Device for Starting a Vehicle Engine by Means of an Electronic Key, and Key to be Used Therefor

• US 20070247300A1
• Filed: 04/18/2005
• Published: 10/25/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 04/21/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co. KG
• Original Assignee: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co. KG
• Inventors: Schindler, Mirko
• Granted Patent: US 7,581,422 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/502
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/045 by limiting or cutting the electrical supply to the propulsion unit
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/248 Electronic key extraction prevention
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5956 Steering mechanism with switch
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7068 Actuated after correct combination recognized [e.g., numerical, alphabetical, or magnet[s] pattern]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7768 Key-removal preventing

Abstract

The invention relates to a mechanism (1) for starting a vehicle engine by means of an electronic key (3). Said mechanism (1) comprises a receiving device (Z) in the vehicle for inserting the key (3). The key (3) that is inserted in said receiving device (2) cannot be twisted while being movable in a longitudinal direction into at least one defined raised position. Such mechanisms are provided with locking devices which secure the electronic key (3) in the receiving slot against being removed during operation of the vehicle. Said locking device is controlled via electrical drives (10). In order to be able to remove the key (3) when the drive (10) is down or in case of a power failure in the vehicle, means are that provided that allow the key (3) to be removed mechanically as an emergency measure.

Claims

1. A device for starting a vehicle engine by means of an electronic key, which may also be in the check card format, comprising a receiving device in the vehicle for inserting the key, with the key, when inserted in the receiving device, being unable to be rotated and being moveable in a longitudinal direction into at least one defined raised position, with the raised position of the key being monitored by sensors of a control unit and, being used to control various functions of the engine, and the key, when in a specific raised position being secured against removal from the receiving device by locking elements controlled by an electric drive,

wherein the mechanism has means that enable the electronic key to be removed in the event of failure of the electric drive.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the locking element actuated by the electric drive has a lever and/or actuating surfaces, on which an actuating element moving in a recess in the electronic key acts, when actuated in an emergency, so that the locking element can be moved manually to an unlocking position by means of this element.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein a start/stop button forms a unit together with the receiving device for the electric key.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the electric drive for activating/deactivating the key locking element is a solenoid.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the electric drive for activating/deactivating the key locking element is an electric motor.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic key inserted into the receiving device can be moved longitudinally between two axially offset raised positions, with the different raised positions of the key being monitored by sensors of a control unit and being used to control various functions of the engine or of the vehicle.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the actuating element for emergency actuation is a wire-shaped part.

8. The electronic key for use in a device according to claim 1, wherein the key has a continuous recess in the direction of insertion for guiding through or receiving an actuating element.

9. The electronic key according to claim 8, wherein the recess leads in a funnel shape into a bore so that the wire-shaped actuating element to be passed through can be guided centrally through the bore in order to actuate the locking element into the unlocking position.

10. The electronic key according to claim 8, wherein the recess is formed from the receiving slot of the emergency key.

11. The electronic key according to claim 8, wherein an actuating pin is supported in the recess, spring loaded counter to the direction of insertion of the electronic key, wherein in the unactuated position it does not project beyond the insertion side of the key housing and when actuated from the insertion side of the emergency key it projects from the opposite surface of the key housing and moves the locking element to an unlocking position.

12. The electronic key according to claim 8, wherein the recess or the actuating pin is covered when the key head of the emergency key is in the normal position and the emergency key has to be removed from the electronic key for actuation.

13. The electronic key according to claim 8, wherein the recess for guiding through the actuating element in the electronic key is normally provided with a cover on the surface opposite the insertion side.