Method for locking a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for locking a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle comprising a system for centralised locking of a set of openable body sections controlled by an electronic key, comprising: - a first step of storing, by a user, the electronic key in a given location located inside the vehicle; - then, a second step of presenting an identification means close to the given location, by the user located outside the vehicle; - then, a third step of validating the identification means by the electronic key; - then, if the identification means is validated, a fourth step of transmitting a first locking command, identical to a second locking command that would have been transmitted if the user had actuated a locking button of the electronic key, the first locking command being transmitted via the first communication means.

Description

[0001] TITLE: Method of locking a motor vehicle.

[0002] The invention relates to a method for locking a motor vehicle. The invention further relates to a device for locking a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a computer program implementing the mentioned method. The invention finally relates to a recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0003] When a user uses their vehicle to travel to a sporting or outdoor activity location, they are often forced to keep their vehicle key on them during their activities. They are then likely to lose their vehicle key or expose it to external factors such as humidity, dust, or shocks.

[0004] There are vehicle door locking systems that allow you to preserve the status of the electronic key while securing the vehicle.

[0005] However, existing systems have drawbacks. In particular, they require modifications to the vehicle's on-board electronics, particularly to adapt the operation of the vehicle's central locking system.

[0006] The aim of the invention is to provide a method and a device for locking a motor vehicle which overcomes the above drawbacks and improves the locking devices and methods known from the prior art. In particular, the invention makes it possible to produce a device and a method which are simple and reliable and which do not require modification of the on-board electronics of the vehicle. To this end, the invention relates to a method for locking a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle comprising a central locking system for a set of openings controlled by an electronic key, the electronic key comprising a first means of communication with the central locking system and a second means of communication with a means of identifying a user of the motor vehicle.

[0007] The process includes:

[0008] - a first step of storage, by a user, of the electronic key in a given location inside the vehicle,

[0009] - then, a second step of presentation of a means of identification near the given location, by the user located outside the vehicle,

[0010] - then, a third step of validation of the means of identification by the electronic key via the second means of communication,

[0011] - then, if the means of identification is validated, a fourth step of transmission, by the electronic key to the centralized management system, of a first locking command, identical to a second locking command which would have been transmitted if the user had pressed a locking button on the electronic key, the transmission of the first locking command being carried out via the first means of communication.

[0012] In one embodiment, the method comprises a first optimization of an autonomy duration of the electronic key, comprising, prior to the first step, a start of a first time delay, then

[0013] - if the timer expires before the start of execution of the fourth step, a stoppage of the second means of communication between the electronic key and the means of identification,

[0014] - otherwise, a shutdown of the first means of communication between the electronic key and the central locking system at the end of the fourth step.

[0015] In one embodiment, the method comprises, following the fourth step,

[0016] - a fifth step of presentation of a means of identification near the given location, by a user located outside the vehicle,

[0017] - then, a sixth step of validation of the means of identification by the electronic key, via the second means of communication,

[0018] - then, if the means of identification is validated, a seventh step of transmission, by the electronic key to the centralized management system, via the first means of communication, of a first unlocking command identical to a second unlocking command which would have been transmitted if the user had pressed an unlocking button on the electronic key.

[0019] In one embodiment, the second unlocking command is either an isolated unlocking command for a tailgate of the motor vehicle, or a global unlocking command for all of the openings of the motor vehicle.

[0020] In one embodiment, the seventh step comprises a second optimization of an autonomy duration of the electronic key, comprising a stopping of the second means of communication between the electronic key and the identification means.

[0021] The invention further relates to a locking device for a motor vehicle, the vehicle comprising a central locking system for a set of openings, the device comprising hardware and / or software elements implementing the method according to the invention. In one embodiment of the locking device, the hardware elements comprise an electronic key and an identification means, the identification means comprises an RFID badge and the electronic key comprises an RFID antenna.

[0022] In one embodiment of the locking device, the hardware elements comprise an identification means fitted to a wearable accessory such as a bracelet or watch or ring or necklace or key ring.

[0023] The invention further relates to a motor vehicle comprising a locking device according to the invention.

[0024] In one embodiment, the motor vehicle comprises a given location situated inside the motor vehicle and intended to contain the electronic key, the given location being located near a window of the motor vehicle, for example near a window of a tailgate of the motor vehicle, or the given location being located under a rear shelf of the motor vehicle, or in an area of ​​a trim of the tailgate of the motor vehicle.

[0025] The attached drawing represents, by way of example, an embodiment of a locking device according to the invention and an embodiment of a locking method according to the invention.

[0026] Figure 1 represents a motor vehicle equipped with an embodiment of a locking device according to the invention.

[0027] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a locking device according to the invention. Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of an electromagnetic key of a locking device according to the invention.

[0028] Figure 4 illustrates a first embodiment of a location for storing an electromagnetic key of a locking device according to the invention.

[0029] Figure 5 illustrates a second embodiment of a location for storing an electromagnetic key of a locking device according to the invention.

[0030] Figure 6 is a first flowchart of a locking method according to the invention.

[0031] Figure 7 is a second flowchart of a locking method according to the invention.

[0032] Figure 8 is a third flowchart of a locking method according to the invention.

[0033] An example of a motor vehicle 100 equipped with an embodiment of a locking device is described below with reference to FIG. 1.

[0034] The motor vehicle 100 may be a vehicle of any type, for example a passenger vehicle or a utility vehicle or a public transport vehicle.

[0035] The motor vehicle 100 comprises a set of openings 1, a locking device 2 of the motor vehicle 100 and a centralized management system 3 of the set of openings 1.

[0036] In the remainder of the document, the terms "open" or "opening" are used to describe an action on an opening that allows a user to move from the inside to the outside of the vehicle or vice versa. Similarly, the terms "close" or "closing" are used to describe an action on an opening that prevents a user from moving from the inside to the outside of the vehicle or vice versa. Furthermore, the terms "lock" or "locking" are used to describe an action that prevents a user from opening an opening of the vehicle. Similarly, the terms "unlock" or "unlocking" are used to describe an action that allows a user to open an opening of the vehicle.

[0037] An embodiment of the device 2 is illustrated in Figure 2. The locking device 2 comprises an electronic key 21 and an identification means 22.

[0038] In the remainder of the document, the term "electronic key" is used to refer to a key containing an electronic chip.

[0039] In the embodiment illustrated by Figure 2, the identification means 22 takes the form of a waterproof bracelet containing an electronic component which can be interrogated by the key 21. The communication between the key 21 and the bracelet 22 allows validation of the identity of the user, the validation allowing the user to transmit an order to lock or unlock the openings by simply presenting the bracelet near the key 21. As a note, the identification means can be integrated into different types of accessories such as a bracelet, a key ring, a necklace, a ring, etc. Advantageously, the form taken by the identification means allows it to be robust, in particular robust to external aggressions such as humidity, shocks, etc.

[0040] In the remainder of the document, an embodiment of a motor vehicle 100 bearing the invention is described. The description relates in particular to the technical means necessary for the electronic key 21 to control the centralized management system 3 as a function of the interactions between the key 21 and the identification means 22, the necessary technical means not comprising any modification of the on-board electronics of the motor vehicle 100, in particular no modification of the centralized management system 3.

[0041] The electronic key 21 comprises a first communication means 210 for communicating with the centralized management system 3 of the set of openings 1. The set of openings 1 comprises doors 11, for example two or four doors, and a tailgate 12.

[0042] The centralized management system 3 is part of the on-board electronics of the motor vehicle 100. In one embodiment, it comprises at least one antenna 31 arranged in the motor vehicle 100. In one embodiment, the system 3 comprises three antennas 31 respectively arranged at the two front doors and the tailgate of the motor vehicle 100.

[0043] In one embodiment, the antennas 31 are receiving radio antennas whose function is to pick up an electromagnetic signal, in particular emitted at a given frequency, by the first means of communication 210 of the electronic key 21. In one embodiment, the antennas 31 of the centralized management system 3 detect different frequencies, corresponding respectively to different types of commands from the electronic key 21.

[0044] An embodiment of an electronic key 21 is represented by FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the electronic key 21 comprises in particular a locking button 211 for all the openings and an unlocking button 212 for all the openings. The electronic key 21 may also comprise a tailgate unlocking button 213 making it possible to unlock the tailgate independently of the other openings of the vehicle. In one embodiment, each button makes it possible to transmit, via the first communication means 210, an electromagnetic signal at a frequency which is specific to the order associated with the button. Thus, the centralized management system 3, via the antennas 31, detects the type of order transmitted by recognizing the frequency of the electromagnetic signal.

[0045] In one embodiment, the key 21 may further have a hands-free function. An electromagnetic signal specific to the hands-free function (in particular having a frequency dedicated to the hands-free function) may be continuously emitted by the key 21. When the key enters a proximity zone of the vehicle, for example within a radius of one meter of the vehicle, the detection of the electromagnetic signal specific to the hands-free function in this zone results in automatic unlocking of the openings. Conversely, non-detection of the electromagnetic signal specific to the hands-free function in this zone results in automatic locking of the openings.

[0046] The key 21 according to the invention further comprises a second communication means 214 allowing it to communicate with the identification means 22.

[0047] In one embodiment, the second communication means 214 is based on RFID technology (for the acronym Radio Frequency Identification). The identification means 22 then comprises an RFID badge 221 not requiring an energy source. The second communication means 214 of the key 21 with the RFID badge 221 comprises an RFID antenna. The RFID antenna of the key 21 makes it possible to transmit a first electromagnetic signal S1 to the RFID badge 221 of the identification means 22. The action of the first electromagnetic signal S1 on the RFID badge 221 automatically generates a second signal S2 containing the identifier associated with the RDIF badge 221. The second signal S2 is then picked up by the RFID antenna of the key 21. The signal S2 is then processed by a computer C, contained in the electronic key 21, in particular by a microprocessor C1 of the computer C presented later in the document.In an embodiment making it possible to manage several identification means 22 associated respectively with different users of the motor vehicle 100, the computer C - and more specifically an electronic memory C2 of the computer C - can contain a list of several identifiers, each identifier being associated with a given identification means 21.

[0048] The identifier contained in the signal S2 generated by the RFID badge allows the key 21 to validate the identification means 22. In particular, the validation of the identification means 22 makes it possible to ensure that the user is authorized to lock and unlock the motor vehicle 100.

[0049] Alternatively, the embodiment of the second communication means 214 could be different. For example, one could envisage the use of Wi-Fi communication or Bluetooth communication between the electronic key 21 and the identification means 22.

[0050] The electronic key 21 further comprises an energy source 215 which must allow the electronic key 21 to keep the second means of communication 214 active for several hours. Indeed, when the user uses the locking device according to the invention to lock his vehicle, then is absent for a given time interval, the electronic key 21 remains waiting to be unlocked during the given time interval. This means that, during this time interval, the means of communication 214 remains active to be able to detect an identification means 22 which would be presented to it by the user. The management of the energy source 215 is therefore crucial. In one embodiment, the energy source 215 is a battery. Alternatively, a battery could be integrated into the electronic key energy source 21.

[0051] Furthermore, as will be developed later in this document, the method implemented by the invention comprises sub-steps E34, E41 and E71 of putting the first or second communication means 210, 214 on standby for the purpose of saving the energy source 215.

[0052] The motor vehicle 100 further comprises a given location 4 situated inside the vehicle, intended to contain the electronic key 21. The location 4 must meet constraints imposed by the communication means 214, in particular when the communication means 214 uses electromagnetic waves.

[0053] The need to pass electromagnetic waves between the electronic key 21 located inside the vehicle and the identification means 22 located outside the vehicle implies choosing a relatively high frequency for the electromagnetic waves implemented by the communication means 214. This signal is likely to be hacked.

[0054] A compromise was therefore sought so that the communication means 214 allows communication between the interior and exterior of the vehicle, while imposing an adequate distance between the electronic key 21 and the identification means 22.

[0055] In one embodiment, the selected frequency is equal to 13.56 MHz.

[0056] In addition, to facilitate the passage of waves, the location 4 for depositing the electronic key may be located near a window of the motor vehicle, for example near a window 121 of the tailgate 12 of the motor vehicle 100. More generally, it is essential that the location 4 is not surrounded by metal parts, such as the bodywork of the motor vehicle. The key may also be located near plastic and / or felt and / or fabric parts. A first and a second embodiment of a location 4 are respectively described in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0057] In the first embodiment, the location 4 is situated under the rear shelf of the vehicle, in an area close to a window 121 of the tailgate.

[0058] A first view 4a of Figure 4 shows location 4 relative to a folded rear shelf, and a second view 4b shows location 4 relative to a raised rear shelf. Location 4 is accessible to a user when the tailgate 12 is open, that is to say when the rear shelf is raised.

[0059] Advantageously, the material of the rear shelf allows the operation of the second communication means 214, that is to say allows the passage of electromagnetic waves between the key 21 and the identification means 22.

[0060] In order to reduce the physical distance between, on the one hand, the location 4 located inside the vehicle and intended to contain the electronic key 21 and, on the other hand, an identification means 22 presented from outside the vehicle by a user, the shape of the rear shelf can be advantageously adapted. For example, views 4c and 4d respectively illustrate a first and a second shape of a rear shelf.

[0061] According to the first form of tablet illustrated by view 4c, the electronic key 21 is placed under a portion of tablet extending substantially horizontally. The electromagnetic waves emitted by the key 21 travel a distance d1 of 80 millimeters before reaching the glazing 121. According to the second form of tablet illustrated by view 4d, the electronic key 21 is placed under a portion of tablet inclined relative to a horizontal plane. The angle of inclination of the portion of tablet is calibrated so as to reduce the distance traveled by the electromagnetic waves emitted by the key 21 before reaching the glazing 121. In particular, in the example shown, the distance d2 traveled is 50 millimeters.

[0062] In the second embodiment, illustrated by FIG. 5, the location 4 is situated in an area of ​​a trim 122 of the tailgate 12 of the motor vehicle 100.

[0063] A first view 5a of Figure 5 corresponds to a viewpoint of a user located outside the motor vehicle 100, when the tailgate 12 is open. The electronic key 21 is shown in an insertion movement into the location 4 made in a lateral zone of the trim 122. Views 5b and 5c are views of the tailgate 12 shown from an interior viewpoint of the motor vehicle 100. In view 5c, where the vehicle is shown without the rear shelf, a portion of the electronic key 21 protruding from the location 4 is visible. In view 5b, where the vehicle is shown with the rear shelf, the electronic key 21 is masked by the rear shelf.

[0064] Other embodiments of the location 4 are conceivable, provided that the location does not include a metal part placed in the path of the electromagnetic waves.

[0065] For example, location 4 could be: at a plastic hubcap, in a fuel filler flap or a plastic charging flap, at the front hood and / or behind the grille, at the front or rear logo of the vehicle. The key 21 is further equipped with a computer C comprising a microprocessor C1, a local electronic memory C2 and communication interfaces C3 allowing the microprocessor C1 to use the first communication means 210 and the second communication means 214 and to communicate with the centralized management system 3.

[0066] In one embodiment, the microprocessor C1 makes it possible to execute software comprising the following modules, which collaborate with each other:

[0067] - a C10 initialization module which collaborates with the C2 memory,

[0068] - a C11 module for storing the electronic key and closing the openings,

[0069] - a C12 module for presenting a means of identification which collaborates with the second means of communication 214,

[0070] - a C13 module for validating the means of identification which collaborates with the second means of communication 214,

[0071] - a module C14 for transmitting a first locking command, which communicates with the first means of communication 210,

[0072] - - a C15 module for presenting a means of identification which collaborates with the second means of communication 214,

[0073] - a C16 module for validating the means of identification which collaborates with the second means of communication 214,

[0074] - a module C17 for transmitting a first unlocking command, which communicates with the first means of communication 210.

[0075] The motor vehicle 100, in particular the locking device 2, preferably comprises all the hardware and / or software elements configured so as to implement the method defined in the subject of the invention or the method described below. A first mode of execution of a locking method is described below with reference to FIG. 6. The method comprises eight steps, E0 to E7, which are executed successively.

[0076] In an initialization step E0, an action by the user is detected to start the locking method according to the invention. In one embodiment, the initiation can be carried out by a so-called long press on one of the buttons of the key 21. For example, a long press on the tailgate unlocking button 213 can be a particularly advantageous solution, since opening the tailgate 12 is necessary for depositing the electromagnetic key in the location 4. In this embodiment, step E0 contains a step of detecting a long press on the button 213 of the electronic key 21.

[0077] After detecting the start of the method, in step E0 the second communication system 214 is started between the key 21 and the identification means 22. The key 21 is then able to detect an identification means 22 which would be located near the key 21.

[0078] Then we start a time delay T1 called initialization, of a given duration, for example 30 seconds. Steps E1 to E3 must then be executed within the time period defined by time delay T1.

[0079] In step E1 the user places the electronic key in the given location 4 located inside the vehicle. In addition, in step E1 the user closes the set of openings 1 while remaining outside the vehicle.

[0080] Then in step E2, the user located outside the vehicle presents an identification means 22 near the location 4 containing the key 21. The distance between the key 21 and the identification means 22 must be as small as possible. For example, in the first and second embodiments of the location 4 previously described, the user must present the identification means as close as possible to the window 121 of the tailgate.

[0081] Then in step E3, the validity of the identification means 22 presented by the user is evaluated. For this purpose, step E3 comprises a sub-step E31 of transmitting, via the second communication means 214, a first electromagnetic signal S1, and a sub-step E32 of receiving a second electromagnetic signal S2, generated by the identification means 22 in response to the first electromagnetic signal S1. In a sub-step E33, the validity of the identification means is then established by analyzing the second signal S2, which contains the identifier associated with the identification means 22. If the identifier provided by the identification means 22 is valid, then the procedure continues with step E4. The validity of an identifier can for example be tested by comparing the identifier to a list of valid identifiers contained in the memory C2.

[0082] We have until the end of the time delay T 1 to establish the validity of a means of identification 22 of the user. Beyond the duration of the time delay, in a sub-step E34, we stop the second means of communication 214 and we loop back to step E0.

[0083] In step E4, a first locking message is sent to the centralized management system 3 of the openings, via the first means of communication 210. The first locking message sent to the centralized management system is the same as that which is sent to the centralized management system 3 when the user actually presses the centralized locking button 211 of the key 21.

[0084] Upon receipt of the locking message, the centralized management system 3 locks all the openings of the motor vehicle 100.

[0085] After sending the first locking message, in order to save the energy source 215 of the electronic key 21, in a sub-step E41 the first communication system 210 between the electronic key 21 and the central locking system 3 is stopped. Thus, only the second communication means 214 is active, in order to subsequently allow the electronic key 21 to detect and validate the identification means 22 during a future unlocking of the vehicle.

[0086] The next unlocking is then initiated, by the user located outside the vehicle, in the fifth step E5 of presenting the identification means 22 near the given location 4. By means of the second communication means 214, the presence of the identification means 22 is detected and the sixth step E6 of validating the identification means 22 is continued.

[0087] The sixth step E6 is identical to step E3. Following step E6, if the identification means 22 is validated, we continue with a seventh step E7.

[0088] In the seventh step E7, the first means of communication 210 is restarted. Then, a first unlocking message is sent to the centralized management system 3 of the openings, via the first means of communication 210. The first unlocking message sent to the centralized management system 3 is the same as that which is sent to the centralized management system 3 of the openings when the user presses the centralized unlocking button 212 of the key 21.

[0089] Upon receipt of the unlocking message, the centralized management system 3 unlocks all the openings of the motor vehicle 100.

[0090] Alternatively, the message sent by the electronic key 21 to the centralized management system 3 could be an isolated unlocking command for the tailgate 12, the other openings of the motor vehicle 100 remaining locked. The message sent would then be identical to a message that would have been sent when the tailgate unlocking button 213 was pressed. The user would then have the possibility of retrieving the electronic key 21 from the location 4, then using the electronic key to unlock the other openings of the vehicle.

[0091] In a sub-step E71 of the seventh step E7, the second means of communication 214 between the electronic key 21 and the identification means 22 can be automatically stopped. The second means of communication 214 can be stopped at the end of a second time delay T2, the second time delay T2 being advantageously started when the unlocking message is sent. In one embodiment, the time delay is twenty minutes long.

[0092] Alternatively, in sub-step E71, the stopping of the second means of communication 214 can be triggered by a long press on a button of the electronic key 21.

[0093] A second embodiment of a locking method is described with reference to Figures 7 and 8, Figure 7 describing locking steps SV1 to SV13, and Figure 8 describing unlocking steps, SD1 to SD11.

[0094] In step SV1, the user closes the side doors.

[0095] Then in step SV2, the user opens the tailgate.

[0096] Then in step SV3, the user makes a long press on the button of the electronic key 21 controlling the locking or unlocking of the tailgate. Then in step SV4, a time delay T1 is started, corresponding to a duration during which the electronic key 21 will attempt to validate a means of identification 22 presented by the user.

[0097] Then in step SV5, the second means of communication 214 is started, between the electronic key 21 and the identification means 22, the second means of communication being able to be carried out by an RFID reader equipping the electronic key 21.

[0098] Then in step SV6, the user places the electronic key 21 in a given location 4 of the motor vehicle.

[0099] Then in step SV7, the user closes the tailgate 12.

[0100] Then in step SV8, the user approaches the identification means 22 to a detection zone of a signal emitted by the electronic key 21.

[0101] Then in steps SV9 and SV10, we test respectively whether the electronic key 21 detects and validates the identification means 22 and whether the time delay has expired. If not, we loop back to steps SV8 to SV10 until the identification means 22 is detected or until the time delay T1 expires. If the time delay has expired, we loop back to step SV3. Otherwise, we continue with step SV1.

[0102] Then in step SV11, the electronic key 21 transmits to the management system 3 a command identical to a command which would have been issued when locking the openings 1 by pressing a button on the electronic key 21.

[0103] Then in step SV12, the management system 3 locks the openings 1. Then in step SV13, the electronic key puts the first means of communication 210, between the key 21 and the management system 3, into standby.

[0104] Then in step SD1, the user approaches the identification means 22 to a detection zone of a signal emitted by the electronic key 21.

[0105] Then in step SD2, we test whether the electronic key 21 detects and validates the identification means 22. If not, we loop back to step SD1. If yes, we continue to step SD3.

[0106] Then in step SD3, the first means of communication 210 is restarted.

[0107] Then in step SD4, the electronic key 21 transmits to the management system 3 a command identical to a command which would have been issued when unlocking the openings 1 by pressing a button on the electronic key 21.

[0108] Then in step SD5, the management system 3 unlocks the openings 1.

[0109] Then in step SD6, the user opens the tailgate 12.

[0110] Then in step SD7, the user retrieves the electronic key 21.

[0111] Then in steps SD8, SD9 and SD10, the stopping of the second means of communication 214 between the electronic key 21 and the identification means 22 is managed. If a long press on a button of the electronic key 21 is detected in step SD8, the second means of communication 214 is stopped in step SD9. Otherwise, in step SD10, a second time delay T2 is managed, at the end of which the second means of communication 214 is stopped in step SD9. In step SD11, the user closes the tailgate 12.

[0112] Thus, from the point of view of a user, and according to the embodiments described, the use of a locking device according to the invention takes place as follows.

[0113] The vehicle's openings are closed, except for the vehicle's tailgate, which is open.

[0114] Within a limited period of time, the user performs the following actions:

[0115] - he presses a given button on the electronic key 21 for a long time,

[0116] - then he places the electronic key 21 in location 4 located on the inside of the tailgate,

[0117] - then he closes the tailgate of the vehicle,

[0118] - then it presents the identification means 22 in a detection zone of the electronic key 21.

[0119] If the electronic key detects the means of identification 22 during the limited time period, then this detection results in the locking of the vehicle.

[0120] When the user wishes to unlock the openings of his vehicle, he presents the identification means 22 again in a detection zone of the electronic key 21, which results in the unlocking of at least one opening of the vehicle.

[0121] Thus, in the embodiment presented, the user does not perform any action on the identification means 22, apart from placing it in a detection zone of the electronic key 21. Depending on the current state of the electronic key, the detection of the identification means 22 by the electronic key 21 then results in either locking or unlocking of the vehicle openings. In other embodiments of the identification means 22, the identification means 22 could provide means for a user to trigger or inhibit the detection of the identification means 22 by the electronic key 21. In addition or alternatively, the identification means could provide means for a user to selectively control locking or unlocking.

[0122] Finally, the invention allows a user to leave the electronic key inside his vehicle and to control the locking and unlocking of the openings by means of an identification means that he can carry on him during his outside activities, without fear of damaging it.

[0123] The central locking and unlocking of the openings is then carried out by communication between the electronic key, remaining in the vehicle, and the identification means, located outside the vehicle. In addition, the electronic key and the identification means make it possible to implement a vehicle locking method which is completely transparent to the centralized management system of the set of openings. In other words, the implementation of the invention is inexpensive because it does not require any modification to the on-board electronics of the vehicle, in particular the invention does not require any modification to the centralized management system of the set of openings.

[0124] The invention further comprises means for securing the locking of the vehicle. Communication between the electronic key and the identification means takes place at a high frequency and the signal emitted by the electronic key can only be picked up at a very short distance from the vehicle. In addition, the locations envisaged for depositing the electronic key in the vehicle are protected from outside view. In addition, to gain access to the electronic key, it is necessary to force the trunk or break the window and then find the key in a hidden location, in particular under the shelf or in the trim of the tailgate. The invention implements energy management means, in order to maximize the autonomy of the electronic key, in particular in order to compensate for the addition of new energy-consuming functionalities, such as the management of an RFID antenna.To this end, when a user has locked the vehicle using the locking method according to the invention, the communication between the electronic key and the vehicle's on-board electronics is put on standby. Putting this means of communication on standby makes it possible to reduce the energy consumption of the electronic key.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Method for locking a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle comprising a centralized locking system (3) of a set of openings (1) controlled by an electronic key (21), the electronic key comprising a first means of communication (210) with the centralized locking system (3) and a second means of communication (214) with a means of identification (22) of a user of the motor vehicle (100), characterized in that it comprises: a first step (E1) of storage, by a user, of the electronic key in a given location (4) located inside the vehicle, then, a second step (E2) of presentation of a means of identification (22) near the given location (4), by the user located outside the vehicle, then, a third step (E3) of validation of the means of identification (22) by the electronic key (21) via the second means of communication (214), then, if the means of identification (22) is validated,a fourth step (E4) of transmitting, by the electronic key (21) to the centralized management system (3), a first locking command, identical to a second locking command which would have been transmitted if the user had actuated a locking button (221) of the electronic key (21), the transmission of the first locking command being carried out via the first means of communication (210)., 2. Locking method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a first optimization of a autonomy duration of the electronic key (21), comprising, previously to the first step (E1), a start of a first time delay (T1), then - if the time delay expires before the start of execution of the fourth step (E4), a stoppage of the second means of communication (214) between the electronic key (21) and the means of identification (22), - otherwise, a stoppage of the first means of communication (210) between the electronic key (21) and the central locking system (3) at the end of execution of the fourth step (E4).Locking method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, following the fourth step (E4), a fifth step of presenting an identification means (22) near the given location (4), by a user located outside the vehicle, then, a sixth step of validating the identification means (22) by the electronic key (21), via the second communication means (214), then, if the identification means (22) is validated, a seventh step (E7) of transmitting, by the electronic key (21) to the centralized management system (3), via the first communication means (210), a first unlocking command identical to a second unlocking command which would have been transmitted if the user had actuated an unlocking button (211) of the electronic key (21).Locking method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second unlocking command is either an isolated unlocking command of a tailgate (12) of the. motor vehicle (100), or a global unlocking command for the set of openings (1) of the motor vehicle (100).

5. Locking method according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the seventh step (E7) comprises a second optimization of an autonomy duration of the electronic key (21), comprising a stopping of the second communication means (214) between the electronic key (21) and the identification means (22).

6. Locking device (2) for a motor vehicle, the vehicle comprising a centralized locking system (3) for a set of openings (1), the device comprising hardware and / or software elements (21, 22, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 221, C1, C11, C12, C13, C14, C15, C16, C17) implementing the method according to one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Locking device according to the preceding claim, the hardware elements comprising an electronic key (21) and an identification means (22), characterized in that the identification means (22) comprises an RFID badge (221) and in that the electronic key (21) comprises an RFID antenna.

8. Locking device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, the hardware elements comprising an identification means (22), characterized in that the identification means (22) equips a portable accessory such as a bracelet or a watch or a ring or a necklace or a key ring.

9. Motor vehicle (100) comprising a locking device (10) according to one of claims 6 to 8. Motor vehicle (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a given location (4) situated inside the motor vehicle (100) and intended to contain the electronic key (21), the given location (4) being situated near a window of the motor vehicle, for example near a window (121) of a tailgate (12) of the motor vehicle, or the given location (4) being situated under a rear shelf (5) of the motor vehicle, or in an area of ​​a trim (122) of the tailgate (12) of the motor vehicle (100).

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