U.S. patent application number 12/585550 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-01 for vehicle storage box locking device.
This patent application is currently assigned to HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Tsuguhito Ichiriki, Hiroshi Nishijima, Yoshiaki Takeuchi, Katsuhisa Yamada.
Application Number | 20100077807 12/585550 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42055967 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100077807 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Takeuchi; Yoshiaki ; et
al. |
April 1, 2010 |
Vehicle storage box locking device
Abstract
A locking device for a storage box in a vehicle includes a lock
configured to place the storage box in a closed state or an open
state, and an actuator configured to drive the lock. The locking
device further includes a button configured to place the storage
box in the open state. The locking device is configured to perform
an authentication of a portable key when the button is operated and
the storage box is closed. When the portable key is authenticated
when the button is operated, the lock is configured to place the
storage box in the open state. When the portable key is not
authenticated when the button is operated, the storage box is
configured to be held in the closed state without the lock being
driven. When the portable key is authenticated when the storage box
is closed, the lock is configured to be driven to place the storage
box in the closed state. When the portable key is not authenticated
when the storage box is closed, the storage box is configured to be
held in the open state without the lock being driven.
Inventors: |
Takeuchi; Yoshiaki;
(Saitama, JP) ; Yamada; Katsuhisa; (Saitama,
JP) ; Ichiriki; Tsuguhito; (Saitama, JP) ;
Nishijima; Hiroshi; (Saitama, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SQUIRE, SANDERS & DEMPSEY L.L.P.
8000 TOWERS CRESCENT DRIVE, 14TH FLOOR
VIENNA
VA
22182-6212
US
|
Assignee: |
HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
|
Family ID: |
42055967 |
Appl. No.: |
12/585550 |
Filed: |
September 17, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
70/158 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 11/00 20130101;
E05B 81/08 20130101; E05B 83/32 20130101; B60R 2011/0075 20130101;
E05B 81/06 20130101; B62J 9/20 20200201; B60R 2011/0096 20130101;
B62K 19/46 20130101; Y10T 70/554 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
70/158 |
International
Class: |
B65D 55/14 20060101
B65D055/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 30, 2008 |
JP |
2008-255268 |
Claims
1. A locking device for a storage box in a vehicle, comprising: a
lock configured to place the storage box in a closed state or an
open state; an actuator configured to drive the lock; and a button
configured to place the storage box in the open state, wherein the
locking device is configured to perform an authentication of a
portable key when the button is operated and the storage box is
closed, wherein, when the portable key is authenticated when the
button is operated, the lock is configured to place the storage box
in the open state, and wherein, when the portable key is not
authenticated when the button is operated, the storage box is
configured to be held in the closed state without the lock being
driven, and wherein, when the portable key is authenticated when
the storage box is closed, the lock is configured to be driven to
place the storage box in the closed state, and wherein, when the
portable key is not authenticated when the storage box is closed,
the storage box is configured to be held in the open state without
the lock being driven.
2. The locking device according to claim 1, wherein the lock is
further configured to maintain the storage box in the closed state,
when the storage box is held in the closed state for a
predetermined period of time and when the portable key is not
authenticated.
3. The locking device of claim 1, further comprising: an
authenticator configured to perform the authentication of the
portable key, wherein the authenticator is configured to terminate
the authentication when the authenticator determines that the
portable key is a valid portable key for the vehicle, and wherein
the authenticator is configured to continue the authentication when
the authenticator determines that the portable key is not the valid
portable key for the vehicle.
4. The locking device of claim 1, wherein the locking device is
configured to be implemented on the storage box of a
motorcycle.
5. A locking device for a storage box in a vehicle, comprising: an
open/close latch configured to change the storage box between a
closed state and an open state; an open lever configured to drive
the open/close latch in an open direction; a lock knob configured
to be disposed outward of a vehicle body, manually changed from an
unlocked position to a locked position, placed in the unlocked
position from the locked position only by an actuator, and
selectively placed in one of the locked position, wherein the
storage box is configured to be brought into a locked state by
prohibiting the open/close latch from being driven in the open
direction, and the unlocked position, wherein the storage box is
configured to be brought into an unlocked state by enabling the
open/close latch to be driven in the open direction, the locking
device further comprising the actuator configured to selectively
place the lock knob in one of the locked position and the unlocked
position, wherein the locking device is configured to authenticate
a portable key, when the open lever is operated when the storage
box is in the locked state, wherein when the portable key is
authenticated when the open lever is operated, the lock knob is
configured to be driven into the unlocked position, and wherein
when the portable key is not authenticated, the lock knob is
configured to be held in the locked position, and wherein the
locking device is configured to authenticate the portable key, when
the lock knob is changed from the unlocked position to the locked
position, wherein, when the portable key is authenticated when the
lock knob is operated, the lock knob is configured to be held in
the locked position, and wherein when the portable key is not
authenticated, the actuator is configured to place the lock knob in
the unlocked position.
6. The locking device of claim 5, further comprising: an
authenticator configured to perform the authentication of the
portable key, wherein the authenticator is configured to terminate
the authentication when the authenticator determines that the
portable key is a valid portable key for the vehicle, and wherein
the authenticator is configured to continue the authentication when
the authenticator determines that the portable key is not the valid
portable key for the vehicle.
7. The locking device of claim 5, wherein the locking device is
configured to be implemented on the storage box of a
motorcycle.
8. A locking device for a storage box in a vehicle, comprising:
securing means for placing the storage box in a closed state or an
open state; actuating means for driving the lock device; and
releasing means for placing the storage box in the open state,
wherein the locking device is configured to perform an
authentication of a portable key when the releasing means is
operated and the storage box is closed, wherein, when the portable
key is authenticated when the releasing means is operated, the
securing means is for placing the storage box in the open state,
and wherein, when the portable key is not authenticated when the
releasing means is operated, the storage box is configured to be
held in the closed state without the securing means being driven,
wherein, when the portable key is authenticated when the storage
box is closed, the securing means is for placing the storage box in
the closed state, and wherein, when the portable key is not
authenticated when the storage box is closed, the storage box is
configured to be held in the open state without the securing means
being driven.
9. A locking device for a storage box in a vehicle, comprising:
latching means for changing the storage box between a closed state
and an open state; levering means for driving the latching means in
an open direction; securing means disposed outward of a vehicle
body for manually changing the locking device from an unlocked
position to a locked position, and selectively placing the locking
device in one of the locked position, wherein the storage box is
configured to be brought into a locked state by prohibiting the
open/close latch from being driven in the open direction, and the
unlocked position, wherein the storage box is configured to be
brought into an unlocked state by enabling the open/close latch to
be driven in the open direction, the locking device further
comprising actuating means for selectively placing the securing
means in one of the locked position and the unlocked position,
wherein the locking device is configured to authenticate a portable
key, when the levering means is operated when the storage box is in
the locked state, wherein when the portable key is authenticated
when the levering means is operated, the actuating means is for
driving the securing means into the unlocked position, and wherein
when the portable key is not authenticated, the actuating means is
for driving the securing means into the locked position, and
wherein the locking device is configured to authenticate the
portable key, when the securing means is changed from the unlocked
position to the locked position, wherein, when the portable key is
authenticated when the securing means is operated, the actuating
means is for driving the securing means to be held in the locked
position, and wherein when the portable key is not authenticated,
the actuating means is for placing the securing means in the
unlocked position.
10. A method for changing a locking device of a storage box from a
locked state to an unlocked state by performing authentication of a
portable key uniquely set for a vehicle, the method comprising:
determining whether the storage box is in a closed state or an open
state; performing the authentication of the portable key, using a
locking device, when a button is operated and the storage box is
closed; placing the storage box in the open state, when the
portable key is authenticated when the button is operated; holding
the storage box in the closed state without the locking device
being driven, when the portable key is not authenticated when the
button is operated; placing the storage box in the closed state,
when the portable key is authenticated when the storage box is
closed; and holding the storage box in the open state without the
locking device being driven, when the portable key is not
authenticated when the storage box is closed.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: maintaining the
storage box in the closed state, when the storage box is held in
the closed state for a predetermined period of time and when the
portable key is not authenticated.
12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: terminating the
authentication of the portable key when a determination has been
made that the portable key is a valid portable key for the
vehicle.
13. A method for changing a storage box in a vehicle between a
locked state and an unlocked state by performing authentication of
a portable key uniquely set for the vehicle, the method comprising:
determining whether the storage box is in a closed state or an open
state; performing the authentication of the portable key, using a
locking device, when an open lever is operated when the storage box
is in the locked state, the performing comprising driving the lock
knob of the locking device to place the storage box in the unlocked
state, when the portable key is authenticated when the open lever
is operated, and holding the lock knob of the locking device to
place the storage box in the locked state, when the portable key is
not authenticated; and performing an authentication of the portable
key, using the locking device, when the lock knob of the locking
device is changed from the unlocked position to the locked
position, the performing comprising holding the lock knob of the
locking device to place the storage box in the locked state, when
the portable key is authenticated when the lock knob is operated,
and actuating the locked knob to place the storage box in the
unlocked state, when the portable key is not authenticated.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: terminating the
authentication of the portable key when a determination has been
made that the portable key is a valid portable key for the vehicle.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field
[0002] The present invention relates to a locking device for a
storage box in a vehicle and, more particularly, to a vehicle
storage box locking device that changes from a locked state to an
unlocked state, or vice versa, by performing authentication with a
portable key uniquely set for the vehicle.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Currently, a vehicle locking device is configured to, for
example, start an engine of a vehicle or open a trunk or other
storage box of the vehicle, when an ID uniquely set for the vehicle
is authenticated through radio communication performed between a
portable key possessed by a user and a control unit included in the
vehicle. The locking device requires a measure that can prevent an
"inadvertent locking" of the portable key inside the storage box,
so that the portable key is no longer accessible.
[0005] Patent Document 1, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-77408,
describes a trunk locking system for a four-wheel vehicle, whereby
a dedicated transmitter that detects a portable key existing inside
a trunk is disposed inside the trunk. When the dedicated
transmitter detects that the portable key has been locked in the
trunk, an unlocking switch disposed on the outside of the trunk is
enabled, so that the user can open the trunk even if the portable
key is not in the user's possession.
[0006] Unfortunately, however, the technique described in Patent
Document 1 has the following problem. The technique requires the
use of the dedicated transmitter that detects the portable key
existing inside the trunk, increasing the number of parts, and
further complicating the arrangement of parts required for the
trunk locking system. It is also difficult to apply the technique
to a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, that has little extra
space.
[0007] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a vehicle storage box
locking device that can prevent a portable key from being locked in
the vehicle by performing authentication of the portable key before
a locking operation of the storage box.
SUMMARY
[0008] In one embodiment, the invention includes a locking device
for a storage box in a vehicle. The locking device includes a lock
configured to place the storage box in a closed state or an open
state, and an actuator configured to drive the lock. The locking
device further includes a button configured to place the storage
box in the open state. The locking device is configured to perform
an authentication of a portable key when the button is operated and
the storage box is closed. When the portable key is authenticated
when the button is operated, the lock is configured to place the
storage box in the open state. When the portable key is not
authenticated when the button is operated, the storage box is
configured to be held in the closed state without the lock being
driven. When the portable key is authenticated when the storage box
is closed, the lock is configured to be driven to place the storage
box in the closed state. When the portable key is not authenticated
when the storage box is closed, the storage box is configured to be
held in the open state without the lock being driven.
[0009] In another embodiment, the invention includes a locking
device for a storage box in a vehicle. The locking device includes
an open/close latch configured to change the storage box between a
closed state and an open state. The locking device further includes
an open lever configured to drive the open/close latch in an open
direction, and a lock knob. The lock knob is disposed outward of a
vehicle body and is configured to be manually changed from an
unlocked position to a locked position, and placed in the unlocked
position from the locked position only by an actuator. The lock
knob is also configured to be selectively placed in the locked
position, whereby the storage box is configured to be brought into
a locked state by prohibiting the open/close latch from being
driven in the open direction. The lock knob is also configured to
be selectively placed in the unlocked position, whereby the storage
box is configured to be brought into an unlocked state by enabling
the open/close latch to be driven in the open direction. The
locking device further includes the actuator configured to
selectively place the lock knob in one of the locked position and
the unlocked position. The locking device is configured to
authenticate a portable key, when the open lever is operated when
the storage box is in the locked state. When the portable key is
authenticated when the open lever is operated, the lock knob is
configured to be driven into the unlocked position. When the
portable key is not authenticated, the lock knob is configured to
be held in the locked position. The locking device is also
configured to authenticate the portable key, when the lock knob is
changed from the unlocked position to the locked position. When the
portable key is authenticated when the lock knob is operated, the
lock knob is configured to be held in the locked position. When the
portable key is not authenticated, the actuator is configured to
place the lock knob in the unlocked position.
[0010] In another embodiment, the invention includes a locking
device for a storage box in a vehicle. The locking device includes
securing means for placing the storage box in a closed state or an
open state. The locking device further includes actuating means for
driving the lock device, and releasing means for placing the
storage box in the open state. The locking device is configured to
perform an authentication of a portable key when the releasing
means is operated and the storage box is closed. When the portable
key is authenticated when the releasing means is operated, the
securing means is for placing the storage box in the open state.
When the portable key is not authenticated when the releasing means
is operated, the storage box is configured to be held in the closed
state without the securing means being driven. When the portable
key is authenticated when the storage box is closed, the securing
means is for placing the storage box in the closed state. When the
portable key is not authenticated when the storage box is closed,
the storage box is configured to be held in the open state without
the securing means being driven.
[0011] In another embodiment, the invention includes a locking
device for a storage box in a vehicle. The locking device includes
latching means for changing the storage box between a closed state
and an open state. The locking device further includes levering
means for driving the latching means in an open direction, and
securing means disposed outward of a vehicle body. The securing
means is for manually changing the locking device from an unlocked
position to a locked position. The securing means is also for
selectively placing the locking device in the locked position,
whereby the storage box is configured to be brought into a locked
state by prohibiting the open/close latch from being driven in the
open direction. The securing means is also for placing the locking
device in the unlocked position, whereby the storage box is
configured to be brought into an unlocked state by enabling the
open/close latch to be driven in the open direction. The locking
device further includes actuating means for selectively placing the
securing means in one of the locked position and the unlocked
position. The locking device is configured to authenticate a
portable key, when the levering means is operated when the storage
box is in the locked state. When the portable key is authenticated
when the levering means is operated, the actuating means is for
driving the securing means into the unlocked position. When the
portable key is not authenticated, the actuating means is for
driving the securing means into the locked position. The locking
device is configured to authenticate the portable key, when the
securing means is changed from the unlocked position to the locked
position. When the portable key is authenticated when the securing
means is operated, the actuating means is for driving the securing
means to be held in the locked position. When the portable key is
not authenticated, the actuating means is for placing the securing
means in the unlocked position.
[0012] In another embodiment, the invention includes a method for
changing a locking device of a storage box from a locked state to
an unlocked state by performing authentication of a portable key
uniquely set for a vehicle. The method includes determining whether
the storage box is in a closed state or an open state, and
performing the authentication of the portable key, using a locking
device, when a button is operated and the storage box is closed.
The method further includes placing the storage box in the open
state, when the portable key is authenticated when the button is
operated, and holding the storage box in the closed state without
the locking device being driven, when the portable key is not
authenticated when the button is operated. Further, the method
includes placing the storage box in the closed state, when the
portable key is authenticated when the storage box is closed, and
holding the storage box in the open state without the locking
device being driven, when the portable key is not authenticated
when the storage box is closed.
[0013] In another embodiment, the invention includes a method for
changing a storage box in a vehicle between a locked state and an
unlocked state by performing authentication of a portable key
uniquely set for the vehicle. The method includes determining
whether the storage box is in a closed state or an open state. The
method further includes performing the authentication of the
portable key, using a locking device, when an open lever is
operated when the storage box is in the locked state. The
performing includes driving the lock knob of the locking device to
place the storage box in the unlocked state, when the portable key
is authenticated when the open lever is operated. The performing
further includes holding the lock knob of the locking device to
place the storage box in the locked state, when the portable key is
not authenticated. The method further includes performing an
authentication of the portable key, using the locking device, when
the lock knob of the locking device is changed from the unlocked
position to the locked position. The performing includes holding
the lock knob of the locking device to place the storage box in the
locked state, when the portable key is authenticated when the lock
knob is operated. Further, the performing includes actuating the
locked knob to place the storage box in the unlocked state, when
the portable key is not authenticated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a motorcycle including a
storage box locking device according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a side pocket of the storage
box locking device according to another embodiment of the
invention.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an arrangement of a locking
device and parts associated therewith of the side pocket according
to another embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a flowchart diagram of control operations
performed when the side pocket is to be closed according to another
embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a partly enlarged view of a trunk in a closed
state according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a partly enlarged view of a trunk in an open state
according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of an open lever and
a lock knob according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 8 is an illustration of the lock knob and a lock knob
actuator that drives the lock knob, illustrating how the lock knob
actuator actuates the lock knob according to another embodiment of
the invention.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an arrangement of a locking
device of the trunk and parts associated therewith according to
another embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of control operations performed when
the trunk is locked through manual operation according to another
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0024] Embodiments to which the invention is applied will be
described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a motorcycle 1 including a
storage box locking device according to an embodiment of the
invention. The motorcycle 1 is viewed from a left rearward
direction. In this embodiment of the invention, the motorcycle 1
includes a steering stem (not shown) that is rotatably journaled
forward of a vehicle body frame 2. A steering handlebar 5 and a
pair of left and right front forks 4 are fixed on upper and lower
portions, respectively, of the steering stem. A front wheel WF is
rotatably journaled on lower ends of the front forks 4. A drive
source, for example, engine 3, is suspended below the vehicle body
frame 2. A side cowl 6 covers an area above the engine 3. A
left-right two-lamp headlight 8 is disposed forward of the side
cowl 6. A meter unit 10 is disposed at a central portion of the
vehicle body forward of the steering handlebar 5. A windscreen 9 is
attached above the meter unit 10. A storage box, for example, side
pocket 90, is disposed above the side cowl 6 on the left side of
the vehicle, in a vehicle width direction.
[0026] An openable lid 11 of a filler port is disposed at the
center of the vehicle, in the vehicle width direction, rearward of
the steering handlebar 5. A seat 12 is disposed rearward of the
openable lid 11. A swing arm (not shown) that rotatably journals a
rear wheel WR is vertically and swingably journaled on a pivot 13
at a rear end portion of the vehicle body frame 2. A pair of left
and right mufflers 14 is mounted on outboard sides of the vehicle,
in the vehicle width direction, of the swing arm. A pair of left
and right saddle bags 15 is mounted on upper portions of the
mufflers 14. A storage box, for example, a trunk 30, is mounted
above the saddle bags 15 at the center of the vehicle, in the
vehicle width direction. The trunk 30 includes an openable trunk
lid 31 disposed in an opening of a case 32. A pair of left and
right taillight units 33 is disposed at a rear end portion of the
case 32. A backrest 16 of a rear seat is disposed at a forward
upper portion of the case 32.
[0027] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the side pocket 90 of the
storage box locking device according to another embodiment of the
invention. In this embodiment of the invention, the side pocket 90
includes a storage portion 91 and a pocket lid 92 that is mounted
over an opening of the storage portion 91 using a hinge (not
shown). The pocket lid 92 is in an open direction at all times by a
positioning means (not shown). The side pocket 90 is configured to
maintain a closed state, whereby a lock device (not shown) disposed
inside an engagement hole 99 grips a hook 93 provided in a standing
condition on a backside of the pocket lid 92. An open button 94 is
configured to drive the lock device to release the hook 93,
specifically, for opening the pocket lid 92 in a rearward direction
from the side pocket 90.
[0028] The operation of this embodiment of the side pocket 90 is as
follows. When the open button 94 is operated under a predetermined
condition, the pocket lid 92 automatically opens to an open
position as shown in FIG. 2. When the pocket lid 92 is closed under
a predetermined condition, the lock device is activated to maintain
the pocket lid 92 in a closed state. A power outlet 95 for
accessories can be disposed inside the storage portion 91.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an arrangement of the lock
device and parts associated therewith of the side pocket 90
according to another embodiment of the invention. Like parts are
identified by the same reference numerals as those used in FIGS. 1
and 2. In this embodiment of the invention, the side pocket 90
includes a pocket open button 94 (hereinafter referred, at times,
to as the "open button") for driving a lock device 97. The side
pocket 90 also includes a lock device actuator 96 and button
operation detector 98. Specifically, the lock device actuator 96
drives the lock device 97. The button operation detector 98 detects
that the open button 94 has been operated. The lock device 97 can
include a pin configured to be engaged with the hook 93 and one of
a solenoid, a motor, or other part that is configured to protrude
or retract the pin.
[0030] A portable key 70 carried by an occupant of the vehicle
includes a power button 74 of the portable key 70, a light-emitting
diode 75 for operation check, a lock button 71, an unlock button
72, and a pop-up (automatically open) button 73 as used for
operation of the above-referenced trunk 30. The portable key 70 is
set to offer a communicable range of a radius of, for example, less
than two meters from the vehicle.
[0031] An electronic control unit (ECU) 60 includes a communication
authentication section 61, an actuator state determination section
62, and an alert state determination section 63. The actuator state
determination section 62 applies a driving signal to the lock
device actuator 96. The communication authentication section 61
performs authentication as to whether the portable key 70 is a
valid portable key of the motorcycle 1 based on a radio wave
received via a communication antenna 64. Authentication can be
terminated when the communication authentication section 61
determines that the portable key 70 is a valid portable key of the
motorcycle 1. The alert state determination section 63 determines
whether the occupant needs to be alerted, based on the result of
authentication performed by the communication authentication
section 61, about a condition of the lock device 97.
[0032] The communication authentication section 61 performs
authentication of the portable key 70 through, for example,
collation of an encryption code contained in the received radio
wave. The alert state determination section 63, when determining
that an alert is necessary, can activate an alert unit that can
include, for example, the taillight units 33 and a horn 68. Various
other modified forms are possible for the alert unit, including a
headlight, a flasher unit, a display of a navigation system, and a
speaker of an audio system.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a flowchart diagram of control operations
performed when the side pocket 90 (hereinafter referred, at times,
to as the "pocket 90") is to be locked according to another
embodiment of the invention. For example, in step S10, a
determination can be made whether the pocket lid 92 of the pocket
90 is closed. An open or closed position of the pocket lid 92 is
detected by, for example, a switch sensor that detects that the
pocket lid 92 leaves a closed position. Step S11 can be reached
when, in step S10, the switch sensor determines that the pocket lid
92 is in the closed position. In step S11, authentication of the
portable key 70 is started. As described above, authentication can
be terminated when the communication authentication section 61
determines that the portable key 70 is a valid portable key of the
motorcycle 1. In step S12, a determination can be made whether the
authentication has been terminated. Step S13 is reached when, in
step S12, the determination is made that the authentication has
been terminated. In step S13, the lock device actuator 96 is driven
to place the pocket lid 92 in a locked state and the series of
control operations can be terminated.
[0034] Step S14 is reached when, in step S12, a determination is
made that the authentication has not been terminated. In step S14,
a determination can be made whether a predetermined period of time,
e.g., 15 seconds has elapsed with the side pocket 90 closed. If, in
step S14, the determination has been made that the predetermined
period of time has not elapsed, the pocket 90 is held in an open
state without the lock device 97 being driven (step S15), and the
series of control operations can be terminated. If, in step S14,
the determination has been made that the predetermined period of
time has elapsed, step S16 is reached, and an alert is issued using
the alert unit. In step S17 of this embodiment of the invention,
the pocket 90 is placed in the locked state and the series of
control operations is terminated. It should be noted that the
portable key 70 is not authenticated, if the portable key 70 exists
in an area outside a communicable range relative to a vehicle body
side, or radio communication is disabled due to a faulty portable
key 70 or a rundown battery. Further, the portable key 70 is
authenticated, if the portable key 70 exists in an area within the
communicable range relative to the vehicle body side, i.e., when
the portable key 70 exists inside the pocket 90.
[0035] When the pocket 90 in the locked state is to be opened,
authentication of the portable key 70 is performed as the open
button 94 is operated. If the authentication is terminated, the
lock device actuator 96 is driven to open the pocket lid 92. If the
authentication is not terminated, the lock device actuator 96 is
not driven and the pocket lid 92 remains in the closed
position.
[0036] According to the locking and unlocking control of the side
pocket 90 as described above, the side pocket 90 can be prevented
from being opened or closed by any third person who does not carry
the portable key 70. In addition, should the side pocket 90 be
closed with the portable key 70 left therein, the authentication of
the portable key 70 can be performed as the open button 94 is
operated, so that the side pocket 90 can be opened, since it is
confirmed during closing that radio communication is possible with
the portable key 70. This prevents the portable key 70 from being
locked in.
[0037] Additionally, if a predetermined period of time elapses with
the pocket lid 92 closed, the side pocket 90 is locked even if the
authentication with the portable key 70 is not terminated. Should
the portable key 70 be faulty, therefore, the side pocket 90 can be
closed at the will of the occupant.
[0038] FIGS. 5 and 6 are enlarged views of the trunk 30 as a
storage box according to another embodiment of the invention. In
particular, FIG. 5 illustrates a condition, whereby the trunk 30 is
in a closed state. FIG. 6 illustrates a condition, whereby the
trunk 30 is in an open state. Like parts are identified by the same
reference numerals as those used in FIG. 1. In these embodiments of
the invention, the trunk 30 includes a hinge (not shown) disposed
at a front end portion of the case 32, with which to journal the
trunk lid 31 to an open position. Referring also to FIG. 7 of an
enlarged view, the trunk lid 31 includes an open lever 40 and a
button-type lock knob 50, both disposed to extend outward from the
vehicle body. The open lever 40 drives an open/close latch 41. The
lock knob 50 pops up or down based on a locked state or an unlocked
state of the trunk 30.
[0039] When the open lever 40 is operated with the trunk 30 in a
closed and unlocked state, the open/close latch 41 is driven to be
disengaged from a hook (not shown) on a side of the case 32, so
that the trunk lid 31 is opened. When the trunk 30 is in the locked
state, the open/close latch 41 is not driven even by operating the
open lever 40, so that the trunk lid 31 is not to be opened.
Alternatively, when the trunk lid 31 is to be closed, there is no
need to use the open lever 40, instead simply pressing an upper
portion of the trunk lid 31 downward can make the hook and the
open/close latch 41 engage with each other to maintain the closed
state.
[0040] The lock knob 50 can have, for example, a cylindrical shape
and can be in an unlocked position (indicated by a solid line in
FIG. 7), whereby the lock knob 50 protrudes from a mounting surface
when the trunk 30 is in the unlocked state. When the trunk 30 is in
the locked state, the lock knob 50 can be retracted into the
mounting surface, whereby only a portion of the lock knob 50 is
exposed (indicated by a dash-double-dot line in FIG. 7). This
allows the occupant of the motorcycle 1 to determine whether the
trunk 30 is in the locked or unlocked state by simply viewing the
lock knob 50.
[0041] The lock knob 50 can also be configured in the locked
position, whereby a round bottom operating face of the lock knob 50
is retracted to be flush with, or lower than, the mounting surface.
This allows the lock knob 50, when in the unlocked position, to be
depressed down into the locked position, preventing the occupant
from inadvertently moving the lock knob 50 from the locked to the
unlocked position.
[0042] The shapes and positions of the open lever 40 and the lock
knob 50 are not limited to those described in the aforementioned
embodiments of the invention and other shapes and positions are
possible. For example, the open lever 40 and the lock knob 50 can
be, for example, disposed on the side of the case 32, and the
open/close latch 41 can also, for example, be disposed on the side
of the case 32. The open lever 40 and the lock knob 50 can still be
disposed on a lower surface or a side surface of the case 32, or
can be disposed at separate places spaced apart from each
other.
[0043] FIG. 8 is an illustration of the lock knob 50 and a lock
knob actuator 66 that drives the lock knob 50, illustrating how the
lock knob actuator 66 actuates the lock knob 50 according to
another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment of the
invention, a rocking arm 82 is mounted on a rocking shaft 80 of the
lock knob actuator 66 that can include, for example, a solenoid or
a motor. A driving rod 83 is connected to the rocking arm 82. The
lock knob 50 is mounted on a leading end of the driving rod 83.
According to the foregoing arrangements, driving the lock knob
actuator 66 allows the lock knob 50 to be selectively placed in
either the locked position or the unlocked position.
[0044] When the lock knob 50 is in the unlocked position, in which
the lock knob 50 protrudes from a mounting surface 84, the lock
knob 50 can be depressed from the outside. This can allow the lock
knob 50 to be depressed into the mounting surface 84 into the
locked position (indicated by a dash-double-dot line in FIG. 8),
while rotating the rocking shaft 80 in a counterclockwise direction
as shown in FIG. 8. Note that an output signal from a position
sensor 81 that detects that the lock knob 50 is in either the
locked position or the unlocked position is transmitted to the
communication authentication section 61 of the ECU 60.
[0045] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an arrangement of a locking
device of the trunk 30 and parts associated therewith according to
another embodiment of the invention. Like parts are identified by
the same reference numerals as those used in the foregoing figures.
Descriptions of the same arrangements as those illustrated in FIG.
3 will not be reiterated. As described earlier in another
embodiment of the invention, the trunk 30 includes the open lever
40 for driving the open/close latch 41 and the lock knob 50 that
prohibits driving of the open/close latch 41 in the locked state.
The trunk 30 also includes the lock knob actuator 66, an open/close
latch actuator 42, and a lever operation detector 67. Specifically,
the lock knob actuator 66 drives the lock knob 50. The open/close
latch actuator 42 drives the open/close latch 41. The lever
operation detector 67 detects that the open lever 40 has been
operated. The lever operation detector 67 can be structured to
include, for example, an ON-OFF type switch sensor that detects
that the lever has moved out of an initial position.
[0046] The trunk 30 is configured to be operable to be locked,
unlocked, or automatically opened by the portable key 70 carried by
the occupant. The ECU 60, according to this embodiment of the
invention includes the actuator state determination section 62, the
communication authentication section 61, and the alert state
determination section 63. Specifically, the actuator state
determination section 62 applies a driving signal to each of the
lock knob actuator 66 and the open/close latch actuator 42. The
communication authentication section 61 performs authentication as
to whether the portable key 70 is a valid portable key of the
motorcycle 1 based on a radio wave received via a communication
antenna 64. The alert state determination section 63 determines
whether the occupant needs to be alerted based on the result of
authentication performed by the communication authentication
section 61 and the condition of the lock knob 50.
[0047] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of control operations performed when
the trunk 30 is locked through manual operation according to
another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment of the
invention, in step S30, a determination can be made whether the
trunk 30 is closed. Step S31 is reached when, in step S30, the
determination is made that the trunk 30 is closed. The
determination whether the trunk lid 31 is in the closed state or
the open state can be detected by, for example, an ON-OFF type
sensor that detects that the trunk lid 31 moves out of the closed
position. In step S31, a determination can be made whether the lock
knob 50 is placed in the locked position. Step S32 is reached when,
in step S31, a determination has been made that the lock knob 50 is
in a locked position, and authentication of the portable key 70 can
be started. Note that the operation returns to steps S30 and S31,
when steps S30 and S31 are determined in the negative,
respectively.
[0048] In step S33, a determination can be made whether the
authentication has been terminated. Step S34 is reached and the
lock knob 50 is held in the locked position when, in step S33, a
determination is made that the authentication has been terminated.
This completes the series of control operations. Note that, if step
S33 is determined in the negative, specifically, if it is
determined that an operator who does not carry the portable key 70
with him or her presses the lock knob 50, the operation proceeds to
step S35. In step S35, the lock knob actuator 66 returns the lock
knob 50 to the unlocked position and, in step S36, an alert is
issued using the alert unit.
[0049] When the trunk 30 in the locked state is to be opened
manually, authentication of the portable key 70 is performed as the
open lever 40 is operated. If the authentication is terminated, the
lock knob actuator 66 is driven to place the lock knob 50 in the
unlocked position, so that the trunk lid 31 is opened. If the
authentication is not terminated, the lock knob actuator 66 is not
driven, so that the trunk 30 is held in the closed state.
[0050] According to the locking and unlocking control of the trunk
30 as described above, the trunk 30 can be prevented from being
opened or closed by any third person who does not carry the
portable key 70 with him or her. In addition, should the trunk 30
be closed with the portable key 70 left therein and should the lock
knob 50 then be further depressed, the trunk 30 can still be opened
by operating the open lever 40. This prevents the portable key 70
from being locked in the trunk 30.
[0051] As described above, in the storage box locking device
according to embodiments of the invention, when the storage box,
for example, the side pocket or the trunk, is closed, radio
communication is carried out with the portable key and the storage
box is to be placed in the locked state after an authentication of
the portable key is terminated. Accordingly, the storage box can be
opened again by operating the open lever, the open button or the
like, even if the portable key is locked in the side pocket or the
trunk. This prevents the portable key from being locked in the side
pocket, the trunk, or other storage box.
[0052] The structures of the side pocket and the trunk, structures
and positions of the open button of the side pocket, and the lock
knob and the open lever of the trunk, and structures and
configurations of actuators, sensors, and other parts, are not
limited to those described in the embodiments of the invention
previously discussed; rather, various modifications are possible.
For example, the storage box locking device according to an
embodiment of the invention can be applicable, for example, to a
side pocket having a lock knob or a trunk having no lock knobs.
Further, the storage box locking device according to an embodiment
of the invention can be applied, for example, to a three-wheeled
vehicle or a four-wheeled vehicle, in addition to the motorcycle
previously discussed.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0053] 1: Motorcycle (vehicle) [0054] 30: Trunk (storage box)
[0055] 31: Trunk lid [0056] 32: Case [0057] 33: Taillight unit
(alert unit) [0058] 40: Open lever [0059] 41: Open/close latch
[0060] 42: Open/close latch actuator [0061] 50: Lock knob [0062]
60: ECU [0063] 61: Communication authentication section [0064] 62:
Actuator state determination section [0065] 63: Alert state
determination section [0066] 64: Communication antenna [0067] 66:
Lock knob actuator [0068] 67: Lever operation detector [0069] 68:
Horn (alert unit) [0070] 70: Portable key [0071] 90: Side pocket
(storage box) [0072] 91: Storage portion [0073] 92: Pocket lid
[0074] 93: Hook [0075] 94: Open button [0076] 96: Lock device
actuator [0077] 97: Lock device [0078] 98: Button operation
detector
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