DE102018130377A1 - Drive device for a bicycle and bicycle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a drive device (12) for a bicycle (1), in particular an electric bicycle
an energy storage device (13),
a motor device (17) separate from the energy storage device (13) with an electric motor (30) for driving a pedal crank axis of the bicycle (1),
the motor device (17) and the energy storage device (13) being designed to be connected to one another by means of an electromechanical coupling (21),
that the electric motor (30) can be supplied with energy from the energy storage device (13), and
that the motor device (17) and the energy storage device (13) can be coupled to one another at different angles (22), in particular between their longitudinal axes (23, 24).
The invention also relates to a bicycle (1).

Description

The invention relates to a drive device for a bicycle and a bicycle with such.

Bicycles have long enjoyed great popularity as inexpensive, easy-to-use and emission-free means of transportation. Over many years, they have also found widespread use as sports or fitness equipment, and types that are particularly suitable for different sports fields have emerged.

For some years now, the enthusiasm for electric bicycles (esp. So-called "pedelecs") has been growing, despite the high weights and prices for bicycles. Potential customers are not only older, less fit cyclists or cyclists who are free of sporting ambitions, but also sporty, younger cyclists, whether for use on the way to work or because of the possibility of expanding the radius of action with them without overexerting their own physique and / or Increase cruising speed. Mountain bikers in particular seem to be increasingly interested in electrically assisted mountain bikes.

An object on which the invention is based is to create a drive concept for electric bicycles which enables particularly simple and flexible assembly.

According to one aspect, a drive device for a bicycle, in particular for an electric bicycle, is disclosed. The drive device has an energy storage device. The energy storage device is, for example, a battery device or a battery device. The drive device further has a motor device separate from the energy storage device with an electric motor for driving a pedal crank axis of the bicycle. The motor device and the energy storage device are designed to be connected to one another by means of an electromechanical coupling such that the electric motor can be supplied with energy from the energy storage device and that the motor device and the energy storage device can be coupled to one another at different angles, in particular between their longitudinal axes.

The drive device described, which is provided in particular for mounting on a down tube or on a seat tube, enables mounting on different frame structures or frame geometries due to the angular arrangement of the energy storage device and the motor device with respect to one another. For example, the drive device described is particularly suitable for special mountain bike frames, so-called city bikes or low-level climbers, in which the frame section leading to the bottom bracket has a curved or curved shape with a typically horizontal section. Depending on the request and the frame geometry, the motor device and the energy storage device can be coupled electromechanically to one another at a defined angle and thus essentially follow the frame geometry of the bicycle. For bicycle manufacturers, the drive device thus has the advantage that it can be used with a large number of different frame structures or frame geometries. In addition, the drive device can be easily adapted to a desired frame structure afterwards. The frame structure, which is particularly important for bicycle manufacturers and is often used as a unique selling point, can thus be retained or individually designed and is not to be adapted to a mandatory geometry of the drive device. A straight down tube and a straight drive device are not essential. The drive device thus enables particularly flexible mounting on different frame structures.

For the formation of the electromechanical coupling, the shapes of the energy storage device and the motor device are correspondingly matched to one another in respective coupling sections or areas.

Due to the electromechanical coupling of the said elements, a simple assembly of the motor device with the energy storage device is possible, in particular no cables for the transmission of electrical data or electrical energy are required. In other words, the electromechanical coupling means a wireless electrical and mechanical connection, for example a snap connection.

In addition, the drive device enables simple and flexible mounting on the frame structure in such a way that the drive device can be mounted on the one hand as a whole, that is to say in the coupled state of the motor device and the energy storage device, and on the other hand in its uncoupled state in its individual components on the bicycle frame. In the latter case, the electromechanical coupling only takes place on the frame itself. In addition, in the latter case the frame can be made particularly stable, the motor device and / or the energy storage device being at least partially inserted or inserted into the frame.

As already mentioned, the electromechanical coupling essentially means that the motor device and the energy storage device can be directly coupled mechanically and electrically. The motor device comprises in particular an electric motor which is designed to drive a pedal crank or a pedal crank axis of the bicycle.

Further details and further elements of a possible embodiment of the motor device or the energy storage device and the coupling of the motor device to the pedal crank or pedal crank axis are not further explained in the context of this disclosure. In this regard, the European patent is exemplified EP 2 731 858 B1 referred.

According to one embodiment, the motor device in the electromechanically connected state is electrically connected directly to the energy storage device by means of an electrical plug connection. In other words, it is a direct plug-in connection, in which no cables or cable connections are necessary.

Of course, other electrical contacts, such as a sliding contact or a spring contact, are also conceivable.

According to one embodiment, the motor device has a first electrical connector and the energy storage device has a corresponding second electrical connector for forming the electrical coupling, the two connectors each having a plurality of knife-like contacts. Such a configuration allows not only the transmission of high currents, but also a secure mechanical connection, so that the contact does not come loose when the bicycle is used for normal operation.

The knife contacts can, for example, have a rounded contour, so that the motor device and the energy storage device can be arranged at different angles, in particular continuously, with respect to one another.

According to one embodiment, the motor device and / or the energy storage device has a locking device, so that the motor device and the energy storage device can be locked to one another in the electromechanically connected state. The locking device ensures that the motor device and the energy storage device are fixed in a coupled state relative to one another.

According to one embodiment, the motor device and the energy storage device lock together in the electromechanically connected state and are thus releasably locked to one another. For example, the motor device and the energy storage device snap together at multiple angles. The locking device described above can optionally be additionally provided so that the two elements can no longer be detached from one another.

According to one embodiment, the motor device and the energy storage device form a common coupling axis in the electromechanically coupled state, about which the motor device and the energy storage device can be aligned relative to one another in order to set the different angles. In other words, the two elements can be connected to one another and then pivoted about the coupling axis to one another, so that the desired alignment is set at an angle to one another. It is conceivable, for example, that the two elements lock in certain angular steps when pivoting to one another.

According to one embodiment, the motor device and the energy storage device can be coupled to one another in an angular range from 0 ° to 90 °, in particular between their longitudinal axes. In other words, the angular arrangement is limited to a predetermined angular range. Accordingly, the connection areas of the motor device and the energy storage device are each matched to one another in such a way that, in the coupled state, an angular arrangement beyond the specific angular range is not possible.

According to one embodiment, the motor device has a transmission device that is designed to drive a pedal crank of the bicycle. Exemplary embodiments for this are in the above-mentioned European patent EP 2 731 858 B1 specified. The motor device can therefore also be designed as a motor gear unit.

According to a further aspect, a bicycle is disclosed, in particular an electric bicycle. The bicycle has a bicycle frame with a frame section. The frame section extends to a bottom bracket and has a curved or angled course. The bicycle has a drive device according to one of the previously described embodiments, which is arranged on the frame section in the region of the curved or angled course, in particular on an underside of the frame section. The motor device and the energy storage device are arranged at an angle to one another, i.e. at a predetermined angle to each other, for example between their longitudinal axes.

The bike essentially enables the aforementioned advantages and functions.

For attachment to the frame section, this has, for example, a recess. For example, the frame section is basically hollow, for example in the form of a tubular body, the tubular body being partially broken open in the region of the cutout, so that the drive device can be accommodated. The recess can also be designed such that the frame section remains as a carrier, the carrier being designed as a flat profile. It should be noted that the recess can also be formed on the top of the frame section.

The curved, arc-shaped or angled course of the frame section means, for example, the following: The frame section has a first section which merges into a second section, the longitudinal axes of the two sections being aligned with one another at a predetermined angle. The transition from the first to the second section can be curved, arched, angular, angled or the like. The first section is, for example, further away from the bottom bracket than the second section. In the assembled state, the energy storage device is, for example, essentially arranged on the first section and / or extends essentially along it. In the assembled state, the motor device is, for example, essentially arranged on the second section and / or extends essentially along it.

According to one embodiment, the drive device is arranged as an assembly in the already coupled state on the frame section, in particular mounted. This means that the angle between the motor device and the energy storage device is set before assembly on the bicycle and the two components are locked to one another. The drive device can thus be assembled as a unit.

According to one embodiment, the drive device is arranged on the bicycle in such a way that, before the electromechanical coupling, the energy storage device is at least partially inserted into a tubular section of the frame section and the motor device is then arranged on the frame section such that the electromechanical coupling is formed. For example, the energy storage device is arranged on the first section, being partially inserted into the frame section. The motor device is arranged on the second section, and it can also be at least partially inserted into the frame. However, the motor device can also be mounted on the frame and / or on the bottom bracket with the end or end region facing away from the coupling, for example hooked in or inserted. This embodiment provides additional protection and a stable mounting, since at least the energy storage device is partially protected and held by the surrounding frame.

According to one embodiment, the motor device and / or the energy storage device are locked on the frame section. This enables simple assembly.

According to one embodiment, the frame section has a closure device which, after the drive device has been arranged on the frame section, mechanically secures the drive device on the frame section. The locking device mechanically secures the motor device and / or the energy storage device on the frame, for example. This frame-fixed locking device can be designed in various ways, for example as a sliding lock, as a latch lock or the like. The locking device, for example, brings about a positive connection with the motor device and / or the energy storage device, so that an unwanted detachment of these components and thus the drive device from the frame is prevented.

Two closure devices can also be provided, one securing the motor device and the other securing the energy storage device.

According to one embodiment, the closure device has an electrical switch for actuating the motor device. For example, the switch is designed to switch the support by the electric motor on or off when pedaling.

According to one embodiment, the closure device has at least one operating element which is set up to actuate a function of the drive device. For example, a maximum energy or force that is transmitted to the pedal crank axis could be set.

According to one embodiment, the closure device has a display, for example a touch display. The display can be used to display data relating to the drive device, for example whether the engine is ready or functional, which forces are being transmitted or the like. The user can also use the touch display to make settings or functions relating to the drive device.

Further embodiments, advantages and functions are explained in the following description of exemplary embodiments with the aid of the attached figures. Identical, similar or equivalent elements can be provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

• 1 eine schematische Ansicht eines Fahrrads mit einer montierten Antriebsvorrichtung gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,
• 2 eine schematische, vergrößerte Teilansicht des Fahrrads mit der Antriebsvorrichtung im montierten Zustand,
• 3 bis 5 schematische, perspektivische Ansichten bei der Montage der Antriebsvorrichtung,
• 6 und 7 schematische, perspektivische Ansichten von Kopplungsbereichen einer Motorvorrichtung und einer Energiespeichervorrichtung der Antriebsvorrichtung,
• 8 eine schematische, perspektivische Ansicht bei der Montage der Antriebsvorrichtung gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,
• 9 eine schematische Schnittansicht des Fahrrads im Bereich der Antriebsvorrichtung,
• 10 und 11 schematische, perspektivische Ansichten einer Verschlussvorrichtung des Fahrrads in offenem und geschlossenem Zustand, und
• 12 und 13 schematische, perspektivische Detailansichten der Verschlussvorrichtung des Fahrrads in offenem und geschlossenem Zustand.

The figures show:

• 1 2 shows a schematic view of a bicycle with an installed drive device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention,
• 2nd 2 shows a schematic, enlarged partial view of the bicycle with the drive device in the assembled state,
• 3rd to 5 schematic, perspective views during assembly of the drive device,
• 6 and 7 schematic, perspective views of coupling areas of a motor device and an energy storage device of the drive device,
• 8th 2 shows a schematic, perspective view during the assembly of the drive device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention,
• 9 2 shows a schematic sectional view of the bicycle in the area of the drive device,
• 10th and 11 schematic, perspective views of a locking device of the bicycle in the open and closed state, and
• 12 and 13 schematic, perspective detailed views of the locking device of the bicycle in the open and closed state.

1 schematically shows a bicycle 1 , especially an electric bike. The bike 1 has a bike frame 2nd which includes a frame section 3rd , which in the exemplary embodiment is a down tube and which extends from the head tube (only indicated and without reference numerals). The down tube 3rd extends towards a bottom bracket 4th and has a curved course. The down tube 3rd has a first section 5 on that swung into a second section 6 transforms. Longitudinal axes 7 and 8th (such as main directions of extension or central longitudinal axes) of the sections 5 , 6 run at a certain angle 9 to each other. An angled down tube 3rd , such as an angled transition into the second section 6 is also conceivable.

2nd shows a detailed view of the bicycle 1 . On a bottom 10th shows the down tube 3rd a recess 11 in which a drive device 12 is set according to an embodiment of the invention. The drive device 12 has two separate components, an energy storage device 13 and a motor device 17th , on, which are electromechanically coupled and together in the assembled state (as in 2nd shown) form a structural unit. The energy storage device 13 is essentially (i.e. at least predominantly) on the first section 5 arranged. With the energy storage device 13 it is a battery storage device, in particular a battery device. The energy storage device 13 has its own housing 14 and has at one end 15 a coupling section 16 (see 3rd ). The engine device 17th points to one of the energy storage device 13 facing end 18th a corresponding coupling section 19th onto. 5 ). Even the engine device 17th has its own housing 20th . The engine device 17th has, for example, an electric motor, it can optionally have further components such as gears, control unit, etc. The engine device 17th is like that on the down tube 3rd arranged and designed so that it can transmit a force to a pedal crank axle for driving it (not shown). The engine device 17th and the energy storage device 13 can be covered in each case or together by an aperture.

A possible design of the bottom bracket 4th and the engine device 17th for mechanical coupling with the pedal crank axis can, for example, those mentioned at the beginning EP 2 731 858 B1 be removed.

Over the two coupling sections 16 and 19th are the engine device 17th and the energy storage device 13 connected electromechanically. In other words, these are by means of an electromechanical coupling 21st connected. The coupling 21st is such that a direct electrical plug contact is formed, as is clear from the other figures to be described. The two components 13 and 17th are not electrically connected by cable. Due to the electromechanical coupling, the motor device 17th powered, in particular the electric motor is operated to drive the pedal crank axis.

An essential feature of the drive device 12 is that this matches the frame geometry of the down tube 3rd is customizable. This is achieved in that the motor device 17th and the energy storage device 13 at a predetermined angle 22 are coupled to each other. The angle 22 is for example on the longitudinal axes 23 and 24th the two components 13 and 17th based. These are, for example, main longitudinal axes, i.e. axes along which the respective component mainly extends.

The two components 13 and 17th are designed so that the coupling 21st not at an angle 22 is limited, but in such a way that different angles are possible. In other words, the two components 13 and 17th have different orientations to each other. This achieves the advantages and functions mentioned at the beginning. In particular, the drive device 12 can be easily and quickly adapted to different frame sections that run at an angle or in an arc shape or the like.

3rd to 5 show the drive device 12 when installing according to a first variant. In this variant, the drive device 12 mounted in such a way that first the energy storage device 13 on the down tube 3rd is arranged. This is at least partially in the first section 5 inserted, which is hollow and to the shape of the energy storage device 13 is adjusted. Then the motor device 17th in the area of the end 18th opposite end 25th on the down tube 3rd , ie the second section 6 , arranged. Thereupon the motor device 17th against the down tube 3rd pivoted and with the energy storage device 13 as in 2nd shown coupled. This is the drive device 12 on the down tube 3rd arranged.

6 and 7 show a possible embodiment of the energy storage device 13 , especially in the area of the end 15 and the coupling section 16 , as well as the motor device 17th , especially in the area of the end 18th and the coupling section 19th .

The two coupling sections 16 and 19th are matched and adapted to each other so that when the electromechanical coupling is formed 21st a common axis of rotation 26 (also coupling axis) is formed (indicated schematically) with respect to which the energy storage device 13 and the motor device 17th can be aligned with each other. For example, the two components 13 and 17th are coupled to each other and then according to the axis of rotation 26 swiveled towards each other or locked until the desired angle 22 is set.

Furthermore, the motor device 17th , especially the coupling section 19th , a first electrical connector 27 on that with a second electrical connector 28 the energy storage device 13 or its coupling section 16 can be coupled. Both connectors 27 and 28 are designed to correspond to each other and have corresponding measuring contacts 29 on. This configuration allows mechanically safe contacting and also the reliable transmission of high currents, such as those when operating the bicycle 1 and the drive device 12 can flow.

The energy storage devices are in the coupled state 13 and the motor device 17th optionally locked to one another and thus releasably connected. Alternatively or additionally, a locking device, such as a quick release (similar to bicycle tires) or the like, is provided, by means of which the two components 13 , 17th can be securely attached to each other. The locking and / or locking can take place continuously. Alternatively, the locking or locking positions are specified, so that discrete angular arrangements between the two components 13 , 17th possible are.

Furthermore, the alignment of the two components 13 , 17th be limited to an angular range from 0 ° to 90 °.

8th shows another variant in which the drive device 12 before mounting on the bike 1 is assembled, ie energy storage device 13 and engine device 17th are coupled together in the desired angular arrangement. The coupling 21st is such that the two components 13 , 17th are fixed in their orientation, for example locked together and / or locked by means of an additional locking device as described above. The drive device 12 is then attached to the down tube 3rd assembled. The recess 11 on the down tube 3rd is therefore larger in comparison to the first variant or extends over a larger area along the down tube 3rd . Inserting at least one component 13 , 17th into the down tube 3rd is not provided or is essentially not possible. All features and details already described apply analogously. The frame structure of the bike can be down to the recess 11 be identical.

9 shows a schematic sectional view of the drive device 12 in the assembled state. It can be seen that the motor device 17th next to an electric motor 30th may have other components, such as a gear, etc.

10th to 13 show another perspective of the bicycle in perspective 1 . Frame fixed in the down tube 3rd is a locking device 31 provided (also in 1 to 5 , 8th and 9 recognizable). The locking device 31 has an actuator 32 on which is a slide switch on the top 33 of the down tube 3rd arranged and guided on this. The actuating element is preferred 32 between an open ( 11 ) and a closed position ( 10th ) Slidable. 12 and 13 show the closure device 31 without down tube 3rd for the sake of clarity.

The actuating element can also have other configurations. For example, it is designed as a pressure switch or pull handle.

The locking device secures in the closed position 31 the drive device 12 mechanically on the down tube 3rd , so that it doesn't come loose unintentionally. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the actuating element has 32 a locking tab 34 on, in the closed position in a corresponding locking groove 35 or recess 36 the engine device 17th intervenes. In the open position (see 13 ) is the locking projection 34 not in engagement with the locking groove 35 so that the drive device 12 from the down tube 3rd can be dismantled.

As mentioned at the beginning, the closure device can 31 still have further features, which are not shown in the figures, however, and are easy to implement by a person skilled in the art.

Reference symbol list

1

bicycle

2nd

Bicycle frame

3rd

Frame section (down tube)

4th

Bottom bracket

5

first section

6

second section

7

Longitudinal axis of the first section

8th

Longitudinal axis of the second section

9

angle

10th

bottom

11

Recess

12

Drive device

13

Energy storage device

14

Housing of the energy storage device

15

End of the energy storage device

16

Coupling section of the energy storage device

17th

Engine device

18th

End of the engine device

19th

Coupling section of the motor device

20th

Motor device housing

21st

electromechanical coupling

22

angle

23

Longitudinal axis of the energy storage device

24th

Longitudinal axis of the engine device

25th

opposite end of the motor device

26

Axis of rotation

27th

first connector

28

second connector

29

messy contacts

30th

Electric motor

31

Locking device

32

Actuator

33

Top

34

Locking projection

35

Locking groove

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• EP 2731858 B1 [0011, 0020, 0037]

Claims (16)

Having drive device (12) for a bicycle (1), in particular an electric bicycle an energy storage device (13), a motor device (17) separate from the energy storage device (13) with an electric motor (30) for driving a pedal crank axis of the bicycle (1), the motor device (17) and the energy storage device (13) being designed to be connected to one another by means of an electromechanical coupling (21), that the electric motor (30) can be supplied with energy from the energy storage device (13), and that the motor device (17) and the energy storage device (13) can be coupled to one another at different angles (22), in particular between their longitudinal axes (23, 24). Drive device (12) after Claim 1 , The motor device (17) in the electromechanically connected state being electrically connected directly to the energy storage device (13) by means of an electrical plug connection. Drive device (12) after Claim 2 The motor device (17) has a first electrical connector (27) and the energy storage device (13) has a corresponding second electrical connector (28) for forming the electrical coupling, the two connectors (27, 28) each having a plurality of knife-like contacts (29 ) exhibit. Drive device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor device (17) and / or the energy storage device (13) have a locking device, so that the motor device (17) and the energy storage device (13) can be locked to one another in the electromechanically connected state. Drive device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor device (17) and the energy storage device (13) latch together in the electromechanically connected state and are detachably locked to one another. Drive device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor device (17) and the energy storage device (13) in the electromechanically coupled state form a common coupling axis (26) around which the motor device (17) and the energy storage device (13) can be aligned relative to one another are for setting the different angles (22). Drive device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor device (17) and the energy storage device (13) can be coupled to one another in an angular range from 0 ° to 90 °, in particular between their longitudinal axes (23, 24). Drive device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor device (17) has a transmission device which is designed to drive a pedal crank of the bicycle (1). Bicycle (1), in particular an electric bicycle a bicycle frame (2) with a frame section (3), the frame section (3) extending to a bottom bracket and having a curved or angled course, a drive device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, which is arranged on the frame section (3) in the region of the curved or angled course, the motor device (17) and the energy storage device (13) being arranged at an angle to one another. Bicycle (1) after Claim 9 , The drive device (12) being arranged as an assembly in the already coupled state on the frame section (3). Bicycle (1) according to one of the Claims 9 or 10th , The drive device (12) being arranged on the bicycle (1) in such a way that the energy storage device (13) is at least partially inserted into a tubular section of the frame section before the electromechanical coupling (21) and then the motor device (17) is in this way on the frame section ( 3) it is arranged that the electromechanical coupling is formed. Bicycle (1) according to one of the Claims 9 to 11 , wherein the motor device (17) and / or the energy storage device (13) are locked on the frame section (3). Bicycle (1) according to one of the Claims 9 to 12 The frame section (3) has a closure device (31) which, after the drive device (12) has been arranged on the frame section (3), mechanically secures the drive device (12) on the frame section (3). Bicycle (1) after Claim 13 , wherein the closure device (31) has an electrical switch for actuating the motor device (17). Bicycle (1) after Claim 13 or 14 , wherein the closure device (31) has at least one operating element which is set up to actuate a function of the drive device (12). Bicycle (1) according to one of the Claims 13 to 15 , wherein the closure device (31) has a display, in particular a touch display.

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