VEHICLE CONTROLLER FOR STRADDLE TYPE VEHICLE

• US 20060261674A1
• Filed: 05/19/2006
• Published: 11/23/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/20/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha (Yamaha Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha (Yamaha Corporation)
• Inventors: Unno, Hitoshi
• Granted Patent: US 7,554,217 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 307/10.100
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/306 Motorcycles
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/02153 comprising a locking member radially and linearly moved towards the steering column
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/04 operating on the propulsion system, e.g. engine or drive motor

Abstract

In response to a request signal transmitted from the vehicle through operation of an activating switch, a portable device sends a code signal. The code signal is identified by a code identification component. If authentication of the code signal is successful, a control unit issues a release signal to unlock a steering lock and power is supplied from the control unit to an engine ECU so that the engine can be started.

Claims

1. A vehicle controller for a straddle type vehicle comprising a steering lock release assembly, a portable device, a control unit and a code identification component, the portable device adapted to transmit a code signal, the code identification component adapted to authenticate the code signal by comparing the code signal to a reference, the control unit issuing a release signal to actuate the steering lock release assembly upon successful authentication of the code signal and power being supplied from the control unit to a control section of a vehicle driving source upon successful authentication so that the vehicle driving source is able to be started.

2. The vehicle controller for a straddle type vehicle according to claim 1 further comprising an activating switch, the activating switch being electrically connected to the control unit, the vehicle controller adapted to issue a request signal upon operation of the activating switch, and the portable device transmitting the code signal in response to the request signal.

3. The vehicle controller for a straddle type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein an encrypted signal is communicated between the control unit and the control section of the vehicle driving source, and if authentication of the encrypted signal is successful, the vehicle driving source is able to be started.

4. The vehicle controller for a straddle type vehicle according to claim 1 further comprising a vehicle-mounted unit and a related actuator, the actuator adapted to unlock the vehicle-mounted unit, an encrypted signal being communicated between the control unit and the vehicle-mounted unit, and if the encrypted signal is successfully authenticated, the actuator unlocks the vehicle-mounted unit.

5. The vehicle controller for a straddle type vehicle according to claim 4 further comprising an unlock switch adapted to unlock the vehicle-mounted unit, the encrypted signal being communicated between the control unit and the vehicle-mounted unit upon operation of the unlock switch associated with the vehicle-mounted unit.

6. The vehicle controller for a straddle type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle driving source is selected from the group consisting of an engine and an electric motor.

7. The vehicle controller for a straddle type vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the vehicle-mounted unit is selected from the group consisting of a seat and a fuel tank.

8. The vehicle controller for a straddle type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the encrypted signal between the control unit and the control section of the vehicle driving source is conduced upon operation of a starting switch that is in electrical communication with the control section of the vehicle driving source, and the activating switch and the starting switch are combined into one switch mechanism.

9. A vehicle controller for a straddle type vehicle, the vehicle controller comprising a portable device, the portable device adapted to transmit a code signal, a control unit comprising a receiving component, the receiving component adapted to receive the code signal, the control unit also comprising an identification component adapted to compare the code signal to a reference such that a match can be made to authenticate the code signal, upon successful authentication of the code signal, the vehicle controller issuing a signal to unlock a steering lock and supplying power to a control section of a vehicle driving source.

10. The vehicle controller for a straddle type vehicle of claim 9, wherein the vehicle driving source comprises an electric motor.

11. The vehicle controller for a straddle type vehicle of claim 9, wherein the vehicle driving source comprises an internal combustion engine.

12. The vehicle controller for a straddle type vehicle of claim 9 further comprising a communication channel connecting the control section of the vehicle driving source and the control unit, an encrypted signal being conveyed along the communication channel and the encrypted signal being authenticated before the vehicle driving source is capable of being operated.