Mechanical lock device for improving safety, hub and wheel hub motor

By introducing a dual electronic and mechanical protection mechanism into the built-in lock of the bicycle, and utilizing lock ring speed detection and centrifugal swing block limit ring structure, the safety risks caused by malfunction and damage of the built-in lock during riding are solved, achieving higher safety and reliability.

CN118306504BActive Publication Date: 2026-07-31BAFANG ELECTRIC (SUZHOU) CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
BAFANG ELECTRIC (SUZHOU) CO LTD
Filing Date
2024-04-11
Publication Date
2026-07-31

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The built-in locks on existing bicycles pose a risk of accidental locking or component damage causing the lock tongue to pop out and the wheels to suddenly lock up, resulting in insufficient safety.

Method used

The lock cylinder employs a dual protection mechanism, combining electronic and mechanical protection. It detects the rotational speed of the lock ring to prevent the bolt from engaging with the lock ring, thus avoiding accidental locking. The mechanical protection mechanism includes a centrifugal block and a limit ring, which prevent the bolt from extending into the lock groove when the lock ring rotates too high. At the same time, a return spring, a worm gear assembly, and a position sensor are used to improve the reliability and safety of the lock cylinder mechanism.

Benefits of technology

It effectively prevents accidental locking while riding, improves riding safety, ensures that the lock tongue does not malfunction when the vehicle is turned, extends the service life of the lock cylinder mechanism, and enhances security.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This invention discloses a mechanical locking device, hub, and hub motor for improving safety, relating to the field of locking technology for bicycles. Key technical features include a lock cylinder mechanism and a lock ring; the lock cylinder mechanism includes a bolt and a drive motor for controlling the bolt's extension to engage with the lock ring; the device further includes an electronic protection mechanism and / or a mechanical protection mechanism; when the lock ring's rotational speed exceeds a set value, the electronic protection mechanism or mechanical protection mechanism prevents the bolt from engaging with the lock ring. This invention improves riding safety by providing dual protection through both an electronic protection mechanism and a mechanical protection mechanism to prevent accidental locking during riding.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of lock technology for bicycles, and more specifically, to a mechanical lock device, hub, and hub motor for improving security. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the locks for cycling vehicles (bicycles, e-bikes, electric bikes, electric motorcycles, etc.) mainly include external locks and internal locks. External locks include horseshoe locks and brake locks, while internal locks are located inside the hub or wheel hub motor.

[0003] The existing Chinese patent with authorization announcement number CN206520686U discloses a hub motor with a built-in lock, which includes a hub, a hub cover and a magnetic lock; the magnetic lock includes a lock body and a lock pin; the lock body is disposed on the stator frame, and a ring of lock grooves is provided on the inner surface of the hub cover.

[0004] However, there is a risk that the built-in lock may malfunction during use, or the bolt may pop out due to component damage, causing the wheels to suddenly lock up. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a mechanical lock device that improves safety. It avoids accidental locking during riding by using a dual protection mechanism of electronic control and mechanical protection mechanism, thereby improving riding safety.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A mechanical lock device for improving security includes a lock cylinder mechanism and a lock ring; the lock cylinder mechanism includes a bolt and a drive motor for controlling the bolt to extend to engage with the lock ring; The device also includes an electronic protection mechanism and / or a mechanical protection mechanism; when the rotational speed of the lock ring is greater than a set value, the electronic protection mechanism or the mechanical protection mechanism is used to prevent the lock tongue from engaging with the lock ring.

[0007] Furthermore, the electronic control protection mechanism includes: when the rotational speed of the lock ring is greater than a first set value, even if the lock cylinder mechanism receives a locking signal, it will not start the drive motor to control the extension of the lock tongue.

[0008] Furthermore, the lock ring is provided with a lock groove that cooperates with the lock tongue; the mechanical protection mechanism includes a limiting ring for opening or closing the lock groove, and a centrifugal swing block for driving the limiting ring to rotate; When the rotational speed of the lock ring is greater than the second set value, the centrifugal swing block is in the swing-out state, and the limiting ring closes the lock groove, so that the lock tongue cannot be inserted into the lock groove.

[0009] Furthermore, the side wall of the locking ring is provided with a positioning groove, and the limiting ring is rotatably embedded in the positioning groove.

[0010] Furthermore, a fixed ring plate is provided on the locking ring, and a rotating shaft is provided between the centrifugal throwing block and the fixed ring plate, with the centrifugal throwing block located radially outside the locking ring.

[0011] Furthermore, the lock cylinder mechanism is located inside the lock ring, and the lock tongue can extend radially outward to engage with the lock ring; Alternatively, the lock cylinder mechanism is located outside the lock ring, and the bolt can extend radially inward to engage with the lock ring.

[0012] Furthermore, the lock cylinder mechanism also includes a lock housing, a drive plate rotatably disposed within the lock housing, a lever rotatably disposed within the lock housing, and an elastic transmission member disposed between the drive plate and the lever; The lever acts on the bolt to move it.

[0013] Furthermore, a drive hole is provided on the lock tongue, the lever extends into the drive hole, and the lever is in contact with the inner wall of the drive hole.

[0014] Furthermore, a return spring is provided between the bolt and the lock housing, and the elastic force of the return spring causes the bolt to tend to extend out of the lock housing.

[0015] Furthermore, a gear reduction assembly is provided between the drive motor and the drive board.

[0016] Furthermore, a worm gear assembly is provided between the drive motor and the drive plate.

[0017] Furthermore, a position sensor for detecting the position status of the bolt is provided inside the lock housing.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a hub that includes the above-described mechanical locking device for improving security.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a hub motor that includes the aforementioned mechanical locking device for improving security.

[0020] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. It adopts a dual protection mechanism of electronic control and mechanical protection to avoid accidental locking while riding, thereby improving riding safety; 2. The use of a return spring can promote the rapid extension of the lock tongue to achieve locking. On the other hand, even if the drive structure acting on the lock tongue is damaged, the return spring can still cause the lock tongue to extend and achieve locking, preventing vehicle theft and improving security. 3. The use of elastic transmission components to transmit tension and pressure can prevent damage to the drive motor, thereby improving the reliability and service life of the lock cylinder mechanism; 4. The use of worm gear assembly can improve the stability of drive control by utilizing its self-locking function, and can also change the transmission direction, making it easier to arrange the drive motor. 5. The use of gear reduction components can achieve speed reduction and torque increase, thereby improving the reliability of drive control; 6. A position sensor is used to detect the position of the bolt, thereby providing feedback on whether the bolt is performing a locking or unlocking action, which can improve security. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the mechanical lock device for improving security in Example 1. Figure 1 ; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the mechanical lock device for improving security in Example 1. Figure 2 ; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the locking ring and mechanical protection mechanism in Example 1. Figure 1 ; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the locking ring and mechanical protection mechanism in Example 1. Figure 2 ; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the mechanical protection mechanism in Example 1; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the lock cylinder mechanism in Example 1. Figure 1 ; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the lock cylinder mechanism in Example 1. Figure 2 ; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the lock cylinder mechanism in Example 1. Figure 3 ; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the mechanical lock device for improving security in Example 2. Figure 1 ; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the locking ring and mechanical protection mechanism in Example 2; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the lock cylinder mechanism in Example 2.

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Main shaft; 2. Output housing; 3. Lock cylinder mechanism; 31. Lock shell; 32. Lock tongue; 33. Return spring; 34. Lever; 341. First shaft; 35. Elastic transmission component; 36. Drive plate; 37. Drive motor; 381. Worm gear; 382. Worm wheel; 383. Second shaft; 384. Drive gear; 385. Third shaft; 386. Driven gear; 39. Circuit board; 391. Position sensor; 41. Fixed ring plate; 42. Lock ring; 43. Lock groove; 44. Positioning groove; 51. Centrifugal throwing block; 511. Drive pin; 52. Rotating shaft; 53. Torsion spring; 54. Limiting ring; 541. Clearance groove; 542. Extension plate; 543. Drive groove. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] This specific embodiment is merely an explanation of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art can make modifications to this embodiment without contributing any inventive step, but such modifications are protected by patent law as long as they are within the scope of the claims of the present invention. Example 1:

[0025] A mechanical lock device for improving security, as described in reference Figures 1 to 8 It includes a lock cylinder mechanism 3 and a lock ring 42; the mechanical lock device in this embodiment is a built-in lock, which is installed inside the hub or hub motor; that is, the lock cylinder mechanism 3 is fixedly sleeved on the main shaft 1, and the lock ring 42 is fixedly connected to the output housing 2. After the lock cylinder mechanism 3 and the lock ring 42 are engaged, the output housing 2 is fixed relative to the main shaft 1, thereby realizing locking.

[0026] Reference Figures 1 to 8In this embodiment, the lock cylinder mechanism 3 includes a bolt 32 and a drive motor 37 for controlling the bolt 32 to extend and engage with the lock ring 42. The mechanical lock device in this embodiment also includes an electrical control protection mechanism and a mechanical protection mechanism. Specifically, the electrical control protection mechanism includes: when the rotational speed of the lock ring 42 is greater than a first set value, even if the lock cylinder mechanism 3 receives a locking signal, it will not start the drive motor 37 to control the bolt 32 to extend, preventing the bolt 32 from engaging with the lock ring 42. Preferably, the first set value is 0. Of course, in other optional embodiments, the first set value can also be adjusted as needed. The speed can be adjusted to be greater than 0, and there is no restriction here. That is to say, when the wheel is rotating, the speed of the output housing 2 and the lock ring 42 is greater than 0. Even if the operator performs the locking control, the lock cylinder mechanism 3 will not start the drive motor 37 to control the lock tongue 32 to extend after receiving the locking signal, and will not lock. This can avoid accidental locking during riding and improve riding safety. The sensor can be set on the frame to detect whether the wheel is rotating, or the sensor can be set in the output housing to detect whether the output housing and the lock ring are rotating. There is no restriction here.

[0027] Reference Figures 1 to 8 When the rotational speed of the locking ring 42 is greater than the second set value, the mechanical protection mechanism is used to prevent the locking tongue 32 from engaging with the locking ring 42. That is to say, in this embodiment, the electronic control protection mechanism and the mechanical protection mechanism work together to achieve dual protection. Even if the electronic control fails and the electronic control protection mechanism cannot be executed, the mechanical protection mechanism can still prevent accidental locking while riding, thereby improving riding safety. Of course, in other optional embodiments, only the electronic control protection mechanism or the mechanical protection mechanism can be used, which is not limited here.

[0028] Reference Figures 1 to 8 Specifically, the lock ring 42 is provided with multiple circumferentially distributed lock grooves 43; the mechanical protection mechanism includes a limiting ring 54 for opening or closing the lock grooves 43, and a centrifugal swing block 51 for driving the limiting ring 54 to rotate; when the rotation speed of the lock ring 42 is greater than the second set value, the centrifugal swing block 51 is in the swing-out state, and the limiting ring 54 closes the lock grooves 43, so that the lock tongue 32 cannot be inserted into the lock grooves 43; that is, when the wheel is rotating, the rotation speed of the output housing 2 and the lock ring 42 is greater than the second set value. Even if the operator performs locking control, the lock cylinder mechanism 3 will start the drive motor 37 to control the lock tongue 32 to extend after receiving the locking signal. However, the limiting ring 54 closes the lock grooves 43, so that the lock tongue 32 cannot be inserted into the lock grooves 43 to lock, thereby avoiding accidental locking while riding and improving riding safety.

[0029] Reference Figures 1 to 8Specifically, in this embodiment, a fixing ring plate 41 is provided at one end of the locking ring 42, and the fixing ring plate 41 is fixedly connected to the output housing 2; a rotating shaft 52 is provided between the centrifugal throwing block 51 and the fixing ring plate 41, and the centrifugal throwing block 51 is located on the radial outer side of the locking ring 42; setting the centrifugal throwing block 51 on the fixing ring plate 41 can simplify the structure and facilitate assembly; of course, in other optional embodiments, the centrifugal throwing block 51 can also be installed on other parts, such as the output housing 2, which is not limited here; a torsion spring 53 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 52, and the two ends of the torsion spring 53 are respectively connected to the centrifugal throwing block 51 and the fixing ring plate 41; the elastic force of the torsion spring 53 makes the centrifugal throwing block 51 have a tendency to contract inward; a plurality of circumferentially distributed clearance grooves 541 are provided on the limiting ring 54, and the plurality of clearance grooves 541 are respectively connected to a plurality of The locking groove 43 is engaged; when the centrifugal swing block 51 is in the retracted state, the clearance groove 541 is opposite to the locking groove 43, so the locking tongue 32 can pass through the clearance groove 541 and extend into the locking groove 43 to achieve locking; when the wheel rotates to a certain speed, that is, the speed of the output housing 2 and the locking ring 42 is greater than the second set value, the centrifugal swing block 51 switches from the retracted state to the swing open state. When the centrifugal swing block 51 rotates, it drives the limiting ring 54 to rotate, so that the clearance groove 541 and the locking groove 43 are offset circumferentially, and the limiting ring 54 closes the locking groove 43, so the locking tongue 32 cannot extend into the locking groove 43; in this embodiment, the centrifugal swing block 51 needs a certain speed to switch to the swing open state, so the second set value is greater than 0, and the specific value can be selected according to needs; therefore, in this embodiment, the first set value is 0, and the second set value is a value greater than 0.

[0030] Reference Figures 1 to 8 Specifically, the outer wall of the limiting ring 54 is provided with an extension plate 542, and a drive groove 543 is provided on the extension plate 542. The centrifugal throwing block 51 is provided with a drive pin 511 embedded in the drive groove 543. After the centrifugal throwing block 51 rotates around the rotating shaft 52, the drive pin 511 contacts the inner wall of the drive groove 543, thereby driving the limiting ring 54 to rotate. In this embodiment, the lock cylinder mechanism 3 is located inside the lock ring 42, and the lock tongue 32 can extend radially outward to engage with the lock ring 42. Preferably, the inner wall of the lock ring 42 is provided with a positioning groove 44, and the limiting ring 54 is rotatably embedded in the positioning groove 44, thereby improving the stability of the limiting ring 54. The positioning groove 44 includes an axial opening, and the limiting ring 54 is embedded in the positioning groove 44 from the axial opening. Therefore, in this embodiment, the mechanical protection mechanism is integrated on the lock ring to form an assembly module, which can then be directly installed in the output housing 2. This simplifies the structure, facilitates assembly, and provides good stability.

[0031] Reference Figures 1 to 8In this embodiment, the lock cylinder mechanism also includes a lock housing 31, a drive plate 36 rotatably disposed within the lock housing 31, a lever 34 rotatably disposed within the lock housing 31, an elastic transmission component 35 disposed between the drive plate 36 and the lever 34, a worm gear assembly and a gear reduction assembly disposed between the drive plate 36 and the drive motor 37, a position sensor 391, a circuit board 39, and a return spring 33. The return spring 33 is disposed between the latch 32 and the lock housing 31. The elastic force of the return spring 33 causes the latch 32 to tend to extend out of the lock housing 31. Therefore, the use of the return spring 33 in this embodiment can, on the one hand, promote the rapid extension of the latch 32 to achieve locking, and on the other hand, even if the drive structure acting on the latch 32 is damaged, the return spring 33 can still cause the latch 32 to extend to achieve locking, preventing vehicle theft and improving security.

[0032] Reference Figures 1 to 8 In this embodiment, a drive hole is provided on the latch 32, and the lever 34 extends into the drive hole, with the lever 34 in contact with the inner wall of the drive hole. In this embodiment, the elastic transmission member 35 is used to transmit tension and pressure, specifically a tension spring. That is, the pressure of the drive plate 36 is applied to the lever 34 through the elastic transmission member 35, and the lever 34 overcomes the elastic force of the return spring 33 to press the latch 32 down to the retracted state. After the drive plate 36 rotates, it applies tension to the elastic transmission member 35, which drives the lever 34 to rotate and drives the latch 32 to extend outward. If the latch 32 extends directly into the lock groove 43, locking is achieved; if the latch 32 contacts the inner wall of the lock ring 42, the latch 32 extends into the lock groove 43 to achieve locking when one of the lock grooves 43 on the lock ring 42 rotates to be opposite to the latch 32; when the latch 32 contacts the inner wall of the lock ring 42, the latch 32 is continuously subjected to an outward elastic force, and the collision between the latch 32 and the lock ring 42 will not affect the drive motor 37, thus avoiding damage to the drive motor 37 and improving the reliability and service life of the lock cylinder mechanism 3.

[0033] Reference Figures 1 to 8Specifically, two first shafts 341 are symmetrically arranged on the lever 34. The first shafts 341 are embedded in the lock housing 31, so the lever 34 can rotate around the first shafts 341. The gear reduction assembly includes a second shaft 383 and a third shaft 385 embedded in the lock housing 31. A driving gear 384 is fixedly sleeved on the second shaft 383, and a driven gear 386 is fixedly sleeved on the third shaft 385. The drive plate 36 is fixedly sleeved on the third shaft 385. In this embodiment, the gear reduction assembly also includes a drive gear 384 fixedly sleeved on the third shaft 385. Multiple transmission gears exist between gear 384 and driven gear 386; the worm gear assembly includes a worm 381 mounted on the drive motor 37 and a worm wheel 382 fixedly sleeved on the second shaft 383; then, the drive motor 37 drives the second shaft 383 to rotate via the worm gear assembly, the second shaft 383 drives the drive gear 384 to rotate, the drive gear 384 drives the driven gear 386 and the third shaft 385 to rotate, and the third shaft 385 drives the drive plate 36 to rotate, thereby performing locking and unlocking actions.

[0034] Reference Figures 1 to 8 In this embodiment, a worm gear assembly is used. On the one hand, its self-locking function can be used to improve the stability of drive control. On the other hand, it can change the transmission direction, which facilitates the arrangement of the drive motor 37. A gear reduction assembly is used to achieve speed reduction and torque increase, thereby improving the reliability of drive control. In this embodiment, the drive motor 37 and the position sensor 391 are respectively connected to the circuit board 39. The position sensor 391 is used to detect the position state of the locking tongue 32, thereby providing feedback on whether the locking tongue 32 has performed a locking or unlocking action, which can improve security. Example 2:

[0035] A mechanical lock device for improving security, as described in reference Figures 1 to 11 Based on Example 1, the difference between this example and Example 1 is that: in this example, the lock cylinder mechanism 3 is located outside the lock ring 42, the centrifugal throwing block 51 is located radially outside the lock cylinder mechanism 3, and the lock tongue 32 can extend radially inward to engage with the lock ring 42; the outer wall of the lock ring 42 is provided with a positioning groove 44, and the limiting ring 54 is rotatably embedded in the positioning groove 44. Example 3:

[0036] A type of flower drum, reference Figures 1 to 11 It includes the security-enhancing mechanical lock device described in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2. Example 4:

[0037] A hub motor, reference Figures 1 to 11 It includes the security-enhancing mechanical lock device described in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2.

Claims

1. A mechanical lock device for improving security, characterized in that: It includes a lock cylinder mechanism and a lock ring; the lock cylinder mechanism includes a bolt and a drive motor for controlling the bolt to extend to engage with the lock ring; The device also includes an electronic protection mechanism and / or a mechanical protection mechanism; when the rotational speed of the lock ring is greater than a set value, the electronic protection mechanism or the mechanical protection mechanism is used to prevent the lock tongue from engaging with the lock ring; The lock ring is provided with a lock groove that cooperates with the lock tongue; the mechanical protection mechanism includes a limiting ring for opening or closing the lock groove, and a centrifugal swing block for driving the limiting ring to rotate; the limiting ring is provided with a clearance groove that cooperates with the lock groove; When the centrifugal throwing block is in the retracted state, the relief groove is opposite to the locking groove, so the locking tongue can pass through the relief groove and extend into the locking groove. When the rotation speed of the lock ring is greater than the second set value, the centrifugal swing block switches from the contracted state to the swing open state. When the centrifugal swing block rotates, it drives the limiting ring to rotate, causing the clearance groove and the lock groove to be misaligned circumferentially. The limiting ring closes the lock groove, preventing the lock tongue from extending into the lock groove.

2. The mechanical lock device for improving security according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electronic control protection mechanism includes: when the rotational speed of the lock ring is greater than a first set value, even if the lock cylinder mechanism receives a locking signal, it will not start the drive motor to control the extension of the lock tongue.

3. The mechanical lock device for improving security according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side wall of the locking ring is provided with a positioning groove, and the limiting ring is rotatably embedded in the positioning groove.

4. The mechanical lock device for improving security according to claim 1, characterized in that: A fixed ring plate is provided on the locking ring, and a rotating shaft is provided between the centrifugal throwing block and the fixed ring plate. The centrifugal throwing block is located on the radial outer side of the locking ring.

5. The mechanical lock device for improving security according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lock cylinder mechanism is located inside the lock ring, and the lock tongue can extend radially outward to engage with the lock ring; Alternatively, the lock cylinder mechanism is located outside the lock ring, and the bolt can extend radially inward to engage with the lock ring.

6. The mechanical lock device for improving security according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lock cylinder mechanism also includes a lock housing, a drive plate rotatably disposed within the lock housing, a lever rotatably disposed within the lock housing, and an elastic transmission component disposed between the drive plate and the lever; The lever acts on the bolt to move it.

7. The mechanical lock device for improving security according to claim 6, characterized in that: The latch has a drive hole, the lever extends into the drive hole, and the lever is in contact with the inner wall of the drive hole.

8. The mechanical lock device for improving security according to claim 6, characterized in that: A return spring is provided between the bolt and the lock housing, and the elastic force of the return spring causes the bolt to tend to extend out of the lock housing.

9. The mechanical lock device for improving security according to claim 6, characterized in that: A gear reduction assembly is provided between the drive motor and the drive board.

10. The mechanical lock device for improving security according to claim 6, characterized in that: A worm gear assembly is provided between the drive motor and the drive plate.

11. The mechanical lock device for improving security according to claim 6, characterized in that: The lock housing is equipped with a position sensor for detecting the position status of the bolt.

12. A flower drum, characterized in that: The invention includes the mechanical lock device for improving security as described in any one of claims 1-11.

13. A hub motor, characterized in that: The invention includes the mechanical lock device for improving security as described in any one of claims 1-11.