Locking and unlocking apparatus and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a locking and unlocking apparatus for an electrically driven vehicle, in particular an electric bicycle. The apparatus comprises a housing for receiving components, a built-in element for mechanical unlocking of the battery, wherein the built-in element comprises an actuating element for releasing the unlocking of the battery, and an electronic unlocking element. The apparatus is advantageously connected to a release device for releasing the mechanical unlocking of the battery by means of an electronic unlocking element.

Description

[0001] Device and method for locking and unlocking

[0002] field of technology

[0003] The present invention relates to a locking and unlocking device for an electrically powered vehicle, in particular for an electric bicycle, also called an e-bike.

[0004] The invention further relates to methods for locking and unlocking, all according to the preambles of the independent claims.

[0005] Technological background

[0006] Locking and unlocking devices are well known in the art. On e-bikes, they are used to insert and lock, as well as remove, a battery, especially a rechargeable battery.

[0007] A battery is an energy storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. A battery can usually be charged or recharged while installed on the bike or externally.

[0008] Common solutions for charging the battery on or in the bicycle frame provide a separate charging socket. The separate charging socket and locking / unlocking device must be installed separately in the bicycle frame, making installation and removal extremely cumbersome.

[0009] The charging socket is connected to an external power source or power outlet with a charging cable. Depending on the capacity and charging current, a charge can take several hours. i Since bicycles equipped with such batteries are very valuable, theft protection of such a bicycle and the battery is of considerable interest. A common disadvantage of state-of-the-art locking and unlocking devices is that the electronics of the locking and unlocking device are relatively easy to access. A thief can tamper with the electronics using simple tools, such as a screwdriver, and, in the worst case, unlock the battery from the outside.

[0010] There is a general need for improvements in this area. In particular, there is a need for new solutions that address the aforementioned disadvantages of the state of the art.

[0011] Description of the invention

[0012] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved locking and unlocking device which not only enables the secure locking and unlocking of a battery, but also allows the battery to be charged.

[0013] These and other objects are achieved by a device according to the invention according to the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

[0014] The solution according to the invention can be further improved by various embodiments, each of which is advantageous in itself and, unless otherwise stated, can be combined with one another in any desired way. These embodiments and the associated advantages are discussed below.

[0015] One aspect of the present invention relates to a locking and unlocking device for an electrically powered vehicle, in particular an electric bicycle. The device comprises a housing for accommodating components, a mounting element for mechanical battery unlocking, wherein the mounting element comprises an actuating element for enabling the battery unlocking, and an electronic unlocking element. The device can be connected to a release device for enabling the mechanical battery unlocking by means of an electronic unlocking element.

[0016] The installation element with actuating element can also be referred to as an opening latch, which can be used to unlock the battery by bridging or over-pressing at an angle of more than 90°.

[0017] The design of the device allows a battery to be advantageously locked and unlocked, as well as charged using the same device. This saves components and materials, as different or separate devices for locking and unlocking and charging are not required. Furthermore, the battery's theft protection is increased. Access to the underlying electronics within the bicycle frame is made difficult or impossible. A thief cannot tamper with the electronics using simple tools, such as a screwdriver.

[0018] Preferably, the housing has an access or recess for a charging socket or charging port. This access allows for easy connection of a charging cable or plug. Access to the charging socket is achieved by bending the opening latch to approximately 90°.

[0019] If the built-in element is designed to be movable for opening and closing, it can be moved and used for multiple functions. A dual or multiple function is advantageous. When closed, the built-in element also provides protection against dirt and moisture. Depending on the design, it can snap into place on the housing and prevent the ingress of splash water. In an alternative embodiment, the built-in element has additional sealing means, so that the device according to the invention is watertight or nearly watertight when closed. Sealing rings or tight fits are particularly suitable for this purpose.

[0020] The mounting element can be attached to the housing using a spring assembly. The spring assembly comprises a first spring, a shaft, and a retaining ring. The spring assembly not only allows the mounting element to move, but also to snap shut into its original position. This is achieved by spring preload. The spring preload can be overcome by the actuating element by bridging it with an opening angle of more than 90°. When the actuating element is folded back to an opening angle of 90° or less, the spring assembly resumes its preload.

[0021] The mechanical battery release has a second spring for ejecting the battery. The second spring also provides spring preload, allowing easy ejection of the battery. After the unlocking process, the battery moves toward the user up to a defined end stop. This ensures easy removal of the battery. In alternative embodiments, additional signaling elements are provided that can signal unlocking or locking, or ejection or reinsertion of the battery. This can take the form of acoustic or haptic signals, for example, through push pins on the battery or the bicycle frame.

[0022] If the mechanical battery release is carried out by means of an actuating element and an opening angle of the actuating element of more than 90°, then the battery can be safely ejected via a bell crank.

[0023] The housing can be fitted into a recess in a vehicle frame and protected by a security bracket. The advantage here is that the housing has grooves or depressions into which the security bracket slides or engages, preventing the housing from being removed. This serves to increase theft protection because it makes access to the battery more difficult and impossible. In a further advantageous embodiment, the security bracket can only be inserted or removed after the battery has been removed. This prevents the locking and unlocking device from being removed from the recess in the bicycle frame in the event of theft, thus preventing a thief from gaining access to the electronics or other elements. The security bracket thus provides additional security when the battery compartment is closed. When the battery compartment is open, the security bracket can be removed to easily replace the housing and its components.This easy replaceability is particularly advantageous in the event of a defect.

[0024] If the mechanical battery release is performed by the release device using the electronic release element and the actuating element is moved to an opening angle of 90° or more, the battery can be safely ejected via a bell crank. Thus, two conditions must be met to eject the battery, which in turn leads to increased protection.

[0025] The mechanical battery locking mechanism is best activated when the actuating element is at an opening angle of 90° or less. The battery can then simply be pushed in. The ejection mechanism is inactive.

[0026] The electronic unlocking element can comprise an electric solenoid. This can be easily controlled and is only the first step in the battery ejection process. Only after the electronic unlocking element, i.e., the electric solenoid, is activated and the unlocking is enabled, does a second step take place using the actuating element.

[0027] If the release device is configured for mechanical battery unlocking using a code to be entered, only the user who knows the code can unlock the battery. This code can be adapted to the security needs of the respective user. The release device can be designed as a management device. In a preferred embodiment, the release device comprises a user device with a display, for example, an information processing unit with a graphical user interface (GUI). In a further preferred embodiment, the release device comprises a smartphone or a similar external device. The latter embodiment enables the battery to be unlocked from any location, which may be at a certain distance from the electric bicycle. In a further possible embodiment, the release device is connected to a contact switch.For example, the user could be notified via smartphone that the battery release on their bike has been activated. This provides additional security. In yet another possible design, the release mechanism is simply a button connected to the electronic release element.

[0028] A mechanical battery lock is activated by closing the actuating element after the battery has been inserted. The actuating element then returns to its home or initial position. The electronic locking occurs automatically after the battery has been reinserted. This facilitates a quick return of the electric bike to a rideable state after charging the battery.

[0029] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle frame for an electrically powered vehicle, in particular an electric bicycle, for receiving and coupling with the specified device.

[0030] Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for unlocking an electrically powered vehicle, in particular an electric bicycle, using the specified device. The method comprises the steps of releasing the mechanical battery release by the release device using an electronic unlocking element and opening the actuating element over an opening angle of more than 90°. The unlocking method is thus two-stage: first, an electronic release takes place and then a mechanical release. Alternatively, the first step can also be carried out mechanically. Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for locking an electrically powered vehicle, in particular an electric bicycle, using the specified device. The method comprises the step of closing the actuating element to a closing angle of 90° or less.

[0031] It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that all of the described preferred and particular embodiments can be implemented in any combination in an inventive embodiment, provided they are not mutually exclusive. The present invention will now be explained in more detail below with reference to specific embodiments and figures, without, however, being limited to them. Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent to a person skilled in the art from studying these specific embodiments. For the sake of simplicity, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures. Further aspects of the present invention will also emerge from the following description.

[0032] Short description of the drawings

[0033] Embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following figures. The figures are not to scale. They show:

[0034] Fig. 1 a is an enlargement of a view of the device according to the invention;

[0035] Fig. 1 b an electric bicycle with a device according to the invention;

[0036] Fig. 2 a-d shows a housing of the device according to the invention in various three-dimensional representations;

[0037] Fig. 3 shows a housing with additional components in a disassembled state; Fig. 4 shows a housing with a safety bar in a three-dimensional representation;

[0038] Fig. 5 shows a section of the electric bicycle with the charging connection connected;

[0039] Fig. 6 is an enlargement of the device according to the invention with an electronic unlocking element; Fig. 7 is an enlargement of the device according to the invention with force directivity in the unlocked state and with the charging socket hidden; and

[0040] Fig. 8 shows an enlargement of the device according to the invention in the closed or locked state and with the charging socket hidden. The same or similar reference numerals are used for identical or equivalent parts in the following figures and the associated description.

[0041] Implementation of the invention

[0042] The examples given below serve to better illustrate the invention, but are not intended to limit the invention to the features disclosed herein.

[0043] Fig. 1 a shows an enlargement of a view of the device according to the invention.

[0044] Fig. 1b shows an electric bicycle 80 with a device according to the invention. The circular area A is shown enlarged in Fig. 1a. Fig. 1a shows a frame 70 with a device 11. A release device 20 with a display 21 is arranged in the upper cross member.

[0045] Figures 2a to d show a housing 1 of the device 11 according to the invention in various three-dimensional representations.

[0046] Fig. 2a shows a front view of the housing 1 with an actuating element 2 in the open state. For mechanical battery release, the actuating element 2 is moved or pressed to an opening angle of more than 90°. The housing 1 has a cutout or recess 6 that serves as access to the charging socket. Fig. 2a also shows part of a securing bracket 50.

[0047] Fig. 2b shows a top view of the housing 1 with an installation element 10 that includes the actuating element 2. The installation element 10 and the actuating element 2 can be designed together as one element. The installation element 10 is attached to the housing 1 by means of a spring arrangement 3, which is described in more detail in Fig. 3. The securing bracket 50 can be seen from above. The installation element 10 with the actuating element 2 is in the open state, so that access to the charging socket is provided. Fig. 2c shows a further three-dimensional view from the side. Shown are the housing 1 with the actuating element 2 unfolded, the spring arrangement 3 and the securing bracket 50, which in turn is only partially visible.

[0048] Fig. 2d shows another three-dimensional view from the left. The installation element 10 with the actuating element 2 is unfolded and positioned at an angle of 90° or more to the housing 1. The spring assembly 3 and the retaining clip 50 are partially visible.

[0049] Fig. 3 shows the housing 1 with additional components in a disassembled state. The housing 1 is oval in shape and has a groove 49 at the top and bottom. The installation element 10 with the actuating element 2 and an end 13 on the opposite side is clearly visible. The installation element 10 has a shaft feedthrough 12. The actuating element 2 is designed as an engagement with a circular base and a recess 14 in the front area. This recess 14 serves to simplify operation. This area can also be designed differently so that it can be easily grasped by the user as a type of handle. The installation element 10 with the actuating element 2 fits precisely into the housing 1. The spring arrangement 3 is shown with a first spring 31, a shaft 32 and a retaining ring 33. Two holes are provided in the housing 1. When installed, the installation element 10 with the actuating element 2 is located in the housing 1.The shaft 32 runs through the shaft bushing 12 and the holes. The first spring 31 is preloaded and the retaining ring 33 is fastened to the end of the shaft 32. This allows the installation element 10 and the actuating element 2 to be moved or opened and closed under tension. Due to the spring tension, the installation element 10 with the actuating element 2 folds back into its original state after actuation. In the original state, the installation element 10 with the actuating element 2 is advantageously located in the housing 1 and is flush with it. The retaining bracket 50 is shown on the side. As soon as the housing 1 is inserted into a precisely fitting recess in the frame 70, the retaining bracket 50 can be inserted into the grooves 49 on the inside, which are located at the top and bottom of the housing 1. This ensures that the housing 1 is securely fastened to the frame 70.

[0050] Fig. 4a-b are schematic, three-dimensional representations of a device according to the invention comprising the housing 1, which has the groove 49 for receiving the safety bar 50, the actuating element 2, and the spring arrangement 3. In Fig. 4a, the device 11 is shown from the rear, which forms the inside of the device after installation in a bicycle frame 70. The device 11 in Fig. 4a is in a closed state. Fig. 4b, on the other hand, shows the device in an open, but not unlocked, state, with an opening angle =< 90°, viewed from the front right. In this position, the connection of a charging connection is possible.

[0051] Fig. 5 shows a section of the electric bicycle 80 with the charging connection 62 connected. Since the spring arrangement 3 exerts pressure on the actuating element 2, the actuating element 2 is pressed back to an angle of less than 90° after a charging connection 62 has been connected, whereby the actuating element 2 can contact the charging connection 62. When the charging plug or the charging connection 62 is unplugged, the actuating element 2 snaps back towards its original state due to the pretension of the spring arrangement 3. As already mentioned, in conventional electrically powered vehicles, the charging connection and the battery release are located on different sides of a bicycle frame. Fig. 5 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the unlocking and locking device and the charging connection are located in the same device 11 and on the same side of a bicycle frame 70.

[0052] Fig. 6 shows the device 11 according to the invention in an enlarged view with an electronic unlocking element 22 in the form of a magnetic coil. At the top, a partial view of the frame 70 with the device 11 as the opening mechanism is shown. Below, the interior of the bicycle frame 70 can be seen, where, in an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic coil 22 is arranged near the housing 1. When released by the release device 20, the magnetic coil 22 is caused to release a deflection lever 35 (not shown in Fig. 6), which moves a slide 42 (not shown in Fig. 6) via a second spring 41 (not shown in Fig. 6), which subsequently releases the battery 40, so that the battery 40 is ejected.

[0053] Fig. 7 shows an enlargement of the device 11 according to the invention with force directivities a, b, c in the unlocked state and with the charging socket 60 hidden along a section AA corresponding to a circular region B. In a state to be unlocked, the installation element 10 with the actuating element 2 acts at one end or edge 13 on the deflection lever 35 (force directivity a), which in turn pushes the slide 42 forward in the direction of the bicycle frame 70 (force directivity b), with the result that the second spring 41 releases the battery 40 and this is ejected by a third spring 43 (force directivity c). The second spring 41 pretensions the slide 42 so that the battery 40 is securely held in the frame. In an advantageous embodiment, the battery frame has a groove edge into which the slide 42 engages or latches when closed.In a further embodiment, the battery 40 has a curved surface portion along which the slider 42 slides when the battery 40 is ejected or reinserted.

[0054] Fig. 8 shows an enlargement of the device 11 according to the invention in the closed or locked state and with the charging socket 60 hidden along a section AA corresponding to a circular area B. In contrast to Fig. 7, the deflection lever 35 is in a straight, non-triggered position. The slide 42 is preloaded by the second spring 41, which presses the slide 42 downward along the direction of the bicycle frame 70. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the slide 42 is engaged in the groove edge of the battery.

[0055] The present invention discloses a locking and unlocking device for an electrically powered vehicle. It goes without saying that a person skilled in the art will be able to conceive numerous other embodiments in this field based on the exemplary embodiments described.

[0056] List of reference symbols

[0057] 1 housing

[0058] 2 Actuating element

[0059] 3 Spring arrangement

[0060] 6 Access to the charging socket

[0061] 10 built-in element

[0062] 11 Device

[0063] 12 Shaft bushing

[0064] 13 End of the installation element for activating the bell crank

[0065] 14 Recess

[0066] 20 Release device

[0067] 21 Display

[0068] 22 electronic unlocking element, solenoid coil

[0069] 31 first spring

[0070] 32 Wave

[0071] 33 Retaining ring

[0072] 35 bell crank

[0073] 40 Battery

[0074] 41 second spring

[0075] 42 sliders

[0076] 43 third spring

[0077] 49 grooves

[0078] 50 safety brackets

[0079] 60 charging socket

[0080] 62 Charging connection, charging plug 70 Frame

[0081] 80 electric bikes

Claims

Patent claims 1. A locking and unlocking device (11) for an electrically powered vehicle, in particular an electric bicycle (80), comprising: a housing (1) for accommodating components; a mounting element (10) for mechanical battery unlocking, wherein the mounting element (10) comprises an actuating element (2) for enabling the battery unlocking; an electronic unlocking element (22); and connected to a release device (20) for enabling the mechanical battery unlocking by means of an electronic unlocking element (22).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the housing (1) has an access (6) to a charging socket (60).

3. Device according to claim 1, wherein the installation element (10) is provided to be movable for opening and closing.

4. Device according to claim 1, wherein the installation element (10) is attached to the housing (1) by means of a spring arrangement (3) with a first spring (31), a shaft (32) and a retaining ring (33).

5. Device according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical battery release comprises a second spring (41) for ejecting a battery (40).

6. Device according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical battery unlocking is carried out by means of an actuating element (2) and an opening angle of the actuating element (2) of more than 90°.

7. Device according to claim 1, wherein the housing (1) can be fitted in a recess of a vehicle frame (70) and is protected by means of a securing bracket (50). Device according to claim 1, wherein the housing (1) has at least one groove (49) which receives a safety bracket (50) for locking. Device according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical battery unlocking is carried out by the release device (20) by means of the electronic unlocking element (22) and the actuating element (2) is moved to an opening angle of 90° or more. Device according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical battery locking takes place when the actuating element (2) is at an opening angle of 90° or less. Device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic unlocking element (22) comprises an electrical magnetic coil. Device according to claim 1, wherein the release device (20) is configured for mechanical battery unlocking by means of a code to be entered.Device according to claim 1, wherein a mechanical battery lock is effected by closing the actuating element (2) after battery insertion. Vehicle frame (70) for an electrically powered vehicle, in particular an electric bicycle (80), for receiving and coupling with a device (11) according to one of claims 1 to 8. Method for unlocking an electrically powered vehicle, in particular an electric bicycle (80), by means of a device (11) according to one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the steps:. Releasing the mechanical battery release by the release device (20) by means of an electronic release element (22); and Opening the actuating element (2) over an opening angle of more than 90°. A locking method for an electrically powered vehicle, in particular an electric bicycle (800), using a device (11) according to one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the step: Closing the actuating element (2) to a closing angle of 90° or less.

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