Device and system for a motor vehicle for locking and / or unlocking an object

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) and a system (50) comprising the device (10) for a motor vehicle (12) for locking and / or unlocking an object (14). It is provided that a locking and unlocking option is provided which can be operated by means of radio communication with the central locking system of the motor vehicle (12), which can be coupled to the motor vehicle (12) in a substantially freely selectable position relative to the motor vehicle (12).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a system comprising the device for a motor vehicle for locking and / or unlocking an object.

[0002] Objects in the interior of motor vehicles can usually be easily protected from theft by operating the vehicle's central locking system. To do this, the central locking system is simply activated to lock the vehicle's door lock systems.

[0003] However, items accessible from the outside or located outside the vehicle often require separate protection against theft. Conventional locking systems with dedicated access devices, such as keys or transponders, can be easily used for this purpose.

[0004] A clamping arrangement for a two-wheeler for attachment to a vehicle add-on module is known from DE 10 2018 219 166 B4. The clamping arrangement comprises a bracket with a pair of legs arranged so as to be movable relative to one another. These legs are preloaded by a force to prevent them from spreading and hold the two-wheeler in an unloaded and parked state. The preload is achieved by an activated electromechanical actuator, creating a force-locking connection between the two-wheeler and the legs.

[0005] A roof rack system for a motor vehicle is known from DE 10 2014 106 473 B4. The roof rack system comprises a base rack device for connecting the roof rack system to a motor vehicle roof, a carrier device for connecting objects to be transported to the roof rack system, and at least one coupling device for coupling the carrier device to the base rack device. In one embodiment, the base rack device is connected to a central locking system in order to also lock it when the motor vehicle is locked.

[0006] The problem with existing locking systems is that either a separate key or transponder must be carried to open and close the locking systems, or the usability of the locking systems is limited to the type of item being protected from theft. Examples of this include bicycle racks, which essentially only protect bicycles from theft, or roof racks, which only protect items stored on the vehicle roof.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a versatile and user-friendly option for a motor vehicle for locking and / or unlocking an object.

[0008] The object of the invention is achieved by a device and a system for a motor vehicle for locking and / or unlocking an object according to the independent patent claims. Preferred developments are the subject of the respective dependent claims.

[0009] A first aspect relates to a device for a motor vehicle for locking and / or unlocking an object (or a plurality thereof), in particular an object movable relative to the motor vehicle, particularly preferably an object accessible from the outside or located outside the motor vehicle. The device comprises a lock, a communication unit configured to transmit and receive radio signals, and a control unit.

[0010] The communication unit is configured to receive a radio signal from a vehicle communication unit, which comprises a locking or unlocking request from a user of the motor vehicle's central locking system. In other words, the device is integrated into the motor vehicle's central locking circuit via radio, allowing the device to be operated via the motor vehicle's central locking system.

[0011] The control unit is configured to lock and / or unlock the lock based on the received radio signal. In other words, the lock of the device can be operated by the user via the vehicle's central locking system, for example, using a radio remote control in radio contact with the central locking system. This eliminates the need for separately carried access devices such as keys or transponders, as is required with conventional locking systems. According to the invention, no additional locking of the lock is required in addition to locking the door locking systems via the central locking system.

[0012] Furthermore, the device is designed to be variably coupled, in particular mechanically connectable, to the motor vehicle by locking the lock. In other words, the locking position of the device relative to the motor vehicle is changeable. The device can thus be used or placed mechanically independently of a connection position predetermined by the motor vehicle. For example, the device comprises one or more arms connected or connectable to the lock, which arms are designed to couple the object to the motor vehicle by grasping it or by being guided through an opening in the object. The user can therefore decide where the device according to the invention should be positioned on the motor vehicle and where the object(s) should be locked in order to protect them from theft.For example, the lock used to secure an object can be unlocked when the vehicle is opened via the central locking system, e.g., using the vehicle's remote control. When the vehicle is locked again, e.g., using the remote control, the object is automatically locked and thus automatically secured against theft.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the device is further configured to be decoupled from the motor vehicle, in particular to be removable from the motor vehicle, by unlocking the lock. In other words, the user can unlock the device's lock and thereby separate the device from the motor vehicle. The user can then use the device, for example, at a different location on the motor vehicle and / or for a different object. The device is thus versatile and particularly user-friendly.

[0014] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the device is further configured to be variably coupled to the motor vehicle by locking the lock in at least a plurality of locking positions, in particular at least three different locking positions, preferably at least five different locking positions, particularly preferably essentially continuously. This enables a diverse and user-friendly application of the device. Likewise preferably, the device is configured such that a positional distance of at least 10 cm, in particular at least 25 cm, preferably at least 50 cm, exists between the locking positions of the plurality of locking positions.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a function for changing the coupling surface between the device and the motor vehicle and / or the object. For example, this function is achieved by means of a detachable toothing in the manner of a cable tie. Preferably, the arms connected or connectable to the lock comprise the detachable toothing in the manner of a cable tie, with which the effective arm length can be changed to suit the object to be locked. This allows the object to be not only locked but also secured to the motor vehicle to prevent rattling or falling out.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is configured to be movably coupled to the motor vehicle when the lock is in the locked state. In other words, the device is not statically coupled to the motor vehicle in the locked state. Consequently, the device does not require a fixed connection socket or plug for coupling to the motor vehicle, but can essentially be freely positioned on the object and / or the motor vehicle.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is designed as a U-lock, folding lock, chain lock, cable lock, or textile lock. The cable lock is preferably a cable lock or a wire lock. These lock categories have in common that the object is locked by connecting one or more arms to form a mechanically closed circuit. The arm(s) are then connected to the lock. The arm(s) can, for example, have a rigid or movable shackle or rigid or movable links.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment, the communication unit is configured to transmit and receive UHF radio signals, and the received radio signal is a UHF radio signal. The UHF (ultra-high frequency) frequency band is in the range from 300 MHz to 3 GHz. A frequency between 433 and 434 MHz and / or 315 MHz is particularly preferably used for radio signal transmission. Radio communication between radio remote controls and motor vehicles often takes place in the aforementioned UHF frequency band, so the device can be easily integrated into the central locking system of existing motor vehicles.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, the motor vehicle further comprises a holder for holding a bicycle (bicycle rack), and the device is designed as a bicycle lock or the device is designed as a tire clamp. This allows the lock used to secure a bicycle on the bicycle rack to be unlocked when the vehicle is opened. When the vehicle is locked again using the radio remote control, the bicycle on the bicycle rack is automatically locked and thus secured against theft. The same principle applies to the tire clamp. A tire clamp is a mechanical immobilizer for motor vehicles, also known as a parking clamp, wheel clamp, or car clamp.

[0020] A further aspect of the invention relates to a system for a motor vehicle for locking and / or unlocking an object using a device of the type mentioned above, wherein the central locking system of the motor vehicle is controllable via a radio remote control. The motor vehicle is preferably the motor vehicle described above. The advantages achieved with the device can be achieved analogously with the system. The disclosed feature combinations of the device can be applied analogously to the system. A repetitive description of the features and advantages is therefore omitted.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the radio remote control comprises a separate function for locking and / or unlocking the device according to one of the preceding claims. In other words, the radio remote control makes it possible to operate the device individually, independently of the door locking systems of the motor vehicle connected to the central locking system. This prevents the doors from being unlocked if the user only wishes to unlock the object locked with the device. In the case of a bicycle lock or tire clamp, this prevents the user from (unintentionally) unlocking the vehicle doors in a situation in which the view of the vehicle doors is at least partially blocked.

[0022] The radio remote control is preferably configured to be operable by means of a button, a button combination, and / or a gesture control for locking and / or unlocking the device. In other words, the radio remote control can have a dedicated or separate button for operating the device and / or a predefined button combination (stored in a memory unit) or gesture control required to operate the device. For example, a button press duration and / or consecutive multiple button presses can be used for differentiation. Furthermore, the radio remote control preferably comprises motion sensors, such as acceleration sensors, gyroscopes, and the like, which are configured to detect translational and / or rotational motion gestures.

[0023] The individual components of the control unit are preferably designed as one or more processes that run on one or more processors in one or more electronic computing devices and are generated when executing one or more computer programs. The computing devices are preferably designed to cooperate with other components, for example, a communications unit configured to transmit and receive radio signals, in order to implement the functionalities described herein. The instructions of the computer programs are also preferably stored in a memory, such as a RAM element. However, the computer programs can also be stored in a non-volatile storage medium, such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or the like.

[0024] It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that the functionalities of multiple computers (data processing devices) may be combined or combined in a single device, or that the functionality of a particular data processing device may be distributed among a plurality of devices in order to carry out the invention.

[0025] Further preferred embodiments of the invention emerge from the remaining features mentioned in the subclaims.

[0026] The various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another, unless otherwise stated in the individual case.

[0027] The invention is explained below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a system with a device for a motor vehicle for locking and / or unlocking an object according to an embodiment.

[0028] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a system 50 with a device 10 for a motor vehicle 12 for locking and / or unlocking an object 14, which is designed as a bicycle, according to an embodiment, and a radio remote control 52.

[0029] The device 10 comprises a lock 16, a communication unit (not shown in detail) configured to transmit and receive radio signals, and a control unit (not shown in detail).

[0030] The motor vehicle 12 comprises a vehicle communication unit (not shown in detail), a central locking system (not shown in detail) connected to the vehicle communication unit for controlling the door lock systems of the motor vehicle 12 for locking and / or unlocking the motor vehicle 12 and a holder 18 for receiving the bicycle 14 at the rear of the motor vehicle 12.

[0031] The radio remote control 52 comprises a remote control communication unit (not shown in detail), a locking button 54, an unlocking button 56, and a button not further identified. The remote control communication unit is configured to exchange radio communication signals with the vehicle communication unit, for example, on a frequency band between 433 and 434 MHz, in particular to transmit a user's locking or unlocking request based on the pressing of the locking or unlocking button 54, 56 to the vehicle communication unit via a radio signal. Based on the received radio signal containing the user's locking or unlocking request, the central locking system of the motor vehicle 12 controls the door locking systems of the motor vehicle 12.According to the invention, it is further provided that the user's locking or unlocking request is transmitted from the vehicle communication system to the communication unit of device 10 by means of a radio signal, for example, also on the frequency band between 433 and 434 MHz. Accordingly, the communication unit of device 10 is configured to receive the radio signal, which includes the user's locking or unlocking request for the central locking system of the motor vehicle (12), from the vehicle communication unit.

[0032] The control unit of device 10 is configured to lock and / or unlock lock 16 based on the received radio signal. Consequently, the bicycle 14 located in the holder 18 can be locked by pressing the locking button 54 of the radio remote control 52 or unlocked for removal by pressing the unlocking button 56 of the radio remote control 52. Therefore, no additional locking or unlocking of the lock 16 is necessary in addition to locking the door locking systems via the central locking system.

[0033] In addition, the device 10 is designed to be variably coupled, in particular mechanically connected, to the motor vehicle 12 by locking the lock 16. This is shown in Fig. 1 is illustrated by way of example using the two locking positions A and B. In the first locking position A, the device 10 is located above the bicycle 14 and connects the handlebars of the bicycle 14 to the holder 18 of the motor vehicle 12. In the second locking position B, the device 10 is arranged, by way of example, on the front wheel of the bicycle 14 and on a side strut of the holder 18. It is understandable that, in addition to the illustrated locking positions A and B, a multitude of other locking positions can be provided or possible.

[0034] Because the locking positions A, B of the device 10 relative to the motor vehicle 12 are fundamentally variable, the user can freely decide (within the possible limits) where to position the device 10 on the motor vehicle 12 and where to lock the bicycle 14 to protect it from theft. Furthermore, the variability of the locking positions A, B allows objects 14 different from the bicycle 14, such as a tire clamp or other cargo, such as cargo stored on the vehicle roof, to be locked or unlocked with the device 10 via the radio remote control 52. Consequently, a wide variety of objects 14 can be protected from theft with the device 10.

[0035] In the example shown, the device 10 comprises an arm connected to the lock 16, which is configured to guide the object 14 through an opening in the object 14 and through an opening in the holder 18 of the motor vehicle 12 in order to mechanically couple the object 14 to the holder 18 of the motor vehicle 12 in the locked state. The two ends of the arm of the device 10 are connected to the lock 16 in the locked state to form a mechanically closed circuit and prevent removal of the object 14 from the motor vehicle 14.

[0036] By pressing the unlocking button 56 on the radio remote control 52, the user unlocks the lock 16 of the device 10. At least one end of the arm connected to the lock 16 is decoupled from the lock 16, so that the mechanically closed circuit is broken and the device 10 can essentially be decoupled from the motor vehicle, i.e., removed from the motor vehicle 12. The user can then use the device 10, for example, at a different location on the motor vehicle 12, for example from locking position A to locking position B, and / or for another object 14. The device 10 can thus be used in a variety of ways and is therefore particularly user-friendly.

[0037] The unspecified button of the radio remote control 52 can be a separate button solely for locking or unlocking the device 10. In other words, by operating the unspecified button of the radio remote control 52, it is possible to operate the device 10 individually, i.e., independently of the door locking systems of the motor vehicle 12 connected to the central locking system. This prevents, for example, the vehicle doors from being locked or unlocked if the user only wishes to lock or unlock the object 14 locked with the device 10. This prevents the user from (unintentionally) locking or unlocking the vehicle doors.

[0038] The unspecified button may also be a conventional button for opening the tailgate of the motor vehicle 12. Since the motor vehicle 12 is in the Fig.1 is provided with the holder 18 for holding the bicycle 14, which can make opening the tailgate problematic under certain circumstances, the system 50 can be modified such that, in this situation, pressing the button to open the tailgate causes the device 10 to be locked or unlocked. Alternatively or additionally, the user's desire to lock or unlock can also be effected by a longer button press and / or a consecutive multiple operation, for example, double or triple tapping, of the locking button 54, the unlocking button 56 and / or the unspecified button of the radio remote control 52. List of reference symbols 10 Device 12 Motor vehicle 14 Subject 16 Castle 18 arms 20 Mount for a bicycle 50 systems 52 radio remote control 54 Lock button 56 Release button A, B locking positions QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2018 219 166 B4

[0004] DE 10 2014 106 473 B4

[0005]

Claims

[1] Device (10) for a motor vehicle (12) for locking and / or unlocking an object (14) comprising: a castle (16), a communication unit configured to transmit and receive radio signals, which is configured to receive a radio signal comprising a locking or unlocking request from a user of a central locking system of the motor vehicle (12) from a vehicle communication unit, and a control unit configured to lock and / or unlock the lock (16) based on the received radio signal, wherein the device (10) is designed to be variably coupled to the motor vehicle (12) in position relative to the motor vehicle (12) by locking the lock (16). [2] Device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the device (10) is further configured to be decoupled from the motor vehicle (12) by unlocking the lock (16). [3] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (10) is further configured to be variably coupled to the motor vehicle (12) by locking the lock (16) in at least a plurality of locking positions (A, B), in particular at least three different locking positions (A, B), preferably at least five different locking positions (A, B), particularly preferably substantially continuously, in the position relative to the motor vehicle (12). [4] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (10) further comprises a function for changing the coupling area between the device (10) and the motor vehicle (12) and / or the object (14). [5] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (10) is adapted to be movably coupled to the motor vehicle (12) in a locking state of the lock (16) to the motor vehicle (12). [6] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (10) is designed as a U-lock, folding lock, chain lock, cable lock or textile lock. [7] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication unit is arranged to transmit and receive UHF radio signals and the received radio signal is a UHF radio signal. [8] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor vehicle (12) further comprises a holder (20) for receiving a bicycle and the device (10) is designed as a bicycle lock or wherein the device (10) is designed as a tire clamp. [9] System (50) for a motor vehicle (12) for locking and / or unlocking an object (14) with a device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central locking of the motor vehicle (12) is controllable via a radio remote control (52). [10] System (50) according to claim 9, wherein the radio remote control (52) comprises a separate function for locking and / or unlocking the device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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