Patent Abstract:
Multiple components of a motorcycle theft-deterrent device are enclosed within a single weather-resistant module, to ensure that wiring thereof is protected from the elements. The theft-deterrent device permits secure starting of the engine with a remotely operated device. The theft-deterrent device includes a CPU  41 , a remote control receiver  42  for detecting a locking/unlocking signal from a remote operation device, and a vibration sensor  43  as theft-deterrent equipment in a handlebar lock module  12 , including a handlebar lock mechanism. As a result of this inclusion, wiring is protected. The protected wiring sends locking/unlocking signals, which have been received by the remote control receiver  42 , to the CPU  41 , as well as vibration sense signals from the vibration sensor  43  to the CPU  41 , for protecting the vehicle body.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 based on Japanese patent application No. 2002-281257, filed Sep. 26, 2002. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a motorcycle anti-theft device, and more particularly, relates to a motorcycle anti-theft device which fits easily on a motorcycle, and which is compact and pleasing in appearance. 
     2. Description of the Background Art 
     Many vehicle theft-deterrent devices are known and commercially available. In some of the known theft-deterrent devices, a control signal, sent from outside the vehicle by a remote operation device, is received inside the vehicle, and permission is then given to start the engine when the control signal is recognized as a familiar signal. 
     For example, a motorcycle alarm device is disclosed in Japanese Patent laid-open Publication No. Hei 7-223508, where a switch, provided on a stand, and an ignition switch operate in cooperation, so that a horn is sounded on the vehicle when the vehicle is improperly moved. 
     Further, a theft-deterrent device is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Gazette Registration No. 2558117, where an operation unit and a numeric keypad are provided on a motorcycle or a three-wheeled vehicle. In the disclosure of this reference, a card is inserted into the operation unit, and a vehicle registration number or secret identification number, for activating the ignition and lighting switches, is electronically stored on the card. After the card has been inserted, the secret identification number is manually entered using the numeric keypad, and permission to start the engine is given only when the manually entered number matches the secret identification number stored on the card. 
     In many instances, vehicle theft can be effectively prevented by theft-deterrent devices incorporating remote-control switches, because starting of an engine is only permitted by a person in possession of the correct remote control activation device. When using theft-deterrent devices adopting cards, starting of the engine is only permitted by a person that (a) is in possession of a card, and (b) is also aware of the secret identification number stored thereon. 
     In the vehicle security industry, theft-deterrent devices are often installed after the initial sale of a vehicle. This operation of installing a theft-deterrent device subsequent to the initial sale is difficult for a typical user to carry out without help, and therefore, may be entrusted to a maintenance facility or a shop, which can be time-consuming and troublesome. 
     Further, in the case of affixing theft-deterrent devices after the initial sale, the external appearance of the vehicle may be compromised due to wiring, etc. being exposed on the vehicle. Moreover, differentiation between an alarm noise and a theft notification noise may be difficult, because the horn provided on the vehicle is used both for normal use and as a burglar alarm, and the position of the horn is substantially fixed with regards to this function. As a result, layout options in placing components of the theft-deterrent device on the vehicle body are very limited. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In order to resolve the aforementioned problems, in a first aspect of the present invention, a theft-deterrent device, equipped with a receiver and a processor, is provided for a vehicle which may be a motorcycle. The receiver receives a locking/unlocking signal from a remote control activation device. The on-vehicle processor determines whether or not an ID included in the locking/unlocking signal matches a pre-registered ID number. 
     The theft-deterrent device according to the first aspect also includes a lock mechanism for responding to the locking/unlocking signal and operating the lock, and an actuator for driving the lock mechanism. The theft-deterrent device further includes a theft-detection signal generator for creating and transmitting a theft-detection signal, when a vehicle is subjected to inappropriate movement, without receiving an unlocking signal including the proper registration ID number. In the theft-deterrent device according to the first aspect hereof, the receiver, controller, lock mechanism, actuator and theft-detection signal generator may be formed as parts within a unitary module, and housed within a single housing. 
     According to the first aspect, the receiver for receiving the locking/unlocking signal, as well as the actuator for locking and unlocking the vehicle and the theft-detection means are configured in a single module. Wiring is therefore simplified and can be collected together within the housing, to create a clean and superior external appearance. 
     In a second aspect of the invention, the lock mechanism is provided in the form of a handlebar lock for engaging with a rotating shaft of a handlebar so as to lock a vehicle, and the module is arranged next to the rotating shaft of the handlebar which the lock mechanism engages. The distance which the lock pin, etc. is required to move can therefore be made short, and the lock pin mechanism is simplified. 
     Further, in a third aspect of the present invention, the theft-detection mechanism uses a vibration sensor to detect when the vehicle is moved without performing the correct operations, and generates a corresponding theft-detection signal. 
     According to the third aspect, a theft-detection signal is generated when the vehicle is inappropriately moved, or is subjected to shocks. 
     In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the theft-detection sensor detects when the steering angle of the handlebar changes by a predetermined amount, without the required preliminary operations being performed, and the mechanism then emits a theft-detection signal. 
     Further, in a fifth aspect of the present invention, a buzzer energized in response to the theft-detection signal is provided, and notification of theft can be given using the buzzer. In a sixth aspect, the buzzer is included in the module, and according to the sixth aspect, wiring for the buzzer protected and is not exposed to the outside elements. 
     Moreover, in a seventh aspect of the present invention, a pivotally movable seat is provided which also serves as a lid for a storage box, with the seat being alternately lockable and releasable in response to the locking/unlocking signal, when the ID numbers match. 
     According to the seventh aspect, the locking or unlocking of the vehicle and the seat can be carried out at the same time. 
     For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the reader is referred to the following detailed description section, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description and in the drawings, like numbers refer to like parts. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side plan view of a two-wheeled scooter-type vehicle having a theft-deterrent device installed thereon according to a selected illustrative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a block circuit diagram showing a controller according to a first embodiment thereof. 
         FIG. 3  is a black circuit diagram showing a modified example of a controller according to a second embodiment thereof. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A detailed description will now be given of a selected illustrative embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a side plan view of a two-wheeled scooter-type vehicle S having a theft-deterrent device  100  installed thereon, according to a selected illustrative embodiment of the present invention. However, a typical simplified outline of the vehicle S is shown, to aid in understanding the arrangement of the theft-deterrent device  100  and its related equipment. 
     Scooter Structure and Composition 
     As shown in the drawing, the scooter S includes a vehicle front end  1  and a vehicle back end  2 , connected via a low floor portion  3 . The framework for the scooter S is provided by a vehicle frame, including a down tube T 1  and a main frame pipe T 2 . 
     The vehicle front end  1 , vehicle back end  2  and floor portion  3  are covered by a front cover  4 , body cover  5 , and center cover  6 , respectively. A handlebar  8  is provided towards the top of the vehicle front end  1 , and is axially supported at the steering head  7 . The handlebar  8  is covered by a handlebar cover  10 . The vehicle front end  1  of the scooter S is further provided with a front fork  9 , attached to the lower end of the handlebar  8  and extending below the steering head, and with a front wheel W F  axially supported at a lower end of the front fork. 
     Handgrip portions of the handlebar  8  project laterally outwardly from the handlebar cover  10 , with a left side mirror  11 L projecting upwards from the left side of the handlebar. Although the right side mirror is not shown in the drawing, it will be understood that the right side mirror is substantially a mirror image of the left side mirror, and is located on the right side of the scooter S, in a corresponding position with respect to the handlebar  8 . 
     Further, a handlebar lock module  12  housing a lock mechanism is also provided, in a single housing, for locking the position of the handlebar  8 . The handlebar lock module  12  has a lock pin  12 A for engaging with a rotating shaft (handlebar post)  24  of the handlebar  8 . The lock pin  12 A is made to move in a reciprocal manner by an actuator such as a motor, etc. so as to engage and disengage with the handlebar post  24 , causing locking and unlocking thereof. The lock pin  12 A may be driven by the operation of a remote control key, described hereinbelow. The handlebar lock module  12  is also described in further detail below. 
     An alarm buzzer  13  is provided attached to the front end  1  of the vehicle S, in the vicinity of the handlebar lock module  12 . The alarm buzzer  13  is provided separately from the vehicle horn used during normal stop-and-go operation of the vehicle S. The handlebar lock module  12  and the alarm buzzer  13  are shown separately in the drawing using solid lines, but are housed within the front cover  4 . 
     A fuel tank  14  and storage box  15  are provided within the body cover  5 , so as to be supported by the main frame pipe T 2 . A single-cylinder four-cycle engine E, a belt-type infinitely variable transmission  16  in back of the engine E, and a reduction gear mechanism  17  are also included at a swing unit  25 , pivotally supported to swing vertically with respect to the main frame pipe T 2 , within a limited range of motion. The reduction gear mechanism  17  has a rear wheel W R  axially supported thereon. A rear shock-absorbing cushion  18  is installed between the upper end of the reduction gear mechanism  17  and the main frame pipe T 2 . 
     A seat cover member  19  is provided to cover the storage box  15  above the body cover  5 . The seat cover member  19  can be opened and closed, and it is possible to store a helmet, etc. in the storage box  15 . A seat lock actuator  20 , capable of being operated by remote control key, is provided between the seat  19  and the main frame pipe T 2 . A main relay  22  is installed within the body cover  5 , for connecting a power supply to an ECU  21  and related electrical components, etc. for controlling the engine. 
     Circuit Structure 
       FIG. 2  is a block circuit diagram showing an example of a controller  40  built into the handlebar lock module  12 . The controller  40  is equipped with a processor (CPU)  41  and a remote control receiver  42  for receiving signals from a remote control key A, and for transferring the received signals to the CPU  41 . The remote control receiver  42  receives a locking signal or unlocking signal sent from a remote control key (remote operation device) A. The controller  40  also includes a vibration sensor  43 , a locking detection switch  44 , and an unlocking detection switch  45 . 
     The locking detection switch  44  and the unlocking detection switch  45  detect respective locking and unlocking positions of the lock pin  45 . In an optional embodiment, the locking and unlocking detection switches  44 ,  45  can be combined into a single lock position sensor. 
     The vibration sensor  43  senses vibrations applied to the handlebar lock module  12 , and when the sensed vibration exceeds a predetermined magnitude, the CPU  14  sends out a theft-detection signal. The locking detection switch  44  detects when the lock pin  12 A is in a position of engaging with the handlebar post  24  and sends out a locking position signal. The unlocking detection switch  45  detects when the lock pin  12 A is in a position of releasing from engagement with the handlebar post  24  and sends out an unlocking position signal. As noted, these two switches may be combined into a single lock position sensor. 
     The vibration detection signal is input to the CPU  41  via an A/D input circuit  46  and the locking signal and unlocking signal are sent to the CPU  41  via a switch input circuit  47 . 
     First and second actuator drive circuits  48  and  49 , switching circuits  50  and  51 , and a buzzer drive circuit  52  are provided on the output side of the CPU  41 . The first actuator drive circuit  48  is connected to an actuator  53  for driving the lock pin  12 A, and an actuator  53  is connected to a positive side of the battery  54 . The first actuator driver circuit  48  is connected to an actuator  53  for driving the lock pin  12 A, and the actuator  53  is connected to a positive side of the battery  54 . The second actuator driver circuit  49  is connected to a seat lock actuator  20 . 
     The output side of the switching circuit  50  is connected to the main relay  22  and the output side of the switching circuit  51  is connected to the ECU  21 . Further, the output side of the buzzer drive circuit  52  is connected to the buzzer  13 . 
     A power supply circuit  55 , connected to the positive side of the battery  54  is also provided, for supplying appropriate power supply voltages to the remote control receiver  42 , the vibration sensor  43 , the actuator  53  and the CPU  41 . An EEPROM  56  is provided at the CPU  41 , as a device for storing required data. 
     In the above configuration, when an unlocking signal is sent by the remote control key A, and when the CPU  41  determines that an ID included in the unlocking instruction sent from the remote control key matches a registration ID registered in the EEPROM  56 , the actuator driver circuit  48  drives the actuator  53  and unlocks the handlebar. 
     At the same time, the second actuator drive circuit  49  drives the seat lock actuator  20  for the seat  19  that doubles as a lid for the storage box  15 , which is initially locked. The actuator switching circuit  50  operates when the CPU  41  determines that the ID included in an unlocking instruction sent by the remote control key A matches with the registration ID, or when the detection output of the unlocking detection switch  45  is received. 
     The main relay  22  is driven when the switching circuit  50  is operated, so that the main switch (not shown) of the vehicle is on, power is supplied to electrical equipment including an ignition assembly, and starting of the engine is made possible. 
     However, the main relay  22  does not turn on if the IDs do not match, and the engine cannot be made to start without the remote control key A. Further, in cases where the handlebar lock module  12  is damaged or removed in order to move the vehicle without using the remote control key A, vibration is sensed that does not occur during a normal start operation. 
     When vibrations detected by the vibration sensor  43  are compared with the reference value set in the EEPROM  56  and determined to be abnormal, the CPU  41  energizes the buzzer drive circuit  52  and the buzzer  13  is activated. In order to stop the sound of the buzzer  13 , the remote control key A is used, an unlocking signal is generated, and a correct ID is supplied to the remote control receiver  42 . The program of the CPU  41  is configured in such a manner that the handlebar lock is unlocked by the correct unlocking signal, to stop the sound of the buzzer  13 . 
     In this embodiment, the remote control receiver  42 , the vibration sensor  43 , the handlebar lock pin  12 A, the first actuator drive circuit  48  and control hardware including the CPU  41  are housed within the handlebar lock module  12 . It is therefore possible to maintain a clean, uncluttered and superior external appearance because wiring between the remote control receiver  42  and the vibration sensor  43  and the CPU  41  is not routed to, or exposed to the outside. The alarm buzzer  13  is also separate from the horn used during normal stop-and-go driving, which gives freedom with respect to layout. The alarm buzzer  13  is also housed within the handlebar lock module  12  so that the wiring for the alarm buzzer  13  is not routed to, or exposed to the outside. 
     Further, it is also possible to adopt a structure where a steering angle sensor is provided for the handlebar  8 , in place of the vibration sensor, so that the alarm buzzer  13  is activated when the steering angle changes by more than a predetermined amount, even when no unlocking signal has been received from the remote control key A. Where used, the steering angle sensor is also housed within the handlebar lock module  12 , in the same way as the vibration sensor  43 . 
     The steering angle sensor can also be used to provide steering angle information for an automatic turn-signal indicator lamp canceller, and can also be housed in the handlebar lock module  12 , together with an automatic turn-signal indicator lamp canceller. 
       FIG. 3  is a block circuit diagram showing a modified example of a controller built into the handlebar lock module  12 , with numerals that are the same as in  FIG. 2  being used for the same or equivalent components. Detection signals from an external vehicle speed sensor, a turn-signal indicator lamp set signal, and a turn-signal indicator lamp release signal are sent to the switch input circuit  47 . A turn-signal indicator lamp relay drive circuit  57  is connected to the output side of the CPU  41 . This turn-signal indicator lamp relay drive circuit  57  is connected to an external turn-signal indicator lamp relay (not shown). Further, a steering angle sensor  58  is provided for detecting the handlebar steering angle. In addition to acting as a theft-detection means, the steering angle sensor  58  also acts as an automatic turn-signal indicator lamp canceling sensor. 
     During operation of the turn-signal indicator lamps, a turn-signal indicator lamp set signal is generated, and the turn-signal indicator lamp relay drive circuit  57  turns the turn-signal indicator lamp relay on so that the turn-signal indicator lamp is made to flash. When a turn-signal indicator lamp release signal is sensed through a turn-signal indicator lamp return operation, the turn-signal indicator lamp drive circuit  57  turns off the turn-signal indicator relay and the turn-signal indicator lamp. 
     Even when a turn-signal indicator lamp return operation is not carried out, when straight ahead movement is detected, based on the steering angle using the steering angle sensor  58 , the same operation is performed as for the turn-signal indicator lamp return operation. Further, when vehicle speed is greater than an expected speed, a detection signal of a vehicle speed sensor may be added to the turn-signal indicator lamp return conditions, to give the same operation as for the turn-signal indicator lamp return operation. 
     As is clear from the above description, according to the invention as disclosed in the first aspect, structure for receiving the locking and unlocking signals and locking and unlocking the vehicle, as well as a theft-detection sensor, are configured in a single module. Wiring is therefore short and can be collected together within the housing, bringing about a superior external appearance. 
     According to the invention as disclosed in the second aspect hereof, a module including the lock mechanism is arranged next to the rotating shaft of the handlebar with which the lock mechanism engages. The distance which the lock pin etc. is required to move can therefore be made short, and the lock mechanism is simplified. 
     According to the invention as disclosed in the third aspect hereof, a theft-detection signal is generated when the vehicle is moved inappropriately or is subjected to shocks. According to the invention as disclosed in the fourth aspect hereof, a theft-detection signal is generated when the handlebar is operated inappropriately. 
     According to the invention as disclosed in the fifth aspect hereof, notification of theft can be given using the alarm buzzer. According to the invention as disclosed in the sixth aspect hereof, wiring for the alarm buzzer and the controller etc. can be made short and can be collected within the housing so that the external appearance is superior. 
     According to the invention as disclosed in the seventh aspect hereof, the locking and unlocking of the vehicle and the locking and unlocking of the seat can be carried out at the same time. 
     Although the present invention has been described herein with respect to a limited number of presently preferred embodiments, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art will realize that many modifications of the preferred embodiment could be made which would be operable. All such modifications, which are within the scope of the claims, are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1