DE10320788A1 - Arrangement for enabling motor vehicle engine starting process has low frequency transmitter unit suitable for activating authentication element that can be introduced into interior of motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The arrangement has a foot pedal switch (5), an evaluation unit (2) connected to the foot pedal switch and that transmits an enabling signal to an engine controller (7) and a low frequency transmitter unit (13) that is suitable for activating an authentication element (4) that can be introduced into the interior of the motor vehicle (1). Independent claims are also included for the following: (a) a motor vehicle with an inventive arrangement (b) and a method of operating an arrangement for starting a motor vehicle.

Description

The The present invention relates to a device for releasing a Engine starting process according to the preamble of claim 1, a motor vehicle according to claim 11, and an actuation method for one device according to the invention for releasing an engine starting process according to claim 12.

STATE OF THE ART

A device for releasing an engine starting process of the aforementioned type is already known from the DE 44 24 879 C2 known. Here, a method for starting up a motor-driven motor vehicle is described, in which a starter element is actuated in a first actuation process, a foot pedal is depressed in a simultaneous second actuation process, and a third actuation process that is spaced apart from the second actuation process has to be carried out in order to operate the vehicle to take. Ultimately, three active actuation processes are necessary to start the motor vehicle. Although the goal is achieved here to largely exclude unauthorized persons such as children from unintentional release of the engine starting process, however, this procedure appears to be relatively complex and cumbersome even for the authorized user.

The The present invention is therefore based on the object of a device to release an engine start that provide less Operations, however equally ensures that no unauthorized commissioning of the motor vehicle takes place.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention Task by a device for releasing an engine starting process solved with the characterizing features of claim 1. Thereby, that the device for releasing an engine starting process via an LF transmission unit (Low-frequency transmission unit) in the interior of the motor vehicle that for waking an associated insertable into the motor vehicle interior Authentication element, for example suitable for an ID transmitter a device for releasing an engine starting process is provided, which is much easier to use because the engine start is released be initialized by a passive element, an LF transmission unit can.

advantageously, can also be provided that the foot pedal switch with the brake pedal or operated with the clutch pedal is. This will make existing and familiar to the user Components for the control of the device for starting motor vehicles used. About that beyond the footwell better used, since no further foot pedal has to be provided.

advantageously, it is envisaged that the device will continue to use an RF transmitter and receiving unit for an RF frequency range (High frequency range) is equipped, the RF transmit and The receiving unit is suitable for this in the challenge-response process to communicate with the authentication element. This will a safe and reliable Authentication, especially through frequency separation of wake-up calls and challenge response.

It can also be advantageously provided that the antenna the RF transmitter and receiver unit in the wiring harness of the motor vehicle is integrated. This will be a space-saving option provided the antenna in cheaper Position in the vehicle.

Farther can advantageously be provided for a plurality of antennas for the LF transmission unit provide various locations of the motor vehicle to the radio signals coverage radiate.

As an advantageous authentication element is a passive entry passive go Key on.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present The invention provides that an electrically connected and unlockable turnstile is available with the evaluation unit is connected and is suitable for a rotary cylinder in one steering column lock to lock or unlock. The rotary cylinder in turn can steering column lock and unlock the motor vehicle. This can or unlocking the steering wheel equally via the release device of an engine start process can be controlled, whereby another advantageous security measure for the Vehicle results.

Also it can be provided that a start switch in the steering column lock is integrated by turning the steering column lock or the rotating cylinder actuated can be. Firstly, this saves space in the dashboard, on the other hand, this measure is another safety device, since the start switch is only can be actuated by a suitable mechanical key, or only through appropriate authentication and subsequent approval the turnstile.

Farther can advantageously be provided to improve ease of use be that the device for starting motor vehicles contains a time switch element, which is suitable for the turnstile for a predeterminable time interval to be left in an unlocked state. This allows the process the starting process of the engine, for example, is delayed from the authentication process expire so the foot pedal switch not operated permanently must become.

advantageously, can the device according to the invention be equipped with a backup device that comes from within the authentication element arranged transponder and one in Area of the steering column lock provided readout unit exists, which in the event of failure of the transmission and receiving units are suitable for authentication.

A Another object of the present invention is a motor vehicle provide which about an advantageous device for releasing an engine starting process features.

This Task is performed by a motor vehicle with the characteristic features of claim 11 solved, by releasing the vehicle with an inventive device an engine starting process is equipped.

A Another object of the present invention is a suitable operating procedures for one To provide device for releasing an engine starting process.

On Method according to claim 11 solves this task by releasing a device according to the invention an engine starting operation according to the following Process steps controlled. Actuation of the foot pedal switch, which leads to activation of the LF transmitter unit, which when a assigned authentication element and successful authentication of the authentication element by the RF transmitter and receiver unit in the challenge response process leads to the generation of an enable signal which is sent to the engine control is passed on.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present method can be provided that the actuation of the foot pedal switch and the detection of a corresponding authentication element first for a temporary unlocking of the turnstile in the steering column lock through the time switch element, the start switch for the time of unlocking can be actuated. This will create an additional one mechanical lock integrated into the process and the foot pedal switch does not have to be operated continuously to start up the vehicle,

DRAWINGS

Further Advantages result from the following description with reference on the following drawing. In it shows

1 a schematic representation of a device according to the invention for releasing an engine starting process.

DESCRIPTION EXAMPLES

A device according to the invention for releasing an engine starting process for an engine 12 with an engine control 7 in a motor vehicle 1 essentially comprises an evaluation unit 2 , a foot pedal switch 5 , as well as an interior scanner 3 , The aforementioned components are suitable, for example via electrical lines 11 interconnected so that electrical impulses or similar information signals can be exchanged.

The engine control 7 controls the engine functions and is particularly suitable for starting the engine 12 only upon receipt of a suitable release signal from the evaluation unit 2 permit. Basically, the evaluation unit 2 also together with the engine control 7 be housed in a housing. This also applies to the other components mentioned, which can each advantageously be combined to form individual structural units.

With the interior scanner 3 it is a device with a in the interior of the vehicle 1 authentication element located 4 can communicate. The interior scanner is primarily used 3 from an LF transmitter unit 13 which a radio signal in a low-frequency range (for example 125kHz) in the interior of the motor vehicle 1 can send out which to activate (wake up) the authentication element 4 serves. The authentication element 4 in turn responds with an authentication signal in the high frequency range (for example 433 MHz), which is from an RF transmitter and receiver unit 14 of the interior scanner 3 can be received. The RF transmitter and receiver unit and the authentication element 4 then communicate using the challenge-response procedure. The sending unit 13 and the receiving unit 14 can be spatially separated from each other. For example, the RF transmitter and receiver unit 14 in the wiring harness of the motor vehicle 1 be integrated, whereas the LF transmitter unit 13 for example in the Canopy can be integrated. The selection of an LF transmission unit also ensures that only the interior of a motor vehicle, already caused by the shielding of the chassis, is reached by the low-frequency wake-up signal.

As an authentication element 4 Here, for example, a so-called passive entry passive go key comes into question, the data with the interior scanner 3 can exchange. As an authentication procedure, reference is made to the challenge-response procedures, which do not require any detailed explanation at this point.

The engine starting process can basically be done with a start switch 6 be initiated to the engine control 7 connected. However, its actuation can only lead to an engine start if a suitable authentication means 4 in the interior of the motor vehicle 1 has been detected.

In addition, it is provided in the present embodiment that the start switch 6 in a steering column lock 8th is integrated. The steering column lock 8th essentially comprises a cylinder (not shown here) which is rotatably mounted and can be actuated with or without a mechanical key. Furthermore, the steering column lock 8th with an electrically operated turnstile 9 equipped with the evaluation unit 2 is connected and an actuation of the steering column lock 8th can prevent or release. The steering column lock 8th as such, the steering column (not shown here) can lock and unlock on the one hand and the start switch on the other 6 actuate. This arrangement outlined above results in a double function of the turnstile 9 , The fact that the rotation lock is only lifted if an assigned authentication means 4 is detected in the vehicle interior, the cylinder of the steering column lock can only be met if this requirement is met 8th be turned, the steering column after the corresponding rotation of the cylinder of the steering column lock 8th released and the start switch 6 be operated.

Furthermore, a time switch unit is used to improve ease of use 10 provided, in the advantageous embodiment shown here in the evaluation unit 2 is integrated. The timer unit 10 is essentially suitable for maintaining the state resulting from a positive authentication for a predeterminable time interval. This can be done in particular in that the turnstile 6 remains open for a predeterminable time, so that the start switch 6 can be operated.

Furthermore, the foot pedal switch is provided 5 to couple either with the clutch or brake pedal of a motor vehicle. Alternatively, however, a separate arrangement is also conceivable.

The authentication means can be provided as a backup device which is used when there is a fault in the data exchange and / or excitation of the passive entry passive go key 4 to be supplemented with a transponder (not shown) which can be queried via an induction coil and which has a corresponding read-out unit (not shown) in the region of the steering column lock 8th can be queried and also leads to the generation of an enable signal, so that the start switch 6 can be operated.

Further Details of the present invention will appear from the following Comments on a method according to the invention for actuation a device for starting motor vehicles.

In principle, the device for starting motor vehicles can be designed such that when the foot pedal switch is actuated 5 the interior scanner 3 activated and upon detection of a suitable element in the vehicle interior, a signal from the start switch 6 is accepted, whereby the evaluation unit 2 when the start switch is actuated 6 a signal to the engine control 7 sends, which ultimately for the commissioning of the vehicle, for example by starting the engine 12 can lead.

In the advantageous embodiment shown here, the interior scanner 2 also by pressing the foot pedal switch 5 activated. The interior scanner detects 2 an authentication element assigned to it 4 , for example an authorized passive entry passive go key in the interior of the motor vehicle 1 , so becomes a time switch unit 10 triggered the turnstile for a predeterminable time interval (for example. 30 seconds) 9 unlocked so the start switch 6 by turning the cylinder of the steering column lock 8th can be operated. At the same time, by turning the cylinder of the steering column lock 8th the steering column (not shown here) are released.

Claims (13)

Device for releasing an engine starting process for an engine ( 12 ) with a motor control ( 7 ) in a motor vehicle ( 1 ) comprising a) a foot pedal switch ( 5 ) b) an evaluation unit ( 2 ), where c) the evaluation unit ( 2 ) with the foot pedal switch ( 5 ) is connected and where d) the evaluation unit ( 2 ) is suitable for sending an enable signal to the engine control ( 7 ) to be transmitted, characterized in that the device also has an LF transmission unit ( 13 ) is equipped in the low-frequency range, which is used to activate an in the interior of the motor vehicle ( 1 ) insertable authentication element ( 4 ) suitable is. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the foot pedal switch ( 5 ) with the brake pedal or clutch pedal of the motor vehicle ( 1 ) can be actuated. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the device further comprises an RF transmitter and receiver unit ( 14 ) is equipped for the HF frequency range, whereby the HF transmitter and receiver unit ( 14 ) is suitable for this in the challenge response procedure with the authentication element ( 4 ) to communicate. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the antenna of the RF transmitter and receiver unit ( 14 ) in the wiring harness of the motor vehicle ( 1 ) is integrated. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a plurality of antennas for the LF transmission unit ( 13 ) can be provided at different positions of the motor vehicle ( 1 } can be attached. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the authentication element ( 4 ) is a passive entry passive go key. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that an electrically lockable and unlockable turnstile ( 9 ) is provided, which with the evaluation unit ( 2 ) is connected and is suitable for a steering column lock ( 8th ) to lock or unlock. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a start switch ( 6 ) in the steering column lock ( 8th ) is integrated, that by turning the steering column lock ( 8th ) can be operated. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a time switching element ( 10 ) is provided, which is suitable for turning the turnstile ( 9 ) to remain in an unlocked state for a predeterminable time interval. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a backup device consisting of a in the authentication element ( 4 ) arranged transponder and a corresponding read-out unit is provided in the area of the steering column lock. Motor vehicle ( 1 ), characterized in that a device for releasing a motor vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 10 is provided. Method for actuating a device for starting motor vehicles according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by the following method steps: a) actuation of the foot pedal switch ( 5 ), which b) for activating the LF transmitter unit ( 13 ) which, when c) awakening an assigned authentication element ( 4 ) and successful authentication of the authentication element ( 4 ) by the RF transmitter and receiver unit ( 14 ) d) leads to the generation of an enable signal which is sent to the engine control ( 7 ) is passed on. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that the authentication with a corresponding authentication element ( 4 ) initially for a temporary unlocking of the turnstile ( 9 ) in the steering column lock ( 8th ) by the time switch element ( 10 ) leads, the start switch ( 6 ) can be actuated for the time of unlocking.