DE29623461U1 - System for hands-free unlocking and / or opening of opening devices of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Description

HC/Rc580219G ··

VALEO SECURITE HABITACLE
25, rue Auguste Perret

F 94000 CRETEIL

The invention relates to systems for unlocking and/or opening the opening devices of motor vehicles, in particular trunks.

There are currently assisted systems for opening or automatically opening a trunk using manually operated remote controls. Such systems require the user to have at least one hand available, which can be very inconvenient when the user is loaded with objects to be placed in the trunk.

The invention now proposes a completely hands-free unlocking and/or opening system.

To this end, the invention relates to a system for unlocking and/or opening an opening device of a motor vehicle, which comprises a control unit on the vehicle which controls means for unlocking and/or opening the opening device, as well as transmitting/receiving means which are connected to said control unit, said system also comprising transmitting/receiving means which a user carries with him and which are intended to send an identification code for unlocking and/or opening the opening device to the transmitting/receiving means of the vehicle.

transmitted, characterized in that the user's transmitting/receiving means consist of a transponder that the user carries with him, the vehicle's transmitting/receiving means comprising at least one antenna arranged on or near the opening device, said transmitting/receiving means only entering into dialogue with the transponder when the latter is in the immediate vicinity of said antenna, while the control unit controls the unlocking and/or opening of the opening device when the transponder is held in front of the antenna or antennas of the vehicle's transmitting/receiving means according to a predetermined sequence.

The term transponder is used here and throughout this text to mean a transponder device without an independent power source, which is remotely powered by the radio frequency signals it receives from the unit with which it is communicating.

Such a locking system is particularly advantageous in the case of a trunk lid; but it could of course also be used generally to control the unlocking and/or opening of any opening device of a motor vehicle.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description. This description is for illustrative purposes only and has no limiting effect. It should be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show in detail:

- Figure 1 is a rear view of a vehicle equipped with an unlocking and/or opening system according to a possible embodiment of the invention, this rear view being illustrated by the schematic

see representation of a transponder of the said system is supplemented;

- Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the rear of the vehicle shown in Figure 1;

- Figure 3 is a rear view similar to Figure 1, showing the areas into which a user must place his transponder one after the other in order to unlock and/or open the trunk;

- Figure 4 is a plan view of a vehicle whose locking/unlocking is controlled by a system according to a possible embodiment of the invention.

The vehicle illustrated in the figures is designated by the reference number 1 and its trunk by C.

The system for unlocking and/or opening the trunk with which this vehicle 1 is equipped comprises short-range transmitting/receiving means 3 for interrogating a transponder 4 carried by a user.

These means 3 comprise in particular at least two antennas 5a, 5b, which are distributed at two locations on the rear of the vehicle.

The antennas 5a, 5b can, for example, be distributed in a direction corresponding to the width of the trunk, in particular being arranged on either side of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and separated from each other, in order to generate two radiation beams which have little or no overlap.

Depending on the configuration of the vehicle, they may be attached to the boot lid or located in the immediate vicinity of the boot lid, for example inside the vehicle's bumper, or in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle's rear lights or integrated inside said rear lights.

The transmitting/receiving means 3 further comprise interface units 6a, 6b, to which the antennas 5a, 5b are connected, as well as a control unit 2, which is arranged inside the vehicle and to which these interface units 6a, 6b are connected.

This control unit 2 sends commands to the vehicle's trunk lock to unlock and open it. The control of the unlocking and opening of the trunk C by said unit 2 is described in more detail below.

The transponder 4 is a transmitting/receiving unit, whose task is to send an identification code following a query sequence that is sent from the vehicle 1 via the transmitting means 3.

It has a relatively short range (on the order of a few dozen centimeters).

It comprises, in a manner known per se, a secondary winding 4a which charges and discharges under the effect of the high-frequency radiation transmitted by a primary winding belonging to the transmitting means 3, and an integrated circuit 4b in which the user's identification code is stored and managed.

This transponder 4 is, for example, incorporated in an element of the type of jewellery, such as a bracelet, in particular a watch strap, a ring, a cufflink, etc. The user can also carry it in a pocket of his clothing, on his belt or at the end of a sleeve of a garment.

In addition, means 7 are also arranged on the trunk C or in its vicinity to detect the presence of the user in the vicinity of the trunk lid.

These means 7 are connected to the control unit 2, and this starts the query of the transponder 4 by the transmitting/receiving means 3 when the presence of the user is detected by the means 7.

These means 7 consist, for example, of one or more ultrasonic sensors.

In order to open and unlock the trunk C of his vehicle 1, the user must hold the transponder 4 in front of each of the two antennas 5a, 5b in a specific sequence.

This sequence is chosen so that unlocking and opening cannot be triggered by accidental movements of the wearer of the transponder 4, especially if he walks past behind his vehicle without intending to open his trunk.

The trunk C of the vehicle 1 is advantageously provided with display means 8, for example with two-colour display lights arranged near the antennas 5a, 5b. These means 8 are intended to help the wearer of the transponder to carry out the necessary movements for the hands-free

to carry out the automatic opening and to indicate to the driver that the boot C has been effectively unlocked and then that it has automatically opened.

There now follows, with reference to Figures 2 and 3, a description of an example of an actuation sequence in the case where the user wears the transponder 4 on a bracelet on his wrist.

This user, whose arms are laden with luggage, for example, moves his arm with the transponder 4 behind the trunk C, offset by 5 to 30 cm to the right or to the left in relation to the centre of the said trunk C.

It is then detected by the presence sensor 7, which triggers a query sequence on each of the two antennas 5a, 5b, which are arranged on either side of the central axis of the trunk.

When the user is correctly positioned - that is, when the transponder 4 is in one of the areas I or II, as shown in Figure 3, in which it can enter into dialogue with the antennas 5a or 5b - one, and only one, of the said antennas 5a, 5b receives the response signal transmitted by the transponder 4.

The code of said transponder 4 is recognized by the control unit 2, which controls the display means 8 to indicate to the user that his code has been recognized by the antenna in front of which he is located.

For example, Unit 2 turns on a green indicator light located near this antenna.

When this indicator light comes on, the user moves his arm to the other side of the trunk C to bring it in front of the second antenna 5a, 5b within a certain time (for example 1 to 5 seconds) so that the code is recognized by it.

The indicator light on the first antenna goes out because the code is no longer received there due to the removal of transponder 4.

An indicator lamp located near the second antenna lights up to indicate that the signal from the transponder 4 has been detected at the second antenna and its code has been recognized.

The user then has a period of 1 to 5 seconds to bring the transponder 4 back in front of the first antenna.

When the code of the transponder 4 is again recognised by the first antenna, the two green indicator lights in the centre 8 light up simultaneously or flash to inform the user that the procedure for requesting the opening of the trunk has been completed successfully.

The control unit then activates 2 other indicator lights to inform the user that the opening of the trunk is imminent (for example by the simultaneous lighting up or flashing of two red indicator lights).

If the trunk of the vehicle was already unlocked, the control unit 2 of course only opens the trunk.

In this context, it should be noted that the back and forth sequence that the user must perform with his arm in front of the antennas prevents

The user's mere passing by the trunk of the vehicle may unexpectedly trigger the unlocking and opening of said trunk.

If, for whatever reason, the user's movement sequence is interrupted (non-recognition of the code by only one antenna at a time, non-compliance with the distance ranges or times specified for each position . . .), the procedure must be repeated in full.

The time and distance ranges are optimized to ensure a simple and clear procedure on the one hand and limited movement specifications that can be easily accepted by the user on the other hand.

Furthermore, the boot of the vehicle may comprise means for manual activation - for example a push-button located near one of the antennas - the operation of which, in conjunction with correct recognition of the code of the transponder 4, causes the boot to be unlocked and then to open automatically, with the possibility of indicating to the user, via the display described above, that the code has been recognized and that the boot is about to open. This function makes it possible to dispense with the sequence of movements when a completely hands-free opening is not required or is not desired by the user.

A possible movement sequence has been described for the case where the user wears the transponder 4 on the arm. If the transponder is worn on another part of the body (in a pocket, on the belt . . .), other types of sequence can of course also be considered.

As illustrated in Figure 4, the transponder 4 located on the user’s device can also be used to lock/unlock the vehicle doors, designated by the reference letter P.

For this purpose, the doors P also have short-range transmitting/receiving means 13, similar to the means 3, whose task is to carry out an interrogation of the transponder 4 when the latter is in the immediate vicinity of the handles of the doors P, these door handles being designated by the reference number 11 in Figure 4.

These means 13 comprise, for example, a transmitting/receiving antenna 15 and an interface 16 which is connected to the control unit 2.

As can be seen in Figure 4, these means 13 and in particular the transmitting/receiving antenna 15 are advantageously arranged in the door handle of the vehicle.

In addition, means 17 are provided on the vehicle to detect the user's hand when it approaches or operates the door handle 11.

These means 17 are connected to the control unit 2. This triggers the query of the transponder 14 by the transmitting/receiving means 13 when the presence of the user's hand on the door handle 11 is detected.

These means 17 consist, for example, of a contact by which the pressing of the door handle 11 can be detected.

As a further variant, they can consist of infrared sensors for the presence of the hand or of a sensor plate attached to the door handle 11.

The user, who wears such a transponder 4 on his hand or wrist, unlocks the door P without any other action than pressing the door handle 11 to open the said door.

When the physical presence of the user's hand is detected by the means 17, the transmitting/receiving means 13 interrogate the transponder 4. After the control unit 2 has recognized the identification code transmitted by the transponder 4, it actuates the means for locking the door P in order to unlock it.

Advantageously, the unlocking of the door P takes place quickly enough so that the movement of pressing the door handle 11 to activate the means 17 continues and causes the release of the mechanical locking means of the door.

For locking the door P, means 19 are provided with which pressure on the door handle 11 can be detected. These means 19 are also connected to the control unit 2.

When closing the door P, the user presses on the door handle 11. If the pressure exerted by the user's hand on the door handle 11 is detected by the means 19, the control unit 2 triggers the locking of the door P as soon as it is closed again.

It is easy to understand that, compared to traditional systems with a mechanical key or remote control, such a system offers the user greater comfort and a significant time saving, especially on routes with frequent stops, as it is completely transparent for the user. In particular, the user does not need to

not having to search for his mechanical key or remote control in his jacket pocket or handbag when he wants to open his vehicle.

In addition, the integrated circuit 4b of the transponder 4 can store other individual information relating to the user, for example information on the adjustment of the seat position, the steering wheel, the rear-view mirrors, etc.

This information is transmitted together with the identification code when the transponder 4 is interrogated by the transmitting/receiving means 13.

The various elements of the vehicle affected by this information are then activated, for example, at the same time as the doors are locked/unlocked.

It should also be noted that the system proposed by the invention allows the control unit 2 to locate the door P in front of which the user is located.

This information can be used by the control unit 2 to operate the adjustment of the various elements mentioned above (seats, rear-view mirrors, etc.) in a localized manner: thus, only the seat corresponding to the door in front of which the user is located is adjusted. Furthermore, the rear-view mirrors or the steering wheel position are only adjusted when the user is at the driver's door. Furthermore, it can be provided that only the door at which the user is located is unlocked, while the other doors remain locked.

In addition, the transponder 4 can advantageously be used to deactivate the immobilizer with starter lock.

Since the system according to the invention makes it possible to completely dispense with mechanical keys, the driver turns a multi-position switch, which is arranged, for example, under the steering wheel, to switch on the ignition and start the vehicle.

Transponder 4 is queried, for example, when a movement of the starter switch is detected. The code provided by transponder 4 is transmitted to the control unit of the immobilizer.

This control unit is advantageously the control unit 2, which is connected to the interface units 6a, 6b and 16.

As a variant, it can be provided that the starter switch is normally locked and that only the recognition of the correct identification code enables its operation.

As a further variant, a release system can be provided which is designed in such a way that the switch is not engaged as long as the identification code is not received.

It should also be noted that a driver does not usually use the same hand to operate the door handle of his vehicle and to switch on the ignition and start the vehicle. In vehicles designed for right-hand traffic, the door is opened with the left hand, while the ignition is switched on with the right hand.

In order to enable interrogation independently of the hand carrying the transponder 4, the transmitting/receiving means inside the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle advantageously comprise a coil antenna 10 which is arranged around the instrument area of the dashboard.

board or arranged around the steering wheel. As a further variant, the antenna can be provided on the switch block under the steering wheel.

These various antenna arrangements enable interrogation of a transponder 4 carried by the user close to his left hand when the said hand is under the steering wheel in order to switch on the ignition. They also enable continuous interrogation of the transponder when the driver's hand is on the steering wheel in order to check that the said transponder 4 is always present on the driver's wrist while driving.

To do this, the control unit 2 regularly queries the said transponder 4. It interprets the absence of a response for a short period of time as a movement by the driver and does not indicate it. However, the longer absence of a response is indicated to the driver by an indicator light on the dashboard or by an acoustic signal, so that the driver is immediately warned if the transponder 4 is no longer on his wrist or hand.

As you might have understood, such a system is transparent: a user unlocks the doors without having to perform any other actions than operating the door handle.

In addition, such a system reduces the risk of the user disconnecting his transponder after getting back into the vehicle. This is because the transponder is either worn on a piece of jewelry, such as a bracelet, which the user does not have to remove while driving, or it is

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attached to one end of a sleeve of a garment that the user already wears all the time.

Furthermore, such a system uses simplified electronics. It only requires transmitting and receiving antennas on the door handles. In addition, the high-frequency emissions are localized and have a short range, thus eliminating the risk of interference or conflict between users.

By locally limiting the exchange of signals, the risks of unauthorized access are also reduced.

Furthermore, it should be noted that a transponder can be easily miniaturized since it does not contain batteries.

Furthermore, in the system proposed by the invention, the mere presence of the person carrying the transponder in the vicinity of the vehicle is not sufficient to unlock the doors. For this to happen, the user's hand must be moved to come into the immediate vicinity of the door handle.

As long as the user retains an active role in the unlocking process, such a system consequently prevents the unintentional unlocking releases, which represent a major disadvantage of interactive systems.

Claims (22)

EXPECTATIONS 1. System for unlocking and/or opening an opening device (C) of a motor vehicle, comprising on the vehicle a control unit (2) which controls means for unlocking and/or opening the opening device (C), and transmission/reception means (3) connected to said control unit (2), said system also comprising transmission/reception means (4) carried by a user and intended to transmit to the transmission/reception means (3) of the vehicle an identification code for unlocking and/or opening the opening device, characterized in that the transmission/reception means of the user consist of a transponder (4) carried by the user, the transmission/reception means (3) of the vehicle comprising at least one antenna (5a, 5b) arranged on the opening device (C) or in the vicinity thereof, said Transmitting/receiving means (3) only enter into dialogue with the transponder (4) when the latter is in the immediate vicinity of said antenna (5a, 5b), while the control unit controls the unlocking and/or opening of the opening device (C) when the transponder (4) is presented to the antenna or antennas (5a, 5b) of the transmitting/receiving means (3) of the vehicle after a predetermined sequence. 2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmitting/receiving means (3) of the vehicle comprise at least two antennas (5a, 5b) to which the transponder (4) must be presented according to a predetermined sequence so that the control unit (2) controls the unlocking and/or opening of the opening device (C). 3. System according to claim 2, characterized in that the antennas (5a, 5b) are distributed along a direction corresponding to the width of the opening device (C). 4. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (7) for detecting the presence of a user in the vicinity of the opening device (C). 5. System according to claim 4, characterized in that the means (7) for detecting the presence of a user comprise at least one ultrasonic sensor. 6. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises display means (8) near an antenna (5a, 5b) by means of which the recognition or non-recognition of the identification code of a transponder (4) held in front of said antenna (5a, 5b) and/or the successful completion of the recognition procedure of the sequence for presenting the transponder (4) in front of the antenna(s) (5a, 5b) and/or the imminent opening can be indicated to the user. 7. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises means that enable manual triggering, wherein the control unit controls the unlocking and/or opening of the opening device when these means are activated and when the identification code of the transponder (4) is recognised after it has been held in front of an antenna (5a, 5b). 8. System for unlocking and/or opening a trunk lid of a motor vehicle, characterized in that it consists of a system according to one of the preceding claims. 9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the antennas (5a, 5b) are arranged on the bumper of the vehicle. 10. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the antennas (5a, 5b) are arranged in the immediate vicinity of the rear lights of the vehicle. 11. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the antennas (5a, 5b) are arranged in the rear lights of the vehicle. 12. Keyless system for locking/unlocking the trunk and doors of a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a system for unlocking and/or opening the trunk according to one of claims 8 and following and in that it also includes transmitting/receiving means (13) comprising an antenna (15) arranged in the immediate vicinity of the handle (11) of a door (P), these means (13) being intended to conduct a dialogue with the transponder (4) in order to recognize its identification code, said means (13) only entering into a dialogue with said transponder (4) when the latter is in the immediate vicinity of the handle (11). 13. System according to claim 12, characterized in that the antenna (15) is accommodated in the handle. 14. System according to one of claims 12 and 13, characterized in that the doors of the vehicle are designed without locks for a mechanical key. 15. System according to one of claims 12 to ^, characterized in that the handle (11) comprises means (17) for detecting that the user's hand is in the immediate vicinity of the handle (11) or is operating it, the control unit (2) controlling the interrogation of the transponder (14) when the aforementioned detection means detect the presence of the user's hand on the said handle (11). 16. System according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that it comprises means for detecting a pressure of the user's hand on the handle (11), the control unit (2) controlling the locking of the door when the door is closed again and when the aforementioned detecting means detect a pressure of the user's hand on said handle (11). 17. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises transmitting/receiving means (10) arranged inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle and connected to a control unit (2), said means being intended to interrogate the transponder (4) when the user re-enters the vehicle, said control unit (2) actuating the deactivation of the engine immobilizer when the identification code of the transponder (4) is recognized. 18. System according to claim 17, characterized in that the control unit (2) which controls the deactivation of the immobilizer and the control unit (2) coincide. 19. System according to one of claims 17 and ^, characterized in that the transmitting/receiving means arranged inside the passenger compartment regularly interrogate the transponder (4) when the user is inside the vehicle. 20. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transponder (4) transmits to the control unit (2) together with its identification code information for the individual adjustment of certain elements of the vehicle, for example for the adjustment of the position of the seats or the rear-view mirrors. 21. System according to claim 20, characterized in that the control unit (2) locally controls the adjustment of these various elements depending on the door at which the user is located. 22. Motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises, for at least one of its opening devices, in particular for its trunk, an unlocking and/or opening system according to one of the preceding claims.