Immobilizer for a bicycle and bicycle with such an immobilizer

Abstract

The invention relates to an immobilizer (10) for a bicycle (100) or motorcycle comprising • a braking device (1) for braking and locking at least one wheel (103) of the bicycle (100), • an actuator (2) for indirect actuation of the braking device (1), • an actuating device (3) which is connected to the actuator (2) via signal transmission, and • a self-locking transmission (4) which is effectively arranged between the actuator (2) and the brake device (1), (power flow) wherein a switching signal is transmitted at least indirectly from the actuating device (3) to the actuator (2) for the activation and deactivation of the immobilizer (10), wherein the actuator (2) at least indirectly actuates the brake device (1) via the self-locking transmission (4). Furthermore, the invention relates to a bicycle (100) or motorcycle with at least two wheels (102, 103) and such an immobilizer (10).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an immobilizer for a bicycle with a braking device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a bicycle with at least two wheels and such an immobilizer.

[0002] Bicycles are commonly known that can be powered by an electric motor in addition to the rider's drive power. Such bicycles are also known as electric bicycles, pedelecs, or e-bikes. The cyclist's drive power is usually supported by the electric motor in accordance with the rider's input and the torque supplied by the electric motor. The electric motor can be arranged as a mid-drive motor near the pedal crankshaft or as a wheel drive directly on the respective drive wheel.

[0003] Therefore, a bicycle is understood not only as a classic bicycle without a motor, but also as a bicycle with a motor. In particular, this also includes cargo bikes with multiple wheels, especially three or four wheels. Furthermore, motorcycles that do not require any propulsion power from a user but are powered by the motor also fall within the scope of the immobilizer according to the invention. Like a motorcycle, a bicycle is a vehicle that can be used by at least one user.

[0004] For example, WO 2016 / 173 804 A1 discloses an immobilizer for a bicycle that can be switched from a locked state to a driving state. The immobilizer includes means for tamper-proof attachment of the immobilizer to the bicycle and a control unit for switching the immobilizer from the locked state to the driving state and vice versa. The control unit has a receiver for wirelessly transmitted signals from an associated mobile transmitter and means for determining its distance from the portable transmitter. The control unit switches the immobilizer to the locked state when the distance exceeds a threshold and the bicycle is not moving. Furthermore, the control unit switches the immobilizer to the driving state when the distance falls below a threshold.

[0005] The present invention is based on the object of creating an alternative immobilizer for a bicycle. In particular, the immobilizer should increase theft protection and be compact. This object is achieved by the subject matter of patent claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

[0006] An immobilizer according to the invention for a bicycle or motorcycle comprises a braking device for braking and locking at least one wheel of the bicycle, an actuator for indirectly actuating the braking device, an actuating device connected to the actuator for signal transmission, and a self-locking gear operatively arranged between the actuator and the braking device, thus being located in the power flow between the actuator and the braking device. To activate and deactivate the immobilizer, a switching signal is transmitted at least indirectly from the actuating device to the actuator, whereby the actuator indirectly actuates the braking device via the self-locking gear.

[0007] The actuator is thus indirectly connected to the braking device via the self-locking gear, whereby the actuator moves the braking device to a mechanical end position via the self-locking gear, so that the wheel braked by the braking device is blocked. This creates a particularly compact immobilizer that is easy to integrate into the bicycle and offers improved theft protection because the bicycle's braking device blocks the wheel, and forcibly opening a lock is not sufficient to move the bicycle. Instead, the bicycle must be carried away. The self-locking gear can only be moved via the drive side, i.e., via the actuator, but not via the output side, i.e., via the braking device.

[0008] According to one embodiment, at least the braking device, the actuator, and the self-locking gear are arranged together in a housing, wherein the housing is designed to be mounted on the bicycle. This further improves theft protection. In particular, the housing is designed such that it cannot be opened without being destroyed, which also improves tamper protection. Damage to or destruction of the housing requires the replacement of the entire component, especially the braking device, which reduces the profitability of theft.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the actuator is designed as an electric machine and thus comprises a stator and a rotor. The bicycle is thus equipped with an electromechanically actuated service brake with a self-locking gear. For theft protection, the electromechanically actuated service brake with a self-locking gear is actuated in such a way that the wheel braked by the brake can no longer rotate. For this purpose, the electric machine is energized until the braking device reaches its end position and the wheel is thus locked. To unlock, the service brake is released again so that the braked wheel can rotate freely again. For this purpose, the electric machine is energized until the braking device reaches a neutral position. The rotor of the electric machine is drive-connected to the input shaft of the self-locking gear.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the self-locking gear is designed as a worm gear and has an efficiency of less than 0.5. The worm gear comprises at least one worm shaft and one worm wheel that mesh with each other. Advantages of such a worm gear are its compact design and sufficient self-locking or self-braking.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the actuating device comprises at least one actuating element configured to be arranged on the bicycle and operable to activate and / or deactivate the immobilizer. For example, when the actuating element is actuated by a user, the actuating device generates the switching signal, which is transmitted to the actuator. For example, the actuating device comprises an actuating element arranged on the handlebar or on the brake lever. Alternatively, the actuating element can be arranged on the brake device, on the housing, or on an on-board computer of the bicycle.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the immobilizer further comprises a data processing unit which is arranged to transmit signals between the actuating device and the actuator, wherein the data processing unit is configured to intercept the switching signal from the actuating device before transmission to the actuator, to evaluate further data and / or signals from other devices on the bicycle and / or in the vicinity of the bicycle, and to actuate the actuator by means of the switching signal upon verification.

[0013] In other words, the actuator is only activated when authorized by the data processing unit. The activation by the data processing unit occurs after data has been processed in the data processing unit, in particular by evaluating additional data and / or signals from other devices on the bicycle and / or in the vicinity of the bicycle. For example, these additional data and / or signals are compared with information stored on the data processing unit, and if this data is verified or matches, the switching signal generated by the actuating device is forwarded to the actuator.

[0014] According to one embodiment, activation of the immobilizer is only possible when the bicycle's speed is essentially zero. This prevents accidental locking of the bicycle while riding, thus improving riding safety. In particular, means, preferably sensors, that detect the bicycle's speed are connected to the data processing unit in a signal-transmitting manner.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the actuating device comprises a receiver for wireless signal transmission. For example, the data processing unit further comprises means for determining a distance between the receiver and a portable transmitter located at the user. This can improve operating comfort, particularly enabling automation by activating the immobilizer when the user moves away from the bicycle, and deactivating the immobilizer when the user approaches the bicycle.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the actuating device is integrated into a brake lever on the bicycle, with the activation and / or deactivation of the immobilizer occurring by actuating and holding the brake lever while stationary. For example, the brake lever itself is the actuating device. For example, a switching signal for the actuator is generated by the actuating device when the brake lever is actuated, whereby this switching signal is only forwarded to the actuator after a counter in the data processing unit has expired.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the actuating device for activating and deactivating the immobilizer can be controlled via at least one additional device. For this purpose, communication takes place between the actuating device and the at least one additional device, as well as between the data processing unit and the at least one additional device.

[0018] For example, the device is designed as an on-board computer with a corresponding computer program for signal-transmitting communication with the actuating device and the data processing unit. For example, the device is designed as a smartphone or smartwatch with a corresponding computer program, in particular an application (app), for signal-transmitting communication with the actuating device and the data processing unit.

[0019] For example, the device is designed as an object, in particular as a mechanical key or radio transmitter / receiver. For the use of a mechanical key, a matching locking cylinder is arranged on the actuating device. For the use of a radio transmitter / receiver, a matching radio receiver / transmitter is arranged on the actuating device.

[0020] Thus, the locking or unlocking process of the braking device is triggered by at least one further device.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the actuating device uses a user's biometric characteristics to activate and / or deactivate the immobilizer. The biometric characteristics are initially stored on the data processing unit. For example, a fingerprint sensor or a camera is connected to the actuating device for signal transmission. In particular, the fingerprint sensor or camera is also connected to the data processing unit for signal transmission.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the actuating device comprises input means for entering a character string configured to activate and deactivate the immobilizer. For example, a keyboard or touchscreen display is integrated into the actuating device and connected to the data processing unit for signal transmission. Alternatively, input means can be arranged on an on-board computer of the bicycle or a device configured to control the actuating device. A character string is understood to mean a password, a PIN, or a swipe pattern on a touchscreen.

[0023] A bicycle or motorcycle according to the invention comprises at least two wheels and an immobilizer according to the invention. For example, the bicycle according to the invention comprises the usual components of a bicycle driven by human power. An electric machine designed as a drive motor, which is arranged in the drive train of the bicycle, can reduce the strain on the cyclist during locomotion or increase their range, depending on the capacity of the associated energy storage device. A motorcycle requires no drive power from a user and is powered exclusively by the drive motor. The above definitions as well as explanations of technical effects, advantages, and advantageous embodiments of the immobilizer according to the invention also apply mutatis mutandis to the bicycle or motorcycle according to the invention.

[0024] In the following, preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the figures, wherein identical or similar elements are provided with the same reference numerals. Fig. 1 a highly simplified schematic representation of a bicycle with an immobilizer according to the invention, Fig. 2 a highly simplified schematic representation of the immobilizer according to the invention according to a first embodiment, Fig. 3 a highly simplified schematic representation of the immobilizer according to the invention according to a second embodiment, and Fig. 4 a highly simplified schematic representation of the immobilizer according to the invention according to a third embodiment.

[0025] In Fig. 1 shows a bicycle 100 according to the invention in a highly simplified manner. The bicycle 100 has a frame 104 on which a wheel 102 designed as a drive wheel, a wheel 103 designed as a front wheel, a bicycle handlebar 105, and a saddle 106 are arranged. Furthermore, the bicycle 100 has a drive device configured to propel the bicycle 100 at least using the muscle power of a cyclist (not shown here). For this purpose, the cyclist sits, for example, on the saddle 106 while riding and applies drive power to the drive train of the bicycle 100 via respective pedals 107, which are connected via respective pedal cranks to a pedal crankshaft 109 of the drive device.The drive device 1 also includes a drive motor 101 configured as an electric motor, which is arranged as a mid-engine in the area of ​​the pedal crankshaft 109 and can, in turn, also introduce drive power into the drive train of the bicycle 100 to assist the cyclist while riding. Thus, the bicycle 100 is configured as an e-bike. In this case, the drive power is transmitted to the drive wheel via a traction drive 108 with two sprockets and a chain. The pedal crankshaft 109 can be decoupled from the drive train via a freewheel device.

[0026] Furthermore, the bicycle 100 has an immobilizer 10, which comprises a braking device 1 for braking and locking the wheel 103 of the bicycle 100, an actuator 2 for indirectly actuating the braking device 1, an actuating mechanism 3 connected to the actuator 2 for transmitting signals, and a self-locking gear 4 operatively arranged between the actuator 2 and the braking device 1. The braking device 1, the actuator 2, and the self-locking gear 4 are jointly arranged in a housing 5 that is attached to the bicycle 100. In the present case, the actuating mechanism 3 is also arranged in the housing 5. Alternatively, and not shown here, the actuating mechanism 3 can be arranged on the bicycle handlebar 105 or on another component of the bicycle 100.

[0027] Fig. 2 shows the immobilizer 10 from Fig. 1 according to an enlarged block diagram. The actuator 2 is designed as an electric machine and is non-rotatably connected to an input shaft of a self-locking gear 4 designed as a worm gear. The worm gear has an efficiency of between 0.5 and 0.3. The immobilizer 10 is activated and deactivated by actuating an actuating element 8 arranged on the actuating device 3. For this purpose, a switching signal is generated by the actuating device 3 and transmitted, for example, via signal-carrying lines to the actuator 2. The actuator is energized and drives the self-locking gear 4, wherein the self-locking gear 4 is effectively connected to the braking device 1 and moves it to an end position. In the end position of the braking device 1, the wheel 103 is blocked and can therefore no longer rotate.The heavier the bicycle 100, the more problematic bicycle theft becomes, as the bicycle 100 cannot be moved due to the locked wheel. When the immobilizer 10 is used on a motorcycle, theft protection is increased due to the motorcycle's greater weight compared to a bicycle 100.

[0028] Fig. 3 shows the immobilizer 10 according to a further embodiment, wherein the immobilizer 10 in this case has a data processing unit 7, which is arranged to transmit signals between the actuating device 3 and the actuator 2. The data processing unit 7 thus intercepts the switching signal from the actuating device 3 before it is transmitted to the actuator 2, evaluates further data and / or signals from other devices on the bicycle 100 and / or in the vicinity of the bicycle 100, and, upon verification, actuates the actuator 2 by means of a switching signal. Thus, the switching signal from the actuating device 3 is only forwarded to the actuator 2 if it is released by the data processing unit 7. In this case, the actuating device 3 is integrated into a brake lever 9 on the bicycle 100, wherein the activation and deactivation of the immobilizer 10 occurs by actuating and holding the brake lever 9 while stationary.

[0029] Fig.4 shows the immobilizer 10 according to a further embodiment, wherein the immobilizer 10 in this case also has a data processing unit 7, which is arranged to transmit signals between the actuating device 3 and the actuator 2. The actuating device 3 has input means 11 for entering a character string configured to activate and deactivate the immobilizer 10. In particular, a PIN can be entered via a character field. By entering the correct PIN, a switching signal is generated at the actuating device 3, wherein the data processing unit 7 compares the entered PIN with a PIN stored in the system and, if verified, forwards the switching signal to the actuator. Thus, the actuating device 3 can be controlled to activate and deactivate the immobilizer 10 via this device designed as input means 11.Alternatively or additionally, a user's biometric characteristics can be used to activate and deactivate the immobilizer 10. For this purpose, a fingerprint sensor is arranged, for example, on the actuating device 3. Alternatively or additionally, the actuating device 3 can be controlled via at least one further device or object, in particular via a radio transmitter / receiver, to activate and deactivate the immobilizer 10. Reference symbol 1 braking device 2 actuators 3 Actuating device 4 self-locking gear 5 housings 7 Data processing unit 8 Actuating element 9 Brake handle 10 Immobilizer 11 Input devices 100 bicycles 101 electrical machine 102 wheels 103 bikes 104 frames 105 bicycle handlebars 106 Saddle 107 pedals 108 traction drive 109 Crankshaft QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] WO 2016 / 173 804 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Immobilizer (10) for a bicycle (100) or motorcycle comprising • a braking device (1) for braking and blocking at least one wheel (103) of the bicycle (100), • an actuator (2) for indirectly actuating the braking device (1), • an actuating device (3) which is connected to the actuator (2) in a signal-transmitting manner, and • a self-locking gear (4) which is effectively arranged between the actuator (2) and the braking device (1), wherein for activating and / or deactivating the immobilizer (10) a switching signal is transmitted at least indirectly from the actuating device (3) to the actuator (2), wherein the actuator (2) actuates the braking device (1) indirectly via the self-locking gear (4). [2] Immobilizer (10) according to claim 1, wherein at least the braking device (1), the actuator (2) and the self-locking gear (4) are arranged together in a housing (5), wherein the housing (5) is adapted to be arranged on the bicycle (100). [3] Immobilizer (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (2) is designed as an electrical machine. [4] Immobilizer (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the self-locking gear (4) is designed as a worm gear and has an efficiency of less than 0.

5. [5] Immobilizer (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating device (3) comprises at least one actuating element (8) which is designed to be arranged on the bicycle (100) and can be actuated to activate and / or deactivate the immobilizer. [6] Immobilizer (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a data processing unit (7) which is arranged to transmit signals between the actuating device (3) and the actuator (2), wherein the data processing unit (7) is configured to intercept the switching signal from the actuating device (3) before transmission to the actuator (2), to evaluate further data and / or signals from other devices on the bicycle (100) and / or in the vicinity of the bicycle (100) and, upon verification, to actuate the actuator (2) by means of the switching signal. [7] Immobilizer (10) according to claim 6, wherein the actuating device (3) is integrated in a brake handle (9) on the bicycle (100), wherein the activation and / or deactivation of the immobilizer (10) takes place by actuating and holding the brake handle (9) when stationary. [8] Immobilizer (10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the actuating device (3) for activating and / or deactivating the immobilizer (10) can be controlled via at least one further device. [9] Immobilizer (10) according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the actuating device (3) uses biometric features of a user to activate and / or deactivate the immobilizer (10). [10] Immobilizer (10) according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the actuating device (3) comprises input means (11) for inputting a character string which is configured to activate and / or deactivate the immobilizer (10). [11] Bicycle (100) or motorcycle with at least two wheels (102, 103) and an immobilizer (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images