Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
  • G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
  • G07C9/20—Individual registration on entry or exit involving the use of a pass
  • G07C9/28—Individual registration on entry or exit involving the use of a pass the pass enabling tracking or indicating presence
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
  • G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
  • G07C9/00174—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
  • G07C9/00309—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
  • G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
  • G07C9/00174—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
  • G07C9/00309—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
  • G07C2009/00365—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks in combination with a wake-up circuit
  • G07C2009/00373—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks in combination with a wake-up circuit whereby the wake-up circuit is situated in the lock
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
  • G07C2209/00—Indexing scheme relating to groups G07C9/00 - G07C9/38
  • G07C2209/60—Indexing scheme relating to groups G07C9/00174 - G07C9/00944
  • G07C2209/63—Comprising locating means for detecting the position of the data carrier, i.e. within the vehicle or within a certain distance from the vehicle
  • G07C2209/65—Comprising locating means for detecting the position of the data carrier, i.e. within the vehicle or within a certain distance from the vehicle using means for sensing the user's hand

Definitions

• the present invention relates to an electronic communication module for locking / unlocking at least one opening of a motor vehicle and a central control unit of a hands-free access system for controlling such an electronic module. Communication.
• the invention also relates to a hands-free access system comprising such an electronic communication module and its associated central control unit.
• the hands-free access systems for motor vehicles are designed so that a user carrying an identification device (badge or other portable identifier) can unlock and / or lock his vehicle without having to handle a key or remote control .
• part of the system on the vehicle comprises communication means able to communicate with the identification member by exchanging electromagnetic signals for authentication prior to an effective request for unlocking / locking at least one opening of the vehicle.
• the authentication comprises a first interrogation step during which the communication means emit a low frequency interrogation signal in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. If a badge is present in this vicinity, it transmits back a response signal, preferably radiofrequency, to enable its authentication.
• the emission of the interrogation signal is preferably triggered only if the system has been able to detect the presence of the user beforehand. It is thus known to position on the opening of the vehicle, preferably at the handle of the opening, a capacitive sensor, used as approach sensor or as touch sensor. When the user approaches his hand of the handle or touches the sensor to open the door, its presence is detected, the interrogation is triggered, so that, in case of positive authentication, the unlocking is effective at the moment the user pulls the handle to open the door. Some systems even combine a capacitive approach sensor for unlocking and a capacitive touch sensor for locking.
• the transmission means of the low frequency interrogation signal and the presence detection means are combined in the same electronic communication module.
• the elements of the system necessary for the generation of the low frequency interrogation signal, the power supply and the control of the electronic communication module are preferably deported with respect to this module, and grouped together in a central processing unit. control placed inside the vehicle.
• the central control unit is connected to the electronic communication module via a multi-wire electrical connection harness.
• the document EP 1 700 390 Bl describes an architecture in which the low frequency transmission antenna is connected in parallel with the capacitive sensors at the level of the electronic communication module, and wherein the two son of a connecting beam necessary for the DC voltage supply of the sensors are used to control the transmit antenna and pass the interrogation signal to be transmitted.
• the present invention aims to overcome this lack.
• the first object of the present invention is an electronic communication module for locking / unlocking at least one opening leaf of a motor vehicle, comprising a resonant circuit adapted to a tuning frequency and comprising a transmission coil in which series with a tuning capacity, said resonant circuit being adapted to transmit a low frequency interrogation signal at said tuning frequency to a portable badge or identifier, and a manually operated trigger member whose actuation is used to trigger the emission of said interrogation signal, characterized in that the triggering member is a switch button connected in series with at least one resistor to form an electric dipole, and in that said electric dipole is electrically connected in parallel on all or part of the resonant circuit.
• the electric dipole is electrically connected either to the terminals of the tuning capacitor or to the terminals of the whole of the resonant circuit;
• the communication module is adapted to be integrated in a handle of an opening of the vehicle
• the communication module comprises a single printed circuit on which said resonant circuit and the electric dipole are mounted; alternatively, the communication module comprises a single printed circuit on which only the electric dipole and the tuning capacitance are mounted;
• the communication module comprises a single printed circuit on which only the resonant circuit and said resistor are mounted;
• the electric dipole may advantageously comprise an additional inductance in series with the resistor and the switch button.
• the present invention also relates to a central control unit of an electronic communication module capable of transmitting a low frequency interrogation signal to a portable badge or identifier, characterized in that it is able to control the electronic communication module according to the invention via a two-wire electrical connection beam.
• the central control unit comprises:
• a low frequency voltage generator adapted to be electrically connected to the terminals of the resonant circuit of the electronic communication module via the two son of the connection beam for the transmission of said interrogation signal;
• connection to a DC voltage electrical source capable of connecting the electronic module to said source via a first wire of the two wires of the connection beam
• a detection circuit capable of delivering an output signal representative of the open or closed state of the switch button
• a microcontroller receiving the output signal of the detection circuit and able to control, when the detection circuit delivers an output signal representative of the closed state of the switch button, the generation by the low-frequency voltage generator of a low frequency supply signal of the resonant circuit.
• the detection circuit comprises for example a means for measuring the current flowing between said first wire and the connection to the voltage source.
• continuous typically a current mirror, adapted to deliver an output voltage representative of said current, and a voltage comparator with two inputs adapted to compare said output voltage with a reference voltage and to output said output signal according to the comparison .
• the central unit preferably comprises a switch means in series with the current measurement means, and the microcontroller is able to control the opening or closing of the switch means according to whether the switch button is in the state respectively closed or open.
• the detection circuit may comprise a series resistance between the first wire and the connection to the DC voltage source, and a two-input voltage comparator able to compare a voltage across the resistor at a reference voltage. and outputting said output signal according to the comparison.
• the present invention finally relates to a hands-free access system for a motor vehicle comprising a communication module capable of transmitting a low frequency interrogation signal to a portable badge or identifier, and a central unit capable of controlling the communication module, characterized in that said communication module is an electronic communication module according to the invention, in that the central unit is a central control unit according to the invention, and in that the system further comprises a two-wire electrical connection beam electrically connecting said central control unit to said electronic communication module.
• FIG. 1 illustrates a hands-free access system comprising an electronic communication module according to a first possible embodiment according to the invention
• FIG. 2 illustrates a variant of the hands-free access system comprising an electronic communication module according to a second possible embodiment according to the invention
• FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the central control unit in a hands-free access system according to the invention.
• a hands-free access system 1 comprises an electronic communication module 2 capable of transmitting a low frequency interrogation signal to a portable badge or identifier. (Not shown), and a central unit 3 adapted to control the electronic communication module 2.
• the system further comprises a two-wire electrical connection beam 4, 5 electrically connecting the central control unit 3 to the electronic communication module 2.
• the electronic communication module 2 is used for the locking / unlocking of at least one opening of a motor vehicle, and conventionally comprises for this purpose a resonant circuit adapted to a tuning frequency comprising a coil 20.
• the transmitter is wound around a ferrite core (here represented by the series combination of an inductor L and a resistor Ri) in series with a capacitance 21 in agreement.
• the resonant circuit 20, 21 is thus able, under the control of the central unit 3 to be explained later, to emit a low frequency interrogation signal at said tuning frequency (typically of the order of 125 kHz) to destination of a badge or portable identifier possibly present in the transmission area associated with the resonant circuit forming the low frequency transmission antenna.
• the module 2 further comprises a manually operated trigger member whose actuation triggers the transmission of said interrogation signal.
• the triggering member is a switch button 22 connected in series with at least one resistor 23 to form an electric dipole 24 electrically connected in parallel across the resonant circuit.
• the electric dipole 24 is electrically connected in parallel to only a part of the resonant circuit, in particular across the capacitor 21.
• the presence of the resistor 23 in the electric dipole 22 makes it possible to reduce the disturbances caused by a prolonged pressing of a user on the switch button 22 while the resonant circuit is activated for the transmission of the signal interrogation.
• an additional inductance (not shown) can be advantageously incorporated in the electric dipole, in series with the resistor 23 and the switch button 22, so as to increase the filtering of the low frequency.
• a compact module is obtained, easily integrable for example at the handle of a door of the vehicle, with only two connection terminals 25, 26 for the connection of the module 2 to the central control unit 3 through the two wires respectively 4 and 5.
• module 2 The integration of the various components used for module 2 can be achieved in different ways:
• the electronic communication module comprises a single printed circuit board (not shown) on which all the components, namely the components of the resonant circuit on the one hand, and the components of the electric dipole 24 on the other hand, are mounted.
• the module 2 comprises a single printed circuit board (not shown) on which only the electric dipole 24 and the tuning capacity 21 are mounted.
• the coil 20 is in this case electrically connected to the circuit board, without relying on it.
• This arrangement makes it possible to offer more flexibility as to the location of the coil 20.
• only the resonant circuit and the resistor 23 (and optional additional inductance mentioned above) are mounted on the same printed circuit board.
• This third variant advantageously makes it possible to manage the diversities and to provide in particular that only certain modules, for example that intended to equip the opening on the driver's side, actually have all the components, while other modules, able to equip the other opening of the vehicle, will understand only the switch button.
• the central control unit 3 whose constitution will now be described, is able to control this electronic communication module 2 via the two son 4, 5 of the electrical connection harness for firstly detect the actuation of the switch button, and secondly, trigger the transmission of the low frequency interrogation signal.
• the central unit 3 comprises:
• a low frequency voltage generator 30 adapted to be electrically connected to the terminals of the resonant circuit 20, 21 of the electronic communication module via the two son 4, 5 of the connection beam for the transmission of said interrogation signal;
• a connection to a DC voltage source + Vcc adapted to connect a first wire of the two son of the connection beam, here the wire 4, to the DC voltage source + Vcc; a detection circuit (31, 32 in FIGS. 1 and 2 and 31 ', 32 in FIG. 3) capable of delivering an output signal representative of the open or closed state of the switch button 22, and this regardless of the value of the DC voltage + Vcc; and a microcontroller 33 receiving the output signal of the detection circuit and able to control, when the detection circuit detects a closed state of the switch button, the generation by the low-frequency voltage generator 30, of a low supply signal frequency of the resonant circuit, and hence the emission of the interrogation signal.
• the DC + DC supply source is typically constituted by the vehicle battery.
• the detection circuit comprises, on the one hand, a means 31 for measuring current, for example a current mirror, able to measure the current flowing between the first wire 4 and the connection terminal to the DC voltage source + Vcc and to deliver an output voltage Vi representative of this current, and secondly, a voltage comparator 32 with two inputs receiving the voltage Vi delivered at the output of the means 31 of measuring current, and a reference voltage, for example the supply voltage + Vcc, and delivering the output signal representative of the open or closed state of the switch button 22.
• a means 31 for measuring current for example a current mirror, able to measure the current flowing between the first wire 4 and the connection terminal to the DC voltage source + Vcc and to deliver an output voltage Vi representative of this current
• a voltage comparator 32 with two inputs receiving the voltage Vi delivered at the output of the means 31 of measuring current, and a reference voltage, for example the supply voltage + Vcc, and delivering the output signal representative of the open or closed state of the switch button 22.
• the central unit 3 furthermore preferably comprises:
• a first switch means 34 arranged in series with the means 31 for measuring current controlled at the opening or closing by a first control signal Sci delivered by the microcontroller 33;
• a second switch means 35 disposed between the second wire 5 and the electrical ground, and controlled on opening or closing by a second control signal Sc2 delivered by the microcontroller 33.
• the switch means 34, 35 When the switch means 34, 35 are closed, the module 2 is connected to the DC power source via the first wire 4, and to the electrical ground via the second wire 5. When the switch means 34 Are open, the module 2 is connected only to the low frequency voltage generator 30. When the system is at rest, that is to say waiting for possibly manual operation of the switch button, the microcontroller 33 makes effective connection of the wire 4 to the DC power source + Vcc, the other wire 5 connection being connected to the electrical ground. The switch means 34, 35 are therefore controlled respectively by the control signals Sc1 and Sc2 to be in the closed position.
• the output of the comparator 32 delivered to the microcontroller 33 thus reflects, according to the result of the comparison, the open or closed state of the switch button 22.
• the microcontroller 33 controls the disconnection of the module 2, typically of the first wire 4, from the direct voltage source + Vcc by means of control signals Sc1, Sc2 controlling the opening of the switch means 34, 35.
• the microcontroller 33 generates a control signal Sc3 destined for the low frequency voltage generator 30 so that the latter delivers a low frequency supply signal (amplitude modulated and / or frequency) to the resonant circuit, and that the transmit coil 20 consequently transmits the interrogation signal.
• the central unit 3 then returns to the initial state of rest (switch means 34, 35 again closed).
• the control unit 3 requires only two connection terminals 36, 37 to be electrically connected to the two corresponding terminals 25, 26 of the communication module 2 via the two wires 4 and 5.
• the two son 4, 5 are thus used either to supply the module with DC voltage and consequently to enable monitoring of the activation of the control button, or to pass the low frequency supply signal for the transmission of the signal of query.
• Capacitors 38, 39 are advantageously provided between the low frequency generator 30 and the switch means 34, 35 to prevent the flow of current to the generator 30 when these switch means are in the closed position.
• FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the central unit 3, or more precisely of the detection circuit.
• Vi Vcc [R 2 / ( 2 + R 3 )] wherein R 3 is the value of the resistor 31 '.
• a two-input voltage comparator 32 receiving the voltage Vi across the resistor 31 ', and a reference voltage, for example the supply voltage + Vcc, delivers to the microcontroller 33 the output signal representative of the open or closed state of the switch button 22.
• the switch means 35 When the system is at rest, that is to say waiting for possibly manual operation of the switch button, the switch means 35 is controlled by the control signal Sc2 to be in the closed position.
• the microcontroller 33 controls the opening of the switch means 35.
• the microcontroller 33 generates a control signal Sc3 destined for the voltage generator 30. low frequency so that the latter delivers a low frequency supply signal (amplitude and / or frequency modulated) to the resonant circuit, and that the emission coil 20 thus emits the interrogation signal.
• the central unit 3 then returns to the initial state of rest (switch means 35 closed again).
• the advantage of this variant over that described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 lies in the fact that by choosing a sufficiently high resistance 31 ', it is possible to dispense with the presence of the switch 34, and as a result of the generation of the associated control signal Sci. It will be noted that the variant embodiment of the central unit 3 shown in FIG. 3 is adapted both to the control of the module 2 of FIG. 1 and to the control of the module 2 represented in FIG.

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• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
• Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
• Transmitters (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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• 2010
  • 2010-12-15 FR FR1004895A patent/FR2969430B1/fr active Active
• 2011
  • 2011-12-14 EP EP11797317.2A patent/EP2652719B1/de active Active
  • 2011-12-14 WO PCT/EP2011/072749 patent/WO2012080328A1/fr active Application Filing
  • 2011-12-14 US US13/993,120 patent/US9996994B2/en active Active
  • 2011-12-14 JP JP2013543755A patent/JP6170436B2/ja active Active
  • 2011-12-14 CN CN201180067673.3A patent/CN103430221B/zh active Active

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