US5869908A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Key/vehicle communication device for the activation of an immobilizer and of a remotely controllable function
Assignee: Mercedes Benz Group AG
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Filing: 1996-10-28
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Granted: 1999-02-09
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Expires: 2016-10-28
Abstract
Abstract The invention provides a key/vehicle communication device in which an electronic key capable of being inserted into a steering-column lock controls activation of an immobilizing device having an inductive key/steering-column lock communication channel for recognizing whether a key authorized for use is inserted. A key/vehicle communication channel is also provided, for the remotely controllable activation of at least one vehicle-side function via a key-side actuating member. A vehicle-side control unit determines, via the inductive key/steering-column lock communication channel, whether a key authorizing the driving of a vehicle is inserted in the steering-column lock and, if so, blocks the vehicle-side part of the key/vehicle communication channel.
Inventors
- 👤 Jurgen Moczygemba
- 👤 Martin Lindmayer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-10 00:57
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07C; G07C9/00; G07C9/00174; G07C9/00182; B; B60; B60R; B60R25/00; B60R25/20; B60R25/24; G07C2009/00753; G07C2009/00769
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
146 words
A key/vehicle communication arrangement for a vehicle having a vehicle immobilizing device, at least one remotely actuatable vehicle function and a control unit for actuating said vehicle immobilizing device and said remotely actuatable vehicle function, said arrangement comprising: a key unit which is insertable into a steering column lock of said vehicle; a key/steering column lock communication channel for detecting when a key authorized for use in said vehicle is presently inserted into the steering column lock, and for causing deactivation of said immobilizing device in response thereto; a key/vehicle communication channel for causing activation of said remotely actuatable vehicle function in response to actuation of an actuating member on said key unit; wherein when said key/steering column communication channel detects that a key authorized for use in said vehicle is presently inserted into said steering column lock, said control unit disables said key/vehicle communications channel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
146 words
A key/vehicle communication arrangement for a vehicle having a vehicle immobilizing device, at least one remotely actuatable vehicle function and a control unit for actuating said vehicle immobilizing device and said remotely actuatable vehicle function, said arrangement comprising: a key unit which is insertable into a steering column lock of said vehicle; a key/steering column lock communication channel for detecting when a key authorized for use in said vehicle is presently inserted into the steering column lock, and for causing deactivation of said immobilizing device in response thereto; a key/vehicle communication channel for causing activation of said remotely actuatable vehicle function in response to actuation of an actuating member on said key unit; wherein when said key/steering column communication channel detects that a key authorized for use in said vehicle is presently inserted into said steering column lock, said control unit disables said key/vehicle communications channel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein: said key/vehicle communication channel comprises a data transmission unit which provides a data transmission link to a receiver unit of the control unit; and wherein said control unit disables said key/vehicle communication channel by interrupting said data transmission link.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said control unit is programmed to ignore an activation-command signal transmitted via said key/vehicle communication channel in response to said key/steering column lock communication channel detecting a key authorized for use in said vehicle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said at least one vehicle function comprises at least one of a vehicle antitheft system and a central vehicle locking system.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said key/steering column lock communication channel comprises a transponder contained on said key unit, which transponder is coupled in communication with a detector on said steering column lock when said key unit is inserted therein.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
44 words
Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said key/vehicle communication channel comprises a transmitter unit arranged on said key unit, and a receiver unit arranged on said vehicle, and wherein said key/vehicle communication channel has a range which permits actuation thereof from outside said vehicle.
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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) | 2002-02-08 | 2002-08-10 | 2003-02-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-02-08 | 2006-08-10 | 2007-02-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-02-08 | 2010-08-10 | 2011-02-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |