US5808372A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ignition key-vehicle communication device which is protected against incorrect operation
Assignee: Mercedes Benz Group AG
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Filing: 1996-10-28
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Granted: 1998-09-15
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Expires: 2016-10-28
Abstract
Abstract The invention provides an ignition key-vehicle communication device having at least one electronic key which can be inserted into a vehicle-end ignition lock. A wireless key-vehicle communication component arranged on the key actuates at least one vehicle-end functional unit by activating an activation element which is arranged at the key end. To protect against incorrect operation, means are provided for detecting when a key is inserted into the ignition lock and/or is inserted in a specific position in the ignition lock, and disabling communication between this key and the functional unit to be actuated in response thereto. The means for protecting against incorrect operation are arranged on the key.
Inventors
- 👤 Gunter Schwegler
- 👤 Horst Brinkmeyer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 04:18
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R25/00; B60R25/01; B60R25/04; G; G07; G07C; G07C9/00; G07C9/00174; G07C9/00182; G07C2009/00206; G07C2009/00222; G07C2009/0023; G07C2009/00261; G07C2009/00579; G07C9/00309
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
Ignition key-vehicle communication arrangement for a vehicle having at least one remotely actuatable vehicle function, said arrangement comprising: at least one ignition key which can be inserted into an ignition lock in said vehicle; a communication component arranged on said ignition key for transmitting enabling data which actuate said at least one vehicle function; an activation element arranged on the ignition key for causing said communication component to transmit data which actuate said at least one vehicle function; and means for protecting against incorrect operation of said at least one vehicle function, said means comprising: means for detecting insertion of said ignition key into a position in said ignition lock; means responsive to a detection of said insertion of said ignition key, for disabling transmission of said enabling data by said communication component arranged on said ignition key.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
138 words
Ignition key-vehicle communication arrangement for a vehicle having at least one remotely actuatable vehicle function, said arrangement comprising: at least one ignition key which can be inserted into an ignition lock in said vehicle; a communication component arranged on said ignition key for transmitting enabling data which actuate said at least one vehicle function; an activation element arranged on the ignition key for causing said communication component to transmit data which actuate said at least one vehicle function; and means for protecting against incorrect operation of said at least one vehicle function, said means comprising: means for detecting insertion of said ignition key into a position in said ignition lock; means responsive to a detection of said insertion of said ignition key, for disabling transmission of said enabling data by said communication component arranged on said ignition key.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
Communication arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said position in said ignition lock comprises one of: presence of said ignition key in said ignition lock in any position therein; and orientation of said ignition key in a predetermined position in said ignition lock.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
Communication arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said ignition key is an electronic key.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
Communication arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said communication component comprises a wireless transmission device.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
Communication arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said activation element is manually operable.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
84 words
Communication arrangement according to claim 1, wherein: said ignition key further comprises an external energy receiver which is linked to receive energy from a vehicle borne energy source when said ignition key is inserted into a position said ignition lock; and said means for protecting against incorrect operation comprises a control unit arranged on said ignition key for detecting presence of external energy received by said energy receiver, and for disabling said communication component with respect to transmission of enabling data, in response thereto.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
84 words
Communication arrangement according to claim 2, wherein: said ignition key further comprises an external energy receiver which is linked to receive energy from a vehicle borne energy source when said ignition key is inserted into a position said ignition lock; and said means for protecting against incorrect operation comprises a control unit arranged on said ignition key for detecting presence of external energy received by said energy receiver, and for disabling said communication component with respect to transmission of enabling data, in response thereto.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
77 words
Communication arrangement according to claim 1 further comprising an ignition key-ignition lock communication channel for transmitting data to said vehicle when said ignition key is inserted into a position said ignition lock, wherein: said means for protecting against incorrect operation comprises a control unit arranged on said ignition key for detecting a data transmission on said ignition key-ignition lock communication channel and for disabling said communication component with respect to transmission of enabling data, in response thereto.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
77 words
Communication arrangement according to claim 2 further comprising an ignition key-ignition lock communication channel for transmitting data to said vehicle when said ignition key is inserted into a position said ignition lock, wherein: said means for protecting against incorrect operation comprises a control unit arranged on said ignition key for detecting a data transmission on said ignition key-ignition lock communication channel, and for disabling said communication component with respect to transmission of enabling data, in response thereto.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
Communication arrangement according to claim 8, wherein said ignition key-ignition lock communication channel is a wireless communication channel.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-09-14 | 2002-03-16 | 2002-09-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-09-14 | 2006-03-16 | 2006-09-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-09-14 | 2010-03-16 | 2010-09-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |