Driver authorization system
View Patent ↗A driver authorization system for a vehicle includes an on-board identification device for communicating with a mobile release device to verify usage authorization, an ignition lock, ignition key, and a control unit for activating ignition lock functions (such as starting and switching off the engine) when the ignition key is brought into a corresponding position in the ignition lock. The ignition lock functions can be activated by means of the control unit using a pushbutton ( 6 ), that can be mounted in, actuated while mounted, and removed from the ignition lock.
1. A driver authorization system for a vehicle, comprising:
an on-board identification device for communicating with a mobile release device to verify a usage authorization;
a rotary ignition lock for an ignition key; and
a control unit for activating ignition lock functions when the ignition key is brought into a corresponding position in the rotary ignition lock; wherein,
the ignition lock functions are activatable by the control unit in response to a signal from a pushbutton unit;
the pushbutton unit is mountable in, actuated while mounted, and removed from, the rotary ignition lock as an alternative to the ignition key; and
means are provided which allow the ignition lock functions to be activated without rotating the rotary ignition lock.
2. The driver authorization system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the rotary ignition lock comprises a rotary switch.
3. The driver authorization system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the pushbutton unit, when operated, generates a signal which starts a communication authorizing usage.
4. The driver authorization system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein:
when the pushbutton unit is operated, the ignition lock functions are activated by the control unit on the basis of additional vehicle information; and
the additional vehicle information comprises position of at least one of a brake pedal, a clutch pedal and a vehicle door.
5. A pushbutton with an actuating element for activating ignition lock functions of a vehicle, including starting and switching off the vehicle engine, wherein:
the pushbutton is adapted to be mounted in, actuated while mounted, and removed from, a rotary ignition lock of a vehicle;
the pushbutton is adapted to be supplied with power via an inductive voltage coupling to the rotary ignition lock;
when the pushbutton is operated, the actuating element interacts with a release switch in the rotary ignition lock, to activate ignition lock functions without rotating the rotary ignition lock; and
the actuating element includes a release plunger which, when operated, is releasable in parallel with an axis of symmetry of the pushbutton in order to operate the release switch in the rotary ignition lock.
6. A pushbutton with an actuating element for activating ignition lock functions of a vehicle, including starting and switching off the vehicle engine, wherein:
the pushbutton is adapted to be mounted in, actuated while mounted, and removed from, a rotary ignition lock of a vehicle;
when the pushbutton is operated, the actuating element interacts with a release switch in the rotary ignition lock, to activate ignition lock functions without rotating the rotary ignition lock;
the actuating element includes a release plunger which, when operated, is releasable in parallel with an axis of symmetry of the pushbutton in order to operate the release switch in the rotary ignition lock; and
an end position of the release plunger is limited by locking sliders arranged laterally to the axis of the release plunger.
7. The pushbutton as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a locating illumination unit which is contactlessly supplied with power.
8. The pushbutton as claimed in claim 7 , wherein the pushbutton is supplied with power via an inductive voltage coupling to the rotary ignition lock.