| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20090309696 | VEHICLE FUNCTION RESTRICTION SYSTEM - A vehicle function restriction system for installation in a vehicle. The vehicle includes a master key allowed to activate any function of the vehicle. The system includes a valet key mounted in the vehicle and configured to dismountable from the vehicle to be lent to a person to whom the vehicle is lent. A restriction setting unit sets the vehicle in a restriction state when the valet key is dismounted from the vehicle. The restriction setting unit sets at least one restricted vehicle functions which is not activated by the valet key, in accordance with the person to whom the vehicle is lent. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20100071424 | ELECTRIC LOCK FOR OPEN-CLOSE BODY - An electric lock for a glove box lid closed when a lock member is engaged with a fastening portion and allowed to open when the lock member is disengaged from the fastening portion. The electric lock includes an operation unit operated by a vehicle occupant when opening the glove box lid. A verification unit performs verification of the vehicle occupant. A lock release member pushes the lock member and separates the lock member from the fastening portion when the operation unit is operated in a state in which the verification is established. A disconnection unit integrally connects the operation unit and lock release member when verification is established and disconnects the operation unit and lock release member when not established. When verification is not established, a control unit prohibits the disconnection unit from integrally connecting the operation unit and lock release member to disable opening of the glove box lid. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100071427 | KEY SLOT DEVICE FOR IN-VEHICLE AUXILIARY KEY - A key slot capable of accommodating an auxiliary key, which is a vehicle key other than a master key. A key lock mechanism locks or unlocks movement of the auxiliary key in the key slot, thereby allowing the auxiliary key to be taken out of the key slot in accordance with a lending condition of the auxiliary key. An invalid key return prevention unit permits the auxiliary key to be returned to the key slot in accordance with a return condition of the auxiliary key. If the return condition is met, the invalid key return prevention unit causes the key lock mechanism to lock the auxiliary key in the key slot. If the return condition is not met, the invalid key return prevention unit does not allow the auxiliary key to be returned to the key slot. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100073130 | KEY HOLDING DEVICE FOR IN-VEHICLE AUXILIARY KEY - A key holding device includes a key cylinder capable of retaining an auxiliary key which is a vehicle key that is not a master key. A rotor is rotatably arranged in the key cylinder. The auxiliary key is insertable into the rotor. A tumbler is rotatable with the rotor in the key cylinder. The tumbler holds the auxiliary key in a manner irremovable from the key cylinder in accordance with the rotational position of the rotor. A key lock mechanism is capable of locking the rotor in a state in which the tumbler holds the auxiliary key in a manner irremovable from the key cylinder. A control unit selectively switches the rotor between a locked state and an unlocked state by controlling the key lock mechanism so as to permit removal of the auxiliary key when the rotor is in the unlocked state. | 03-25-2010 |
