Vehicle Anti-theft system

Abstract

To provide a vehicle anti-theft system which allows an electric parking brake to be released by a special operation preliminary set by a user regardless of whether a power supply of a vehicle is turned on or off.SOLUTION: A vehicle anti-theft system comprises: an electric parking brake which is electrically operated and restricts rotation of wheels of a vehicle; a designated switch for operating the electric parking brake; and a control device in which a special operation is preliminary set regarding releasing of the electric parking brake and which permits releasing of the electric parking brake by detecting the special operation, has an anti-theft mode which inhibits releasing of the electric parking brake when the special operation is not detected, and automatically transitions to the anti-theft mode when prescribed conditions are met.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an anti-theft system for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicles with multiple wheels (front and rear wheels) include automobiles equipped with internal combustion engines, hybrid vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines and electric motors, and electric vehicles equipped with electric motors driven by rechargeable batteries. In addition to drum brakes and disc brakes linked to the brake pedal, vehicles are also equipped with parking brakes and side brakes that are operated when parking. In place of manual parking brakes, electric parking brakes (EPBs) using a motor are sometimes used. An electric parking brake is operated and released by a switch on a console installed in the driver's seat of the vehicle. An electric parking brake operates the parking brake by rotating a motor via an electronic control unit (ECU) installed in the vehicle. Specifically, an electric parking brake applies the brakes by rotating the motor forward to restrict the rotation of the wheels, and releases the wheel brakes by rotating the motor backward.

[0003] An electric parking brake parks a vehicle in a simpler way than manual operation, and prevents the vehicle from being stolen while parked, improving the security of the vehicle. However, there is a risk that the engine may be started by a third party through fraudulent conduct, resulting in the vehicle being stolen. Patent Document 1 discloses an anti-theft device for a vehicle, which allows the driver to perform a locking operation to restrict the rotation of the wheels and a release operation. In other words, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for releasing an electric parking brake when an anti-theft operation is performed, including the operation of an operation unit different from the parking brake operation unit operated during the release operation, among multiple operation units provided on the vehicle. The anti-theft operation can be changed by the owner (driver). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-84443 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, an electric parking device and a parking brake operation unit (electric parking brake switch) are provided as an anti-theft device, which performs a locking operation to restrict the rotation of the wheels by pressing a friction material against a rotating body that rotates integrally with the wheels by the drive of an electric motor. When the power is turned on with the rotation of the wheels of the vehicle restricted, the anti-theft device prohibits a release operation to release the restriction on the rotation of the wheels if the driver gets in the vehicle but does not perform an anti-theft operation. On the other hand, when the driver performs an anti-theft operation, the anti-theft device cancels the prohibition of the release operation. In Patent Document 1, the wheels are locked or unlocked depending on the presence or absence of an anti-theft operation linked to the power being turned on. However, the anti-theft operation can be performed by someone other than the driver (owner) of the vehicle. It is also necessary to develop a technology that is excellent in convenience when using an electric parking brake for anti-theft while ensuring the security of the vehicle.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE An object of the present invention is to provide an anti-theft system for a vehicle that enables the electric parking brake to be released by a preset special operation regardless of whether the vehicle power is on or off. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present invention, the vehicle anti-theft system is characterized by comprising an electric parking brake that is electrically operated to restrict the rotation of the vehicle wheels, a dedicated switch for activating the electric parking brake, and a control device in which a special operation is preset for releasing the electric parking brake, which has an anti-theft mode that detects the special operation to allow release of the electric parking brake and prohibits release of the electric parking brake when the special operation is not detected, and which automatically switches to the anti-theft mode when predetermined conditions are met. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, the electric parking brake can be released by a preset special operation regardless of whether the vehicle power supply is on or off. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an anti-theft system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 5 is a time chart showing an example of a special operation for releasing an anti-theft mode using an electric parking brake provided in a vehicle. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a mode transition diagram of the vehicle anti-theft system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 6 is a mode transition diagram of a vehicle anti-theft system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 5 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure for canceling an anti-theft mode in the vehicle anti-theft system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing a first procedure for activating an anti-theft mode in the vehicle anti-theft system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 5 is a flowchart showing a second procedure for activating an anti-theft mode in the vehicle anti-theft system according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an anti-theft system for a vehicle according to the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0011] Fig. 1 shows an anti-theft system 1 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the anti-theft system 1 shown in Fig. 1, an electric parking brake (EPB) 10, a control device 100, a navigation system 110, a key matching ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 120, an anti-skid (ESP: Electronic Stability Program) off switch 130, a brake controller 140, an accelerator opening sensor 150, an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS: Advanced Driver Assistance System) switch 160, and a communication device 170 are connected via an in-vehicle network (CAN: Controller Area Network).

[0012] 1, the EPB switch 101 and the EPB controller 102 are connected by a hard wire. Similarly, the EPB controller 102 and the special operation unit 103 are also connected by a hard wire, and the special operation unit 103 and the body controller 104 are also connected by a hard wire.

[0013] A vehicle is equipped with hydraulic brakes on the front and rear wheels, and the hydraulic pressure is increased or decreased according to the amount of depression of the brake pedal to adjust the braking force on the wheels.

[0014] The EPB 10 is provided separately from normal hydraulic brakes, adjusts the braking force by electrical signals, and is placed on the rear wheels of the vehicle. An operation switch switches the EPB 10 on and off. Specifically, the motor is operated by an electrical signal output from the EPB controller, and a sliding member is pressed against the rear wheels to generate braking force. The braking force of the EPB 10 is generated independently of the braking force generated by the hydraulic brakes. Therefore, even if the hydraulic brakes fail to operate due to a malfunction, the EPB 10 can apply the brakes to the rear wheels alone.

[0015] The control device 100 includes, but is not limited to, an electric parking brake (EPB) switch 101, an electric parking brake (EPB) controller 102, a special operation unit 103, and a body controller 104. The EPB switch 101 is a dedicated switch for activating the EPB 10, but another switch may be provided with a function for activating and deactivating the EPB 10.

[0016] The control device 100 may mainly include only the EPB controller 102, and the EPB switch 101, the special operation unit 103, and the body controller 104 may be installed outside the control device 100. In this case, the EPB controller 102, which is the control device 100, is configured with a processor (e.g., a CPU) that performs a predetermined function according to a predetermined program. For example, when the control device 100 detects that the EPB switch 101 is turned on in a state in which the anti-theft mode is not set or in a state in which the anti-theft mode is set but is deactivated and the EPB 10 is deactivated, the control device 100 outputs a command to activate the EPB 10. Furthermore, when the control device 100 receives a notification from the special operation unit 103 that a special operation has been performed in a state in which the anti-theft mode is set but is not set, or in a state in which the anti-theft mode is set but is deactivated and the EPB 10 is activated, the control device 100 outputs a command to deactivate the EPB 10. The anti-theft mode will be described later.

[0017] The electric parking brake switch 101 is a manually operable switch provided on a console on the driver's seat side of the vehicle.

[0018] An electric parking brake (EPB) controller 102 has a CAN wakeup function and suppresses CAN traffic by responding only to specific CAN frames. The EPB controller 102 activates the EPB 10 in response to the operation of the EPB switch 101, and controls the release of the anti-theft mode using the EPB 10 in response to a special operation.

[0019] The special operation unit 103 is a general term for a number of operators (e.g., brake switch, hazard lights, direction indicators, wipers, etc.), but may also include the ESP off switch 130 and the ADAS switch 160. When it detects that a specific operator has been operated, it notifies the EPB controller 102 that a special operation has been performed that permits the release of the anti-theft mode using the EPB 10.

[0020] The body (vehicle body) controller 104 controls a plurality of electrical components (such as ECUs that electrically control various control mechanisms of the vehicle body) connected to an in-vehicle network (CAN) and has a CAN wake-up function. For example, the body controller 104 brakes the vehicle in response to the operation of the brake switch, turns on and off the hazard lights, turns on and off the turn signals, and operates and stops the windshield wipers.

[0021] A vehicle is provided with an accessory (ACC) power supply that supplies power to various electrical devices and an ignition (IG) power supply that starts the engine (or electric motor). Starting and stopping the engine (or electric motor) is called ignition (IG) on / off, and the period from starting to stopping the engine, etc. is called an IG cycle. The EPB controller 102 and the body controller 104 are provided with a CAN wake-up function, so that even when the ignition (IG) is off, they can recognize special operations and send and receive predetermined signals (EPB on / off commands, etc.) via CAN.

[0022] The navigation system 110 is mounted as a touch panel display on a console located near the driver's seat of the vehicle. The navigation system 110 functions as a positioning device that identifies the current position of the vehicle (such as a parking position) using a GPS (Global Positioning System) and can display the current position of the vehicle together with map information. The navigation system 110 not only displays map information but also functions as an input device for performing various settings for the vehicle. When the mobile terminal 200 is equipped with a mobile navigation system or application, it functions as an input device for displaying map information and performing various settings for the vehicle, similar to the navigation system 110.

[0023] The key verification ECU 120 performs vehicle key authentication, and can also authenticate electronic keys capable of near field communication (NFC) in addition to physical keys (ignition switches). The key verification ECU 120 can also function as a sensor that detects whether the vehicle key is present inside the vehicle. If the vehicle key is removed from the vehicle, the key verification ECU 120 can detect this by communicating with an electronic key or the like via the communication device 170, for example.

[0024] The ESP off switch 130 is a switch for stopping the anti-skid function that stabilizes the vehicle behavior and prevents oversteer and understeer, and is connected to the brake controller 140 by a hard wire.

[0025] Accelerator opening sensor 150 detects the accelerator opening corresponding to the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal operated by the user (driver). The accelerator opening when the user fully depresses the accelerator pedal is set to 100%, and the accelerator opening when the user does not operate the accelerator pedal at all is set to 0%. The accelerator opening changes between 0% and 100% depending on the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal by the user.

[0026] The mobile terminal 200 can be operated by the driver (the owner of the vehicle). The mobile terminal 200 can wirelessly communicate with the communication device 170. The wired in-vehicle network (CAN) and the wireless communication device 170 have separate communication functions. The presence of the vehicle key (or electronic key) can be confirmed by a sensor inside the vehicle, and if the vehicle key has a near field communication (NFC) function, the anti-theft system 1 can detect that the key has left the vehicle via the communication device 170 etc.

[0027] The mobile terminal 200 is a mobile phone or a smartphone equipped with a mobile application. The mobile terminal 200 can wirelessly communicate with a communication device 170 provided in a vehicle, and various wireless communication methods such as WiFi communication, LTE communication, and Bluetooth communication can be applied. The mobile terminal 200 can download a mobile application from an ASP (Application Service Provider). The mobile terminal 200 has a digital key having a vehicle key function, and can perform various settings related to the vehicle on a touch panel display. In addition, the driver can control starting and stopping of the vehicle by operating the mobile application.

[0028] Next, a special operation for releasing the anti-theft mode using the EPB 10, which is a feature of this embodiment, will be described.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a time chart showing an example of a special operation for canceling the anti-theft mode using the EPB 10. In this embodiment, the special operation is a combination of operations of three operators (brake pedal, accelerator pedal, and wiper) during the period from when the EPB switch 101 is turned on (hereinafter referred to as EPB on) to when the EPB switch 101 is turned off (hereinafter referred to as EPB off). As shown in FIG. 5 described later, the control device 100 cancels the anti-theft mode when a special operation is detected after the EPB is turned on. The user can arbitrarily select the combination of the number of times that multiple operators (such as switches and sensors) are operated for the special operation. In FIG. 2, the special operation is a series of operations in which the brake pedal is operated three times, the wiper is operated once, the accelerator pedal is operated twice, and the brake pedal is operated once after the EPB is turned on. The user can arbitrarily select the operator (combination of multiple operators and sensors) and the number of operations for the special operation for canceling the anti-theft mode after the EPB is turned on.

[0030] The combination of vehicle switches, sensors, etc. used for special operations can be freely set and changed by the user. Basically, the anti-theft mode using the EPB 10 can be released by a special operation that only the user knows, improving the security of the anti-theft system 1. Setting the special operations can be simplified because it is only necessary to recognize the on / off state of switches, etc. As a result, the user is less likely to make mistakes in operations after the special operations have been set.

[0031] When the accelerator opening sensor 150 is used to set the special operation, the user may depress the accelerator pedal in advance to set the accelerator opening to 70%. In this case, the user does not need to set the accelerator opening to exactly 70%, and an accelerator opening in the range of 60% to 80% may be determined as the same user operation. Even if the user depresses the accelerator pedal to target an accelerator opening of 60% to 80%, it is difficult to adjust the accelerator opening because the user cannot visually check the accelerator opening. The reason why a combination of switches and sensors that can communicate or be recognized as on / off via an in-vehicle network is used as an example of a special operation is to enable the switches and sensors to be recognized when the ignition (IG) is off.

[0032] By using the switching operation of the EPB 10 as the start / end condition of the special operation, the time range for recognizing the special operation can be clearly recognized on the vehicle side. Since the turning on of the EPB switch 101 is the start trigger of the special operation, the combination of operations such as the switch during that time can be made complex. If there is no trigger for recognizing the special operation, if the anti-theft mode is released by depressing the brake pedal multiple times (for example, three times), the anti-theft mode may be released if the driver depresses the brake pedal five times while driving the vehicle. However, in this embodiment, since the trigger by the EPB switch 101 is the start condition of the special operation, it is possible to avoid an event in which the driver unintentionally releases the anti-theft mode. In addition, in this embodiment, the status of the switch and the sensor can be recognized even when the ignition (IG) is off. Examples of the operators (switches and sensors) that can be operated on and off of the vehicle include the accelerator pedal, the brake pedal, the hazard lights, the turn indicators, the wipers, the ESP off switch, and the ADAS switch. The special operation may be a combination of the number of times the above-mentioned operators are turned on and off, the operation time, and the like.

[0033] The special operation can be set on the setting screen of the navigation (GPS) 110, but can also be set by a mobile application of the mobile terminal 200. Also, the anti-theft mode can be released by the mobile application.

[0034] The special operation may be a combination of on / off counts by selecting two or more switches or sensors that can be turned on / off in the vehicle according to the driver's conditions. If the EPB switch 101 is a momentary switch, the user may press and hold the EPB switch and then perform a predetermined operation input.

[0035] For example, when setting a special operation on the screen of the navigation system (GPS) 110, the on time of switches (e.g., accelerator pedal, brake pedal, hazard switch, direction indicator, windshield wipers, ESP off switch, ADAS switch) can be input in seconds. When the user actually operates the switches and sets them, if the operation time is set to 2.6 seconds, the next operation may be treated as the same operation from 2·6 seconds or more, or from 3 seconds or more to +2 seconds. In other words, a certain time width may be set for the switch operation time. A confirmation screen for the setting contents related to the special operation may be displayed on the navigation system (GPS) 110, the mobile terminal 200, etc. The setting contents of the special operation may be recorded in the mobile terminal 200.

[0036] In this embodiment, the user operates the navigation 110 or the like to perform input processing for the theft prevention for the control device 100, for example, setting of switches related to special operations, but this is not limited thereto. The user may use the mobile terminal 200 to perform input processing related to theft prevention. For example, if the mobile terminal 200 is equipped with a GPS function, it may communicate with an in-vehicle computer (for example, the navigation 110) and display vehicle position information in accordance with the map information of the mobile terminal 200 itself. An input screen for special operations may be displayed on the mobile terminal 200 so that the user can perform input processing for theft prevention using a mobile app. Examples of input items include a combination of operators related to special operations, the number of operations, date and time, and location. In addition, a release button may be displayed on the mobile terminal 200 so that the user can operate the mobile terminal 200 to release the theft prevention mode from outside the vehicle. In this way, the user may operate the mobile terminal 200 to execute input processing related to theft prevention and release processing of the theft prevention mode. In this embodiment, two input methods are realized for the setting processing related to theft prevention, improving user convenience. That is, the user can implement the theft prevention function using the vehicle-mounted computer, and can also implement the theft prevention function using the mobile terminal 200 .

[0037] The control device 100 may be provided with a screen display unit that displays the settings of special operations. The screen display unit may be a separate screen from the navigation system 110. When the navigation system 110 is shared as the screen display unit, the control device 100 may be equipped with a display control unit that controls the screen display of the navigation system 110. Since the user can set the special operations by himself / herself by referring to the screen display unit, the user can visually check whether the special operations are set as intended, which prevents the user from making a mistake.

[0038] The anti-theft system 1 (particularly the control device 100) according to this embodiment has three anti-theft modes using the vehicle's EPB 10. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, transitions are made between the three modes: anti-theft mode (A), normal mode (N), and standby mode (S).

[0039] Next, activation and deactivation of the anti-theft mode (A) using the EPB 10 in the anti-theft system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 shows a mode transition diagram of the anti-theft system 1 according to the first embodiment, and Figure 4 shows a mode transition diagram of the anti-theft system 1 according to the second embodiment. Figures 3 and 4 show transitions between three modes, but these are illustrative and not limiting.

[0040] In the mode transition diagram shown in Fig. 3, when the user switches the shift lever (shift position) to the parking (P) range in the normal mode (N), the anti-theft system 1 transitions to the standby mode (S). If the user then switches the shift position to a position other than the P range, the anti-theft system returns from the standby mode (S) to the normal mode (N). This is because if the user sets the shift lever to the P range to park the vehicle, but then switches to another shift position to move the vehicle, there is no need to prepare for transition to the anti-theft mode (A), and the standby mode (S) is cancelled.

[0041] When the frequency of use of the anti-theft mode (A) by the user (or the frequency of transition to the anti-theft mode (A)) is high, the anti-theft system 1 counts the frequency of use of the anti-theft mode (A) by the user and compares it with a predetermined threshold. The frequency of use is counted at a predetermined time (for example, for each time period, each day, etc.) and compared with a predetermined threshold set for each predetermined time. When the count value of the frequency of use exceeds the predetermined threshold, the anti-theft system 1 displays a recommended screen on the display of the vehicle in the standby mode (S). For example, a message or an image (such as an emoticon) encouraging the anti-theft mode may be displayed as the recommended screen display. Alternatively, a predetermined message may be reproduced by voice instead of the recommended screen display. For example, the EPB controller 102 of the control unit 100 may display the recommended screen in conjunction with the navigation system 110. Alternatively, the control device 100 may communicate with the mobile terminal 200 via the communication device 170 and display the recommended screen on the mobile terminal 200. A counter may be provided within the EPB controller 102 to count the frequency of use of the anti-theft mode (A), and when the count value exceeds a threshold, a command may be generated and transmitted to the navigation system 110 or the mobile terminal 200 to display a recommended screen.

[0042] When a user who has seen the recommended display screen executes the setting of the anti-theft mode (A), the anti-theft system 1 transitions from the standby mode (S) to the anti-theft mode (A) (EPB on). The transition to the anti-theft mode (A) by the user's setting may be performed by the same operation as that performed when the anti-theft mode (A) is released, such as setting on the screen of the navigation system 110 or the mobile terminal 200, pressing and holding the EPB switch 101 while parking, operating the EPB switch 101 multiple times, or in combination with another switch. The setting of the anti-theft mode by the user may be performed by operating a switch (for example, the EPB switch) provided in the vehicle, or by operating an icon on a touch panel display in the vehicle or an icon of a mobile application on the mobile terminal. When the user performs a special operation in the anti-theft mode (A), the anti-theft mode (A) is released, and the anti-theft system 1 returns to the normal mode (N).

[0043] Next, the anti-theft mode (A), which is a feature of this embodiment, will be described in detail. In this embodiment, the parking position of the vehicle can be within a predetermined range of the location where the anti-theft mode (A) was entered. The timing of the screen display to prompt the driver to enter the anti-theft mode (A) may be when the number of special operations set in advance reaches half or more. The screen may be displayed when the vehicle is stopped and the user (driver) sets the shift position to the P range. The display of the navigation system 110 or the mobile terminal 200 can display the setting contents of the special operations, and the setting contents of the special operations can be recorded in a storage device (semiconductor memory, hard disk drive, etc.) in the vehicle or in the memory (ROM, RAM, etc.) of the mobile terminal 200, so that the user can read and check the setting contents of the special operations.

[0044] In this embodiment, the mobile terminal 200 has a security function separate from the vehicle key, and the mobile app can enable the anti-theft mode (A) using the EPB 10 to be released by setting a user-specified password or an operation predetermined by the user. The operation predetermined by the user can be a combination of on / off of various switches in the vehicle. In addition, the anti-theft mode (A) of the vehicle can be released remotely using the mobile terminal 200. Also, activation and release of the anti-theft mode (A) may be permitted by recognizing the on / off of various sensors in the vehicle.

[0045] In the first embodiment, the transition to the anti-theft mode (A) is performed by user setting, but a prohibition condition for prohibiting automatic transition to the anti-theft mode (A) may be set. This prohibition condition may be set only in the ignition (IG) cycle in which the anti-theft mode (A) is released. The ignition cycle may be, for example, the period from ignition on to ignition off, in which the driver starts the vehicle engine or electric motor using the key. The security of the vehicle can be improved by having a person who owns the vehicle key and knows how to release the special operation set the prohibition condition.

[0046] The user may set the conditions for prohibiting automatic transition to the anti-theft mode (A) using the mobile terminal 200. The prohibition conditions may be within a predetermined time after the vehicle is stopped or the key is removed from the vehicle. For example, this is convenient when it is desired to prohibit automatic transition to the anti-theft mode when the driver leaves the vehicle for a short time to go shopping at a convenience store. This is because the possibility of the vehicle being stolen is considered low for a short predetermined time, and it would be troublesome for the driver to perform a special operation to cancel the anti-theft mode when returning to the vehicle.

[0047] In the anti-theft system 1, the user can set conditions for constantly switching to the anti-theft mode when the ignition (IG) is off and the EPB is on. The conditions for constantly switching to the anti-theft mode (A) may include a situation where the EPB is switched to on by a switch operation, a situation where the EPB is automatically switched to on when the ignition (IG) is off, and a situation where the EPB is automatically switched to on when the vehicle is stopped. The user may be able to arbitrarily select conditions related only to a time or place set by the user (such as a parking area designated by the user). For example, when parking in a home garage with a shutter, the anti-theft system 1 can be set not to switch to the anti-theft mode (A) on days of the week or during the time period when the vehicle is parked in a company parking lot. Alternatively, the anti-theft system 1 may switch to the anti-theft mode (A) only when the user leaves the vehicle for a predetermined time or longer.

[0048] In the anti-theft system 1, once a condition for constantly switching to the anti-theft mode (A) or a condition for switching to the anti-theft mode (A) specified by the user is set, the condition may be continued until the user changes the setting.

[0049] Each time, the user who sets whether or not to switch to the anti-theft mode (A) may stop the vehicle at a location where the anti-theft mode (A) is normally set. In this case, the anti-theft system 1 may display a message or information on the screen recommending that the vehicle switch to the anti-theft mode (A) when the user places the vehicle in P mode, and may inquire of the user whether or not to switch to the anti-theft mode (A).

[0050] The anti-theft system 1 may be configured to transition to the anti-theft mode (A) when the user removes the vehicle key from the vehicle.

[0051] The anti-theft system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a special operation as a condition for deactivating the anti-theft mode (A) in order to provide a more convenient method for using the EPB 10 for theft prevention. In the anti-theft mode (A), the control device 100 allows the EPB 10 to be deactivated by a special operation preset by the user regardless of the power on / off state, and prohibits deactivation of the EPB 10 when the special operation is not detected.

[0052] In the anti-theft system 1, under certain conditions, the anti-theft mode (A) cannot be deactivated without a special operation by the user (driver or owner of the vehicle), i.e., the EPB 10 cannot be deactivated and the vehicle cannot be moved, thereby contributing to theft prevention.

[0053] The anti-theft system 1 can be deactivated in anti-theft mode (A) by a special operation even when the ignition (IG) is off. This makes it convenient to use when parking in a place where there is no risk of theft in winter or when you want to deactivate the anti-theft mode (A) without turning on the ignition (IG) during a vehicle inspection.

[0054] The anti-theft system 1 may include a communication device capable of establishing wireless communication between an in-vehicle network and a mobile terminal (such as a mobile phone or smartphone). The special operation is performed using a digital key having a vehicle key function and a digital key of a mobile terminal having a function of releasing the anti-theft mode (A).

[0055] With the above-mentioned configuration, the anti-theft mode (A) can be released using the digital key of the mobile device in addition to the vehicle key. Using the digital key of the mobile device in addition to the vehicle key ensures double security, improving the robustness of the anti-theft measures. The driver (owner) of the vehicle may release the anti-theft mode (A) by operating an application (mobile app) on the mobile device. This makes it possible to avoid the hassle of releasing the anti-theft mode.

[0056] In the mode transition diagram shown in FIG. 4, the anti-theft system 1 transitions to the standby mode (S) when the ignition (IG) is on and the EPB is on in the normal mode (N) or when it detects that the key has been removed from the vehicle. In the standby mode (S), the anti-theft system 1 returns to the normal mode (N) when it detects that the ignition (IG) is on or that the key is present inside the vehicle. Since FIG. 4 is a mode transition diagram relating to an automatic transition to the anti-theft mode (A), the anti-theft system 1 automatically transitions from the standby mode (S) to the anti-theft mode (A) without the user setting a predetermined location, a predetermined time, or a predetermined condition. Note that if the user has previously set a predetermined location, a predetermined time, or a predetermined condition for activating the anti-theft mode (A), the anti-theft system 1 may be configured to automatically transition from the standby mode (S) to the anti-theft mode (A) if the vehicle's location, time of day, or the like meets the predetermined conditions. When the user performs a special operation in the anti-theft mode (A), the anti-theft mode (A) is cancelled and the anti-theft system 1 returns to the normal mode (N).

[0057] In this embodiment, when the anti-theft mode (A) is set, the anti-theft mode (A) cannot be cancelled without a special operation under certain conditions, and the vehicle cannot be moved. Therefore, theft can be prevented even if the vehicle is illegally operated by a third party. Since the anti-theft system 1 can cancel the anti-theft mode (A) by a special operation even when the ignition (IG) is off, this embodiment functions effectively even when parking in a place where there is no risk of theft or when it is desired to cancel the anti-theft mode (A) without turning on the ignition (IG) for vehicle inspection, etc., thereby improving the convenience of the electric parking brake.

[0058] The anti-theft system 1 according to the second embodiment is characterized in that it automatically switches to the anti-theft mode (A) when a predetermined condition is met.

[0059] In the second embodiment, under certain conditions, the anti-theft mode (A) cannot be released without a special operation, i.e., the EPB 10 is not permitted to be released and the vehicle cannot be moved, thereby preventing theft of the vehicle. In the second embodiment, the anti-theft mode (A) is automatically switched to, which prevents the driver from forgetting to switch to the anti-theft mode (A) in a situation where theft prevention is required. Also, unlike the first embodiment, the driver (owner) of the vehicle does not need to make settings related to switching to the anti-theft mode (A).

[0060] In the second embodiment, the predetermined condition may be when the power supply that supplies power to the vehicle's electrical equipment (such as the ECU) is off and the operation of the electric parking brake is detected. In the second embodiment, the vehicle automatically transitions to the theft prevention mode (A) when it is expected that the user (driver) will leave the vehicle. The above-mentioned predetermined condition prevents the driver from forgetting to transition to the theft prevention mode (A) in a situation where it is expected that theft prevention is necessary. In addition, since the vehicle automatically transitions to the theft prevention mode (A) when the predetermined condition is met, the driver of the vehicle does not need to make any settings related to the transition to the theft prevention mode (A). Note that an example of power off that stops the supply of power to the vehicle's electrical equipment is ignition (IG) off.

[0061] In the second embodiment, the predetermined condition may be when it is detected that the vehicle key has been removed from the vehicle. The predetermined condition is met simply by detecting that the vehicle key has been removed from the vehicle, and it is possible to prevent the user (driver) from forgetting to switch to the anti-theft mode (A) in a situation where switching to the anti-theft mode (A) is required. Note that if the vehicle key is an electronic key and is capable of communicating with the on-board computer, the on-board computer can detect that the key has been removed from the vehicle.

[0062] In the second embodiment, the control device 100 may selectively execute automatic transition to the anti-theft mode (A) or transition by user operation. By allowing the user to arbitrarily select between automatic transition and transition by user operation, the convenience of the anti-theft system 1 can be improved. Since the user can arbitrarily select to transition to the anti-theft mode (A) only when the user sets it, the convenience of activating and canceling the anti-theft mode (A) using the EPB 10 can be improved.

[0063] In the second embodiment, the control device 100 may be able to set prohibition conditions that prohibit automatic transition to the anti-theft mode (A). When the user (driver) determines that the anti-theft mode (A) is unnecessary, the user can set prohibition conditions (e.g., the vehicle's location, date and time, etc.) to prevent the vehicle from transitioning to a security mode (such as the anti-theft mode). In other words, the user does not need to perform a special operation to cancel the security mode while driving the vehicle, which improves the convenience of the anti-theft system 1. For example, even if the anti-theft system 1 is set to automatically transition to the security mode, the vehicle can be prevented from transitioning to the security mode only when the prohibition conditions set by the user are met.

[0064] In the second embodiment, the prohibited condition may be a predetermined geographical range set by the user. This eliminates the need for the user to constantly perform special operations within the predetermined geographical range where it is not necessary to switch to the anti-theft mode (A), improving the convenience of the anti-theft system 1. A frequently used parking lot with a fence at home or work is assumed as the predetermined geographical range.

[0065] In the second embodiment, the prohibition condition may be at least one of a predetermined date, time, and day of the week set by the user. The convenience of the anti-theft system 1 can be improved since the user does not need to constantly perform special operations at at least one of the predetermined date, time, and day of the week when it is not necessary to switch to the anti-theft mode (A). The predetermined date and time can be a time period (time at home, time to go to work, days when the user is at home or goes to work, etc.) when the user parks the vehicle in a fenced parking lot at home or at work.

[0066] In the second embodiment, the anti-theft system 1 may be provided with a communication device 170 capable of establishing wireless communication between an in-vehicle network and a mobile terminal (mobile phone) 200. The mobile terminal 200 has a digital key having a vehicle key function and an application having a function of enabling the anti-theft mode (A) to be released. Therefore, the special operation is performed using the digital key of the mobile terminal 200.

[0067] In the second embodiment, the special operation for releasing the anti-theft mode (A) may be set in the control device 100 by the user operating the mobile terminal 200. The user can set the special operation in the control device 100 by operating the mobile terminal 200. This eliminates the need for the user to operate the in-vehicle computer in the vehicle to set the special operation, improving the convenience of the anti-theft system 1.

[0068] In the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the special operation may be a combination of a switch and / or a sensor of the vehicle that can communicate or recognize on / off via the in-vehicle network. Also, the control device 100 may include a screen display unit that displays the setting contents of the special operation.

[0069] Next, the functions of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 5 to 7. The EPB controller 102 of the control device 100 has at least functions such as special operation setting and anti-theft mode (A) control. The special operation setting is set by combining the number of times, the operation sequence, the operation timing, etc. of a plurality of operators belonging to the special operation unit 103. The setting contents of the special operation for automatically switching to the anti-theft mode (A) may be set in advance by the vehicle manufacturing department, or may be set arbitrarily by the user. In controlling the anti-theft mode (A), as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the transition to the anti-theft mode (A) and the release of the anti-theft mode (A) are controlled.

[0070] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the operation procedure for canceling the anti-theft mode (A) in the vehicle anti-theft system 1 according to this embodiment (steps S101 to S103).

[0071] When the control device 100 detects that the EPB switch 101 is turned on, it waits until any switch corresponding to the special operation unit 103 is operated to detect a special operation (S101 to S102). If the control device 100 does not detect that the EPB switch 101 is turned on, the flow in FIG. 5 ends (S101, NO). When the EPB controller 102 cooperates with the special operation unit 103 and detects that a predetermined special operation has been performed with the EPB on, it cancels the theft prevention mode (A) (S102 to S103). When the theft prevention mode (A) is canceled, it is also possible to cancel the EPB 10.

[0072] Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing a first procedure for activating the anti-theft mode in this embodiment (steps S201 to S204). Fig. 6 shows an example of a control procedure for automatically shifting from the standby mode (S) to the anti-theft mode (A) in the mode transition diagram shown in Fig. 4.

[0073] In the first procedure shown in FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not the anti-theft inactivation conditions are met (S202). When the user leaves the vehicle for a short time, or when parking the vehicle in a home garage or a company parking lot, there is no need to activate the anti-theft mode (A). A situation in which the user does not need to activate the anti-theft mode of the vehicle is called an anti-theft inactivation condition. Even if the vehicle is set to the constant anti-theft mode (EPB on), if the anti-theft inactivation conditions are met (S202, NO), the first procedure ends (S201 to S202). On the other hand, even if the EPB is on, if the anti-theft inactivation conditions are not met (or the vehicle may switch to the anti-theft mode (A)) (S202, YES), the anti-theft system 1 activates the anti-theft mode (A) (S204) when it detects that the key of the vehicle has been removed (S202 to S203).

[0074] Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing a second procedure for activating the anti-theft mode in this embodiment (steps S301 to S307). Fig. 7 shows an example of a control procedure for recommending a transition from the standby mode (S) to the anti-theft mode (A) in the mode transition diagram shown in Fig. 3.

[0075] In the second procedure shown in FIG. 7, when the constant setting of the anti-theft mode (EPB ON) and the setting of the recommended area and time period for activating the anti-theft mode (A) are compatible (S301 to S302), the anti-theft system 1 displays a recommendation screen recommending the anti-theft mode (A) to the user on a display in the vehicle (S303). If the recommended area and time period for activating the anti-theft mode (A) are not set, the anti-theft system 1 does not display the recommendation screen. When the anti-theft mode (A) is set by the user who has seen the recommendation screen display (S304), the flow proceeds from steps S305 to S307 (the same process as steps S202 to S204 in FIG. 6). Even if the anti-theft mode is not always set in step S301, the flow proceeds from steps S305 to S307. If the user does not set the anti-theft mode in step S304, steps S305 to S307 are skipped.

[0076] In the anti-theft system 1, if the anti-theft mode (A) is not set permanently (S301, NO), or if the anti-theft mode (A) is set permanently (S301, YES) and the anti-theft mode (A) has been set by the user (S304, YES), the flow proceeds to step S305.

[0077] In step S305 of Fig. 7, the anti-theft system 1 determines whether the vehicle is not in an anti-theft inactivation condition. If the vehicle meets the anti-theft inactivation condition (S305, NO), steps S306 to S307 are skipped. On the other hand, if the vehicle is not in an anti-theft inactivation condition (S305, YES), the anti-theft system 1 activates the anti-theft mode (A) (S307) when it detects that the key has been removed from the vehicle (S306, YES).

[0078] In the second procedure shown in FIG. 7, when a user who has seen the recommendation screen display sets the theft prevention mode (A) and the conditions are other than the theft prevention non-operation conditions, if it detects that the key has been removed from the vehicle, the theft prevention system 1 activates the theft prevention mode (A).

[0079] The hardware of the vehicle control device 100 may be configured with a switch for the EPB 10, a processor (such as a CPU), a memory (such as a semiconductor memory), and an actuator such as a motor that operates the EPB 10. Also, combinations of a plurality of operators relating to special operations, settings relating to the on / off states, as well as conditions for switching on, canceling, and prohibiting switching to the anti-theft mode (A) may be stored in the memory. The flows of Figures 5 to 7 may be stored in the memory as a program, and the processor may execute the program to activate the anti-theft mode.

[0080] Finally, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and the hardware configuration and the software content are not limited. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and includes various design changes and modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1. Anti-theft system 10. Electric Parking Brake (EPB) 100 Control device 101 EPB switch 102 Electric parking brake controller 103 Special operation section 104 Body Controller 110 Navigation (GPS) 120 Key Matching ECU 130 ESP off switch 140 Brake controller 150 Accelerator opening sensor 160 ADAS Switch 170 Communication Equipment

Claims

1. An electric parking brake that is electrically operated to regulate the rotation of the wheels of the vehicle; A dedicated switch for activating the electric parking brake; a control device having an anti-theft mode in which a special operation for releasing the electric parking brake is preset, the anti-theft mode detects the special operation and permits the release of the electric parking brake, and prohibits the release of the electric parking brake when the special operation is not detected, and the control device automatically transitions to the anti-theft mode when a predetermined condition is met; An anti-theft system for a vehicle comprising:

2. 2. The vehicle theft prevention system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition of the control device is that a power source supplying electric power to electrical components of the vehicle is off and operation of the electric parking brake is detected.

3. 2. The vehicle theft prevention system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition of the control device is when it is detected that a key has been removed from the vehicle.

4. 2. The vehicle theft prevention system according to claim 1, wherein the control device selectively switches to the theft prevention mode either automatically or by a user operation.

5. 2. The vehicle anti-theft system according to claim 1, wherein the control device is capable of setting a prohibition condition for prohibiting automatic switching to the anti-theft mode.

6. 6. The vehicle theft prevention system according to claim 5, wherein the prohibition condition set in the control device is a predetermined geographical range set by a user.

7. 6. The vehicle theft prevention system according to claim 5, wherein the prohibition condition set in the control device is at least one of a predetermined date and time, a time of day, and a day of the week set by a user.

8. A communication device capable of establishing wireless communication with a mobile terminal, 2. The vehicle theft prevention system according to claim 1, wherein the special operation is performed using a digital key having a key function for the vehicle and the digital key of the mobile terminal having an application having a function of releasing the electric parking brake.

9. 9. The vehicle theft prevention system according to claim 8, wherein the special operation is set in the control device by operating the mobile terminal.

10. 2. The vehicle anti-theft system according to claim 1, wherein the special operation is a combination of a switch and / or a sensor of the vehicle that can communicate via an in-vehicle network or can be recognized as being on or off.

11. 11. The vehicle theft prevention system according to claim 10, wherein the control device includes a screen display unit that displays the settings of the special operation.

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