Electronic locking device

0001The invention relates to a remotely controllable electronic locking apparatus, comprising a receiving / transmitting circuit for a key part to Communication with a lock portion of the lock device.

0002Remote-controlled electronic locking devices are basically known and are used for example in motor vehicles for remotely Opening and / or closing of the vehicle: In a known device the user needs to initiate an opening or closing process, one acting on a remote control as a key part arranged press. Pressing the button is a transmission circuit enabled, to a closing or opening command the Cam sends to close the locking device or open. Pressing the button is always disadvantageous when, for example, The key part is not readily available because it is in a bag is.

0003There are also closing devices with a built-in a key part Known active electronics in the lock open part or can be closed when the key part in a predetermined Distance from the Castle part is. For this, both in the key part and the cam in each case a transmitting / receiving circuit provided. Thus, in one known embodiment, the transmitting / receiving circuits the cam and the key part is activated, when pulled on the door handle, then the key part which is then located at a predetermined distance from the cam, a Opening command can send. With this closing device is indeed no You press a remote control to activate the transmission / reception circuit longer necessary, but the user must still, Nor are automatically albeit in a different manner.

0004In another known apparatus having a key part in a integrated active electronics opens or closes the closing device automatically when the key portion at a predetermined distance is of the cam. A receive / transmit circuit of Lock part periodically sends signals to the key part. As soon as the key part in a predetermined range of the Transmission signal is the lock part, it receives the signal of Lock part and transmits a response signal to the receive / transmit circuit the lock part to open the locking device. Problematic in this and the device described in the preceding section is that the receiver circuit in the key part in constant Operational readiness, whereby a continuous power consumption given is. This has the consequence that a part mounted in the key Battery for the supply of the transmitting / receiving circuit with electricity only has a very short lifetime. However, since the space in the key part is limited, can not be arbitrarily large batteries in the key part be accommodated.

0005In a known continuation of the device described above the receiver circuit periodically turned on and off. This however, does lead to a reduction in power consumption, is the Power consumption is still too high to provide a satisfactory service life to obtain the battery.

0006It is an object of the present invention, a closing device of initially to provide the type mentioned, in which the current consumption of the Transmitting / receiving circuit and reduced without manual (R) control is such that the life of the battery is increased.

0007This object is achieved by the features of claim 1 and in particular the fact that the reception / transmission circuit in a Power saving mode can be set; and that for activating and / or a sensor deactivating the power saving mode is provided on the key part is. This ensures that the receive / transmit circuit at least temporarily, is in an operating condition in which they no or very little power is consumed, which in turn increases life the battery increases significantly. The sensor is used to the times in which the reception / transmission circuit is to the power saving mode Maximize without causing the user to be controlling operates.

0008Advantageous embodiments of the invention are in the description, the figures and the dependent claims described.

0009In a first advantageous embodiment of the sensor a can Users of the key part detect, the sensor power saving mode receive / transmit circuit disabled when searching the has collected.

0010Thus, according to an advantageous embodiment the sensor is a movement sensor, , For example, be in the form of a mercury sensor Sleep mode disabled when he motion of the key part recorded, for example, when the user key part in its Bag carries and runs to his automobile. Conversely, the Energy saving mode can be activated when the sensor no movement of Key detected, for example, when the key part of a Schlüsselbrett depends.

0011Alternatively, the sensor may also be designed as a sound sensor, to detect noise generated when the key part of the User is moved.

0012It is advantageous when the designed as a sound sensor, a piezoelectric sensor includes element because this element Druckbeänspruchungen, for example due to sound waves, capture very sensitive can.

0013Alternatively, the sensor may be formed as a temperature sensor. Here You can disable the power saving mode when the sensor example by infrared measurement, the user's thermal radiation detected.

0014In another alternative, the sensor may be a capacitive proximity sensor be formed, which disables the power saving mode when the User touches the key part.

0015May also be provided means for the energy-saving mode the receive / transmit circuit disabled. Thus ensured be that in sleep mode consumes no power from the battery becomes.

0016In some situations it may be advantageous if the receiving / transmitting circuit switched on or may be turned off while the Sleep mode is activated or deactivated. Thus, in a further advantageous embodiment, at least one independent from the sensor Trigger means for activating and / or deactivating the power saving mode be provided.

0017Such triggering device can have for example a button, an opening or closing command regardless of a sensor from To perform detected value manually.

0018It may also be advantageous if the triggering device in the having means integrated time control unit. So could a timing unit after a predetermined period of time a disabled Activate power saving mode automatically, for example, means connected to the sensor circuit for activating and deactivating easy to customize the receiver circuit. The timing control unit example, is also advantageous when a power save mode due to a jerky motion of the key part or a brief temperature or change in capacitance on the key part only is temporarily deactivated and the time duration of the communication possibility between lock and key part is too short to all for one to send or receive execution command signals necessary so that malfunction in the locking device could occur. With Using the time control unit could be the time period between the deactivation and activate the power saving mode regardless of the from Sensor detected value to a communication between Schlossund Key part optimized value to be set.

0019In another embodiment, the triggering device have circuit for cyclically turning on and off the device. Such a circuit for cyclically turning on and off the Trigger device can be beneficial for certain control functions be, for example, to check whether a key part in a of the locking device is lockable room, thereby preventing may be that the locking device from the outside by means of a other key part is closed.

0020Another object of the invention is a method for operating a Reception / transmission circuit of a key part to communicate with a lock part of a locking device, wherein the receiving / transmitting circuit in a first operating condition in a power saving mode is added and the power saving mode using a transmission sensor is activated and / or deactivated.

0021As already mentioned in connection with the device according to the invention describes the inventive method extends the life of the attached battery in the key part.

0022In an advantageous embodiment, the motion of the key part or a short in temperature or change in capacitance on the key part are recognized to activate the power saving mode or disable. In order to avoid that any slight change in position of the Key part or short in temperature or change in capacitance on Key part leads to a deactivation of the power saving mode, can in Depending on a predetermined threshold value of the sensor output the power saving mode is enabled and / or disabled.

0023The closing device according to the invention can, for example, in a Motor vehicle to be mounted, the key part not only to Opening and closing the vehicle door, but also as an ignition key can be used. For example, if the key part of the Drive is inserted into the ignition, can the key part, by Road bumps or engine vibrations are moved, thereby the power saving mode will be disabled. When the key part However, in the vehicle, are not opening or closing commands required so that the power saving mode can remain active. Thus, according to a further advantageous embodiment of the Energy saving mode can be activated when the key part in a lockable by the locking device is space.

0024When the key part in the activated energy-saving mode in the by the closing device is lockable room, for example, when the key is on the seat of an open vehicle is, the risk may exist that the closure device is closed is because, for example, outside of the vehicle, a closing command has been sent by a further key part of the lock device. Therefore, it may be advantageous if an independent from the sensor Circuit the power saving mode of the transmitting / receiving circuit cyclically activated and / or deactivated when the key part in one of the locking device is lockable room. For example, the power saving mode of the receiver circuit of the key part be deactivated cyclically to a signal transmitted from the cam signal to received, consequently, the key part of a signal to the lock part can send, can detect from the lock part, that the Key part in the lockable by the locking device space is and that the closing device is not to be closed.

0025Hereinafter, the present invention is merely exemplary reference to a advantageous embodiment with reference to the accompanying Drawings. It shows:<dl tsize="6" compact="compact"><dt>Fig. 1</dt><dd>a block diagram of the closing device according to the invention.</dd></dl>

00261 shows a closing device for a vehicle with a key part 10 and a vehicle-mounted cam 12 in a distance D from each other, wherein the key portion 10 a key head 14, in which a key 18 and a user identification device 20 is, and comprises a key bit 16th The key bit is provided for in case of an empty battery the cam manually close. In lock part 12, a receiving antenna is 22, a base station 26 and an external transmitter antenna 28 and an internal Transmitting antenna 30 for communication with the user identification device 20 in the key head 14 of the key part 10. The external transmitter antenna 28 is provided with the user identification device communicate 20 when the key part 10 outside the The vehicle is located, during the internal transmitting antenna 30 is provided, to communicate with the user identification device 20 when the key member 10 is in the vehicle. The receiving antenna 22 detects the signals of the key part 10 when this inside or is outside of the vehicle. The user identification device 20 comprises a receiving antenna 32, a receiver 34, a control unit 36, connected to a sensor activation circuit 38 receiver 40, a power source in the form of a battery 42 or a rechargeable battery, a transmitter 44, a transmitting antenna 46 and a to the control unit 36 affiliated polling circuit 48th

0027The receiving antenna 32 is connected to the receiver 34, which in turn Signals passed on to the control unit 36 ​​and signals from this receives. The control unit 36, the further signal connections to the receiver activation circuit 40, the key 18 and the polling circuit 48 , of which it also receives signals, processes the received Signals and outputs them as output signals to the control unit 36 affiliated stations 44 on, the output signals via the Transmitting antenna 46 to the receiving antenna 22 of the lock part and thus sends to the base station 26 on the belt buckle 12th The control unit 36, which Receiver activation circuit 40 and the transmitter 44 are connected to the Battery 42 is connected.

0028The control unit 36 ​​is based on the signal detected by the sensor 38 one of the receiver activating circuit 40 on or off. The Receiver activation circuit 40 causes a switching of the control unit 36, when the sensor 38 provides an output value, which over a predetermined value. Provides the sensor 38, however no baseline or an initial value below the predetermined value, causes the receiver activation circuit 40 that the control unit 36 has been switched off, that is in an activated energy saving mode, is. When the control unit 36 ​​is turned on, the receiver 34 is connected via the control unit 36 ​​with the battery 42 and are the transmitter / receiver circuit 34, 36, 44 is in the Able to receive and transmit signals. The transmitter / receiver circuit, 34, 36, 44 is then deactivated in power saving mode. Conversely, in the activated energy-saving mode, the control unit 36 and thus the transmission / receiver circuitry, 34, 36, 44 of the battery 42 separated. This power saving mode, only a small current in the User identification device 20 is required, namely only one Current that is required by the activation receiver circuit 40 to to maintain their operational readiness upright.

0029Both the key 18 and the polling circuit 48 serve the Control unit 36 ​​regardless of the signal detected by the sensor 38 on or off, ie, the power saving mode regardless of the To activate the sensor 38 or disable.

0030Is the key part 10 in a dormant state, is the Transmitting / receiving circuit 34, 36, 44 in the activated energy-saving mode. As soon as the key portion 10 is guided by a user, it can be detected by the sensor 38th Exceeds the output of the Sensor a predetermined value, the receiver activation circuit switched 40, the control unit 36, which activates the receiver 34th Now the transmitter / receiver circuit 34, 36, 44 in the deactivated Power saving mode and the receiver 34 is capable of a signal from the base station 26 to receive the cam 12th The control unit 36 processes the signal received from the receiver 34 and sends a response, For example, an opening command via the transmitter 44 and the Antenna 46 back to the base station 26. Thus, the control unit 36 ​​a received signal from the base station in the lock portion 12 and a response may return, the distance D between key part must be 10 and Lock part 12 to be smaller than a predetermined value. If the from Sensor 38 supplied output value below a predetermined value, causes the activation of the receiver circuit 40, the control unit 36, the electrical connection of the receiver circuit and the transmitter for Battery 42 to separate. The transmitting / receiving circuit 34, 36, 44 is then again in the activated energy-saving mode.

0031Located at the key part 10 outside the vehicle in the disabled Power saving mode, sends and receives the base station 26 in Lock part 12 signals to and from the transmitting / receiving circuit 34, 36, 44 by means of its external transmitting antenna 28. In this case, the Response signal to the transmitting / receiving circuit 34, 36, 44 on one of the Base station 26 transmitted signal an opening command for the closing device or a command, the locking device in the open state to leave. Receives the base station 26 after a certain time, after the last signal received via an antenna has been detected, no signal from the transmitting / receiving circuit 34, 36, 44, because the Transmitting / receiving circuit 34, 36, 44 either in power saving mode or is outside the predetermined distance D, the locking device is automatically closed.

0032the key portion 10 is located inside of a vehicle, receives the Base station 26 which sent by the receiver / transmitter circuit 34, 36, 44 Signals in response to the internal of the transmission antenna 30 transmitted signals. Once the base station 26 a signal in response to receives the signals 30 sent from the internal transmit antenna sends a signal to the transmitting / receiving circuit 34, 36, 44 of the key part 10, so that the control unit 36 ​​to the power saving mode is activated.

0033As a key part 10 in the activated energy-saving mode in the open Vehicle is located, there is a danger that the closing device is closed from the outside by means of another key part or the Closing device closes automatically and the key part in the vehicle interior is included. To avoid this, the polling circuit 48 provided. The polling circuit 48 activates and deactivates cyclically the power saving mode of the receiver circuit 34, 36, which checks whether a signal has been sent from the base station 26, and a valid receive signal transmitter 44 is activated, the on Antenna 46 provides a signal to the receiving antenna 22 of the base station 26 the lock part 10 sends. As long as the base station 26 from the Polling circuit 48 cyclically activated transmitting / receiving circuit 34, 36, 44 signals in response to the internal of the transmission antenna 30 receives transmitted signals, the locking device is not closed. When the key part 10 is removed from the interior of the vehicle, receives the base station 26 a response from the key part 10 exclusively 28 on a request of the external transmission antenna Once the base station 26 is a response to the external request is replaced after the preceding Signal has been acquired in response to said internal request, the base station transmits a signal 26 to the transmitter / receiver circuit 34, 36, 44 in the key part 10 in order to disable the polling circuit 48 allow closing orders again and according to the power saving mode To enable the values ​​detected by the sensor 38 or disable.

0034Instead of the automatic opening and / or closing of the locking device , the opening and / or closing operation by pressing the key 18 causes. Pressing the button 18, activated the control unit 36 ​​independently of a signal of the acoustic sensor 38 the transmitter 44 so that the transmitting circuit 36, 44 via the antenna 46 Opening or closing commands can be sent to the base station 26th With This key 18, the closing device, for example, closed or open, when the user of the key part 10 is still outside the predetermined distance D.

0035In a further embodiment, in the control unit 36 ​​a Timing control unit can be integrated. The timing control unit causes to activate Power saving mode, the control unit 36 ​​after a predetermined time disconnects the power supply to the battery and thus the power saving mode of the receiver circuit 34, 36 is activated. So can the control unit 36 ​​perform the function of the external circuit Polling 48th

0036Furthermore, a polling strategy can be implemented already in the receiver 34 be. This can be activated by a command from the control unit 36 ​​/ be disabled.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

0037<dl tsize="2" compact="compact"><dt>10</dt><dd>key part</dd><dt>12</dt><dd>cam</dd><dt>14</dt><dd>key head</dd><dt>16</dt><dd>key bit</dd><dt>18</dt><dd>button</dd><dt>20</dt><dd>User detection device</dd><dt>22</dt><dd>receiving antenna</dd><dt>26</dt><dd>base station</dd><dt>28</dt><dd>external transmitting antenna</dd><dt>30</dt><dd>internal transmission antenna</dd><dt>32</dt><dd>antenna</dd><dt>34</dt><dd>receiver</dd><dt>36</dt><dd>control unit</dd><dt>38</dt><dd>sensor</dd><dt>40</dt><dd>Receiver activation circuit</dd><dt>42</dt><dd>battery</dd><dt>44</dt><dd>transmitter</dd><dt>46</dt><dd>antenna</dd><dt>48</dt><dd>polling circuit</dd></dl><dl tsize="1" compact="compact"><dt>D</dt><dd>distance</dd></dl>