JP2006327581A - Bicycle hub with lock mechanism and lock device for bicycle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a low cost bicycle hub with lock mechanism capable of preventing theft, and a lock device for a bicycle preventing lock mechanism operation during travel of the bicycle, and the bicycle left unlocked and theft of the bicycle by using the bicycle hub with the lock mechanism. <P>SOLUTION: This bicycle hub is provided with a braking body 14 provided on center parts of a front wheel 34 and a rear wheel 37 rotatably attached to a frame 31 of a bicycle and generating physical brake force by engaging with a receiving part 17 formed on a cylindrical body 11 inner wall, and actuators 15, 16, 22 driving the braking body 14 by electric power sources 20, 21, and includes a lock mechanism fixed on an axle 13 of the front wheel 34 or the rear wheel 37, and a requested signal receiving part 23 receiving requested signal for operation and driving the actuator. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a lock mechanism that disables rotation of a wheel for preventing theft of a bicycle and a lock device, and more particularly, a bicycle lock mechanism that makes it difficult to easily unlock the lock mechanism from the outside. And a lock device.

  Conventionally, many bicycles have their wheels disabled to prevent theft while parked. An example of a conventional lock mechanism that disables the rotation of the wheel includes a protruding key method in which a stopper is inserted between the spokes adjacent to the wheel and fixed to the bicycle frame, and a chain between the spokes including the frame. For example, there is a rope-like key system in which a rope such as a rope is wound and both ends are connected and fixed. However, in any lock mechanism and lock device that disables rotation of the conventional wheel, the key part that is the lock mechanism is exposed from the outside, and the key part can be unlocked relatively easily. Since it can be performed, the effect as a sufficient anti-theft could not be exhibited.

  Thus, a conventional bicycle antitheft system that uses a bicycle hub that restricts the rotation of wheels has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The bicycle antitheft system includes a handle control unit, an internal speed change hub, and a control cable. The handle control unit can take a first restriction state for restricting rotation of the front fork of the bicycle and a first restriction release state for releasing the restriction. The internal transmission hub can take a second restriction state for restricting rotation of the rear wheel of the bicycle and a second restriction release state for releasing the restriction. The control cable connects the handle control unit and the internal speed change hub, and controls the internal speed change hub in accordance with the control operation between the first restricted state and the first restriction release state of the handle control part. The state can be changed between the state and the second restriction release state.

  Further, as a conventional bicycle remote control type automatic lock device, there has been proposed a bicycle remote control type automatic lock device that is absolutely safe during traveling (see, for example, Patent Document 2). This bicycle remote control type automatic lock device includes a transmitter that emits signal radio waves for instructing a lock lock for a bicycle lock in a locking direction or an unlocking direction, and a reception for receiving the command signal radio waves of the transmitter. Bicycle remote control type automatic lock locker equipped with a device for releasing the bicycle running sensor to the receiver that is linked to the lock and moves in the locking direction and in the opposite unlocking direction. A safety switch circuit is connected.

  Further, as a conventional two-wheeled vehicle key and an automatic lock device, there have been proposed ones in which the movement of the stand of the two-wheel vehicle is linked to the key so that the key is locked when the stand is raised (for example, Patent Document 3, Patent Reference 4). Each of these two-wheeled vehicle keys and automatic lock devices has a mechanism that is configured to lock in a hub at the same time that a stand is set when parking.

JP 2003-11864 A JP 2000-128039 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-175559 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-300086

However, the conventional bicycle hub with a lock mechanism and the bicycle lock device as described above still have the following problems to be solved.
(1) The bicycle anti-theft system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-11864 uses a bicycle hub, and when a bicycle is parked with a heavy object mounted on the front basket of the bicycle, the bicycle is connected with the handle. A lock device for a handle for preventing the front wheel from rotating and a device for locking a bicycle hub are connected by a control cable. However, an apparatus having a configuration in which the rotation restricting means moves in the hub axis direction by the interlocking means when the rod member mounted on the hub axle is moved has a complicated mechanism and is very expensive. Yes. Further, the lock means for fixing the handle portion disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-11864 is “a lock including a detachable key and a rocking body rocked by the key, and interlocking with rocking of the rocking body. `` When the operating body is in the restricted position, the operating body is locked at the restricted position when the operating body is in the restricted position. '' Therefore, the lock is easy to be operated from the outside and has a great weakness against theft prevention.
(2) A device using a remote control for the lock device shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-128039 uses a hub dynamo (hub generator), but uses electric power generated by this as a bicycle travel sensor. In addition, since a battery is used as a power source for the control system, the battery replacement is complicated, and the remote control operation may be hindered.
(3) For a mechanism comprising a mechanism that can be locked in the hub by raising (lowering) the stand shown in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-175459 or Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-300086, prevent forgetting to lock. However, since the symbol lock method and the key combination method are used for unlocking, the lock is easy to be operated from the outside and has a great weakness against theft prevention.
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is possible to prevent operation of the lock mechanism while the bicycle is running using the bicycle hub with a lock mechanism, forgetting to lock, and preventing theft, and an inexpensive bicycle lock. An object is to provide an apparatus.

A bicycle hub with a lock mechanism according to the present invention that meets the above-described object is provided at the center of a front wheel or a rear wheel that is rotatably mounted on a bicycle frame, and includes a lock mechanism inside a cylindrical body. A bicycle hub with a mechanism, comprising: a braking body that engages with a passive portion formed on the wall of the cylindrical body and has a physical braking force; and an actuator that drives the braking body with an electric drive source. , A lock mechanism fixed to the axle of the front wheel or the rear wheel, and a request signal receiving unit that wirelessly receives an operation request signal and drives the actuator.
Therefore, when the brake body is driven by the actuator so as to engage with the passive portion by the wireless request signal, the braking force is exerted by the brake body to be locked, and conversely, the brake body is detached from the passive portion by the wireless request signal. When the brake is driven by the actuator, the unlocked state is established.

The bicycle lock device according to claim 2 according to the present invention in accordance with the above object comprises a lock mechanism inside a main body formed of a cylindrical body at the center of a front wheel or a rear wheel that is rotatably mounted on a bicycle frame. A bicycle lock device having a bicycle hub with a lock mechanism, the brake body engaging with a passive portion formed on the wall of the cylindrical body and having a physical braking force, and the brake body as an electric drive source A lock mechanism fixed to the axle of the front wheel or the rear wheel, a request signal transmitter for transmitting a wireless request signal for operating the lock mechanism, and the request signal transmitter A request signal receiving unit for receiving the request signal from the radio and driving the actuator.
In the bicycle lock device according to the present invention, the operation of the lock mechanism is the same as that of the bicycle hub with a lock mechanism according to claim 1, and also in the bicycle lock device according to claims 2 to 6. It is the same.

  The bicycle lock device according to the third aspect of the present invention, which meets the above object, includes a lock mechanism inside a main body formed of a cylindrical body at the center of a front wheel or a rear wheel that is rotatably mounted on a bicycle frame. A bicycle lock device having a bicycle hub with a lock mechanism, the brake body engaging with a passive portion formed on the wall of the cylindrical body and having a physical braking force, and the brake body as an electric drive source A lock mechanism that is fixed to the axle of the front wheel or the rear wheel, a request signal transmitter that transmits a wireless request signal for operating the lock mechanism, and an inside of the cylindrical body A hub generator that generates power by rotation of a front wheel or a rear wheel of a bicycle, a power generation detection unit that detects an electromotive force of the hub generator and transmits a power generation signal, and a request from the request signal transmitter A control signal having a request signal receiving unit for receiving the signal wirelessly and a power generation signal receiving unit for receiving the power generation signal from the power generation detection unit, and the control unit receives the power generation signal by the power generation signal receiving unit. The actuator is driven when both the condition that the request signal is not received and the condition that the request signal receiving unit receives the request signal are satisfied.

The bicycle lock device according to claim 4 according to the present invention, which meets the above object, includes a lock mechanism inside a main body formed of a cylindrical body at the center of a front wheel or a rear wheel that is rotatably mounted on a bicycle frame. A bicycle lock device having a bicycle hub with a lock mechanism, the brake body engaging with a passive portion formed on the wall of the cylindrical body and having a physical braking force, and the brake body as an electric drive source A locking mechanism that is fixed to the front wheel or rear wheel axle, and a switch unit that is provided on the bicycle stand unit and detects the use of the stand unit to generate a stop signal; A hub generator provided inside the cylindrical body for generating power by rotating a front wheel or a rear wheel of a bicycle, a power generation detection unit for detecting an electromotive force of the hub generator and transmitting a power generation signal, And a control unit and a power generation signal receiving unit that receives a power generation signal from the generator detecting unit and the switching signal receiving unit that receives a stop signal from the switch unit,
The control unit drives the actuator when both a condition that the power generation signal receiving unit is not receiving the power generation signal and a condition that the switch signal receiving unit is receiving the stop signal are satisfied. .

  The bicycle lock device according to claim 5 according to the present invention that meets the above-mentioned object is the bicycle lock device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, comprising a battery capable of supplying power to the actuator. It is.

  The bicycle lock device according to claim 6 according to the present invention in accordance with the above object is the bicycle lock device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the request signal transmitter is the actuator or the request signal receiving unit. Are provided with terminals that can be connected and fed.

  The bicycle lock device according to claim 7 according to the present invention in accordance with the above object is the bicycle lock device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the request signal transmitter can be connected to and fed to the control unit. It is equipped with a proper terminal.

  The bicycle hub with a lock mechanism according to claim 1 is provided at the center of a front wheel or a rear wheel that is rotatably mounted on a bicycle frame, and the bicycle with a lock mechanism having a lock mechanism inside a cylindrical body. A locking mechanism having an actuator operated by an electric drive source and a braking body having a physical braking force, fixed to an axle of a front wheel or a rear wheel and between a cylindrical body wall Since the front wheel or the rear wheel cannot be rotated or can be rotated, the lock mechanism is housed inside the bicycle hub and the presence of the lock mechanism is not easily recognized from the outside, and it is difficult to reach. There is no use of keys, and bicycle theft can be prevented. In addition, in the case of a bicycle including a hub generator inside the bicycle hub, the power for operating the lock mechanism can be supplied from the hub generator, thereby preventing the power from being cut off. Further, since the lock mechanism is relatively simple, the lock mechanism can be made inexpensive.

  The bicycle lock device according to claim 2 is a bicycle hub with a lock mechanism according to claim 1 and a request signal transmitter for transmitting a wireless request signal to a request signal receiving portion of the bicycle hub with a lock mechanism. The bicycle owner can carry the request signal transmitter and lock the bicycle to be parked easily and reliably. In addition, the lock mechanism is located in a relatively hard-to-reach position within the hub of the front wheel, and is a lock device that is difficult to apply from the outside, and can prevent the bicycle from being stolen.

  The bicycle lock apparatus according to claim 3 includes a power generation detection unit that detects an electromotive force of the hub generator and transmits a power generation signal, and a power generation signal reception unit that receives the power generation signal in addition to the request signal reception unit. Since the actuator is driven when both the condition that the power generation signal is not received and the condition that the wireless request signal is received are satisfied, it may be locked accidentally especially during the bicycle run. Therefore, it is possible to ensure safety during traveling.

  The bicycle lock device according to claim 4 is provided with a switch unit provided in the stand unit and a switch signal receiving unit as a control unit instead of the request signal transmitter and the request signal receiving unit of claim 3, and a power generation signal is provided. Since the actuator is driven when both the condition not receiving and the condition receiving the stop signal are satisfied, the bicycle is not accidentally locked while the bicycle is running, as in the third aspect. It is possible to ensure safety inside. In addition, since there is no power generation signal from the hub generator that generates electromotive force only during operation and there is a stop signal transmitted from the switch unit by using the stand, the stand is locked when parking. It can be locked only by using the key, and forgetting to lock the key can be prevented, and as a result, theft can be prevented.

  Since the bicycle lock device according to claim 5 includes a battery that can supply power to the actuator, the bicycle lock device can be used as an electrical drive source. In addition, if the bicycle includes a hub generator, the battery can be charged. It becomes.

  The bicycle lock apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the request signal transmitter includes a terminal that can be connected to and supplied with power to the actuator or the request signal receiving unit, so that the electric drive source included in the request signal transmitter is the actuator or the request signal. It can be used as a preliminary power supply by connecting to the receiving unit and supplying power, and can cope with a voltage drop of the electric drive source provided in the bicycle lock device.

  The bicycle lock device according to claim 7, wherein the request signal transmitter includes a terminal that can be connected to and supplied with power to the control unit, so that an electrical drive source included in the request signal transmitter is connected to the control unit, and power is supplied. Thus, it can be used as a preliminary power source, and can cope with a voltage drop of the electric drive source provided in the bicycle lock device.

Subsequently, the best mode when the present invention is embodied will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings to provide an understanding of the present invention.
1A and 1B are explanatory views of a bicycle hub with a lock mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively, and FIG. 2 is a diagram of a bicycle lock device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram of the bicycle lock device, FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the lock method of the bicycle lock device, and FIGS. 5A to 5D are illustrations of the stand of the bicycle lock device, respectively. FIG. 6, FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the unlocking method of the bicycle lock device, FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory views of the wireless transmitter of the bicycle lock device, and FIG. 8 is the bicycle lock device, respectively. It is a flowchart of the unlocking method when a battery runs out.

  There are various forms of the locking mechanism of the bicycle hub with a locking mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention. The lock mechanism provided inside the main body consisting of a cylindrical body at the center of the front wheel or rear wheel that is fixed to the bicycle frame and rotatably mounted disables rotation of the front wheel or rear wheel. For example, a method using a lock pin and a pin receiving hole, a method using a clutch, a method using a brake, or a method of short-circuiting a hub generator can be considered. In any case, the lock mechanism has a physical braking force that is operated by an electric drive source, and is fixed to the front wheel or the rear wheel axle so that the front wheel or the rear wheel is in contact with the cylindrical inner wall. It has a braking body which cannot be rotated or can be rotated.

With reference to FIGS. 1 (A) and 1 (B), a lock pin having a rotating roller at its end as a braking body in a lock mechanism that is an example of a bicycle hub with a lock mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a passive A bicycle hub with a lock mechanism in which a pin receiving hole is used as a portion will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the bicycle hub 10 with a lock mechanism is a front wheel 34 (see FIG. 2) or a rear wheel that is rotatably mounted on a bicycle frame 31 (see FIG. 2). 37 (see FIG. 2), provided with a cylindrical body 11 as a main body, and a lock mechanism that operates with an electric drive source. The cylindrical body 11 has flanges 12 for attaching bicycle spokes on the outer left and right sides (up and down in FIG. 1A), and the inside of the cylindrical body 11 is closed. The cylindrical body 11 has a plurality of bearings and grease inserted between the inside of the flange 12 and a shaft 13 fixed to the frame 31 (not shown). ) And rotates around the axis 13 in conjunction with the rotation of the front wheel 34 or the rear wheel 37. The lock mechanism inside the cylindrical body 11 is fixed to the shaft center 13 of the front wheel 34 or the rear wheel 37, and is an electromagnetic coil that controls the insertion and removal of the lock pin 14 for stopping the rotation of the front wheel 34 or the rear wheel 37. It has a solenoid 15 that converts electrical energy into mechanical linear motion by magnetic action. In addition, the lock mechanism is configured so that the lock pin 14, which is moved by the cylindrical solenoid 15, can reciprocate. The permanent magnets 16 are respectively provided at both ends of the solenoid 15 at the end far from the axis 13. By this permanent magnet 16, the lock pin 14 is fixedly held even after the energization to the solenoid 15 is stopped. Therefore, the lock pin 14 can be securely prevented from loosening at the locked position or the unlocked position, and at the same time firmly fixed and held. In addition, it is not necessary to energize the solenoid after locking or unlocking, and the consumption of electricity can be reduced.
That is, the spring 22, the solenoid 15 and the permanent magnet 16 function as a so-called self-holding solenoid. This spring 22 is a pulling spring that exerts a force in the direction of contraction when it is extended. In the present application, the actuator includes the spring 22, the solenoid 15, and the permanent magnet 16. The operation of this self-holding solenoid unit will be described later. Actuators are not limited to self-holding solenoids, but have a structure that converts electrical energy into mechanical linear motion or, in some cases, circular motion or spiral motion. Any mechanism that can be driven and braked by being introduced into a passive part such as a pin receiving hole may be used.

  The lock mechanism has one or a plurality of pin receiving holes 17 on the inner wall of the cylindrical body 11 for inserting the lock pin 14 and exerting a meshing force as a physical braking force with the lock pin 14. ing. In the engagement between the pin receiving hole 17 and the lock pin 14 of this locking mechanism, the pin receiving hole 17 is prevented from being damaged, and the lock pin 14 is inserted into the pin receiving hole 17 so as to slide. For example, the corner portion of the pin receiving hole 17 in the rotation direction of the cylindrical body 11 can be formed into a gentle round shape, and a rotation roller 18 can be provided as a braking member at the tip of the lock pin 14. The bicycle hub 10 with a lock mechanism is operated by an electric drive source by the lock pin 14 and the rotating roller 18 provided at the end thereof so that the front wheel 34 or the rear wheel 37 cannot rotate or can rotate. A brake body 19 is configured.

A lock mechanism is configured with the brake body 19 and a self-holding solenoid unit composed of the spring 22, the solenoid 15 and the permanent magnet 16 that drive the brake body 19 as actuators.
First, a request provided inside the cylindrical body 11 to operate the braking body 19 in an unlocked state, that is, in a state where the rotating roller 18 of the lock pin 14 is not engaged with the pin receiving hole 17. When the signal receiving unit 23 receives the first request signal that is a radio signal, the request signal receiving unit 23 issues a first command signal to the solenoid 15, and the solenoid 15 has the same direction as the magnetic pole of the permanent magnet 16. A current supplied from the capacitor battery 21 flows as much as possible in a magnetic pole that is oriented. For this reason, the lock pin 14 is pulled out by the solenoid 15 and the permanent magnet 16 against the spring 22, and the rotating roller 18 is engaged with the pin receiving hole 17 and locked. Once in the locked state, the state is maintained by the force of only the permanent magnet 16 even if the current is cut off.
On the other hand, when unlocking, the request signal receiving unit 23 receives the second request signal which is a radio signal, so that the second command signal is similarly output to the solenoid 15 and the permanent magnet 16 is supplied to the solenoid 15. A current is supplied from the capacitor battery 21 so as to form a magnetic pole that cancels the magnetic force. In this case, the lock pin 14 is pulled toward the shaft center 13 and unlocked by the spring 22 acting as a pulling spring. Once unlocked, the unlocked state is maintained because the tensile force of the spring 22 is greater than the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 16 even when the current is interrupted.
In the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the request signal receiving unit 23 is accommodated in the main body made of the cylindrical body 11. This is of course for receiving a request signal and facilitating the operation of the solenoid 15, but is not limited to the inside of the cylindrical body 11 as described above, and may be provided outside the cylindrical body 11 if possible. Good.
In the present embodiment, the description has been given using the tip provided with the rotation roller 18 at the tip of the lock pin 14, but the end of the lock pin 14 itself is provided with a braking member, or such a member is used. If the structure can be braked without being provided, the rotating roller 18 is not particularly required. Moreover, although the case where the capacitor battery 21 was used as the electrical drive source has been described, the type of the battery is not limited to the capacitor type, and if possible, an antimony battery, a lead battery, a calcium battery, etc., which will be described later, are used. Batteries for automobiles, electric bicycles such as nickel-cadmium batteries and nickel metal hydride batteries may be used.

  In the case where the bicycle hub 10 with the lock mechanism is provided on either side of the front wheel 34 or the rear wheel 37, either the front wheel 34 or the rear wheel 37 is used for operating the lock mechanism with an electric drive source. It has a hub generator 20 that generates electric power. The hub generator 20 is a bicycle generator that generates power by rotating in a bicycle hub that has been actively used in recent years. The generator is rotated by bringing a roller into contact with the side of a conventional tire. Compared to the roller generator, the pedaling force is as light as 1/5, and as with the roller generator, the power is constantly generated while the wheel is rotating. It can be performed.

  As described above, the bicycle hub 10 with a lock mechanism may be provided with an auxiliary capacitor battery 21 for storing the electric power generated by the hub generator 20 inside the cylindrical body 11. The electric power stored in the capacitor battery 21 can be used as a power source for each device when the bicycle is running and as a power source for locking the bicycle. Since the capacitor battery 21 is compact and requires little maintenance, the capacitor battery 21 can be mounted inside the narrow cylindrical body 11 to easily store and secure the power supply, and is difficult to reach from the outside and needs to be decomposed too much. It is also suitable for installation where there is no.

  Next, a bicycle lock device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5 (A) to (D), and FIG. 6. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a bicycle lock device 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed in any place of a bicycle, and a control unit for detecting and controlling the operation of each unit. 32, for example, at the bottom of a saddle 33 for a person to sit on. The lower portion of the saddle 33 is relatively less susceptible to vibrations and shocks among the members constituting the bicycle, so that the control unit 32, which is a precise device having a control circuit made up of an IC or the like, is arranged. Is suitable. Further, since the control unit 32 issues a command signal related to locking and unlocking, it requires a structure that cannot be easily touched. Therefore, if the size of the control unit 32 can be reduced, the control unit 32 can be installed in the hub of either the front wheel 34 or the rear wheel 37. In other words, it can be provided in the cylindrical body 11 shown in FIG. The bicycle lock device 30 includes a bicycle hub 10 with a lock mechanism that operates according to a command signal from the control unit 32, for example, as in the above-described embodiment. The bicycle lock device 30 has stop confirmation means for confirming that the bicycle is stopped, locking means for locking the bicycle, and unlocking means for unlocking the bicycle. In addition, the name number used for description of the bicycle hub 10 with a lock mechanism of said Example is used for each name number in the bicycle lock device 30 demonstrated below.

(Stop confirmation means)
The stop confirmation means of the bicycle lock device 30 is a control unit 32, and the power generation signal receiving unit 24 and the switch signal receiving unit 25 included in the control unit 32 correspond to each other.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the bicycle stops and an electromotive force is generated in the hub generator 20 provided in the hub at the center of the front wheel 34 or the rear wheel 37, and current flows. The power generation detection unit 26 that detects this and transmits a power generation signal indicates that it does not generate a power generation signal and that the power generation detection unit 26 is rotatably mounted on the frame 31 of the bicycle and fixedly mounted on the frame 31 near the rear wheel 37 of the bicycle. The stop is confirmed both by electrically detecting by the switch 42 that the rotatable support 39 of the stand 38 is lowered.
Of course, either one or both of them may be used for confirmation, or a sensor for confirming stoppage may be added and combined as appropriate to form confirmation means.

  The operation method of the stop confirmation means will be described with reference to FIGS. In the control unit 32, first, a current is not flowing through the hub generator 20 provided in the hub at the center of the front wheel 34 or the rear wheel 37, and a power generation signal from the power generation detection unit 26 is a power generation signal receiving unit. Detecting that it is not received at 24, it is confirmed that the bicycle has stopped. Further, the stand 38 is set so that the rotatable support 39 of the stand 38 that is rotatably attached to the bicycle frame 31 and is fixedly attached to the frame 31 in the vicinity of the bicycle rear wheel 37 is lowered. When it is confirmed that the support 39 of the stand 38 has been stood by detecting electrically with the switch 42, the stop is confirmed. Under such conditions, the locking means operates when the request signal receiving unit 35 receives the first request signal from the wireless transmitter 36. Since the control unit 32 functions at the time of the previous stop confirmation, it is necessary to exchange stop request information and signals between the control unit 32 and the request signal receiving unit 35, and therefore, as shown in FIG. As described above, the control unit 32 and the request signal receiving unit 35 need to be connected by wire or wirelessly.

In the present embodiment, the command signal for operating the solenoid 15 functioning as an actuator may be generated from either the request signal receiving unit 35 or the control unit 32. In the present embodiment, the request signal receiving unit 35 is not included in the control unit 32, but it goes without saying that the control unit 32 may be configured including this.
As a modification of the present embodiment, the power generation signal receiving unit 24 does not receive the power generation signal from the power generation detection unit 26 without the request signal from the radio transmitter 36 to the request signal receiving unit 35. The command signal for locking is sent from the control unit 32 to the solenoid 15 under only two conditions, ie, the stop confirmation condition and the stop confirmation condition that the switch signal receiving unit 25 receives the switch signal from the switch 42 of the stand 38. You may make it transmit to.
At this time, since it is not an indispensable condition for locking that the bicycle user issues the first request signal from the wireless transmitter 36, if the bicycle stops and the support body 39 of the stand 38 is set up, the stop confirmation is made. Locking will be performed, and forgetting to lock can be prevented.
Further, when the controller 32 confirms that the bicycle is stopped only by detecting that no current is flowing through the hub generator 20, the user of the bicycle receives a first request signal from the wireless transmitter 36. When this is detected by the request signal receiving unit 35, the locking means operates to lock the support member 39 of the stand 38 without being conditioned, but this does not require a stand. This is effective when parking on a bicycle parking lot or something. In this way, if the bicycle is stopped and the stand is set up or the first request signal is issued, the lock can be expected to prevent the lock from being forgotten, and the case where the stand is not set up is also supported Is possible.

After the bicycle is stopped, it is locked by raising the stand or issuing the first request signal. If neither of these is done, the bicycle will not be locked. After that, forgetting to lock can be surely prevented by automatically locking after a certain period of time. In this case, a timer for storing a predetermined time in advance is provided in the control unit 32, and when the power generation signal receiving unit 24 does not receive the power generation signal from the power generation detection unit 26, the solenoid 15 is automatically selected. A command signal may be transmitted to
Furthermore, a method of sending a warning signal from the control unit 32 to the wireless transmitter 36 to warn the bicycle user that he / she has forgotten to lock is also effective. In this case, similarly, a timer for storing a predetermined time in advance is provided in the control unit 32, and when the power generation signal receiving unit 24 does not receive the power generation signal from the power generation detection unit 26, the control unit 32 automatically A warning signal may be transmitted to the wireless transmitter 36.

  Here, an example of a method for electrically detecting that the support 39 of the stand 38 has been lowered will be described. Normally, the stand 38 is provided on one side of the bicycle and the rear wheel 37 is grounded, and the bicycle is supported by the support 39 and stopped. The rear wheel 37 is provided so as to straddle both sides of the bicycle. There is a type in which the bicycle is supported by the support 39 and the bicycle is stopped. Here, the support 39 is described as being provided on one side of the bicycle. As shown in FIG. 5A, the stand 38 has a fixing portion 40 fixed to the bicycle frame 31 and a support 39 that can be rotated via the fixing portion 40 and a shaft 41. . As shown in FIG. 5 (B), the fixed portion 40 is provided with a switch 42 fixed so that the sensing portion is pressed or opened by the support 39 as the support 39 rotates. As shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, the switch 42 presses the sensing portion of the switch 42 with the support 39 raised (sideways) with the shaft 41 as a fulcrum when the bicycle is running. Thus, when the bicycle stops, the sensing portion of the switch 42 is opened with the support 39 lowered (standing) with the shaft 41 as a fulcrum, and the current flows in the switch circuit. It is provided so that there is no state. The control unit 32 can detect that the support 39 of the stand 38 has been lowered in a state where the sensing unit of the switch 42 is opened and no current flows in the switch circuit. When the switch 42 detects that no current flows in the switch circuit, the switch 42 transmits a switch signal from the built-in transmission circuit, and the switch signal is received by the switch signal receiving unit 25 of the control unit 32.

  In the case of such a switch circuit, electricity is constantly flowing through the switch circuit during traveling of the bicycle, but since power can be continuously supplied by the hub generator 20 during traveling, a shortage of power occurs. Does not happen. When the bicycle is traveling in the reverse direction to the above, the switch circuit is in a state where the sensor 39 of the switch 42 is opened with the support 39 raised (sideways) and no electricity flows through the switch circuit. When the vehicle stops, the sensor 39 of the switch 42 may be pressed in a state in which the support 39 is lowered (standing) so that electricity flows through the switch circuit. In this case, the control unit 32 can detect that the support 39 of the stand 38 has been lowered while the sensing unit of the switch 42 is pressed and electricity is flowing through the switch circuit. It has become. Similarly, the switch signal is transmitted from the built-in transmission circuit by the detection and received by the switch signal receiving unit 25. It should be noted that although current flows through the switch circuit when the sensing unit is pressed or released, in either case, current flows only for a moment due to the operation of the sensing unit. You may devise a sensing part so that it can do. Useless power consumption can be prevented.

(Locking means)
In the bicycle lock device 30, for example, a main battery 43 for storing electric power generated by the hub generator 20 provided at the center of the front wheel 34 is fixed to the frame 31, and the saddle 33 is fixed. It is provided in the vicinity of the lower control unit 32.
The locking means of the bicycle lock device 30 is based on the command signal from the control unit 32. When the battery 43 and the capacitor battery 21 are provided inside the cylindrical body 11 of the bicycle hub 10 with a locking mechanism, for example, A braking body 19 that operates with an electric driving force using a power source including a capacitor battery 21 is provided inside the cylindrical body 11 of the bicycle hub with a lock mechanism provided at the center of the front wheel 34 or the rear wheel 37. .
The locking means can be used to activate the physical braking force of the braking body 19, such as a method using the lock pin 14 and the pin receiving hole 20, a method using a clutch, a method using a brake, or a hub power generation. The rotation of the front wheel 34 or the rear wheel 37 is made unrotatable by a method of short-circuiting the machine 20 or the like. The locking means shuts off the switch circuit that electrically detects that the support 39 of the stand 38 has been lowered. The interruption of the circuit means that the support body 39 of the stand 38 is raised (side down) or lowered (standing) with the shaft 31 as a fulcrum for some reason while the bicycle is stopped. However, it is possible to prevent the battery 43 and the capacitor battery 21 from being discharged by preventing the switch 42 from being turned on.

For example, in the case where the capacitor battery 21 is provided in the cylindrical body 11 of the bicycle hub 10 with a lock mechanism provided at the center of the front wheel 34 or the rear wheel 37, a main body provided fixed to the frame 31 is provided. The relationship with the battery 43 is that the control unit 32 detects that no current flows through the hub generator 20 and then supplies power to each part of the bicycle from the capacitor battery 21 to the main battery 43 having a relatively large storage capacity. It is better to convert. There are batteries for automobiles such as antimony batteries, lead batteries and calcium batteries, and for electric bicycles such as nickel-cadmium batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries. However, automobile batteries are large and represented by, for example, lead batteries. As mentioned above, there are difficulties in maintenance such as the need for water supply. Therefore, a nickel-cadmium battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery that is small in size, requires little maintenance, and can store power for a relatively long time is suitable for the main battery 43. Electricity generated by the hub generator 20 during bicycle travel is stored in the capacitor battery 21 and the battery 43, and the power stored in the capacitor battery 21 is used as a power source for the control unit 32 during bicycle travel and for locking the bicycle. It is good to use it as a power source. The power stored in the main battery 43 having a relatively large storage capacity is used as a power source for the control unit 32 when the bicycle is stopped and a power source for unlocking the bicycle lock mechanism. Although the main battery 43 and the capacitor battery 21 can drive the control unit 32, the request signal receiving unit 35, and the solenoid 15, respectively, any power source can be used in consideration of capacity in advance. May be. Of course, the power generation signal receiving unit 24 and the switch signal receiving unit 25 constituting the control unit 32 can be supplied with power from either of the two capacitor batteries 21 and the battery 43 in the same manner.
By using the capacitor battery 21 and the main battery 43 properly, the battery can lengthen the storage cycle of the main battery 43. It goes without saying that the battery can operate only with the main battery.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 32, the battery 43 or the capacitor battery 21 and the lock mechanism have been described as the locking means. However, in addition to this, the locking unit provided only with the request signal receiving unit 35 in place of the control unit 32. There is also a means. That is, the case where the first request signal from the wireless transmitter 36 is received by the request signal receiving unit 35 to drive the solenoid 15 is applicable. Further, as described above, the request signal receiving unit 35 can also be included in the control unit 32. From the viewpoint of function, the request signal receiving unit 35 may be considered synonymous with the control unit 32, but will be described individually with caution. Further, the control unit 32 does not always include the power generation signal receiving unit 24 and the switch signal receiving unit 25 as shown in FIG. 3, and may be only one of them. Furthermore, it is good also as a concept containing the radio | wireless transmitter 36, the electric power generation detection part 26, or the switch 42 as a locking means.

(Unlocking means)
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the unlocking means of the bicycle lock device 30 is an unlocking device that is issued by first pressing the unlocking button 36b of the radio transmitter 36 of the person who intends to use the bicycle. The second request signal is detected by, for example, a request signal receiving unit 35 that is fixed in the vicinity of the control unit 32 in a box in which the control unit 32 is accommodated. The request signal receiving unit 35 transfers the second request signal to the control unit 32, and electrically detects that the support 39 of the stand 38 has been lowered by the command of the control unit 32 that has received the second request signal. Reconnect the switch circuit. When the switch circuit is reconnected, the switch signal is transmitted from the built-in transmission circuit as described above, and the switch signal is received by the switch signal receiving unit 25.
By such an operation, the condition that the support 39 of the stand 38 is lowered and the condition that the user intends to unlock the door are confirmed.
When these two conditions are confirmed, the unlocking means, for example, the physical braking force of the braking body 19 provided in the locking mechanism of the bicycle hub 10 with a locking mechanism, according to the command signal of the control unit 32. For example, by releasing the operating force such as a method using the lock pin 14 and the pin receiving hole 17, a method using a clutch, a method using a brake, or a method of shorting the hub generator 20. The rotation of the wheel 34 or the rear wheel 37 is made rotatable. When the capacitor battery 21 is used supplementarily, the stored power of the bicycle lock device 30 is generated by the hub generator 20 when the control unit 32 detects that a current is flowing through the hub generator 20. Then, after the capacitor battery 21 has been charged for a certain period of time, the power supplied to each part of the bicycle is preferably converted from the main battery 43 to the capacitor battery 21.
In the present embodiment, the unlocking means has been described as the wireless transmitter 36, the request signal receiving unit 35, the switch 42, the switch signal receiving unit 25, the control unit 32, and the lock mechanism, but in particular, this combination is limited. Not like the locking means, but the switch 42, the switch signal receiving unit 25, the control unit 32 not provided, the power generation detection unit 26 and the power generation signal receiving unit 24 added, or the lock from these An appropriate combination of means and the like is conceptualized.

Next, the unlocking assisting means of the bicycle lock device 30 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the bicycle lock device 30 described above, the second request for unlocking from the wireless transmitter 36 to the request signal receiving unit 35 fixed in the vicinity of the control unit 32 in the box in which the control unit 32 is housed. Even if the signal is issued by pressing the unlocking button 36b, the stored battery power of the main battery 43 and the capacitor battery 21 may become insufficient due to the long-time discharge and the unlocking means may not operate. For this case, as shown in FIGS. 7A, 7 B, and 8, the unlocking assisting means of the bicycle lock device 30 has an external connection terminal 44 provided on the radio transmitter 36 connected to the solenoid 15. The power of the radio transmitter 36 is supplied to an electric drive source that drives the solenoid 15 and the brake body 19 by connecting to a terminal provided on the terminal, and the unlocking button 36b of the radio transmitter 36 is pressed to unlock the radio transmitter 36. The second request signal is issued to activate the unlocking means.
Further, when the solenoid 15 and the control unit 32 and the request signal receiving unit 35 shown in FIG. 3 are electrically connected, the power source of the external connection terminal 44 connected to the solenoid 15 can be used as these power sources. It should be possible to use it. Of course, even when the external connection terminal 44 is connected to the request signal receiving unit 35, the control unit 32 can use the power supply of the external connection terminal 44, and can supply power to devices other than the connected device. It can also be possible. Further, the same applies to the case where the power generation signal receiving unit 24 and the switch signal receiving unit 25 constituting the control unit 32 are provided alone.
When the solenoid 15 and the control unit 32 or the request signal receiving unit 35 are installed apart from each other and are not electrically connected to each other and the stored power is assumed to be insufficient, Not only the connection terminal 44 but also one or more separate connection terminals provided with lead wires may be provided so that not only the power on the actuator side but also the power of the control unit 32 and the request signal receiving unit 35 can be supplied simultaneously. .
For example, the external connection terminal 44 is housed inside (see FIG. 7A) when unnecessary, and may be pulled out from the inside when necessary (see FIG. 7B). Since the power source of the wireless transmitter 36 is composed of a dry battery or the like and can be obtained relatively easily even if the power source of the dry battery or the like is cut off, it can be easily dealt with. The wireless transmitter 36 is also provided with a locking button 36a for locking by issuing a first request signal. Further, as the first and second request signals of the wireless transmitter 36, all kinds of wireless signals such as infrared rays, electromagnetic waves, and sound waves can be used.
The external connection terminal 44 is connected to the request signal receiving unit 35, the control unit 32, or the terminal provided to the capacitor battery 21 or the battery 43 in addition to the terminal provided to the solenoid 15 as an actuator. It may be. Further, when the power generation signal receiving unit 24 and the switch signal receiving unit 25 are not provided in the control unit 32, these components may be provided with terminals and connected.

  The bicycle hub with a lock mechanism and the bicycle lock apparatus according to the present invention prevent a lock mechanism during operation, prevent forgetting to lock, improve the accuracy of theft prevention, and can be relatively inexpensive. It can be applied to any bicycle as a hub and bicycle lock device.

(A), (B) is explanatory drawing of the hub for bicycles with a locking mechanism which concerns on one embodiment of this invention, respectively. It is explanatory drawing of the lock apparatus for bicycles which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a bicycle lock device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the locking method of the lock apparatus for bicycles. (A)-(D) are explanatory drawings of the stand of the lock apparatus for bicycles, respectively. It is a flowchart of the unlocking method of the lock apparatus for bicycles. (A), (B) is explanatory drawing of the radio transmitter of the lock apparatus for bicycles, respectively. It is a flowchart of the unlocking method when the battery of the lock apparatus for bicycles runs out.

Explanation of symbols

  10: Bicycle hub with lock mechanism, 11: Cylindrical body, 12: Flange, 13: Axle, 14: Lock pin, 15: Solenoid, 16: Permanent magnet, 17: Pin receiving hole, 18: Rotating roller, 19: Braking body, 20: hub generator, 21: capacitor battery, 22: spring, 23: request signal receiver, 24: generator signal receiver, 25: switch signal receiver, 26: generator detector, 30: bicycle lock Device: 31: Frame, 32: Control unit, 33: Saddle, 34: Front wheel, 35: Request signal receiving unit, 36: Radio transmitter, 36a: Button for locking, 36b: Button for unlocking, 37: Rear wheel , 38: stand, 39: support, 40: fixed part, 41: shaft, 42: switch, 43: battery, 44: external connection terminal

Claims (7)

A bicycle hub with a lock mechanism provided at a center portion of a front wheel or a rear wheel rotatably mounted on a bicycle frame, and having a lock mechanism inside a main body made of a cylindrical body,
A braking body that engages with a passive portion formed on the cylindrical body wall and has a physical braking force, and an actuator that drives the braking body with an electric drive source, the axle of the front wheel or the rear wheel A locking mechanism fixed to
A bicycle hub with a lock mechanism, comprising: a request signal receiving unit that wirelessly receives an operation request signal and drives the actuator. A bicycle lock device in which a bicycle hub with a lock mechanism having a lock mechanism is provided inside a main body made of a cylindrical body at the center of a front wheel or a rear wheel that is rotatably mounted on a bicycle frame,
A braking body that engages with a passive portion formed on the cylindrical body wall and has a physical braking force, and an actuator that drives the braking body with an electric drive source, the axle of the front wheel or the rear wheel A locking mechanism fixed to
A request signal transmitter for transmitting a wireless request signal for operating the lock mechanism, and a request signal receiver for driving the actuator by wirelessly receiving a request signal from the request signal transmitter A bicycle lock device. A bicycle lock device in which a bicycle hub with a lock mechanism having a lock mechanism is provided inside a main body made of a cylindrical body at the center of a front wheel or a rear wheel that is rotatably mounted on a bicycle frame,
A braking body that engages with a passive portion formed on the cylindrical body wall and has a physical braking force, and an actuator that drives the braking body with an electric drive source, the axle of the front wheel or the rear wheel A locking mechanism fixed to
A request signal transmitter for transmitting a request signal for operating this locking mechanism;
A hub generator provided inside the cylinder and generating power by rotation of a front wheel or a rear wheel of a bicycle;
A power generation detector for detecting an electromotive force of the hub generator and transmitting a power generation signal;
A control unit having a request signal receiving unit that wirelessly receives a request signal from the request signal transmitter and a power generation signal receiving unit that receives a power generation signal from the power generation detection unit;
The control unit drives the actuator when both a condition that the power generation signal receiving unit is not receiving the power generation signal and a condition that the request signal receiving unit is receiving the request signal are satisfied. A bicycle lock device. A bicycle lock device in which a bicycle hub with a lock mechanism having a lock mechanism is provided inside a main body made of a cylindrical body at the center of a front wheel or a rear wheel that is rotatably mounted on a bicycle frame,
A braking body that engages with a passive portion formed on the cylindrical body wall and has a physical braking force, and an actuator that drives the braking body with an electric drive source, the axle of the front wheel or the rear wheel A locking mechanism fixed to
A switch unit that is provided in the stand unit of the bicycle, detects the use of the stand unit, and generates a stop signal;
A hub generator provided inside the cylinder and generating power by rotation of a front wheel or a rear wheel of a bicycle;
A power generation detector for detecting an electromotive force of the hub generator and transmitting a power generation signal;
A control unit having a switch signal receiving unit that receives a stop signal from the switch unit and a power generation signal receiving unit that receives a power generation signal from the power generation detection unit;
The control unit drives the actuator when both a condition that the power generation signal receiving unit is not receiving the power generation signal and a condition that the switch signal receiving unit is receiving the stop signal are satisfied. A bicycle lock device.   The bicycle lock device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising a battery capable of supplying power to the actuator.   4. The bicycle lock device according to claim 2, wherein the request signal transmitter includes a terminal that can be connected to and fed to the actuator or the request signal receiving unit. 5.   The bicycle lock device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the request signal transmitter includes a terminal that can be connected to and fed to the control unit.

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