BE1027178B1 - ELECTRONIC RING LOCK WITH REMOVABLE CHAIN LOCK - Google Patents

Abstract

In this patent, a ring lock (10) is disclosed for fixing a wheel of a vehicle to a portion of its frame, comprising: a ring bolt (200) movable between a release position and a closed position, a chain lock handle (100) to lock a security cable to a chain lock (180) configured so that the chain lock handle (100) is able to lock the chain lock (180) when the ring bolt (200) is is in the release position or the closed position, and the chain lock handle (100) releases the chain lock (180) when the ring bolt (200) is moved from the closed position to the release position.

Description

Field of the invention The invention relates to an electronic ring lock for locking a wheel for a vehicle to the frame, with a detachable chain for securing the vehicle to an external object. Background of the Invention Known ring locks block the rotational movement of one of the wheels of the means of transport (e.g. a bicycle) by locking the rim of the wheel to a frame. A ring lock usually includes a ring bolt of generally circular segmental configuration. The ring bolt can be moved to a closed position and an open (release) position. By operating a locking mechanism, the ring bolt can be opened to be moved into the release position. Furthermore, the known lock is provided with an opening for a detachable chain lock into which a chain lock of a chain can be inserted, so that the ring lock can be attached to an external object such as a fence, a tree or a post. The detachable chain lock is usually provided with a circumferential groove into which a fixing element of the ring lock can engage. When the fixing element has been moved to the unlocked position, the fixing element has moved out of the cable pin opening and with it also out of the peripheral groove of the chain lock, so that the chain lock can be removed from the cable pin opening of the lock. An electronic ring lock makes a mechanical key superfluous. The lock is controlled by radio signals, for example from an RFID tag (RFID = Radio Frequency Identification) and / or via a mobile network. In the prior art, movement of the ring bolt between the closed position and release positions can be motorized. For example, US2018118294 and EP 2357124 A2 describe electromechanically driven ring locks. A problem in the prior art is the complexity and power consumption of a wireless electronic ring lock.

Summary of the Invention This patent describes a ring lock (10) for securing a wheel of a vehicle to a part of its frame, comprising: - a ring bolt (200) movable between a release position and a closed position,

- a chain-lock handle (100) to lock a security cable to a chain-lock (180) configured so that - the chain-lock handle (100) is able to lock the chain-lock (180) when the ring bolt (200) is in the release position or the closed position, and - the chain lock lever (100) releases the chain lock (180) when the ring bolt (200) is moved from the closed position to the release position .

The chain-lock handle (100) may further include a lever (110) which is movable - by rotation about an axis of rotation (112) between an active and retracted position, - has a lever pawl (120) configured to interlocking with the chain lock (180) when the lever is active; o release from the chain lock when the lever is retracted; - has a first pin (130) and second pin (132) each configured to absorb a force, whereby application of the force to the first pin (130) causes the lever (110) to rotate to the active position and applying the force to the second pin (132) causes the lever (110) to rotate to the retracted position, the application of the force between the first pin (130) and second pin (132) being controlled by moving the ring bolt (200).

The chain-lock handle (100) may further include an activation rod (150) configured to shuttle between: a first position, touching the first pin (130) and providing the force to move the lever (110) to rotate the active position, and - a second position, touching the second pin (132) and providing the force to rotate the lever (110) to the retracted position, the activation rod (150) being biased in the first position by a flexible member (152). The ring bolt (200) may include a ring bolt pawl (210) configured to push the activation rod (150) from the first position to the second position while moving the ring bolt (200) from the closed position to the release position.

The ring bolt pawl (210) can: - be rotatably mounted at a fixed position on the ring bolt (200), - be movable between an active position and a retracted position, and biased into the active position, - have a lugged surface ( 212), wherein the actuator rod (150) maintained in the first position contacts the ring bolt pawl (210) on the cammed surface (212) and thereby moves the ring bolt pawl (210) to the retracted position during movement of the ring bolt (200) from the open to the closed position.

The ring lock may include a chassis (300) that supports the ring bolt (200) and the Iketting lock handle (100), the lever (110) and activation bar (150) each being attached to the chassis by a perimeter connection for rotation about their respective rotational axes (112, 134).

The ring bolt (200) may have a notch (204) configured to engage with a movable locking pin (405) having an engagement position that fixes the ring bolt (200) in the closed position and a release position that secures the ring bolt (200 ), the movable locking pin (200) being controlled by an electrical motion generator. The ring lock may further include a housing (500) configured to enclose electronic circuits and one or more electromechanical elements including the electrical motion generator, the housing (500) being attached to the chassis (300) by at least one feature. The housing (500) may include a recess (512) extending into an empty space of the housing for slidably engaging an anti-torsion protrusion (332) extending from a front face (304) of the housing. chassis (300), wherein the anti-torsion projection (332) engaging in the recess (512) reduces or prevents twisting of the housing (500) relative to the chassis (300). The housing (500) may include an outwardly extending tubular protuberance (514) in which the movable locking pin (405) is slidably disposed, and the chassis (300) may include an anti-lift protrusion (334) that extends from a front face (304) of the chassis (300), with one in the anti-lift tab

(334) shaped opening is configured to slidably receive the tubular protuberance (514) in an axial direction of the tubular protuberance (514). A central axis of the tubular protuberance (514) may be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the anti-torsion protrusion (332) permitting insertion of the anti-torsion protrusion (332) into the recess (512) by rotation of the housing (500) about the tubular protuberance (514) when the tubular protuberance (514) engages the anti-lifting protrusion (334).

The chassis (300) may include a slot (308) having a front and an opposite rear, the activation rod (150) may include a tongue in fixed relationship with the activation rod (150), and the activation rod (150). ) can be positioned at the front of the slot (308) and the tongue can be positioned at the rear of the slot (308), flanking the chassis (300) and moving the activation rod (150) in a direction of the axis of rotation (134) of the activation rod (150).

The bolt (200) may include a handle (208 ”) for manually moving the ring bolt (200) from the release to the closed position, the handle (208) being pivotal to the ring bolt (200). provided and the handle (208) is movable between a first pivot position and a second pivot position, wherein: - the pivotal handle (208) in the first pivot position is prevented from moving the ring bolt (200) from the release to the closed position; and - the pivotal handle (208) in the second pivot position can move the ring bolt (200) from the release to the closed position.

The ring lock may further include one or more of the following: a mobile communication module (410), a bluetooth module (470), an RFID tag reader module (460) for wireless control of the electrical motion generator.

The ring lock may further include a GNSS module (420) configured to receive satellite signals to determine a global position of the ring lock (10).

The ring lock (10) may further include:

- a motion sensor module (440) configured to detect movement of the bicycle lock (10) when the ring bolt (200) is in the closed position, and - optionally a sound transducer (480) configured to sound an audible alarm which is activated by moving the movement of the bicycle lock (10) when the 5 ring bolt (200) is in the closed position.

Explanation of figures FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a ring lock (10) with a ring bolt (200) shown in a release position and a chain lock handle.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a chain lock grip lever in an active position.

FIG. 2A is a schematic top view of a chain lock grip lever in an active position.

FIG. 2B is a schematic rear view of a chain lock grip lever in an active position.

FIG. 3A through 3G are schematic views of an array in which a chain lock grip lever engages with a chain lock (FIG. 3A through 3C), releases the chain lock (FIG. 3D through 3F), and returns to an active position (FIG. 3G). FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of a chain lock.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the chassis showing a flanking trigger rod and tongue.

FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a ring lock (10) with a ring bolt (200) shown in a release position and a chain lock handle mounted on a chassis.

FIG. 7A through 71 are schematic views of a sequence in which a chain lock moves to a closed position (FIG. 7A through 7D) and back to a release position (FIG. 7E through 71).

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an illustrative chain-lock handle.

FIG. 9A and 9B are isometric views of an exemplary ring lock (10) including a ring bolt (200), a chain lock handle and chassis.

The ring bolt (200) is shown in a release position (FIG. 9A) and a closed position (FIG. 9B). FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a chassis and a ring lock, with an enlargement in FIG. 10A of Box A.

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view through the ring bolt and anti-theft cover at point B in FIG. 10. FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a chassis and housing.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a housing.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a chassis and housing, with the tubular protuberance (514) engaged with the anti-lift protrusion (334) (not shown) and the anti-torque protrusion aligned to insert into the recess. FIG. 14A and 14B are end views of a chassis and housing, wherein the tubular protuberance (514) engages the anti-lift protrusion (334), the anti-torsion protrusion is aligned for insertion into the recess (FIG. 14A) and the anti-torsion protrusion is inserted into the recess by rotation of the housing (FIG. 14B). FIG. A, B and C show views of a housing main body with parts and seals from two overmoulding steps (FIG. 15A), a view of the insulated parts (FIG. 15B) and a view of the insulated seals (FIG. 15C) .

FIG. 16A, B and C are isometric views of a ring lock with a hinged handle. In FIG. 16A, a handle cover covers part of the hinge; in FIG. 16B, the handle cover is missing and the hinge itself is shown; in FIG. 16C, the hinge is further disassembled, revealing a torsion spring.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of possible electronic circuits provided in the ring lock. Detailed Description of the Invention Before describing the present system and method of the invention, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific systems and methods or combinations disclosed, as such systems and methods and combinations may of course vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is not intended to be limiting, as the scope of the present invention will be limited solely by the appended claims. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "the" and "it" include both the singular and the plural unless the context clearly states otherwise.

The terms "comprising", "includes" and "include" as used herein are synonymous with "including", "include" or "contain", "contains", and include or open and exclude additional, unnamed members, elements. or method steps. The terms "comprising", "comprises" and "comprise" as used herein include the terms "consisting of", "consists" and "consists of".

The enumeration of numeric values by endpoints includes all values and fractions within the respective ranges, as well as the quoted endpoints. The term "about" as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, amount, duration, and the like, is intended to include variations of +/- 10% or less, preferably +/- 5% or less , more preferably +/- 1% or less, and still more preferably +/- 0.1% of and from the specified value, insofar as such variations are applicable to function in the disclosed invention. It is to be understood that the value to which the term "approximately" refers per se was also specifically, and preferably, disclosed.

While the terms “one or more” or “at least one”, such as one or more or at least one element (s) of a group of elements, are self-explanatory, by way of further clarification it is indicated that the term includes a reference to any of said elements or to two or more of said elements, such as, e.g., any 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27, etc. of said elements up to all of said elements.

All references cited in the present specification are hereby fully incorporated herein by reference. In particular, the subject matter of all references specifically referred to herein is intended to be incorporated herein by reference.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in the disclosure of the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of skill in the art. As further guidance, definitions of the terms are included in order to better appreciate the subject matter of the present invention.

Various aspects of the invention are further defined in the following passages. Any aspect so defined can be combined with any other aspect or all other aspects unless clearly stated otherwise. In particular, any feature indicated as preferred or advantageous can be combined with any other feature or any other feature indicated as preferred or advantageous.

Reference in this description to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or feature described in connection with the embodiment is present in at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Thus, not all instances where the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" are used in different places in this specification need to refer to the same embodiment, but they may be.

Furthermore, the specific features, structures or features may be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art from this disclosure.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some features that include other embodiments, but not other features, combinations of features of different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

For example, in the claims below, all can be described

embodiments can be used in any desired combination.

In the present description of the invention, reference is made to the attached drawings, which form a part thereof, and which show specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced for illustrative purposes only.

Reference numbers in parentheses or in bold assigned to respective elements are for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to limit the respective elements.

It is to be understood that other embodiments can be used and structural or logical changes made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

A ring lock (10) is now described for securing a wheel of a vehicle to a portion of its frame, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The ring lock (10) comprises: - a ring bolt (200) that is movable between an (open) release position and closed position, - a chain lock handle (100) to attach a security cable to a chain lock.

(180), configured so that

- the chain lock handle (100) is able to lock the chain lock (180) when the ring bolt is in the release position or closed position, and - the chain lock handle releases the chain lock when the ring bolt is moved from the closed position to the release position. In FIG. 1, the ring bolt (200) is in the release (open) position. The ring bolt (200) is manually movable between the (open) release position and closed position. The ring bolt (200) may be biased in the release position (e.g., by a spring); the ring bolt (200) can return from the closed position to the release position by the force of a spring. Moving the ring bolt (200) to the release position also releases the chain lock (180). The vehicle is any vehicle to which the ring lock can be attached such that the ring bolt locks around a portion of a wheel (e.g. rim) of the vehicle in the closed position. Examples of means of transport include bicycles, unicycles, scooters, transporters powered by an electric motor or fuel (e.g. gasoline, diesel). Usually the means of transport is provided with a frame to which the ring lock can be attached. Most bicycles have a standard fitting for receiving a ring lock.

The ring bolt (200) usually includes a segment of a round ring that is movable about a center of the ring between an (open) release position and a closed position. The ring bolt (200) may be biased to the (open) release position by a flexible member (206) (e.g., a spring). The ring bolt (200) is usually made of a strong, rigid, hardened tamper-evident material, such as a hardened steel alloy. The ring bolt may include a handle (208) for manually moving the ring bolt (200) from the (open) release position to the closed position. An illustrative handle (208) is shown in FIG. 9A, 9B, 10, and 11. The handle (208) may be provided in fixed relationship with the ring bolt (200). The handle (208) may be pivotal to the ring bolt (200). The handle (208) may be attached to the ring bolt (200) via a hinge (2083). An illustrative pivoting handle (208 ") is shown in FIG. 16A to 16C. The pivot handle may be movable between a first pivot position and a second pivot position. In the first pivot position, the pivot handle (208)

prevent the ring bolt (200) from moving from the release to the closed position. In the second pivot position, the pivot handle (208) may be able to move the ring bolt (200) from the release to the closed position. The hinge (2083) can have only one rotational freedom. An axis of rotation (2085) of the hinge can be parallel to the chassis (300). An axis of rotation (2085) of the hinge can be parallel to a flat ring bolt (200). The articulated handle (208) may include a flexible member (2084) (e.g., torsion spring) configured to bias the articulated handle in the first pivot position.

The pivotal handle prevents inadvertent movement of the ring bolt (200) from the release position to the closed position, for example, if the vehicle is a bicycle equipped with a rear passenger seat; there is no risk of a foot of the rear passenger pushing the handle and the latter engaging the ring bolt while the bicycle is in motion.

In one aspect, the articulated handle may include a handle projection (2081) that engages with a retainer (313) (e.g., notch, hook) provided on or in fixed relationship with the chassis (300) as the ring bolt (200) is in the release position and the pivot handle is in the first pivot position. When the lever projection engages in the holder (313), movement of the ring bolt (200) from the release to the closed position is prevented. When the pivot handle is moved from the first pivot position to the second pivot position, the handle projection (2081) is spaced from the retainer (313) and the pivot handle can move the ring bolt (200) from the release to the closed position. The holder (313) may be provided in a lip or folded edge (311) of the chassis (300), especially of the receiving member (314) of the chassis. The tab (311) may include a guide surface that guides the lever projection (2081) back into the holder (313) as the ring bolt (200) returns from the closed position to the release position.

The chain lock handle (100), as illustrated in FIG. 2, 2A and 2B and 3A through 3G is a mechanism that locks (i.e. temporarily attaches) a chain latch (180) of a security cable to the ring lock, in particular to a ring lock chassis (300). When the chain lock handle (100) engages with the chain lock (180), axial (sliding) movement of the chain lock (180) is limited. Typically, the chain lock has a peripheral groove (182) that engages a pawl (120) of the chain lock handle (100) to restrict axial (sliding) movement.

The chain lock handle may include a lever (110). The lever may be movable (tiltable) by rotation about an axis of rotation (112) between an active position (FIG. 3A) and a retracted position (FIG. 3D through 3F). The lever includes a lever body (118) that tilts about the axis of rotation (112) (i.e., a portion of the perimeter link), tilting the lever between the active and retracted position. The axis of rotation (112) of the lever may be perpendicular to an insertion direction (184) of the chain lock into the chain lock handle. The range of rotation of the lever may be limited, e.g., by a lever rotation limiter (114).

The lever may include a lever pawl (120). The lever pawl (120) may be configured to lockably engage with the chain lock (180) when the lever is active. By locking engagement, it is meant that the lever pawl (120) allows movement of the chain lock in an insertion direction (184) to lock the chain lock and prevents movement of the chain lock in a retraction direction when the lever is active. The lever pawl (120) may be configured to release from the chain lock when the lever is retracted. The lever pawl (120) can permit movement of the chain lock in an insertion and retraction direction when the lever (110) is retracted. The lever pawl may extend away from the lever body (118), towards a receiving space (116) for the chain lock. The lever pawl (120) may have a lugged surface (122). A nested surface (122) is rounded and / or tapered. Application of a force in an insertion direction by the chain lock on the camming surface results in movement of the lever away from the chain lock receiving space (116) or towards the retracted position. The lever ratchet (120) may include a bumper (124). The bumper (124) engages with the chain lock (180), more particularly with the peripheral groove (182), to prevent retraction of the chain lock when the lever is active.

The lever (110) may further include a first pin (130) and a second pin (132), each configured to receive a force. By applying the force to the first pin (130), the lever rotates to the active position. By applying the force to the second pin (132), the lever rotates to the retracted position. The limited range of rotation of the lever prevents it from exceeding the active position or retracted position. The first pin (130) and second pin (132) can extend away from the lever body and away from the chain lock receiving space (116). The first pin (130) and second pin (132) may be provided on an underside of the lever body.

The force can be applied in a plane that is parallel to the axis of rotation (112) of the lever (100). The application of the force between the first pin (130) and second pin (132) is controlled by movement of the ring bolt. In particular, the force may be applied by an activation rod, which will be described below.

The chain lock handle (100) may further include an ejection spring (136) (e.g., helical compression spring) configured to eject the chain lock (180) as the lever (100) moves from the active to the retracted position. is moved. The chain-lock handle (100) may further include an activation rod (150) configured to shuttle or rotate between: a first position, touching the first pin (130) and providing the force to move the lever to the active position, and - a second position, in which it contacts the second pin (132) and provides the force to rotate the lever to the retracted position.

The activation rod (150) may be biased into the first position by a flexible member (152) (e.g., helical compression spring). The activation rod is movable (i.e., capable of oscillating) by rotation about an activation rod rotation axis (134). The activation rod rotation axis (134) may be provided perpendicular to the axis of rotation (112) of the lever (100). The activation rod rotation axis (134) and the lever rotation axis (112) may intersect. The ring bolt (200) may include a ring bolt pawl (210) configured to push the trigger rod (150) during movement of the ring bolt (200) from the closed position to the release position from the first position to the second position. A ring bolt pawl (210) is shown in FIG. 1 and 6 to 8B; is a detailed view in FIG. 4 on display. The ring bolt pawl (210) can be rotatably (1DOF) attached to the ring bolt (200) at a fixed position. An axis of rotation (214) of the ring bolt pawl (210) may be parallel to an axis of rotation of the ring bolt (200).

The ring bolt pawl (210) can be movable between an active position and a retracted position. In the active position (e.g., FIG. 7A, 7C - 6G), the ring bolt pawl (210) projects radially outward from the ring bolt (200). In the retracted position, the ring bolt pawl (210) (e.g., FIG. 7B) is retracted, i.e. pushed radially to a center of rotation of the ring bolt (200). The ring bolt pawl (210) may be biased in the active position (by a spring). The ring bolt pawl (210) may have a lugged surface (212), wherein the actuator rod (150) maintained in the first position contacts the ring bolt pawl (210) on the lugged surface (212) and thereby the ring bolt pawl (210) to the retracted position moves while moving the ring bolt (200) from the open to the closed position. In other words, moving the camming surface (212) relative to the actuator rod (150) maintained in the first position causes corresponding movement of the ring bolt pawl (210) to the retracted position.

The ring bolt pawl (210) may include a fender (216), wherein the trigger rod (150) in the first position is advanced by the annular bolt pawl fender (216) in the active position to the second position as the annular bolt moves from the closed to the open position. In other words, the ring bolt pawl (216) engages with the trigger rod (150) to push the trigger rod (150) to the second position. The ring bolt detent fender (216) may be provided on an edge of the ring bolt detent (210) facing a direction of movement of the ring bolt (200) to the (open) release position. The ring bolt pawl (210) may include a rotation limiter (218) that stops rotation of the ring bolt pawl (210) relative to the ring bolt (200) beyond the active position. The ring lock (10) has a chassis (300) that supports the ring bolt (200) and chain lock handle (100). The frame (300) for a ring lock is usually rigid and designed to withstand manipulation, e.g. bending or twisting. An illustrative chassis is shown in FIG. 6, 9A and 9B. The chassis (300) has a lower body (310) and an upper body (320). The chassis (300) has a rear face (302) facing the frame of the vehicle and a front face (304) opposite the rear face. The lower body (310) includes a receiving space (312) for receiving a portion of the wheel. The chassis (300) includes a support member (313) and a receiving member (314) flanking the receiving space (312) which has an open end (316) for receiving a portion of the wheel. The ring bolt (200) is movable relative to the chassis (300) between the release position and the closed position. The ring bolt (200) in the closed position closes the open end (316) of the receptacle (312), securing the portion of the wheel in the receptacle. The chassis (300) may include one or more attachment openings (306) (e.g., round holes, linear or curved slots) for attaching the ring lock (10) to the frame of the vehicle. At least one attachment opening can be in each support member (313) and each receiving member (314).

The chassis may include a (kidney-shaped) slot (308) with a front (3083) (at the front of the chassis (304)) and an opposite rear (308b) (at the rear of the chassis (302)). An illustrative slot (308) is shown in FIG. 5, 6, 8, 9A and 9B. The slot (308) can be kidney-shaped or curved. The activation rod (150) may include a tongue (154) that is fixed relative to the activation rod (150), with the activation rod (150) located at the front (308a) of the slot (308) and the tongue at the front. the rear (308b) of the slot (308), causing it to flank the chassis (300) and restrict movement of the activation rod (150) in a direction of the axis of rotation (134) of the activation rod. The arrangement further prevents the activation bar (150) from tilting the chassis (300).

The lever (110) and activation rod (150) are attached to the chassis by the respective circumferential links that rotate about the respective axes of rotation (112, 134). The lever (110) and activation rod (150) are provided on the front face (304) of the chassis (300). The axis of rotation (112) of the lever (110) may be parallel to a flat front surface (304) or rear surface (302) of the chassis. The axis of rotation (134) of the activation rod (150) may be perpendicular to a flat front face (304) or rear face (302) of the chassis.

The flexible member (152) of the activation rod may be attached to the chassis (300) at one end. The flexible member (206) of the ring bolt may be attached to the chassis (300) at one end. The chassis (300) may include a rotation limiter (324) configured to limit rotation (tilt) of the lever (110). The chassis rotation limiter (324) can engage with the lever rotation limiter (114) to limit rotation or tilting of the lever (110).

The chassis (300) may include an anti-theft cover (350). An anti-theft cover (350) is a cover that is securely attached to the chassis (300) and covers at least a portion of the ring bolt (200). In particular, the anti-theft cover can have a round segment shape. It can follow the shape of part of the ring bolt. The anti-theft cover can cover the ring bolt (200) in the area of the handle (208) between the release and open position of the ring bolt (200). This area corresponds to a travel distance or trajectory of the handle (208). A gap (352) between the chassis (300) and the anti-theft cover (350) allows movement of the handle (208). A typical ring lock can be overcome by inserting a flat screwdriver or other tool into a gap in the area of travel between the ring bolt (200) and the chassis (300) and thus the ring bolt (200) of the chassis (300) and release the locking pin (405). The anti-theft cover (250) prevents manipulation by limiting the distance that the ring bolt (200) can be loosened from the chassis (300), namely away from the front face (304) of the chassis (300). The anti-theft cover (250) can be made of a rigid and strong material, such as a hardened steel alloy. The anti-theft cover may have a partially curved cross-sectional profile corresponding to a circular cross-sectional profile of the ring bolt (200). The anti-theft cover may be attached to the chassis (300) by one or more welded joints or using one or more features (354) (e.g., staples, bolts). An illustrative anti-theft cover (350) is shown in FIG. 9A, 9B, 10, 10B.

The ring bolt (200) may include a ring bolt notch (204) configured to engage with a movable locking pin (405) movable between an engagement position and a release position. In the engagement position, the movable locking pin (405) fixes the ring bolt (200) in the closed position. In the release position, the movable locking pin (405) releases the ring bolt (200). Where the movable locking pin - moves slidably, eg has one degree of freedom of movement. The movable locking pin (405) may be biased to the engagement position (e.g., by a spring). In FIG. 7D and 7E, the movable locking pin (405) is shown in the engaging and releasing positions, respectively. The spring may be provided around an axis of the movable locking pin (405), on the portion of the locking pin (405) towards the end that engages the ring bolt notch (204).

In the engagement position, the movable locking pin (405) engages or contacts the ring bolt notch (204) and thus prevents movement (rotation) of the ring bolt (200). In the loosening position, the movable locking pin (405) has been pulled out of the ring bolt notch and thus allows movement (rotation) of the ring bolt (200).

The movable locking pin (405) being supported by and moving relative to the chassis (300). The movable locking pin can be movable in response to an electronic signal. The movable locking pin can be controlled by an electrical motion generator, e.g. a servo motor, a motor or a linear actuator.

An illustrative movement of the chain lock handle (100) is shown in an array of FIGS. 3A to 3G. In FIG. 3A, the chain lock (180) has advanced into the chain lock receiving space (116). The force applied to the cam surface of the lever pawl (120) causes downward rotation of the lever (110) about the axis of rotation (112) (FIG. 3B). The chain lock groove (182) engages the lever pawl (120) (FIG. 3C); the lever (110) returns to the active position by the actuation rod (150) - which is biased in the first position - applying force to the first pin (130); this locks the lever (110) to the chain lock (180) and prevents withdrawal; the spring (136) is compressed. Moving the activation rod (150) to the second position (FIG. 3D) - caused by a return of the ring bolt (200) to the release position - applies force to the second pin (132); the lever (110) is moved to the retracted position. The spring (136) applies force to the chain lock (180), ejecting it from the receptacle (116) (FIG. 3E, 3F). Moving the activation rod (150) back to the first position (FIG. 3G) applies force to the first pin (130); the lever (110) returns to the active position. An illustrative movement of the ring bolt (200), ring bolt pawl (210), and interaction with the chain lock grip mechanism (100) is shown in an array of FIGS. 7A to

71. In FIG. 7A, the chain lock (180) is locked by (held by) the lock mechanism (100) (similar to FIG. 3C) while the ring bolt (200) is in a release position. The ring bolt pawl (210) is in an active position and the activation rod (150) is provided in the first position to potentially engage with the camming surface (212). Rotation of the ring bolt (200) to a closed position (FIG. 7B) rotates the ring bolt pawl (210) past the activation rod (150); the ring bolt pawl (210) is moved to the retracted position by the application of a force by the activation rod (150) in the first position on the camming surface (212); the activation rod (150) remains in the first position. In FIG. 7C, the ring bolt (200) is rotated further to the closed position; the ring bolt pawl (210) is clear of the actuator rod (150). In FIG. 7D, the ring bolt (200) is fully rotated to the closed position; the movable locking pin (405) engages the ring bolt notch (204). In FIG. 7E, the movable locking pin (405) has moved to the release position. The spring (206) forces the ring bolt (200) to return to the release position. The ring bolt pawl (210) in the active position moves toward the activation rod (150) (FIG. 7F), with the fender (216) having the potential to rotate the activation rod (150) to the second position. In FIG. 7G, the bumper (216) of the ring bolt pawl (210) pushes the actuator rod (150) to the second position; at the same time, the activation rod (150) applies a force to the second pin (132), pushing the lever (110) to the retracted position - see FIG. 7G ". The chain lock (180) is ejected (same as FIG. 3D through 3F). In FIG. 7H, the ring bolt pawl (210) moves into the active position past the activation rod (150). In FIG. 7I, the activation rod (150) under the action of the spring (152) returns to the first position and applies force to the first pin (130); the lever (110) returns to the active position (similar to FIG. 3G).

The ring lock (10) may further include a housing (500) configured to enclose electronic circuitry and one or more electromechanical elements. The housing may include a main body (502) that defines an empty space for receiving the electronic circuitry and one or more electromechanical elements and a lid enclosing the empty space. The housing (500), especially the main body, can be attached to the chassis (300). The housing (500), especially the main body, may be attached to the chassis by at least one (preferably one) feature, such as a screw or bolt. The housing (500), especially the main body, may be attached to an upper body (320) of the chassis (300). The housing (500), especially the main body, may be attached to a front face (304) of the chassis (300). The housing (500) is configured to protect the electronic circuitry and one or more electromechanical elements from ingress, e.g., exposure to outdoor elements, especially rain and moisture. Furthermore, the housing (500) can be configured to protect the ring lock (10) from submersion in water; submersion is often used as a theft strategy to disable electronics or prevent the ring lock from receiving GNSS and / or GPRS signals or from transmitting GPRS signals. The housing (500) is preferably made at least in part, preferably substantially, of a polymeric material (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene).

The electronic circuits may include one or more of the following: global positioning satellite (GNSS) module (420), bluetooth module (470), RFID tag reader module (460) (RFID = Radio Frequency Identification), motion sensor module (440), capacitive sensor (455), mobile (GSM, GPRS) communication module (410), sound transducer (480), rechargeable battery, control unit (400).

The electromechanical elements may include one or more of the following: mechanical ignition switch, electrical motion generator, movable locking pin (405).

The housing (500) can mainly be formed by an injection molding process. In particular, the housing (500) can be formed by an overmoulding process. In overmoulding, certain components (e.g., tubular bulge (514), row of electrical pins (524), viewing windows (532)) of the housing are placed in a mold in front of the housing, and polymer that makes up the rest of the housing is injected; The result is a housing in which separate parts are bonded together and integrated into the housing body. In one aspect, overmoulding can be used to form the main body (502) of the housing (500).

The overmoulding can be used to insert one or more seals into the housing (500). In particular, the main body (502) of the housing (500) may include an overmoulding that is a seal (530) around an edge of the main body (502) that cooperates with an edge of the lid (504). A further overmoulding may be a seal (524) that forms the lining of the cylindrical lumen (522).

In FIG. 15A, the housing main body (502) is formed by two overmoulding steps. In a first step, a row of electrical pins (524), a tubular protuberance (514) and a viewing window (532) are placed in a first mold and polymer that forms the remainder of the housing is injected to form an intermediate (not shown). to shape. The row of electrical pins (524) and the tubular protuberance (514) are isolated from the main body (502) shown in their final position and orientation in FIG. 15B. The intermediate is then placed in a second mold and seals (530, 524) are injected; these seals are insulated from the main body (502) shown in FIG. 15C. The result of the first and second molds is the main body (502) shown in FIG. 15A.

The housing (500), in particular the main body, may include a recess extending into the void for slidably engaging an anti-torsion projection extending from the chassis. The anti-torsion projection (332) extends from a front face (304) of the chassis (300). Preferably, it extends in a direction perpendicular to a flat portion of the chassis (300) to which the anti-torsion protrusion extends. The anti-torsion protrusion can be formed by bending an edge of the chassis, e.g. around a 90 ° angle. The anti-torsion protrusion can have a substantially rectangular profile. It may have a longitudinal axis that is parallel to a front face of (304) of the chassis (300). The anti-torsion protrusion that engages in the recess prevents the housing from twisting with respect to the chassis. The anti-torsion tab (332) on the chassis (300) is shown in FIG. 8, 9A, 9B, 10, 10A (detail), 11, 14A, 14B. The recess (512) in the main body (502) of the housing (500) is shown in FIG. 11, 12, 13.

The housing (500), especially the main body (502), may include an outwardly extending tubular protuberance (514) in which the movable locking pin (405) is slidably disposed. The chassis (300) may include an anti-lift tab (334) that extends from the chassis (300). The anti-lift tab (334) may extend from a front face (304) of the chassis (300). Preferably, it extends in a direction perpendicular to a flat portion of the chassis (300) to which the anti-lift protrusion extends. The anti-lift protrusion can be formed by bending an edge of the chassis (300), e.g., around a 90 ° angle. The anti-lift protrusion (334) includes an opening (335) configured to slidably receive the tubular protuberance (514), usually in an axial direction of the tubular protuberance. The opening (335) in the anti-lifting protrusion (334) may be in the shape of a circle. The opening (335) formed in the anti-lifting protrusion (334) may be in the shape of a diametrically truncated circle, with the truncated edges of the circle being open.

Once the tubular protuberance (514) is engaged with the anti-lift protrusion opening (335), the chassis (300) cannot be separated from the housing (500, 502) by moving the housing (500) in a direction perpendicular to the front flat

(304) off the chassis (300). A central axis of the tubular protuberance (514) may be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the anti-torsion protrusion (332). The arrangement allows the anti-torsion protrusion (332) to be inserted into the recess (512) by rotating the housing (500) about the tubular protuberance (334) when the tubular protuberance (334) engages the anti lifting protrusion (334). The anti-lift tab (334) on the chassis (300) is shown in FIG. 10, 10A, 11, 14A and 14B. Rotation of the chassis (300) relative to the main body (502) of the housing (500) as the tubular protuberance (514) engages the anti-lift tab (334) is shown in FIG. 14A and 14B.

The outwardly extending tubular protuberance (514) is preferably lined with or formed from a low-friction material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The low-friction material simplifies radial compression of a sealing ring (eg, O-ring) around the locking pin (405) to prevent or reduce ingress. Radial compression of a seal ring can be problematic because high forces are required to overcome the friction existing between a compressed seal ring and the housing; either the seal ring will only touch the housing, resulting in a seal that is subject to penetration, or a stronger electrical motion generator is required. By providing the low-friction material, the sealing ring can be compressed to prevent ingress and a weaker motion generator can be used. Where the outwardly extending tubular bulge is made of the low friction material, the housing may be formed by an overmoulding process in which at least the outwardly extending tubular bulge made of the low friction material is formed into a mold for the housing. placed, and polymer that makes up the rest of the housing is injected; The result is a housing in which separate parts are bonded together and integrated into the housing body.

The ring lock (10) may further include a mobile (GSM, GPRS) communication module (410). The mobile communication module is configured to receive instructions to control the movement of the movable locking pin (405). The mobile communication module (410) may be operatively connected to a controller (400). The mobile communication module (410) allows wireless control of the electrical motion generator. The mobile communication module may be operatively connected to a controller (400).

The ring lock (10) may further include a bluetooth module (470). The bluetooth module is configured to receive a bluetooth signal to control movement (i.e. release) of the movable locking pin (405). The bluetooth module (470) may be operatively connected to a control unit (400). The ring lock (10) can be opened by means of a smartphone paired with the bluetooth module (470). The bluetooth module (470) allows wireless control of the electrical motion generator. The bluetooth module (470) may be operatively connected to a control unit (400).

The ring lock (10) may further include an RFID tag reader module (460) (RFID = Radio Frequency Identification). The RFID tag reader module is configured to identify an RFID tag to control movement (i.e. release) of the movable lock pin (405). The RFID tag reader module (460) may be operatively connected to a control unit (400). The ring lock (10) can be opened using an RFID key, eg integrated in a card. The RFID tag reader module (460) allows wireless control of the electrical motion generator. The RFID tag reader module (460) may be operatively connected to a control unit (400).

The ringlock (10) may further include a GNSS module (420) (GNSS = Global Navigation Satellite System) configured to receive satellite signals (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo or BeiDou) for determining a global position of the ringlock. The GNSS module (420) may be operatively connected to the mobile communication module to transmit the global position of the ring lock via a mobile communication network. The mobile communication module (410) may be operatively connected to a controller (400). The GNSS module (420) can be activated by the motion sensor module (440) and the position of the ring lock (10) can be communicated using the mobile communication module (420). The GNSS module (420) may be operatively connected to a control unit (400).

The ring lock (10) may further include a motion sensor module (440) configured to sense movement of the ring lock, particularly when the ring bolt (200) is in the closed position. The motion sensor module (440) may include one or more of the following: a linear accelerometer, an angular accelerometer, a gyroscope sensor. The linear or angular accelerometer can be an accelerometer with 1, 2, 3 or more axes. The motion sensor module may be operatively connected to the mobile communication module for transmission of a motion alarm over a mobile communication network. The motion sensor module (440) may be operatively connected to a control unit (400). The ring lock (10) may further include: a sound transducer (480) configured to output sound, in particular, an audible alarm (e.g., loud, high, constant or fluctuating sound). The sound transducer (480) may be operatively connected to the motion sensor module (440) to sound an audible alarm if the ring lock (10) (i.e. the vehicle) is moved while the ring bolt (200) is in the closed position. The sound transducer (480) may be operatively connected to a control unit (400). The sound converter can be speaker, buzzer, alarm speaker. The sound transducer (480) may be operatively connected to a control unit (400).

The transducer may be disposed within the housing (500) such that an output side of the transducer (e.g., the cone side) is exposed to the environment for direct sound delivery. The output side can be connected to one or more openings in the housing. In one aspect, the housing (500), preferably the main body (502), includes an outwardly extending container (FIG. 12, 526) having a cylindrical lumen (522) and the sound transducer is supported within the lumen (522) . A seal (FIG. 15A, 530) between an inner wall of the lumen (522) and the transducer reduces or prevents ingress, e.g., moisture, particles and / or liquid from entering the housing (500).

The ring lock (10) may further include at least one mechanical contact switch (450). The mechanical ignition switch (450) is de-energized by moving an element, such as the movable lock pin (405), lever (110) or chain lock (180). The mechanical ignition switch (450) may indicate a status of the locking pin (405), e.g., in the engagement position or the release position. The mechanical ignition switch (450) can indicate a status of the lever (110), e.g., in the active or retracted position. The mechanical ignition switch (450) can indicate a status of the chain lock (180), e.g., in a locked position or unlocked position. The mechanical ignition switch (450) may be operatively connected to a control unit (400).

The mechanical contact switch may be a momentary contact switch, usually open or normally closed. The mechanical ignition switch can be a micro switch. The mechanical contact switch can be located inside the housing and is positioned for visibility when the housing is opened. In particular, the mechanical contact can be positioned for visibility when the lid is removed from the housing. The momentary contact switch positioned for visibility (e.g. mounted on the top of a PCB) allows a mounting technician to see if its locking pin (405) or any fixing piece (e.g. protrusion) is on the correct side of the temporary ignition switch and it operates accordingly.

The ring lock (10) may include a mechanical ignition switch (450) that is activated by movement of the movable locking pin (405) and is positioned for visibility when the housing is opened. The movable locking pin (405) can apply force to the mechanical ignition switch in the engaging or disengaging position. In one aspect, the locking pin (405), or an attachment (e.g., protrusion) thereof, depresses the mechanical contact switch (450) into the engagement position. A binary signal is generated which can be communicated (via the mobile communication module (410)) to a remote server and indicates that the ring bolt (200) of the vehicle has been closed. If the vehicle is stolen, an insurer will accordingly have access to data indicating whether the ring bolt (200) was closed or open at the time of theft.

The ring lock (10) may further include at least one capacitive sensor (455). The capacitive sensor (455) can be activated by moving an element, such as the chain lock (180), movable locking pin (405), lever (110). The capacitive sensor (455) may indicate a status of the chain lock (180), e.g., in a locked position or unlocked position, locking pin (405), e.g., in the engagement position or the release position, or lever (110), e.g. in the active or withdrawn position. The capacitive sensor (455) may be operatively connected to a control unit (400).

In one aspect, the chain lock (180) in the locked position activates the capacitive sensor (455). A signal is generated that can be communicated (via the mobile communication module (410)) to a remote server and indicates that the chain lock (180) has been applied. Accordingly, if the vehicle is stolen, an insurer has access to the data indicating whether or not the chain lock (180) was locked at the time of the theft. Advantageously, the capacitive torque effect of the chain lock (180) can pass through a surface; consequently, the capacitive sensor (455) can be mounted in the housing, protecting it from ingress, e.g., moisture, particles and / or immersion in water.

The ring lock (10) may further include a controller (400) that usually includes a computer processor or circuitry for executing computer instructions. The control unit (400) may be operatively connected to one or more of the following: mobile communication module (410), motion generator (430), bluetooth module (470), sound transducer (480), GNSS module (420), motion sensor module (440 ), mechanical contact switch (s) (450), capacitive sensor (s) (455), RFID tag reader module (460); the processor may simplify one or more of the operations described herein with respect to one or more of the aforementioned modules or parts.

The control unit (400) may be configured to receive and process a signal from one or more of the following: mobile communication module (410), GNSS module (420), motion sensor module (440), mechanical contact switch (es) (450) , capacitive sensor (s) (455), RFID tag reading module (460), bluetooth module (470).

The control unit (400) may be configured to process and send control signals to one or more of the following: mobile communication module (410), motion generator (430), bluetooth module (470), sound transducer (480). An illustrative arrangement of modules is shown in FIG. 17.

The control unit (400) can be provided as a separate device or integrated in whole or in part with one or more of one or more of the following: mobile communication module (410), GNSS module (420), motion sensor module (440), mechanical contact switch ( s) (450), capacitive sensor (s) (455), RFID tag reader module (460), bluetooth module (470), motion generator (430). The parts can be attached to a printed circuit board.

The ring lock (10) may further include a protective cover. The protective cover covers the housing, the ring bolt (200) in the release position, and the chassis (300).

The chain bolt (180) does not require a mechanical wrench or separate electromechanical system to open the chain bolt (180).

This not only reduces the complexity of the lock, but also reduces the need for separate actuators, reducing power consumption when opening the chain lock.

The chain lock is locked to the chain lock handle (110) regardless of whether the ring bolt (200) is in the

(open) release position or the closed position.

Moving the ring bolt (200) from the closed position to the open position causes the chain lock handle (100) to release the chain lock (180), thus avoiding a separate chain bolt opening mechanism.

Applying a manual force to move the ring bolt (200) from the release position to the closed position also reduces complexity and power consumption.

Claims (14)

CONCLUSIONS (retyping) A ring lock (10) for fixing a wheel of a means of transport to a part of its frame, comprising: - a ring bolt (200) movable between a release position and a closed position, - a chain lock handle ( 100) to lock a security cable to a chain lock (180), configured so that - the chain lock lever (100) is able to lock the chain lock (180) when the ring bolt (200) is in is in the release position or closed position, and - the chain lock handle (100) releases the chain lock (180) when the ring bolt (200) is moved from the closed position to the release position, whereby the chain lock handle (100) includes a lever (110) which - is movable by rotation about an axis of rotation (112) between an active and retracted position, - has a lever pawl (120) configured to interlock the chain latch (180) when the lever is active; o to detach from the chain lock when the lever is retracted; - has a first pin (130) and second pin (132) each configured to receive a force, whereby application of the force to the first pin (130) causes the lever (110) to rotate to the active position and applying the force to the second pin (132) causes the lever (110) to rotate to the retracted position, the application of the force between the first pin (130) and second pin (132) being controlled by moving the ring bolt (200), the chain-lock handle (100) further comprising an activation rod (150) configured to shuttle between: a first position, touching the first pin (130) and providing the force to the lever (110) to the active position, and - a second position, touching the second pin (132) and providing the force to rotate the lever (110) to the retracted position, wherein the activation rod (150) is biased in the first position by a flexible member (152). The ring lock of claim 1, wherein the ring bolt includes a ring bolt pawl (210) configured to push the trigger rod (150) from the first position to the second position while moving the ring bolt (200) from the closed position to the release position. A ring lock according to claim 2, wherein the ring bolt pawl (210): - is rotatably mounted in a fixed position on the ring bolt (200), - is movable between an active position and a retracted position, and is biased into the active position, - has a lugged surface (212), wherein the actuator rod (150) maintained in the first position contacts the ring bolt pawl (210) on the lugged surface (212) and thereby moves the ring bolt pawl (210) to the retracted position during movement of the ring bolt (200) from open to closed position. A ring lock according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a chassis (300) that supports the ring bolt (200) and the chain lock handle (100), the lever (110) and activation rod (150) each being attached to the chassis are attached by a circumferential connection for rotation about their respective axes of rotation (112, 134). The ring lock of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ring bolt (200) includes a notch (204) configured to engage with a movable locking pin (405) having an engagement position holding the ring bolt (200) in the ring. closed position and a release position that releases the ring bolt (200), the movable locking pin (200) being controlled by an electrical motion generator. A ring lock according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a housing (500) configured to surround electronic circuits and one or more electromechanical elements including the electrical motion generator, the housing (500) being provided by at least one feature attached to the chassis (300). The ring lock of claim 6, wherein the housing (500) includes a recess (512) extending into an empty space of the housing for slidably engaging an anti-torsion projection (332) extending from a housing. front face (304) of the chassis (300), wherein the anti-torsion projection (332) engaging in the recess (512) reduces or prevents twisting of the housing (500) relative to the chassis (300). A ring lock according to claim 6 or 7, wherein - the housing (500) is provided with an outwardly extending tubular protuberance (514) in which the movable locking pin (405) is slidably mounted, and - the chassis (300) may be provided of an anti-lifting protrusion (334) extending from a front face (304) of the chassis (300), wherein an opening formed in the anti-lifting protrusion (334) is configured to slidably receive the tubular protrusion ( 514) in an axial direction of the tubular protuberance (514). A ring lock according to claim 8, wherein - a central axis of the tubular protuberance (514) is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the anti-torsion protrusion (332) which causes insertion of the anti-torsion protrusion (332) into the recess. (512) permits rotation of the housing (500) about the tubular protuberance (514) as the tubular protuberance (514) engages the anti-lift protrusion (334). A ring lock according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein - the chassis (300) is provided with a slot (308) having a front and an opposite back, - the activation rod (150) is provided with a tongue that is fixed in fixed ratio. stands with the activation rod (150), and - the activation rod (150) is positioned at the front of the slot (308) and the tongue may be positioned at the rear of the slot (308), flanking the chassis (300) and restricts movement of the activation rod (150) in a direction of the axis of rotation (134) of the activation rod (150). A ring lock according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the ring bolt (200) includes a handle (208) for manually moving the ring bolt (200) from the release to the closed position, wherein the handle (208) %) is pivotal to the ring bolt (200) and the handle (208 ') is movable between a first pivot position and a second pivot position, wherein: - the pivot handle (208) in the first pivot position is prevented from moving the ring bolt (200) from the release to the closed position; and - the pivot handle (208) in the second pivot position can move the ring bolt (200) from the release to the closed position. The ring lock of claim 5, further comprising one or more of the following: a mobile communication module (410), a bluetooth module (470), an RFID tag reader module (460) for wireless control of the electrical motion generator. The ring lock of any of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a GNSS module (420) configured to receive satellite signals for determining a global position of the ring lock (10). The ring lock (10) of any of claims 1 to 13, further comprising - a motion sensor module (440) configured to detect movement of the bicycle lock (10) when the ring bolt (200) is in the closed position, and - optionally a sound transducer (480) configured to give an audible alarm that is activated by moving the movement of the bicycle lock (10) when the - ring bolt (200) is in the closed position.