Key/vehicle communication device for the activation of an immobilizer and of a remotely controllable function

• US 5,869,908 A
• Filed: 10/28/1996
• Issued: 02/09/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 10/26/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Daimler Chrysler Company LLC (Stellantis NV)
• Original Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)
• Inventors: Lindmayer, Martin, Moczygemba, Jurgen
• Primary Examiner(s): Elms, Richard T.
• Application Number:
  US08/738,764
• Time in Patent Office: 834 Days
• Field of Search: 307/9.1, 307/10.6, 180/287, 180/289, 70/264, 340/425.5, 340/426, 340/825.3-825.32, 340/825.69, 340/825.72, 340/825.54
• US Class Current: 307/10.5
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/24 using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00769 with data transmission performed by wireless means
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00182 operated with unidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks

Abstract

The invention provides a key/vehicle communication device in which an electronic key capable of being inserted into a steering-column lock controls activation of an immobilizing device having an inductive key/steering-column lock communication channel for recognizing whether a key authorized for use is inserted. A key/vehicle communication channel is also provided, for the remotely controllable activation of at least one vehicle-side function via a key-side actuating member. A vehicle-side control unit determines, via the inductive key/steering-column lock communication channel, whether a key authorizing the driving of a vehicle is inserted in the steering-column lock and, if so, blocks the vehicle-side part of the key/vehicle communication channel.

Claims

1. A key/vehicle communication arrangement for a vehicle having a vehicle immobilizing device, at least one remotely actuatable vehicle function and a control unit for actuating said vehicle immobilizing device and said remotely actuatable vehicle function, said arrangement comprising:

a key unit which is insertable into a steering column lock of said vehicle;

a key/steering column lock communication channel for detecting when a key authorized for use in said vehicle is presently inserted into the steering column lock, and for causing deactivation of said immobilizing device in response thereto;

a key/vehicle communication channel for causing activation of said remotely actuatable vehicle function in response to actuation of an actuating member on said key unit;

wherein when said key/steering column communication channel detects that a key authorized for use in said vehicle is presently inserted into said steering column lock, said control unit disables said key/vehicle communications channel.

2. Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein:

said key/vehicle communication channel comprises a data transmission unit which provides a data transmission link to a receiver unit of the control unit; and

wherein said control unit disables said key/vehicle communication channel by interrupting said data transmission link.

3. Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said control unit is programmed to ignore an activation-command signal transmitted via said key/vehicle communication channel in response to said key/steering column lock communication channel detecting a key authorized for use in said vehicle.

4. Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said at least one vehicle function comprises at least one of a vehicle antitheft system and a central vehicle locking system.

5. Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said key/steering column lock communication channel comprises a transponder contained on said key unit, which transponder is coupled in communication with a detector on said steering column lock when said key unit is inserted therein.

6. Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said key/vehicle communication channel comprises a transmitter unit arranged on said key unit, and a receiver unit arranged on said vehicle, and wherein said key/vehicle communication channel has a range which permits actuation thereof from outside said vehicle.