Method, system and control device for actuating an immobilizer for trailer vehicles

A system for controlling an immobilizer for a trailer vehicle coupleable to a towing vehicle, the trailer vehicle including an electronic trailer braking system and a brake assembly driveable by the trailer braking system and having a parking brake, wherein the electronic trailer braking system is driveable by a control device to effect immobilization by driving the brake assembly and to apply the brakes on the trailer vehicle by the brake assembly to counter unauthorized removal, the system comprising a remote workstation in communication with a telematics center for providing an activation command;

• and a control device on the trailer vehicle, the control device being connected one of directly and indirectly via one of sensor lines and data lines to a GSM receiver or a GPRS receiver, to at least one wheel rotation sensor on the trailer vehicle, and to a coupling sensor on the trailer vehicle;
• wherein the telematics center is configured to wirelessly transmit the activation command to the GSM receiver or GPRS receiver;
• wherein the GSM receiver or GPRS receiver is configured to receive the activation command from the telematics center and forward it to the control device for storage and further processing;
• and wherein the control device is configured to receive a signal from the coupling sensor as to whether the trailer vehicle is coupled to the towing vehicle or uncoupled, to receive a signal from the wheel rotation sensor as to whether the trailer vehicle is moving or stationary, and to forward a signal to the electronic trailer braking system of the trailer vehicle to effect immobilization by closing the parking brake when the trailer vehicle has been uncoupled from the towing vehicle and is stationary.