Locking device for bicycle
By integrating an electronically controlled locking device into the bicycle frame, a combination of permanent magnets and solenoids is used to achieve mechanical blocking of the pedal crank, solving the problem of existing bicycle locks being easily cracked, and improving anti-theft and ease of use.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202480008841.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-01-23
- Filing Date
- 2024-01-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-12
AI Technical Summary
Existing bicycle locking devices can be easily circumvented or bypassed by criminals and are visible from the outside, making bicycles vulnerable to theft. Traditional locking devices are also inconvenient to use and exposed to bad weather.
Design a locking device integrated into the bicycle frame that is activated or deactivated by an electronic control unit to prevent the pedal crank from rotating. The device uses a combination of permanent magnets and solenoids to achieve mechanical blocking without the need for a mechanical key.
The invention improves the anti-theft property of the bicycle, reduces the possibility of the device being touched, does not affect the sports performance of the bicycle, is easy to use and is not easy to be cracked.
Smart Images
Figure CN120641319A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to an innovative locking device for a bicycle. Specifically, the locking device is configured to be integrated into the frame of the bicycle itself and, once activated, prevents free rotation of the pedal cranks. Background Art
[0002] In the field of bicycle protection devices against theft, many devices for this purpose are known in the prior art.
[0003] Many bicycles are parked in unsupervised areas and are at risk of theft. Various types of bolts are known in the prior art for tying and securing bicycles to stands or poles to prevent theft. Round, plastic-coated mesh padlocks, padlocks of various shapes (D-shaped, U-shaped, etc.), key padlocks, and combination padlocks are widely used. These types of locking devices are often used for transporting heavy objects, which can be forgotten and exposed to the elements and dust during use. Heaviness is often an important factor in selecting a device, as it determines its greater security.
[0004] Light or very light locking devices are also known, which, however, are not entirely safe and / or convenient to use.
[0005] In addition to the poor reliability of some locking devices, we must also consider that some people lack the skills to properly tie their bicycles. Locking devices that are incorporated into bicycles are also known in the prior art, thus avoiding the bicycle user having to carry a separate lock - the separate lock being operated by a key accessible from the outside of the bicycle frame.
[0006] The biggest weakness of traditional bicycle locking devices lies in the fact that they are visible and have a release mechanism that can be easily circumvented or bypassed: bad guys have now developed special keys with which they can deactivate many of these devices in a very short time, leaving the bicycle unconstrained and therefore easily removed.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need to create an innovative device for locking a bicycle to prevent theft that does not have the disadvantages of known devices. Summary of the Invention
[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide an innovative locking device for a bicycle which cannot be easily circumvented or bypassed by criminals and which is not visible from the outside.
[0009] This object is achieved by means of a bicycle locking device integrated into a bicycle frame, which, once activated, prevents the free rotation of the pedal cranks. Thus, a bicycle with an active locking device is unusable, and only the owner or user of the bicycle can engage and disengage the locking device using an electronic key.
[0010] Advantageously, the locking device is located inside the bicycle frame and is therefore difficult to access. This does not allow easy tampering, which is only possible by disassembling the bicycle itself.
[0011] Advantageously, the locking device, once activated, has the ability to minimize the kinematic behavior of the bicycle because it prevents rotation of the pedal cranks.
[0012] Advantageously, the locking device is configured to be extremely easily enabled (activated) / deactivated using electronics, thus without the use of a mechanical key.
[0013] Therefore, according to the present invention, a bicycle locking device is defined as specified in the appended independent product claim.
[0014] According to another object, a bicycle provided with a locking device is defined according to the attached independent product claim.
[0015] Further preferred and / or particularly advantageous ways of implementing the invention are described according to the features set out in the accompanying dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some non-limiting embodiments, and in which:
[0017] - Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a locking device installed in a bottom bracket of a bicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated;
[0018] - Figure 2 The figure shows a perspective view of the connection between the shaft and the gear according to the present invention,
[0019] - Figure 3 The figure shows an exploded perspective view of the coupling of the shaft, gear and external grooved body according to the present invention,
[0020] - Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a locking device according to the present invention,
[0021] - Figure 5 The figure shows a perspective view of a pedal and a crank according to the present invention,
[0022] - Figure 6 A sectional view illustrating a detail of a locking device according to the invention,
[0023] - Figure 7 a sectional view illustrating further details of the locking device according to the invention in an enlarged scale,
[0024] - Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a longitudinal section of a bushing according to the invention,
[0025] - Figure 9 The diagram shows the Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of a detail of the locking device within the bushing,
[0026] - Figure 10 1 is a schematic perspective view of a locking device installed in a bottom bracket of a bicycle in a second embodiment of the present invention,
[0027] - Figure 11 The three-dimensional diagram shows the Figure 10 The coupling of the shaft of the embodiment,
[0028] - Figure 12 The diagram shows Figure 10 A perspective view of a detail of the outer body of an embodiment,
[0029] - Figure 13 illustrates a plan view of a triangular element of a locking device,
[0030] - Figure 14 Pictured Figure 13 Axonometric drawing of a triangular element,
[0031] - Figure 15 illustrates a plan view of a polygonal element of a locking device,
[0032] - Figure 16 Pictured Figure 15 Axonometric drawing of a triangular element,
[0033] - Figure 17 The diagram shows Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a detail of a locking device of an embodiment,
[0034] - Figure 18 The diagram shows Figure 10 a sectional view of a second detail of the locking device of an embodiment,
[0035] - Figure 19 and Figure 20 The diagram shows Figure 10 a sectional view of a third detail of the locking device of an embodiment,
[0036] - Figure 21 The diagram shows Figure 10An axonometric view of the solenoid of the locking device of an embodiment,
[0037] - Figure 22 Another configuration of the eccentric circular element of the locking device is illustrated.
[0038] - Figure 23 Pictured Figure 22 Details of the components in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] refer to Figures 1 to 23 The present invention relates to a bicycle locking device 100, 101 comprising: a central shaft 1, 1' rotatable around its own longitudinal axis, an engagement element 2, 2' located between the shaft 1, 1' and a stationary outer body 3, 3'.
[0040] In the first embodiment of the invention, the central shaft 1 is provided with an external radial protrusion 31, a gear 2 having an external radial protrusion 32′ and an internal radial protrusion 32″, and a stationary outer body 3 having radial protrusions 33 on its inner surface. The three elements are in a position of meshing with each other in the engaged state. This meshing is implemented by means of an external command and blocks the pedal crank 14 ( Figure 5 ) Rotation of the pedal crank 14 is possible without the engagement of these elements.
[0041] To achieve the engaged state, a slight manual rotation of the central shaft 1 facilitates the entry of the inner radial protrusion 32 ″ of the gear 2 into the mutual engagement surface of the radial protrusion 31 of the shaft 1 by rotating the pedal crank 14 which is integral with the shaft 1 itself, while the outer radial protrusion 32 ′ of the gear 2 always remains in meshing engagement with the mutual engagement surface of the radial protrusion 33 of the outer body 3.
[0042] Advantageously, the central axis 1 is in turn firmly connected to the pedal cranks 14 and therefore to the pedals 15 according to known techniques: in this way the rotation of the pedals 15 is prevented and the bicycle cannot therefore be used by the user ( Figure 5 ).
[0043] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG1 —a locking device 100 assembled on a shaft 1 and in an engaged state—the locking device 100 further comprises a pair of rolling bearings 7, a first housing bushing 5 having an external thread, a second housing bushing 6 having an external thread, an actuator device comprising a permanent magnet 16 and a solenoid 17, and a cable 10 ( Figure 6 ).
[0044] According to an embodiment of the invention, the housing bushings 5 , 6 are provided with shoulders 5 ′.
[0045] like Figure 5As shown in FIG, the locking device 100 is housed inside the frame 12 of the bicycle, in a portion 23 connecting the central axle 1 and the pedal crank 14 , which in turn is equipped with a pedal 15 .
[0046] Advantageously, the cable 10 is connected to the electronic actuation and control means 13 ( Figure 1 ), the electronic actuation and control device is also positioned inside or outside the vehicle frame for adequate protection, but has parts accessible from the outside. Using this electronic actuation and control device, the user activates and deactivates the anti-theft device. The device can be operated, for example, by fingerprint using a small display located on the device, or by entering a code, or even remotely using a smartphone (the latter is not part of the present invention), or even by communicating with an electronic signal from a device communicating using NFC (Near Field Communication) technology or from a remote control when connected via an electrical connector to a device communicating using NFC (Near Field Communication) technology.
[0047] Advantageously, the electronic control unit 13 is configured to be difficult to copy and is therefore unlike a normal mechanical key and is not readily visible.
[0048] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the electronic control unit 13 is configured to be removable. In this way, the device can be portable and include a battery and a bicycle identifier, for example based on NFC technology. In other words, the electronic control unit 13 is configured as an electronic key that powers the anti-theft device during the arming and disarming phases. With this configuration, the remote control is plugged into a corresponding socket (also equipped with NFC technology) housed on the bicycle frame, from which the cable 10 extends. Communication of the electronic code associated with the bicycle can be accomplished via NFC technology or simply via the cable.
[0049] The operation of the locking device 100 comprises an activation phase by sending an electronic command, which is powered by a battery present inside the electronic control unit 13. This electronic control unit 13 reaches and activates the actuating device comprising a magnet 16 and a solenoid 17 via a cable 10. In particular, the magnet 16 is a permanent magnet, polarized to the north pole over the entire outer surface and to the south pole on the inner surface, or vice versa - to the south pole over the entire outer surface and to the north pole on the inner surface. Figure 6 As shown in FIG, a magnet 16 is stably fixed to the outer body 3 and generates a radial magnetic field. A solenoid 17 is formed by a copper wire wound around a bushing 18, free to translate on the central axis 1.
[0050] As already mentioned, when the solenoid 17 is activated, a current flows through the solenoid 17 by means of an electrical pulse generated by the electronic control unit 13. This current is perpendicular to the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 16 and generates a radial magnetic field. The combination of the current and the magnetic flux lines generates an axial magnetic force that pushes the solenoid 17 (because it is free to translate) towards the radial protrusion 31 of the central shaft 1, or in the opposite direction (depending on the direction of the current). Specifically ( Figure 7 ), the solenoid 17 is integrally connected to the gear 2 by means of radial projections 20 of a bushing 18, which engage in corresponding grooves 21 of the gear 2 and thus enable it to be moved longitudinally in two ways. In addition, by means of projections 22 ( Figure 9 ), it remains stable in its position in the event of jolts, rotations, or shocks to the entire bottom bracket and / or bicycle.
[0051] As the gear 2 moves axially, the gear 2 engages with the central shaft 1 and the outer body 3. More specifically, while the outer radial protrusions 32' of the gear 2 always remain in meshing engagement with the mutual engagement surfaces of the radial protrusions 33 of the outer body 3, mutual engagement between the inner radial protrusions 32" of the gear 2 and the radial protrusions 31 of the central shaft 1 is also achieved. Thus, the shaft 1 and the wheel 2 are configured such that, in a state in which the locking device 100 is activated, they are in a position in which they are engaged with each other, and in a state in which the locking device 100 is deactivated, they are in a position in which they are disengaged from each other.
[0052] The radial grooves or protrusions allow three elements to be integrated or in any case to have very small mutual angular play: the central shaft 1, the wheel 2 and the body 3. The device 100 cannot rotate in its housing and therefore in the bicycle frame, since both the device 100 and its housing are provided with coaxial radial holes and formed for the pin 11 ( Figure 1 The pin 11, which is not easily removable, is inserted into the two holes interferingly, creating a permanent mechanical block.
[0053] Advantageously, the locking device 100 further comprises means for locking the solenoid 17 (e.g. Figure 9 22 as shown in the figure) to prevent disarming or even arming without an electrical pulse by placing the bicycle in a horizontal position causing a shake or on uneven ground when the bicycle is in motion.
[0054] like Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown in FIG, the solenoid 17 is wound on a bushing 18 of suitable shape (two identical half bushings), which is hooked onto the gear 2 in a stable manner by means of radial protrusions 20. This connection, made when installing the locking device 100, remains stable throughout the life of the device. This connection is necessary in order to transmit the longitudinal movement of the solenoid 17 to the gear 2 in both directions. Figure 8 As shown in the figure, the bushing 18, which must be mounted on the central shaft 1 provided with the shoulder 9, is made in two halves: these two parts, close together, enclose the central shaft 1, creating a seat for the coiled solenoid 17. The two bushing halves, joined and wound by the wire forming the solenoid, have an inner diameter greater than that of the shaft 1, so as to enable frictionless longitudinal sliding. Alternatively, a bushing 18 with an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the shoulder 9 could be used: in this case, the bushing does not have to be made in two identical halves, but in a single piece.
[0055] like Figure 9 As shown in FIG , the bushing 18 must be locked longitudinally in two positions at rest: the position in which the locking device 100 is activated and the deactivated position. Without a locking device for the bushing 18, any movement or rotation of the bottom bracket or of the entire bicycle, which could tilt the axis of rotation, could cause the bushing 18 to move longitudinally and therefore the wheel (integrated therewith) by two teeth and thus change the state of the anti-theft device from active to deactivated and vice versa.
[0056] In order to avoid this, the cylindrical element 19, which has a radial axis relative to the entire locking device 100, is provided with two radial protrusions 22 ( Figure 9 ). These protrusions 22 are configured to resist the passage of the bushing 18, which manages to have sufficient thrust to overcome these obstacles only after the solenoid 17 is electrically excited. Alternatively, the two protrusions 22 are made of a separate object from the cylinder 19.
[0057] According to the second embodiment of the present invention, Figures 10 to 23 As shown in FIG, a bicycle locking device 101 comprises a central shaft 1 rotatable about its own longitudinal axis, an element 2 ′ interposed between the shaft 1 ′ and an outer body 3 ′ fixed by means of a pin 11 and integral with the bicycle.
[0058] In the engaged state, the three elements are in an engaged position with one another.
[0059] The element 2' may be an insert of polygonal profile circumscribed to the shaft 1', such as Figure 10 、 Figures 13 to 16 、 Figure 23As shown in FIG, the outline has an eccentric circular shape, a square shape, a triangular shape or a hexagonal shape.
[0060] Specifically, Figure 10 An embodiment of the element 2' is shown, which comprises four flat faces, two by two parallel and of equal length. It is inserted between the outer body 3' and the shaft 1', which is free to rotate by translation and therefore by sliding. In this configuration, as Figure 11 As shown in FIG, for a certain longitudinal length, the shaft 1 'has a square profile cross section limited to the housing diameter of the ball / roller bearing and sized slightly smaller than the internal profile of the element 2' to facilitate insertion and disconnection (reducing sliding friction). The outer body 3' also has a square profile cavity with sides slightly longer than the sides of the element 2' ( Figure 17 ), to create a seat 30 : similar to the shaft 1 ', this section is slightly larger than the dimensions of the element 2 ', to facilitate sliding.
[0061] Insertion is possible when the shaft 1' is in an angular position such that the four faces are parallel to the internal faces of the element 2'. Figure 17 , only in this configuration can a translation of the element 2 ′ take place from the first position A to the second position B. Thus, also in this second embodiment, the shaft 1 ′ and the element 2 ′ are configured such that, in the activated state of the locking device 101 , they are in a position engaged with one another, while in the deactivated state of the locking device 101 , they are in a position disengaged from one another.
[0062] The translation of the element 2' within the outer body 3' is always guaranteed, since Figure 12 As shown in FIG, a seat 30 is made in this outer body 3 ′, the section of which is equal to the section of the element 2 ′ and the length of which is such that the element 2 ′ always has an angular lock therein.
[0063] In addition, if Figure 18 As shown in FIG, the element 2' can translate in two longitudinal directions because it is integral with the solenoid 17' and the bushing 18'. When a direct current flows through the solenoid 17' immersed in a radial magnetic field, it translates in one direction, pushing or pulling the element 2' depending on the direction of the current. In order to integrally connect the solenoid 17' and the bushing 18' to the element 2', which may be of any shape, a lateral extension or appendage 18'a of the bushing 18' can be produced (e.g. Figure 21 ). These appendages 18'a "surround" the element 2', accommodating it when the device is mounted and ensuring a stable connection. In fact, the bushing 18' is made of a highly elastic material, such as plastic, and the element 2' easily deforms when inserted, but never during operation. In order to create the space required for the appendages 18'a, it is necessary to remove some material from the outer body 3' ( Figure 12Detail 3'a) produces a ring.
[0064] like Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown in the figure, in order to keep the solenoid 17', the bushing 18' and the element 2' integral with each other in a stable position (the burglar alarm is triggered or disarmed), a radial protrusion 1 is produced towards the outside of the shaft 1' and along its entire circumference, the outer diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the hole of the bushing 18' to ensure normal lateral sliding.
[0065] A radial protrusion 18 ′ b may be formed on the bushing 18 ′ toward the inside along the entire circumference thereof, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the shaft 1 ′ to ensure contactless translation thereof.
[0066] In particular, when the solenoid 17' and the bushing 18' are moved by translation on the shaft 1', the shape and relative diameters of the two protrusions 1'a and 18'b cause these two elements to collide with each other. Therefore, when the anti-theft device is activated or deactivated, it is necessary to generate additional forces in both transverse directions, generated by the solenoid 17', the current and the magnetic field, to overcome this obstacle.
[0067] By utilizing appropriate geometry, a stop is thus created in the translation between shaft 1' and solenoid 17'-sleeve 18', thus preventing abnormal movements: for example, if the anti-theft device is triggered and the bicycle is folded, solenoid 17' and bushing 18', under their weight, can move freely, disarming the anti-theft alarm. Similarly, when the anti-theft device is disarmed and shaft 1' is rotating (the user is pedaling), after a collision while turning or when the bicycle is tilted at an excessive angle, solenoid 17' and bushing 18' could slip and push element 22' between shaft 1' and outer body 3', thereby unexpectedly blocking pedaling. Advantageously, the proposed solution is an alternative that avoids both of these abnormal operations.
[0068] In addition, Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown in , the element 2' can be of eccentric circular shape, so that its profile on the shaft 1' and the external body 3' is circular, but with a construction axis and a mutual translation offset relative to the axis of rotation of the shaft 1' and the external body 3' inside the bicycle.
[0069] Another subject of the invention is a bicycle, characterised in that it comprises at least one locking device 100 , 101 according to the invention.
[0070] Advantageously, the locking devices 100 , 101 are arranged at a location inside the bicycle frame that is not easily visible.
[0071] In addition to the above-described embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that many other variations exist. It should also be understood that the embodiments described are merely illustrative and do not limit the purpose of the present invention, its application, or its possible configurations. On the contrary, although the above description enables those skilled in the art to implement the present invention according to at least one of the exemplary configurations of the present invention, it should be understood that, without departing from the purpose of the present invention as defined in the appended claims, multiple variations of the described components can be envisioned.
Claims
1. A bicycle locking device (100, 101), comprising: - a central shaft (1, 1') which rotates around its longitudinal axis, - an outer body (3, 3'), which is stationary, - an element (2, 2') engaging between the shaft (1, 1') and the outer body (3, 3'), wherein the shaft (1, 1') and the element (2, 2') are configured such that in an activated state of the locking device (100, 101), they are in an engaged position with respect to one another, and in a deactivated state of the locking device (100, 101), they are in a non-engaged position with respect to one another; - an actuating device (16, 17, 17') connected to the electronic control device (13) by means of a cable (10), The locking device (100, 101) is characterized in that the actuating device comprises a permanent magnet (16) integral with the external body (3, 3') and a solenoid (17, 17') integral with the element (2, 2'), the solenoid being configured so that an electric pulse generated by the electronic control device (13) perpendicular to the radial magnetic field of the permanent magnet (16) excites a current in one direction in an activated state and in the opposite direction in a deactivated state, thereby generating an axial magnetic force, which causes the solenoid (17, 17') and therefore the element (2, 2') to move axially in two directions, thereby causing an engaged or disengaged position to occur between the shaft (1, 1'), the element (2, 2') and the external body (3, 3').
2. The locking device (100) according to claim 1, wherein: - the central shaft (1) is provided with radially outer protrusions (31), - the element (2) is a gear provided with a radially outer protrusion (32') and a radially inner protrusion (32'), - the outer body (3) is provided with radial protrusions (33) on its inner surface, wherein The corresponding radial outer protrusions (32') of the wheel (2) engage with the corresponding radial protrusions (33) of the outer body (3), and wherein The respective radial protrusions (31) of the central shaft (1) and the corresponding radial protrusions (32") of the wheel (2) are configured so that in an activated state of the locking device (100), they are in a position in which they engage with each other, and in a deactivated state of the locking device (100), they are in a position in which they do not engage with each other.
3. The locking device (100) according to claim 2, wherein The solenoid (17) is a copper wire wound on a bushing (18) provided with radial projections (20) that engage in corresponding grooves (21) of the gear wheel (2), thereby creating a stable coupling between the bushing (18) and the wheel (2).
4. The locking device (101) according to claim 1, wherein: - the element (2') is an insert of polygonal profile circumscribing said shaft (1'), - The outer body (3') has a cavity with a polygonal profile, the length of the sides of which is slightly longer than the sides of the element (2'), and is configured to create a seat (30) for the element (2'), so that in the activated state of the locking device (101), the element (2') is inside the seat (30) in the engaged position, and in the deactivated state of the locking device (101), it is outside the seat (30) in the non-engaged position.
5. The locking device (101) according to claim 1, wherein The element (2') has an eccentric circular shape, the axis of which is offset relative to the axis of rotation of the shaft (1') and the axis of the outer body (3').
6. The locking device (101) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein The solenoid (17') is a copper wire wound on a bushing (18') provided with transverse appendages (18'a) configured to stably hold the element (2').
7. The locking device (100, 101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The bushings (18, 18') are locked in two positions in the longitudinal direction by a bushing locking device.
8. The locking device (100, 101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein In the engaged state of the locking device (100), the pedal crank (14) integral with the central shaft (1, 1') is blocked from rotating.
9. The locking device (100, 101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The permanent magnet (16) is polarized to north pole on the entire outer surface and to south pole on the inner surface, or the permanent magnet is polarized to south pole on the entire outer surface and to north pole on the inner surface.
10. The locking device (100, 101) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The locking device is housed in the frame (12) of the bicycle, in the connection between the central axis (1, 1') and the pedal crank (14), blocked by a pin (11).
11. A bicycle, characterized in that: It comprises at least one locking device (100, 101) according to one of claims 1 to 10, which is arranged in a housing within a bicycle frame.
12. The bicycle according to claim 11, wherein The locking device (100, 101) further comprises a pin (11) arranged in a radial hole of the locking device (100, 101) and in a corresponding radial and coaxial hole of the housing so that the locking device (100, 101) cannot rotate within the housing.