DE202021004302U1 - Electronic device for locating a bicycle and bicycle with such a device - Google Patents

Abstract

Electronic device (60) for locating a bicycle (10), the device (60) comprising:
- a positioning module (70) for receiving signals (110) from navigation satellites (112) and for determining a position of the bicycle (10) depending on the received signals (110),
- a wireless communication module (72) for sending data (114) with information about the determined position of the bicycle (10) via a wireless communication network (116), and
- an energy module (68) for supplying the location module (70) and the wireless communication module (72) with electrical energy, the device (60) being designed to be invisible from the outside inside a rod or a tube (32 - 40) of the bicycle ( 10) to be arranged and preferably fastened there, the rod or the tube (32 - 40) in particular a saddle rod (32), a fork control tube (34), a frame tube (36) or a handlebar tube (38) of the bicycle (10) comprises, characterized in that the energy module (68) has a rechargeable battery (66) and the device (60) is assigned a power generating device (90), in particular in the form of a linear dynamo, which generates power during operation of the bicycle (10). generated to charge the energy module (68).

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic device for locating a bicycle with or without an additional motor drive. The device is designed according to the preamble of claim 1 or 2.

Such tracking devices are also referred to as GPS trackers because they usually have a tracking module with a GPS receiver that is designed to receive signals from GPS satellites. Using time stamps of the signals received from various satellites and a comparison with the actual time the signals were received by the GPS receiver, the positioning module can calculate the distance to the individual satellites and also the current position with an accuracy of a few meters. However, the prerequisite is that the positioning module has a clock that is synchronized with satellite clocks.

Locating devices of the type mentioned at the beginning are, for example, from DE 20 2011 002 447 U1 , the EP 3 398 843 A1 , the EP 2 942 244 A1 and the GB 2 492 742 A known.

In the known GPS trackers, the wireless communication module usually has a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) module, which is designed to send data via a GSM radio communication network, in particular according to the EDGE standard. The data with information about the determined position of the bicycle is transmitted via an infrastructure that was actually developed for consumer needs for the transmission of large amounts of data (e.g. telephony, streaming), although GPS trackers usually only transmit infrequently and only small amounts of data.

The disadvantage of the well-known GPS trackers is the requirement to conclude a mobile phone contract with a SIM card to operate the GPS tracker with a mobile phone provider, which entails relatively high costs and minimum contract periods. In addition, the wireless communication modules of the well-known GPS trackers consume a lot of energy, so that the energy modules usually have to be recharged after just a few days (e.g. changing the battery, charging the accumulator). The maintenance of the well-known GPS trackers is therefore complex and expensive.

In addition, there is a relatively high risk that the energy module of the GPS tracker can no longer provide sufficient energy when the GPS tracker is needed, for example to transmit the current position to a user or their end device via the wireless communication module. Another problem with known GPS trackers is their attachment to a bicycle that needs to be protected from theft. Due to the size of known GPS trackers, this is usually done in such a way that the trackers are clearly visible from the outside and can be separated from the bicycle by a thief without much effort. This means that the well-known GPS trackers lose their protective effect against bicycle theft.

The main problem with using currently available GPS trackers is high power consumption. Since there are no energy storage devices available in bicycles, the GPS tracker must be operated with the battery built into the device. Since these batteries are small due to their design and therefore only have a small amount of energy, they can only be used for short periods of a few hours or days. The user therefore has to constantly charge the built-in device and also remove it from the bike and reinstall it. Although it is theoretically possible to connect the GPS tracker to a bicycle dynamo, the constant operational readiness of the GPS tracker requires permanent operation, i.e. movement of the bicycle. However, this is not practical.

Even when using a known GPS tracker on Pedelecs or S-Pedelecs that are equipped with large on-board driving batteries to which the GPS tracker can be connected, the problem is not solved satisfactorily because the user has to use the driving battery charging and because the charge level of this driving battery takes on different values in practice, i.e. it can also be so discharged that long-term operation of the GPS tracker is not possible. This means that the availability of the GPS tracker and reliability in the event of theft depends on the charge level of the Pedelec battery.

After all, the current generation of well-known GPS trackers is based on the 2G, 3G or 4G mobile communications standards. The frequencies for the outdated 2G and 3G standards have already been switched off in some countries (e.g. Switzerland) and will also be switched off in other countries such as Germany in the near future. The current generation of well-known GPS trackers will no longer work in Germany and the rest of the EU countries in the near future.

In addition, devices are known from the prior art that use Bluetooth beacon technology for short-range location (e.g. “tile” tracker from Tile Inc. or “AirTag” from Apple Inc.). However, these are based on a proprietary network of devices (e.g. Apple iPho nes, iPads and MacBooks) for long-range localization. This has the disadvantage that location can only be carried out in the immediate vicinity (<10 m) of a terminal device.

Bicycles are becoming increasingly important as a means of transport, particularly in growing urban centers. The trend is shifting away from cars and towards bicycles. The integration of electric (e-)drives into bicycles to form so-called e-bikes, pedelecs and S-pedelecs has further accelerated this trend. Bicycles with electric drives enable fatigue-free and quick progress in everyday traffic. S-Pedelcs with a top speed of 45km/h are increasingly being used instead of a car as a “daily commuter” to get to work or for everyday errands.

The status of bicycles in post-industrial, highly developed countries (e.g. Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, etc.) has undergone a paradigm shift in recent years. Consumers today attribute a usage value and status to bicycles comparable to that of a car and are prepared to invest large amounts of money on high-quality and technically sophisticated bicycles.

This upward trend in bicycles is also linked to the problem of bicycle theft. In 2018, thieves stole around 160,000 insured bicycles in Germany alone and caused total damage of around 100 million euros. Insurers paid an average of 630 euros for each stolen bicycle. This emerges from statistics from the General Association of the German Insurance Industry (GDV).

The trend towards expensive bicycles as stolen goods continues unabated: ten years ago the average compensation for a stolen bicycle was 370 euros, in 2017 it was 570 euros and in 2018 it was already 630 euros. In 2017, insurers paid a total of 90 million euros for 160,000 stolen bicycles. A year later it was already 100 million euros.

According to police crime statistics, the total number of thefts - of insured and uninsured bicycles - was around 292,000 in 2018, around 3% less than the year before. Since bicycle thefts are often not reported, it can be assumed that the number of unreported cases is high. For comparison: According to the Federal Statistical Office, all German private households together have around 69 million bicycles.

Expensive, high-quality bicycles in particular are stolen disproportionately often and lead to a high level of intrinsic motivation and willingness to take risks in thieves.

Based on the prior art described, the present invention is based on the object of creating an easy-to-maintain and cost-effective way to effectively protect bicycles from theft.

To solve this problem, a device for locating a bicycle with the features of claim 1 is proposed. In particular, a locating device of the type mentioned is proposed, which is arranged invisibly from the outside inside a rod or a tube of the bicycle and is preferably fastened there, the rod or the tube in particular being a saddle rod, a fork control tube, a frame tube or a handlebar tube of the bicycle includes. The energy module has a rechargeable battery and the device is assigned a power generation device, in particular in the form of a linear dynamo, which generates electricity to charge the energy module while the bicycle is in operation. Alternatively or additionally, the electricity can also be used directly to operate the device or its modules. The linear dynamo can be arranged inside the housing of the device or outside the housing and connected to the device or its energy module via a cable.

The linear dynamo can comprise a strong, for example cylindrical magnet (e.g. made of neodymium), which is attached to a spring and can swing vertically up and down in a guide tube due to its weight. A coil is arranged concentrically to the oscillation path of the magnet in such a way that when the magnet moves vertically up and down, a current is induced in the coil, which can be used to charge the device's internal energy module (accumulator). This constellation works particularly well when integrating the device according to the invention into a vertically arranged saddle or fork control tube, whereby the vibrations that occur during use and operation of the bicycle are used to set the magnet in a linear, vertical up and down movement and to charge the battery.

It is further proposed that the wireless communication module is designed to send and receive data via a wireless local area network (WLAN or WiFi), a Bluetooth and/or a Near Field Communication (NFC) wireless communication connection, the device having a processing module , which is designed to only switch the device from a standby mode with minimal energy consumption to one Normal operating mode in which the device has full functionality including position determination and data transmission if a previous data exchange with a mobile device of a rider of the bicycle via the WLAN, Bluetooth and / or NFC wireless communication connection leads to a successful authentication of the device has led.

A small, compact, battery-operated device is therefore proposed that is firmly, hidden and permanently connected to the bicycle and with the help of which the bicycle can be located at predetermined times. For this purpose, the device is equipped with the positioning module, which includes, for example, a satellite navigation receiver. The receiver can, for example, receive signals from satellites of a GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, Compass and/or Beidou navigation satellite network. Based on time stamps of the signals received from various satellites of a navigation satellite network and a comparison with the actual time the signals were received by the satellite navigation receiver, the positioning module can determine the distance to the individual satellites and also the current position on the earth's surface with an accuracy of a few meters calculate.

The location of the bicycle using the navigation satellite network can be checked, verified or optimized using different methods. It would be conceivable, for example, for additional mobile phone triangulation or WLAN localization or the use (or evaluation) of Bluetooth (connection information) to improve the accuracy of the location and ensure reliable location even indoors (e.g. bicycle cellar, garage, etc .) to enable.

The energy module of the device includes at least one battery and/or at least one rechargeable battery. In the case of a bicycle in the form of an e-bike or pedelec, the device can be connected to the bicycle's battery for energy supply. In this case, the energy module would include the electrical system for connecting to the driving battery. An additional battery or accumulator could act as an energy buffer to bridge a short-term interruption in the energy supply from the driving battery. However, it would also be conceivable for a battery and/or a rechargeable battery of the energy module to provide all the energy to operate the device, in which case the connection to a driving battery on the bicycle could be omitted. Due to the special architecture of the device, it has such a low energy consumption that the battery life can be significantly extended, preferably to several months, particularly preferably even to several years.

The energy module of the device preferably includes lithium polymer (LiPo or LiFePo) batteries with very high energy density in standard formats, such as 18350, 18650 or 21700. This takes particular account of the aspect of sustainability and a long product lifespan because the user You can remove and replace these cells yourself, which are subject to a certain amount of aging and thus a loss of performance over years of use. LiPo batteries use a more solid polymer base as the electrolyte instead of a liquid electrolyte. A special feature of LiPo batteries is that they can be manufactured in many different shapes. With a very high performance and service life, a LiPo battery has a very low weight. The very low self-discharge of the LiPo battery is also positive. If the LiPo battery is stored and charged correctly, it will also have a very long lifespan depending on use.

Suitable accumulators for the energy module are mass-produced by large manufacturers. They are readily available, inexpensive and of high, consistent quality and durability. It would be conceivable, for example, to accommodate the device according to the invention with its hardware and 3 LiPo batteries of the type 21700 with a total capacity of 15 Ah in a standard seat post. With an average quiescent current consumption of the hardware of 20 µA, the battery life is approximately 85 years when the bike is not in use and the device is only operated in standby mode with minimal energy consumption.

The best possible use case, because it is the most user-friendly, would be if the consumer installed the device in his bike once and then never had to remove it again to recharge the internal energy module.

The device according to the invention consumes extremely little power in standby or normal operating mode due to optimized hardware and specially developed software algorithms of the firmware that controls the hardware. Through the combination of specially developed software and hardware with extremely low power consumption on the one hand and energy modules with high energy density on the other hand, the device according to the invention installed in the bicycle can remain in the bicycle for a year or more without the energy module installed in the device having to be recharged or replaced must. This fact brings a very high level of utility and therefore added value for the consumer.

The well-known GPS trackers of the old generation had to be connected to a vehicle battery and used it up within a few days or weeks due to their high energy consumption. These GPS trackers were equipped with backup batteries or accumulators, which could only continue to operate for a few hours after the GPS tracker was disconnected from the vehicle battery.

The device according to the invention is also designed to transmit the information about the determined (preferably current) position of the device (and thus usually also of the bicycle to which the device is attached) to a user by means of a radio connection. The transmission to the user or their device can take place directly, for example via a WLAN, Bluetooth or NFC connection, or indirectly, for example via an Internet or network server to which the user logs in End device must provide access.

Various mobile communications standards can be used to transmit information to a server. However, it is particularly preferred if the wireless communication module is designed to send data with information about the determined position of the bicycle via a Low Power Wide Area Network (LP WAN or LPN) wireless communication network. LP WAN describes a class of network protocols for connecting low-power devices, such as the battery-powered device according to the invention, to a server. The protocol is designed in such a way that a long range and low energy consumption of the end devices can be achieved with low operating costs. The LP WAN network consists of end devices and gateways (also called base stations) that forward data between the end devices and one or more network servers. The servers control the end devices and evaluate the data received. In the present case, it would be conceivable, for example, for a network server to make the position data of the bicycle received from the device accessible to a user, for example the owner of the bicycle. The physical connection between end devices and gateways can take place via license-free frequencies of the radio spectrum (e.g. ISM band, white space) or mobile phone frequencies. The connection between gateways and network servers can, for example, take place via IP connections.

It is proposed to use the IoT (Internet of Things) standard for data transmission for the device according to the invention. In particular, it is proposed that the wireless communication module is designed to send data with information about the determined position of the bicycle via a narrowband Internet of Things (NB loT) or a Long Term Evolution for Machines (LTE-M) wireless communication network. The two standards NB IoT and LTE-M are two options for data transmission over an LP WAN network. Both LTE-M and NB-IoT are based on cellular (cellular) technology and are designed to be particularly well suited for global IoT connectivity. LTE-M and NB-IoT are both connectivity technologies that take advantage of LP WAN (Low Power Wide Area Networks) technology, which increases device battery life and connects devices that were previously difficult to reach. Both technologies are available today, standardized and based on the 4G network (LTE), which means they are future-proof, have global network coverage and are supported by GSMA and telecommunications standards.

LTE-M (also LTE-MTC or LTE Cat M) is an LP WAN technology developed by 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) to enable devices and services specifically for LoT applications. LTE-M offers a data rate of 1 Mbps for 3GPP Release 13, up to 4 Mbps for Release 14. Battery life is increased by reducing radio communication between device and network, and devices can go to sleep or listen to the network less often . LTE-M and NB-IoT both offer better coverage than 4G, e.g. B. in rooms deep inside the building or in remote areas. Since the device for locating a bicycle does not have to be immediately available, the battery life can be significantly increased by taking appropriate measures. As protection against theft, it may be sufficient, for example, if the device sends the position data at relatively long intervals (e.g. every 30 minutes) or only after a specific event has occurred (e.g. a movement of the bicycle, an approach and successful authentication of a user's end device). transmitted. Taking advantage of this requires access to new types of features on the network, such as PSM (Power Save Mode) and eDRX (extended Discontinuous Reception).

In order to maximize the user experience and make it contemporary, it is proposed that the device according to the invention be integrated into an IT infrastructure. This infrastructure consists, for example, of a so-called backend with a mobile IoT hub, buffer storage and computing capacity for processing the incoming data and a so-called frontend in the form of an application (computer program or app) that runs on a mobile device (e.g. smartphone or tablet). -PC) or a network site (website or webpage) that is displayed on an Internet browser of a device (e.g. smartphone, tablet PC, laptop PC or desktop PC).

The frontend is preferably connected to the backend via SSL encryption. In the frontend, relevant data from the backend is presented to the user, preferably in a graphically appealing manner. The front end thus serves as an interface between the user and the data or the device according to the invention.

Due to the different traffic profile associated with IoT connectivity than traditional telecommunications applications, mobile operators offer particularly affordable pricing models for LTE-M and NB-IoT. An LTE-M and NB-IoT device only sends small amounts of data. This allows the maintenance costs for the tracking device to be reduced.

The tariffing of IoT devices is usually based on a fixed data volume of, for example, 500 MB. In this context, the costs for a fixed data quota can be included in the manufacturing costs for the device.

Due to special software filters and data compression algorithms and economical data consumption optimized for IoT devices or a combination thereof, when the device is used as intended, it has a useful life of up to 6 years or longer until the data quota is used up and has to be purchased by the user. As a result, there is a high added value for the user because he does not have to conclude a mobile phone contract and does not have to buy and top up a prepaid SIM card and can therefore use the device according to the invention directly without additional effort and without additional mobile phone costs.

Additionally, LTE-M and NB-IoT both use simplified versions of regular 4G, further reducing hardware complexity and device cost.

The device according to the invention preferably comprises a wireless communication module that supports at least one of the standards mentioned, but preferably both LTE-M and NB-IoT. A logic in the device, which can be implemented in a processing module of the device, can, for example, select one of the two standards that is better suited for the current data transmission, depending on the application requirements. The selection can be made, for example, depending on communication parameters (e.g. on the number of base stations that can be reached by the data communication module or on the signal strength of signals that are sent by the device to the base stations or received by the device from the base stations) and / or depending on from device-internal parameters (e.g. from the position data of the bicycle).

1. a) LTE-M: schnell, hohe Frequenz, hohe Bandbreite, wird durch Materie wie Wände leicht abgeschirmt, Verwendung insbesondere zur maschinenbasierten Kommunikation zwischen Fahrzeugen im Verkehr im Rahmen des autonomen Fahrens; sog. Car-to-Car- oder Car-to-X-Kommunikation;
2. b) NB-loT: langsam, niedrige Frequenz, niedrige Bandbreite, gute Penetration von Materie, geht durch dicke Wände, Verwendung insbesondere bei Stromzählern der neuesten Generation.

The processing module of the device can switch between the two standards a) and b) as required:

1. a) LTE-M: fast, high frequency, high bandwidth, is easily shielded by matter such as walls, used in particular for machine-based communication between vehicles in traffic as part of autonomous driving; so-called car-to-car or car-to-X communication;
2. b) NB-loT: slow, low frequency, low bandwidth, good penetration of matter, goes through thick walls, used especially in latest generation electricity meters.

The biggest advantage of using the IoT technologies LTE-M and NB-IoT compared to the conventional older generation of mobile communications (2G, 3G, 4G) is the order of magnitude lower power consumption of the device.

NB-IoT is a radio standard that is used to network devices in the Internet of Things (IoT). While the normal mobile network enables high data transmission in a short time, the focus is the other way round. Small amounts of data that only rarely need to be transferred are sent here. This leads to very good network coverage with low energy requirements. For example, data can be transmitted via NB-IoT even in areas that are difficult to access (e.g. basement rooms).

The basis of NB-IoT is the 3GPP standard, a global standardization of radio technology for GSM (2G), UMTS (3G), LTE (4G) and NGN (5G). This means that NB-IoT does not work in a separate network, but rather accesses the frequency ranges of existing mobile networks. The frequency range in which NB-IoT is mainly technically implemented is 900 MHz and 800 MHz in the GSM or LTE network. These long-wave signals at low frequencies ensure that, for example, thick concrete walls can be penetrated better than would be possible with the high-frequency LTE signal at 1,800 MHz or even 2,600 MHz. Since NB-IoT and LTE (as representatives of the current mobile network) work in different frequency bands, the standards can easily be operated in parallel without restricting each other.

For data transmission according to the NB-IoT standard, one of the frequency bands B8 (900 MHz; uplink band: 880 - 915 MHz; downlink band: 925 - 960 MHz; bandwidth: 25 MHz) and B20 (800 MHz; uplink band: 832) is preferably used - 862 MHz; downlink band: 791 - 821 MHz; bandwidth: 30 MHz) used. Other frequency bands can also be used, for example B3 (1,800 MHz; Uplink Band: 1,710 - 1,785MHz; Downlink band: 1,805 - 1,880 MHz ; Bandwidth: 75 MHz).

The network protocol on which the functionality of NB-IoT is based is called LPWA (Low Power Wide Area). Low power expresses the minimum energy consumption that occurs with NB-IoT. Wide Area emphasizes that NB-IoT signals reach places and areas that would not be accessible with high-frequency cellular signals. Even in places with many solid concrete walls such as cities or underground spaces such as basements, data can be sent using NB-IoT.

Unlike the normal mobile network (e.g. LTE), NB-IoT has approximately ten times better network coverage because, on the one hand, the range and signal strength are better and, on the other hand, the complexity of the radio module and the maximum transmission rates in the sending and receiving directions are limited.

Important advantages of NB-IoT over conventional high-frequency mobile networks (e.g. LTE) include the large number of participants (networked devices) per radio cell. NB-IoT enables addressing up to 50,000 participants. Another advantage is the long range. The specifications of NB-IoT allow the signal range to be increased to over 10 km. This means that even remote places where the normal mobile phone signal would not reach can be reached. Another advantage is the low cost of transmitting data with NB-IoT. One reason for this is that it is used in cases where a small amount of data needs to be sent infrequently. An NB-IoT module can last for up to 10 years on a standard AA battery without the module having to be maintained. The corresponding tracking device has a service life of up to 5 years or more without the energy module having to be replaced. The production of NB-IoT modules or corresponding tracking devices themselves is also cost-effective and can be implemented on a large scale. The hardware of the devices is largely implemented in semiconductor technology and is highly integrated.

The device proposed according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in locating bicycles due to various advantageous measures. Overall, the result is a particularly cost-effective, low-maintenance and reliable tracking device that can be integrated unnoticed into the bicycle at a later date.

The device is very suitable for long-distance localization with satellite positioning (e.g. GPS), a cellular connection (e.g. GSM) and a short-range communication connection or LP WAN connection (e.g. WiFi or WLAN) through triangulation, regardless of the presence of other end devices (e.g. as in “ tile” or “AirTag”) nearby. This means that the device can easily be located even far away from metropolitan areas, for example in rural areas. In addition, another short-range communication connection (e.g. BlueTooth) can be used for localization in the short range, for plausibility checks and/or to improve the accuracy of the location.

Preferably, the device is also designed to detect (e.g. based on vibrations) whether the bicycle is being moved. For this purpose, it can be advantageous if the device has a sensor module, which includes, for example, an acceleration sensor (so-called G-sensor). Based on a single detected vibration that exceeds a predeterminable threshold value, or based on a predeterminable pattern of several detected vibrations, a movement and/or commissioning of the bicycle can be concluded.

Of course, the sensor module can also have one or more other sensors, for example a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor or the like, for detecting operating parameters of the bicycle and/or the device and/or environmental parameters.

The device advantageously has a processing module which is designed to move the device from a standby mode with minimal energy consumption into a normal operating mode in which the device has full functionality including position determination and data transmission. When a vibration of the bicycle is detected by the sensor module, as is generated when the bicycle is used as intended, the device-internal processing module connected to the sensor module can wake up the device hardware from standby mode and put it in normal operating mode. Preferably, the processing module is designed to move the device from standby mode to normal operating mode when a sensor module of the device detects an acceleration that is above a predeterminable acceleration threshold.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, it is proposed that the device elongated, hollow cylindrical housing with a circular or oval cross section in which all modules of the device are arranged. The housing is closed at the ends of the hollow cylinder. The outer shape of the housing is adapted to the shape of the cavity in the rod or tube of the bicycle and is designed accordingly, so that the housing - with the exception of a narrow air gap between the outer surface of the housing and the inner surface of the cavity - rests almost entirely on the wall of the cavity applied. This means that the vehicle-specific available volume can be optimally utilized.

The modules housed in the housing include the tracking module, the wireless communication module and the power module. Further modules that can be arranged in the housing include, for example, a processing module, a sensor module and/or an alarm module. The processing module includes, for example, a computing unit (e.g. a microprocessor or microcontroller) on which a computer program (e.g. firmware and/or software) runs, and/or a storage unit (e.g. ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, RAM, or similar). The alarm module includes, for example, one or more units for generating and issuing an acoustic alarm.

The housing can be made of plastic, metal or a composite material. It is preferably sealed in a dust and moisture-tight manner. It can have closable openings, for example for servicing the modules inside the housing, in particular for replacing the energy module. A cable can be led out of the housing, which is used to connect the device to one or more external units, for example in the form of an additional battery, a driving battery for an e-bike or pedelec, a power supply, a charger for charging the energy module, a diagnostic device Functional testing of the device, a programming device for updating firmware or software or for setting operating parameters of the device, or similar.

For use in bicycles, it is suggested to utilize unused volume in the bicycle frame or other bars or tubes of the bicycle to install the device. The interior of the seat post, the handlebar tube, the frame tube or the fork control tube is particularly suitable for this. Seat posts, for example, are available in different diameters and lengths. To illustrate the magnitude of the volume available within the seat post, an average mountain bike seat post is assumed. This has an inner free length of approx. 400 mm and an inner diameter of approx. 24.5 mm. This results in a freely usable volume of almost 190 cm ³ inside. The advantage of arranging the device within a seat post is that it is easy to access for the user while at the same time being invisible from the outside for a potential thief. Unwanted loosening and removal of a saddle from the bicycle can be prevented by using special safety screw clamps to fasten the saddle, which cannot easily be loosened by unauthorized persons. To place the device in a fork head tube, the front wheel of the bicycle would first have to be removed. Accordingly, to remove the device, a thief would first have to remove the front wheel. Even when the device is integrated into the handlebar tube, the removal of the device by a thief represents an incalculable amount of time and therefore a major risk.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the device has a mechanical tensioning mechanism integrated in a housing of the device for fastening the device inside the rod or tube of the bicycle, with a tool being required at least to loosen the tensioning mechanism. It is particularly preferred if the clamping mechanism can only be released with a special, device-specific tool.

Attempts at manipulation by a potential thief can be further counteracted by equipping the device with a mechanism that allows the user to permanently secure the device inside the seat post/handlebar/frame/fork tube by tightening a tension screw or in another way to be clamped in place like an expansion dowel. The device can be removed relatively easily by the user by loosening the clamping screw. The clamping screw is advantageously designed as a security screw. A potential thief therefore needs exactly the right tool (screw bit) to loosen the clamping screw and remove the device. The likelihood that a potential thief will be able to spontaneously disconnect and/or manipulate the device from the bike can be considered very low.

It is further proposed that the energy module has a rechargeable battery that can be charged from outside the bicycle without contact, in particular inductively via a charging coil. The charging coil is preferably integrated into the device. With the help of the charging coil, the device's internal energy module (accumulator) can be charged from the outside, inductively through the material of the tube or rod of the bicycle in which the device is arranged. This means that the internal battery can be charged without removing the device from the bike. It is also not necessary to expose a connecting cable of the device to charge the battery.

It would also be conceivable for the inductive charger placed on the charging coil from the outside to be magnetically fixed to the tube or rod of the bicycle, for example. The charger can be connected to a power network via a power connection, for example in the form of a power cable with a plug, and can charge the internal battery without contact using the charging coil. Alternatively or in addition to the mains connection, the charger could in turn be equipped with one or more accumulators in order to enable the charging process of the device's internal accumulator to be mobile, even without a local power network. In this case, the charger's battery would first be charged at a fixed location with mains power and then brought to the bike on site, where it would then be placed (and possibly secured) near the charging coil. The device's internal battery is then charged on site. The bicycle can therefore remain in its place (e.g. in the garage, in the bicycle cellar, in the yard, on the street). The device according to the invention installed in the bicycle does not have to be removed. The added benefit for the user would be significant.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the wireless communication module is designed to send and receive data via a wireless local area network (WLAN or WiFi), a Bluetooth and/or a Near Field Communication (NFC) wireless communication connection. The wireless communication module therefore has, in addition to the first transmitting and/or receiving module for data transmission to the network server via the LP WAN wireless communication network, preferably according to the NB-IoT or the LTE-M standard, at least one further transmitting and/or or receiving module for data transmission to a user's end device or the like via a WLAN, Bluetooth and/or NFC wireless communication connection.

Preferably, software or firmware of the device running on a processing module of the device can be updated via the WLAN, Bluetooth and/or NFC wireless communication connection. For this purpose, for example, a mobile terminal or a diagnostic device can be connected to the device via the wireless communication connection. The update of the software or firmware is stored on the end device or the diagnostic device or, for example, it is loaded into the end device or the diagnostic device via the Internet and then transferred to the processing module of the device and stored there in a storage unit.

Alternatively or additionally, operating parameters of the device can be set via the WLAN, Bluetooth and/or NFC wireless communication connection. For this purpose, for example, a mobile device can be connected to the device via the wireless communication connection. The operating parameters can be set, for example, by the user of the terminal via an application (computer program or app) running on the mobile device. The end device is designed, for example, as a smartphone, a tablet PC, a laptop computer or a desktop computer. Alternatively, the connection of the end device to the device can also take place via the LP WAN, in particular the Internet. The operating parameter settings are transferred from the application to the device's processing module and stored there in a memory unit.

According to a further embodiment, it is proposed that positions of the bicycle determined by the positioning module of the device during operation of the bicycle are transmitted via the WLAN, Bluetooth and/or NFC wireless communication connection to a mobile terminal of a driver of the bicycle. In this way, the driver can track his route (as a trip log or logbook or for vehicle management), evaluate it at a later date or post it via social media. For this purpose, an application (computer program or app) preferably runs on the mobile device, with the help of which the position data is saved and combined to form the route. This application can also be used to evaluate and/or post the route. The mobile device can be a smartphone or a tablet PC.

It is also conceivable that a user's mobile device is used as a key to unlock the device and release the bicycle. In this way, it can be distinguished whether the bicycle is being used authorized or unauthorized. To do this, the device can be in standby mode with very low power consumption when the bike is not being used. When operation of the bicycle is detected by the sensor module, for example based on vibrations such as those generated during use, the sensor module or the processing module of the device puts the hardware into normal operating mode. The device then tries to establish a WLAN, Bluetooth or NFC connection to the end device and to authenticate it. When the connection is established and the mobile device is authenticated by the device are rich, the device will go back to standby mode for a certain period of time to save energy.

If the connection establishment via the WLAN, Bluetooth or NFC connection or the authentication of the mobile device is not successful, the device can establish a connection to the backend via the LP-WAN. The backend first checks the location of the mobile device. If the location is not known or the distance of the end device to the device according to the invention exceeds a predetermined limit (so-called geofencing), the device is put into normal operation or tracking mode and the user is informed via his application on his end device that his bicycle is moved without authorization. The user can cancel the process or let the tracking continue to track where their bike is currently located.

In this sense, the device has a processing module that is designed to only move the device from a standby mode with minimal energy consumption into a normal operating mode in which the device has full functionality, including position determination and data transmission, if a previous one Data exchange with a mobile device of a rider of the bicycle via the WLAN, Bluetooth and/or NFC wireless communication connection has led to successful authentication of the device.

Finally, it is proposed that an eSIM (embedded Subscriber Identity Module) is assigned to the wireless communication module. Conventional GPS trackers known from the prior art use a conventional SIM card for which a usage contract (mobile phone contract) has been concluded or which - in the prepaid version - must be loaded with an amount of money before use. Even in their smallest size version (“nano” SIM), these SIM cards are still relatively large so that the consumer can insert the SIM card into a card slot on the GPS tracker or remove it from the slot again. The card slot represents a weak point through which moisture and dirt can enter the device's interior and cause the device to malfunction.

In contrast, the invention proposes to use an eSIM, which is arranged and contacted as an SMD component on a circuit board. The circuit board is part of the device according to the invention. All modules of the device are preferably designed or arranged on the circuit board. This eliminates the need for separate cabling in the device. All electrical connections between the modules are implemented via conductor tracks on the circuit board. The modules are preferably implemented on the circuit board using semiconductor technology. After the circuit board has been completely assembled, it can be completely encapsulated, for example using thermosetting plastic using an injection molding process. This ensures excellent moisture and dust tightness as well as a high level of robustness of the device and its electrical system.

The eSIM is an identification number stored on a semiconductor that is used regardless of the country or mobile provider. There is therefore no need for the device according to the invention to provide the possibility of changing different SIM cards. The eSIM is a procedure standardized by the GSM Association for the secure embedding of subscriber information in a special module of a mobile telecommunications device.

Once the eSIM is loaded into the mobile device, there are no significant differences compared to using a physical SIM card. The eSIM is electrically compatible with 2FF and 3FF cards, and it uses the SON-8 format.

• 1 ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen elektronischen Ortungsgeräts in einem Längsschnitt;
• 2 ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen elektronischen Ortungsgeräts in einem Längsschnitt;
• 3 ein Fahrrad mit verschiedenen Rohren und Stangen, in denen ein erfindungsgemäßes elektronisches Ortungsgerät angeordnet werden kann;
• 4 ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen elektronischen Ortungsgeräts teilweise in einem Längsschnitt;
• 5 das in eine Sattelstange eines Fahrrads eingesetzt Ortungsgerät aus 4;
• 6 das Ortungsgerät aus 4 in einem Längsschnitt in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;
• 7 eine Draufsicht auf das aus der Lenkstange des Fahrrads hervorragende Ende des Ortungsgeräts aus 5;
• 8 einen Spannmechanismus des erfindungsgemäßen Ortungsgeräts in einer Seitenansicht;
• 9 den Spannmechanismus aus 8 in einem Längsschnitt; und
• 10 den Spannmechanismus aus 8 in einer perspektivischen Explosionsdarstellung.

Further features and advantages of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. The features shown in the figures can also be essential to the invention on their own, even if this is not shown in the figures and is not expressly mentioned in the description. Likewise, the individual features shown in the figures can also be combined with one another in any way, even if such a combination is not shown in the figures and is not expressly mentioned in the description. Show it:

• 1 a first exemplary embodiment of an electronic locating device according to the invention in a longitudinal section;
• 2 a second embodiment of an electronic locating device according to the invention in a longitudinal section;
• 3 a bicycle with various tubes and rods in which an electronic tracking device according to the invention can be arranged;
• 4 a further exemplary embodiment of an electronic locating device according to the invention, partly in a longitudinal section;
• 5 the tracking device inserted into the seat post of a bicycle 4 ;
• 6 the tracking device 4 in a longitudinal section in a perspective view;
• 7 a top view of the end of the tracking device protruding from the handlebar of the bicycle 5 ;
• 8th a tensioning mechanism of the locating device according to the invention in a side view;
• 9 the tensioning mechanism 8th in a longitudinal section; and
• 10 the tensioning mechanism 8th in a perspective exploded view.

In 3 a bicycle 10 is shown as an example in the form of a racing bike. In the example shown, the bicycle has no motor drive. However, it can also be equipped with a motor drive (not shown), in particular with an electric motor, as a so-called Pedelec or as a Pedelec-S (e-bike). The motor can be integrated in a bottom bracket 12 of the bicycle 10 or in a hub 14, 16 of a front wheel 18 or a rear wheel 20. In the bottom bracket 12, pedals 46 and a ring gear 48 are rotatably mounted via cranks 44. A driving accumulator 22 can supply the electricity required for propulsion for the electric motor and possibly also electricity for other electrical consumers (e.g. headlights 50, lights, electrically actuated gearshift 52, electrically actuated brakes 54, bicycle computer 56, etc.) of the bicycle 10 .

The bicycle 10 shown includes two wheels 18, 20, of which the front wheel 18 can be steered by means of a handlebar 24. However, it could also have three wheels, at least one of which is steerable. In particular, the bicycle 10 could then have two rear wheels 20. Furthermore, the bicycle 10 includes a saddle 26 for a rider of the bicycle 10. Furthermore, the bicycle 10 includes a frame 28 which holds the wheels 18, 20, the handlebars 24 and the saddle 26 and, if necessary, supports them in a rotatable or displaceable manner.

The frame 28 consists of rods and / or tubes and in particular includes a seat post 32, a fork control tube 34, one or more frame tubes 36, a handlebar tube 38 and a seat post tube 40. The wheels 18, 20 are each horizontal, transverse to a longitudinal extent of the The bicycle has 10 rotating axes of rotation that can be rotated. The handlebar 24 is rotatably mounted with its handlebar tube 38 about an axis of rotation 30 in the fork control tube 34. The axis of rotation 30 is inclined slightly backwards with respect to a vertical axis. A front wheel fork 42 is attached to the handlebar tube 38, in which the front wheel 18 is rotatably mounted about the horizontal axis of rotation, so that the front wheel 18 can be rotated together with the handlebar 24 about the almost vertical axis of rotation 30. The saddle 26, together with a saddle rod 32 to which it is attached, is mounted in a height-adjustable manner in the saddle rod tube 40 and can be fixed to the frame 28 at a certain height.

Finally, the bicycle 10 includes a device, generally designated by the reference number 60, for locating the bicycle 10, for example in the event of theft or to determine a current position or a route of the bicycle. Determining a route of the bicycle 10 is also referred to as tracking and can be interesting, for example, as part of a fitness program or for bicycle couriers or their customers. The device 60 is arranged invisibly from the outside inside a rod or a tube 32 to 40 of the bicycle 10. Below the device 60 is based on the 1 and 2 explained in more detail using the example of an arrangement and attachment in the saddle rod 32. However, the statements also apply equally to an arrangement of the device 60 in one of the other rods or tubes 32 to 40 of the bicycle 10.

In the example from 1 the device 60 is arranged in an upper part of the seat post 32. The device 60 has a preferably hollow cylindrical housing 62, which in the example is not completely closed, but has openings 64 for replacing batteries 66. The batteries 66 can be designed to be rechargeable in the form of accumulators. But they can also be disposable batteries that need to be replaced with new ones when they are empty. The batteries 66 provide power to the various components of the device 60. Depending on a desired supply voltage of the components, the batteries 66 each include one or more battery cells connected in series and/or series. The part of the device 60 with the batteries 66 is referred to as the energy module 68.

Preferably, the energy module 68 of the device includes 60 lithium polymer (LiPo or LiFePo) accumulators with very high energy density in standard available formats, such as 18350, 18650 or 21700. The user can use these cells, which over years of use undergo a certain amount of aging and thus a reduction in performance subject to, expand and exchange yourself.

The housing 62 can be made of plastic, metal or a composite material. It is preferably sealed in a dust and moisture-tight manner. The openings 64 can be closed by lids. A cable can be led out of the housing 62 and is used to connect the device 60 to one or more external units, for example in the form of an additional battery, a driving battery 22 of an e-bike or pedelec 10, a power supply unit, a charger for charging the energy module 68, a diagnostic device for functional testing function of the device 60, a programming device for updating firmware or software or for setting operating parameters of the device 60, or similar.

For use in bicycles 10, it is proposed to use unused volume in the bicycle frame 28 or other rods or tubes 32 to 40 of the bicycle 10 for the installation of the device 60. The interior of the seat post 32, the handlebar tube 38, the frame tube 36 or the fork control tube 34 is particularly suitable here. Preferably - with the exception of an air gap 80 - the entire volume in the rods or tubes 32 to 40 is used to accommodate the device 60. Preferably, an outer surface of the housing 62 lies fully against an inside of the rods or tubes 32 to 40.

Further modules of the device 60, which are also arranged in or on the housing 62, are in the example a location module 70, a wireless communication module 72, a processing module 74 and a sensor module 76. These modules 70 to 76 form hardware of the device 60 and are preferably all arranged on a common circuit board 78 and electrically contacted. The modules 70 to 76 are preferably implemented on the circuit board 78 using semiconductor technology.

The positioning module 70 includes a satellite navigation receiver that can receive signals 110 from satellites 112 of a GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, Compass and/or Beidou navigation satellite network. Based on time stamps of the signals 110 received from various satellites 112 of a navigation satellite network and a comparison with the actual time of reception of the signals 110 by the satellite navigation receiver, the positioning module 70 can determine the distance to the individual satellites 112 and also the current position on the earth's surface with an accuracy of a few meters. The calculation of the current position of the device 60 and thus of the bicycle 10 takes place in the location module 70 or in the processing module 74.

The location of the bicycle 10 using the navigation satellite network can be checked, verified or optimized using different methods. It would be conceivable, for example, for additional mobile phone triangulation or WLAN localization or the use (or evaluation) of Bluetooth (connection information) to improve the accuracy of the location and ensure reliable location even indoors (e.g. bicycle cellar, garage, etc .) to enable.

The wireless communication module 72 uses an IoT (Internet of Things) standard for data transmission. In particular, it is proposed that the wireless communication module 72 be designed to send data 114 with information about the determined position of the bicycle 10 via an LP WAN network. For this purpose, the wireless communication module 72 is designed to send the data 114 via a narrowband Internet of Things (NB loT) and/or a Long Term Evolution for Machines (LTE-M) wireless communication network. A base station of such a network is designated by reference numeral 116. Both LTE-M and NB-IoT are based on cellular (cellular) technology and are designed to be particularly well suited for global IoT connectivity. LTE-M and NB-IoT are both connectivity technologies that take advantage of LP WAN (Low Power Wide Area Networks) technology, which increases device 60 battery life. Both technologies are available today, standardized and based on the 4G network (LTE), which means they are future-proof, have global network coverage and are supported by GSMA and telecommunications standards.

Preferably, the wireless communication module 72 includes devices for sending data 114 over both an NB IoT and an LTE-M wireless communication network. Logic in the device 60, which can be implemented in the processing module 74 of the device 60, can, for example, select one of the two standards that is more suitable for the current data transmission, depending on the application requirements. The selection can, for example, depend on communication parameters (e.g. on the number of base stations 116 that can be reached by the data communication module 72 or on the signal strength of signals 114 that are sent by the device 60 to the base stations 116 or received by the device 60 from the base stations 116 be) and/or depending on device-internal parameters (e.g. on the position data of the bicycle 10). The low-frequency NB IoT standard provides particularly energy-saving data transmission. The higher-frequency LTE-M standard consumes slightly more energy, but can ensure reliable data transmission even through thick building walls.

The processing module 74 includes, for example, a computing unit (e.g. a microprocessor or microcontroller) on which a computer program (e.g. firmware and/or software) runs, and/or a storage unit (e.g. ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, RAM, or similar). .

The sensor module 76 can, for example, include an acceleration sensor (so-called G-sensor). This sensor is used to detect a start-up of the bicycle 10. A movement and/or start-up of the bicycle 10 can be concluded based on a single detected vibration that exceeds a predeterminable threshold value or on the basis of a predeterminable pattern of several detected vibrations.

Furthermore, an alarm module (not shown) can be provided on the circuit board 78 of the hardware of the device 60, which has one or more units for generating and issuing an acoustic alarm if unauthorized movement of the bicycle 10 is detected or if from outside (e.g. from a user's mobile device) a corresponding command is transmitted to the alarm module, for example via a short-range radio network (e.g. Bluetooth, WLAN or NFC).

It is further proposed that the device 60 has a mechanical tensioning mechanism 82 integrated into the housing 62 of the device 60 for fastening the device 60 inside the rod or tube 32 of the bicycle 10. The clamping mechanism 82 includes radially outwardly movable clamping elements 84, which can be moved radially outwards by means of an actuating device 86 (e.g. a screw). By moving the clamping elements 84 outwards, the device 60 can be permanently clamped inside the seat post 32/the handlebar/frame/fork tube 34 to 40 in the manner of an expansion dowel. At least a tool is required to loosen the tensioning mechanism 82, so that the device 60 cannot easily be loosened and removed from the rod or tube 32 by a thief. It is particularly preferred if the clamping mechanism 82 can only be released with a special, device-specific tool. For this purpose, the tensioning mechanism 82 can have a security screw 86.

In the exemplary embodiment 2 the device 60 has some additional components. For example, an alarm module 88 is provided on the circuit board 78. Furthermore, the device 60 can have a power generating device 90, in particular in the form of a linear dynamo, which is assigned to the energy module 68. The linear dynamo 90 generates electricity to charge the battery 66 while the bicycle 10 is in operation. Alternatively or additionally, the generated electricity can also be used directly to operate the device 60 or its modules and components. The linear dynamo 90 is arranged within the housing 62 of the device 60. However, it can also be arranged outside the housing 62 and connected to the device 60 or its energy module 68 via a cable.

The linear dynamo 90 can include a strong, for example cylindrically shaped magnet 92 (e.g. made of neodymium), which is attached to a spring 94 and can swing vertically up and down in a guide tube 96 due to its weight (see arrow 98). A coil 100 is arranged concentrically to the oscillation path 98 of the magnet 92 in such a way that during the vertical up and down movement 98 of the magnet 92, a current is induced in the coil 100, which can be used to charge the device-internal energy module 68 (accumulator 66). . This constellation works particularly well when integrating the device 60 into a vertically arranged saddle, fork control or handlebar tube 32, 34, 38, with the vibrations that occur during use and operation of the bicycle 10 being used to move the magnet 92 into the linear, vertical up and down movement 98 and to charge the battery 66.

Furthermore, the device 60 can have a charging coil 102. The charging coil 102 is preferably integrated into the device 60, i.e. arranged within the housing 62. However, it can also be arranged outside the housing 62 and connected to the energy module 68 via a cable. With the help of the charging coil 102, the device-internal energy module 68 (accumulator 66) can be charged from the outside, inductively through the material of the tube or rod 32 of the bicycle 10 in which the device 60 is arranged. The internal battery 66 can therefore be charged without removing the device 60 from the bicycle 10. It is also not necessary to expose a connecting cable of the device 60 for charging the accumulator 66.

It would also be conceivable for an inductive charger 104 placed on the charging coil 102 from the outside to be fixed, for example magnetically, on the tube or rod 32 or 36 of the bicycle 10. The charger 104 can be connected to a power network via a power connection, for example in the form of a power cable with a plug, and the internal battery 66 can be charged contactlessly via the charging coil 102. For this purpose, the charger 104 also has a charging coil 106. Alternatively or in addition to the mains connection, the charger 104 could in turn be equipped with one or more accumulators 106 in order to enable the charging process of the device-internal accumulator 66 to be mobile, even without a local power network. In this case, the accumulator 108 of the charger 104 would first be charged at a fixed location with a power supply and then brought to the bicycle 10 on site, where it would then be placed near the charging coil 102 (and possible normally attached). The device-internal battery 66 is then charged on site. The bicycle 10 can therefore remain in its place (eg in the garage, in the bicycle cellar, in the yard, on the street).

The device according to the invention is also designed to transmit the information about the determined (preferably current) position of the device (and thus usually also of the bicycle to which the device is attached) to a user by means of a radio connection. The transmission to the user or their device can take place directly, for example via a WLAN, Bluetooth or NFC connection, or indirectly, for example via an Internet or network server to which the user logs in End device must provide access.

It is conceivable that wireless communication module 72 is also designed to send and/or receive data 118 via a wireless local area network (WLAN or WiFi), a Bluetooth and/or a Near Field Communication (NFC) wireless communication connection. A receiver 120 of the WLAN, Bluetooth or NFC radio communication connection can, for example, be part of a user's mobile terminal 122 (e.g. smartphone, tablet PC, etc.). A touch-sensitive screen of the terminal 122 as a user interface is designated by the reference number 124.

Preferably, software or firmware of the device 60 running on the processing module 74 of the device 60 can be updated via the WLAN, Bluetooth and/or NFC wireless communication connection 118. For this purpose, for example, the mobile terminal 122 or a diagnostic device (not shown) can be connected to the device 60 via the wireless communication connection 118. The update of the software or firmware is stored on the terminal 122 or the diagnostic device or, for example, it is loaded into the terminal 122 or the diagnostic device via the Internet and then transferred to the processing module 74 of the device 60 and stored there in a storage unit.

Furthermore, operating parameters of the device 60 can be set via the WLAN, Bluetooth and/or NFC wireless communication connection 118. For this purpose, for example, the mobile terminal 122 can be connected to the device via the wireless communication connection 118. The operating parameters can be set, for example, by the user of the terminal 122 via an application (computer program or app) running on the mobile terminal 122. Alternatively, the terminal 122 can also be connected to the device 60 via the LP WAN 114, in particular the Internet. The settings of the operating parameters are transferred from the application to the processing module 74 of the device 60 and stored there in a storage unit.

In addition, the position data of the bicycle 10 determined by the location module 70 of the device 60 during operation of the bicycle 10 can be transmitted directly to the mobile terminal 122 of a driver of the bicycle 10 via the WLAN, Bluetooth and/or NFC wireless communication connection 118. In this way, the driver can track his route (as a trip log or logbook or for vehicle management), evaluate it at a later date or post it via social media. For this purpose, an application (computer program or app) preferably runs on the mobile terminal 122, with the help of which the position data is saved and combined to form the route. This application can also be used to evaluate and/or post the route.

It is also conceivable that the mobile terminal 122 is used as a key to unlock the device 60 and to release the bicycle 10. In this way, a distinction can be made as to whether the bicycle 10 is being used authorized or unauthorized. For this purpose, the device 60 can be in a standby mode with very low power consumption when the bicycle 10 is not in use. When operation of the bicycle 10 is detected by the sensor module 76, for example based on vibrations such as those generated during use, the sensor module 76 or the processing module 74 of the device 60 puts the hardware in the normal operating mode. Then the device 60 tries to establish a WLAN, Bluetooth or NFC connection 118 to the terminal 122 and to authenticate it. If the connection establishment and authentication of the mobile terminal 122 by the device 60 are successful, the device 60 is put back into standby mode for a certain period of time in order to save energy.

If the connection establishment via the WLAN, Bluetooth or NFC connection 118 or the authentication of the mobile device 122 is not successful, the device 60 can establish a connection to a backend server via the LP-WAN 114. This first checks the location of the mobile terminal 122. If the location is not known or the distance of the terminal 122 to the device 60 according to the invention exceeds a predetermined limit (so-called geofencing), the device 60 is put into normal operation or tracking mode and the user is informed via his application on his terminal 122 that his bicycle 10 is being moved without authorization. The user can cancel the process or let the tracking continue to track where his bike 10 is currently located.

In this sense, it is preferred that the processing module 74 is designed to only move the device 60 from standby mode to the normal operating mode in which the device 60 has full functionality, including position determination and data transmission, if there has been a previous data exchange the mobile terminal 122 of a driver of the bicycle 10 via the WLAN, Bluetooth and/or NFC wireless communication connection 118 has led to a successful authentication of the terminal 122.

Finally, it is proposed that the wireless communication module 72 is assigned an eSIM (embedded subscriber identity module) instead of a conventional SIM card. The eSIM includes an identification number stored on a semiconductor, which is used regardless of the country or mobile phone provider. The eSIM or the corresponding semiconductor component can be arranged and contacted as an SMD component on the circuit board 78. After the circuit board 78 has been completely assembled, it can be completely encapsulated, for example by injection molding with thermoset plastic.

In the 4 until 10 Further exemplary embodiments and further details of the locating device 60 according to the invention are shown. 4 shows the device 60 - in the area of the energy module 68 - partly in a longitudinal section. The device 60 can be inserted into a lower end of the seat post 32 or into any other post or tube 34-40 of a bicycle 10. The tensioning mechanism 82 is designed in a different way than in the previously described exemplary embodiments, which will be explained below with reference to 8th until 10 will be explained in more detail.

The housing 62 preferably consists of a high-strength thermoset or duromer material and is manufactured, for example, using an injection molding process. The thermoset material is permeable to electromagnetic waves, so that positioning signals 110 from satellites 112, LP-WAN signals 114 to base stations 116 of a wireless communication network and wireless communication connections 118 between the device 60 and a mobile terminal 122 can pass through the housing 62 this can hardly be weakened. On the other hand, the housing 62 is preferably so rigid that it can be made very thin-walled, for example in the area of the batteries 66, for example in order to be able to accommodate and guide further current-carrying components between the batteries 66 and the housing 62. The circuit board 78 and the components 70 to 76 arranged thereon as well as the battery contacts 142 are completely waterproof and vibration-proof enclosed and protected with the thermoset material.

Empty or hollow areas in the interior of the housing 62, in particular the circuit board 78 and the components 70 to 76 arranged thereon, can be filled with a casting compound, preferably a casting resin, in order to fix the individual components in the interior of the housing 62 and avoid vibrations , and to protect the components from mechanical stress (e.g. impacts, impacts) and moisture. This results in a particularly robust, durable and long-lasting device 60.

How to use the 8-10 can recognize, the clamping mechanism 82 comprises a clamping element 126, which comprises a hollow cylindrical carrier 128 and a plurality of elongated clamping jaws 130 distributed over its outer circumference, which are mounted or fastened to the carrier 128 so that they can move radially outwards. It is also conceivable that the clamping jaws 130 themselves consist of an elastic material, so that their distal ends 132 can be moved radially outwards. At one end of the clamping element 126, a holding element 134 is arranged, which can be designed as a knurled wheel. The holding element 134 is preferably attached to the carrier 128 in a rotationally fixed manner or is formed by a part of the carrier 128. A cylindrical interior extends over the entire length of the clamping element 126. The clamping element 126 has an internal thread 136 over a portion of an inner wall of the interior.

Furthermore, the tensioning mechanism 82 includes an anchor element 140 with an external thread 138. The anchor element 140 is inserted into an injection molding tool during the production of the housing 62 of the device 60, for example by means of injection molding, during the injection process together with the circuit board 78 and contacts 142 for the batteries 66 and is an integral part of the housing 62 after the injection process. A cylindrical interior extends over the entire length of the anchor element 140.

The clamping mechanism 82 further comprises a hollow cylindrical bearing shaft 144, which has a first external thread 146 and a second external thread 148, which has a larger circumference than the first external thread 146. A cylindrical interior extends over the entire length of the bearing shaft 144. The bearing shaft 144 points an internal thread 150 over a portion of an inner wall of the interior, in particular in the area of the first external thread 146. At an end of the bearing axle 144 opposite the first external thread 146 there is a head section 162 with a head section 162 opposite the rest Chen bearing axis 144 larger outside diameter.

Finally, the tensioning mechanism 82 includes a likewise hollow cylindrical sliding element 152, which has a conically converging distal end 154. Opposite the conical end 154, the sliding element 152 has an actuating element 156, which can be designed as a knurled wheel. The actuating element 156 is non-rotatably attached to the remaining sliding element 152 or is formed by a part of the sliding element 152. A cylindrical interior extends over the entire length of the sliding element 152. In the area of the actuating element 156, the interior has a larger diameter than in the remaining sliding element 152. The sliding element points over a portion of the interior, preferably between the conical end 154 and the actuating element 156 152 has an internal thread 158.

To assemble the clamping mechanism 82, the various parts 126, 152, 144 are pushed into one another, the bearing axis 144 being received by the cylindrical interior of the sliding element 152 and the sliding element 152 being received by the cylindrical interior of the clamping element 126. The clamping element 126 is screwed with its internal thread 136 onto the first external thread 146 of the bearing axle 144. The bearing axle 144 is screwed with its internal thread 150 onto the external thread 138 of the anchor element 140 which is fastened in the housing 62 or forms part of the housing 62. Furthermore, the sliding element 152 is screwed with its internal thread 158 onto the second external thread 148 of the bearing axle 144 so far that the sliding element 152 is held on the bearing axle 144, but not so far that the sliding element 152 already touches the distal ends 132 of the clamping jaws 130 radially pushes outwards.

The tensioning mechanism 82 is thus mounted on the housing 62 of the device 60 and this can now preferably be inserted into the seat post 32 from below. It is preferably inserted until an annular stop surface 160 of the holding element 134 hits the lower end of the saddle rod 32. Then the sliding element 152 is actuated, preferably manually via the actuating element 156. Preferably, the sliding element 152 is further screwed with its internal thread 158 onto the second external thread 148 of the bearing axle 144. The sliding element 152 moves further along a longitudinal axis of the clamping mechanism 82 in the direction of the anchor element 140. The inclined surface of the conical end 154 can press the clamping jaws 130 radially outwards so that they come to rest on the inner wall of the saddle rod 32 and move can even get stuck there. As a result, the device 60 is held non-positively and possibly even positively in the saddle rod 32 by means of the clamping mechanism 82.

The cylindrical hollow interior spaces in the parts 140, 126, 152 and in particular the bearing axle 144 have the advantage that electrical lines 168 from the circuit board 78 and the electrical components 70 to 76 at the front end of the device 60 to the head section 162 of the Bearing axle 144 or the actuating section 156 of the sliding element 152 can be guided at the rear end of the device 60, with the sections 162, 156 protruding from the saddle bar 32 when the device 60 is arranged and fastened in a saddle rod 32 and accessible to a user of the bicycle 10 or are visible. The electrical lines 168 can be designed, for example, as a ribbon cable or as a flexible circuit board.

In the cylindrical cavity of the head section 162 of the bearing axle 144, a plug element 164 for connecting a power supply (e.g. for charging rechargeable batteries 66) and / or a control device or computer (e.g. for installing software or firmware updates on 72) can be arranged be. The plug element 164 or its plug contacts 166 are electrically conductively connected to lines or contacts on the circuit board 78 via the electrical lines. The plug element 164 can be arranged on an auxiliary board 170 and electrically contacted via this.

A light source 172, for example in the form of an LED, particularly preferably an RGB LED, can also be arranged on the auxiliary board 170 and electrically contacted. The light source 172 can be used as a status indicator or warning lamp. The light source 172 preferably sends its light 174 into the hollow interior of the head section 156 of the bearing axle 144, so that a user can recognize the light 174 from outside the seat post 32. The hollow interior of the head section 156 of the bearing axle 144 is preferably cast with a transparent or partially transparent (partially opaque) casting compound, in particular with a casting resin. As a result, the circuit board 170 and the electrical components 164, 172 attached to it are fixed and protected from mechanical stress and moisture. In addition, the casting compound can be used as an optically effective element into which the light source 172 couples the emitted light 174. The coupled-in light 174 can be deflected and/or shaped in the casting compound, so that the signal emitted by the light source 172 can be seen particularly well from outside half of the seat post 32 can be perceived. The light 174 is preferably coupled out evenly from the casting compound around the plug element 164.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The 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

• DE 202011002447 U1 [0003]
• EP 3398843 A1 [0003]
• EP 2942244 A1 [0003]
• GB 2492742 A [0003]

Non-patent literature cited

• Uplink Band: 1,710 - [0044]
• Downlink band: 1,805 - 1,880 MHz [0044]

Claims (15)

Electronic device (60) for locating a bicycle (10), the device (60) comprising: - a locating module (70) for receiving signals (110) from navigation satellites (112) and for determining a position of the bicycle (10) as a function from the received signals (110), - a wireless communication module (72) for sending data (114) with information about the determined position of the bicycle (10) via a wireless communication network (116), and - an energy module (68) for supplying the location module (70) and the wireless communication module (72) with electrical energy, the device (60) being designed to be arranged invisibly from the outside inside a rod or a tube (32 - 40) of the bicycle (10) and preferably to be fastened there, wherein the rod or tube (32 - 40) in particular comprises a saddle rod (32), a fork control tube (34), a frame tube (36) or a handlebar tube (38) of the bicycle (10), characterized in that the energy module (68 ) has a rechargeable battery (66) and the device (60) is assigned a power generation device (90), in particular in the form of a linear dynamo, which generates power to charge the energy module (68) while the bicycle (10) is in operation. Electronic device (60) for locating a bicycle (10), the device (60) comprising: - a locating module (70) for receiving signals (110) from navigation satellites (112) and for determining a position of the bicycle (10) as a function from the received signals (110), - a wireless communication module (72) for sending data (114) with information about the determined position of the bicycle (10) via a wireless communication network (116), and - an energy module (68) for supplying the location module (70) and the wireless communication module (72) with electrical energy, the device (60) being designed to be arranged invisibly from the outside inside a rod or a tube (32 - 40) of the bicycle (10) and preferably to be fastened there, wherein the rod or tube (32 - 40) in particular comprises a saddle rod (32), a fork control tube (34), a frame tube (36) or a handlebar tube (38) of the bicycle (10), characterized in that the wireless communication module (72 ) is designed to send and receive data via a wireless local area network (WLAN or WiFi), a Bluetooth and/or a Near Field Communication (NFC) wireless communication connection (118), the device (60) having a processing module ( 74), which is designed to only move the device (60) from a standby mode with minimal energy consumption into a normal operating mode in which the device (60) has full functionality, including position determination and data transmission, if a previous one Data exchange with a mobile terminal (122) of a driver of the bicycle (10) via the WLAN, Bluetooth and / or NFC wireless communication connection (118) has led to successful authentication of the terminal (122). Device (60). Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the wireless communication module (72) is designed to send data (114) with information about the determined position of the bicycle (10) via a Low Power Wide Area Network (LP WAN) wireless communication network (116). Device (60) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless communication module (72) for sending data (114) with information about the determined position of the bicycle (10) via a narrowband Internet of Things (NB loT) or a Long Term Evolution for Machines (LTE-M) wireless communication network (116) is formed. Device (60) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (60) has a sensor module (76), which preferably comprises an acceleration sensor for detecting vibrations of the bicycle (10). Device (60) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (60) has a processing module (74) which is designed to put the device (60) from a standby mode with minimal energy consumption into a normal operating mode in which the device (60) is fully functional including position determination and data transmission. Device (60). Claim 6 , wherein the processing module (74) is designed to move the device (60) from standby mode to normal operating mode when a sensor module (76) of the device (60) detects an acceleration that is above a predeterminable acceleration threshold. Device (60) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (60) has a hollow cylindrical housing (62) with a circular or oval cross section in which all modules (68 - 76) of the device (60) are arranged. Device (60) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (60) has a mechanical tensioning mechanism (82) integrated in a housing (62) of the device (60) for fastening the device (60) inside the rod or tube (32 - 40) of the bicycle (10), whereby at least least a tool is required to loosen the clamping mechanism (82). Device (60). Claim 9 , whereby the clamping mechanism (82) is designed so that it can only be loosened with a special, device-specific tool. Device (60) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy module (68) has a rechargeable battery (66) which can be charged from outside the bicycle (10) without contact, in particular inductively via a charging coil (102). Device (60). Claim 2 and one of the Claims 3 until 11 , wherein software or firmware of the device (60) running on a processing module (74) of the device (60) can be updated via the WLAN, Bluetooth and / or NFC wireless communication connection (118) and / or wherein operating parameters of the device (60 ) can be set via the WLAN, Bluetooth and/or NFC wireless communication connection (118). Device (60). Claim 2 and one of the Claims 3 until 12 , wherein during operation of the bicycle (10), positions of the bicycle (10) determined by the location module (70) of the device (60) are sent to a mobile terminal (122) via the WLAN, Bluetooth and / or NFC wireless communication connection (118). ) of a driver of the bicycle (10) can be transferred. Device (60) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless communication module (72) is assigned an eSIM (embedded Subscriber Identity Module). Bicycle (10) with or without a motor drive, comprising two or three wheels (18, 20), of which at least one (18) is steerable, at least one saddle (26) for a rider of the bicycle (10), bars and/or Pipes (23 - 40), and a device (60) for locating the bicycle (10), characterized in that the device (60) is designed according to one of the preceding claims and is invisible from the outside inside a rod or a tube (32 - 40) of the bicycle (10) is arranged and is preferably fastened there, the rod or the tube (32 - 40) being in particular a seat post (32), a fork control tube (34), a frame tube (36) or a handlebar tube (38). Bicycle (10) includes.

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