Drive unit having a locking device for a bicycle lock

Abstract

The present invention relates to a drive unit (A) for an electric bicycle (F), comprising a locking device having at least one interface (11) on a drive housing (1) for a bicycle lock (2), wherein the interface (11) is configured to interact with a locking element (21) of the bicycle lock (2) and, by attaching the locking element (21) at the interface (11), at least one component of the drive unit (A) can be mechanically blocked against movement, and the generation of a drive torque and / or of an assisting torque for driving the electric bicycle (F) can be blocked thereby.

Description

[0001] Drive unit with locking device for a bicycle lock

[0002] Description

[0003] The proposed solution concerns a drive unit for an electric bicycle, in particular a pedelec or e-bike.

[0004] Drive units for electric bicycles are widely known and comprise at least one electric motor for the externally powered generation of assistance torque to propel the electric bicycle. The assistance torque generated by the electric motor can be provided in addition to the drive torque generated by human power at a bottom bracket shaft. If two electric motors are provided, they can also enable a continuous adjustment of the drive torque ratio to provide greater comfort for the electric bicycle rider.

[0005] A transmission device is provided for coupling the bottom bracket spindle and the at least one electric motor to an output element of the drive unit, which is to be coupled to a wheel of the electric bicycle. This transmission device, for example comprising at least one planetary gear, then also transmits the drive torque generated by human power and the additional assist torque generated by external power to the output element. The bottom bracket spindle, the at least one electric motor, and the transmission device are at least partially housed in a drive housing of the drive unit.

[0006] Especially with expensive electric bikes, owners have an increased need to protect themselves against theft. Accordingly, multiple bike locks or other mechanical / electronic security elements that meet higher security standards and cannot be easily broken into may be used to secure parked electric bikes. In this context, it is also known to equip bike locks with electronics so that any unauthorized breaking of a bike lock triggers an alarm in the immediate vicinity via a visual and / or acoustic signal on the electric bike and / or on a mobile phone. However, the bike locks known to date are completely unrelated to the type of bike they are intended to secure and are ultimately only intended to secure frame parts or wheels of the bike.

[0007] Against this background, the proposed solution is based on the task of providing an improved way of securing an electric bicycle against theft.

[0008] A proposed drive unit provides a locking device with at least one interface on the drive housing of the drive unit, which is intended for a bicycle lock. The interface provided for the bicycle lock is designed to interact with a locking element of the bicycle lock. By attaching the locking element to the interface, at least one component of the drive unit is mechanically locked against adjustment, thus blocking the generation of a drive torque and / or an assist torque for driving the electric bicycle.

[0009] The proposed solution is therefore based on the basic idea of ​​designing a locking device with at least one interface for a bicycle lock on the drive unit, in particular within the drive unit, so that with the intended attachment of a locking element to the interface, no drive torque and / or assist torque can be generated to drive the electric bicycle. Driving the electric bicycle via the drive unit is thus impossible as long as the locking element is attached to the interface. A proposed drive unit integrates an interface for a bicycle lock and thus an anti-theft device, in such a way that a lock-side locking element on the drive unit exerts an effect and renders the drive unit inoperable as long as the locking element at the interface interacts with the drive unit.The electric bicycle is therefore unusable, even if the bicycle lock has severed the connection between the electric bicycle and a stationary object (e.g., a post or bicycle stand), for example, by cutting a shackle or strand, such as a cable, of the bicycle lock. As long as the locking element remains attached to the drive housing, neither a crankshaft of the drive unit can be rotated nor can the electric bicycle be driven by the at least one electric motor.

[0010] For example, by attaching the locking element to the drive housing-side interface, at least one component of the transmission device and / or a component of the bottom bracket spindle can be mechanically locked against adjustment. For example, the locking element attached to the interface ensures that a component of the transmission device, such as a gear or a shaft, is blocked inside the drive housing. Alternatively or additionally, the locking element, when properly attached to the interface, can protrude at least partially from the outside of the drive housing and mechanically lock a portion of the bottom bracket spindle or a crank provided thereon against adjustment (beyond a tolerated amount).

[0011] The at least one component of the drive unit, in particular at least one component of the transmission device, can itself be lockable by the locking element attached to the interface. For this purpose, at least one section of the locking element can be brought into positive engagement with at least one component inside the drive housing via the interface, for example. Alternatively or additionally, by attaching the locking element to the interface, a locking element of the locking device can be adjusted from a release position to a locking position, in which the locking element mechanically locks the at least one component against adjustment.For example, inserting or pushing the locking element into the drive unit interface can be accompanied by an adjustment of a locking element of the locking device, so that the locking element is brought into locking engagement with one or more components inside the drive unit. For example, the locking element can be a locking lever, a locking bolt, a gear segment, or a locking slide.

[0012] In principle, it can be provided that the locking element attached to the interface can be locked against unauthorized removal from the drive housing, in particular by means of the locking device. For example, the locking element can be locked against removal from the drive housing via a release mechanism on the bicycle lock and / or via the locking device of the drive unit. Thus, at least one element is provided on the bicycle lock and / or on the locking device, via which a (mechanical) lock, in particular a lock, by means of which the locking element is secured to the drive housing, can be released again. For example, a locking cylinder can be provided on the bicycle lock or a locking cylinder on the drive housing in order to release the locking of the locking element on the drive housing using a key via the release mechanism.

[0013] A release mechanism can also be electronically controlled. For example, an actuating element is provided on the drive unit or coupled thereto to electronically trigger the release mechanism to release a lock on the locking element, preventing it from being removed from the drive housing. A corresponding actuating element can be, for example, a button, a keypad, or a switch on the drive housing or the bicycle lock. If necessary, a fingerprint scan can also be integrated into the actuating element to ensure that only an authenticated user can trigger the release mechanism.

[0014] In particular, the release mechanism can be electronically controlled via a mobile device. Such a mobile device is coupled to the drive unit or bicycle lock, for example, via a wireless interface such as NFC or Bluetooth, or a mobile phone interface. The mobile device can be, for example, an electronic key or a mobile phone that is coupled to the drive unit in order to wirelessly transmit signals to an electronic control unit of the drive unit and, if necessary, also receive signals from the electronic control unit.

[0015] The interface of the locking device on the drive housing can, for example, be formed with a lock opening into which the locking element on the bicycle lock side can be at least partially inserted, in particular plugged in. A corresponding lock opening is provided, for example, on an outer side of the drive housing, so that the locking element can be inserted into the drive housing through this opening and locked thereto. The locking element inserted into the lock opening can, in accordance with the above explanations, also be locked against unauthorized removal until a release mechanism is triggered, e.g., rotationally or translationally.In particular, the locking element can be inserted with at least one section through the lock opening into the interior of the drive housing in order to mechanically block at least one component of the drive unit against adjustment or to trigger an adjustment of a locking element into a locking position via the inserted section.

[0016] To protect the lock opening from dirt or moisture, the lock opening can be closed with a cover if the locking element is not attached to the drive housing. For example, such a cover is adjustably mounted on the drive housing so that the cover can be moved to an open position to release the lock opening if a user wants to park the electric bike and disable the drive unit mechanically using the locking element of the bicycle lock.

[0017] The bicycle lock can generally be designed with a flexible cable connected to the locking element for securing the electric bicycle to a stationary object. In such a design variant, the drive unit, with its locking device, is therefore designed for combination with a corresponding bicycle lock.

[0018] In a possible further development, the bicycle lock can also be connected to a power supply of the drive unit via the locking element attached to the interface. A strand of the bicycle lock can thus be connected to a power source via the locking element attached to the interface, allowing a measurable current to flow. In this way, an electronic control unit for the drive unit, for example, can electronically monitor whether the strand of the bicycle lock has been damaged, tampered with, and / or severed, with the locking element attached to the interface, since this would result in a change in resistance or an interruption in the current flow.Thus, for example, at least one electrically conductive signal line of the bicycle frame can be connected to an energy storage device provided for supplying the drive unit with electrical energy via the interface, so that damage, manipulation and / or severing of the line can be detected via the electronic control unit on the basis of a current measurement.

[0019] A signal line can be formed, for example, by a metallic core in the bicycle lock's cable or at least one electrically conductive wire in the cable if the locking element is attached to the interface. If the cable is improperly damaged, tampered with, or severed, this can be detected by the drive unit's electronic control unit based on a changed current signal.

[0020] If damage, tampering with, or severing of the cable is detected electronically in this way, provision is made, for example, to generate an alarm signal via the electronic control unit. In particular, the control unit can be configured in this context to transmit the alarm signal wirelessly to a mobile device. For example, the electronic control unit of the drive unit can have a radio interface for wireless signal transmission or be coupled to such a radio interface. This includes, for example, wireless signal transmission via NFC, Bluetooth and / or a mobile network being possible via the radio interface. The generated alarm signal can in principle be intended to trigger an alarm that can be perceived haptically, visually and / or acoustically by a person, e.g. on the mobile device and / or on the electric bicycle.

[0021] The proposed solution further relates to a bicycle assembly for an electric bicycle with a variant of a proposed drive unit and a bicycle lock having the locking element. Thus, a preconfigured bicycle assembly consisting of the drive unit and a bicycle lock compatible with it can be provided.

[0022] Furthermore, an electric bicycle with a variant of a proposed drive unit or a variant of a proposed bicycle assembly is also included.

[0023] The attached figures illustrate possible embodiments of the proposed solution

[0024] Here we show:

[0025] Figure 1 shows a partial version of a proposed

[0026] Electric bicycle with a variant of a proposed drive unit, which is fixed to a frame of the electric bicycle and on whose drive housing an externally accessible lock opening for a locking element of a bicycle lock is provided; Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the drive unit of Figure 1 with a bicycle lock that can be combined therewith;

[0027] Figure 3 shows a section of the electric bicycle of Figure 1 in a state in which it is connected to two stationary objects as intended.

[0028] Figure 1 shows a section of an electric bicycle F with a frame R to which a drive unit A with at least one electric motor E is fixed (see also Figures 2 and 3). The drive unit A has a drive housing 1, inside which at least one electric motor E and a transmission device in the form of a transmission G, for example with at least one planetary gear, are accommodated. The at least one electric motor E serves to provide an assistance torque for driving the electric bicycle F. This assistance torque is provided in addition to a drive torque applied to a bottom bracket shaft T by muscle power. The bottom bracket shaft T is connected on both sides to a (pedal) crank K provided with pedals.

[0029] In the illustrated drive unit A, an interface with a lock opening 11 for a bicycle lock 2 is provided on a lateral housing part 1A of the drive housing 1. The lock opening 11 is part of a locking device of the drive unit A and, in the illustration in Figure 1, is protectively covered by a cover 10.

[0030] If the electric bicycle F is to be parked and secured against theft, the electric bicycle F can be secured against unauthorized removal and unauthorized use using a bicycle lock 2 as shown in Figure 3. For this purpose, a locking element 21 of the bicycle lock 2 is inserted into the lock opening 11 from the outside. For example, the lock-side locking element as shown in Figure 2 is a lock pin 21 provided at one end of a lock strand 20, while at the other end of the lock strand 20 there is an eyelet for securing the lock strand 20 to a stationary object, such as a post or a bicycle stand.

[0031] If the lock pin 21 is inserted into the lock opening 11 on the drive housing 1 of the drive unit A, this can be used to block a (full) rotation of a crank K. The lock opening 11 is provided on the side of the drive housing 1 in such a way that the crank K cannot be guided past the lock pin 21 when it is inserted into the lock opening 11. The crank K and thus the bottom bracket shaft T of the drive unit A are thus blocked from a (full) rotation, and no drive torque can be applied via the bottom bracket shaft T as long as the lock pin 21 is inserted into the lock opening 11.

[0032] In the illustrated drive unit A, the lock pin 21 can also protrude beyond the lock opening 11 into the interior of the drive housing 1 and be positively engaged with a component of the transmission G, so that no assist torque can be transmitted to a wheel of the electric bicycle F via the electric motor E. The drive unit A is thus mechanically inoperable in several respects when the lock pin 21 of the bicycle lock 2 is inserted into the lock opening 11.

[0033] In this context, it is not mandatory for the locking pin 21 itself to perform a corresponding function within the drive housing 1. Alternatively, a locking element of the locking device can be displaced into a locking position via a locking device of the drive unit A encompassing the lock opening 11, alternatively also via the locking pin 21 inserted into the lock opening 11. In a locking position, the locking element therefore engages positively with at least one component of the transmission G and locks it against the transmission of a drive torque and an assist torque.

[0034] The lock pin 21 inserted into the lock opening 11 of the locking device of the drive unit A is further secured against removal on the drive housing 1. Thus, the lock pin 21 can only be pulled out of the lock opening 11 after triggering a release mechanism on the bicycle lock 2 or—in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2—by triggering a release mechanism on the drive unit A. For example, a locking cylinder is provided on the drive housing 1 for this purpose in order to disengage a drive-side locking element from the lock pin 21.

[0035] A corresponding locking mechanism, by which the locking pin 21 on the drive housing 1 is locked against removal from the drive housing 1, can also be released electronically in a further development. For example, an electronic control unit SE of the drive unit 1 according to Figure 2 can communicate with a mobile device, here in the form of a mobile phone 3. For example, an owner of the electric bicycle F can send a release signal to the electronic control unit SE via the mobile device 3 to release the locking of the locking pin 21.

[0036] Furthermore, the at least one electric motor E of the drive unit A can also be controlled via the electronic control unit SE.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, the electronic control unit SE can detect whether the bicycle lock 2 plugged into the drive housing A has been improperly damaged, tampered with, and / or destroyed. For this purpose, it can be provided that an electrical connection is established via the lock pin 21 of the bicycle lock 3 plugged into the lock opening 11 with a power supply of the drive unit A, for example an energy storage device in the form of a battery arranged on the frame R of the electric bicycle F. Via a corresponding electrically conductive connection to at least one signal line running continuously in the lock strand 20, such as a (signal) wire or a metallic cable, the electronic control unit SE can then be used to monitor whether the lock strand 20 has been damaged, tampered with, or even severed.

[0038] If damage, manipulation or severing of the lock strand 20 has been electronically detected by the electronic control unit SE in this way, the control unit SE can generate and wirelessly transmit an alarm signal S a be set up and provided. This alarm signal S a For example, an owner of the electric bicycle F can be informed about a possible theft attempt. For this purpose, the alarm signal S a for example, wirelessly transmitted to the mobile phone 3. Alternatively or additionally, the alarm signal S a trigger a haptic, visual and / or acoustic alarm on the electric bicycle F.

[0039] Consequently, if an electric bicycle F is equipped with a bicycle assembly consisting of the drive unit A and the bicycle lock 2 and secured to one or more stationary objects O1, O2 as shown in Figure 3, the electric bicycle F is not only physically secured to one or more stationary objects O1, O2, but the electric motor drive A of the electric bicycle F is also rendered inoperable via the bicycle lock 2. Theft protection is thus further increased. Through the coupling with the drive unit A, a bicycle lock 2 thus achieves significantly higher theft protection than any additional locks ZS1 and ZS2, which merely physically secure the electric bicycle F to one or more stationary objects O1, O2. List of reference symbols

[0040] 1 drive housing

[0041] 10 Cover

[0042] 11 Lock opening (interface)

[0043] 1A housing part

[0044] 2 bicycle locks

[0045] 20 lock strand

[0046] 21 Lock pin (locking element)

[0047] 3 Mobile device

[0048] A drive unit

[0049] E electric motor

[0050] F Electric bike

[0051] G Gearbox

[0052] K Crank

[0053] 01 , 02 Object

[0054] R frame

[0055] S a Alarm signal

[0056] SE control electronics

[0057] T bottom bracket spindle

[0058] ZS1, ZS2 additional lock

[0059] REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26)

Claims

Claims 1. A drive unit for an electric bicycle (F), comprising a bottom bracket shaft (T) for the muscle-powered generation of a drive torque for driving the electric bicycle (F), at least one electric motor (E) for the externally powered generation of an additional assist torque for driving the electric bicycle (F), a transmission device (G) for coupling the bottom bracket shaft (T) and the at least one electric motor (E) to an output element of the drive unit, which is to be coupled to a wheel of the electric bicycle (F), and for transmitting the drive torque and the assist torque to the output element, and a drive housing (1) in which the bottom bracket shaft (T), the at least one electric motor (E), and the transmission device (G) are at least partially accommodated, characterized in that the drive unit (A) comprises a locking device with at least one interface (11) on the drive housing (1) for a bicycle lock (2).wherein the interface (11) is configured to interact with a locking element (21) of the bicycle lock (2), and by attaching the locking element (21) to the interface (11), at least one component of the drive unit (A) can be mechanically locked against adjustment and thus the generation of a drive torque and / or an assistance torque for driving the electric bicycle (F) can be blocked.

2. Drive unit according to claim 1, characterized in that by attaching the locking element (21) to the interface (11) of the locking device, at least one component of the transmission device (G) and / or one component (K) of the bottom bracket shaft (T) can be mechanically locked against adjustment.

3. Drive unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one component can be locked by the locking element (21) attached to the interface and / or by attaching the locking element (21) to the interface (11) a locking element of the locking device can be adjusted from a release position into a locking position REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) in which the locking element locks at least one component against adjustment.

4. Drive unit according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the locking element (21) attached to the interface can be locked against removal from the drive housing (1).

5. Drive unit according to claim 4, characterized in that a blocking of the locking element (21) against removal from the drive housing (1) can be released via a release mechanism on the bicycle lock (2) and / or via the locking device of the drive unit (A).

6. Drive unit according to claim 5, characterized in that the release mechanism is electronically controllable, in particular via a mobile device (3).

7. Drive unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface is formed with a lock opening (11) on the drive housing (1), into which the locking element (21) of the bicycle lock (2) can be at least partially inserted.

8. Drive unit according to claim 7, characterized in that the lock opening (11) is closed by a cover (10) when the locking element (21) is not attached to the drive housing (1).

9. Drive unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bicycle lock (2) is designed with a flexible strand (20) connected to the locking element (21) for securing the electric bicycle (F) to a stationary object (O1, O2).

10. Drive unit according to claim 9, characterized in that the bicycle lock (2) can be connected to a power supply of the drive unit (A) via the locking element (21) attached to the interface (11), and an electronic control unit (SE) for the drive unit (A) is set up to electronically detect damage, manipulation and / or severing of the cord (20) and, in response to detection that the cord (20) has been damaged or severed, to emit an alarm signal (S a ) to generate.

11. Drive unit according to claim 10, characterized in that the control unit (SE) is arranged to send the alarm signal (Sa ) wirelessly to a mobile device (3). REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) 12. A bicycle assembly for an electric bicycle (F), comprising a drive unit (A) according to one of the preceding claims and a bicycle lock (2) having the locking element (21).

13. An electric bicycle, comprising a drive unit (A) according to one of claims 1 to 11 or a bicycle assembly according to claim 12. REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26)

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