EP0563335B1 - Closure system, for example central locking system for motor vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

A closure system for one or several locks (L) of one or several openings (T) is remotely controllable by transmitter signals (I) and has a portable transmitter (S) that serves as a key (S) for radiating transmitter signals (I), i.e. unlocking transmitter signals (I) which cause the relevant locks (L) to be unlocked (Z) and/or locking transmitter signals (I) which cause the locks (L) to be locked (Z). After receiving the transmitter signals (I), a receiver (E) generates a control signal (Z) when it is in the range (W) of the transmitter (S). A locking element (B) that can be controlled by the control signal (Z) allows the relevant lock (L) to be locked and/or unlocked. The receiver (E) monitors a parameter of at least some received transmitter signals (I), such as their power or field intensity, and at least from time to time adjusts the range (W), i.e. the sensitivity of the receiver (E), and/or the transmitting power of the transmitter (S), in accordance with the parameters monitored.

Description

The invention is based on the locking system defined in the preamble of claim 1, which e.g. can represent a central locking system for the door locks and for the trunk lock of a motor vehicle and which is known to the person skilled in the art from a large number of publications and prior uses.

A main problem of such methods is the avoidance of overreaches of the transmitter, which facilitate theft - occasionally also the avoidance of underreaches, which make remote control difficult or impossible. The invention relates to this main problem, namely the reliable automatic adaptive adjustment of such a range, which complicates thefts or burglaries and / or ensures the convenient remote control of lockable locks.

Is known by the
- DE-U 90 04 042
a remote-controlled locking system, the receiver of which has two different sensitivities. The first, high sensitivity is intended for ongoing operation, while the second, low sensitivity is for initializing or re-initializing the system.

Is also known from the
- DE-A1 33 41 900
a remote-controlled locking system with changeable transmitter power. To register the transferred To make codes more difficult for an unauthorized person, the performance is initially low when the transmitter is operated and is gradually increased if the transmitter is operated for a correspondingly long time. In this way, the performance is gradually increased up to the value that is just sufficient to enable the operation of the locking system.

The invention was initially for the special, in the
- WO 90/14484
described unidirectional motor vehicle locking system developed when this uses transmitter signals transmitted by radio. The invention is also particularly suitable for this. However, it turned out that the invention can in principle also be used in many other locking systems:

The transmitter signals can not only be transmitted by radio, e.g. in the kHz to GHz range, but also optically, e.g. in the infrared range.

A preferred example, in which the invention is applicable, is a motor vehicle locking system, namely a remote-controlled motor vehicle central locking system. Then the emitted transmitter signals are received by the receiver, which is, for example, hidden in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. The invention However, the locking system can also be used for other objects, including other types of vehicles and, for example, also for buildings and garage doors.

The transmitter can also - but does not have to - transmit digitally coded transmitter signals, rather than analog coded transmitter signals, as soon as the user transmits the transmitter, e.g. an actuation button of the same to open - possibly also to close - the cover (door, trunk, etc.) of the opening. The receiver compares the received code with digits previously stored in the receiver, e.g. with bits previously stored in a binary memory of the receiver before it operates the locks of the locks concerned.

As such, when the invention uses a digital code, any code can be used for the transmitter signals. So it can e.g. is a fixed code, which remains unchanged from operation to operation. However, it can also be an interchangeable code, which makes theft or burglary particularly difficult by changing the code from actuation to actuation according to certain rules or algorithms individually assigned to the relevant locking system. - In itself, however, the transmitter signals need not represent any code in the invention; you can e.g. also represent a single, more or less long-lasting impulse.

Depending on how the receiver and the locking elements of the locks in question are constructed, the receiver can either unlock and lock the lock in question - or together the locks in question - or only unlock or only lock. Perhaps the receiver can not only control the locking remotely, but also open and / or close the covers (doors, lids, etc.) of the openings in question by the receiver in an appropriate, staggered manner controls both the locking elements and an auxiliary motor which moves the relevant covers.

The invention can also be a so-called bidirectional locking system, in which a dialogue takes place between the transmitter and the receiver as soon as a user operates the transmitter. But it can also be a more or less strictly unidirectional locking system, in which there is no dialogue between the transmitter and the receiver and the reliable automatic adaptive adjustment of the range seems particularly difficult, for example in the
- WO 90/14484
Unidirectional vehicle locking system described.

• zu verhindern, daß wegen einer zu großen Reichweite ein unbeabsichtigtes ferngesteuertes Entriegeln der betreffenden Schlösser zu ständiger Beibehaltung des ENTRIEGELTzustandes der betreffenden Schlösser führt - z.B. durch ein versehentliches Drücken auf einen Betätigungsknopf des Senders, welcher seinerseits zufällig noch in Reichweite zum Empfänger ist - , wodurch danach jedermann in das Kfz eindringen könnte,
• sowie zu verhindern, daß wegen einer zu kleinen Reichweite das oder die Schlösser nicht mehr bequem und zuverlässig aus der gewohnten Entfernung entriegelt und/oder verriegelt werden können,
• nämlich automatisch und adaptiv die zu großen und zu kleinen, sich zeitlich evtl. sogar stark verändernden Reichweiten zwischen dem Sender und dem Empfänger vermeiden zu können, und zwar
  • ° möglichst unabhängig von den Toleranzen, Temperaturen und Alterungen der Bauteile des Schließsystemes, und
  • ° möglichst unabhängig vom Ladezustand einer evtl. im Sender angebrachten Batterie und auch von dem jeweiligen Klima,
  • ° ohne den Benutzer des Schlüssels zur laufenden Nachjustierung der Reichweite belästigen zu müssen bzw. ohne für ihn die Bedienung des Schließsystemes zu erschweren, sowie
  • ° ohne viel zusätzlichen konstruktiven Aufwand für den Sender und den Empfänger zu benötigen,

wird erfindungsgemäß durch das im Patentanspruch 1 definierte Schließsystem gelöst.The task,

• to prevent an inadvertent remote-controlled unlocking of the locks due to an excessive range from leading to constant maintenance of the UNLOCKED state of the locks in question - e.g. by inadvertently pressing an actuation button on the transmitter, which in turn happens to still be within range of the receiver - which then causes anyone could get into the car,
• as well as to prevent the lock or locks from being unlocked and / or locked from the usual distance comfortably and reliably due to an insufficient range,
• namely to be able to automatically and adaptively avoid the ranges that are too large and too small, which may even change greatly over time, between the transmitter and the receiver, namely
  • ° as independent as possible of the tolerances, temperatures and aging of the components of the locking system, and
  • ° as independent as possible of the state of charge of a battery possibly installed in the transmitter and also of the respective climate,
  • ° without having to bother the user of the key for the continuous readjustment of the range or without making it more difficult for him to operate the locking system, and
  • ° without requiring much additional design effort for the transmitter and the receiver,

is achieved according to the invention by the locking system defined in claim 1.

• 2, die oben genannten erfindungsgemäßen Vorteile auch dann zu erreichen, wenn Sendersignale verwendet werden, welche die Verriegelung an sich nicht nur bei direkter Sichtverbindung zwischen dem Sender und dem Empfänger zu steuern gestatten, sondern auch ohne direkte Sichtverbindung und sogar durch Mauern hindurch und um Hindernisse herum,
• 3, automatisch und adaptiv eine noch genauere Optimierung der Reichweite zu ermöglichen,
• 4, automatisch und adaptiv die Reichweite noch genauer zu optimieren,
• 5, die Sicherheit gegen unbefugtes Entriegeln zu erhöhen, indem Fremden noch stärker erschwert wird, durch Aufzeichnen der von Sender ausgesendeten Sendersignale und durch späteres unbefugtes Aussenden dieser aufgezeichneten Sendersignale das Schloß entriegeln können,
• 6, die Reichweite, wegen des dann ziemlich genau definierten Abstandes des Senders vom Empfänger, automatisch und adaptiv besonders genau zu optimieren,
• 7, eine besonders große Sicherheit gegen unbeabsichtigtes Entriegeln bzw. unbefugtes Öffnen des betreffenden Schlosses bzw. der betreffenden Abdeckung der Öffnung zu bieten,
• 8, auch bei sehr schwacher Batterie des Senders zwar das Öffnen des betreffenden Schlosses bzw. der betreffenden Abdeckung der Öffnung zu ermöglichen, aber trotzdem eine hohe Sicherheit gegen das unbefugte Öffnen zu bieten,
• 9, zusätzlich eine automatische Nachjustierung der Reichweite zu erreichen,
• 10, einen weiteren Weg für eine automatische und adaptive - und zwar dann besonders genaue - Optimierung der Reichweite zu bieten, wobei die Sendeleistungen des betreffenden Senders, also die Senderleistungen, während der Überwachung besonders gering sein können,
• 11, zur Optimierung der Reichweite - ausschließlich oder zusätzlich - automatisch und adaptiv die Senderleistung einzustellen, sowie
• 12, automatisch und adaptiv die minimal nötige Senderleistung einzustellen, und zwar in die Senderbatterie möglichst schonender Weise, und
  • bei Bedarf gleichzeitig automatisch und adaptiv die Empfindlichkeit des Empfängers optimal an die dann gegebene Senderleistung anzupassen,
• 13, automatisch und adaptiv eine möglichst genaue Optimierung der Reichweite ohne großen Aufwand für den Empfänger zu erreichen, und
  • bei Bedarf sogar aufzuzeichnen , ob Sendersignale empfangen wurden, welche zu schwach waren, um die Betätigung der Verriegelelemente auszulösen,
• 14, die Sicherheit gegen unbeabsichtigtes Entriegeln zu vergrößern, indem mittels zweier unterschiedlicher Empfindlichkeiten des Empfängers erreicht wird, daß die maximale Reichweite für VERRIEGELsendersignale größer ist als die maximale Reichweite für ENTRIEGELsendersignale, - wodurch der Benutzer das betreffende Schloß aus einer Entfernung noch verriegeln kann, aus welcher er dieses Schloß schon nicht mehr entriegeln könnte,
• 15, auf noch andere Weise die Sicherheit gegen unbeabsichtigtes Entriegeln - vor allem auch gegen unbeabsichtigte Beibehaltung des ENTRIEGELTzustandes des Fahrzeuges zu vergrößern, indem mittels zweier unterschiedlicher Senderleistungen erreicht wird, daß die maximale Reichweite für VERRIEGELsendersignale größer ist als die maximale Reichweite für ENTRIEGELsendersignale, - wodurch der Benutzer das betreffende Schloß auch noch aus einer Entfernung verriegeln kann, aus welcher er dieses Schloß schon nicht mehr entriegeln könnte, wobei diese Weiterbildung besonders günstig ist, wenn sie auch dem Patentanspruch 13 oder 14 entspricht, sowie
• 16, automatisch und adaptiv die Reichweiten mehrerer unterschiedlicher Sender - jeweils individuell jedem einzelnen Sender angepaßt - zu optimieren, wobei diese Weiterbildung besonders günstig ist, wenn sie auch dem Patentanspruch 11, 12 oder 13 entspricht.

The objects defined in the subclaims allow additional advantages to be achieved. Among other things, the additional measures according to the patent claim allow

• 2 to achieve the above-mentioned advantages according to the invention even if transmitter signals are used which not only allow the control itself to be controlled with a direct line of sight between the transmitter and the receiver, but also without a direct line of sight and even through walls and around obstacles around,
• 3, automatically and adaptively to enable an even more precise optimization of the range,
• 4, automatically and adaptively optimize the range even more precisely,
• 5 to increase security against unauthorized unlocking by making it even more difficult for strangers to unlock the lock by recording the transmitter signals transmitted by transmitters and by later unauthorized transmission of these recorded transmitter signals,
• 6, to automatically and adaptively optimize the range, because of the then rather precisely defined distance of the transmitter from the receiver,
• 7, to offer a particularly high level of security against unintentional unlocking or unauthorized opening of the lock or cover concerned of the opening,
• 8, even if the transmitter battery is very weak, to enable opening of the relevant lock or cover of the opening, but still one to offer high security against unauthorized opening,
• 9, in addition to achieve an automatic readjustment of the range,
• 10 to offer a further way for automatic and adaptive - and then particularly precise - optimization of the range, the transmission powers of the transmitter in question, that is to say the transmitter powers, being particularly low during monitoring,
• 11, to optimize the range - exclusively or additionally - automatically and adaptively adjust the transmitter power, as well
• 12, automatically and adaptively set the minimum necessary transmitter power, in the transmitter battery as gently as possible, and
  • if necessary, automatically and adaptively adapt the sensitivity of the receiver to the transmitter power then given,
• 13, automatically and adaptively to achieve the most accurate possible range optimization without great effort for the receiver, and
  • if necessary, even record whether transmitter signals were received which were too weak to trigger the locking elements,
• 14 to increase the security against unintentional unlocking, by means of two different sensitivities of the receiver, that the maximum range for LOCK transmitter signals is greater than the maximum range for UNLOCK transmitter signals, - whereby the user can still lock the lock in question from a distance which he could no longer unlock this lock
• 15, to increase the security against unintentional unlocking in another way - above all also against unintentional maintenance of the UNLOCKED state of the vehicle, by means of two different transmitter powers that the maximum is achieved Range for LOCK transmitter signals is greater than the maximum range for UNLOCK transmitter signals, - whereby the user can also lock the lock in question from a distance from which he could no longer unlock this lock, this further development being particularly advantageous if it also claims 13 or 14 corresponds, and
• 16, automatically and adaptively to optimize the ranges of several different transmitters - each individually adapted to each individual transmitter - this further development being particularly advantageous if it also corresponds to claim 11, 12 or 13.

• 1 ein Beispiel für die räumliche Verteilung von Bestandteilen dieses Kfz-Schließsystemes, ohne die diversen Leitungen zwischen diesen Bestandteilen einzutragen, sowie
• 2 ein Blockschaltbild dieser Bestandteile.

The invention and further developments of the same are further explained on the basis of an exemplary embodiment of the invention shown in the two figures, which is shown for the sake of clarity by the simplest possible diagrams and represents a motor vehicle locking system. The figure shows

• 1 an example of the spatial distribution of components of this motor vehicle locking system without entering the various lines between these components, and
• 2 shows a block diagram of these components.

Both figures therefore show an automotive locking system according to the invention which can be remotely controlled by transmitter signals I, in which e.g. is a central locking system for several locks L of several covers T of the openings.

The user operates a portable transmitter S, shown in both figures, which serves as a key S. The transmitter S sends its transmitter signals I to the receiver E installed in the motor vehicle, for example triggered by actuation of a corresponding pushbutton of the transmitter S. The transmitter signals I can be, for example, UNLOCK transmitter signals I which use the control signal Z to unlock the relevant one or them Initiate locks L, and / or by LOCK transmitter signals I, which initiate the locking of these locks L by means of the control signal Z, but only in each case if the receiver E is within range W of the transmitter S. Then the transmitter signals I solve via the input stage A of the receiver E and via the output stage R of this receiver E a control signal Z only shown in FIG. This output stage R can be, for example, a relay R, or another type of control circuit R which supplies sufficient current strengths and which controls the locking element B by means of the control signal Z, which locking element B can be, for example, a bolt B blocking the lock L and movable by magnetic coils.

The receiver E thus controls, caused by the transmitter signals I, the locking element B of at least one lock L of at least one cover T, e.g. the locking element B of the lock L of the driver's door T of the motor vehicle, - preferably only after checking the access authorization of the user of the transmitter S, namely e.g. after a comparison of the code received by the receiver E with corresponding digits previously stored in the receiver memory M. For the sake of clarity, both figures show only a single lock L, the locking element B of which is actuated by means of the transmitter signals I. The user can control the interlocks B remotely by means of a transmitter signal I, or by means of a more or less precisely prescribed series of transmitter signals I, - for simplicity, however, only "transmitter signals I" are used here.

• ° einen ersten Zustand, in welchem er das betreffende Schloß L im verriegelten Zustand beläßt, und in welchem er gegebenenfalls auch das zuvor unverriegelte Schloß L verriegelt, sowie
• ° einen zweiten Zustand, in welchem er, veranlaßt durch das Sendersignal I, durch eine entsprechende Betätigung der Verriegelung zuläßt, daß die betreffenden Abdeckung T geöffnet wird.

For this purpose, this receiver E can have at least two states, namely

• ° a first state in which it leaves the lock L in question in the locked state and in which it also locks the previously unlocked lock L, and
• ° a second state in which it, caused by the transmitter signal I, by a corresponding actuation of the lock, allows the cover T in question to be opened.

In principle, with every such motor vehicle locking system that can be remotely controlled by a transmitter S, that the user of the motor vehicle believes that he has locked and locked the motor vehicle away from the motor vehicle while the transmitter S is still within the maximum range W and the user accidentally causes the transmitter S to emit its transmitter signals I again. Even if the user has the transmitter S in his pocket after leaving and properly locking the vehicle - for example, even in his briefcase! - Stuck, but accidentally triggered the transmission of the transmitter signals I again, the lock L can be unintentionally unlocked again - especially if it is radio transmitter signals I, because radio waves due to their propagation characteristics - in contrast to infrared signals - also walls and even can also easily penetrate a pocket of the user and therefore an accidental triggering of the transmitter signals I can take place even when the transmitter S is already plugged in, even out of a house and around corners.

Often this user does not even notice that he accidentally remotely controlled the release, e.g. because he was leaning somewhere and accidentally pressed a push button on transmitter S while the transmitter S happened to be within range W of the receiver E, or e.g. by means of other objects which accidentally press the push button or the trigger of the transmitter S in the user's pocket. Unauthorized persons, e.g. Children can play with the transmitter S and even unlock the locks L permanently and remotely without intention.

The range W of the transmitter S can, however, in itself also be subject to temporary fluctuations which occur during the operation of the transmitter S. These fluctuations in the range W are based e.g. on different external conditions such as temperature, or on the decrease in battery voltage in the transmitter S.

Another sensitive point is the tolerances of the components in the manufacture of the locking system, or the scattering caused by these tolerances in the transmitter power and the reception sensitivity of the receiver E.

Therefore, a maximum range W - or a corresponding maximum transmitter power or a corresponding maximum reception sensitivity - should be set as reliably as possible between the transmitter S and the receiver E, which safe opening and closing of the vehicle only within a narrowly definable distance W to the vehicle from e.g. 10 m +/- 2 m allowed.

However, if the dimensions of the transmitter power S are so low already during the manufacture of the transmitter S that the range W remains sufficiently short, then a decrease in the range W is to be expected when the battery of the transmitter S becomes weaker, which runs counter to the comfort requirement of the user. However, if the transmitter power is already adjusted accordingly during its manufacture, then this transmitter S has too long a range W for a new battery, which entails the risk that the user can accidentally operate the transmitter S again within this large range W. .

• ° automatisch und adaptiv unerwünschte Reichweiten W zu vermeiden,
• ° nämlich zu große Reichweiten W und zu kleine Reichweiten W, sowie sich zeitlich - evtl. sogar stark - verändernde Reichweiten W zu vermeiden,
• ° also automatisch und adaptiv die Reichweite W zwischen dem Sender S und dem Empfänger E zu justieren,
• ° und zwar möglichst unabhängig von Toleranzen, Temperaturen und Alterungen der Bauteile des Schließsystemes, sowie möglichst unabhängig vom Ladezustand einer evtl. im Sender S angebrachten Batterie und möglichst unabhängig von dem jeweiligen Klima.
• ° Die automatische und adaptive Justierung der Reichweite W soll auch ohne Belästigung des Benutzers des Schlüssels S erreicht werden, vor allem ohne für ihn die Bedienung des Schließsystemes zu erschweren.

The invention therefore relates to the problem with little effort for the transmitter S and for the receiver E.

• ° to automatically and adaptively avoid unwanted ranges W,
• ° namely too large ranges W and too small ranges W, as well as to avoid changing ranges W in time - possibly even strongly -,
• ° thus automatically and adaptively adjust the range W between the transmitter S and the receiver E,
• ° and as independent as possible from tolerances, temperatures and aging of the components of the locking system, as independent as possible from the state of charge of a battery possibly installed in transmitter S and as independent as possible from the respective climate.
• ° The automatic and adaptive adjustment of the range W should also be achieved without bothering the user of the key S, especially without making it difficult for him to operate the locking system.

The receiver E constructed according to the invention namely automatically and adaptively adjusts the sensitivity of the receiver E and / or the transmitter power accordingly. This is because the invention adopts the knowledge that the range W of the transmitter S can be adjusted again and again to its optimal setpoint value if the transmitter power and / or the sensitivity of the receiver E automatically and adaptively correspondingly more or less regularly or less regular, direct or indirect measurements of the respective maximum range W is adjusted.

Therefore, the receiver E constructed according to the invention monitors - at least from time to time, e.g. immediately as part of each actuation of the lock of the lock L in question - a physical quantity of the received transmitter signals I, e.g. their performance or their field strength. For this purpose, the receiver E, cf. the figure 2, e.g. in addition to its input stage A, or e.g. within this input stage A - the unit V, which can also be used as a device V for monitoring that variable - e.g. for monitoring the received field strength of the transmitter signals I - and as a device V for adjusting the maximum range W, that is to say for adjusting the sensitivity of the receiver E.

According to the invention, a - directly or indirectly - a physical variable, for example the transmitter power, of the transmitter S is measured more or less regularly and, depending on this, the sensitivity of the receiver E and / or the transmitter power is adjusted so that a good definable reception range as maximum range W results.

That unit V of the receiver E therefore measures that size at least indirectly and regulates e.g. the sensitivity of the input stage A through a corresponding feedback indicated in FIG. 2 - perhaps even without additional transmitter power - e.g. in the manner described below. Even if that unit V only adjusts the reception sensitivity of the receiver E, but not additionally the transmitter power, the next time the transmitter S is operated, i.e. the next remote control, the range W is optimally adapted - also to the respective state of charge of the transmitter battery S and even any tolerances and aging of all components of transmitter S and receiver E.

The adaptive adjustment according to the invention thus - at least from time to time, if not continuously with each actuation of the transmitter S - adjusts the range W for the next actuations of the transmitter. The range W is thus sufficiently large to enable a user of the locking system to unlock the vehicle Z as soon as he approaches his vehicle. On the other hand, the reception area is limited enough to ensure that the user no longer unintentionally actuates the locking of his motor vehicle by accidentally actuating the transmitter S away from the motor vehicle.

This means that even fluctuations in the climate can be detected, as well as possible disruptions to operation due to ranges W that were previously too small, especially if the receiver E contains a memory M in which over a period of a large number of unlocking operations - for example over weeks and months - the respectively measured different values of the relevant size of the transmitter signals I are stored, from which that unit V, which can also contain a computer, for example, derives the greatest permissible range W by corresponding comparisons of the stored values and the input stage A is adjusted accordingly. A fairly precise, automatic and adaptive optimization of the range W is possible, for example, in that the receiver E - for example by means of intermediate storage of several values of the size determined by its unit V in its receiver memory M - determines an average of several values corresponding to the monitored size and the range W is adjusted according to the mean value. Then the receiver E can, for example, adjust the sensitivity of its input stage A according to the average found. Further measures for adjusting the sensitivity of the receiver E and / or the transmission power of the transmitter S will be explained later.

By monitoring that size according to the invention and by adjusting the range W accordingly, it can be achieved that not only the manufacturing tolerances, charging conditions and climatic influences are eliminated automatically and adaptively, but also aging of the components of the locking system.

The advantages according to the invention can also be achieved if transmitter signals I are used, which not only allow the locking itself to be controlled with a direct line of sight between the transmitter S and the receiver E, but above all also without a direct line of sight and even through walls and around Obstacles around, namely when the transmitter signals I are transmitted by radio, that is to say have radio frequencies.

• ° wobei dann der Empfänger E - alleine, oder zusätzlich - die betreffende Größe - bzw. den zeitlichen Verlauf der betreffenden Größe - der empfangenen MESS-Sendersignale I überwacht und
• ° wobei anschließend der Empfänger E dementsprechend die Reichweite W justiert, - z.B. wieder indem der Empfänger E entsprechend seine eigene Empfindlichkeit justiert.

The range W can be optimized even more automatically and adaptively, in that the transmitter S does not - or not alone - monitor the relevant size of the UNLOCK and / or LOCK transmitter signals I itself. The transmitter S can namely - for example after sending out the ENTRIEGEL transmitter signal - additionally send out one or more further MEASURING transmitter signals I or measuring pulses I - for example several short measuring pulses I of a few msec duration in succession of 500 msec, namely for a total of 15 seconds,

• ° the receiver E then - alone or in addition - monitors the relevant variable - or the time profile of the relevant variable - of the received MESS transmitter signals I and
• ° Then the receiver E adjusts the range W accordingly, for example again by the receiver E adjusting its own sensitivity accordingly.

In order to avoid unwanted too large and too small ranges W by more or less regular, more or less constant monitoring, the transmitter S can even send out the MESS transmitter signal I or the MESS transmitter signals I each time after sending out a transmitter signal I used for opening , in which case the unit V can optimize the setting of the maximum range W each time.

In order to set the range W with particularly high accuracy, the MESS transmitter signals I can form a plurality of measurement pulses I which the transmitter S emits in succession at certain intervals, the size which the unit V monitors, e.g. represents the power curve or field strength curve immediately before, during and / or immediately after opening the cover T, and this unit V subsequently adjusts the sensitivity of the receiver E accordingly.

The MESS transmitter signals I can in themselves also represent simple pulses which are emitted, for example, at constant intervals. However, security against unauthorized unlocking can be increased by making it even more difficult for strangers, by recording the transmitter signals emitted by the transmitter and by later unauthorized transmission of these recorded transmitter signals, in order to unlock the lock: a locking system whose UNLOCK transmitter signals I in coded is particularly suitable Shape - preferably according to one Alternating code - are broadcast, but then the MESS transmitter signals I are then transmitted in coded form. For this purpose, the time intervals of the MESS transmitter signals I and / or the pulse shape of the MESS transmitter signals I should preferably each correspond to a fixed — or likewise changing — code assigned to the transmitter S in question. In this variant of the invention, the receiver E only unlocks the lock L concerned, as long as not only the received UNLOCK transmitter signal I corresponds to the code assigned to it, but also the received MEASURING transmitter signals I correspond to the code assigned to them. - This variant of the invention allows additional conditions to be set for unlocking, for example the condition described in more detail below, that at least one pulse of the received MESS transmitter signal I must have a minimum field strength - otherwise the receiver E will not unlock the relevant one Castle L.

In order to readjust or adjust the range W more or less regularly, the transmitter S can also contain a transmitter memory N. This transmitter memory N causes the transmitter S, in the seconds after the transmission of a transmitter signal I serving to open, to transmit one or, at intervals, several, MESS transmitter signals I. The transmitter memory N can e.g. be formed by a counter or timer or clock, in which case this transmitter memory N can then cause the transmitter S to transmit within the seconds after the ENTRIEGEL transmitter signal I - e.g. to send out a series of short MESS transmitter signals I within 20 seconds. The receiver then does not even need to evaluate all of the MESS transmitter signals I sent:

In the example of the invention shown, the receiver E is connected to a sensor K, which is attached, for example, in the door handle G and responds to touch by the user and which thereby recognizes the opening of the cover T or the actuation of the door handle G of the cover T. This measure allows the performance of those MESS transmitter signals I, which he receives immediately before, during and / or immediately after the final opening of the cover T or immediately before, during and / or immediately after actuating the door handle G:

This is because the range W can be optimized automatically and adaptively particularly precisely if the distance between the transmitter S and the receiver E is defined fairly precisely by means of the sensor K during the MESS transmitter signals I, and in particular if the MESS transmitter signals I additionally last a total of several seconds represent a continuous series of short measuring pulses I - whereby because of the then particularly short distance of the transmitter S from the door handle G or from the receiver E, the transmitter powers can even be particularly low during this monitoring:

If, then, the receiver E additionally has the sensor K, which detects the opening of the cover T, or the touching or actuation of a corresponding handle G of the cover T, and then emits a sensor signal C, then the receiver E can also measure that size alone evaluate the relevant - or those few relevant - MESS transmitter signals I which the receiver E receives immediately before, during and / or immediately after the sensor signal C occurs; - The receiver E can then not only adjust a "second" range W (2) which corresponds to the maximum - e.g. 1 m - distance of the transmitter S from the receiver E during the occurrence of the sensor signal C corresponds, but also that first, comparatively much larger - e.g. Adjust the 10 m range - range W, from which the receiver is ready to provisionally recognize an UNLOCKED transmitter signal I as such.

• ° welcher einen im Türgriff G angebrachten, vom Benutzer beim Öffnen berührten Berührungssensor K darstellt, oder
• ° welcher eine weitgehend nur im Nahfeld des Senders S ansprechende Zusatzantenne K darstellt.

In principle, different types of sensors K can be used for this: it can be, for example, a sensor K,

• ° which represents a touch sensor K fitted in the door handle G and touched by the user when opening, or
• ° which represents an additional antenna K which is largely responsive only in the near field of the transmitter S.

The receiver memory M then does not need to evaluate the size of all received MESS transmitter signals I, but only the size of at most those few relevant MESS transmitter signals I which it receives approximately during the occurrence of the sensor signal C.

The receiver E can even be constructed in this way, cf. the AND gate & in the output stage R of the receiver E in FIG. 2, that the control signal Z for unlocking the lock L is only emitted when both the sensor signal C and - more or less - the MEASURING transmitter signal I at the same time acts on the output stage R via the input stage A. The relevant size of the MESS transmitter signal I occurring during the sensor signal C then causes the unit V to adjust the range W in advance for the next remote control of the locking system.

In order to provide a particularly high level of security against unintentional unlocking or unauthorized opening of the lock or cover T concerned, it can additionally be provided that the receiver E does not unlock the lock L immediately after receiving the UNLOCK transmitter signal I, but rather that Lock L unlocked after receiving ENTRIEGEL transmitter signals I only if the measurements of the relevant size (e.g. field strength) of the additionally transmitted MESS transmitter signals I showed that the currently received ENTRIEGEL transmitter signal I, based on the currently correct SETPOINT of the adjustment of the maximum range W , obviously must have been transmitted within this correct maximum range W; - Otherwise, the lock L in question remains locked. The receiver E can also be constructed or dimensioned in such a way that it only unlocks the lock L after receipt of an UNLOCK transmitter signal I if at least a single one of the currently additionally received measurement pulses I has a greater field strength than the value for the maximum range W stored earlier, perhaps days or months ago.

In order to enable the relevant lock or cover of the opening to be opened even if the transmitter battery is very weak, but nevertheless to offer high security against unauthorized opening, the receiver E can also be constructed or dimensioned differently: it can to do this, after receiving an ENTRIEGELsendersignalals I, even if this ENTRIEGELsendersignal I is still too small in size, initially unlock the lock L in question for a waiting period, for example a few seconds, for example for 20 seconds. Subsequently, however, the receiver E immediately locks the lock L in question again, i.e. after this waiting period has expired, unless by then the size of at least one of the MESS transmitter signals I measured by it has exceeded the limit value which corresponds to a target range W that was previously valid for it. Then the lock L in question is first temporarily unlocked, but locked again quickly, if not at least one of the currently additionally received measurement pulses I has a size (e.g. field strength) which is greater than that used to be - perhaps days ago or Months - corresponds to the stored setpoint. See the not pre-published
- European patent application 91 103 518.6.

In order to additionally achieve a rapid automatic readjustment of the range in the latter case, the receiver E can then also contain the sensor K and lock the lock L in question only after the waiting period has expired, if the sensor signal C does not occur in the receiver E by then and if until then the size of at least one of the currently received, relevant MESS transmitter signals I measured by him is additionally above the limit value, which of the valid ones - first or second
- TARGET range corresponds to W. If the measured quantity is above the limit value, ie if the receiver E does not lock the lock L in question again, but leaves it in the unlocked state beyond the waiting period, then the receiver E can also adjust the range W again.

The invention permits a further route for a particularly precise automatic and adaptive — and then particularly precise — optimization of the — then again “second” range W by means of a precise definition of the distance from the transmitter S to the receiver E during the transmission of MESS transmitter signals I , Then the transmitter powers can even be particularly low during monitoring: For this purpose, the transmitter S can form a structural unit S together with the ignition key, the transmitter S transmitting one or more MEAS transmitter signals I precisely while the ignition key S is in the ignition lock . The receiver E monitors the relevant size, or the time profile of the relevant size, of the MESS transmitter signals I received from the inserted ignition key and accordingly adjusts the first associated with the UNLOCK transmitter signals I - and / or LOCK transmitter signals I - according to the definition given above "and possibly also" second "range W. You can also design the receiver E and the transmitter S so that each time (only) while the ignition key is inserted in the ignition lock, the receiver E causes the transmitter S to be temporary to send out the MESS transmitter signals I in order to then adjust the relevant range (s) W accordingly.

To optimize the range W, you can also - exclusively or additionally - automatically and adaptively adjust the transmitter power of the transmitter S in question by the transmitter S having its own additional receiver (not shown in the figures, for reasons of clarity) and an adjustment unit for adjusting its own transmitter power contains, with the receiver E also having its own additional transmitter, which sends an adjustment signal to the additional receiver of the transmitter S concerned in order to adjust the transmitter power. A transmitter is particularly suitable for this purpose, which, as just described, can also be used as an ignition key. Above all, in order to avoid undesired overreaches W of the transmitter S - which make it easier for strangers to receive and store the broadcast code or the broadcast transmitter signal in order to later use such stored data forbidden for burglary purposes - the unit V can monitor it the size supply a setting signal to the transmitter S, which adjusts the transmitter power to determine the maximum range W.

You can also automatically and adaptively set the minimum necessary transmitter power in the transmitter battery as gently as possible by not only optimally adapting the transmitter power using the additional receiver, but also automatically and adaptively adapting the sensitivity of the receiver E to the transmitter power then given. For this purpose, the transmitter S can use its adjustment unit and the adjustment signal to adjust its own transmitter power to the minimum transmitter power required by the receiver E.

• ° daß er, wenn der Sender S außerhalb der für die ENTRIEGELsendersignale I justierten Reichweite W ist, zwar die ENTRIEGELsendersignale I deutlich empfangen kann, aber dann trotzdem nicht das Entriegeln mittels der Signale Z einleitet, und
• ° daß er E, wenn der Sender S innerhalb der für ENTRIEGELsendersignale I justierten Reichweite W ist, nach dem Empfang eines oder mehrerer ENTRIEGELsendersignale I das Entriegeln mittels der Signale Z einleitet.

A particularly precise automatic and adaptive optimization of the range W can also be achieved without great effort for the receiver E by the receiver E adjusting its own sensitivity to UNLOCK transmitter signals such that

• ° that when the transmitter S is outside the range W adjusted for the ENTRIEGELsenderignale I, the ENTRIEGELsenderignale I can clearly receive, but then still does not initiate the unlocking by means of the signals Z, and
• ° that it initiates E when the transmitter S is within the range W adjusted for ENTRIEGEL transmitter signals I after the reception of one or more ENTRIEGEL transmitter signals I by means of the signals Z.

If necessary, the receiver E - e.g. in his receiver memory M - then even record that he received transmitter signals I, but which were classified as too weak for him to actuate the locking element B.

• ° daß er, auch wenn der Sender S außerhalb der justierten Reichweite W für ENTRIEGELsendersignale I ist, trotzdem das betreffende Schloß L verriegelt, falls der Empfänger E vom Sender S ein oder mehrere VERRIEGELsendersignale I empfängt.

The security against unintentional unlocking can be further increased by means of two different sensitivities of the receiver E. For this purpose, the receiver E can be designed so that it additionally adjusts its own sensitivity to LOCK transmitter signals I so that

• ° that, even if the transmitter S is outside the adjusted range W for UNLOCKED transmitter signals I, it locks the lock L in question if the receiver E receives one or more LOCKED transmitter signals I from the transmitter S.

By making the maximum range for LOCK transmitter signals I greater than the maximum range for UNLOCK transmitter signals I, the user can still lock the lock in question from a distance from which he could no longer unlock this lock.

In a variant of the invention, the transmitter S emits its UNLOCK transmitter signals I with significantly less power than its LOCK transmitter signals I. In this way, the security against unintentional unlocking - above all also against unintentional maintenance of the UNLOCKED state of the vehicle - is further increased by using the two different ones Transmitter performance is achieved that the maximum (first) range W for LOCK transmitter signals is greater than the maximum (first) range W for UNLOCK transmitter signals. As a result, the user can also lock the lock in question from a distance from which he could no longer unlock this lock.

In a motor vehicle locking system that includes not only a single transmitter S, but several transmitters S, the individual Transmitter S initially each have different transmitter powers and thus different ranges W. In order to automatically and adaptively set the same range W for each of the individual transmitters S and thereby to ensure safe operation within the prescribed range of, for example, 10 m +/- 2 m from the motor vehicle, each transmitter S can have a different one corresponding to the different transmitter power Sensitivity of the receiver E can be set, for example by storing different TARGET sensitivities in the receiver memory M for the various transmitters S.

One can thus automatically and adaptively optimize the range values W of several different transmitters S according to the invention by using a receiver E which has a receiver memory M in a motor vehicle locking system with several transmitters S with differently coded transmitter signals I and with different transmitter power from one another and which adjusts its own sensitivity when or after receiving a coded transmitter signal I, which contains a key code identifying the respective transmitter S, from transmitter S to transmitter S differently. For this purpose, the receiver E can store in the receiver memory M those various optimal setpoint values of the sensitivities which are assigned to the individual transmitters S in each case.

In addition, the receiver E can adjust its own sensitivity differently from transmitter S to transmitter S: for example, receiver E - when or after receiving a coded transmitter signal I, which is emitted by one of the various transmitters S and which contains a key code identifying the respective transmitter S. contains - in each case adjust according to that TARGET value assigned to the transmitter S in question and stored in the receiver memory M.

A number of individual structural units within the receiver E are shown in FIG. 2, cf. A, M, V and R. However, the receiver E can also be a suitably constructed computer with a suitably programmed microprocessor, which carries out the relevant functions of at least some of these components of the receiver E.

List of reference numbers

A

Entrance stage

B

Locking element, bolt, lock

C.

sensor signal

E

receiver

G

Door handle

I.

Transmitter signals

K

sensor

L

Lock

M

Receiver memory

N

Station memory

R

Output stage

S

Channel

T

opening

V

Unity, device

W

Range, distance

Z.

Control signal

&

AND limb

Claims (16)

1. Closure system, remotely controllable by transmitter signals (I), for one or more locks (L) of one or more openings (T), comprising

   - a portable transmitter (S) as key (S) for radiating the transmitter signals (I), namely at least the UNLOCK transmitter signals (I) which (I) initiate the unlocking (Z) of the relevant lock or locks (L) and/or the LOCK transmitter signals (I) which initiate the locking (Z) of these locks (L),

   - a receiver (E) which (E), if it is within range (W) of the transmitter (S), triggers a control signal (Z) after the reception of the transmitter signals (I), and

   - a locking element (B) which can be controlled by the control signal (Z) and by means of which (B) the relevant lock (L) can be locked and/or unlocked,

   characterized in that

   - the receiver (E) monitors a parameter of at least individual ones of the received transmitter signals (I), namely their (I) power or field strength, and

   - the receiver (E) adjusts - at least from time to time - the range (W), namely the sensitivity of the receiver (E) and/or the transmitting power of the transmitter (S), in accordance with the power or field strength determined.
2. Closure system according to Claim 1, characterized in that

   - the transmitter signals (I) have radio frequencies.
3. Closure system according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that

   - the receiver (E) determines a mean value from several values corresponding to the monitored parameter and adjusts the range (W) in accordance with the mean value.
4. Closure system comprising a transmitter (S) used for opening the relevant opening (T), according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

   - the transmitter (S) sends out one or more further MEASURING transmitter signals (I) in the seconds after sending out the UNLOCK transmitter signal, and

   - the receiver (E) monitors the relevant parameter, or the variation with time of the relevant parameter, of the received MEASURING transmitter signals (I) and correspondingly adjusts the range (W) allocated to the UNLOCK transmitter signals (I).
5. Closure system, the UNLOCK transmitter signals (I) of which are radiated in coded form - for example in accordance with an alternating code, according to Claim 4,
   characterized in that

   - the MEASURING transmitter signals (I) are also sent out in coded form,

   - namely the time intervals of the MEASURING transmitter signals (I) and/or the pulse shape of the MEASURING transmitter signals (I) correspond to a fixed or alternating code allocated to the relevant transmitter (S), and

   - the receiver (E) unlocks the relevant lock (L) only as long as not only the received UNLOCK transmitter signal (I) corresponds to its associated code but also the received MEASURING transmitter signals (I) correspond to their associated code.
6. Closure system according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that

   - the MEASURING transmitter signals (I) represent a series of short measuring pulses lasting several seconds,

   - the transmitter (S) contains a transmitter memory (N) which (N) induces the transmitter (S) to send out the MEASURING transmitter signals (I) within seconds after sending out the UNLOCK transmitter signal (I),

   - the receiver (E) is connected to a sensor (K) which (K) detects the opening of the opening (T) or the touching or operating of a corresponding handle (G) of the opening (T) and then outputs a sensor signal (C), and

   - the receiver (E) monitors the parameter of the relevant MEASURING transmitter signal or transmitter signals (I) which (I) are received by the receiver (E) immediately before, during and/or immediately after the occurrence of the sensor signal (C), and correspondingly adjusts the range (W).
7. Closure system according to Claim 6, characterized in that

   - the receiver (E), after receiving an UNLOCK transmitter signal (I), initially does not unlock the relevant lock (L) but

   - the receiver (E) only unlocks the relevant lock (L) if, immediately before, during and/or immediately after the occurrence of the sensor signal (C), the measured parameter of the relevant MEASURING transmitter signal (I) then received is above the limit value which corresponds to a NOMINAL range (W) valid therefor, and

   - the receiver (E), during this or thereafter, readjusts this NOMINAL range (W) in accordance with the measured parameter of this relevant MEASURING transmitter signal (I).
8. Closure system according to Claim 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that

   - the receiver (E), after receiving an UNLOCK transmitter signal (I), which is too weak per se, first unlocks the relevant lock (L),

   - the receiver (E) relocks the relevant lock (L) after a waiting period lasting a few seconds has elapsed if the parameter measured by it (E), of at least one of the MEASURING transmitter signals (I) is by then not above the limit value which corresponds to a NOMINAL range (W) valid therefor.
9. Closure system according to Claims 6 and 8, characterized in that

   - the receiver (E) relocks the relevant lock (L) after the waiting period has elapsed if it (E) does not receive the sensor signal (C) by then and additionally the parameter of the relevant MEASURING transmitter signal (I) measured by it (E) is above the limit value which corresponds to the NOMINAL range (W) valid therefor and

   - the receiver (E) readjusts this NOMINAL range (W) in accordance with the measured parameter of this current MEASURING transmitter signal (I) then received, if it (E) does not relock the relevant lock (L) but leaves it in the unlocked state past the waiting period.
10. Closure system for a motor vehicle with ignition key, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

    - the transmitter (S) forms one constructional unit (S) together with the ignition key,

    - the transmitter (S) sends out one or more MEASURING transmitter signals (I) whilst the ignition key (S) is inserted in the ignition lock, and

    - the receiver (E) monitors the relevant parameter or the variation with time of the relevant parameter of the received MEASURING transmitter signals (I) and correspondingly adjusts the range (W) allocated to the transmitter signals (I).
11. Closure system according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that

    - the transmitter (S) contains its own additional receiver and an adjusting unit for adjusting its (S) own transmitting power, and

    - the receiver (E) contains its own additional transmitter which sends an adjusting signal to the additional receiver for adjusting the transmitting power of the transmitter (S).
12. Closure system according to Claim 11, characterized in that

    - the transmitter (S) adjusts its (S) own transmitting power to the minimum transmitting power of the transmitter (S) needed by the receiver (E) by means of its (S) adjusting unit and by means of the adjusting signal.
13. Closure system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

    - the receiver (E) adjusts its (E) own sensitivity for UNLOCK transmitter signals (I) in such a manner

    • that although it (E) can distinctly receive the UNLOCK transmitter signals (I) when the transmitter (S) is outside the range (W) adjusted for the UNLOCK transmitter signals (I) it then still does not initiate the unlocking (Z), and

    • that it (E) initiates the unlocking (Z) after the reception of one or more UNLOCK transmitter signals (I) when the transmitter (S) is within the range (W) adjusted for UNLOCK transmitter signals (I).
14. Closure system according to Claim 13, characterized in that

    - the receiver (E) adjusts its (E) own sensitivity to LOCK transmitter signals (I) in such a manner

    • that it (E) locks the relevant lock (L) even when the transmitter (S) is outside the adjusted range (W) for UNLOCK transmitter signals (I) if the receiver (E) receives one or more LOCK transmitter signals (I) from the transmitter (S).
15. Closure system according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that

    - the transmitter (S) radiates its (S) UNLOCK transmitter signals (I) with distinctly lower power than its (S) LOCK transmitter signals (I).
16. Closure system comprising several transmitters (S) with mutually differently coded transmitter signals (I) and with mutually different transmitting power, according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that

    - the receiver (E) exhibits a receiver memory (M), and

    - the receiver (E) adjusts its (E) own sensitivity differently from transmitter (S) to transmitter (S) during or after reception of a coded transmitter signal (I) which (I) contains a key code identifying the respective transmitter (S), in that

    • the receiver (E) stores in the receiver memory (M) the different optimum NOMINAL values of the sensitivities which are in each case allocated to the individual transmitters (S), and

    • the receiver (E) adjusts its (E) own sensitivity in each case in accordance with the NOMINAL value allocated to the relevant transmitter (S) during or after reception of a coded transmitter signal (I) which (I) contains a key code identifying the respective transmitter (S).

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