Bicycle washing station

Abstract

Bicycle washing system (1) with a frame (2) for receiving a bicycle (80, 80'), in which the bicycle is held during a washing process carried out in the bicycle washing system, characterized in that the frame has a first means (3, 3', 3") which allows rotation of at least one rear wheel (81, 81') of the bicycle during the washing process, and that the frame has a second means (10) with which a pedal crank (83, 83') of the bicycle can be rotated, thereby rotating the rear wheel.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a bicycle washing system according to the preamble of patent claim 1. Technical area

[0002] The bicycle market has changed significantly in recent years and is experiencing strong growth, particularly due to the sale of electric bicycles, so-called e-bikes. However, bicycles are not only being bought but increasingly also rented. This presents the problem, for example for rental companies and rental stations, that the bicycles must be cleaned after each rental so that they are ready for the next rental. Hand washing is not only time-consuming but also consumes a lot of water. In addition, grease residues, for example from bicycle chain lubrication, end up in the washing water and thus in the sewer system. Washing a bicycle is also beneficial in that removing dirt, mud, and other deposits extends the life of the bicycle and reduces maintenance costs and wear and tear. State of the art

[0003] For these reasons, there have been efforts in recent years to build bicycle washing systems that can automatically wash and clean bicycles and, ideally, reuse the water. Examples of such bicycle washing systems can be found in DE 10 2020 134 327 A1, DE 10 2011 052 215 A1, and US 2010 / 0307531 A1. Several bicycle washing systems are now also on the market, such as the "cyb® bikewash" bicycle washing system from cyb tech UG, Munich, https: / / cleanyour-bike.com, which washes similarly to a car wash with a pair of large rotating brushes, or the semi-automated "bio-circle®" washing system, https: / / fahrradwaschanlage.bio-circle.de, which claims to have a water cycle.

[0004] However, all known bicycle washing systems have various disadvantages. A common disadvantage is that the bike is often only partially cleaned, even if the other wash results are satisfactory. Regardless of whether brush systems or jet wash systems are used, there are so-called shadow areas, especially around the wheel, that are difficult to clean with conventional automated systems. On heavily soiled bikes, such as mountain bikes that have been used off-road, this fact means that such areas must be manually reworked to achieve a clean cleaning result.

[0005] However, a completely clean bike may be even more important if a used bike is to be resold, as is common in some business models where bikes are leased or loaned out for a certain period of time, for example, as rental vehicles or as used bikes, and then sold as used bikes. The buyer of a used bike doesn't want to buy a dirty bike, so the bike must be as clean as new from the factory.

[0006] With conventional bike washes, you usually have to spend a considerable amount of time either cleaning the bike thoroughly before loading it into the bike wash, so that the bike wash only washes over it and rinses off any remaining dirt. Alternatively, you have to invest a considerable amount of time in cleaning it after loading it, manually removing any remaining dirt. Both are time-consuming and labor-intensive, and therefore expensive, or even impossible in times of staff shortages.

[0007] It would therefore be desirable to have a bicycle washing system that can also properly wash inaccessible areas on the rear wheel. Task

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to improve known bicycle washing systems so that cleaning is possible even in inaccessible places in the bicycle area. Description of the invention

[0009] This object is achieved by a bicycle washing system according to patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0010] According to the invention, the bicycle washing system comprises a frame for holding a bicycle. The bicycle is held in this frame during the washing process carried out in the bicycle washing system.

[0011] Preferably, the frame is housed in a housing, so that the bicycle is washed in this housing, which preferably accommodates at least the frame and the complete bicycle, including the handlebars and saddle. The housing is self-contained, including the floor, like a closed wash box. The washing takes place in this wash box.

[0012] In the particularly preferred embodiment, the water is fed into a closed circuit and used "endlessly." The contaminated water is purified after the washing process so that it can be reused for washing. Waste water, i.e., water that is removed from the system, e.g., water adhering to the bicycle after washing, is preferably replenished with rainwater. If rainwater is also used for the "initial preparation," no drinking water is used for washing the bicycle.

[0013] According to the invention, the frame comprises a first means and a second means. The first means enables the rear wheel to rotate when the bicycle is mounted in the frame. According to the invention, a second means is provided with which a pedal crank of the bicycle can be rotated, which in turn causes the rear wheel to rotate.

[0014] The combination of the first and second methods makes it possible to rotate the rear wheel of the bike in the car wash during the washing process, allowing access to the rear wheel from all sides and in all places. Shadowing is avoided, and the rear wheel can be cleaned thoroughly and easily, despite various attachments such as mudguards, brakes, or luggage racks, as well as components such as the seat and chainstays.

[0015] The bicycle washing system according to the invention offers the great advantage that a bicycle placed in the bike wash can be thoroughly cleaned, even in inaccessible areas around the rear wheel. Whether the cleaning is carried out brush-free, with brushes, or with a combination of a water jet from nozzles and brushes, the tedious follow-up work of cleaning the rear tire and wheel is eliminated. The rotation of the rear wheel during the washing process positions all areas in a favorable position, allowing cleaning everywhere.

[0016] Advantageous embodiments and further developments are set out below, which, viewed individually or in combination, may also reveal inventive aspects.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the first means are at least two, particularly preferably three rollers arranged one behind the other, on which the rear wheel of the bicycle is placed and on which the rear wheel can rotate.

[0018] In an alternative embodiment, the first means is a mount that engages the bicycle, for example, on the frame of the bicycle, such as the seat tube or the down tube, and with which the bicycle, or at least the rear wheel, can be lifted so that the rear wheel can rotate freely. Like the previously described embodiment of the first means, the alternative embodiment allows the rear wheel to rotate freely, thus making all areas accessible. However, the second embodiment is technically somewhat more complex. The first embodiment is more cost-effective to implement.

[0019] It became apparent that in order to achieve the desired good cleaning result, it was not sufficient for the bicycle to be set up in the bicycle washing facility so that the rear wheel could rotate freely. A second means was needed to deliberately induce the wheel to rotate. This was a pedal crank rotating device, also known as a pedal crank rotating mechanism or pedal crank rotating device or pedal crank rotating means. This pedal crank rotating device comprises a driver which causes the rear wheel to rotate when the pedal crank is rotated. The driver engages the pedal crank. Engaging the pedal crank means, on the one hand, that the pedal crank is acted upon immediately and directly, for example via a fastening such as a clamp, which is then moved in such a way that the pedal crank is rotated.In the particularly preferred design, however, the pedal connected to the crank is used as the point of engagement. The driver rests against the pedal.

[0020] The driver itself is preferably rotatable and is set in rotation, for example, via a rotary drive. Linear forward and backward movement would also be conceivable as an alternative to the rotary movement. The movement of the driver resting on the pedal drives the pedal, which in turn rotates the crank and thus the rear wheel. The movement is comparable to riding a bicycle, meaning it is as if a person were moving the crank by pressing the pedal.

[0021] Preferably, the driver rests on the pedal, meaning it is not permanently attached to the pedal; instead, the pedal rests on the top or bottom of the driver. This has the advantage that both the crank length and the pedal size and type are irrelevant; the driver, via the pedal, sets the crank and thus the rear wheel in motion.

[0022] Particularly preferably, the driver is designed in a leaf-like manner, i.e., it has the shape of a board, preferably made of a plastic material. This leaf-like driver rests against the pedal. The shape could also be described as paddle-like.

[0023] When the blade-like or paddle-like driver rotates, the pedal is moved in the manner of a pedaling motion, causing the crank to rotate, as already explained. Due to the blade-like or paddle-like design, the pedal does not engage with the driver, but rests against and is movable on the surface of the driver. Consequently, the pedal is not always located at the same point on the driver during its movement. The blade-like or paddle-like design particularly advantageously implements the advantages already described above regarding the fact that the driver rests against the pedal.

[0024] This invention provides a simple way to rotate the crank, and thus the rear wheel, on a wide variety of bicycle types and sizes. The difference in length between the front and rear axles on adult bicycles is up to 20 cm. The height and width of the pedal arrangement vary greatly between individual bicycle types and manufacturers. The pedals themselves also vary greatly. So-called platform pedals, also known as flat pedals or standard pedals, are well known; they are designed to rest your feet on them. In addition, various specialty pedals have become established for a wide variety of sports bikes, such as clipless and magnetic pedals. Bicycle sizes also vary, including frame heights and the associated bottom bracket height, as well as wheel sizes.

[0025] By providing these two means according to the invention, it has been possible to simply and reliably cause the rear wheel in a bicycle washing system to rotate during the washing process, thus making a significant contribution to the thorough and efficient cleaning of bicycles. Manual reprocessing of the wheel after a washing process is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and therefore expensive. The cleaner the bicycle emerges from the washing system, the more interesting it becomes for the user, especially for large-scale users such as rental stations, large hotels with bicycle rentals, or bicycle leasing companies. Their goal is to wash the largest possible number of bicycles per unit of time, ideally with no or only very minimal manual pre- and post-processing.

[0026] This invention makes an important contribution to this, as previously, all inaccessible areas on the rear wheel had to be cleaned manually. The alternative to this was to push the bike into the bike wash a second time with the wheel in a different position to facilitate the subsequent manual cleaning. However, this doubled the washing time.

[0027] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the driver has a blade that is essentially shaped like a board, i.e., the blade has a height that is much less than the length and width of the board. Furthermore, the driver has a shaft that is connected to the blade and is rotatably mounted, allowing the driver and thus the blade to be rotated. This flat, almost two-dimensional shape of the driver blade has the advantage that the pedal can rest against it, so to speak, sliding against it.

[0028] The chainring is preferably longer than it is wide because, as previously explained, different crank lengths and different pedal sizes, as well as different lengths of the bicycle itself, which entails different positioning of the bottom bracket along the length of the bicycle washing station frame, mean that a device for rotating the crank must be provided that can ideally cover all bicycle types and sizes. A short crank and a long crank can still be rotated using the same driver. The pedal rests more towards one or the other edge of the chainring depending on the case. The same applies to the overhang of the crank from the bottom bracket and the bicycle frame. The pedal simply rests further outwards or further inwards on the chainring.

[0029] Particularly preferably, the blade is made of a plastic material, or at least the side facing the pedal is covered with a plastic material. This has the advantage that the pedal can glide smoothly over the surface of the driver blade during the guided movement. Thus, the pedal doesn't get stuck, but can be guided without sticking.

[0030] According to another preferred embodiment, a first longitudinal side of the blade is longer than a second longitudinal side. As already mentioned, the length of the drive blade accommodates different crank lengths. By making one longitudinal side, particularly the longitudinal side of the blade facing the bicycle (i.e., the outer side), longer than the other longitudinal side (the inner side), a further increase in the variety of bicycles to be washed is possible, without compromising the function of parts on the frame, such as nozzle or brush arrangements.

[0031] As already mentioned, a rotary drive is provided, in particular a pneumatic rotary drive, which causes a rotary movement of the driver.

[0032] The driver is preferably rotatably mounted on a bracket of the pedal crank rotating means. The rotary drive is also mounted on this bracket. The driver preferably consists, as previously explained, of a blade connected to a shaft.

[0033] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a bicycle securing device is provided with which the bicycle can be held securely in the rack during the washing process, i.e., so that it does not tip over or move longitudinally. Since forces act on the bicycle when the pedal crank is rotated, it is important that the bicycle is secured, as otherwise the forces acting on the pedal crank could cause the entire bicycle to tip over or move. The bicycle securing device, also called a wheel securing unit, preferably has a guide roller that is attached to the front wheel of the bicycle and holds it laterally, as well as preventing further sliding forward towards the front end of the frame. Furthermore, it preferably has a handlebar clamping device that is attached to the handlebar and clamps the bicycle between the surface on which it is standing and the handlebar clamping device.The groove-like design of the adjustment rail also helps to ensure that the bike is secure and in a fixed position in the rack.

[0034] The combinations and embodiments presented above can also be considered in numerous other connections and combinations. Short character description

[0035] The present invention can be understood even better if reference is made to the accompanying figures, which illustrate particularly advantageous embodiments by way of example, without limiting the present invention to these, wherein Fig. 1: a side view of a frame of a bicycle washing system according to the invention; Fig. 2: a perspective view of the arrangement from Fig. 1; Fig. 3: the frame of the bicycle washing system made of Fig. 1 in front view and in working position; Fig. 4: the frame of the Fig. 1 in rear view, showing a resting position; Fig. 5: the view of the Fig. 4, but in working position; Fig. 6: the pedal crank rotating means from the system Fig. 1 in a first perspective view; Fig. 7: the crank turning mechanism of the Fig. 6 in side view; Fig. 8: the crank turning mechanism of the Fig. 6 in another perspective view and in a different position; Fig. 9: the crank turning mechanism of the Fig. 6 in a front view; Fig. 10: a second side view of the frame of a bicycle washing system according to the invention, symbolically showing two bicycles and different pedal crank positions of these bicycles; and Fig. 11: a bicycle washing system according to the invention in side view and in schematic representation with bicycle display adjusted. Character description

[0036] The Fig. 1 - 11 show a single embodiment of a bicycle washing system according to the invention, wherein a side view of the entire bicycle washing system in a sectional representation and schematically in Fig. 11. The Fig. 1 - 5 show different views of the rack in which the bicycle is placed during the washing process. Fig. 6 - 9 show the bicycle fixing device in detail. Fig. Finally, Figure 10 shows how two bicycles of different lengths can be adjusted and secured in the bicycle washing system using the bicycle fixing device.

[0037] For the sake of clarity, the figures are not described separately below, but rather across the entire set. Not all reference symbols are included in all figures for the sake of clarity.

[0038] As in Fig. 11, a frame 2 is mounted in a housing 8 of the bicycle washing system 1, surrounded by water-carrying pipes 20. This frame 2 is in the Fig. 1 - 5 are shown in more detail, whereby the adjustment of the bicycle 80 and the pedal crank rotating means 10 are explained in more detail.

[0039] For example, in Fig. 2, the frame 2 has a frame 23 which, roughly speaking, is in two parts and consists of a horizontal part 38 and a vertically arranged part 39 (see also Fig. 1). The frame 2 can therefore be roughly described as L-shaped, or more precisely as a horizontal L with the longer leg of the L as the horizontal component.

[0040] On the lying part 38 of the frame 23, a bicycle fixing device 30 with a bicycle adjustment rail 25 is provided, onto which the bicycle 80 (cf. Fig. 11). The bicycle 80 is pushed onto the bicycle adjustment rail 25 via a roller 26 for pushing the bicycle 80 on, over the rollers 3 and 4 present in the bicycle adjustment rail 25.

[0041] The bicycle adjustment rail 25 is preferably channel-like (cf. Fig. 2), i.e., it has a roughly V-shaped cross-section. The channel shape facilitates positioning of the bicycle 80, as the adjustment position is predetermined, and it is useful for holding the bicycle during the washing process, as it prevents lateral displacement of the wheels 81, 82. Furthermore, it has a number of slots 41 through which the washing water can drain during the washing process and thus be collected in the area of the floor 37 in the housing 8.

[0042] The front wheel 82 of the bicycle 80 rests on the bicycle adjustment rail on rollers 4—the rollers for supporting the front wheel. Preferably, three rollers 4 are provided: 4, 4', and 4". The rearmost roller, i.e., the one facing the door 9 of the housing 8 (see Fig. 11) for supporting the front wheel 82, is arranged higher than the other two rollers 4 and 4". This prevents the wheel from rolling back accidentally, without causing interference when the bicycle 80 is actually to be moved, i.e., pushed in or taken out of the car wash.

[0043] Preferably, there are also three rollers for supporting the rear wheel 3, the rollers 3, 3' and 3" (cf. Fig. 1 and Fig. 10). The rear wheel 81 of the bicycle typically rests on at least two of these rollers 3, 3', 3", although it is also possible for the rear wheel 81 to rest on only one of these rollers 3, 3', 3".

[0044] The rollers 3, 3', 3" allow rotation of at least the rear wheel 81 of the bicycle 80 during the washing process. The rollers 3, 3', 3" are thus rotatably mounted. Preferably, they are rotatable in both directions to allow rotation of the rear wheel 81 in both directions.

[0045] The bicycle 80 is inserted into the rack 2 by sliding it over the roller 26 and placing it on the bicycle adjustment rail 25. The rack 2 serves, among other things, to hold and fix the bicycle 80 during the washing process. Accordingly, a bicycle fixing device 30 is provided, which preferably has a pivotable and thus height-adjustable guide roller 31, indicated by the example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 through two different positions, designated 31 and 31'. The front wheel 82 is placed against the guide roller 31. The guide roller 31 preferably has an hourglass shape - see. Fig. 2. This more or less clamps the front wheel 82 and holds it laterally. The guide roller is preferably pneumatically controlled.

[0046] On the other hand, a handlebar clamping device 32 is provided, which is height-adjustable. Two fixing bars 33, 43, which are attached to two fixing arms 35, 45, are pressed downwards onto the handlebar 87 of the adjusted bicycle 80 (see force arrow F in Fig. 1), whereby the bicycle 80 is secured. The fixing strips 33, 43 could also be referred to as brush strips due to their preferred shape. Each fixing strip 33, 43 has a series of pin-like elements, which are preferably made of a flexible and wash-resistant material such as rubber or a similarly flexible material, e.g., silicone elastomer or thermoplastic polymer. Alternatively, strip-like elements could be provided, also preferably made of a soft and wash-resistant material. The fixing strips 33, 43 are pressed onto the handlebar via the fixing arm 35, 45.

[0047] Since the handlebar typically contains several components and attachments, such as the brake lever, bell, speedometer, electric motor control unit, cup holder, etc., which could be damaged if the handlebar clamp, also called the handlebar mount, is pressed against them, it is particularly preferred that the two fixing arms 35, 45 be movable relative to each other. The two fixing arms 35, 45 are adjusted manually using the fixing arm rotation device 48.

[0048] The fixing arms 35, 45 are preferably arranged in a V-shape relative to one another (cf. Fig. 2). They therefore form an angle α to each other, which is adjustable, as indicated by the double arrow in Fig. 2 - Arrow W. Preferably the angle α is between 20° and 150°.

[0049] In other words, the two fixing arms 35, 45 can be horizontally rotated and thus adjusted by means of a fixing arm rotating device 48 around a pivot point present on the stationary part 39 of the frame 23 - the angle adjustment movement is schematically shown by the arrow W in Fig. 2. This allows the fixing arms 35, 45 to be adjusted so that when the arms are lowered onto the handlebar 87, no elements present there are damaged, but instead a location is found where the handlebar 87 can be held, for example, in the area of the handlebars. Intermeshing gear segments are preferably provided for adjusting the angle α.

[0050] Preferably, a pedal crank rotating means 10 is provided which is fastened to a pivoting tube 5, for example with a pipe clamp 19, so that the pedal crank rotating means 10 can be rotated from a rest position (cf. Fig. 4) into a working position (cf. Fig. 5; see also Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) can be swung in or out. In the working position, the pedal crank rotating mechanism is swung toward the bicycle; in the rest position, it is swung away from the bicycle. Appropriate actuating cylinders, such as hydraulic cylinders or pneumatic cylinders 6, are provided for the swivel movement.

[0051] The pedal crank rotating means 10 can also be referred to as a pedal crank drive unit or—due to the engagement with the pedal in the preferred embodiment—as a pedal drive unit. In an alternative version, the pedal crank rotating means 10 is clamped onto the pivot tube 5.

[0052] A similar swivel tube 5' is provided on the opposite side of the bicycle adjustment rail 25, again with a corresponding pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder 6' - see Fig. 2. This allows, for example, nozzle arrangements or brush arrangements to be pivoted in, or even additional bicycle side fixing means, e.g., as an alternative to the bicycle fixing device 30 used in the present bicycle washing system 1.

[0053] The pedal crank rotating means 10 has a driver 11 with a blade 12, which is attached to a shaft 13. The assembly of blade 12 and shaft 13 is in turn rotatably attached to a bracket 14 via a shaft 15. The rotation R is effected by means of a rotary drive 16, which can be pneumatic or electric, for example. As already mentioned, the bracket 14 is attached to the pivot tube 5 by means of a fastening unit, here a pipe clamp 19 (see FIG. Fig. 2).

[0054] The blade 12 is board-like and preferably made of a plastic material. The height H is much smaller than the width B or the length L of the blade 12. The length L, in turn, is larger, preferably approximately 50-150% larger, than the width B of the blade 12.

[0055] Preferably, the first longitudinal side 17 of the blade 12 is longer than the opposite second longitudinal side 18. As already mentioned, the length of the drive blade accommodates different crank lengths. By making one longitudinal side, here called the first longitudinal side 17, in particular the longitudinal side of the blade 12 facing the bicycle 80, i.e., the outer side, longer than the other longitudinal side, here called the second longitudinal side 18, the inner side, a further increase in the variety of bicycles to be washed is possible, and this without impairing the function of parts present on the frame 2, such as nozzle or brush arrangements.

[0056] The blade 12 can assume different positions relative to the holder 14 by rotating around the shaft 15 - see positions I, II, III and IV of the pedal crank 83 with pedal 84 in Fig. 10. Due to the rotational movement of the blade 12, a pedal 84 resting against the blade is moved and carried along, whereby the pedal crank 83 is rotated.

[0057] Fig. Figure 10 schematically shows how two bicycles of different lengths are mounted in the frame 2. The two bicycles 80 and 80' are schematically represented by the front wheel 82, which is valid for both bicycles, and the rear wheel 80 and 80', respectively, with the associated crank 83 and 83', respectively, as well as pedals 84 and 84'. Also visible for each bicycle 80 and 80' is the corresponding sprocket 86 and 86', respectively. The drive unit of the respective bicycle is designated by the reference numerals 85 and 85', respectively.

[0058] The bicycle 80 with its associated rear wheel 81 and bicycle drive unit 85 is longer than the bicycle 80' with its associated rear wheel 81' and bicycle drive unit 85'. Accordingly, the bicycle drive unit 85 is positioned further toward the rear end 24 of the frame 2 than the bicycle drive unit 85' of the bicycle 80'. The pedal crank rotating means 10 of the bicycle washing system is mounted at a fixed location on the frame 2, approximately in the center.

[0059] As shown in the schematic representation of the Fig. 10, the bicycle drive unit 85', i.e. the bicycle drive unit of the shorter bicycle 80', is located in front of the pedal crank rotating means 10, i.e. more in the direction towards the front end 29 of the frame 2 than the bicycle drive unit 85 of the longer bicycle 80, which is arranged further towards the rear end 24, i.e. on the other side of the pedal crank rotating means 10.

[0060] In Fig. 10 shows four positions for each crank 83, 83'. These positions are designated by the Roman numerals I, II, III, and IV for the crank 83'. Positions I - IV are to be transferred to the crank 83. In the present embodiment, the crank 83, 83' is rotated toward the front end 29, shown or indicated in Fig. 10 by the arrow r.

[0061] In the presentation of the Fig. 10 shows three positions of the driver 11, designated by 11', 11'' and 11'''. Thus, there is a single driver 11; however, this driver 11 is shown in three different positions. As can be seen, depending on the direction of rotation of the driver 11, it will be determined whether the pedal 84, 84' comes to rest on the upper side 28 of the blade 12 or on its underside 27. Fig. 10, the pedals 84 and 84' on the underside 27 of the blade 12 are driven and also set in rotation by the rotation r, entered in Fig. 10 by a corresponding arrow, designated k, k'. The rotation k or k' is transmitted through the chain (not shown) to the corresponding rear wheel 81, 81', represented by the circular motion K, K'.

[0062] As in Fig. 10, the rear wheels 81, 81' rest on two or three rollers provided in the horizontal part 38 of the frame 2; the rear wheel 81 on the rollers 3' and 3", the rear wheel 81' on the rollers 3 and 3'. The front wheel 82 rests on the rollers 4 and 4". The roller 4', which sits higher than the other two rollers 4, 4", serves primarily to hold the front wheel 82 back so that the wheel does not roll backward.

[0063] In the illustrated particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the bicycle 80, 80' is held in the frame 2 by the interaction of several elements: The first element is the guide roller 31, which can be lowered by a pivoting movement S, represented by a corresponding double arrow, so far that the front wheel 82 is held, ie the guide roller 31 rests on the tire and clamps it. Fig. 10 shows two possible positions for the guide roller 31 - marked by 31 and 31'. In other words: A single guide roller 31 is present on the frame 2. However, this can assume various positions, i.e., it is height-adjustable. It is pivotable (double arrow S) in order to be able to fix wheels with different diameters or heights of the front part 91 of the bicycle 80, 80'. The second fixation point is via the handlebar of the bicycle 80, 80', which is Fig. 10 is not shown (see, however, Fig. 11). The handlebar clamping device 32, as a preferred embodiment of a means according to the invention for clamping a front part 91 of the bicycle, is lowered, e.g., by actuating the switch 34, as shown by the double arrow V, onto the bicycle handlebar 87, and the two fixing arms 35, 45 (cf. Fig. 2) are placed on the handlebars and thus hold the bicycle 80 firmly by clamping it between the handlebar clamping device 32 and the ground 40, thus protecting it from tipping over. The bicycle securing device 30, in its particularly preferred embodiment, therefore consists of the handlebar clamping device 32 in combination with the guide roller 31, preferably supplemented by a channel-like adjustment rail. It has been shown that the handlebar clamping device 32 alone is capable of securing the bicycle from changing position during washing, in particular from tipping or falling over.

[0064] The bicycle securing device 30 is movable relative to the frame 2. To adjust the bicycle 80, the bicycle securing device 30 is pulled out of the frame 2 and thus out of the housing 8 of the wash bay, and pushed back in after the bicycle has been set up and secured. The frame 2 has a carriage for this purpose, over which the bicycle securing device can slide. For guidance, a pair of rollers 42, 42' is provided on each side of the bicycle securing device 30, which slides over a respective slide rail 44, 44', e.g., a tube. Sliding surfaces 55, 55' are provided at the rear end of the frame 2 (cf. Fig. 2). After extension, the rear end of the bicycle securing device 30 or the adjustment rail 25 rests on the floor on which the housing 8 stands. The bicycle 80 can be slid onto the roller 26 and secured in the securing device 30. The bicycle securing device 30, together with the bicycle 80 mounted on it, is then pushed into the housing 8, and the washing process is started.

[0065] Fig. Figure 11 shows a very simplified and schematic side view of the washing cabin of a bicycle washing system 1, but with the side parts of the housing 8 omitted. Also omitted are drives, inlets, outlets, controls, water purification components, etc.

[0066] On the side of the rear end 24 of the frame 2, there is a door 9 for placing the bicycle 80 into the bicycle washing system 1, more precisely into its washing cabin. For this purpose, the bicycle securing device 30 can be pulled out of the housing 8, as previously described, and can be lowered at one end at an angle toward the ground, i.e., toward the surface 40 on which the bicycle washing system 1 is installed, so that the bicycle 80 can be pushed upwards on an inclined plane or inserted into the bicycle washing system 1.

[0067] The bicycle 80 is fixed in the frame 2 as previously described. The pedal crank rotating means 10 is pivoted via the pivot tube 5 and moved from the rest position into the working position (see Fig. 4 and Fig. 5).

[0068] In the present embodiment, two additional brushes are connected to the pivot tube 5, brushes 22 and 22', which can thus also be folded up to the working position, i.e., folded toward the bicycle 80. Brushes 22, 22' clean the spokes and rim, in addition to cleaning via the water jets. In practice, it has been shown that while purely brushless operation of the bicycle washing system 1 is possible, spokes, rims, and tires are sometimes so dirty that additional mechanical cleaning with brushes or similar mechanical cleaning agents proves advantageous.

[0069] Various water-carrying lines are permanently installed and arranged in the housing 8 of the bicycle washing system 1. Only a few water-carrying lines are shown, designated by the reference numerals 20, 20', 20". As can be seen, they run both parallel to the ceiling 36 of the housing 8 of the bicycle washing system 1 and perpendicular to it, particularly in a central area. A plurality of nozzles are attached to each of the water-carrying lines 20, 20', 20", with only one nozzle being visible here, nozzle 21. Preferably, several different nozzle types are installed in a bicycle washing system 1 in order to utilize their different jet geometries for the most thorough and gentle cleaning of the bicycles possible. Preferably, at least two different nozzle types are used in order to supply water to the bicycle and all its individual parts from as many different directions and with different water jet geometries as possible.For example, slot nozzles, flat jet nozzles, cone nozzles and vortex nozzles such as Venturi nozzles can be used.

[0070] Not shown in the present figures or only indicated via the drive unit 7 (see for example Fig. 1 and Fig. 10) are the drive and water pumping devices and systems, as well as the other water-carrying components, i.e., supply and waste water lines. The focus of the present invention is on improving the cleaning of hard-to-reach parts in the rear wheel area. However, it is self-evident to a person skilled in the art that the water-carrying lines and all drive units, for example, for the swivel tube 5 and for the rotary systems such as the rotary drive 16, must be provided accordingly. Control elements and the like are also missing.

[0071] The design options shown in the individual figures can also be combined with each other in any way. List of reference symbols 1 bicycle washing station 2 frames 3 rollers for supporting the rear wheel 4 rollers for supporting the front wheel 5 Swivel tube 6 cylinders 7 Drive unit 8 housings 9 Door 10 crank turning means 11 carriers 12 sheets 13 shaft 14 Bracket 15 Wave 16 rotary drive 17 first long side 18 second long side 19 Pipe clamp 20 water pipe 21 nozzle 22 brush 23 frames 24 rear end of the frame 25 Bicycle adjustment rail 26 Roller for pushing the bike 27 subpage 28 Top 29 front end of the frame 30 Bicycle fixing device 31 Leadership role 32 handlebar clamp 33 Fixing bar 34 switches 35 first fixing arm 36 ceiling 37 Floor 38 lying part of the frame 39 standing part of the frame 40 Underground 41 slot 42, 42' pair of rollers 43 Fixing bar 44, 44' slide rail 45 second fixing arm 48 Fixing arm rotating device 55, 55' gliding surface 80 bicycles 81 rear wheel 82 front wheel 83 Crank 84 Pedal 85 Bicycle drive unit - schematic 86 sprocket 87 handlebars 91 Front part of the bicycle L length B Width H Height F Force R, r, K, k rotational movement I, II, III, IV positions of the crank with pedal S Swivel movement V Height adjustment movement W Angle adjustment movement 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] DE 10 2020 134 327 A1

[0003] DE 10 2011 052 215 A1

[0003] US 2010 / 0307531 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Bicycle washing system (1) with a frame (2) for receiving a bicycle (80, 80'), in which the bicycle is held during a washing process carried out in the bicycle washing system, characterized by , that the frame has a first means (3, 3', 3") which allows rotation of at least one rear wheel (81, 81') of the bicycle during the washing process, and that the frame has a second means (10) with which a pedal crank (83, 83') of the bicycle can be rotated, thereby rotating the rear wheel. [2] Bicycle washing system according to claim 1, characterized by that the first means is a holder which holds the rear wheel (81, 81'), in particular the entire bicycle, in such a way that at least the rear wheel is rotatable. [3] Bicycle washing system according to claim 1, characterized bythat the first means is at least two rollers (3, 3', 3") arranged parallel to one another, on which the rear wheel (81, 81') of the bicycle stands. [4] Bicycle washing system according to claim 1, characterized by that the first means is a holder which holds the rear wheel (81, 81'), in particular the entire bicycle, in such a way that at least the rear wheel is rotatable. [5] Bicycle washing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second means (10) comprises at least one driver (11) against which a pedal (84, 84') connected to the pedal crank (83, 83') can rest, wherein by a rotational movement of the driver the pedal can be guided in such a way that the pedal crank and thus the rear wheel (81, 81') can be rotated. [6] Bicycle washing system according to claim 4, characterized bythat the driver (11) has a blade (12) which is essentially in the shape of a board with a height (H) which is much smaller than a length (L) and a width (B) of the blade, and a shaft (13) which is connected to the blade and which is rotatably mounted so that the driver can be rotated. [7] Bicycle washing system according to claim 5, characterized by that a holder (14) is provided on which the shaft (13) of the driver (11) is rotatably mounted and which is connected to the frame (2). [8] Bicycle washing system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by that the blade (12) is rotatable. [9] Bicycle washing system according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized by that a pneumatic rotary drive (16) is provided which causes the rotary movement (R) of the driver (11). [10] Bicycle washing system according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized bythat the blade (12) is made of a plastic. [11] Bicycle washing system according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized by that a first longitudinal side (17) of the sheet (12) is longer than a second longitudinal side (18). [12] Bicycle washing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the second means (10) is pivotally mounted on the frame (2), in particular is attached to a pivot tube (5), so that the second means can be pivoted from a working position in which it is ready to actuate the pedal crank (83, 83') of the bicycle (80, 80') in a rotational manner, into a rest position in which it does not engage the pedal crank or a pedal (84, 84') thereof, and vice versa. [13] Bicycle washing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the bicycle washing system (1) has a housing (8) which accommodates the frame (2) and which can be closed during the washing process. [14] Bicycle washing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a bicycle fixing device (30) is provided for holding the bicycle (80, 80') during the washing process, wherein in particular the bicycle fixing device is part of the frame (2). [15] Bicycle washing system according to claim 14, characterized by in that the bicycle fixing device (30) has a means for clamping a front part (91) of the bicycle (80, 80'), wherein the means for clamping acts between a handlebar (87) of the bicycle and a ground (40) on which the bicycle stands with a front wheel (82) during the washing process, in that a force can be applied to an upper side (92) of the handlebar with the means for clamping the front part, so that the front part of the bicycle can be pressed towards the ground. [16] Bicycle washing system according to claim 15, characterized byin that the means for clamping the front part is a handlebar clamping device (32) which in particular comprises two fixing strips (33, 43), wherein the handlebar clamping device can apply a force (F) acting in the direction of the ground to the handlebar (87) of the bicycle (80, 80'), whereby a clamping is produced. [17] Bicycle washing system according to one of claims 14-16, characterized by that the base (40) is an adjustment rail (25) which is part of the bicycle fixing device (30) on which the front wheel (82) stands. [18] Bicycle washing system according to one of claims 14-17, characterized by that a guide roller (31) is provided on which a front wheel (82) of the bicycle can be clamped.

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