Locking system for vehicle and method for locking thereof

Abstract

Present invention provides a locking system (100) for a vehicle. The locking system (100) comprises an electronic lock assembly (102) disposed in a housing (106) of the locking system (100). The electronic lock assembly (102) is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The electronic lock assembly (102) being adapted to secure a wheel of the vehicle in the locked position. A cable lock assembly (148) is also disposed in the housing (106). The cable lock assembly (148) is operable between a lock position and an unlock position. The cable lock assembly (148) is adapted to secure a cable lock (132) within the housing (106) in the lock position, wherein the cable lock assembly (148) is operable between lock position and unlock position when the electronic lock assembly (102) is in unlocked position. Such a construction provides tamper-proof locking system (100) for vehicle, thereby ensuring vehicle safety.

Description

[0001] TITLE OF THE INVENTION

[0002] LOCKING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR LOCKING THEREOF

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004]

[0001] Present invention relates to a locking system for a vehicle. Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of locking the vehicle through the locking system.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006]

[0002] Locking systems for vehicles are prevalent in the art. In vehicles such as bicycles, the locking systems include ring locks, cable locks and chain locks. These locking systems are manually operable by a user, to a locking position or an unlocking position. In the locking position, these locking systems penetrate through a wheel of the vehicle to obstruct its movement, thereby locking and preventing theft of the vehicle.

[0007]

[0003] However, these conventional locking systems tend to be cumbersome, and when not in place must be carried by the user or be secured to the vehicle. There is also a possibility that the wheel is removed from the bicycle, and the rest of the bicycle can be stolen. Moreover, chain-type of locking system tends to be heavy, especially in case of long and / or tough chains. Further, the O-lock or frame locking systems engage or contact spokes of the wheel in the locking position, which can result in damaging the spokes, which is undesirable.

[0008]

[0004] One solution known in the art to the abovementioned problem involves an electronic lock assembly including a housing adapted for fitment at a frame of the vehicle. The housing is provided at the vicinity of a braking disc that is rigidly coupled to the wheel of the vehicle. The disc is provided with slots along its circumference. Upon receipt of a lock signal from the user, an actuator is adapted to effect movement of a locking element. The locking element extends into any of the slots on the disc of the wheel, thereby restricting movement of the disc and thus restricting movement of the wheel.

[0009]

[0005] However, such electronic lock assembly has a frame focused design and is not retrofittable to all types of vehicles. Thus, the challenge regarding assembly and disassembly of the electronic lock on the vehicle frame of various vehicles persists. Multiple vehicle specific modifications are needed in the design of the electronic lock assembly leading to a complex manufacturing process of the lock assembly. Further, the electronic lock assembly is prone to water and dust damage leading to corrosion as well as mechanical failure. Moreover, the existing electronic lock assemblies do not involve a provision for locking a cable to attach the vehicle to a fixed object, such as a pole, for providing additional security to the vehicle. Rather, conventional vehicles require a separate locking mechanism for locking the cable, thereby increasing part count and overall cost of the vehicle, which is undesirable.

[0010]

[0006] In view of the above, there is a need for a locking system for a vehicle and a method for locking the vehicle to overcome one or more limitations stated above.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012]

[0007] In one aspect, a locking system for a vehicle is disclosed. The locking system comprises an electronic lock assembly disposed in a housing of the locking system. The electronic lock assembly is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The electronic lock assembly is adapted to secure a wheel of the vehicle in the locked position. Further, a cable lock assembly is disposed in the housing. The cable lock assembly is operable between a lock position and an unlock position. The cable lock assembly is adapted to secure a cable lock within the housing in the lock position, wherein the cable lock assembly is operable between the lock position and the unlock position when the electronic lock assembly is in the unlocked position.

[0013]

[0008] In an embodiment, the electronic lock assembly comprises an actuator and a gear train disposed in the housing. The gear train is coupled to the actuator and to one or more locking shafts. The gear train is operable by the actuator to actuate the one or more locking shafts between a retracted position and an extended position for operating the electronic lock assembly between the unlocked position and the locked position. The one or more locking shafts in the extended position is adapted to secure the wheel of the vehicle.

[0014]

[0009] In an embodiment, the cable lock assembly comprises a switch disposed in the housing. The switch is operable between a first position and a second position. A plunger is also coupled to the switch and disposed in the housing. The plunger is operable between an engaged position and a disengaged position corresponding to position of the switch for operating the cable lock assembly between the lock position and the unlock position.

[0015]

[0010] In an embodiment, the plunger comprises a slot. The slot is adapted to align with a hole of the housing for receiving the cable lock in the disengaged position of the plunger. Further, a periphery of the slot is adapted to engage with the cable lock, for securing the cable lock in the housing, in the engaged position of the plunger. [Oi l] In an embodiment, the plunger comprises one or more projections adapted to selectively engage with a stopper provided on the one or more locking shafts. The one or more projections are adapted to engage with the stopper during an extended position of the one or more locking shafts for locking movement of the switch. The projection is adapted to disengage with the stopper during a retracted position of the one or more locking shafts for allowing movement of the switch between the first position and the second position.

[0016]

[0012] In an embodiment, the cable lock is electrically connected to a control unit of the vehicle when disposed in the housing. The control unit is configured to alert a user of the vehicle on detecting tampering of the cable lock.

[0017]

[0013] In an embodiment, the housing comprises an inner cover facing the wheel of the vehicle and a middle cover comprising a lower peripheral surface. The lower peripheral surface is adapted to engage with the inner cover for enclosing the electronic lock assembly and the cable lock assembly exposed towards the wheel of the vehicle.

[0018]

[0014] In an embodiment, the inner cover comprises one or more first projected surfaces. The one or more first projected surfaces are adapted to surround the electronic lock assembly and the cable lock assembly for providing ingress protection.

[0019]

[0015] In an embodiment, the housing comprises a middle cover comprising an upper peripheral surface and an outer cover facing away from the vehicle. The outer cover is adapted to engage with the upper peripheral surface of the middle cover for enclosing the electronic lock assembly and the cable lock assembly exposed away from the vehicle.

[0020]

[0016] In an embodiment, the outer cover comprises one or more second projected surfaces. The one or more second projected surfaces are adapted to surround the electronic lock assembly and the cable lock assembly for providing ingress protection.

[0021]

[0017] In another aspect, a method of locking a vehicle using a locking system is provided. The method comprises operating the electronic lock assembly to the unlocked position from the locked position. The cable lock assembly is then operated to the unlock position from the lock position. Subsequently, the cable lock is inserted into the housing and the cable lock assembly is operated to the lock position for securing the cable lock within the housing. Thereafter, the electronic lock assembly is operated to the locked position to secure a wheel of the vehicle, thereby locking the vehicle.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a locking system mounted to a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 is a rear view of the locking system mounted to the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the locking system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention

[0026] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the locking system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5 is an exploded view of a portion of the locking system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 is a sectional view of the locking system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030]

[0019] The present invention provides a locking system for a vehicle. The locking system comprises an electronic lock assembly and a cable lock assembly. The cable lock assembly is coupled to the electronic lock assembly. Thus, corresponding to the condition of the electronic lock assembly, the cable lock assembly is operable to a lock position or an unlock position. Particularly, the cable lock assembly is operable to the unlock position to retrieve or disengage a cable lock secured to a fixed object such as a pole, from the locking system, only when the electronic lock assembly is in the unlocked position. Such a construction of the locking assembly minimizes or mitigates theft, and therefore ensures safety of the vehicle.

[0031]

[0020] In the present disclosure, arrow indications provided in Figure 1 pertain to directional indications of the vehicle. As such, the terms “top side”, “bottom side”, “left side” and “right side” respectively correspond to top, bottom, left and right sides of the vehicle, until and unless specified otherwise. Also, the terms “inner” corresponds to a surface that is facing towards a central axis (not shown) of the vehicle. The term “outer” corresponds to a surface that is facing away from the central axis of the vehicle.

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a locking system 100 for a vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The locking system 100 is mounted in the vehicle, which can be a two-wheeled vehicle such as a bicycle or a multi-wheeled vehicle. The locking system 100 is operable to a locked condition or an unlocked condition, for locking or unlocking the vehicle. The locking system 100 is provided with an electronic lock assembly 102 (shown in Figure 6) as well as a cable lock assembly 148 (shown in Figure 6). In the present embodiment, the locking system 100 is mounted onto a frame 104 of the vehicle being the bicycle.

[0032]

[0022] Referring to Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 1, the locking system 100 comprises a housing 106 adapted to accommodate the electronic lock assembly 102 and the cable lock assembly 148. A mounting bracket 108 extends from the housing 106. The mounting bracket 108 is adapted to be mounted to the frame of the vehicle. The mounting bracket 108 is mounted to the frame 104 of the vehicle such that, the electronic lock assembly 102 is positioned in the vicinity or adjacent to an axle mounting bracket (not shown) of the vehicle. Such a disposition enables engagement of the electronic lock assembly 102 with a brake disc 110 (for e.g. shown in Figure 1) of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the mounting bracket 108 may be provided with openings 108a for mounting onto the frame 104 or a hanger plate (not shown) provided on the frame 104 of the vehicle, through conventional mounting techniques known in the art such as fastening, clamping and the like. Such a construction of the mounting bracket 108 ensures that the locking system 100 can be mounted to any vehicle, irrespective of the type of frame in the vehicle. In other words, the mounting bracket 108 extending from the housing 106 ensures universal mounting of the locking system 100 on the vehicle.

[0033]

[0023] Further, the housing 106 comprises a middle cover 112. The middle cover 112 may be a flat rectangular cover adapted to receive and support a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) (not shown) of the electronic lock assembly 102. In addition, the middle cover 112 is provided with a mechanism cover 114 that is adapted to support a gear train 116 and an actuator 118 of the electronic lock assembly 102. The gear train 116 is coupled to one or more locking shafts 120, such that operation of the gear train 116 correspondingly actuates the one or more locking shafts 120 between a retracted position (for e.g. as shown in Figure 1) and an extended position (shown in Figure 2). The term “retracted position” corresponds to a withdrawn position of the one or more locking shafts 120, while the term “extended position” corresponds to an elongated position of the one or more locking shafts 120. In the extended position, the one or more locking shafts 120 engage or are inserted into at least one slot embodiment, in the extended position, the one or more locking shafts 120 engage with a wheel rim (not shown) for locking the wheel.

[0034]

[0024] In an embodiment, the gear train 116 is a rack and pinion assembly, comprising a pinion gear 122 is coupled to a shaft (not shown) of the actuator 118. The pinion gear 122 is coupled to a rack 124 coupled to the one or more locking shafts 120. Accordingly, axial rotation of the pinion gear 122 correspondingly induces reciprocating movement of the rack 124 and the one or more locking shafts 120. In an embodiment, rotation of the pinion gear 122 due to the actuation of the shaft of the actuator 118 in clockwise direction operates the rack 124 and the one or more locking shafts 120 to the extended position. Also, rotation of the pinion gear 122 in the anticlockwise direction retracts the rack 124 and the one or more locking shafts 120 to the retracted position from the extended position.

[0025] In an embodiment, as the locking system 100 is positioned adjacent to the brake disc 110 (as shown in Figure 2) in a left-right direction of the vehicle, the rack 124 and the one or more locking shafts 120 are aligned along the left-right direction of the vehicle. Accordingly, the rack 124 as well as the one or more locking shafts 120 move along the left-right direction of the vehicle. Alternatively, the orientation of the rack 124 or the gear train 116 and / or the one or more locking shafts 120 is selected based on disposition of the locking system 100 with respect to the brake disc 110.

[0035]

[0026] In an embodiment, the actuator 118 is a motor unit connected to a power delivery system (not shown) of the vehicle. Accordingly, supply of power from the power delivery system operates the actuator 118 suitably. In an embodiment, the power delivery system comprises a battery unit and other peripheral components that enable supply of power to the motor unit. In an embodiment, the actuator 118 may be a Direct-Current (DC) motor. In an embodiment, a control unit (not shown) provided in the PCB controls operation of the actuator 118 corresponding to an input received from a user of the vehicle, wherein the input can be a lock signal or an unlock signal. When the lock signal is received from the user, the control unit directs power supply from the power delivery system to operate the actuator 118 such that, the one or more locking shafts 120 are operated to the extended position from the retracted position. When the unlock signal is received from the user, the control unit directs power supply from the power delivery system to operate the actuator 118 such that, the one or more locking shafts 120 are operated to the retracted position from the extended position. In an embodiment, the user can provide input for controlling operation of the actuator 118 through a switch (not shown) provided on the vehicle or through a user device (such as a mobile phone) communicably coupled to the control unit.

[0027] Further, the cable lock assembly 148 is positioned adjacent to the mechanism cover 114. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the cable lock assembly 148 comprises a switch 126 operable between a first position (not shown) and a second position (not shown). The switch 126 is operably coupled to a plunger 128. The plunger 128 is operable between an engaged position (not shown) and a disengaged position (not shown) upon actuation of the switch 126 between the first position and the second position.

[0036]

[0028] In an embodiment, the term “first position” corresponds to a rest position of the switch 126, while the term “second position” corresponds to a depressed position of the switch 126. In another embodiment, the term “engaged position” corresponds to position of the plunger 128 that restricts or locks a buckle portion 132a of a cable lock 132 within the housing 106. The term “disengaged position” corresponds to position of the plunger 128 that enables the buckle portion 132a of the cable lock 132 to be removed or inserted into the housing 106.

[0037]

[0029] The plunger 128 is provided with a projection 134 (shown in Figure 5) that is adapted to selectively engage with a stopper 136 provided in the electronic lock assembly 102. In an embodiment, the stopper 136 is provided to the rack 124 or the one or more locking shafts 120. Thus, the movement of the plunger 128 is controlled based on the position of the rack 124 or the one or more locking shafts 120. Alternatively, the stopper 136 may be provided on the mechanism cover 114 or to the pinion gear 122 or any other component in the electronic lock assembly 102, as per design feasibility and requirement.

[0038]

[0030] In an embodiment, when the one or more locking shafts 120 is in the retracted position (i.e. the electronic lock assembly 102 in unlocked position), the stopper 136 disengages from the projection 134 of the plunger 128. At this juncture, the switch 126 is operable from the first position to the second position or vice versa for inserting or removing the cable lock 132 into a slot 130 of the plunger 128. In an embodiment, when the one or more locking shafts 120 is in the extended position (i.e. the electronic lock assembly 102 in locked position), the stopper 136 engages with the projection 134 of the plunger 128. At this juncture, movement of the plunger 128 and the switch 126 is restricted by the stopper 136. Thus, ensuring that the cable lock 132, inserted into the slot 130 of the plunger 128 is locked within the locking system 100. Therefore, until the electronic lock assembly 102 is operated to the unlocked position, the cable lock assembly 148 is inoperable. Such an interplay between the electronic lock assembly 102 and the cable lock assembly 148 ensures safety of the vehicle.

[0031] In an embodiment, the switch 126 is connected to the plunger 128 through a resilient member 142. The resilient member 142 stores force exerted on the switch 126 when operated by the user to the second position from the first position. Accordingly, when the force exerted by the user on the switch 126 is released, the resilient member 142 operates the switch 126 to the first position from the second position. In an embodiment, the resilient member 142 is a spring member.

[0039]

[0032] Further, to the middle cover 112, an inner cover 138 is mounted. The inner cover 138 faces the wheel of the vehicle. The inner cover 138 is adapted to engage with a lower peripheral surface (not shown) of the middle cover 112 for enclosing the electronic lock assembly 102 and the cable lock assembly 148 that is exposed towards the wheel of the vehicle. The inner cover 138 is provided with one or more first projected or contoured surfaces 144 for surrounding the electronic lock assembly 102 and the cable lock assembly 148. Thus, the inner cover 138 upon mounting on the middle cover 112 ensures ingress protection to the electronic lock assembly 102 and the cable lock assembly 148 towards the inner side of the vehicle. Further, the inner cover 138 is provided with one or more openings 138a aligned with the one or more apertures of the middle cover 112. The one or more openings 138a enable the one or more locking shafts 120 to protrude from the housing 106 in the extended position.

[0040]

[0033] Further, the housing 106 is provided with an outer cover 140. The outer cover 140 faces away from the vehicle. The outer cover 140 is adapted to engage with an upper peripheral surface (not shown) of the middle cover 112 for enclosing the electronic lock assembly 102 and the cable lock assembly 148 that is exposed outwardly of the vehicle. Inner surface of the outer cover 140 is also provided with one or more second projected surfaces (not shown) for surrounding the electronic lock assembly 102 and the cable lock assembly 148. Thus, the outer cover 140 upon mounting on the middle cover 112 also ensures ingress protection to the electronic lock assembly 102 and the cable lock assembly 148 from outer side of the vehicle. Further, the outer cover 140 is provided with a cutout 140a for receiving the switch 126. Accordingly, the switch 126 is operable relative to the outer cover 140. The outer cover 140 is also provided with a hole 140b. The hole 140b is aligned with the slot 130 provided on the plunger 128, when the plunger 128 is in the unlock position. Thus, the hole 140b enables insertion or removal of the cable lock 132 from the housing 106, when the plunger 128 is in the unlock position. In an embodiment, the hole 140b accommodates a flexible sealing member 146 (as shown in Figure 5) adapted to enable insertion or removal of the cable lock 132 therethrough while sealing from outer environment. In another embodiment, the flexible sealing member 146 comprises a slit 146a, that aligns with the hole 140b. the slit 146a (as shown in Figure 5) is adapted to enable insertion or removal of the buckle portion 132a of the cable lock 132. Thus, the flexible sealing member 146 ensures ingress protection to the locking system 100, while enabling insertion or removal of the cable lock 132.

[0041]

[0034] In an embodiment, the lock cable is electrically coupled to the power delivery system and to the control unit, when the cable lock 132 is locked within the locking system 100. As such, if the cable lock 132 is tampered with or severed, the control unit detects the tampering and alerts the user of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the control unit is communicably coupled to an alert device (not shown) provided on the vehicle. Accordingly, the control unit operates the alert device for alerting the user regarding tampering of the cable lock. In an embodiment, the alert device may be an audible device or a display device. Accordingly, the user receives an audible alert or a visual alert from the alert device. In an embodiment, the control unit provides alert to the user through the user device. A notification may be received by the user from the control unit, upon detecting tampering of the cable lock 132. In an embodiment, the control unit is adapted to notify the user when the locking system 100 is operated to the locking condition and the unlocking condition through the alert device and / or the user device.

[0042]

[0035] In an embodiment, the term “locking condition” of the locking system 100 in the context of the present invention corresponds to the electronic lock assembly in the locked position and the cable lock assembly 148 in the lock position. The term “unlocking condition” of the locking system 100 corresponds to the electronic lock assembly in the unlocked position and the cable lock assembly 148 in the unlock position.

[0043]

[0036] In an embodiment, for locking the vehicle, the switch 126 is operated to the second position (i.e. depressed position) from the first position. Accordingly, the plunger 128 is operated to the unlocked position. At this scenario, the cable lock 132 is inserted into the hole 140b and the slot 130, and the switch 126 is released for operating back to the first position from the second position. Thus, locking the cable lock 132 is secured within the housing 106. At this scenario, the user provides the input signal for operating the electronic lock assembly 102 to the locked position. On receiving the input from the user, the control unit provides power supply to the actuator 118 for operating the gear train 116, which in-turn operates the one or more locking shafts 120 from the retracted position to the extended position. The one or more locking shafts 120 get inserted into one or more slots provided on the brake disc 110, thereby locking the vehicle. Moreover, as the cable lock 132 surrounds a fixed object such as a pole, theft of the vehicle is mitigated or minimized, thereby enhancing safety of the vehicle.

[0037] The claimed invention as disclosed above is not routine, conventional or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the claimed aspect of coupling the plunger of the cable lock assembly with the stopper in the electronic lock assembly ensures that the cable lock is locked in the locking system until the electronic lock assembly is in the unlocked position. Such a construction provides a tamper-proof locking system for the vehicle, thereby ensuring vehicle safety. This construction also ensures simplicity, thereby ensuring easy maintenance and operability. Additionally, the cable lock is electrically coupled to the power delivery system. Such construction ensures that the control unit detects tampering of the cable lock when locked within the housing. The control unit thereafter is adapted to alert the user of the vehicle, thereby enhancing safety of the vehicle.

[0044]

[0038] Further, the aspect of providing the one or more first projected surfaces on the inner cover and the one or more second projected surfaces on the outer cover surrounds the cable lock assembly and the electronic lock assembly, thereby providing ingress protection.

[0045]

[0039] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

[0046] List of Reference numerals

[0047] 100 - Locking system

[0048] 102 - Electronic lock assembly

[0049] 104 - Frame

[0050] 106 - Housing

[0051] 108 - Mounting bracket

[0052] 108a - Openings on the mounting bracket

[0053] 110 - Brake disc

[0054] 112 - Middle cover

[0055] 114 - Mechanism cover

[0056] 116 - Gear train

[0057] 118 - Actuator

[0058] 120 - One or more locking shafts

[0059] 122 - Pinion gear 124 - Rack

[0060] 126 - Switch

[0061] 128 - Plunger

[0062] 130 - Slot on plunger

[0063] 132 - Cable lock

[0064] 132a - Buckle portion of the cable lock

[0065] 134 - Projection on the plunger

[0066] 136 - Stopper on the rack

[0067] 138 - Inner cover

[0068] 138a - One or more openings on the inner cover

[0069] 140 - Outer cover

[0070] 140a - Cutout on the outer cover

[0071] 140b - Hole on the outer cover

[0072] 142 - Resilient member

[0073] 144 - Projected surfaces on the inner cover

[0074] 146 - Flexible sealing member

[0075] 146a - Slit on the flexible sealing member

[0076] 148 - Cable lock assembly

[0077] 150 - At least one slot

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A locking system (100) for a vehicle, the locking system (100) comprising: an electronic lock assembly (102) disposed in a housing (106) of the locking system (100), the electronic lock assembly (102) operable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the electronic lock assembly (102) being adapted to secure a wheel of the vehicle in the locked position; and a cable lock assembly (148) disposed in the housing (106), the cable lock assembly (148) being operable between a lock position and an unlock position, the cable lock assembly (148) being adapted to secure a cable lock (132) within the housing (106) in the lock position, wherein the cable lock assembly (148) being operable between the lock position and the unlock position when the electronic lock assembly (102) is in the unlocked position.

2. The locking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic lock assembly (102) comprises: an actuator (118) disposed in the housing (106); and a gear train (116) disposed in the housing (106), the gear train (116) being coupled to the actuator (118) and one or more locking shafts (120), the gear train (116) being operable by the actuator (118) to actuate the one or more locking shafts (120) between a retracted position and an extended position for operating the electronic lock assembly between the unlocked position and the locked position, the one or more locking shafts (120) in the extended position being adapted to secure the wheel of the vehicle.

3. The locking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cable lock assembly (148) comprises: a switch (126) disposed in the housing (106), the switch (126) being operable between a first position and a second position; and a plunger (128) coupled to the switch (126) and disposed in the housing (106), the plunger (128) being operable between an engaged position and a disengaged position corresponding to position of the switch (126) for operating the cable lock assembly (148) between the lock position and the unlock position.

4. The locking system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plunger (128) comprising a slot (130), wherein the slot (130) being adapted to align with a hole (140b) of the housing (106) for receiving the cable lock (132) in the disengaged position of the plunger (128), and wherein a periphery of the slot (130) being adapted to engage with the cable lock (132), for securing the cable lock (132) in the housing (106), in the engaged position of the plunger (128).

5. The locking system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plunger (128) comprises one or more projections (134), the projection (134) being adapted to selectively engage with a stopper (136) provided on one or more locking shafts (120), the one or more projections (134) being adapted to engage with the stopper (136) during an extended position of the one or more locking shafts (120) for locking movement of the switch (126), and the projection (134) being adapted to disengage with the stopper (136) during a retracted position of the one or more locking shafts (120) for allowing movement of the switch (126) between the first position and the second position.

6. The locking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cable lock (132) being electrically connected to a control unit of the vehicle when disposed in the housing (106), the control unit being configured to alert a user of the vehicle on detecting tampering of the cable lock (132).

7. The locking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (106) comprises: an inner cover (138) facing the wheel of the vehicle; and a middle cover (112) comprising a lower peripheral surface, the lower peripheral surface being adapted to engage with the inner cover (138) for enclosing the electronic lock assembly (102) and the cable lock assembly (148) exposed towards the wheel of the vehicle.

8. The locking system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the inner cover (138) comprises one or more first projected surfaces (144), the one or more first projected surfaces (144) being adapted to surround the electronic lock assembly (102) and the cable lock assembly (148) for providing ingress protection.

9. The locking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (106) comprises:a middle cover (112) comprising an upper peripheral surface; and an outer cover (140) facing away from the vehicle, the outer cover (140) being adapted to engage with the upper peripheral surface of the middle cover (112) for enclosing the electronic lock assembly (102) and the cable lock assembly (148) exposed away from the vehicle.

10. The locking system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the outer cover (138) comprises one or more second projected surfaces (144), the one or more second projected surfaces being adapted to surround the electronic lock assembly (102) and the cable lock assembly (148) for providing ingress protection.

11. A method of locking a vehicle using a locking system (100), the method comprising: operating, an electronic lock assembly (102) to an unlocked position from a locked position, the electronic lock assembly (102) being disposed in a housing (106) of the locking system (100); operating, a cable lock assembly (148) to an unlock position from a lock position, the cable lock assembly (148) being disposed in the housing (106); inserting, a cable lock (132) into the housing (106); operating, the cable lock assembly (148) to the lock position for securing the cable lock (132) within the housing (106); and operating the electronic lock assembly (102) to the locked position to secure a wheel of the vehicle, thereby locking the vehicle.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11 comprising operating, the cable lock assembly (148) to the unlock position when the electronic lock assembly (102) is in the unlocked position.

13. The method as claimed in claim 11 comprising operating, an actuator (118) of the electronic lock assembly (102) to drive one or more locking shafts (120) from the retracted position to the extended position.

14. The method as claimed in claim 11 operating a switch (126) from a first position to a second position to actuate a plunger (128) of the cable lock assembly (148) between an engaged position and a disengaged position,wherein the slot (130) being adapted to align with a hole (140b) of the housing (106) for receiving a cable lock (132) in the disengaged position of the plunger (128), and wherein a periphery of the slot (130) being adapted to engage with the cable lock (132) for securing the cable lock (132) in the housing (106), in the engaged position of the plunger (128).

15. The method as claimed in claim 14 comprising engaging selectively a stopper (136) provided on one or more locking shafts (120) with a projection (134) of the plunger (128), the projection (134) being adapted to engage with the stopper (136) during an extended position of the one or more locking shafts (120) for locking movement of the switch (126), and the projection (134) being adapted to disengage with the stopper (136) during a retracted position of the one or more locking shafts (120) for allowing movement of the switch (126) between the first position and the second position.

16. The method as claimed in claim 11 comprising alerting, by a control unit, a user of the vehicle upon detecting tampering of the cable lock (132), the control unit being electrically coupled to the cable lock (132) in the lock position of the cable lock assembly (148).

Images