FR3062635A1 - ANTI-THEFT DEVICE FOR A CHAIN TRANSMISSION CYCLE - Google Patents

Abstract

Locking system for preventing the theft of cycles in a shared use system of cycles, comprising a chain (CH) connecting a pedal (11) to at least one pinion (12) of the rear wheel (1b) of the cycle, an element blocking member (4) movable between a release position (DEG) and an engagement position (ENG) engaged with the chain, an electromechanical actuator (3) configured to move the blocking member between the release position (DEG) ) and the engagement position (ENG) and a control unit (6) configured to control said electromechanical actuator, selectively to allow or not the rotation of the chain at least in the forward direction of the cycle.

Description

® FRENCH REPUBLIC

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY © Publication number:

(to be used only for reproduction orders)

©) National registration number

062 635

50982

COURBEVOIE

©) Int Cl ⁸ : B 62 H5 / 12 (2017.01)

PATENT INVENTION APPLICATION

A1

©) Date of filing: 06.02.17. (30) Priority: ©) Applicant (s): JCDECAUX SA Société anonyme - FR. @) Date of public availability of the request: 10.08.18 Bulletin 18/32. ©) Inventor (s): FORESTIER JEAN-MARC and METAIS PASCAL. (56) List of documents cited in the preliminary search report: See the end of this brochure (© References to other related national documents: ©) Holder (s): JCDECAUX SA Société anonyme. ©) Extension request (s): @) Agent (s): CABINET PLASSERAUD.

ANTITHEFT DEVICE FOR A CHAIN TRANSMISSION CYCLE.

FR 3 062 635 - A1

Locking system for preventing theft of cycles in a system for shared use of cycles, comprising a chain (CH) connecting a crankset (11) to at least one rear wheel sprocket (12) (lb) of the cycle, an element lock (4) movable between a release position (DEG) and an engagement position (ENG) engaged on the chain, an electromechanical actuator (3) configured to move the locking member between the release position (DEG ) and the engagement position (ENG) and a control unit (6) configured to control said electromechanical actuator, selectively to allow or not the rotation of the chain at least in the direction of forward cycle.

i

Anti-theft device for chain drive cycle

The present invention relates to anti-theft devices for cycles, in particular for cycles provided with a chain transmission.

Background and Prior Art

Systems for shared use of cycles, particularly for short-term rental, have developed considerably in recent years in a large number of cities and agglomerations.

In many cases, the cycles are stored in the open air in open stations, the cycles are attached to one or more locking stations. Often, each cycle is attached individually to a locking station, unitary or shared, with a solid anchor to the ground or to a fixed infrastructure.

The attachment system between the cycle and the locking station is part of a rental management system, the release of the attachment system from the cycle is only possible when a rental has been registered as valid for this cycle and that the sequence of use by a user-lessor can begin. At the end of the desired use, the user-renter brings the cycle closer to a locking station until the connection between the cycle and the locking station is correctly established. The fastening system can be rigid or have a certain flexibility according to one or more degrees of freedom. This type of system is known from document FR2987811.

These systems are entirely satisfactory, however, a need has appeared to propose a complementary means of combating malicious acts against the cycles arranged in self-service rental stations, in particular theft acts, and in particular it is desirable to '' increase deterrence compared to attempted theft.

Summary of the invention

To this end, a blocking system is proposed to prevent theft of cycles in a system of shared use of cycles, comprising:

- a chain connecting a crankset to at least one rear wheel sprocket of the cycle,

a blocking element which can be moved between a release position and an engagement position,

- an electromechanical actuator configured to move the locking element between the release position and the engagement position or vice versa,

- A control unit configured to control said electromechanical actuator, selectively to authorize or not the rotation of the chain at least in the forward direction (F) of the cycle.

Thanks to these provisions, a complementary means is provided to deter theft of cycles. Indeed, even if a cycle is fraudulently detached from the locking station, it will not be usable because the chain will be blocked by the blocking device and the malicious user will not be able to pedal on the cycle in question. Likewise, advantageously, this chain blocking system can be used in conjunction with a cable lock for a temporary stop called "minute stop".

In addition, reduced accessibility can be provided to intervene on the blocking element, which reinforces the desired deterrent effect.

It should be noted that this electromechanically controlled chain blocking system can be used outside the context of a system of shared use of cycles, that is to say for a personal cycle (private possession), bicycle, scooter or whatever.

In various embodiments of the invention, recourse may optionally be had to one and / or the other of the following provisions.

According to a particular option, the blocking element can be formed as a rocking lever (4) with a toothing arranged at one end of the lever. It is a simple and reliable solution to form a blocking element.

According to one aspect, the electromechanical actuator typically comprises a motor (31) and a cam (9) mounted in rotation controlled by the rotor of the motor; simple and light solution and requiring only a little electrical energy. In one aspect, the locking system may include a return spring (37) which biases the locking member in a direction opposite to the bias generated by the electromechanical actuator; whereby a passive reminder is provided and a functional play can be made up. According to an option, the electromechanical actuator biases the locking element towards the release position and the return spring biases the locking element towards the engagement position; thanks to which one can manage the particular situation called ‘tooth-on-tooth ', the return spring guaranteeing an effective locking as soon as a relative movement occurs; moreover it is a robust and reliable solution;

In one aspect, the blocking system may further include a hall effect sensor (5) for providing position feedback of the cam or the blocking element; we can reliably check the unlocked state of the chain and thus guarantee safe and trouble-free use for a legitimate user of the cycle;

In one aspect, the blocking system may include signal receiving means (63) for receiving external information to selectively either move the blocking member to the position or move the blocking member to the engaging position ; this makes it possible to remotely control the locking system either to lock it in the event of theft being detected in the cycle or to unlock it, for example for maintenance purposes.

According to one aspect, the blocking system can further comprise a protective casing (8) which covers at least the blocking element. Whereby access to the blocking device is restricted or even impossible, which contributes to its inviolability.

According to one aspect of the invention, the protective casing (8) is part of a structural frame (ld); which is a guarantee of robustness and inviolability of the anti-theft function. According to a particular option, the blocking element can be formed as a tilting lever (4) with a braked pinion (14) mounted on one end of said lever; this alternative provides a solution of quasi blocking without risk of brutal shock in the event of locking during taxiing.

According to a particular option, the electromechanical actuator (3) is positioned in front of the rear wheel (lb) substantially in a vertical median plane of the cycle; this provides a clever mechanical integration of the chain blocking function which is also protected from the environment at this location.

According to a particular option, the blocking element is positioned substantially in the plane of the chain in an area delimited by the upper chain strand, the internal chain strand (CHb), the crankset and the rear sprocket; whereby the implantation of the locking element does not require increasing the dimensions and the lateral dimensions of the chain transmission.

The present invention also relates to a cycle comprising a frame, at least two wheels (la, lb) and a locking system as described above.

The present invention also relates to a method for controlling a blocking system as described above, comprising at least the step:

- move the locking element to the engagement position if unauthorized conditions for using the cycle are detected. According to this option, the blocking of the chain is only triggered in flight circumstances.

Depending on an option, the method may further include:

- move the blocking element to the engagement position as soon as the cycle is in the secure momentary stop position, namely with an anti-theft cable in the engaged engagement position, which corresponds to the so-called "minute stop" configuration " As a result, the level of protection of a bicycle temporarily attached by its anti-theft cable is increased.

Depending on an option, the method may further include:

- move the locking element to the engagement position as soon as the cycle is in the attached position on a station locking station. As a result, a systematic chain lock is obtained on bikes in storage configuration in stations.

The present invention also relates to an automated system for providing cycles for a particular group of users or the general public, comprising cycles (1) each equipped with a chain blocking system as described above, and a fixed infrastructure (BS) comprising a plurality of locking stations (7) and at least one interactive terminal (2), the chain blocking being controlled according to information received from the fixed infrastructure.

Description of the figures

Other aspects, aims and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of an embodiment of the invention, given by way of non-limiting example. The invention will also be better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 schematically represents a chain transmission system for a bicycle type cycle, with a blocking system according to an embodiment of the invention,

FIGS. 2A and 2B represent detailed partial views of the blocking system of FIG. 1, respectively seen from the front and from the side,

FIG. 3 represents a block diagram of the control system including the blocking device of FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 represents a cycle implementing a second embodiment,

FIG. 5 represents a partial view centered on the locking device,

FIG. 6 shows in perspective and in more detail the locking element and the electromechanical actuator,

FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 6 from a different point of view,

FIG. 8 is a top view in horizontal section centered on the locking device,

FIG. 9 illustrates in more detail the rotary cam,

FIG. 10 illustrates a cycle storage station in a cycle rental or shared use system,

FIG. 11 represents a block diagram of the system,

FIG. 12 represents a variant with a pinion braked on the locking element,

- Figure 13 shows a locking station.

In the different figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements,

detailed description

FIG. 10 illustrates a view of a rental or shared use system for cycles 1. As shown, a storage system for cycles 1 is provided such as in particular bicycles, making it possible for example to store cycles on the track public so as to make them available to a group of particular users or to the general public.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, each cycle 1 may comprise a structure ls mounted on two wheels la, lb, the structure ls including a frame ld and a fork carrying it a handlebar and pivotally mounted on the frame ld.

Each cycle 1 can also include an anti-theft link 67, for example a cable or a chain, one end of which is fixed to the fork and the other end has a rigid pin which can engage and lock in a lock. anti-theft device 68.

The anti-theft lock 68 can advantageously be electric with code and include a keyboard 68a or similar which makes it possible to control the lock 68.

This automatic cycle storage system can comprise several BS cycle storage stations, only one of which is shown in FIG. 10, comprising locking stations 7. Each station for BS cycle storage can have a station control station. 2, which can for example be in the form of an interactive terminal provided with a user interface comprising for example a keyboard 23, a touch screen 24 or the like, a portable electronic card reader 25, a printing device 26 of tickets, a contactless card reader 26a, etc.

The interactive terminal 2 communicates on the one hand, with a central server SI which manages the subscriptions and the rentals of cycles, and on the other hand, if necessary with a server S2 which can manage services to the users accessible on the interactive terminal 2. Communication with the servers SI, S2 can be done in particular by radio.

The interactive terminal 2 can also communicate if necessary, in particular by radio and in particular by a short-range radio link (for example with the Zigbee® or Bluetooth® protocol, or other), with the cycles 1 locked at the station BS.

Finally, the interactive terminal 2 communicates, for example by wire or short range radio, with the locking stations 7 of the station BS, on which cycles 1 can be locked. The locking stations can be presented in particular in the form of terminals fixed to the ground. Each cycle 1 comprises a first attachment member 18 which will be described below, and which is adapted to lock on a second attachment member belonging to any locking station 7 of the system, on any system BS station.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the second attachment member of each locking station 7 can typically be in the form of a rigid keeper 88, mounted for example articulated on a support 89 integral with the structure 7a of the locking station. This keeper 88 can be for example in the form of C. The keeper 88 can be articulated on the support 89, for example by a ball joint.

The keeper 88 includes a movable locking member 16, which is actuated by an electric actuator (not shown) contained in the support 89 and of a type known per se. The locking member can be resiliently biased towards the locking position where it is able to block the first hooking member of the cycle in the keeper 88 to lock the cycle 1 on the locking station 7, and it can be actuated by said electric actuator to a retracted position where it releases the first fastening member 18 and therefore the cycle

1.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first attachment member 18 of cycle 1 is mounted on the structure 1a of cycle 1, in particular on the frame ld.

The first attachment member 18 may be substantially in the form of a rigid ring, comprising a rigid bar 21 oriented along an axis which is substantially vertical in the normal position of use of the cycle.

The bar 21 may possibly be made of electrically insulating material and comprise two electrical contacts 22a, 22b (denoted together 22) superposed adapted to come into electrical contact with electrical contacts 17a, 17b (denoted together 17) of the striker when the first member hook 18 is locked on the keeper 88, so as to communicate the electronics of the locking station 7 with the on-board electronics of cycle 1, and if necessary so as to charge a battery of cycle 1, in particular s' it is an electrically assisted cycle.

In addition to the above-mentioned attachment system on the locking station 7 and above-mentioned anti-theft link 67, the inventors have provided on the cycle an anti-theft device 10 interacting on the chain CH of the cycle.

In practice, in the field of cycles, almost all bicycles are equipped with a chain which makes it possible to transmit a movement of the crankset to a pinion arranged at the hub of the rear wheel; we also note that most mopeds, scooters, small motorcycles are often also equipped with a chain to drive the rear wheel. The chain anti-theft device 10 presented here can therefore be applied to all kinds of cycles using a transmission chain.

As shown in Figure 1, in the typical case of a bicycle, we have a crankset 11 with a chainring (crown) with teeth on which is meshed a transmission chain CH which is also meshed on a pinion 12 connected to the hub of Rear wheel. It is noted that the pinion 12 in question can be equipped with a freewheel function, it is also noted that the rear wheel 1b can be equipped with several separate pinions and with a derailleur system known per se. The bottom bracket is rotatably mounted around the YO axis and the rear wheel sprocket is rotatably mounted around the rear wheel axis Y2.

In the example illustrated, an anti-theft device 10 is installed on the 'go' strand (marked CHa) of the chain, namely the upper strand, through which most of the forces pass to the rear wheel 1b.

According to a first embodiment of the anti-theft device, a locking element 4 is provided that can be moved between a release position DEG and an engagement position ENG engaged on the chain.

More specifically, in the ENG engagement position, the blocking element interferes with the chain links and prevents the chain from advancing towards the arrow crankset F. Conversely, in the DEG release position, the locking lever is moved from the previous position and no longer obstructs the advancement of the chain; a functional clearance J is even provided which allows a certain dynamic vertical movement of the chain without being hindered by contact or interference with the locking element 4.

In the example illustrated particularly in FIGS. 2A 2B, the blocking element is presented as a pivoting lever 4, mounted for rotation about an axis Y1. For example, the pivoting lever is mounted on a pin pin 34, with the interposition of a bronze or Teflon ring. When it rotates counterclockwise, the lever 4 moves in the release direction DEG, while when it rotates clockwise, it moves to the engagement position ENG.

The pivoting lever extends between a first end at the level of the axis of rotation Y1 and a second end which is provided with a toothing 41 provided for cooperating by engagement in the links of the chain. In the example shown, three teeth are shown, but it could work with a single tooth, two, or more than three. The teeth are spaced in accordance with the chain pitch P, which provides good complementarity of shapes between the teeth of the locking element and the rollers of the chain links.

As for the chain CH, this is entirely conventional, it is formed by a succession of links which each comprise a roller 75 mounted on a small axis 77, and plates with holes 76 which connect the axes of adjacent rollers; this type of chain is known per se, and therefore not described in more detail here.

The locking device comprises a support plate 3P rigidly fixed on the structural frame ld of the cycle; this support plate typically comprises a vertical main face 30 which is extended to 90 ° by an upper wall 38 arranged just above the outward strand CHa of the chain.

According to the example illustrated, a cam 9 rotatably mounted on a pin 39 around an axis marked Y9 and configured to move the pivoting lever 4 towards the release position; conversely, a return spring marked 37 pushes the pivoting lever towards the ENG engagement position. The roles between the controlled cam and the return spring could of course be reversed in another configuration.

The movement of the cam 9 is controlled by an electric motor marked 31 with preferably the interposition of a reduction transmission by screw-nut which allows the cam to be held in the current position without moving if the motor is not controlled, whatever the level of vibrations and external mechanical stresses. In other words, it is a non-reversible reducer.

The electric motor, the reduction gear and the cam together form an electromechanical actuator within the meaning of the present invention generically identified by 3; other solutions for the electromechanical actuator are not excluded such as for example a solenoid, a small electric linear actuator, etc.

In addition, there is provided a position sensor marked 5 which positively detects that the locking lever 4 is in the release position DEG; a hall effect sensor is preferably chosen which is advantageous for its small size and high reliability.

There is a wedge effect provided by the tilting at substantially 45 ° of the pivoting lever in the locked position (wedging between the lever 4 and the wall 38 of the plate 30).

As illustrated in FIG. 3, there is provided in the cycle equipment a control unit 6 configured to control an electric motor 31 in charge of the blocking function of the chain. This control unit can also be in charge of the electric pedaling assistance function.

The chain unlocking position sensor 5 provides the corresponding information to the control unit 6, it is possible to have user feedback by means of a signaling letter marked 6L.

In addition, the control unit 6 can be equipped with a short-range wireless communication interface 93 typically of the Bluetooth ™ (or Zigbee®) type, to allow for example the following functionality: As soon as the user of the bicycle moves away from the latter, the Bluetooth ™ link 93 is interrupted, and the blocking of the chain is controlled by the control unit; Conversely, when the user returns to resume his bike, the reestablishment of the Bluetooth ™ link enables the unlocking of the blocking system to be controlled; we understand that we can advantageously replace the traditional mechanical lock with this lock that can be described as "hands-free mechatronics"; this feature can be very handy for people who deliver by bike.

The control unit 6 and / or the on-board battery BATT can be connected to an external electrical power source, in particular when the cycle is in a storage station attached to a locking station 7; for that

of contacts electric of type " baby feeding " are planned, with contacts 22a 22b sure the first element hanging above 21 and the contacts 17a 17b

arranged on the aforementioned keeper 88 of the locking station 7.

The cam rotates around the axis Y9 from stop to stop, said stops being able to be mechanical stops and / or electrical stops; the motor control is of the time delay type, sufficient to go from stop to stop.

The angular travel around the axis of rotation Y9, Z1 will typically be predefined between a quarter turn and three-quarter turn.

Optionally, in the unlocking direction, the feedback from the position sensor 5 can be used to stop the engine control at the most appropriate time.

Advantageously according to the present invention, provision is made for the possibility of remote action, from a smartphone 95 or from servers SI, S2 already mentioned in the context of a rental system with public access.

In the case of a bicycle held privately or more generally used personally, the chain lock control can be made through the smartphone 95 either by voluntary order (s) or by an automatic system passive as described above.

According to a second embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 to 9, the cycle 1 shown corresponds to a self-service bicycle rental, of the type commonly used in multiple cities and agglomerations.

In the present case, the frame ld of the bicycle is formed for its main part by a casing 8 of the hollow spar type, that is to say a stamped or formed metal part, of thickness between 1 mm and 3 mm. The material of this casing 8 can be treated steel or an aluminum alloy. It can be a part obtained by mechanical welding and / or cold forming without excluding recovery machining.

Note that this casing covers the entire upper strand CHa of the chain and also the bottom bracket.

The chain blocking device 10 comprises in this second mode a rocking lever 4 mounted for rotation about the horizontal axis Y1 on a base 81 anchored (for example welded) relative to the housing ld, 8 mentioned above.

The rocking lever 4 comprises an elongated body 42, preferably obtained by a folded cut metal blank, said elongated body and extending essentially in the longitudinal direction X of the bicycle; the lever comprises on its rear end a toothing 41 similar to that already described for the first mode, which is inserted between the rollers of the chain links in the ENG engagement position; moreover, at this rear end, a magnetic element 45 is also provided which cooperates with the position sensor 5; for example this element 45, when it is opposite the sensor, activates this sensor.

With regard to the toothing 41, the inventors have noticed that in the geometrical configuration presented, a conventional toothing similar to that of a pinion was perfectible due to the elasticity of the spring 37; for this purpose, it is provided, although not visible in the figures, to have high teeth and slightly oriented towards the rear which provide a self-locking effect as soon as the teeth are engaged in the links of the chain and that a forward traction is exerted on the chain. A geometrical condition may be that the tooth mainly contacts the roller 75 of the link above its horizontal diameter. Such a form of teeth thus makes it possible to obtain a wedge effect analogous to what was written for the first embodiment.

The material of the elongated body 42 may be folded cut metal or high performance plastic.

The elongated body is completed by a transverse part 43 which is equipped with a finger 44 directed downwards, which finger cooperates with the control cam

9. A ball may be provided at the lower end of the finger, or a roller or any other element with a low coefficient of friction which facilitates sliding on the shapes of the cam.

Here the cam 9 is rotatably mounted around the axis Zl which corresponds substantially with the vertical in the normal position of the bicycle. As can be seen in FIG. 9, this cam comprises an axis 96 a body of generally annular shape with a high plate 90 with an annular inclined actuation zone forming a ramp 91. This cam pushes upward the finger 44 of the rocking lever and releases the blockage.

The axis 96 is engaged on the output of the motor 31, or more precisely engaged on the output of a reduction gear at the output of the motor 31.

As visible in FIG. 8, the motor 31 is cleverly housed just behind the seat tube 1T and in front of the rear wheel 1b, in a location which is usually not occupied; the motor is fixed on a portion 83 forming a small horizontal plate; thus the addition of the chain locking function is done in the dimensions of the usual bicycle frame.

Given the enveloping effect of the casing 8, the entire blocking device is hidden by the casing and it is therefore very difficult to access the rocking lever for a malicious person who would like to bypass the blocking device.

The aforementioned casing 8 plays the role of the support plate described according to the first embodiment. The casing includes an upper chain protection wall (item 84) forms the upper stop to prevent the chain CH from going up when the locking element 4 engages and pushing the chain upwards.

Note that the lever arm between the axis Y1 and the teeth 41 is approximately three times the lever arm between the axis Y1 and the axis of pushing the cam on the finger.

In the example illustrated, the stroke of the rear end which carries the toothing 41 is between 10 and 15 mm, while the stroke of the finger controlled 44 by the cam is between 2 and 6 mm.

As shown in FIG. 11, the interactive terminal can include at least one electronic central unit 50 (UC) such as a microcomputer or the like, connected to:

- radio communication interfaces 51, 52, 53 (COM) respectively with the servers SI, S2 and cycles 1 located in the station or in the immediate vicinity,

a communication interface 54 (COM) for communication with the locking stations 7 of the station BS,

- the user interfaces 23, 24, 25, 26, 26a mentioned above and possibly others.

Each locking station 7 can comprise an electronic central unit 56 (UC) such as a microcontroller or the like, connected:

- the unlocking actuator 57 (LCK) which controls the above-mentioned locking member 16,

- a communication interface 55 (COM) communicating with the above-mentioned interface 54,

- A power supply device 58 (AL) connected to the electrical network or to another source of electrical energy, and itself connected to the above-mentioned electrical contacts 17a 17b.

Each cycle 1 also includes the control unit 6 (UC) such as a microcontroller or the like, connected:

- the battery 61 (BATT) and the electric motor 62 (M) of the cycle if the cycle is electrically assisted,

- a power supply device 59 (AL) connected to the aforementioned contacts 22a 22b, themselves connected to the aforementioned electrical contacts 17 of the locking station 7 when the cycle is locked on a locking station,

- to the electromechanical locking actuator 3 (LCK CH) of the CH chain of the bicycle,

- an electric lock 68 with code (LCK F), provided with a keyboard 68a or similar, adapted to receive and lock the anti-theft link 67 of cycle 1,

- a wireless communication interface 63, of the Zigbee® or Bluetooth® type, or other.

The system may also include, in addition to the electrical cycles described above, cycles of other types, in particular cycles without electrical assistance.

As regards the location of the control unit 6, the latter can typically be located in the streamlined part of the handlebar. As an alternative, the control unit 6 could also be located near the code keyboard 68a. In the case of a locking system for a private bicycle, we will favor a location near the electromechanical actuator 3.

In all cases, you should prefer a place that is not directly accessible to avoid too simple bypass of the anti-theft system.

The system which has just been described operates as follows.

When a user wants to borrow a cycle 1 on one of the locking terminals 7, he can for example have a card or a contactless electronic chip ticket (NFC or other) read by the reader 6a of the interactive terminal or by a similar reader possibly provided on a locking station 7, or it can insert a portable electronic card in the reader 25 of the interactive terminal 2 and then enter a secret code corresponding to this card, by means of the keyboard 23, so as to s '' identify with said interactive terminal.

After verifying the rights of the user with the server SI, the interactive terminal 2 gives an unlocking authorization to one of the locking terminals 7, so that the user can unlock the cycle 1 in place on this terminal, for example by pressing a button provided on this terminal, which cuts off the electrical supply to the contacts 17 by the supply device 58 and the control of the unlocking actuator 57 by the central unit 56 of the station locking 7 to move the locking member 16 into the retracted position. The user can then take cycle 1, and the electronic central unit 56 of the locking station 7 then locates the removal of cycle 1 since it can no longer communicate with the central unit 56 of this cycle by the contacts 17 , 22. The electronic central unit 56 of the locking station 7 then informs the interactive terminal 2 of this removal.

When the user returns the cycle 1 and sets it up on a locking station 7, he engages the first hooking member 18 in the keeper 88 of the locking station, so that the electrical contacts 17, 22 are connected together and that the central units 56, 6 can communicate with each other.

When cycle 1 is locked on the locking station 7, the central unit 56 of the locking station identifies the presence of cycle 1 by communicating with the central unit 6 of the cycle.

of the cycle can then communicate to the locking station, a

Central unit 6 central unit 56 unique identifier of cycle 1.

The central unit of the locking station communicates, via the communication interfaces 54, 55, with the central unit 50 of the interactive terminal 2, to signal to it the presence of the cycle and to transmit the identifier of this cycle to it.

The electronic central unit 50 of the interactive terminal 2 then signals the end of the cycle borrowing period to the server SI, and the central unit 56 of the locking station activates the power supply device 58 to recharge the battery 61 of the cycle. At the same time, the central unit 50 of the interactive terminal 2 transmits to the management server SI the unique identifier of cycle 1 which has just been delivered to the station, as well as possibly the load parameter measured during delivery. from cycle 1 to BS station.

The interactive terminal 2 and / or the management server SI then stores the identifier of cycle 1 delivered to the cycle storage station BS and the time tO of delivery of cycle 1 to the station BS.

In the context of the second embodiment, provision is made to be able to lock the chain as soon as non-legitimate conditions of use of the cycle are detected; for example the control unit 6 on board the cycle can advantageously detect a substantial displacement of the cycle either by noting that the wheels are turning or by fine localization GPS / Galileo and under the conditions where the cycle is supposed to be attached and secured to a locking station 7, then the control unit 6 can decide on its own to activate the chain locking.

According to an alternative solution, it can be foreseen that the finding of the loss of the connection by feeding contacts 17.22 between a cycle 1 and a locking station 7 while no legitimate rental is in progress for this particular cycle, leads upon activation of the blocking of the chain controlled from the interactive terminal 2 for example.

Thus, if an attacker manages to unhook the bicycle from the locking station, the chain will then be blocked and prevent any correct use of the bicycle.

In the case of the minute stop situation, it is also possible to provide similar arrangements which lead to locking the chain if the control unit notices an anomaly, i.e. the cable lock 67 is securely locked but the bike is moving.

According to a variant, the system can be such that as soon as a cycle 1 is attached to a locking station 7 then the chain blocking device will be systematically engaged (locking 'by default' therefore); similarly, it can also be provided that when the cycle 1 is found in the “minute stop” configuration with its anti-theft cable 67 correctly locked in the electric lock 68, then the chain blocking device will be systematically engaged.

As shown in FIG. 12, a variant of the second embodiment consists in replacing the fixed toothing 41 by a braked pinion 14 mounted on an axis Y4.

As indicated in the previous examples, the shape of the teeth must provide a self-locking effect and therefore high teeth and slightly oriented backwards are preferred for the teeth of the braked pinion.

The braked pinion 14 provides a significant friction force against the movement close to a blockage ("quasi-blocking"); thus, in the case where the blocking of chains is controlled remotely, the intervention of the locking will be done relatively gradually.

Moreover, a friction ring with a positive temperature coefficient can be provided, so the friction increases as the stress is applied.

According to an option, there is provided a taring constraint element (not shown), for example of the "Belleville" washer type arranged around the axis Y4 of the braked pinion; thus the calibrated tightening of this constraint element makes it possible to adjust the friction forces which will oppose the rotation of the pinion.

Claims (16)

1. Blocking system to prevent theft of cycles in a shared use system of cycles, comprising: - a chain (CH) connecting a crankset (11) to at least one rear wheel sprocket (12) (lb) of the cycle, - a locking element (4) movable between a release position (DEG) and an engagement position (ENG) engaged on the chain, - an electromechanical actuator (3) configured to move the locking element between the release position (DEG) and the engagement position (ENG) or vice versa, - a control unit (6) configured to control said electromechanical actuator, selectively to allow or not the rotation of the chain at least in the direction of forward cycle. 2. System according to claim 1, in which the blocking element is formed as a rocking lever (4) with a toothing arranged at one end of the lever. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the electromechanical actuator comprises a motor (31) and a cam (9) mounted in rotation controlled by the rotor of the motor. 4. System according to claim 1, comprising return spring (37) which biases the element in a direction opposite to the bias of the electromechanical actuator. further a blockage generated by 5. System 1'actuateur locking towards according to claim 4, electromechanical stresses the disengaged position and in which the element of the return spring biases the blocking element towards the engaged position. 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a hall effect sensor (5) for providing position feedback of the cam or the locking element. The system of claim 1, further comprising signal receiving means for receiving external information for selectively either moving the blocking member to the position or moving the blocking member to the engaged position. 8. System according to claim 1, further comprising a protective casing (8) which covers at least the blocking element. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the locking element is formed as a tilting lever (4) with a braked pinion (14) mounted on one end of said lever. 10. Sy stem according to claim 1, wherein the electromechanical actuator (3) is positioned in front of the rear wheel (lb) substantially in a vertical median plane of the cycle 11. System according to claim 1, in which the blocking element (4) is positioned substantially in the plane of the chain in an area delimited by the upper strand (CHa) of chain, the inner strand (CHb) of chain , the crankset (11) and the rear sprocket (12). 12. Cycle comprising a frame, at least two wheels (la, lb) and a locking system (10) according to one of the preceding claims. 13. Method for controlling a blocking system according to claim 1, comprising at least the step: move the locking element into engagement in the event of detection towards the position of unauthorized conditions of cycle use. 14. Method in addition: - move the engagement element as soon as "minute stop" position engaged. according to claim 13, comprising in blocking towards the position that the cycle is in the position knowing with an anti-theft cable in 15. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: - move the locking element to the engagement position as soon as the cycle is in the attached position on a station locking station. 16. Automated system for providing cycles for a particular group of users or the general public, comprising cycles (1) each equipped with a chain blocking system according to one of claims 1 to 11, and a fixed infrastructure (BS) comprising a plurality of locking stations (7) and at least one interactive terminal (2), the blocking of the chain being controlled as a function of information received from the fixed infrastructure. 1/9