DE102019131692A1 - Key element for a vehicle and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

A key element (1) for a vehicle (10) with an inner housing body (2), an outer housing body (3) and an electronics base body (4) is specified, the inner housing body enclosing the electronics base body at least in places and the outer housing body enclosing the inner one Enclosing the housing body in places. The key element is designed for a wireless connection with a mobile electronic device (9) and the outer housing body has at least one surface (35) for displaying user-specific information.

Description

The present application relates to a key element for a vehicle and a computer program.

Vehicle keys for different vehicles from one manufacturer currently do not differ from one another or only slightly. This can lead to the vehicle keys being mixed up if there are several vehicles from one manufacturer and, accordingly, several vehicle keys. In addition, the functionality of the vehicle keys is not adapted to the individual needs of the vehicle users.

One task is to provide a key element with improved customizability and adaptability.

This object is achieved by a key element and a computer program according to the independent patent claims. Further refinements and expediencies are the subject of the dependent claims.

A key element for a vehicle is specified, for example for a motor vehicle.

An element which a user of the vehicle can carry with him and which is able to send an authorization signal to a control element in the vehicle is generally referred to as a key element. If the authorization signal is successfully received, the vehicle control element can enable the use of the vehicle, for example access to the interior by opening a locking mechanism of one, several or all doors of the vehicle and / or the trunk and / or starting the engine.

According to at least one embodiment of the key element, the key element has an electronics base. The electronics base has, for example, an electronic circuit. The electronic circuit comprises, for example, one or more integrated circuits and / or active or passive electronic elements. For example, the electronics base has contacts for the external electrical contacting of the electronic circuit, for example for a power supply, an electrical connection to an antenna unit and / or an electrical connection to switching elements.

The electronic base body is preferably constructed in the same way for several or even all vehicles of the same series. The electronic base body does not differ from key element to key element and can therefore be used universally.

According to at least one embodiment of the key element, the key element has an inner housing body. The inner housing body is set up, for example, to accommodate the electronics base body. In particular, the inner housing body encloses the electronics base body at least in places, preferably completely. The inner housing body can also be designed in several parts. For example, part of the inner housing body has a recess for receiving the electronics base body.

According to at least one embodiment of the key element, the key element has an outer housing body. The outer housing body encloses the inner housing body in places. For example, the outer housing body forms at least 70% of the total outer surface of the key element. For example, the outer housing body is self-supporting. The outer housing body is therefore not a coating of another body, for example the inner housing body.

According to at least one embodiment of the key element, the key element is designed for a wireless connection with a mobile electronic device. For example, the mobile electronic device is a handheld communication device such as a smartphone. For example, the wireless connection takes place via Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC) or WLAN (wireless local area network).

According to at least one embodiment of the key element, the outer housing body has at least one surface for displaying user-specific information. The user-specific information is, for example, a graphic representation, such as an image or lettering. On the basis of this user-specific information, the key element can be distinguished from other key elements in a simplified manner.

In at least one embodiment, the key element for a vehicle has an inner housing body, an outer housing body and an electronics base body, the inner housing body enclosing the electronics base body at least in places and the outer housing body enclosing the inner housing body in places. The key element is designed for a wireless connection with a mobile electronic device and the outer housing body has at least one surface for displaying user-specific information.

The key element can be differentiated from other key elements by means of the outer housing body on the basis of user-specific information. The user-specific information can be selected by the subsequent user of the vehicle, for example, before the key element is produced. Other parts of the key element, in particular the electronics base body and / or the inner housing body, on the other hand, can be free of such individual configurations.

Furthermore, the key element can establish a wireless connection with a mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone, and enter into a partnership with the mobile electronic device. As a result, both devices together, i.e. the key element and the mobile electronic device, can provide a functionality that the individual devices cannot offer per se. In particular, each of the devices offers at least one function that the other device cannot provide. For example, the mobile electronic device alone, i.e. without the key element, does not allow access to the vehicle. The key element, on the other hand, does not have a display device in the form of a full-color display, for example, and can use the mobile electronic device to display extensive information, for example information on the status of the vehicle. As a result, the key element can be designed in a particularly compact design.

According to at least one embodiment of the key element, at least 80% by weight of the outer housing body is formed from metal or a fiber-reinforced plastic. For example, the entire outer housing body, apart from a possible coating, is formed from such a material. The term “formed from metal” in particular also includes the case of a metallic alloy with two or more metals. For example, aluminum or platinum is suitable as the metal. Stainless steel can also be used. A metal can be used to achieve a particularly robust, long-lasting outer housing body which can be designed to be aesthetically pleasing and of high quality at the same time. With a fiber-reinforced plastic, for example a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, or CFRP for short, referred to as carbon, for example, a high level of robustness with a particularly low weight can be achieved.

According to at least one embodiment of the key element, the user-specific information is introduced into the outer housing body by removing material. For example, the user-specific information is engraved in the outer housing body, for example by means of a mechanical process or by means of laser radiation. As a result, the user-specific information can be formed particularly permanently on the outer housing body, in particular in comparison to a method in which the outer housing body is coated for the formation of the user-specific information. In principle, however, it is conceivable that the user-specific information is applied by a coating process, for example by printing, stamping or vapor deposition.

According to at least one embodiment of the key element, the outer housing body has at least one recess as a radiation window for electromagnetic radiation. The outer housing body can also have two or more cutouts. The recess can be inside or outside. In the case of an internal recess, the recess is surrounded by the material of the outer housing body along the entire circumference. An external recess can be located on the edge of the outer housing body. In the area of a recess, the outer housing body does not cover the inner housing body.

For example, the radiation window is located in the area of a control panel, for example a button on the key element. Alternatively or additionally, a radiation window can be provided separately from a control panel.

For example, an antenna unit for transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic radiation, for example in the kHz, MHz or GHz range, is located in the area of the radiation window. The antenna unit can also have several antennas for different frequency bands.

According to at least one embodiment of the key element, the inner housing body forms an outer surface of the key element in the region of the radiation window. The inner housing body is therefore visible from the outside in the area of the radiation window. For example, the inner housing body has a cover at this point. The cover and the outer housing body can be flush.

According to at least one embodiment of the key element, the inner housing body has a glass in the region of the radiation window, for example in the form of the cover. Glass is characterized by broadband permeability for electromagnetic radiation. For example, the glass is designed in such a way that parts of the key element located behind the radiation window can be seen from the outside for the human eye when viewed normally, for example from a distance of 40 cm, are not visible, or at least with difficulty. For example, the glass is tinted so that it appears dark from the outside.

According to at least one embodiment of the key element, the key element can be charged inductively, in particular via the radiation window. An inductive coupling can therefore take place through the radiation window. A socket for connecting a charging cable is therefore not required.

According to at least one embodiment of the key element, the key element has an illuminated display which is set up to emit visible radiation, in particular through the radiation window. The luminous display is set up, for example, to emit a luminous pattern that varies over time. The illuminated display has, for example, a light-emitting diode, or LED for short. The light-emitting diode can have one or more individually controllable active areas, with different active areas being provided for the emission of radiation in different spectral ranges, for example radiation in the red, green or blue spectral range or mixed radiation, such as light that appears white to the human eye . For example, the number of individually controllable active areas is between 1 and 20 inclusive.

According to at least one embodiment of the key element, the key element is at least waterproof against brief immersion. In particular, the key element is waterproof against brief immersion in accordance with IP protection class IP67 or waterproof against permanent immersion in accordance with IP protection class IP68. Damage to the key element, for example the electronics of the key element, can thus be avoided.

A computer program is also specified. The computer program comprises commands which, when the computer program is executed on an electronic device, in particular a mobile electronic device, cause the latter to establish a wireless data connection with a key element. The key element can have one or more of the features described above. The electronic device on which the computer program is installed and the key element can enter into a partnership and exchange data with one another or trigger actions on the respective other device.

For example, at least one property of the key element can be configured by means of the computer program.

According to at least one embodiment of the key element, the computer program is set up to trigger a signal from the key element. For example, the signal is an optical signal, an acoustic signal or a vibration signal.

The signal can serve, for example, to simplify the localization of the key element or as an indication to the user of the key element.

According to at least one embodiment of the key element, the computer program is set up to control an illuminated display of the key element to emit a luminous pattern as a function of information available on the electronic device. For example, the information includes calendar information for a user of the key element. As an alternative or in addition, further information can also be used, for example information on the current traffic situation, for example in relation to a previously established route. For example, the user of the vehicle is reminded of an approaching start of an appointment in the calendar or a timely start of the journey with the vehicle by the flashing of the key element's light indicator.

According to at least one embodiment of the key element, the computer program is set up to display the user-specific information of the key element on a display unit of the electronic device.

In other words, the user-specific information on the outer housing body of the key element can be used to identify the key element to which the mobile electronic device has established a wireless connection.

The display unit of the electronic device can be used by the key element to display complex information. The key element itself does not have to have a high-resolution display unit for this.

According to at least one embodiment of the key element, the computer program is set up to receive commands from the key element. For example, the computer program can display a start screen on the display unit of the electronic device when a control panel of the key element is actuated. For a simplified assignment, the Start screen the user-specific information can be displayed on the key element.

Furthermore, a computer-readable storage medium is specified on which the computer program described above is stored.

Further refinements and expediencies emerge from the following description of the exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the figures.

• 1 ein Ausführungsbeispiel für ein Schlüsselelement in schematischer Draufsicht; und
• die 2A, 2B und 2C schematische Darstellungen einzelner Elemente eines Schlüsselelements gemäß dem Ausführungsbeispiel der 1.

Show it:

• 1 an embodiment of a key element in a schematic plan view; and
• the 2A , 2 B and 2C schematic representations of individual elements of a key element according to the embodiment of FIG 1 .

The figures are each schematic representations and are therefore not necessarily true to scale. Rather, comparatively small elements can be shown exaggeratedly large for improved displayability or for better understanding.

In 1 is an embodiment of a key element 1 for a vehicle 10 shown in schematic plan view. For better illustration, in 2A an associated inner housing body 2 , in 2 B an electronics base 4th and in 2 C an outer case body 3rd of the key element 1 pictured.

The inner case body 2 encloses the electronics base 4th in places. The outer case body 3rd encloses the inner housing body 2 in places.

The key element 1 is set up to establish a wireless connection with a mobile electronic device 9 to manufacture. Wireless connections between the key element 1 and the vehicle 10 , between the key element 1 and the mobile electronic device as well as an optional wireless connection between the vehicle 10 and the mobile electronic device 9 are in 1 illustrated by dashed arrows. The wireless connection to the mobile electronic device takes place via Bluetooth, WLAN or NFC, for example.

The inner case body 2 is designed in two parts, wherein 2A a schematic interior view of a first part 21 and a second part 22nd of the inner housing body 2 shows. The first part 21 has a recess 210 into which the electronics base 4th is introduced.

The second part 22nd of the inner housing body 2 has a plurality of control panels 29 on. The control panels 29 are intended, for example, for basic functions of the vehicle, for example for opening one or more vehicle doors or opening the trunk. Additional control panels can also be used 29 for communication with the mobile electronic device 9 be present, for example a computer program on a storage medium, not explicitly shown, of the mobile electronic device 9 to activate.

The outer case body 31 points in the area of the control panels 29 Recesses 31 on so the control panels 29 are accessible from the outside for the user of the key element. In the embodiment shown, two recesses are used 31 of the outer housing body 3rd also as a radiation window 32 . One of the recesses serving as a radiation window 31 is designed as external recesses. The inner housing body has in this area 2 a cover 25th on, for example a cover made of glass. Under this cover 25th are a loading unit 5 for inductive charging of the key element 1 , roughly in the form of a coil, and an antenna unit 6th for the wireless connections to the vehicle 10 and the mobile electronic device 9 arranged. The glass can be tinted to match the charging unit 5 and the antenna unit 6th are difficult or impossible to see when viewed from the outside.

The cover 25th and the outer case body 3rd preferably close flush on the outside of the key element. On the side of the recesses 31 is the inner case body 2 from the outer case body 3rd covered and therefore not visible from the outside. Viewed from the outside, only the outer housing body are essentially 3rd who have favourited Control Panels 29 and the cover 25th to see.

Furthermore, the key element 1 one or more light indicators 7th on, in the exemplary embodiment shown, two light displays by way of example. In top view of the key element 1 each of the illuminated displays overlap with one of the radiation windows 32 . For the light indicators 7th For example, LEDs are suitable in each case, in particular so-called multi-LEDs, in which a plurality of independently controllable active areas are arranged in one LED, the active areas emitting radiation with different spectral components.

Furthermore, the outer housing body 3rd an area 35 to display user-specific information. For example, is on the surface 35 a picture or lettering, such as the name of the vehicle owner. The User-specific information is used in the production of the key element, for example as an engraving on the surface 35 educated.

The material of the outer case body 3rd itself can be radio-opaque. For example, a metal, such as aluminum, platinum or stainless steel, is suitable as the material for the outer housing body. The surface of the outer housing body can be brushed, polished or matted, for example. Alternatively, a fiber-reinforced plastic, for example carbon, can also be used.

Adjusting the external appearance of the key element 1 customer-specific requests can be made in particular by means of the outer housing body 3rd take place without an adaptation of the inner housing body for this purpose 2 and the electronics base 4th must be done.

An electronic circuit of the electronics base 4th (not explicitly shown for the sake of simplicity) is embedded in the electronics base, so that only contacts 41 for the external electrical contacting of the electronics base 4th are accessible on the outer surface of the electronics base.

When making the key element 1 can the inner case body 2 with the electronics base 4th and the outer case body 3rd can be connected to a unit that can no longer be separated by the user, for example by means of a mechanical connection, e.g. screws that can no longer be detached, or by the action of pressure and / or temperature.

The key element 1 represents a self-contained unit, which neither for the energy supply to a battery (not explicitly shown) nor for the data connection requires plug connections to the outside.

This can be the key element 1 be designed to be waterproof, at least for protection in the event of brief immersion, preferably for protection in the event of permanent immersion.

Based on the user-specific information on the area 35 is the key element 1 easily distinguishable from other key elements. This user-specific information can also be used when the computer program is executed on the mobile electronic device 9 on a display unit 91 of the mobile electronic device 9 appear and thus the togetherness of the key element 1 and the mobile electronic device 9 emphasize.

In terms of functionality, the key element 1 and the mobile electronic device 9 enter into a partnership in which the two devices can access the resources and / or functions of the other device.

For example, the key element 1 the display unit 91 and the computing power of the mobile electronic device 9 use, for example to display extensive information. For example, the information relates to status information of the vehicle, for example with regard to the current tank fill level or the current charge status of a battery for the drive, or other information about the status of the vehicle.

Conversely, the mobile electronic device can also 9 Data or commands to the key element 1 send and trigger, for example, an optical or acoustic signal or a vibration signal.

For example, such a signal can be used to signal the key element 1 easy to find.

Furthermore, for example, the illuminated display 7th Emit light in a configurable luminous pattern in order to make the user of the key element aware of an event, for example an approaching appointment in the user's calendar. For this purpose, additional information can be included that the mobile electronic device receives, for example via the Internet and / or a geo-positioning system. The luminous pattern can vary over time, for example with regard to the color of the emitted radiation and / or the flashing frequency, in order to encode different urgency of the signals. If necessary, detailed information on this can be made available to the user on the mobile electronic device.

Despite the partnership with the mobile electronic device 9 remains the key element 1 preferably the device via which the vehicle access check 10 he follows. The key element 1 So is not through the mobile electronic device 9 completely replaced. Even with a wireless connection between the vehicle 10 and the mobile electronic device 9 this connection is preferably not used to check access to the vehicle 10 . Rather, it is through the pairing of the key element 1 with the mobile electronic device 9 achieved that the key element 1 provides increased functionality in terms of digitization and data exchange without the key element 1 must have a high-resolution screen or a high processor performance. This enables increased functionality in a particularly compact, high-quality and individualized form through the key element 1 to be provided.

List of reference symbols

1

Key element

10

vehicle

2

inner case body

21

first part

210

Recess

22nd

second part

25th

cover

29

Control panel

3

outer case body

31

Recess

32

Radiation window

35

surface

4th

Electronics base

5

Loading unit

6th

Antenna unit

7th

Indicator light

9

electronic device

91

Display unit

Claims (15)

Key element (1) for a vehicle (10) with an inner housing body (2), an outer housing body (3) and an electronics base body (4), wherein - The inner housing body encloses the electronics base body at least in places; - The outer housing body encloses the inner housing body in places; - The key element is designed for a wireless connection with a mobile electronic device (9); and - The outer housing body has at least one surface (35) for displaying user-specific information. Key element after Claim 1 , the outer housing body being formed to at least 80% by weight of metal or a fiber-reinforced plastic. Key element after Claim 1 or 2 , the user-specific information being introduced into the outer housing body by removing material. Key element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer housing body has at least one recess (31) as a radiation window (32) for electromagnetic radiation. Key element after Claim 4 wherein the inner housing body forms an outer surface of the key element in the region of the radiation window. Key element after Claim 4 or 5 , wherein the inner housing body has a glass in the region of the radiation window. Key element after one of the Claims 4 to 6th , wherein the key element can be charged inductively via the radiation window. Key element after one of the Claims 4 to 7th wherein the key element has an illuminated display (7) which is set up to emit visible radiation through the radiation window. Key element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the key element is at least waterproof against brief immersion. Computer program comprising instructions which, when the computer program is executed on an electronic device, cause the latter to establish a wireless data connection with a key element according to one of the preceding claims. Computer program after Claim 10 , wherein the computer program is set up to trigger a signal from the key element. Computer program after Claim 11 , wherein the computer program is set up to control an illuminated display of the key element to emit a luminous pattern as a function of information available on the electronic device. Computer program according to one of the Claims 10 to 12th , wherein the computer program is set up to display the user-specific information of the key element on a display unit of the electronic device. Computer program according to one of the Claims 10 to 13th , wherein the computer program is set up to receive commands from the key element. Computer-readable storage medium on which the computer program according to one of the Claims 10 to 14th is stored.

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