Electrical transmission or interconnection systems – Vehicle mounted systems – Automobile
Patent
1996-06-18
1998-05-26
Elms, Richard T.
Electrical transmission or interconnection systems
Vehicle mounted systems
Automobile
180287, B60R 2504
Patent
active
057570850
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
STATE OF THE ART
The invention relates to a vehicle immobilization system for a motor vehicle, having an anti-theft control device for performing a user-legitimization check and having at least one function control device for controlling the operation of an engine component, with the function control device being connected to the anti-theft control device by a line or conductor system. Devices of this type are being used more and more frequently to combat the increasing incidence of auto theft. Their mode of operation is based on only enabling the function of control devices necessary for vehicle operation, for instance a device for operating the diesel shut-off valve or motor control device, if a code entered by the user matches a code stored in advance in the control device. A special operating situation arises if the control device controlling the motor function unit is intended to be operated separately from the vehicle. This is typically the case during engine maintenance, for example when the diesel pump and consequently the device that controls the diesel shut-off valve are to be tested on a testing bench. The function unit must then be able to be enabled externally, that is, without involvement of the legitimization testing device present in the vehicle for this purpose. This can be-effected in a simple manner by manually supplying the code, with suitable input means, which would otherwise be supplied by an anti-theft control device. In this instance, the correct code must be known to the person performing the test. This is, however, a disadvantage both with respect to maintenance friendliness and with respect to the security effect. Namely, the owner of the vehicle must know the code. Frequently, however, the code is transferred to the vehicle without owner involvement, for example in the form of transponder triggering. Usually the owner does not know the correct code. It must therefore typically be registered externally, for example, on a card. However, in this case the danger of the user misplacing the card automatically increases. On the other hand, the option of enabling a function unit by externally supplying the correct code, bypassing the anti-theft control device, facilitates startup of the vehicle by an unauthorized user. Essentially, only external unlocking means are required for manual enabling, such as those also used for authorized maintenance in a workshop. If a thief having this type of equipment additionally obtains the code, he can put a vehicle into operation without difficulty.
The object of the present invention, therefore, is to configure an anti-theft device for motor vehicles such that it permits simple maintenance of the motor function unit incorporated into the protection device without limiting the security effect.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above object generally is accomplished according to the present invention by a vehicle immobilization system for a motor vehicle, having an anti-theft control device for performing a user-legitimization check and having at least one function control device for controlling the operation of an engine component, with the function control device being connected to the anti-theft control device by a conductor or line system, and wherein the function control device includes a circuit which processes digital signals and only permits startup of the function control device after a regular unlocking communication with the anti-theft control device has taken place, and further includes bypass means which permit an atypical unlocking of the function control device in response to a communication from a device which is external to the vehicle if the regular unlocking communication is omitted, which external device acts directly on the function control device, bypassing the anti-theft control device. The unlocking of a protected engine component is only possible by means of a special, atypical unlocking procedure. In particular, this procedure encompasses steps that require the passage of down time. Consequently, it is not possible for unautho
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patent: 5519260 (1996-05-01), Washington
Fischer Werner
Laichinger Martin
Elms Richard T.
Robert & Bosch GmbH
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