KR100820318B1 - Ignition knob lock apparatus for car and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

An ignition knob lock apparatus for a vehicle and a method for locking the same are provided to prevent the ignition knob lock apparatus from malfunctioning by mechanically controlling the locking operation based on an electronic control. An ignition knob lock apparatus comprises an ignition knob body(200) formed at a front end of a key cylinder(100) into which a key(28) is inserted. A first locking member(23) moves in a direction parallel to an axial direction of the key cylinder to change a key insertion enable state into a key insertion disable state or vice versa. A second locking member(24) moves in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the key cylinder. An actuator(25) controls the movement of the first and second locking members. A controller(300) drives the actuator to move the first and second locking members.

Description

Ignition Knob Lock Apparatus for Car and Control Method

1 is a cross-sectional view of an ignition knob lock device of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a view for explaining the operation principle of the locking member according to the present invention.

3 is a plan view of the handle of the ignition knob lock device and the insertion position of the key FOB according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is an internal configuration diagram of a control unit of the ignition knob lock device of the present invention.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a locking method of a vehicle ignition knob lock device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

 Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

100: key cylinder 200: ignition knob lock body

300: control unit 400: key FOB

21,22: first and second locking groove 23,24: first and second locking member

25: actuator 26: coil antenna

27: spring 28: car key

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ignition knob lock device of a vehicle and a locking method thereof, and particularly, except for a legitimate user, to prevent the insertion and rotation of a car key and to prevent steering operation and engine starting, thereby theft of the vehicle. An ignition knob lock device for a vehicle and a locking method thereof are provided.

Generally, the ignition lock device used to start an engine of a vehicle is also called a start switch for starting the engine, and is mostly integrated with a steering shaft lock to prevent theft of the vehicle.

Such a conventional vehicle ignition lock device is typically installed to be fixed on a steering shaft connected to a steering wheel, and the driver can insert the car key through a car key hole in the front thereof. That is, the vehicle ignition lock device includes an ignition lock to which an automobile key is inserted, a key cylinder to which the operation of the car key is applied by rotating with the car key inserted, and an ignition to perform a locking action according to the operation state of the key cylinder. Consists of a rock body, the state of the vehicle is switched according to the rotation stage of the car key. The rotation of the car key is composed of four steps: lock, accessory power supply (ACC), control device and driving device (ON), and start start (START). Only in position is inserted or removed in the ignition lock.

In addition, the conventional ignition lock device is a mechanical lock device installed near the steering device and the locking device of the car door. Such a mechanical lock device generally allows the driver to start the engine by inserting a car key and operating according to the rotation stage, and release the steering shaft from being locked. By the way, the conventional mechanical lock device is a hassle that the driver must insert the car key to rotate, and after the mechanical lock device is damaged, it is possible to start the engine through the simple operation to steal the vehicle. There is a problem.

On the other hand, smart cars are provided in recently released cars. A car using smart keys is designed to change the structure of the key cylinder and steering column during the launch process so that the car key cannot be inserted into the key cylinder unless it is a normal authentication process. The user can lock / unlock the door using only the smart key and perform the start-up through the authentication result without inserting the key.

However, in the case of a vehicle that is not provided with a smart key, there is a hassle to release the steering column lock and start the engine by inserting a physical key to operate according to the rotation stage. Therefore, in order to eliminate the trouble of inserting and rotating the key by applying the smart key to the vehicle using the physical key, the car key should always be inserted in the key cylinder. However, in this case, the car key is inserted into the key cylinder, which may cause theft of the car.

In the technical field, there has been a technical demand for the ignition knob lock device that can solve the theft and security problems while the car key is always installed inside the car when the smart key is applied to the vehicle using the physical key. .

The present invention has been proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and prevents the insertion and rotation of a car key except for a legitimate user, prevents steering operation and engine starting, and at the same time, only a legitimate user starts the engine. It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle ignition knob lock device and a locking method thereof.

The present invention for achieving the above object,

An ignition knob body provided at the front end of the key cylinder into which the automobile key is inserted; A first locking member moving in parallel with the axial direction of the key cylinder in the ignition knob body and switching between enabling and disabling the vehicle key insertion according to the moved position; A second locking member moving inside the ignition knob body at a right angle to the axial direction of the key cylinder and switching between enabling and disabling the vehicle key rotation according to the moved position; First and second locking grooves are formed to guide movement of the first and second locking members, respectively, and the first and second locking members enter and exit the first and second locking grooves, respectively. An actuator for controlling movement of the locking member; And a control unit configured to perform authentication on a key fob for a vehicle, and to drive the actuator to move the first and second locking members, respectively, so that the insertion and rotation of the car key are switched to a possible state. It includes.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the ignition knob body is separated from the key cylinder and is preferably coupled by an automobile key inserted into the key cylinder.

In another embodiment of the present invention, when the first and second locking members enter the first and second locking grooves, respectively, the vehicle key may be inserted into and rotated, and the first and second locking members may be rotated. When exiting from the inside of the groove respectively, the insertion and rotation of the car key is switched to the impossible state. In this case, when the first locking member completely exits from the first locking groove, it is preferable that the end of the first locking member contacts the front end of the key cylinder.

The controller preferably requests and receives a unique ID from the automobile key FOB, and performs authentication on the key FOB using the received ID. In this case, the control unit requests a unique ID to the key FOB when the driver's door closing signal or the shift lever P (parking) signal provided to the vehicle is ON, and compares the received ID with a previously stored ID. It is preferable to perform authentication for the key FOB.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ignition knob lock device may further include a battery and a coil antenna for supplying power to the battery, and the control unit preferably applies a driving signal to the coil antenna.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuator may include: first and second electromagnets in which coils are wound in a predetermined solenoid form to include at least the first and second locking grooves, respectively; A polarity switching unit for switching the polarities of both ends of the electromagnet; Including, it is preferable to allow the first and second locking members to enter and exit the first and second locking grooves according to the polarity change of the first and second electromagnets. Here, it is preferable that the first and second locking members are permanent magnets having a predetermined length.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit may include a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting a request signal of a key FOB ID to the key FOB; A receiving unit for wirelessly receiving the ID from the key FOB; When the driver's seat door closing signal or brake pedal signal provided to the vehicle is ON, the ID request signal is transmitted to the key FOB through the transmitter, and the ID is received from the key FOB through the receiver. An MCU which performs authentication on the key FOB by comparing the received ID with an ID previously stored therein, and outputs a control signal when the authentication passes; A start relay for switching a power source for starting a car engine according to a rotation state of the car key to a start motor when the control signal is received; And a timer that counts the elapsed time since the authentication passes in the MCU and provides the count result to the MCU in real time.

In an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the transmitter transmits an ID request signal to the key FOB through LF communication, and the receiver receives an ID from the key FOB through RF communication.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit may be configured to switch the vehicle key insertion and rotation to a non-available state if power for starting the engine of the vehicle is not supplied within a preset time using a count time provided from the timer. And driving the actuator to move the second locking member. At this time, in another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit drives the actuator to move the first and second locking members so that the insertion and rotation of the car key is impossible, the driver's door closing signal or brake When the pedal signal is turned on, it is preferable to drive the actuator to move the first and second locking members so that the vehicle key insertion and rotation can be switched.

In addition, the present invention for achieving the above object is a locking method of the ignition knob lock device of the vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 13 is at least one of the driver's seat door closing signal or brake pedal signal of the vehicle A first step of determining whether the signal is ON; Requesting a unique ID from a key fob of a vehicle when the at least one signal is turned on and receiving a unique ID from the key fob in response to the request; A third step of performing authentication on the key FOB using the received ID; And driving an actuator for controlling the movement of the first and second locking members so that the insertion and rotation of the car key are enabled when the authentication passes, and if the authentication does not pass, insertion and rotation of the car key is prevented. And a fourth step of driving an actuator for controlling the movement of the first and second locking members to be switched to the impossible state.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the second step is to transmit the ID request signal to the key FOB in LF communication, and to receive the ID from the key FOB in RF communication.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, after the fourth step, when the key FOB authentication passes and the vehicle key is inserted and rotated, the brake pedal signal, the shift lever P signal, and the ignition switch START signal are output. Determining whether it is ON; And turning on the start relay if it is turned on, and transmitting a START signal from the ignition switch to the start motor for engine start.

In another embodiment of the present invention, after the fourth step, counting time elapsed after authentication of the key FOB is passed; And driving an actuator for controlling the movement of the first and second locking members so that the insertion and rotation of the car key are impossible when the engine start of the vehicle is not completed within the preset time using the counted time. It may further include. In this case, after driving the actuator to move the first and second locking members so that the vehicle key insertion and rotation are impossible, the driver's door closing signal or brake pedal signal is turned on. And driving the actuator to move the first and second locking members so that key insertion and rotation are enabled.

In the following, a detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description of the present invention, in the case where it is determined that detailed descriptions of related well-known functions or configurations may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted so as not to obscure the subject matter of the present invention. will be.

1 is a cross-sectional view of an ignition knob lock device of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, an ignition knob lock device of a vehicle according to the present invention is basically composed of an ignition knob body 200 and a controller 300. In more detail, the ignition knob body 200 is provided at the front end of the key cylinder 100 and the controller 300 is connected to the ignition knob body 200 by wire to transmit and receive a signal. In the key cylinder 100, the car key 28 is inserted and the power mode of the car is switched according to the rotation state of the inserted car donkey 28. In other words, the car key 28 is inserted into the key cylinder 100 to rotate in four stages of LOCK, accessory power supply (ACC), control device and driving device (ON), and start start (START). Then, the power mode of the vehicle is switched according to this rotation state. The inserted car key 28 is automatically removed in the lock step by the elasticity of the spring 27.

The ignition knob body 200 is preferably provided in a cylindrical shape and is installed to be fixed on a steering shaft connected to a steering wheel of an automobile. In particular, the ignition knob body 200 is provided at the front end of the key cylinder 100, and preferably has a structure separated from the key cylinder 100. Therefore, the ignition knob body 200 and the key cylinder 100 are coupled by the insertion of the car key 28 having a physical structure.

A first locking member which moves in parallel to the axial direction of the key cylinder 100 in the ignition knob body 200 and switches the possible state and the impossible state of the vehicle key 28 insertion according to the moved position. (23) and a second locking member (24) which moves perpendicularly to the axial direction of the key cylinder (100) and which switches between possible and impossible states of the rotation of the car key (28) in accordance with the moved position. . One or more first and second locking members 23 and 24 may be provided.

In addition, first and second locking grooves 21 and 22 are provided inside the ignition knob body 200 to guide the movement of the first and second locking members 23 and 24, respectively. The first and second locking grooves 21 and 22 are formed in a part of the actuator 25 that controls the movement of the first and second locking members 23 and 24. That is, first and second locking grooves 21 and 22 are formed in a portion of the actuator 25 in the axial direction and the longitudinal direction of the axial direction of the key cylinder 100, respectively, and the first locking groove 21 is provided. Is formed by a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction of the ignition knob body 200, the second locking groove 22 is formed by a predetermined length perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the ignition knob body 200. The first locking member 23 is moved into the first locking groove 21, and the second locking member 24 is moved into the second locking groove 22. Here, the insertable state and the impossible state of the car key 28 are determined in the key cylinder 100 according to the position where the first locking member 23 is moved, and the second locking member 24 is moved. The rotatable state and the impossible state of the car key 28 are determined according to the position. In more detail, when the first locking member 23 enters the first locking groove 21, a gap is generated between the first locking member 23 and the key cylinder 100 and the car key is separated by the interval. 28 may be inserted. On the contrary, when the first locking member 23 comes out of the first locking groove 21, an end portion of the first locking member 23 is a front end of the key cylinder 100. In contact with the vehicle key 28 is impossible to be inserted into the key cylinder (100).

In addition, when the second locking member 24 enters the second locking groove 22, the second locking member 24 is caught by the second locking groove 22, so that the second locking groove 22 and When the car key 28 connected to the integral ignition knob body 200 is not rotated, on the contrary, when the second locking member 24 comes out of the second locking groove 22, the car key 28 is Rotation is possible.

In this way, the possible state and the impossible state of inserting the car key 28 are switched according to the moving position of the first locking member 23, and the car key 28 according to the moving position of the second locking member 24. ) The possible and impossible states of rotation are switched.

Movement of the first and second locking members 23 and 24 is effected by the actuator 25. The actuator 25 receives a driving signal from the controller 300 to control the movement of the first and second locking members 23 and 24.

The control unit 300 receives unique ID information for the key FOB through wireless communication with a key FOB 400 owned by an automobile user (driver) and uses the received key FOB to generate the key ID. Perform authentication on. At this time, when the authentication for the key FOB is passed, the actuator 25 of the actuator 25 to move the first and second locking members 23 and 24 so that the vehicle key 28 can be inserted and rotated. Control the drive. The key FOB 400 preferably has an internal ID embedded therein, and the ID includes legitimate user information about the vehicle. In addition, the key FOB 400 has a built-in battery (not shown) so that when approaching a vehicle near or indoors can perform wireless communication with the control unit 300. That is, the controller 300 is configured to perform wireless communication with the key FOB 400 through an antenna installed indoors. In addition, the control unit 300 is connected to the driver's door closed monitoring switch and the brake pedal switch (not shown), respectively, so as to detect whether the driver's seat door closed state and the brake pedal is pressed, so that the driver's driver's door closed state Alternatively, the control unit 300 may be started while the brake pedal is pressed to perform communication with the key FOB 400, and the first and second locking members 23 and 24 may be unlocked after the key FOB authentication. By doing so, it is possible to perform a function of preventing abnormal starting and departure of the vehicle and a function of initiating communication between the control unit 300 and the key FOB 400.

In addition, the control unit 300 is a key to the key FOB through the wireless communication to the key FOB 400 when the driver's seat door closing signal or the shift lever P (parking) signal is preferably provided (ON) to the vehicle Request a unique ID of the FOB and receive a unique ID from the key FOB.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 300 includes a timer (see 35 in FIG. 3) that counts the time that has elapsed since the authentication for the key FOB is passed, and using the timer 35. If the engine start of the vehicle is not completed for a predetermined time after the authentication for the key FOB is passed, the first and second locking members 23 and 24 are moved so that the vehicle key is not inserted and rotated. In order to drive the actuator 25 can be driven.

The ignition knob lock device according to the invention further comprises a battery and a coil antenna (26) for powering the battery. The controller 300 may apply a driving signal to the coil antenna 26. The coil antenna 26 is a device used when the battery of the ignition knob lock device and the key FOB 400 in accordance with the present invention. The coil antenna 26 may also be used for the immobilizer function of the motor vehicle.

The head 11 of the ignition knob lock device is provided in front of the ignition lock body 200, and the head 11 is provided with a key FOB docking hole 12 to which a key FOB 400 is coupled, and the key FOB The docking hole 12 is provided with a terminal 13 for sensing the coupling of the key FOB 400. In order to implement an immobilizer function of the vehicle, the key FOB 400 must be coupled to the key FOB docking hole 12. When the key FOB 400 is coupled to the key FOB docking hole 12, a combined signal is input to the controller 300 through the terminal 13 to perform an immobilizer function.

2 is a view for explaining the operation principle of the locking member according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, as described above, the actuator 25 of the present invention controls the movement of the first and second locking members 23 and 24. 2 shows only a part of the actuator 25 in which one locking hole 21 is formed. The actuator 25 has an electromagnet formed by winding the coil 14 in a predetermined solenoid form to include at least the locking hole 21 therein, and a polarity switching unit 15 for switching the polarities at both ends of the electromagnet. It is configured to include. In general, an electromagnet is a magnet that magnetizes when an electric current flows and returns to its original non-magnetized state when the electric current is interrupted. The simplest electromagnet is a solenoid formed by winding a coil around a cylindrical iron core. A magnetic field is formed when current flows through a coil wound in a cylinder, and a stronger magnetic field is obtained by placing an iron core in it.

The electromagnet has magnetism of N pole or S pole, respectively, at both ends by the current provided to the wound coil 14. The polarity is determined by the winding direction of the coil 14 and the direction of the current applied to the coil 14. Therefore, the polarity switching unit 15 changes the polarity of both ends by changing the direction of the current applied to the coil 14.

In one embodiment of the invention, the locking member 23 is preferably a permanent magnet. More preferably, a molded sintered product mainly composed of a rare earth element called neodymium, iron oxide, and boron is a permanent magnet having a very strong magnetic force.

 As the polarity of both ends of the electromagnet is switched, the locking member 23 moves left and right to enter and exit the locking hole 21. In this case, when the locking member 23 enters the lock hole 21, a predetermined distance d is formed between the ignition knob body 200 and the key cylinder 100, which are integrally provided with the actuator 25, and thus the ignition knob. The body 200 may move in the direction of the key cylinder 100 so that the car key 28 may be further inserted by the interval d. On the contrary, when the locking member 23 exits the locking hole 21 and contacts the key cylinder 100, the gap d does not occur between the ignition knob body 200 and the key cylinder 100. The ignition knob body 200 may not move in the direction of the key cylinder 100. In this case, the car key 28 is not inserted. Here, as described above, when the locking member 23 exits the locking hole 21 and contacts the key cylinder 100, a space is generated inside the locking hole 21, but a strong force generated by the electromagnet Since the locking member 23 is pushed toward the key cylinder 100 by the magnetic field, the distance between the locking hole 21 and the locking member 23 is no longer narrowed.

Due to this operation principle, the locking member 23 repeats entry and exit into and out of the locking hole 21, and according to the moving position of the locking member 23, the insertable state and impossible of the car key 28 are impossible. The state is switched. The operation principle is equally applied to the second locking hole 22 and the second locking member 24, and the rotatable state and the impossible state of the car key 28 depend on the movement position of the second locking member 24. Will be converted.

3 is a plan view of the handle of the ignition knob lock device and the insertion position of the key FOB according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the ignition knob lock device is configured to be assembled after the key cylinder 100 having the starting knob 201 is inserted into the dashboard of the vehicle. That is, the grommets 202 are provided around the starting knob 201 and the grommets 202 are mounted on the bezel 203 fixed to the dashboard. Rotating the start knob 201 provided in the key cylinder 100 causes the start knob 201 to be positioned at a predetermined portion of the grommet 202 according to the operation of the start knob 201 and the vehicle is turned on the start knob. 201 performs a function corresponding to a location. For example, with each function, an operation such as starting a vehicle or applying power is performed.

In addition, the key FOB 400 is coupled to the key FOB docking hole 12, thereby transmitting the combined signal of the key FOB to the control unit 300 through a terminal 13 for detecting the combination of the key FOB.

4 is an internal configuration diagram of a control unit of the ignition knob lock device of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the control unit 300 of the ignition knob lock device according to the present invention receives a plurality of signals from the outside, performs a procedure for starting the engine of the vehicle according to a predetermined condition, and performs the operation with the key FOB 400. Authentication is performed for the key FOB through communication, and when the authentication for the key FOB passes, the vehicle key 28 is controlled to be inserted.

Looking at the control unit 300 of the ignition knob lock device of the present invention in more detail with reference to Figure 4, the control unit 300 is a wireless transmitter 301, a wireless receiver 302, a micro control unit (MCU: Micro Control Unit) 303, a start relay 304, and a coil antenna driver 305.

The wireless transmission and reception units 301 and 302 transmit and receive data through wireless communication with the key FOB 400. More specifically, the wireless transmitter 301 transmits a radio signal to the key FOB 400 and requests a unique ID from the key FOB 400. The radio receiver 302 receives the ID from the key FOB 400. Preferably, the wireless transmitter 301 transmits an ID request signal to the key FOB 400 through low frequency (LF) communication, and the wireless receiver 302 transmits the key FOB 400 through radio frequency (RF) communication. Receive ID from

The MCU 303 includes an OR logic operation unit 31 for outputting a first control signal to the wireless transmitter 301 when either the driver's door closing signal S1 or the brake pedal signal S2 is turned on. When the brake pedal signal S2, the shift lever P (parking) signal S3, and the ignition switch (not shown) START signal S4 are turned on at the same time, a second control signal is output to the start relay 304. AND logic operation unit 32, an authentication unit 33 which performs authentication of the key FOB by using the ID received through the radio receiver 302, and after the authentication passes in the authentication unit 33 And a timer 35 for counting elapsed time.

When the first control signal is received from the OR logic operation unit 31, the wireless transmitter 301 drives a transmission antenna driver (not shown) provided therein to perform wireless communication for requesting a unique ID to the key FOB 400. Do this. In this way, the wireless transmitter 301 requests ID by performing wireless communication with the key FOB 400 only when one of the driver's door closing signal S1 or the brake pedal signal S2 is input. .

The authentication unit 33 compares the ID stored in advance by using the unique ID of the key FOB received through the radio receiver 302 and then performs authentication on the key FOB.

The timer 35 counts the time that has elapsed since the key FOB authentication in the authentication unit 33 is completed. The count of the elapsed time is such that the first and second locking members 23, when the vehicle engine start completion signal is not input for a predetermined time after the key FOB authentication is completed, are switched to the impossible state. It is for driving the actuator 25 to move the 24. Even if the key fob authentication is passed as described above, if the engine is not started for a predetermined time, the first and second locking members 23 and 24 are moved again to prevent the insertion and rotation of the car key 28. This allows for better security by making the transition.

In this case, the MCU 303 locks the first and second locks such that the vehicle engine starting completion signal is not input within a predetermined time since the authentication for the key FOB is completed as described above, and thus the vehicle key is not inserted and rotated. After driving the actuator 25 to move the member, when the driver's door closing signal or the brake pedal signal is turned on again, the first and second locks are switched to enable the vehicle key insertion and rotation. It is preferable to drive the actuator 25 to move the member.

In addition, after the authentication for the key fob is completed, the MCU 303 has a brake pedal signal S2, a shift lever P signal S3 of the automatic transmission, and an ignition switch START signal S4. When all are ON, the start relay 304 is turned on. Here, the brake pedal signal S2 outputs an ON signal by internal signal processing when the driver presses the brake pedal, and outputs an OFF signal by internal signal processing when the driver presses the brake pedal. do. In addition, when the shift lever of the automatic transmission is in the P position, the shift lever P signal S3 outputs an ON signal. In general, P (Parking) of the shift lever is a position when parking or starting, R (Reverse) is used when reversing, N (Neutral) when starting to the neutral position or when stopped for a long time while driving D (Drive) is usually used when driving. In addition, when the engine of the automatic vehicle is started, the shift lever is set from P to R-N-D, and the MCU 303 checks the state of P as the highest priority. Thus, when the shift lever is in the P position indicating the parking state, the shift lever P signal S3 is turned on.

The start relay 304 may be preferably configured as a switch. When the switch is initially opened and the second control signal is received from the MCU 233, the switch is closed to supply the current supplied through the ignition switch to the start motor for starting the engine.

In addition, the MCU 303 drives the actuator 25 when the authentication for the key FOB passes. At this time, the actuator 25 controls the movement of the first and second locking members 23 and 24 so that the vehicle key 28 can be inserted and rotated. If authentication for the key FOB is not passed, the actuator 25 is not driven. Therefore, if the user is not a legitimate user, the authentication is not passed, so that the insertion and rotation of the car key 28 is impossible, thereby improving the reliability of the theft or security of the vehicle.

On the other hand, when the contact signal of the key FOB 400 is input to the controller 300, the switch 34 is turned on to drive the coil antenna bulb 305. As a result, the coil antenna driver 305 induces a voltage to the coil antenna 26 provided in the ignition knob lock device so as to supply power to the battery in the key FOB 400.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a locking method of a vehicle ignition knob lock device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The locking method of the vehicle ignition knob lock device according to the present invention is applied to the ignition knob lock device according to the present invention described above.

Referring to FIG. 5, the controller 300 of the ignition knob lock apparatus according to the present invention determines whether at least one of the driver's seat closing signal S1 and the brake pedal signal S2 of the vehicle is turned on. (S400). If at least one of the two signals is ON, wireless communication with the key FOB 400 is performed to request a unique ID from the key FOB 400 (S402), and the ID is received from the key FOB 400. It receives (S404). Subsequently, the controller 300 compares the received ID with a previously stored ID and performs authentication on the key FOB (S406).

When the authentication of the key FOB passes (S408), the actuator 25 is driven (S410), and the first and second locking members 23 and 24 are moved in accordance with the driving of the actuator 25 so that the car key 28 ) Is switched to a state capable of insertion and rotation (S412). As described above, the locking method in the vehicle ignition knob lock device according to the present invention is set such that the insertion and rotation of the car key 28 are possible only when the key FOB authentication is passed.

In this case, when the authentication of the key FOB passes, the timer 35 operates to determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the authentication passes (S414), before the set time elapses, the brake pedal signal S2, It is determined whether the shift lever P signal S3 and the ignition switch START signal S4 are both turned on (S416), and if the three signals S2, S3, and S4 are all turned on, the start relay 304 When it is turned on (S418), the START signal (S4) for starting the engine from the ignition switch is transmitted to the starting motor for starting the engine (S420). The starting motor starts the engine of the vehicle according to the START signal S4. Here, the ignition switch START signal (S4) is the four steps of the lock (LOCK), accessory power supply (ACC), control device and drive ON (ON), start start (START) in accordance with the rotation of the car key 28 The final step is to start the engine.

If the automobile engine start completion signal is not received within the preset time within the preset time, that is, if the preset time elapses before the automobile engine start completion signal is received (S422), the actuator 25 is driven. The first and second locking members 23 and 24 are moved to switch the vehicle key insertion and rotation to an impossible state (S424).

As described above, in the locking method of the automotive ignition knob lock device of the present invention, only a legitimate user having the corresponding key FOB can be inserted and rotated after the key FOB authentication has been passed. Allow the car engine to start.

The drawings and detailed description of the invention are merely exemplary of the invention, which are used for the purpose of illustrating the invention only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims or claims. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible from this. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention will be defined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to implement the ignition knob lock device of a vehicle at a low cost without changing the structure of the steering column and the key cylinder.

In addition, by using the vehicle ignition knob lock device according to the present invention, only a legitimate user can insert and rotate a car key, thereby increasing car security.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, by controlling the locking of the vehicle ignition knob lock device based on the electronic control, it is possible to eliminate the risk of malfunction.

Claims (18)

An ignition knob body provided at the front end of the key cylinder into which the automobile key is inserted; A first locking member moving in parallel with the axial direction of the key cylinder in the ignition knob body and switching between enabling and disabling the vehicle key insertion according to the moved position; A second locking member moving inside the ignition knob body at a right angle to the axial direction of the key cylinder and switching between enabling and disabling the vehicle key rotation according to the moved position; First and second locking grooves are formed to guide movement of the first and second locking members, respectively, and the first and second locking members enter and exit the first and second locking grooves, respectively. An actuator for controlling movement of the locking member; And A control unit which performs authentication on a key fob for a vehicle and drives the actuator to move the first and second locking members, respectively, so that the insertion and rotation of the car key are switched to enable states, respectively, when the authentication passes; Ignition knob lock device for a vehicle comprising a. The method of claim 1, And the ignition knob body is separated from the key cylinder and is coupled by an automobile key inserted into the key cylinder. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second locking members, When entering into the first and second lock groove, respectively, the insertion and rotation of the car key is switched to the state, and when exiting from the inside of the first and second lock groove, respectively, the insertion and rotation of the car key is impossible. Ignition knob lock device for a vehicle, characterized in that the switching. The method of claim 3, The ignition knob lock device of a vehicle, characterized in that the end of the first locking member is in contact with the front end of the key cylinder when the first locking member is released from the first locking groove. The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit, The vehicle's ignition knob lock apparatus, characterized in that for requesting and receiving a unique ID from the automotive key FOB, and authenticating the key FOB using the received ID. The method of claim 5, wherein the control unit, When a driver's seat door closing signal or shift lever P (parking) signal provided to the vehicle is turned on, a unique ID is requested to the key FOB, and the received ID is compared with a previously stored ID to the key FOB. Ignition knob lock device for a vehicle, characterized in that for performing authentication. The method of claim 1, The ignition knob lock device further comprises a battery and a coil antenna for supplying power to the battery, the control unit ignition knob lock device, characterized in that for applying a drive signal to the coil antenna. The method of claim 1, wherein the actuator, First and second electromagnets having coils wound in a predetermined solenoid shape to include at least the first and second locking grooves therein; A polarity switching unit for switching the polarities of both ends of the electromagnet; Including, The ignition knob lock device of a vehicle, characterized in that the first and second locking members to enter and exit the first and second locking grooves according to the polarity change of the first and second electromagnets. The method of claim 8, The ignition knob lock device of a vehicle, characterized in that the first and second locking member is a permanent magnet having a predetermined length. The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit, A transmitter for wirelessly transmitting a request signal of a key FOB ID to the key FOB; A receiving unit for wirelessly receiving the ID from the key FOB; When the driver's seat door closing signal or brake pedal signal provided to the vehicle is ON, the ID request signal is transmitted to the key FOB through the transmitter, and the ID is received from the key FOB through the receiver. An MCU which performs authentication on the key FOB by comparing the received ID with an ID previously stored therein, and outputs a control signal when the authentication passes; A start relay for switching a power source for starting a car engine according to a rotation state of the car key to a start motor when the control signal is received; And A timer that counts the elapsed time since authentication passes in the MCU and provides the count result to the MCU in real time; Ignition knob lock device for a vehicle comprising a. The method of claim 10, And the transmitting unit transmits an ID request signal to the key FOB through LF communication, and the receiving unit receives an ID from the key FOB through RF communication. The method of claim 10, wherein the control unit, The actuator is used to move the first and second locking members so that the vehicle key insertion and rotation become impossible when the power for starting the vehicle engine is not supplied within a preset time using the count time provided from the timer. Ignition knob lock device for a vehicle, characterized in that for driving. The method of claim 12, wherein the control unit, After driving the actuator to move the first and second locking members so that the car key insertion and rotation are made impossible, the car key is inserted when the driver's door closing signal or the brake pedal signal is ON. And driving the actuator to move the first and second locking members so that rotation is enabled. In the locking method of the ignition knob lock apparatus of the motor vehicle in any one of Claims 1-13, A first step of determining whether at least one of the driver's seat door closing signal and the brake pedal signal of the vehicle is on; Requesting a unique ID from a key fob of a vehicle when the at least one signal is turned on and receiving a unique ID from the key fob in response to the request; A third step of performing authentication on the key FOB using the received ID; And If the authentication passes, driving the actuator for controlling the movement of the first and second locking member so that the insertion and rotation of the car key is enabled, and if the authentication does not pass, insertion and rotation of the car key is impossible. A fourth step of driving an actuator for controlling the movement of the first and second locking members to be switched to the state; The locking method of the ignition knob lock device of a vehicle comprising a. The method of claim 14, wherein the second step, A method of locking an ignition knob lock of an automobile, characterized by transmitting an ID request signal to the key FOB through LF communication and receiving an ID from the key FOB through RF communication. The method of claim 14, wherein after the fourth step, Determining whether the brake pedal signal, the shift lever P signal, and the ignition switch START signal are turned on when the key FOB authentication passes and the vehicle key is inserted and rotated; And If it is ON, turning on a start relay and transmitting a START signal from the ignition switch to a start motor for engine start; The locking method of the ignition knob lock device of a vehicle further comprising a. The method of claim 14, wherein after the fourth step, Counting time elapsed since authentication for the key FOB has passed; And Driving an actuator for controlling the movement of the first and second locking members so that the insertion and rotation of the car key are impossible when the engine start of the vehicle is not completed within the preset time using the counted time; The locking method of the ignition knob lock device of a vehicle further comprising a. The method of claim 17, After driving the actuator to move the first and second locking members so that the car key insertion and rotation are made impossible, the car key is inserted when the driver's door closing signal or the brake pedal signal is ON. And driving said actuator for moving said first and second locking members so that rotation is switched to an enabled state.

Images