Device for initiating an authorization request for a vehicle

• US 6,657,537 B1
• Filed: 10/02/2000
• Issued: 12/02/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 02/12/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Original Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Inventors: Hauler, Peter
• Primary Examiner(s): Horabik, Michael
• Assistant Examiner(s): Dalencourt, Yves
• Application Number:
  US09/622,143
• Time in Patent Office: 1,156 Days
• Field of Search: 340/5.62, 340/5.61, 340/5.64, 340/5.72, 340/539, 340/5.1, 307/10.1, 702/07, 702/08, 702/56, 702/76, 702/781, 180/287
• US Class Current: 340/5.62
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/24 using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/246 characterised by the challenge triggering
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 81/78 as part of a hands-free locking or unlocking operation
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00769 with data transmission performed by wireless means
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2209/65 using means for sensing the user's hand
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00309 operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/0073 actuating magnetically controlled switches, e.g. reed relays
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5757 Handle, handwheel or knob
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5761 Retractable or flush handle
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7068 Actuated after correct combination recognized [e.g., numerical, alphabetical, or magnet[s] pattern]

Abstract

A device for initiating an authorization request for a vehicle includes a first switching arrangement, whose operation initiates an authorization request. The first switching arrangement is disposed in a recess of a door handle of the vehicle so that the recess houses a switching surface of the first switching arrangement.

Claims

1. A device for initiating an authorization request for use in a vehicle having a door handle, the device comprising:

a first switching arrangement, an actuation of which initiates an authorization request, wherein the first switching arrangement is disposed in a recess in the door handle of the vehicle so that the recess houses a switching surface of the first switching arrangement;

wherein in an unactuated state of the first switching arrangement, the switching surface of the first switching arrangement is recessed compared to an upper surface of the door handle.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the recess is disposed on a side of the door handle facing away from the vehicle.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the authorization request is for locking the vehicle.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein another recess in the door handle houses another switching surface of the second switching arrangement, the another recess being provided on a side of the door handle facing the vehicle.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the first switching arrangement includes at least one of a magnetic switch, a Reed switch, a capacitive switch, and a mechanical switch.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein a permanent magnet is disposed in the switching surface, the switching surface being movable relative to the door handle.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a second switching arrangement, wherein actuation of the second switching arrangement initiates another authorization request for unlocking the vehicle.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein in an unactuated state of the second switching arrangement, the another switching surface extends above an upper surface of the door handle.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the recess is disposed on a side of the door handle facing away from the vehicle, and the authorization request is for locking the vehicle.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the second switching arrangement is actuated by moving the door handle.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the authorization request is bypassed to control a lock in response to an actuation of the second switching arrangement.

12. A device for initiating an authorization request for use in a vehicle having a door handle, the device comprising:

a first switching arrangement, an actuation of which initiates an authorization request, wherein the first switching arrangement is disposed in a recess in the door handle of the vehicle so that the recess houses a switching surface of the first switching arrangement; and

a second switching arrangement, wherein actuation of the second switching arrangement initiates another authorization request for unlocking the vehicle;

wherein another recess in the door handle houses another switching surface of the second switching arrangement, the another recess being provided on a side of the door handle facing the vehicle.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein in an unactuated state of the first switching arrangement, the switching surface of the first switching arrangement is recessed compared to an upper surface of the door handle.

14. The device of claim 12, wherein in an unactuated state of the second switching arrangement, the another switching surface extends above an upper surface of the door handle.

15. The device of claim 12, wherein the second switching arrangement is actuated by moving the door handle.

16. The device of claim 12, wherein the recess is disposed on a side of the door handle facing away from the vehicle.

17. The device of claim 12, wherein the authorization request is for locking the vehicle.

18. The device of claim 12, wherein the first switching arrangement includes at least one of a magnetic switch, a Reed switch, a capacitive switch, and a mechanical switch.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein a permanent magnet is disposed in the switching surface, the switching surface being movable relative to the door handle.

20. A device for initiating an authorization request for use in a vehicle having a door handle, the device comprising:

a first switching arrangement, an actuation of which initiates an authorization request, wherein the first switching arrangement is disposed in a recess in the door handle of the vehicle so that the recess houses a switching surface of the first switching arrangement; and

a second switching arrangement, wherein actuation of the second switching arrangement initiates another authorization request for unlocking the vehicle;

wherein the authorization request is bypassed to control a lock in response to an actuation of the second switching arrangement.

21. A device for initiating an authorization request for use in a vehicle having a door handle, the device comprising:

a first switching arrangement, an actuation of which initiates an authorization request, wherein the first switching arrangement is disposed in a recess in the door handle of the vehicle so that the recess houses a switching surface of the first switching arrangement; and

a second switching arrangement, wherein actuation of the second switching arrangement initiates another authorization request for unlocking the vehicle;

wherein in an unactuated state of the first switching arrangement, the switching surface of the first switching arrangement is recessed compared to an upper surface of the door handle,

wherein another recess in the door handle houses another switching surface of the second switching arrangement, the another recess being provided on a side of the door handle facing the vehicle, and

wherein the recess is disposed on a side of the door handle facing away from the vehicle.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein in an unactuated state of the second switching arrangement, the another switching surface extends above an upper surface of the door handle.

23. The device of claim 21, wherein the first switching arrangement includes at least one of a magnetic switch, a Reed switch, a capacitive switch, and a mechanical switch.

24. The device of claim 21, wherein a permanent magnet is disposed in the switching surface, the switching surface being movable relative to the door handle.

25. The device of claim 21, wherein the second switching arrangement is actuated by moving the door handle.

26. The device of claim 21, wherein the authorization request is bypassed to control a lock in response to an actuation of the second switching arrangement.