension portion 23a does not have to overlap with the second extension portion 24c. The first extension portion 23a is attached to the second extension portion 24c. This allows the first extension portion 23a to swing in the first direction D1 together with the second extension portion 24c. As shown in FIG. 3, the first extension portion 23a has a first end portion 23c and a second end portion 23d.

[0063] The first end 23c is an end of the first extension portion 23a on the sixth direction D6 side. The first end 23c contacts the first yoke portion 21a. As a result, the magnetostrictive member 23 is supported by the first yoke portion 21a so as to be swingable in the first direction D1. That is, the first yoke portion 21a supports the magnetostrictive member 23 so as to be swingable in the first direction D1. That is, the first yoke portion 21a supports at least one of the frame 24 and the magnetostrictive member 23 so as to be swingable in the first direction D1. The second end 23d is an end of the first extension portion 23a on the third direction D3 side. The second end 23d is disposed away from the first end 23c in the third direction D3. In this embodiment, the second end 23d overlaps with the fourth end 24f when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the coil 26 is wound around both the second extension portion 24c and the magnetostrictive member 23. That is, the coil 26 is wound around both the frame 24 and the magnetostrictive member 23. That is, the coil 26 is wound around the magnetostrictive member 23. The coil 26 is wound around at least one of the yoke 21, the frame 24, and the magnetostrictive member 23. The coil 26 may be wound around both the magnetostrictive member 23 and the yoke 21. As shown in FIG. 2, the coil 26 is disposed on the third direction D3 side of the first yoke portion 21a and on the fourth direction D4 side of the second yoke portion 21b. The coil 26 faces both the first yoke portion 21a and the second yoke portion 21b. The coil 26 has a first coil end 26g and a second coil end 26h. The second coil end 26h is an end opposite to the first coil end 26g in the third direction D3. The second coil end 26h is located closer to the sixth direction D6 than the first coil end 26g. The first coil end 26g of the coil 26 is located closer to the sixth direction D6 than the fourth end 24f of the second extension portion 24c and the second end 23d of the first extension portion 23a. As shown in FIG. 3, the coil 26 is disposed closer to the fourth direction D4 than the partition plate 18. The coil 26 has a first coil portion 26a and a second coil portion 26b. Two coil lead wires 26e, 26f are drawn out from the coil 26.

[0065] The first coil portion 26a is a portion of the coil 26 on the first direction D1 side. The first coil portion 26a faces the second extension portion 24c. That is, the first coil portion 26a faces the frame 24. The second coil portion 26b is a portion of the coil 26 on the fourth direction D4 side. The second coil portion 26b is formed integrally with the first coil portion 26a. The second coil portion 26b faces the magnetostrictive member 23. As shown in FIG. 4, an internal space 26c is formed between the first coil portion 26a and the second coil portion 26b. The internal space 26c is a space defined by the first coil portion 26a and the second coil portion 26b. The magnetostrictive member 23 is disposed in the internal space 26c. The second extension portion 24c of the frame 24 is disposed in the internal space 26c.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 3, the coil lead wire 26e is connected to one end of the coil 26. The coil lead wire 26f is connected to the other end of the coil 26. The coil lead wires 26e, 26f are passed through different through holes 18a in the first direction D1 and connected to the circuit member 60. As a result, the coil 26 is electrically connected to the circuit member 60 via the coil lead wires 26e, 26f. An induced current generated in the coil 26 is supplied to the circuit member 60 via the coil lead wires 26e, 26f. Note that, when the number of through holes 18a provided in the partition plate 18 is only one, the coil lead wires 26e, 26f are passed through the same through hole 18a in the first direction D1 and connected to the circuit member 60.

[0067] In the following, a case will be described in which the magnetostrictive member 23 is aligned with the second yoke portion 21b in the second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1. The first direction D1 corresponds to the swing direction in which the magnetostrictive member 23 swings. As shown in FIG. 4, the magnetostrictive member 23 may be aligned with the second yoke portion 21b in the first direction D1. As shown in FIG. 4, the magnetic flux forming member 27 is fixed to a surface of the second yoke portion 21b facing the fifth direction D5. As shown in FIG. 2, the magnetic flux forming member 27 is disposed on the third direction D3 side of the coil 26. The magnetic flux forming member 27 is disposed in line with the magnetostrictive member 23 and the second yoke portion 21b in the second direction D2. The magnetic flux forming member 27 is disposed between the yoke 21 and the magnetostrictive member 23. The magnetic flux forming member 27 is disposed facing the magnetostrictive member 23 with a gap in the second direction D2. The magnetic flux forming member 27 has a pair of magnetic poles. An N pole is formed on one surface of the magnetic flux forming member 27 facing the third direction D3. An S pole is formed on the other surface of the magnetic flux forming member 27 facing the third direction D3. The magnetic flux forming member 27 forms a magnetic flux passing through the magnetostrictive member 23. As a result, a closed magnetic circuit Mc passing through the magnetic flux generating member 27, the magnetostrictive member 23, and the yoke 21 is formed.

[0068] As described above, the magnetostrictive member 23 is formed to include a magnetostrictive material. Therefore, when the magnetostrictive member 23 oscillates in the first direction D1 together with the second extension portion 24c, it is mechanically distorted. The magnetic permeability of the magnetostrictive member 23 varies as a result of the magnetostrictive member 23 being mechanically distorted. As a result, the magnetic flux passing through the magnetostrictive member 23 varies. When the magnetostrictive member 23 oscillates in the first direction D1, the magnetic flux passing through the closed magnetic circuit Mc, i.e., the magnetic flux passing through the internal space 26c of the coil 26, varies. Due to the variation in the magnetic flux passing through the inside of the coil 26, an induced current is generated in the coil 26. As a result, the generated voltage Vg can be generated in the coil 26. In other words, the power generating device 20 generates power by the magnetostrictive member 23 oscillating in the first direction D1.

[0069] When operated by a user, the operating unit 30 swings the magnetostrictive member 23 in the first direction D1. As shown in Fig. 3, the operating unit 30 is disposed on the third direction D3 side of the magnetostrictive member 23. The operating unit 30 includes an operating member 31, a swing inducing member 32, an elastic member 33, and a detection member holder 34.

[0070] The operating member 31 extends in the first direction D1. The operating member 31 is inserted through the insertion hole 17a of the cover portion 17 in the first direction D1. The operating member 31 is movable in the first direction D1. Therefore, when the user presses the operating member 31 in the first direction D1, the operating member 31 is movable in the first direction D1. When the user presses the operating member 31 in the first direction D1, the operating member 31 is configured to move in the first direction D1. In the following description, the "operation of pressing the operating member 31 to one side in the first direction D1" may be simply referred to as "operation". The operating member 31 is configured to be operated by the user. In the following description, the force with which the user presses the operating member 31 is referred to as a pressing force Fd. The pressing force Fd is a force directed toward the first direction D1. The operating member 31 has a main body portion 31a, a connection portion 31b, a depression portion 31c, and a pressing portion 31d.

[0071] 2 and 3, the main body 31a has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the first direction D1. As shown in Fig. 2, when viewed from the first direction D1, the main body 31a has a generally rectangular shape with its long sides extending in the second direction D2. The main body 31a may have another shape, such as a cylindrical shape extending in the first direction D1.

[0072] 2 and 3, the connection portion 31b has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape protruding from the main body portion 31a in the fourth direction D4. As shown in Fig. 2, the connection portion 31b has a generally square shape when viewed from the first direction D1. The connection portion 31b is movable in the first direction D1 inside the insertion hole 17a.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the push-down portion 31c has a generally cylindrical shape protruding from the connection portion 31b in the fourth direction D4. The push-down portion 31c may have other shapes, such as a rectangular column shape. As shown in FIG. 3, the portion of the push-down portion 31c on the fourth direction D4 side is located outside the housing 15. The push-down portion 31c is configured to be pushed in the first direction D1 by the user. When the user pushes down the push-down portion 31c, the operating member 31 moves to the first direction D1 side. Note that the push-down portion 31c may be configured to be pushed directly by the user, or may be configured to be pushed indirectly via another member. In the following description, the position of the operating unit 30 when the user is not operating the operating member 31 as shown in FIG. 3 is referred to as the first position.

[0074] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary configuration of the control device 10 of this embodiment when the operating member 31 is operated. As shown in Fig. 3, the pressing portion 31d has a generally cylindrical shape protruding from the main body portion 31a in the first direction D1. In the first position, the pressing portion 31d is disposed at a distance from the detection member 40 in the first direction D1. As shown in Fig. 6, when the user operates the operation member 31, the pressing portion 31d comes into contact with the detection member 40 in the first direction D1. In the following description, the position of the operation portion 30 when the user is operating the operation member 31 as shown in Fig. 6 is referred to as the second position.

[0075] The rocking motion inducing member 32 rocks the magnetostrictive member 23 in the first direction D1 when the operating member 31 moves in the first direction D1. As shown in FIG. 3, the rocking motion inducing member 32 protrudes in the sixth direction D6 from a surface of the main body 31a facing the sixth direction D6. The rocking motion inducing member 32 may be a single member identical to the operating member 31. The rocking motion inducing member 32 may be a member separate from the operating member 31. The rocking motion inducing member 32 is configured to move linearly in the first direction D1 in response to the operation of the operating member 31 by the user. When viewed from the first direction D1, the rocking motion inducing member 32 overlaps with the magnetostrictive member 23 and the second extension portion 24c. In the first position, the rocking motion inducing member 32 is located closer to the fourth direction D4 than the magnetostrictive member 23. As shown in FIG. 6, in the second position, the swing motion inducing member 32 is located closer to the first direction D1 than the second extension portion 24c.

[0076] As described above, when the user operates the operating member 31, the operating member 31 moves in the first direction D1. That is, the operating member 31 moves from the first position shown in FIG. 3 to the second position shown in FIG. 6. In the following description, the operation of the operating member 31 moving from the first position to the second position may be referred to as the first operation. In the first operation, the rocking motion inducing member 32 presses the magnetostrictive member 23 to one side in the first direction D1, elastically deforming the second extension portion 24c and the magnetostrictive member 23 to one side in the first direction D1. When the operating member 31 further moves to one side in the first direction D1, as shown in FIG. 6, the rocking motion inducing member 32 moves to the fourth direction D4 side of the second extension portion 24c. As a result, the magnetostrictive member 23 and the second extension portion 24c rock in the first direction D1 and the fourth direction D4 due to the restoring force of the second extension portion 24c. That is, the swinging motion inducing member 32 is configured to swing (vibrate) the magnetostrictive member 23 in the first direction D1 and the fourth direction D4 in response to the operation of the operating member 31 by the user. The magnetostrictive member 23 is configured to swing in the first direction D1 in response to the operation of the operating member 31 by the user. As described above, when the magnetostrictive member 23 swings in the first direction D1, the magnetic flux passing through the internal space 26c of the coil 26 fluctuates, and a generated voltage Vg is generated in the coil 26. In the following description, the power generation of the power generating device 20 when the operating member 31 is moved in the first direction D1 by the user's operation of the operating member 31 is referred to as the first power generation, and the electromotive force of the first power generation is referred to as the first voltage V1. That is, the coil 26 is configured to generate the first voltage V1 in response to the user's pressing of the pressing portion 31c.

[0077] After the user releases the operation of the operating member 31, that is, after the user releases the pressing of the pressing portion 31c, the operating member 31 moves in the fourth direction D4 due to the elastic force Fe applied to the operating member 31 from the elastic member 33 described later. That is, the operating member 31 moves from the second position to the first position. In the following description, the operation of the operating member 31 moving from the second position to the first position may be referred to as the second operation. In the second operation, the rocking motion inducing member 32 presses the second extension portion 24c in the fourth direction D4, thereby elastically deforming the second extension portion 24c and the magnetostrictive member 23 in the fourth direction D4. When the operating member 31 moves further in the fourth direction D4, as shown in FIG. 3, the rocking motion inducing member 32 moves further in the fourth direction D4 than the magnetostrictive member 23. At this time, the magnetostrictive member 23 and the second extension portion 24c rock (vibrate) in the first direction D1 and the fourth direction D4 due to the restoring force of the second extension portion 24c. As a result, a power generation voltage Vg is generated in the coil 26. In the following description, the power generation of the power generation device 20 when the operation member 31 moves in the fourth direction D4 by releasing the press on the press-down portion 31c is referred to as a second power generation, and the electromotive force of the second power generation is referred to as a second voltage V2. In other words, the second voltage V2 is a voltage generated in the coil 26 in response to the release of the press on the press-down portion 31c by the user.

[0078] The detection member holding portion 34 holds the detection member 40. The detection member holding portion 34 is disposed on the first direction D1 side relative to the operation member 31. The detection member holding portion 34 has a bottom plate portion 34a and a cylindrical portion 34b.

[0079] The bottom plate portion 34a has a plate shape that extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. The bottom plate portion 34a is fixed to the bottom wall portion 16b of the housing 15. The tubular portion 34b has a generally cylindrical shape that protrudes from the bottom plate portion 34a in the fourth direction D4. The tubular portion 34b opens on the first direction D1 side.

[0080] The elastic member 33 is disposed between the operating member 31 and the detection member holding portion 34. In this embodiment, the elastic member 33 is a compression coil spring. The elastic member 33 expands and contracts in the first direction D1. The elastic member 33 is supported by the cylindrical portion 34b. The elastic member 33 has a first elastic member end 33a and a second elastic member end 33b. The second elastic member end 33b is an end opposite to the first elastic member end 33a in the first direction D1. The second elastic member end 33b is located on the fourth direction D4 side with respect to the first elastic member end 33a. The second elastic member end 33b of the elastic member 33 contacts the main body portion 31a in the first direction D1. As a result, the elastic member 33 applies an elastic force Fe to the operating member 31 in the fourth direction D4. The elastic member 33 biases the operating member 31 toward one side of the first direction D1. As a result, the operating member 31 moves toward the first position. Therefore, when the user releases the pressure on the depression portion 31c as shown in Fig. 6, the operating member 31 moves in the fourth direction D4 by the elastic force Fe and returns to the first position shown in Fig. 3.

[0081] The detection member 40 is disposed on the first direction D1 side of the operation member 31. The detection member 40 is held on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 34b. In the first position, the detection member 40 is disposed at a distance from the pressing portion 31d in the first direction D1. As shown in FIG. 6, in the second position, the detection member 40 contacts the pressing portion 31d. This allows the detection member 40 to detect that the user has operated the operation member 31. That is, the detection member 40 is configured to detect the operation of the operation member 31 by the user. In this embodiment, the detection member 40 has a tactile switch 40a. The tactile switch 40a is configured to be pressed in response to the operation of the operation member 31 by the user. Note that the configuration of the detection member 40 is not limited to the configuration of this embodiment, and may be a sensor such as an optical sensor capable of detecting the movement of the operation member 31 in the first direction D1. The detection member 40 has a connection line 41.

[0082] 3, the circuit member 60 has a plate shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. The circuit member 60 is fixed to a surface of the partition plate 18 facing one side in the first direction D1. The circuit member 60 has a control unit 61 and a communication unit 71.

[0083] The control unit 61 is mounted on the circuit member 60. The control unit 61 is electrically connected to the coil 26 of the power generation device 20 via the coil lead wires 26e, 26f. That is, the circuit member 60 is electrically connected to the coil 26. Therefore, when the coil 26 generates power, a generated voltage Vg, which is the voltage generated in the coil 26, is applied to the control unit 61. Therefore, in the control device 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 61 can be driven by the power generated in the power generation device 20. Furthermore, the control unit 61 can detect information related to the generated voltage Vg. In this embodiment, the information on the generated voltage Vg includes at least one of the voltage value of the generated voltage Vg and the value of the current supplied to the circuit member 60.

[0084] As described above, the control unit 61 is electrically connected to the detection member 40 via the connection line 41. This allows the control unit 61 to detect the detection signal S1 transmitted by the detection member 40. The control unit 61 generates a command signal Sc based on information on the generated voltage Vg and the detection signal S1. That is, the control unit 61 is configured to generate the command signal Sc based on information on the generated voltage Vg, i.e., the voltage generated in the coil 26. The control unit 61 is also configured to generate the command signal Sc based on the detection signal S1 transmitted from the detection member 40.

[0085] The control unit 61 is a computer that generates a command signal Sc based on information related to the generated voltage Vg and the detection signal S1, and transmits the command signal Sc to the communication unit 71. A control program executed by the control unit 61 is installed in the control unit 61. At least a part of the functions of the control unit 61 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing the control program, i.e., software, stored in a storage unit (not shown).

[0086] At least a part of the functions of the control unit 61 may be realized by hardware including circuit units such as a large scale integration (LSI), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and a graphics processing unit (GPU), or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware. The control unit 61 may include a storage unit (not shown). In this case, the storage unit (not shown) may be realized by a storage medium such as a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), and a flash memory.

[0087] 3, the communication unit 71 is mounted on a surface facing the first direction D1 of the circuit member 60. The communication unit 71 is configured to transmit a command signal Sc transmitted from the control unit 61 to the driven device 81. The communication unit 71 has a wireless communication unit 71a.

[0088] The wireless communication unit 71a is a wireless device configured to wirelessly transmit a command signal Sc to the driven device 81. That is, the wireless communication unit 71a can transmit a command signal Sc created based on a user's operation to the driven device 81. This allows the user to operate the driven device 81 by operating the operating member 31. Note that the communication method between the communication unit 71 and the driven device 81 is not particularly limited, and may be short-distance wireless communication such as BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), NFC (Near Field Communication), and ANT.

[0089] [Overall configuration example of an anti-theft system] FIG. 7 shows an example of the overall configuration of an anti-theft system according to this embodiment. The theft prevention system in the figure includes a lock 100, a user terminal 200 (an example of an external device), and an anti-theft support server 300.

[0090] The lock 100 is attached to a bicycle BC (an example of a human-powered vehicle) and locks the bicycle BC in response to a locking operation by a user U who uses the bicycle BC. The lock 100 of this embodiment is equipped with a circuit. The circuit is capable of operating with power generated by a power generation device. The power generation device equipped in the lock 100 of this embodiment may be configured based on the inverse magnetostrictive power generation device 20 described with reference to Figures 2 to 6. In the case of a power generation device equipped in the lock 100, the housing 15 in Figure 1 corresponds to the case of the lock 100. The lock 100 of this embodiment is communicably connected to an anti-theft support server 300 via a network. The lock 100 and the user terminal 200 may be connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with the user terminal 200 via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0091] The user terminal 200 is an information processing terminal used by a user U. The user terminal 200 may be, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The user terminal 200 may also be installed with an anti-theft support application corresponding to the anti-theft system of the present embodiment. In this case, the function of the user terminal 200 corresponding to the theft prevention is realized by the anti-theft support application. The user terminal 200 is communicably connected to the theft prevention support server 300 via a network.

[0092] The theft prevention support server 300 is a server provided on a network. The theft prevention support server 300 is communicably connected to the lock 100 and the user terminal 200 via the network. The theft prevention support server 300 controls notifications related to theft prevention.

[0093] [Example of lock appearance] Figure 8 shows an example of the appearance of the lock 100. The lock 100 in this figure shows an example of a type called a button-type ring lock. The lock 100 in the figure has a button arrangement section 111 and a locking bar section 112. The button arrangement section 111 has a predetermined number of unlocking buttons BT and an unlocking lever LB1. Each unlocking button BT is assigned a different number. The locking bar section 112 has a ring bar section 112a and a locking lever LB2.

[0094] To use the lock 100, when changing from an unlocked state to a locked state, the user U slides the locking lever LB2 from the state shown in the figure. As the locking lever LB2 slides, the ring bar portion 112a is fixed in a state where it is engaged with the bar receiving portion 113. At this time, the ring bar portion 112a is positioned between two spokes of the rear wheel of the bicycle BC, and the rear wheel of the bicycle BC is locked in a state where it cannot rotate.

[0095] Furthermore, when unlocking the lock 100, the user U presses the unlock buttons BT, which are assigned numbers in order according to the digit order of the PIN number predetermined for the lock 100. When the unlock button BT is operated correctly according to the PIN number, the unlock lever LB1 becomes operable. The user U presses the unlock lever LB1. As the unlock lever LB1 is pressed, the ring bar portion 112a returns to the state shown in the figure, and the lock is unlocked.

[0096] [Example of lock function configuration] 9 shows an example of the functional configuration of the lock 100. The lock 100 in the figure comprises a lock mechanism section 101, a power generation device section 102, and a circuit section 103.

[0097] The lock mechanism unit 101 is a mechanism unit that handles locking and unlocking. The lock mechanism unit 101 has a predetermined number (here, 10 is taken as an example) of unlock buttons BT (BT-1 to BT-10) in a button arrangement unit 111. The unlock buttons BT-1 to BT-10 are assigned numbers (numbers) "1" to "10" respectively.

[0098] The lock mechanism 101 also includes a locking movable part 114 and an unlocking movable part 115 . The locking movable portion 114 is a portion that moves in response to the ring bar portion 112a being moved to the locked state. The unlocking movable portion 115 is a portion that moves in response to the ring bar portion 112a being moved to the unlocked state.

[0099] The power generation unit 102 includes power generation units 20A (20A-1 to 20A-12). The power generating device 20A has an inverse magnetostrictive structure similar to the power generating device 20 of Figures 2 to 6, and includes a vibration inducing member 32. The power generating device 20A does not have to have the same structure as the power generating device 20 of Figures 2 to 6, and may be modified as appropriate.

[0100] The power generation devices 20A-1 to 20A-10 correspond to the unlock buttons BT (BT-1 to BT-n), respectively. The power generation device 20A-11 corresponds to the locking movable part 114. The power generation device 20A-12 corresponds to the unlocking movable part 115.

[0101] Each of the power generation devices 20A-1 to 20A-10 is provided with a magnetostrictive member 23. The magnetostrictive member 23 in this case is provided so as to move in response to the operation of pressing the corresponding unlock button BT. In this case, in correspondence with the structures in Figs. 2 to 6, the unlock button BT corresponds to the operation unit 30, and the part where the unlock button BT is exposed on the lock 100 and operated by the user U corresponds to the pressing part 31c. In this case, the magnetostrictive member 23 is swung in the first direction D1 and the fourth direction D4 by a swing inducing member 32 provided on the operation unit 30 as the unlock button BT in response to the operation of the unlock button BT. In this embodiment, the manner in which the rocking motion inducing member 32 is provided in the operation unit 30 serving as the unlock button BT is not particularly limited, and it is sufficient that the rocking motion inducing member 32 is provided so as to rock the magnetostrictive member 23 (not shown in the figure) provided in the power generation device 20A in the first direction D1 and the fourth direction D4 in response to pressing of the unlock button BT. Specifically, the rocking motion inducing member 32 and the unlock button BT may be integrated or connected in the manner shown in Figures 3, 6, etc., or may be connected to the unlock button BT via a member or the like. With this configuration, each of 20A-1 to 20A-10 generates power in response to pressing of the corresponding unlock button BT. The magnetostrictive member 23 of the power generating device 20A-11 is adapted to swing in the first direction D1 and the fourth direction D4 in response to the locking movable part 114 being moved during locking. The magnetostrictive member 23 of the power generating device 20A-12 is adapted to swing in the first direction D1 and the fourth direction D4 in response to the unlocking movable part 115 being moved during unlocking.

[0102] As can be understood from the above description, the power generating device 20A generates power in response to the magnetostrictive member 23 being swung in response to the operation of the unlock button BT, the locking movable part 114, or the unlocking movable part 115. Even if the corresponding unlocking button BT, the locking movable part 114, or the unlocking movable part 115 is not operated, the magnetostrictive member 23 is swung in response to the application of vibration, and the power generating device 20A can generate power. The power generating device 20A supplies the power obtained by generating electricity (the generated voltage Vg in FIG. 7) to the circuit part 103 as a power source.

[0103] The circuit unit 103 operates using the power supplied from the power generation device unit 102 as a power source, and executes processing according to a predetermined function. The circuit unit 103 includes a power supply circuit unit 131, a communication unit 132 (an example of a second communication unit), a lock state detection unit 133 (an example of a first detection unit), a movement state detection unit 134 (an example of a second detection unit), a determination unit 135, a positioning unit 136 (an example of a position information acquisition unit), and a storage unit 137 as functional units. The functions of the circuit unit 103 are realized by a CPU provided as hardware corresponding to the circuit unit 103 executing a program.

[0104] The power supply circuit section 131 supplies the power output from the power generation device 20A in the power generation device section 102 to each section in the circuit section 103 as a DC power supply with a predetermined voltage value.

[0105] The communication unit 132 communicates with an external device. The communication unit 132 supports communication via a network. The communication unit 132 may also support short-range wireless communication.

[0106] The lock state detection unit 133 detects the lock state of the lock 100 according to the state of the power output from the power generation device unit 102 . Specifically, when power is output from the power generating device 20A-11 corresponding to the lock movable part 114, the lock state detection part 133 detects that the lock state has been changed to the locked state. The lock state detection unit 133 may detect that the locked state has become the unlocked state when power is output from the power generation device 20A-12 corresponding to the unlocking movable part 115. In order to detect the unlocked state more reliably, the lock state detection unit 133 may detect that the unlocked state has become the unlocked state when power is output from the power generation device 20A corresponding to the unlocking movable part 115 following the output of power from a predetermined power generation device 20A among the power generation devices 20A-1 to 20A-10 in order according to the numerical order of the digits of the personal identification number.

[0107] The moving state detection section 134 detects whether the bicycle BC is in a stopped state or a moving state according to the state of the power output from the power generation device section 102. When the bicycle BC is locked, it is stopped, and therefore none of the power generation devices 20A of the power generation device unit 102 generate electricity. When changing from a locked state to an unlocked state, the user U operates the unlock button BT with the number corresponding to the PIN and then operates the unlock lever LB3 to unlock the ring bar unit 112a. At this time, the power generation device unit 102 outputs power generated by the corresponding power generation devices 20A one by one in the order in which the unlock button BT and the unlock lever LB3 were operated. When the power generation device unit 102 is outputting power in this manner, the moving state detection unit 134 may detect that the bicycle BC is stopped. On the other hand, when the bicycle BC is moving, when it is being transported by a car or person, when the lock 100 is being broken, or when parts such as the wheels, saddle, or handlebars are being removed, vibrations are applied to the lock 100. In this case, the multiple power generation devices 20A in the power generation device unit 102 generate power simultaneously and output electricity. When the power generation device unit 102 is outputting electricity in this manner, the moving state detection unit 134 detects that the bicycle BC is in a moving state. In this way, the moving state includes a state in which the bicycle BC itself is stopped but vibrations are being applied to the bicycle BC.

[0108] The determination unit 135 determines whether or not the bicycle BC is in a stolen state (stolen state) based on the detection results of the lock state detection unit 133 and the movement state detection unit 134. In this case, the stolen state includes a case where the bicycle BC has been moved from the place where the user U parked it, as well as a case where the lock 100 has been broken or parts have been removed in order to steal it. In this case, the movement state detection unit 134 may detect a state in which vibrations are occurring due to the breaking of the lock 100 or the removal of parts as being included in the moving state, even if the bicycle is not actually moving. When the lock state detection unit 133 detects that the vehicle is in a locked state, and the moving state detection unit 134 determines that the vehicle is in a moving state, the determination unit 135 may determine that the vehicle is in a stolen state.

[0109] The positioning unit 136 measures its own position in accordance with a positioning system such as the Global Positioning System (GPS).

[0110] The memory unit 137 stores information about the lock 100.

[0111] [Example of functional configuration of user terminal] An example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The functions of the user terminal 200 shown in the figure are realized by a CPU included in the user terminal 200 as hardware, which executes a program. The user terminal 200 in the figure includes a communication unit 201, a control unit 202, a storage unit 203, and a notification unit 204.

[0112] The communication unit 201 is connected to the theft prevention support server 300 via a network so as to be able to communicate with the server. The communication unit 201 may also be communicatively connected to an external device, such as the lock 100, within a communication range via short-range wireless communication.

[0113] The control unit 202 executes various controls in the user terminal 200 . The storage unit 203 stores various types of information corresponding to the user terminal 200 .

[0114] The notification unit 204 issues a notification regarding the occurrence of theft of the bicycle BC. The notification unit 204 may issue the notification by displaying a message, or by outputting a sound such as a voice or an electronic sound.

[0115] [Example of functional configuration of anti-theft support server] An example of the functional configuration of the theft prevention support server 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The functions of the theft prevention support server 300 shown in the figure are realized by a CPU included in the theft prevention support server 300 as hardware executing a program. The theft prevention support server 300 in the figure includes a communication unit 301 , a control unit 302 , and a storage unit 303 .

[0116] The communication unit 301 is connected to the lock 100 and the user terminal 200 via a network so as to be able to communicate with them.

[0117] The control unit 302 executes various controls in the theft prevention support server 300. The control unit 302 includes a notification control unit 321 as a functional unit. The notification control unit 321 controls the user terminal 200 to notify the user that a bicycle BC has been stolen.

[0118] The storage unit 303 stores various data corresponding to the theft prevention support server 300. The storage unit 303 includes a user information storage unit 331 and a position information storage unit 332. The user information storage unit 331 stores user information for each user U. The location information storage unit 332 stores the location information transmitted from the lock 100 in response to the theft of the bicycle BC.

[0119] FIG. 12 shows an example of the structure of user information stored in the user information storage unit 331 in association with one user U. The user information in this figure includes fields for user account, user profile, and lock ID. The user account field stores the user account of the corresponding user U. The user account may include, for example, a user ID and a password. The user profile field stores the user profile of the corresponding user U. The user profile may include the user name, age, sex, address, information about the user's bicycle BC (manufacturer, product number, serial number, anti-theft registration number, etc.), and the like. The lock ID field stores a lock ID, which is an identifier that uniquely indicates the lock 100 that the corresponding user U uses to lock the bicycle BC.

[0120] [Example of processing procedure] An example of a process procedure executed by the lock 100, the user terminal 200, and the theft prevention support server 300 of this embodiment in relation to reporting the occurrence of a theft will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0121] First, an example of a processing procedure executed by the lock 100 will be described. Step S100: In the lock 100, the circuit unit 103 receives an input of electric power from the power generating unit 102 in response to the oscillation of the magnetostrictive member 23 of at least one power generating unit 20A in the power generating unit 102. By receiving the input of electric power, the power supply circuit unit 131 in the circuit unit 103 outputs a power supply voltage within the circuit unit 103, and the circuit unit 103 becomes operable.

[0122] Step S102: The moving state detection unit 134 judges whether or not the power input corresponding to step S100 is a single power. If a single power is input, the moving state detection unit 134 may judge that the bicycle BC is in a stopped state. On the other hand, if a plurality of powers are input instead of a single power, the moving state detection unit 134 may judge that the bicycle BC is in a moving state.

[0123] Step S104: If it is determined in step S102 that the vehicle is in a stopped state because the input power is single, the lock status detection unit 133 determines whether it has detected either locking or unlocking based on the single power input this time. If the single power input this time is from the power generation device 20A-11, the lock status detection unit 133 detects that the door is locked. If the single power input this time is from the power generation device 20A-12, the lock status detection unit 133 detects that the door is unlocked. In step S104, if neither locking nor unlocking is detected, it means that the user U is operating the unlock button BT to unlock the door. In this case, the process in the figure is terminated.

[0124] Step S106: When either locking or unlocking is detected in step S104, the lock status detection unit 133 changes the lock status flag indicating the lock status. The lock status flag may be stored in the storage unit 137. When the lock status detection unit 133 detects that the door is locked in step S104, the lock status detection unit 133 changes the value of the lock status flag from the value indicating unlocked to the value indicating locked. Also, when the lock status detection unit 133 detects that the door is unlocked in step S104, the lock status detection unit 133 changes the value of the lock status flag from the value indicating locked to the value indicating unlocked. After the process of step S106, the process in FIG.

[0125] Step S108: After the processing of step S106, or if it is determined in step S102 that there have been multiple inputs of power (the device is in a moving state), the judgment unit 135 refers to the current lock state flag and judges whether the current lock state is a locked state or not. The determination of whether or not the bicycle BC is in a locked state in step S108 corresponds to a determination of whether or not a theft has occurred. If the bicycle BC is in a locked state, it is presumed that the bicycle BC has been moved, the lock 100 has been broken, or a part of the bicycle BC has been removed while the bicycle BC is not unlocked. In this case, the determination unit 135 determines that a theft has occurred. On the other hand, if the bicycle is unlocked, it is estimated that the user U is riding the bicycle BC. In this case, the determination unit 135 determines that theft has not occurred. If it is determined that theft has not occurred, the process in the figure is terminated.

[0126] Step S110: If it is determined in step S108 that a theft has occurred, the communication unit 132 transmits a theft occurrence notification to the theft prevention support server 300. The theft occurrence notification includes the lock ID. Step S112: The communication unit 132 also transmits location information indicating the location of the lock 100 measured by the positioning unit 136 to the anti-theft support server 300. The transmission of the location information in step S112 may be executed until the vibrations applied to the power generation device unit 102 due to the movement of the bicycle BC or the like stop and the circuit unit 103 stops operating.

[0127] Next, an example of a process executed by the theft prevention support server 300 will be described. Step S200: In the theft prevention support server 300, the notification control unit 321 receives the theft occurrence notification transmitted from the lock 100 in step S110.

[0128] Step S202: The notification control unit 321 searches the user information storage unit 331 for user information that stores the lock ID included in the received theft notification, and transmits the theft information to the user terminal 200 that corresponds to the user account stored in the searched user information.

[0129] Step S204: Furthermore, the notification control unit 321 stores the location information transmitted from the lock 100 in step S112 in the location information storage unit 332. The location information storage unit 332 may store the location information by updating it to the latest information, or may store the history of location information transmitted so far.

[0130] Next, an example of a processing procedure executed by the user terminal 200 will be described. Step S210: The control unit 202 of the user terminal 200 receives the theft occurrence information transmitted from the theft prevention support server 300 in step S202.

[0131] Step S212: Based on the received theft occurrence information, the control unit 202 causes the notification unit 204 to notify the user that the bicycle BC has been stolen.

[0132] Furthermore, after the occurrence of a theft is reported to the user terminal 200, the user U can operate the user terminal 200 to cause the user terminal 200 to display the location of the stolen bicycle BC (theft location).

[0133] An example of a process performed by the user terminal 200 and the theft prevention support server 300 in relation to displaying the theft location will be described with reference to FIG. First, an example of a processing procedure executed by the user terminal 200 will be described. Step S300: In response to an operation by the user U instructing display of the theft location, the control unit 202 of the user terminal 200 transmits a theft location request to the theft prevention support server 300. The theft location request includes the user ID used in the user account of the corresponding user U.

[0134] Step S302: In response to the theft location request transmitted in step S300, the theft prevention support server 300 transmits the theft location to the user terminal 200. The control unit 202 displays the received theft location on, for example, a map.

[0135] Next, an example of a process executed by the theft prevention support server 300 will be described. Step S310: The notification control unit 321 of the theft prevention support server 300 receives the theft location request transmitted from the user terminal 200 in step S300.

[0136] Step S312: The notification control unit 321 searches the user information storing unit 331 for user information that stores a user account including the user ID included in the received theft location request. The notification control unit 321 obtains, from the location information storing unit 332, location information associated with the same lock ID as that stored in the searched user information.

[0137] Step S314: The notification control unit 321 transmits the location information acquired in step S312 as theft location information. The theft location information may be, for example, the last location information obtained at the present time. In this case, in step S302, the user terminal 200 displays the last location of the lock 100 obtained so far as the theft location. Alternatively, the theft location information may be information on the route based on the location information obtained since it was determined that the theft occurred. In this case, in step S302, the user terminal 200 displays the route along which the bicycle BC has been moved since it was stolen.

[0138] [Other examples of locks] A lock that is equipped with an inverse magnetostrictive power generator as in this embodiment, and thus is capable of performing operations such as sending a notification in response to theft, is not limited to a button-type ring lock such as the lock 100 described above. For example, it may be a ring lock that does not have an unlocking button and is locked and unlocked by a key. It may also be a box lock that is attached to the front wheel of the bicycle BC. It may also be a wire lock.

[0139] FIG. 15 shows the appearance of a lock 100A as a dial-type wire lock, as another example of the lock in this embodiment. The lock 100A shown in the figure as a dial-type wire lock has a lock mechanism portion 101A provided with a predetermined number of dials DL arranged in an array, and a wire portion WR. This type of lock 100A can be unlocked by setting each of the dials DL to a specific number corresponding to the PIN, and can be removed by pulling the cylinder attached to one end of the wire part WR out of the lock mechanism part 101A. To lock the lock, the cylinder is inserted into the unlocked lock mechanism part 101A, and the dial DL is rotated to make the arrangement of the numbers on the dial DL different from the PIN.

[0140] Such a lock 100A may be provided with an inverse magnetostrictive power generating device having a structure conforming to Figures 2 to 6 inside the lock mechanism 101A. In the case of the lock 100A, for example, a power generating device that generates power by swinging the magnetostrictive member 23 in response to the movement of the cylinder being inserted, a power generating device that generates power by swinging the magnetostrictive member 23 in response to the movement of the cylinder being removed, and a power generating device that is provided for each dial DL and generates power by swinging the magnetostrictive member 23 in response to the movement of the dial DL to rotate. In this case, the cylinder and the dial DL correspond to the operating unit 30. The circuit section in the lock mechanism section 101A operates with power supplied by the power generated by the power generator when the cylinder is inserted or removed in the lock mechanism section 101A, recognizes whether the state is locked or unlocked, and sets a lock state flag. In the locked state, when power is generated in response to the rotation of one dial DL, the circuit section in the lock mechanism section 101A determines that, for example, an unlocking operation is being performed and that no theft has occurred. On the other hand, if the power generators corresponding to multiple dials DL are generating electricity simultaneously in the locked state, it can be assumed that the bicycle BC has been stolen and moved, causing vibrations in the power generators. In this case, the circuitry in the lock mechanism 101A determines that a theft has occurred and sends a theft notification to the theft prevention support server 300. In addition, the lock mechanism unit 101A may also be equipped with a positioning unit, and when the power generation device is generating power due to vibration or the like after a theft has occurred, the position information obtained by measuring the current position using the positioning unit may be transmitted to the theft prevention support server 300.

[0141] In this embodiment, the lock 100 (100A) may transmit a theft notification to the user terminal 200 by short-range wireless communication in response to determining that a theft has occurred, and cause the user terminal 200 to report the theft. In this case, the lock 100 may have a function as a report control unit.

[0142] In addition, in response to determining that a theft has occurred, the lock 100 (100A) may notify the user of the theft by, for example, outputting an alarm sound or the like.

[0143] The lock 100 (100A) may include a storage battery that stores the electricity generated by the power generation device. By including a storage battery, it is possible to continuously supply power to the circuit section using the power stored in the storage battery, even in a situation where the oscillation inducing member 32 of the power generation device moves intermittently. By continuously supplying power to the circuit section, stable operation of the circuit section is obtained, and it is possible to transmit the position information obtained by the positioning section even when the stolen bicycle BC is not being moved.

[0144] In addition, communication between the lock 100 and the anti-theft support server 300 may be relayed by a device such as a cycle computer attached to the bicycle BC.

[0145] In this embodiment, the user terminal 200 and the lock 100 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other, and, for example, when a user U performs an operation to instruct the user terminal 200 to lock or unlock the lock, the user terminal 200 may transmit a locking or unlocking instruction to the lock 100. In this case, the lock 100 includes a lock mechanism drive unit that operates the lock mechanism unit 101 to lock and unlock the door. In this case, for example, a storage battery capable of storing power generated by the power generation device unit 102 may be provided, and the lock mechanism drive unit may use the power stored in the storage battery to drive the lock mechanism unit 101 to lock and unlock the door. With this configuration, the user U can lock and unlock the lock 100 by remote control.

[0146] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the lock and the user terminal communicate with each other to manage the lock and unlock. In addition, in the second embodiment, an anti-theft device equipped with an inverse magnetostrictive power generator is provided on the bicycle BC in addition to the lock, and an anti-theft support server communicates with the anti-theft device and the user terminal to control the notification in response to the occurrence of theft.

[0147] [Overall configuration example of an anti-theft system] 16 shows an example of the overall configuration of an anti-theft system according to the second embodiment. A bicycle BC is equipped with a lock 100B. In the following explanation, a case where the lock 100B is a ring lock will be taken as an example. In addition, an anti-theft device 400 is attached to the bicycle BC. The anti-theft device 400 is attached to the bicycle BC in an undetachable manner.

[0148] The theft prevention device 400 is communicably connected to the theft prevention support server 300 . Furthermore, the user terminal 200 and the theft prevention support server 300 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network.

[0149] In this embodiment, the lock 100 does not need to be provided with a circuit section or the like that operates upon receiving power supply.

[0150] [Functional configuration of anti-theft device] An example of the functional configuration of the anti-theft device 400 will be described with reference to Fig. 17. The anti-theft device in this figure includes a power generation device 20C and a circuit section 401. The power generating device 20C generates power by an inverse magnetostrictive method. The power generating device 20C generates power by oscillating the magnetostrictive member 23 inside in response to vibration. The power generated by the power generating device 20C is supplied to the circuit section 401 as a power source.

[0151] The circuit unit 401 operates using power supplied from the power generation device 20C as a power source and executes processing according to a predetermined function. The circuit unit 401 includes a power supply circuit unit 411, a communication unit 412, a moving state detection unit 413, and a positioning unit 414 as functional units. The functions of the circuit unit 401 are realized by a CPU provided as hardware corresponding to the circuit unit 401 executing a program.

[0152] The power supply circuit section 411 supplies the power output from the power generation device 20C to each section in the circuit section 401 as a DC power supply with a predetermined voltage value.

[0153] The communication unit 412 communicates with external devices via a network, and executes processes related to sending and receiving data to and from external devices.

[0154] The moving state detection unit 413 detects whether the bicycle BC is in a moving state or a stopped state according to the state of the power output from the power generation device 20C. The power generation device 20C generates power in response to the oscillation of the internal magnetostrictive member 23 in response to the application of vibration, and supplies the power as a power source to the circuit unit 401. The moving state detection unit 413 may detect that the bicycle BC is in a moving state when power is being supplied from the power generation device 20C, and may detect that the bicycle BC is in a stopped state when power is being supplied from the power generation device 20C. In this embodiment, the moving state detection unit 413 may detect, as a moving state, a state in which the power generation device 20C is generating electricity due to vibrations caused by breaking the lock 100B, removing parts of the bicycle BC, etc., in addition to when the bicycle BC is moving by riding or transporting.

[0155] The positioning unit 414 measures its own position in accordance with a positioning system such as GPS.

[0156] [Example of functional configuration of anti-theft support server] An example of the functional configuration of the theft prevention support server 300B in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18. The theft prevention support server 300B in Fig. 18 includes a communication unit 301, a control unit 302, and a storage unit 303. In this figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 11 are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0157] The communication unit 301 (an example of a first communication unit) is connected to the theft prevention support server 300 and the user terminal 200 via a network so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0158] The control unit 302 executes various controls in the theft prevention support server 300B. The control unit 302 includes a notification control unit 321, a lock state detection unit 322, and a determination unit 323 as functional units.

[0159] The notification control unit 321 controls the user terminal 200 to notify the user that the bicycle BC has been stolen when the determination unit 323 determines that the bicycle BC has been stolen.

[0160] The lock status detection unit 322 detects (determines) the lock status (locked status / unlocked status) of the bicycle BC. The lock status detection unit 322 of this embodiment determines the lock status by referring to the lock status flag stored in the lock status flag storage unit 333.

[0161] The determination unit 323 determines whether or not the bicycle BC has been stolen. When the determination unit 323 receives a movement occurrence notification transmitted in response to determining that the anti-theft device 400 is in a moving state, the determination unit 323 refers to the lock status flag stored in the lock status flag storage unit 333. If the referenced lock status flag indicates a locked state, the determination unit 323 determines that the bicycle BC has been stolen. If the referenced lock status flag indicates an unlocked state, the determination unit 323 determines that the bicycle BC has not been stolen.

[0162] The storage unit 303 stores various information corresponding to the theft prevention support server 300B. The storage unit 303 includes a user information storage unit 331, a position information storage unit 332, and a lock status flag storage unit 333. The user information stored in the user information storage unit 331 stores a device ID indicating the anti-theft device 400, instead of the lock ID in the first embodiment.

[0163] The lock status flag storage unit 333 stores a lock status flag in association with each user ID. The lock status flag is information indicating whether the lock 100 is currently in a locked state (locked state) or an unlocked state (unlocked state).

[0164] [Example of functional configuration of user terminal] The functional configuration of the user terminal 200 may be the same as that shown in FIG.

[0165] [Example of processing procedure] An example of a process procedure executed by the user terminal 200 and the theft prevention support server 300B in relation to managing the lock state (locked state / unlocked state) of the lock 100B will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0166] First, an example of a processing procedure executed by the user terminal 200 will be described. Step S400: In this embodiment, when the user U locks the lock 100B of the bicycle BC that was in an unlocked state, the user U operates the user terminal 200 running an anti-theft support application to perform an operation to confirm that the bicycle BC has been locked (lock confirmation operation). The control unit 202 of the user terminal 200 on which the theft prevention support application runs waits for a lock confirmation operation to be performed.

[0167] Step S402: When the lock confirmation operation is performed, the control unit 202 transmits a lock confirmation notification to the anti-theft support server. The lock confirmation notification is information notifying that the user U has locked the lock 100B. The lock confirmation notification includes the user ID of the corresponding user U.

[0168] Step S404: When the user U unlocks the lock 100B of the bicycle BC that was in a locked state, the user U operates the user terminal 200 running the theft prevention support application to perform an operation to confirm that the bicycle has been unlocked (unlock confirmation operation). The control unit 202 waits for the unlock confirmation operation to be performed.

[0169] Step S406: When the unlock confirmation operation is performed, the control unit 202 transmits an unlock confirmation notification to the anti-theft support server. The unlock confirmation notification is information notifying that the user U has unlocked the lock 100B. The unlock confirmation notification includes the user ID of the corresponding user U.

[0170] Next, an example of a process executed by the theft prevention support server 300 will be described. Step S500: In the theft prevention support server 300, the lock state detection unit 322 waits for a lock confirmation notification transmitted from the user terminal 200 to be received.

[0171] Step S502: When a lock confirmation notification is received, the lock status detection unit 322 updates the lock status flag stored in the lock status flag memory unit 333, the lock status flag associated with the user ID included in the received lock confirmation notification, so that it indicates a locked state.

[0172] Step S510: The lock state detection unit 322 waits for an unlock confirmation notification transmitted from the user terminal 200 to be received.

[0173] Step S512: When an unlocking confirmation notification is received, the lock status detection unit 322 updates the lock status flag stored in the lock status flag memory unit 333, the lock status flag associated with the user ID included in the received unlocking confirmation notification, so that it indicates an unlocked state.

[0174] According to the process of FIG. 19, the lock state detection unit 322 of this embodiment is capable of detecting the lock state of the lock 100B by updating the lock state flag in response to receiving a lock confirmation notification or an unlock confirmation notification.

[0175] Next, an example of a process procedure executed by the theft prevention device 400, the theft prevention support server 300B, and the user terminal 200 in relation to a theft report will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0176] First, an example of a process executed by the anti-theft device 400 will be described. Step S600: The power generating device 20C in the anti-theft device 400 generates electricity as the internal magnetostrictive member 23 swings when the bicycle BC is ridden, transported, the lock 100B is broken, or parts of the bicycle BC are removed. The circuit section 401 of the anti-theft device 400 receives an input of power from the power generating device 20C that has generated electricity. By receiving the input of power, the power supply circuit section 411 in the circuit section 401 outputs a power supply voltage within the circuit section 401, enabling the circuit section 401 to operate.

[0177] Step S602: The fact that power has been supplied from the power generation device 20C means that the bicycle BC is in a "moving state" as defined in this embodiment, as described above. In this case, the moving state detection unit 413 detects that the bicycle BC is in a moving state in response to the circuit unit 401 becoming operable upon receiving an input of power from the power generation device 20C.

[0178] Step S604: In response to the detection of a moving state in step S602, the moving state detection unit 413 transmits a moving state notification to the anti-theft support server 300B. The moving state notification is information notifying that the bicycle BC is in a moving state. The moving state notification includes the device ID of the corresponding anti-theft device 400.

[0179] Step S606: The movement state notification in this case indicates that the bicycle BC is in a moving state regardless of whether it has been stolen or not. In other words, in step S602, the bicycle BC is detected as being in a moving state not only when it has been moved or vibrated due to theft, but also when the user U is riding the bicycle BC or performing maintenance on the bicycle BC. The theft prevention support server 300B determines whether the movement state corresponding to the received movement state notification is due to theft. In other words, the theft prevention support server 300B determines whether the bicycle BC has been stolen or not. The theft prevention support server 300B transmits a theft determination result indicating whether theft has occurred to the anti-theft device 400. In the theft prevention device 400, the communication unit 412 determines whether or not the received theft determination result indicates that a theft has occurred. If it is determined in step S606 that the theft determination result does not indicate that a theft has occurred, the process in FIG.

[0180] Step S608: If it is determined in step S606 that the theft determination result indicates that a theft has occurred, the communication unit 412 transmits the position information measured by the positioning unit 414 to the theft prevention support server 300B. The communication unit 412 may continuously transmit the position information in step S608 until the power supply to the circuit unit 401 corresponding to the power generation of the power generation device 20C is stopped.

[0181] Next, an example of a process executed by the theft prevention support server 300B will be described. Step S700: In the theft prevention support server 300B, the determination unit 323 receives the moving state notification transmitted from the theft prevention device 400 in step S604.

[0182] Step S702: In response to receiving the movement status notification, the determination unit 323 determines whether or not the bicycle BC has been stolen. In this case, the determination unit 323 determines whether or not the lock status flag stored in the lock status flag storage unit 333 indicates a locked state. If the lock status flag indicates a locked state, the bicycle BC is in a moving state even though the lock 100B is in a locked state. In this case, the determination unit 323 determines that a theft has occurred. On the other hand, if the lock status flag indicates an unlocked state, the bicycle BC is in a moving state with the lock 100B in an unlocked state. In this case, since the bicycle BC is in a moving state by the user U, the determination unit 323 determines that theft has not occurred.

[0183] Step S704: The determination unit 323 transmits to the anti-theft device 400 the determination result on the occurrence of the theft in step S702.

[0184] Step S706: The notification control unit 321 determines whether or not the determination result in step S702 indicates that a theft has occurred. If the determination result in step S702 indicates that a theft has not occurred, the process in the figure may end.

[0185] Step S708: If the determination result in step S702 indicates that a theft has occurred, the notification control unit 321 transmits theft information to the corresponding user terminal 200. At this time, the notification control unit 321 searches the user information storage unit 331 for user information that stores the same device ID as that included in the moving status notification received in step S722, and sets the user terminal 200 corresponding to the user account included in the searched user information as the transmission destination.

[0186] Step S710: If it is determined that a theft has occurred, the anti-theft device 400 transmits location information in step S608. The notification control unit 321 stores the transmitted location information in the location information storage unit 332.

[0187] The processes of steps S800 and S802 executed by the user terminal 200 shown in the figure may be similar to steps S210 and S212 in FIG.

[0188] <Third embodiment> Next, a description will be given of a third embodiment. The overall configuration of an anti-theft system according to the third embodiment may be similar to that shown in FIG. In the second embodiment, the determination as to whether or not a theft has occurred is made by the theft prevention support server 300B. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the determination as to whether or not a theft has occurred is made by the user terminal 200.

[0189] In this embodiment, although not shown in the figure, the user terminal 200 includes a determination unit and stores a lock status flag. Therefore, in the theft prevention support server 300B in this embodiment, the determination unit 323 and the lock status flag storage unit 333 shown in FIG. 18 may be omitted.

[0190] An example of a processing procedure executed by the user terminal 200 of this embodiment in relation to managing the lock state (locked state / unlocked state) of the lock 100B will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Step S900: The control unit 202 of the user terminal 200 on which the theft prevention support application runs waits for a lock confirmation operation to be performed.

[0191] Step S902: When a lock confirmation operation is performed, the control unit 202 updates the lock status flag stored in the storage unit 203 to indicate "locked status."

[0192] Step S904: The control unit 202 waits for an unlocking confirmation operation to be performed.

[0193] Step S906: When an unlocking confirmation operation is performed, the control unit 202 updates the lock status flag stored in the storage unit 203 to indicate "unlocked status."

[0194] In the process shown in the figure, the user terminal 200 is provided with a lock status detection unit. That is, the lock status detection unit of the user terminal 200 detects the lock status in response to a lock status confirmation operation (lock confirmation operation / unlock confirmation operation) being performed.

[0195] An example of a process procedure executed by the theft prevention device 400, the theft prevention support server 300B, and the user terminal 200 of this embodiment in relation to a theft report will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0196] First, the processes of steps S1000 to S1008 executed by the anti-theft device 400 may be similar to those of steps S600 to S608 in FIG.

[0197] Next, an example of a process executed by the theft prevention support server 300B will be described. Step S1100: In the theft prevention support server 300B, the control unit 302 receives the movement state notification transmitted from the theft prevention device 400 in step S1004.

[0198] Step S 1102 : The control unit 302 transfers the movement state notification transmitted from the anti-theft device 400 to the user terminal 200 .

[0199] Step S1104: The control unit 302 judges whether or not the theft determination result transmitted from the user terminal 200 in step S1208 described later indicates that a theft has occurred. If it is judged that the theft determination result does not indicate that a theft has occurred, the process in the figure is terminated.

[0200] Step S1106: If the theft determination result indicates that a theft has occurred, the control unit 302 transmits a theft occurrence notification to the theft prevention device 400.

[0201] Step S1108: The control unit 302 stores in the position information storage unit 332 the position information transmitted from the anti-theft device 400 in response to the occurrence of the theft.

[0202] Next, an example of a processing procedure executed by the user terminal 200 will be described. Step S1200: The control unit 202 of the user terminal 200 receives the movement state notification transferred from the theft prevention support server 300 in step S110.

[0203] Step S1202: In response to receiving the movement status notification, the control unit 202 refers to the lock status flag stored in the memory unit 203 to determine whether or not the bicycle BC has been stolen.

[0204] Step S1204: The control unit 202 determines whether or not the determination result in step S1202 indicates that a theft has occurred.

[0205] Step S1206: If the determination result in step S1202 indicates that the bicycle has been stolen, the control unit 302 controls the notification unit 204 to notify the user that the bicycle BC has been stolen. The control unit 302 that executes the process of step S1206 functions as a notification control unit.

[0206] Step S1208: The control unit 202 transmits the theft determination result to the theft prevention support server 300. If the process goes through step S1206 to step S1208, the control unit 202 transmits the theft determination result indicating that the theft has occurred. If the process goes from step S1204 to step S1208 without going through step S1206, the control unit 202 transmits the theft determination result indicating that the theft has not occurred.

[0207] In the second and third embodiments, the user U may be able to remotely control the lock 100B to lock and unlock using the user terminal 200. In this case, the lock 100B may be equipped with a battery. In this case, the lock 100B can be operated by the battery power. Therefore, the lock 100B may transmit lock status information indicating its own lock status to the user terminal 200, for example, by short-range wireless communication, every time the lock 100B performs a locking or unlocking operation. The user terminal 200 may transmit the received lock status information to the theft prevention support server 300B.

[0208] In the second and third embodiments, when the user U performs a lock status confirmation operation (lock confirmation operation / unlock confirmation operation) on the user terminal 200, the anti-theft support server 300B or the user terminal 200 sets the lock status flag to indicate whether the bicycle BC is locked or unlocked, and a theft determination is made based on the set content. In this case, even if the bicycle BC is not actually locked, as long as the user U performs a lock confirmation operation, a warning can be issued when the bicycle BC is stolen. Therefore, as a modified example of the anti-theft system of the second and third embodiments, a configuration that does not include the lock 100B may be adopted.

[0209] Incidentally, for example, as a modified example of the second and third embodiments, when it is determined that the user U has moved a certain distance or more away from the bicycle BC, the anti-theft support server 300B or the user terminal 200 may set the locking status flag to the locked status. In this case, when the bicycle BC is traveling in an unlocked state and the power generation device 20C is generating power, the anti-theft device 400 transmits to the anti-theft device 300B the position information of the bicycle BC measured by the positioning unit 414. In addition, the user terminal 200 constantly transmits position information to the anti-theft device 400. The theft prevention support server 300B determines whether the distance between the position (bicycle position) indicated by the position information of the bicycle BC last received from the theft prevention device 400 and the position (user position) indicated by the currently received position information of the user terminal 200 is a predetermined distance or more. Alternatively, the determination of whether the bicycle position and the user position are a predetermined distance or more may be performed by the user terminal 200 by having the user terminal 200 acquire bicycle position information from the theft prevention support server 300B. Then, if it is determined that the bicycle position and the user position are a predetermined distance or more, it may be determined that the user U has moved a certain distance or more away from the bicycle, and the theft prevention support server 300B or the user terminal 200 may set the locking status flag to the locked status.

[0210] In the above embodiments, the vehicle to be protected from theft is not limited to a bicycle BC, but may be, for example, a two-wheeled motor vehicle, an automobile, etc. In the first embodiment, the object to be locked as a theft target may be something other than a vehicle.

[0211] In addition, a program for realizing the functions of the above-mentioned circuit unit (103, 401), the user terminal 200, the anti-theft support server (300, 300B), the anti-theft device 400, etc. may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded in the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform processing as the above-mentioned circuit unit (103, 401), the user terminal 200, the anti-theft support server (300, 300B), the anti-theft device 400, etc. Here, "reading a program recorded in a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into the computer system. The "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. In addition, the "computer system" may include multiple computer devices connected via a network including a communication line such as the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, or a dedicated line. In addition, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, an optical magnetic disk, a ROM, or a CD-ROM, and a storage device such as an HDD or SSD built into a computer system. In this way, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM. The recording medium also includes a recording medium provided inside or outside the distribution server and accessible to distribute the program. The code of the program stored in the distribution server's recording medium may be different from the code of the program in a format executable by the terminal device. In other words, the format in which the program is stored in the distribution server does not matter as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a format executable by the terminal device. The program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined in the terminal device, or each of the divided programs may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" includes a memory that holds the program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) in a computer system that becomes a server or a client when the program is transmitted via a network. The program may be for realizing part of the above-mentioned functions.Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called differential file (differential program). [Explanation of symbols]

[0212] 20, 20A, 20C Power generation device, 23 Magnetostrictive member, 100, 100A, 100B Lock, 102 Power generation device section, 103 Circuit section, 131 Power supply circuit section, 132 Communication section, 133 Lock status detection section, 134 Movement status detection section, 135 Determination section, 136 Positioning section, 137 Memory section, 200 User terminal, 201 Communication section, 204 Notification section, 300, 300B Theft prevention support server, 301 Communication section, 302 Control section, 303 Memory section, 321 Notification control section, 322 Lock status detection section, 323 Determination section, 331 User information storage section, 332 Position information storage section, 333 Lock status flag storage section, 400 Theft prevention device, 401 Circuit section, 411 Power supply circuit section, 412 Communication unit, 413 moving state detection unit, 414 positioning unit

Claims

1. A lock that switches a vehicle between a locked state and an unlocked state, a movable portion movable between a locked position corresponding to the locked state and an unlocked position corresponding to the unlocked state; a power generating unit including a coil and a magnetostrictive member, the power generating unit generating electric power in the coil by deforming the magnetostrictive member in response to movement of the movable unit; A lock for a vehicle comprising:

2. The power generation unit includes: a frame to which the magnetostrictive member is attached and which is formed to include a non-magnetic material; a first yoke portion that supports the frame together with the magnetostrictive member so as to be able to swing in a first direction, and a second yoke portion that is connected to the first yoke portion and is arranged alongside the magnetostrictive member in a second direction different from the first direction, and a yoke formed to include a magnetic material; The coil is wound around at least one of the yoke and the magnetostrictive member.

2. A lock for a vehicle according to claim 1.

3. A lock for switching a vehicle between a locked state and an unlocked state, the lock comprising: a movable part movable between a locked position corresponding to the locked state and an unlocked position corresponding to the unlocked state; and a power generating part including a coil and a magnetostrictive member, the power generating part generating electric power in the coil by deforming the magnetostrictive member in response to the movement of the movable part; a first detection unit that detects whether the lock is locked or unlocked based on a state of power generation by the power generation unit; a second detection unit that detects whether the vehicle is moving or stopped based on a state of electric power generation by the power generation unit; A notification unit that issues a notification; a notification control unit that causes the notification unit to issue a notification based on the detection results of the first detection unit and the second detection unit; An anti-theft system comprising:

4. A power generation unit provided in a vehicle or an accessory of the vehicle, the power generation unit generating power by vibration; A first detection unit that detects a locked state and an unlocked state of a lock that switches a vehicle between a locked state and an unlocked state; a second detection unit that detects whether the vehicle is moving or stopped based on a state of electric power generation by the power generation unit; A notification unit that issues a notification; a notification control unit that causes a notification unit to issue a notification based on the detection results of the first detection unit and the second detection unit; An anti-theft system comprising:

5. The power generation unit generates power by vibrations caused by movement of the vehicle.

5. The anti-theft system according to claim 4.

6. Further comprising a power storage unit that stores the power generated by the power generation unit.

6. An anti-theft system according to claim 4 or 5.

7. a first communication unit that communicates with an external device having an external notification unit that performs notification; The notification control unit notifies the external notification unit of the external device of the occurrence of vehicle theft through communication by the first communication unit.

6. An anti-theft system according to claim 4 or 5.

8. a position information acquisition unit that acquires position information indicating a position of the vehicle; The notification control unit causes the external notification unit of the external device to notify the external device of the location information through communication by the first communication unit.

8. The anti-theft system of claim 7.

9. The lock includes a second communication unit that communicates with an external device, receives an instruction from the external device via the second communication unit, and switches between a locked state and an unlocked state in response to the received instruction.

6. An anti-theft system according to claim 4 or 5.

10. The vehicle is a human-powered vehicle. A lock for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The vehicle is a human-powered vehicle.

5. An anti-theft system according to claim 3 or 4.

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