GPS-controlled chain oiler with WiFi and button control for motorcycles, bicycles and e-bikes

Abstract

(Main claim): Chain oiler for motorcycles, bicycles and e-bikes, comprising: -a control unit with integrated software, -a GPS module to determine the distance traveled, -an input unit for setting a lubrication interval in kilometers, whereby the interval can be set in 50-meter increments, -a computing unit for evaluating the route determined via the GPS module, -a control unit for triggering a lubrication pulse when the set lubrication interval is reached, -a peristaltic pump for the precise delivery of an adjustable amount of lubricant, in particular for the on-demand lubrication of a motorcycle chain, bicycle chain or e-bike chain, -a WiFi module for wireless connection to external devices for configuring the control unit, -a button for switching between different lubrication modes, for activating or deactivating the WiFi connection and for activating or deactivating the rain mode.

Description

Technical FieldThe present invention relates to a chain oiler for bicycles, bicycles and e-bikes. More specifically, it is an electronically controlled system for automatically lubricating the drive chain based on GPS-based route information and equipped with a high-precision peristaltic pump and wireless configuration capabilityPrior ArtChain oils are known from the prior art and serve for the continuous supply of lubricant to the drive chain of motor bicycles, bicycles and e-bikes.Known systems often operate time- or vacuum-controlled or are based on mechanical triggers. However, the disadvantage here is the lack of the possibility of exactly matching the lubrication to the actual use of the chain, which can lead to excessive lubricant use or insufficient lubrication.Object of the InventionThe object of the invention is to provide a chain oiler which exactly tunes the lubrication of the chain to the distance traveled and thereby ensures optimum metering Moreover, a simple and flexible configuration of the system is to be made possible, in particular without intervention in the on-board electric system.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONThe chain oiler according to the invention comprises a control device with integrated software, a GPS module, a highly precise peristaltic pump, an input unit for configuring the lubrication intervals, and an integrated WiFi module. The control device is connected to the components via four connections:Terminal 1: operating voltage (4.8-24 V DC)Port 2: GPS module (via RX / TX TTL level)Connection 3: Oil tank with an integrated or external peristaltic pumpConnection 4: Push button for switching over the lubrication mode, activation / deactivation of the WiFi module, manual triggering of the lubrication pulse and activation / deactivation of the rain mode.All electrical connections are implemented via modern USB-C plug connections.The button serves for switching between different lubrication modes, which trigger a defined amount of lubricant per interval. In addition, the WiFi module can be activated or deactivated via the button and the rain mode can be activated or deactivated.The integrated LED in the button indicates system states via defined flashing codes.The flashing codes include, for example, activation or deactivation of the WiFi module, ongoing operation of the pump, and activation or deactivation of a special rain mode. In the rain mode, the amount of lubricant dispensed is adjusted by a multiplier configurable in the software-the so-called rainmode multiplier. This is adjustable in ten or optionally in more than ten stages. The LED indicates by continuous lighting whether the system is in the rain mode, which is deactivated by a further key press or after a preset time.The software additionally includes a so-called fill mode, in which the pump is operated for filling the lubricant line for a preset time, typically about four minutes. After an automatic reset delay of about two seconds, the system automatically returns to the default lubrication mode. The fill mode can be activated via the web interface, in which manual control of the pump via buttons is also possible.In addition, parameters such as the lubrication distance, the time duration for the rain mode, the activation or deactivation of the automatic lubrication, the buttons, functions, the minimum speed for the lubrication and the starting state of the WiFi module can be configured in the web interface. The web interface also allows the lubrication to be initiated manually.To monitor the lubricant supply, the software has a tank fill level indicator and a consumption meter. The tank volume can be configured via the interface, as a result of which the display can be made in proportion to the actual tank content. A reset button enables the resetting of the fill level, for example after refilling. This solution permits use even with a lubricant tank fitted in a concealed manner.The software contained in the control unit evaluates the position data provided by the GPS module and calculates the distance covered. As soon as the set distance is reached, a lubrication pulse is triggered. The configuration of the line can be adjusted in 50 meter increments to accommodate different chain lengths and widths. The peristaltic pump permits exact delivery of very small quantities, independently of the tank pressure.In one variant, it is integrated in the oil tank, in another in a separate housing, wherein the oil tank is connected to the pump via flexible lines. Both variants are functionally identical.In a preferred embodiment, the voltage supply of the control device via an external USB The system can optionally be operated via a 5V power bank in order not to have to touch the vehicle electrical system.Advantages of the InventionExact lubrication based on the distance actually traveledadjustable lubrication intervals in fine graduationsHigh-precision dosing by peristaltic pumpflexible operation by means of push buttons and WiFiSimple configuration by smartphone or PC via integrated WiFi moduleCompact, voltage-flexible control device with clearly structured connection logicUSB-C compatibility for all connectionsflexible integration of the pump in the tank or separatelyoptional operation via external USB power bank without intervention in on-board electricals

Claims

(Main claim): Chain oiler for bicycles, bicycles and e-bikes, comprising: - a control device with integrated software, - a GPS module for determining the distance covered, - an input unit for defining a lubrication interval in kilometers, wherein the interval is adjustable in 50 meter steps, - a computing unit for evaluating the travel distance determined via the GPS module, - a control unit for triggering a lubrication pulse when reaching the adjusted lubrication interval, - a peristaltic pump for conveying an adjustable quantity of lubricant in a volumetrically accurate manner, in particular for lubricating a motorcycle chain, bicycle chain or e-bike chain in accordance with requirements, - a WiFi module for wirelessly connecting to external devices for configuring the control device, a button for switching between different lubrication modes, for activating or deactivating the WiFi connection and for activating or deactivating the rain mode.Chain oiler according to Claim 1, characterized in that the communication between the control device and the GPS module takes place via a serial RX / TX interface in the TTL level range.Chain oiler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the peristaltic pump is designed to pump lubricant quantities in the microliter range.Chain oiler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lubrication interval is input via a digital control panel or an external wireless interface.Chain oiler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device is operated with a voltage supply in the range from 4.8V to 24V DC.Chain oiler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device has a web-based user interface for configuring the lubrication interval and further operating parameters.Chain oiler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when the WiFi module is deactivated, the configuration can be carried out only by means of the button.Chain oiler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all electrical connections are realized via USB-C plug connections.Chain oiler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the peristaltic pump is alternatively arranged in a separate housing and is connected to an external lubricant tank via flexible lines.Chain oiler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device is supplied with electrical energy via an external USB power source, in particular a 5V power bank.The track oiler according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the button contains an integrated LED, which indicates the operating state of the system by software-controlled flashing signals, in particular the activation of a rain mode, the operation of the pump or the change in status of the WiFi module.Chain oiler according to Claim 11, characterized in that, in the rain mode, the amount of lubricant dispensed is increased by means of a multiplier which can be set in ten or more stages.The chain oiler according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the software comprises a filling mode in which the peristaltic pump is operated for a preset time to fill the oil line and, after expiration, automatically returns to the previously active standard lubrication mode.Chain oiler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device comprises a tank fill level indicator with an adjustable tank volume and consumption meter, wherein a reset of the fill level is possible via a user interface.

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