DE102012004000A1 - Transponder key i.e. mobile telephone, for remote controlling of lock in door of motor car, has connector comprising set of contacts connected with source and another set of contacts connected with interface for transmission of information - Google Patents

Abstract

The key (7) has a transponder (13) for cordless transmission of authentication information. A plug connector (17) i.e. universal serial bus (USB) connector, comprises a set of contacts connected with an electrical energy source (15) and another set of contacts connected with an interface (14) for wired transmission of the authentication information. The interface and the transponder are connected with the energy source over a switch that is opened and closed in a contact state and a non-contact state of the plug connector. An independent claim is also included for a remote controlled apparatus.

Description

The present invention relates to a transponder key for the remote operation of a device and a device controlled thereby, such as a door lock of a motor vehicle.

Transponder key for locking and unlocking of motor vehicle doors have been in widespread use for several years. In a housing whose size approximately corresponds to that of a conventional mechanical key, they contain a radio transponder, which emits a radio signal containing authentication information upon actuation of a corresponding external button on the housing, and a battery which supplies the transponder with power. A complementary transponder on the side of the vehicle receives the authentication information for transmission to a control unit of the vehicle. If it finds the authentication information correct, it sends an unlock command to an actuator of the door lock, whereupon the door lock is unlocked and the door can be opened.

In the event of a fault in the vehicle electrical system of the vehicle, the vehicle-side transponder, the control unit and the actuator can not work, and it is not possible to open the door by sending a radio signal from the transponder key.

In order to lock and unlock a vehicle door even in the event of a fault in the vehicle electrical system, most transponder keys additionally have a mechanical key-bit which, if required, can be extended or unfolded and inserted into a mechanical door lock.

The need to provide a mechanical door closure in addition to a radio control also causes considerable costs. There is therefore a need for alternative means to ensure locking and unlocking of the door in the event of an electrical system failure. In DE 10 2007 010 583 A1 There is the proposal to provide an authentication device of the vehicle, which checks the transmitted by wireless authentication information, as well as an unlocking device accessible via on the outside of the vehicle accessible contacts with operating power. This solution is cumbersome for a user since, if the attempt to unlock the door in the usual way by means of the transponder key alone fails, he must first bring in and connect a suitable external power source before making another attempt can unlock the door with the help of the transponder key. While the user may have a suitable source of energy at home or at a preferred location of the vehicle and may deploy it if necessary, this does not usually succeed when the vehicle is parked at another location.

Object of the present invention is to provide a transponder key or remotely operable by a transponder key device that allow operation of the device with a mechanical key comparable security even in the event of a fault in the power supply of the device.

The object is achieved, on the one hand, by providing a plug-in connector for the remote control of a device, in particular a lock, with a memory for an authentication information to be transmitted to the device to be actuated, a transponder for the wireless transmission of the authentication information and an electrical energy source comprising contacts connected to the power source and contacts connected to an interface for the wireline transmission of the authentication information. Thus, the energy source that ensures the operation of the transponder key, in an emergency also be used to power the device itself. By transmitting the authentication information via the same connector cable-bound, the transmission of the authentication information by transponder is unnecessary, so that no energy must be expended for the operation of the transponder on the side of the key and the controlled device.

Preferably, the connector is a USB connector. Such a connector by default includes two contacts for the transmission of a message signal and two contacts for the transmission of a supply voltage and can therefore be used without modification and compliant with the USB standard for the purposes of the present invention.

The interface may be connected via a switch to the power source, which is closed in the contacted state of the connector and open in the non-contacted state. Thus, it can be ensured that the interface only loads the energy source of the transponder key when a line-bound transmission of the authentication information is actually intended.

Conversely, the transponder can be connected to the power source via a switch which is open in the contacted state of the connector and closed in the non-contacted state, so that in this case the entire performance of Power source of the interface and the connected to the contacts to be controlled device is available.

The interface may be implemented as a USB controller, i. H. among several units networked via a USB bus, it is the one that grants permissions to other units to transmit data on the bus and is able to turn those other units called USB devices on or off as needed, or their power consumption to control. This is particularly useful when there are several such USB devices on the controlled device side that are not all supposed to be in service at the same time, given the limited power of the power source.

If there are several units on the controlled device side that communicate with each other via USB even if the transponder key is not connected, then one of these units will inevitably have to be a USB controller. If this USB controller can be supplied by the energy source of the transponder key in the event of a failure of the device-side power supply, then the interface of the transponder key should be a USB device.

Thanks to the high degree of availability that can be guaranteed with the transponder key according to the invention, it is no longer necessary that the transponder key also has a key bit. According to an expedient development, such a transponder key can therefore be designed as a mobile telephone. Many modern mobile phones have the inherent hardware requirements to work as a transponder key in the present invention, such as memory, battery, and a transponder for cordless communication, e.g. B. Bluetooth standard, so that only a suitable programming is required so that such a mobile phone can perform the functions of a transponder key according to the invention.

The object is further achieved by a remote-controlled device with a transponder for the wireless reception of authentication information, a control unit for checking the authentication information and a controllable by the control unit after successful verification of the authentication information module, which further comprises a connector, the contacts for a wired transmission the authentication information as well as for the supply of the operating unit with power.

Conveniently, the controllable module via the connector with operating energy can be supplied.

Since the module can have a higher power requirement than the energy source of the transponder key is able to deliver, the module can be assigned a charge-able via the connector storage capacitor. Such a storage capacitor can be charged by the power source for a long period of time with low amperage to then provide the power required by the assembly for a short time.

The control unit and the controllable module can be separate USB devices. This provides a controller on the side of the transponder key the ability to first turn on only the control unit of the remote-controlled device and make the verification of the authentication information, and after release of the assembly by the control unit latter off, so as to have more power for the assembly available ,

Alternatively, the control unit of the remote-controlled device itself can be a USB controller and the controllable module can be a USB device.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. From this description and the figures also show features of the embodiments, which are not mentioned in the claims. Such features may also occur in combinations other than those specifically disclosed herein. Therefore, the fact that several such features are mentioned in the same sentence or in a different type of textual context does not justify the conclusion that they can occur only in the specific combination disclosed; instead, it is generally to be assumed that it is also possible to omit or modify individual ones of several such features, provided this does not call into question the functionality of the invention. Show it:

1 a motor vehicle with a door lock according to the present invention;

2 an enlarged view of the door lock and a transponder key through which the door lock is locked and unlocked;

3 a block diagram of the transponder key and the door lock according to a first embodiment;

4 one too 3 analog block diagram according to a second embodiment; and

5 one too 3 analog block diagram according to a third embodiment.

1 shows a perspective view of an inventive motor vehicle 11 with four doors, including a driver's door 1 and a rear door 2 , as well as with a tailgate 3 all of which can be locked and unlocked under the control of a central control unit. Neither the doors 1 . 2 still the tailgate 3 have a keyhole. At the driver's door is inconspicuous under a handle 4 a USB socket 5 arranged.

2 shows an enlarged detail of the driver's door 1 , An elastic stopper 6 , which is usually the socket 5 Protected against the ingress of dirt and moisture, here is folded aside to a transponder key 7 via a USB cable 8th to be able to connect.

The transponder key 7 is here formed by a mobile phone. The USB cable 8th is part of the supplied accessories on most modern mobile phones as it is required for data transfer between the mobile phone and the PC and / or for charging the mobile phone.

If the vehicle's electrical system works properly, authentication information is provided that locks or unlocks the doors 1 . 2 and the tailgate 3 allows, by radio, z. B. via a Bluetooth connection, between the mobile phone and the control unit of the vehicle 11 transfer. In order to trigger the transmission of the authentication information, the user calls one of several utilities (apps) stored in the mobile telephone, eg. On a touch screen 9 of the mobile phone an icon associated with this utility 10 tapping.

The USB cable 8th is only needed if due to a fault in the electrical system of the vehicle, the transmission of the authentication information by the mobile phone 7 does not lead to the desired reaction to the door locks. In this case, the user closes the mobile phone 7 via the USB cable 8th to the socket 5 and touch the icon again 10 , By using the USB cable 8th Both the authentication information and electrical energy required by the control unit of the vehicle to check the authentication information and to cause the doors to be locked or unlocked may properly operate at least the driver's door 1 be ensured even in the event of an electrical system failure.

3 illustrates the operation of the invention according to a first embodiment with reference to a block diagram. The USB cable 8th Here is unconnected between the transponder key 7 on the left side of the figure and the vehicle 11 shown on the right. To the transponder key or mobile phone 7 belong to a memory 12 for the authentication information, a Bluetooth radio interface 13 for the radio transmission of the authentication information to the vehicle 11 as well as a USB interface 14 for the wired transmission of the authentication information, all by a rechargeable battery 15 are supplied with operating power. One from the battery 15 outgoing supply voltage line 16 touches the memory 12 , the interfaces 13 . 14 and a USB socket 17 on which also has a data line 18 from the USB interface 14 led out.

Pressing a (in 3 not shown) or tapping the icon 10 causes the transmission of the authentication information through both interfaces 13 . 14 , where normally, if the USB cable 8th not connected, only those from the radio interface 13 Sent information on the part of the vehicle 11 , through a complementary radio interface 19 , can be received. If the transmission of the authentication information by radio causes no response, the user must the cable 8th connect. About the cable 8th becomes the supply voltage of the accumulator 15 on a vehicle-side supply line 20 looped through, which is a control unit 21 and a drive device 22 for a bolt of the driver's door 1 fed.

Between the supply line 20 and the rest of the electrical system 23 the vehicle is a flow valve 24 provided to ensure that the supply voltage of the accumulator 15 on the side of the vehicle 11 only the control unit 21 and the drive device 22 reached and the accumulator 15 Not in the vehicle battery or a possible short circuit of the electrical system 23 discharges.

A supply connection of the radio interface 19 is from the supply line 20 through the flow valve 24 disconnected because the radio interface 19 not needed if the USB cable 8th connected.

The control unit 21 Check the over the cable 8th transmitted authentication information and sends, if it has been found to be correct, a command to actuate the door bolt to the drive device 22 ,

If the transponder key 7 and the vehicle 11 via the USB cable 8th are connected, forms the data line 18 of the key 7 along with one on the side of the vehicle between the socket 5 , the control unit 21 and the drive device 22 extending data line 25 a USB bus system. In this bus system has the control unit 21 the function of the controller. Because, when the operation of the drive device 22 required supply voltage is supplied from the outside, including the control unit 21 In operation, it can take control of the USB bus and direct control of the drive device 22 prevent from outside without prior examination of the authentication information.

If the vehicle 11 a single USB bus system has, in addition to the door lock and other functions of the vehicle are controlled, and the control unit 21 As a controller for all these functions, the problem may arise that the power consumption of the control unit 21 the capacity of the accumulator 15 exceeds. In addition, such a control unit 21 generally in the vehicle 11 mounted in a central location, making it difficult to use the flow control valve 24 so place that supply line 20 actually only the control unit 21 and the drive device 22 reached. In 4 an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown which overcomes this problem. The construction of the key 7 is the same as in 3 and will not be explained again. On the side of the vehicle 11 are two control units 21 . 26 each of which, when energized, is capable of driving the drive 22 head for. One of these, with 21 is designated together with the drive device 22 in the door 1 housed and over the socket 5 but not via the electrical system 23 , can be supplied with operating voltage. It is therefore usually not simultaneous with the control unit 26 in operation and does not affect, if the latter based on the radio interface 19 received authentication information, the drive device 22 responds. Conversely, in the case of a power failure, the control unit 26 dead, so in this case the control unit 21 the control of the drive device 22 can take over.

In this embodiment, the interface 14 of the key 7 the function of a USB controller and the control unit 21 that hold a USB device. The drive device 22 is with the control units 21 . 26 via a not to usb bus 18 . 25 belonging control line 27 connected to a coded control by the interface 14 bypassing the authentication control by the control unit 21 excluded.

A further development on the part of the key 7 is in 5 shown. A switch 28 is in the supply voltage line 16 arranged and to the socket 17 coupled to when the socket 17 as shown in the figure is free, the battery 15 with the radio interface 13 but not with the USB interface 14 connect to. So consumes the USB interface 14 normally, when the authentication information is transmitted by radio, no power. Conversely, the switch connects 28 if the socket 17 is occupied, the battery 15 with the USB interface 14 and cuts the radio interface 13 from the supply. Thus, their consumption charged the accumulator 15 not if this at the same time the control unit 21 and the drive device 22 must feed on the side of the vehicle.

One of the presence of the switch 28 on the side of the transponder key 7 independent development relates to a buffer assembly 29 in the door 1 , The buffer assembly 29 is as a USB device to the supply line 20 and the data line 25 connected. It includes a buffer memory 30 for storing a drive device 22 releasing signal from the control unit 21 , a collection capacitor 31 , a switch 32 and a logical link 33 that z. B. by one of the output of the buffer memory 30 controlled power transistor can be formed. The buffer assembly 29 is switchable between a state of rest minimal power consumption, in which only the buffer memory 30 Active and ready, the enable signal from the control unit 21 to receive and buffer, and a state of charge in which the switch 32 the collecting capacitor 31 like in the 5 shown with the supply line 20 connects to it with all the available amperage that the USB controller (which here is preferably around the interface 14 is ready) of the buffer assembly 29 allot. A charging process, in the course of which the collecting capacitor 31 for operating the drive device 22 takes up required energy, so can extend over a much longer period than the actual operation of the bolt of the door 1 through the drive device 22 takes up. Once the cache 30 is completely charged, the buffer assembly returns 29 return to their idle state by the switch 32 the collecting capacitor 31 with the logical link 33 connects and so the drive device 22 supplying the energy required to unlock or lock the door.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Drivers door

2

rear door

3

tailgate

4

Handle

5

USB socket

6

Plug

7

Key / mobile phone

8th

USB cable

9

touchscreen

10

Icon

11

vehicle

12

Storage

13

Radio interface

14

USB interface

15

battery pack

16

Supply voltage line

17

receptacle

18

data line

19

Radio interface

20

supply line

21

control unit

22

driving device

23

board network

24

flow control valve

25

data line

26

control unit

27

select line

28

switch

29

Puffergaubruppe

30

buffer memory

31

central capacitor

32

switch

33

shortcut

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102007010583 A1 [0005]

Claims (12)

Transponder key ( 7 ) for the remote operation of a device, in particular a lock, with a memory ( 12 ) for a to be actuated device to be transmitted authentication information, a transponder ( 13 ) for the wireless transmission of the authentication information and an electrical energy source ( 15 ), characterized by a connector ( 17 ) connected to the energy source ( 15 ) and an interface ( 14 ) has contacts connected for the wired transmission of the authentication information. Transponder key according to claim 1, characterized in that the connector ( 17 ) is a USB connector. Transponder key according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface ( 14 ) via a switch ( 28 ) with the energy source ( 15 ) connected in the contacted state of the connector ( 17 ) is closed and open in the non-contacted state. Transponder key according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transponder ( 13 ) via a switch ( 28 ) with the energy source ( 15 ) connected in the contacted state of the connector ( 17 ) is open and closed in the non-contacted state. Transponder key according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface ( 14 ) is a USB controller. Transponder key according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the interface ( 14 ) is a USB device. Transponder key according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is designed as a mobile phone. Remote-operated device, in particular for remote operation by a transponder key ( 7 ) according to one of the claims, with a transponder ( 19 ) for the wireless reception of an authentication information, a control unit for checking the authentication information and one of the control unit ( 21 . 26 ) after successfully checking the authentication information-controllable module ( 22 ), characterized by a connector comprising contacts for a wired transmission of the authentication information as well as for the supply of power to the control unit. Remote-controlled device according to claim 8, characterized in that the assembly ( 22 ) via the connector ( 17 ) can be supplied with operating energy. Remote-controlled device according to claim 9, characterized in that the module ( 22 ) via the connector ( 17 ) rechargeable storage capacitor ( 31 ) assigned. Remote-controlled device according to one of Claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the control unit ( 21 ) and the controllable assembly ( 22 . 29 ) are separate USB devices. Remote-operated device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the control unit ( 21 ) a USB controller and the controllable module ( 22 . 29 ) is a USB device.

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