EMERGENCY RELEASE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for the emergency unlocking of a motor vehicle in the event of a malfunction of a control unit and / or a power supply issue to the vehicle's electronics, as well as a corresponding method, computer program, and system. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle.

[0002] For keyless access to vehicles, UWB technology or other distance-measuring systems, such as LF125 kHz, Bluetooth, or cameras, are used between an electronic unit and the vehicle. The general term for controlling hatches and doors on a vehicle is KESSY – Keyless Entry and Exit. With keyless access, if the KESSY system malfunctions, automatic unlocking is no longer possible. Known solutions to circumvent this include supplying an external 12V power supply, for example, with a maximum of 70A, to enable authorized opening via the vehicle's built-in computer. There is also the option of a mechanical key blade. Additionally, Bluetooth-based solutions are known to exist in the doors. However, these require a programmed key secret, which can introduce further theft protection issues.

[0003] German patent application CN 113888776 A discloses an emergency release device for a vehicle, wherein the release device comprises: an identity verification component for verifying the identity of an external control device; a wireless power receiving component for receiving power from the external control device to supply a safety execution section; and unlocking the safety execution section of the vehicle in response to the external control device. A vehicle incorporating the aforementioned vehicle emergency release device is also disclosed. A disadvantage of this is the necessity of wireless power transmission, which precludes the use of a wide variety of potential power sources with the disclosed invention. Furthermore, the external control device is required for both unlocking and power supply.Therefore, a special device is needed for unlocking, which may not be carried along.

[0004] The patent application WO 2021 / 047864A1 relates to a method for the external electrical power supply of unlocking-relevant devices of a vehicle in the event of a malfunction of the internal electrical power supply of these devices, by means of an internal electrical energy storage source arranged in the vehicle, in order to provide keyless authentication of an authorized user of the vehicle. The disclosed teaching is based on the general concept of supplying only a portion of the vehicle's control devices, in particular only unlocking-relevant devices of the vehicle, with electrical energy via an external electrical energy storage source in order to carry out keyless authentication of the authorized user.The disadvantage here is that an emergency release can only be carried out in the event of a power supply failure; no emergency release is possible if the vehicle's control systems fail.

[0005] Disclosure US 2022 / 0024415 A1 relates to a method, a device and a system for controlling a vehicle door, a vehicle, an electronic device and a storage medium.The method comprises: controlling an image acquisition module mounted on a vehicle to capture a video stream; performing facial recognition based on at least one image in the video stream to obtain a facial recognition result; determining control information corresponding to at least one vehicle door based on the facial recognition result; if the control information includes controlling any vehicle door to open, obtaining the vehicle door's status information; if the vehicle door's status information indicates that it is not unlocked, controlling the vehicle door to unlock and open; and / or if the vehicle door's status information indicates that it is unlocked but not open, controlling the vehicle door-to-open module. A disadvantage of this method is that the disclosed teaching is not suitable for performing an emergency unlocking procedure.

[0006] The patent application DE 10 2017 214 105 A1 discloses an access arrangement for a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1, in order to be able to carry out an emergency unlocking of the vehicle in the event of failure of the vehicle's on-board network.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of providing an improved and cost-effective method for unlocking a vehicle in the event of a malfunction of a control unit and / or a power supply failure in the vehicle's electronics. In particular, it should enable a reliable determination of whether the person performing the emergency unlocking is authorized to do so.

[0008] This problem is solved by a device for the emergency unlocking of a motor vehicle in the event of a malfunction of a control unit and / or a power supply failure of the motor vehicle's electronics, comprising the device: An input interface configured for receiving authorization data from a receiving unit, which can be communicated with an authorization device for authorizing an authorized user, and for setting up a power supply; an analysis unit configured for analyzing the authorization data and determining a control command based on the authorization data, and an output interface configured for transmitting the determined control command and setting up a power supply to an unlocking actuator and the receiving unit; wherein the control command causes the vehicle to be unlocked by means of energy supplied via the power supply, if the user is authorized.

[0009] Furthermore, the above task is solved by a system for the emergency unlocking of a motor vehicle in the event of a malfunction of a control unit and / or a power supply to the electronics of the motor vehicle, the system comprising: a device as described above; an energy donor for supplying energy; an authorization device for authorizing an authorized user; and a receiving unit that can be communicated with the authorization device; as well as a motor vehicle with such a system.

[0010] Finally, the above problem is solved by a method for emergency unlocking a motor vehicle in the event of a malfunction of a control unit and / or a power supply to the motor vehicle's electronics, the method comprising the following steps. Receiving authorization data from a receiving unit that can be communicated with an authorization device to authorize an authorized user, and setting up a power supply; analyzing the authorization data and determining a control command based on the authorization data, and transmitting the determined control command and setting up a power supply to an unlocking actuator and the receiving unit; wherein the control command causes the vehicle to be unlocked by means of energy supplied via the power supply when the user is authorized; and a corresponding computer program.

[0011] An input interface enables the creation of a cost-effective device that can preferably be used with existing systems, modules, and units installed in the vehicle. By using an input interface to receive data, a technically simple and inexpensive device can be created that, in particular, does not need to be designed to acquire the information itself. An input interface can be wired and / or wireless and preferably supports one or more communication protocols. An analysis unit can generate an advantageous control command and unlock the vehicle using energy supplied via the power supply, provided the user is authorized.The device, preferably designed separately from the vehicle control system but partially connected to systems, modules, and / or units installed in the vehicle, enables reliable and safe unlocking of the vehicle even in the event of a power supply failure or partial system failure. In particular, energy consumption during emergency unlocking can be minimal, as only the units necessary for unlocking require power. A connection to the main computer is unnecessary, resulting in low power consumption, allowing standard smartphone chargers, USB power banks, or even smartphones themselves to perform the emergency unlocking. An output interface enables a cost-effective device that can preferably be used with existing actuators.

[0012] Furthermore, the input interface is configured to receive authorization data, and the analysis unit is configured to generate a control command that enables the input interface to receive authorization data and to establish power supply upon receipt of the authorization data. Preferably, the device can function as a watchdog. This effectively protects the device against misuse. In particular, authorization of the power supply can be performed via an NFC (near field communication) tag and can only be active when faults occur in the vehicle. So-called watchdog functions can unlock the interface.

[0013] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the input interface is configured to receive authorization data from a receiving unit in the form of a KESSY module, with a UWB communication unit, a Bluetooth communication unit, and / or an NFC communication unit. This allows for the creation of a cost-effective device. In particular, the routines and hardware of the KESSY module can be used, eliminating the need for any training. It is understood that the analysis unit itself can also be configured to execute corresponding routines to determine a user's authorization.

[0014] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the input and output interfaces are configured to provide power input via an energy donor in the form of a smartphone, a USB power bank, and / or a smartphone charger. This creates an emergency unlocking option that allows for unlocking using readily available means. In particular, emergency unlocking can also occur if the vehicle breaks down far from the user's residence. Smartphones, USB power banks, and / or chargers are widely available and at least partially standardized, so there is a high probability that such a device will be available even when traveling.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the input interface has a power supply connection accessible from the outside of the vehicle, while the analysis unit, the output interface, and the receiving unit are inaccessible from the outside of the vehicle. This reliably protects the device from tampering.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the analysis unit comprises a microcontroller. A microcontroller enables the creation of an energy-efficient and space-saving device that can be used in various types of motor vehicles.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the unlocking actuator comprises a motor of a central locking system of the motor vehicle. This allows the use of a simple and proven technology that is suitable for both regular unlocking and emergency unlocking.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the input interface has a power supply connection located on the exterior of the vehicle, and the analysis unit, output interface, and receiver are located inside the vehicle. This makes it technically easy to ensure that the analysis unit, output interface, and receiver are protected against tampering, particularly mechanical tampering.

[0019] Furthermore, the invention provides the following step: receiving release data and generating a control command that enables the input interface to receive authorization data and to establish a power supply after receiving the release data. Preferably, the method can function like a watchdog. This allows for the creation of a preliminary protection routine that can prevent misuse of the interface.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of setting up an energy supply comprises an energy supply using a smartphone, a USB power bank, and / or a smartphone charger. This allows for an emergency unlocking method that works with everyday devices and requires no special tools or the like.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of receiving authorization data comprises receiving authorization data from a receiving unit in the form of a KESSY module, with a UWB communication unit, a Bluetooth communication unit, and / or an NFC communication unit. This allows the method to utilize existing standards. Fast, reliable, and technically simple integration of the method is possible.

[0022] Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the other features mentioned in the dependent claims.

[0023] Unless otherwise specified in individual cases, the various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another.

[0024] Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology describes an approach to short-range radio communication for the commercial mass market. Its most important feature is the use of extremely large frequency ranges with a bandwidth of at least 500 MHz or at least 20% of the arithmetic mean of the lower and upper cutoff frequencies of the frequency band used.

[0025] A keyless vehicle access system, also known as keyless entry or keyless go, describes a system for unlocking a motor vehicle without actively using a car key and starting it simply by pressing a start button. This is made possible by a corresponding key with a chip, which the driver carries with them. Preferably, a keyless entry system operates in automatic mode, so that as soon as the driver approaches the vehicle with a chip card or a key with a chip, the chip card or key with a chip is recognized, and the vehicle unlocks automatically upon or before touching a door handle. It locks automatically again when the driver moves away from the vehicle.

[0026] A watchdog – also known as a watchdog timer – is a function used to detect system failures, primarily in control applications. If a potential malfunction is detected, a switch to a redundant system for emergency reset is initiated.

[0027] The invention is explained below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a device for emergency unlocking of a motor vehicle in the event of a malfunction of a control unit and / or a power supply to the motor vehicle's electronics; Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a variant of a system according to the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a further variant of a system according to the invention in a motor vehicle; Figure 4 is a schematic, detailed representation of a variant of a system according to the invention; and Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the steps of a method according to the invention.

[0028] Figure 1 Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of a device 10 for emergency unlocking of a motor vehicle in the event of a malfunction of a control unit and / or a power supply failure of the motor vehicle's electronics. The device 10 comprises an input interface 12, an analysis unit 14, and an output interface 16.

[0029] The input interface 12 is configured to receive data, including authorization data, from a receiving unit that can be connected to an authorization device for authorizing an authorized user. The data may include, for example, data from a UWB communication unit, a Bluetooth communication unit, and / or an NFC communication unit, or the like. In particular, the data may originate from a KESSY module and be pre-processed. The input interface 12 is also configured to provide power. For receiving, the input interface 12 is preferably connected to an in-vehicle transmission network. Furthermore, the input interface 12 may also be configured for wireless communication or connected to a proprietary, for example, wired, transmission network.

[0030] Analysis Unit 14 is designed to receive authorization data and determine a control command based on that data. This control command unlocks the vehicle using energy supplied via the power supply system, provided the user is authorized. User authorization can be determined by Analysis Unit 14. Alternatively, user authorization may have already been determined by another unit and stored in the authorization data.

[0031] Preferably, the analysis unit 14 is designed as a microcontroller.

[0032] Output interface 16 is configured to transmit the control command and to supply power to an unlocking actuator and the receiving unit. Output interface 16 can be configured for communication in the same way as input interface 12. It is understood that input interface 12 and output interface 16 can also be combined to form a communication interface for sending and receiving.

[0033] Figure 2 Figure 18 shows a schematic representation of a system 18 according to the invention with a device 10, an energy donor 20, an authorization device 22, a receiving unit 24 and an unlocking actuator 26.

[0034] Device 10 receives authorization data as described above.

[0035] Based on the authorization data, the device 10 determines whether a user is authorized to perform an emergency unlock and creates a control command that causes energy from the energy donor 20 to reach the unlocking actuator 26 in order to operate it to unlock the motor vehicle.

[0036] In the example shown, the energy donor 20 comprises a USB power bank. The authorization device 22 comprises a vehicle key or a smartphone. The receiver unit 24 comprises a KESSY module with a UWB communication unit, a Bluetooth communication unit, and / or an NFC communication unit. The unlocking actuator 26 is configured as a central locking motor in the example shown. It is understood that other authorization devices 22, such as an NFC transmitter, a smartwatch, etc., are conceivable.

[0037] Figure 3Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a variant of system 18 in a motor vehicle 28. In the example shown, system 18 comprises a device 10, a receiver unit 24, and an unlocking actuator 26. For clarity, the energy donor 20 and the authorization device 22 are not explicitly shown.

[0038] The motor vehicle 28 also includes a battery 30, a control unit 32 and a charging flap 34. It is understood that in the case of a motor vehicle 28 with an internal combustion engine, a fuel filler flap is used instead of the charging flap 34.

[0039] In Figure 3 Figure 2 depicts a situation in which the battery 30 and / or a control unit 32 of the motor vehicle 28 malfunctions. Consequently, the motor vehicle 28 can preferably only be opened by means of an emergency release.

[0040] In Figure 4A variant of a system 18 according to the invention is shown in more detail. The charging flap 34 has a connection 36 via which the energy donor 20 (not shown) can be connected to enable energy input.

[0041] A monitor 38 and two query elements 40 are connected downstream of terminal 36. The monitor 38 enables energy input when the charging flap 34 is unlocked. This prevents misuse.

[0042] The logic queries of the query elements 40 detect an error in a vehicle control unit and / or a battery voltage of the battery 30, so that an energy supply only takes place, for example, when the battery voltage falls below a predefined value and / or an error in a vehicle control unit is present.

[0043] If an energy supply is enabled, an NFC reader 42 of an NFC communication unit 44 can be supplied with energy and thus enable authorization of an authorized user by means of NFC technology.

[0044] After successful authorization, the device 10 can then actuate the unlocking actuator 26, designed as a central locking motor, using the supplied energy and effect an emergency unlock. Consequently, an energy supply can be established to the unlocking actuator 26, and the unlocking actuator 26 can be controlled to unlock by means of a control command. In the simplest case, the control command involves applying a voltage to the unlocking actuator 26.

[0045] Preferably, authorization of the power supply via an NFC tag is only active when faults occur in the vehicle 28 and watchdog functions unlock the interface. Parallel operation of the NFC reader 42 at a vehicle voltage, for example 12 V, is always possible. In emergency unlock mode, the NFC interface is preferably configured as the active NFC master.

[0046] The device 10 can also communicate with a Bluetooth communication unit 46, a receiver unit 24 in the form of a Kessy module, and / or a UWB communication unit 48 to enable two-factor authentication. It is understood that the Bluetooth communication unit 46 and / or the UWB communication unit 48 can also be used jointly by the Kessy module and the device 10. The selected representation in the Figure 4 This serves to improve overview and understanding.

[0047] The device 10 can in particular include a microcontroller and controls the Bluetooth communication unit 46, UWB communication unit 48 and / or the NFC reader 42 or the NFC radio interface. This is also used in the normal operation of the motor vehicle 28, so that no additional costs are incurred.

[0048] To further enhance security, the Bluetooth communication unit 46, the UWB communication unit 48, and / or the NFC reader 42 can be used to determine the distance to the authorization device 22. For motor vehicles 28 with lower theft protection requirements, a Bluetooth communication unit 46 and / or a UWB communication unit 48 can be omitted.

[0049] To enable testing of the device 10, a vehicle electrical supply 50 is provided. Furthermore, a diagnostic interface 52 is provided for checking the functionality of the unlocking actuator 26. The central locking motor is directly controlled during emergency unlocking. Diagnostics of the entire system are possible during normal operation of the vehicle 28, since the central locking motor can be controlled with shorter response times without the rotor of the central locking motor moving. This ensures that the emergency unlocking function is always guaranteed.

[0050] To illustrate the arrangement of the individual components in the motor vehicle 28, an outer skin 54 of the motor vehicle 28 is shown with dashed lines. The charging flap 34 and the connection 36 are accessible from outside the motor vehicle 28; the remaining components are preferably inaccessible from outside the motor vehicle 28.

[0051] In Figure 5The steps of a method according to the invention are shown schematically.

[0052] In a first step S1, authorization data is received by a receiving unit 24, which can be communicated with an authorization device 22 to authorise an authorized user, and an energy supply is set up.

[0053] In a second step S2, the authorization data is analyzed and a control command is determined based on the authorization data.

[0054] In a third step S3, the specified control command is transmitted and an energy supply is set up to an unlocking actuator 26 and the receiving unit 24.

[0055] The control command causes the motor vehicle 28 to be unlocked by means of energy supplied via the energy feed-in, if the user is authorized.

[0056] In a fourth step, S4, release data is received and a control command is generated, which enables input interface 12 to receive authorization data and to establish a power supply after receiving the release data. This step S4 is shown with a dashed line.

[0057] The method can be particularly advantageous if it functions like a watchdog.

[0058] The step of setting up a power supply includes power supply via a smartphone, a USB power bank and / or a smartphone charger.

[0059] The step of receiving authorization data includes receiving authorization data from a receiving unit 24 in the form of a Kessy module, with a UWB communication unit 48, a Bluetooth communication unit 46 and / or an NFC communication unit 44.

[0060] The invention has been described in detail. A person skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be applied to any type of motor vehicle, including, in particular, watercraft, aircraft, and rail vehicles. A passenger car was chosen only as an example to illustrate the invention. In particular, the disclosed teaching can be implemented in at least one of the following embodiments or offer one of the following advantages.

[0061] A secure and authorized power supply for the vehicle access system can be provided.

[0062] Misuse of the energy input interface can be prevented; it is only released in case of an error.

[0063] A scalable access system for emergency power supply and opening / closing can be created for high-priced and low-priced vehicles, preferably without creating new variants.

[0064] A minimal approach to additional hardware components in the motor vehicle can be enabled.

[0065] Emergency opening can be performed using an electronic / digital key, key-secured via smartphones, or conventional remote controls.

[0066] The system can be used in a way that is scalable to the corresponding value of the vehicles, especially with smartphones, NFC tags or radio remote controls.

[0067] The external power supply can be easily adapted by the user within their field of vision.

[0068] It is possible to integrate the circuit components into conventional control units, such as door control units or electronic locks.

[0069] The required components are preferably installed inside the vehicle, thus protecting them from tampering.

[0070] The use of two-factor authentication is possible, especially to provide additional protection for very high-priced vehicles.

[0071] The NFC module can be used as an emergency release module for access.

[0072] Preferably, no additional batteries are required in the vehicle.

[0073] This invention provides a method for the emergency opening of vehicles when the 12V battery is depleted. The 12V battery in the vehicle powers the authorization computer and the control unit for the vehicle's locks. Currently, authorized emergency opening requires a key blade attached to the key fob and a mechanical lock on the vehicle. This invention eliminates the need for both of these components. Furthermore, the invention dispenses with an additional high-current power supply for the emergency power supply of the authorization computer and the control unit for the locks. Instead, an external power source, such as a mobile phone charger or a power bank, is used to activate the emergency opening and authorization system, enabling the vehicle to be opened.

[0074] The advantages of the revealed doctrine include, in particular: Minimal hardware is required, consisting of logic gates, diodes, and transistors; no microprocessor technology is needed. This results in lower costs than a mechanical emergency locking cylinder. The solution offers multiple authorization options and scalability to meet specific customer requirements. The control unit can be located on the driver's door or, as a backup, on the left or right front door without any additional components. External power supply is easily adaptable; standard plug-in power adapters or power banks can be used. Reference symbol list

[0075] 10 Device 12 Input interface 14 Analysis unit 16 Output interface 18 System 20 Energy donor 22 Authorization device 24 Receiving unit 26 Unlocking actuator 28 Motor vehicle 30 Battery 32 Control unit 34 Charging flap 36 Connection 38 Monitor 40 Query elements 42 NFC reader 44 NFC communication unit 46 Bluetooth communication unit 48 UWB communication unit 50 On-board voltage supply 52 Diagnostic interface 54 Outer shell S1-S4 Procedure steps

Claims

1. Device (10) for emergency unlocking of a motor vehicle (28) in the event of a malfunction of a control unit (32) and / or a power supply of the electronics of the motor vehicle (28), the device (10) comprising: an input interface (12) configured to receive authorization data from a receiving unit (24) which is communicatively connectable to an authorization device (22) for authorizing an authorized user, and to set up an energy supply; an analysis unit (14) designed to analyze the authorization data and determine a control command based on the authorization data, and an output interface (16) designed to transmit the determined control command and to set up an energy supply to an unlocking actuator (26) and the receiving unit (24); the control command causing the motor vehicle (28) to be unlocked by means of energy supplied via the energy supply, if the user is authorized, characterized in that the input interface (12) is designed to receive release data, and the analysis unit (14) is designed to generate a control command which enables the input interface (12) to receive authorization data and to set up an energy supply after receipt of the release data.

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the device (10) functions in the manner of a whatchdog.

3. Device (10) according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the input interface (12) is designed to receive authorization data from a receiving unit (24) in the form of a Kessy module, having a UWB communication unit (48), a Bluetooth communication unit (46) and / or an NFC communication unit (44).

4. Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the input interface (12) and the output interface (16) are designed to establish an energy supply by means of an energy donor (20) in the form of a smartphone, a USB power bank and / or a charger for a smartphone.

5. Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the input interface (12) has a connection (36) for supplying energy which is accessible from the exterior of the vehicle; and the analysis unit (14), the output interface (16) and the receiving unit (24) are inaccessible from the exterior of the vehicle.

6. Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the analysis unit (14) comprises a microcontroller.

7. Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the unlocking actuator (26) comprises a motor of a central locking system of the motor vehicle (28).

8. System (18) for emergency unlocking of a motor vehicle (28) in the event of a malfunction of a control unit (32) and / or a power supply of the electronics of the motor vehicle (28), the system (18) comprising: a device (10) according to any of the preceding claims; an energy donor (20) for supplying energy; an authorization device (22) for authorizing an authorized user; and a receiving unit (24) that is communicatively connectable to the authorization device (22).

9. Motor vehicle (28) comprising a system (18) according to the preceding claim.

10. Motor vehicle (28) according to the preceding claim, wherein the input interface (12) has a connection (36) for supplying energy, which is arranged on the vehicle exterior; and the analysis unit (14), the output interface (16) and the receiving unit (24) are arranged in the vehicle interior.

11. Method for emergency unlocking of a motor vehicle (28) in the event of a malfunction of a control unit (32) and / or a power supply of the electronics of the motor vehicle (28), the method comprising the following steps: receiving (S1) authorization data from a receiving unit (24) which is communicatively connectable to an authorization device (22) for authorizing an authorized user, and setting up an energy supply; analyzing (S2) the authorization data and determining a control command based on the authorization data, and transmitting (S3) the determined control command and setting up an energy supply to an unlocking actuator (26) and the receiving unit (24); the control command causing the motor vehicle (28) to be unlocked by means of energy supplied via the energy supply, if the user is authorized, characterized by receiving (S4) release data and generating a control command which enables the input interface (12) to receive authorization data and to set up an energy supply after receipt of the release data.

12. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the method functions in the manner of a whatchdog.

13. Method according to one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the step of setting up (S1) an energy supply comprises an energy supply by means of a smartphone, a USB power bank and / or a charger for a smartphone.

14. Method according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the step of receiving (S1) authorization data comprises receiving authorization data from a receiving unit (24) in the form of a Kessy module, having a UWB communication unit (48), a Bluetooth communication unit (46) and / or an NFC communication unit (44).

15. Computer program having program code means for carrying out all steps of a method according to claim 11 to 14 when the computer program is executed on a computer or a corresponding computing unit.