DE102018130377B4 - Driving 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 axle of the bicycle (1),
wherein the motor device (17) and the energy storage device (13) are designed to be connected to one another by means of an electromechanical coupling (21) in such a way 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).

Description

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

Bicycles have long been popular as a low-cost, easy-to-handle, zero-emission means of transportation. Over many years, they have also been widely used as sports or fitness equipment, and types that are particularly suitable for different sporting applications have emerged.

Enthusiasm for electric bicycles (especially so-called “pedelecs”) has been growing for a number of years, despite the high weight and price of bicycles. Potential customers are not only older, less fit cyclists or cyclists who are free from sporting ambitions, but also sporty, younger cyclists, whether for use on the way to work or because of the possibility of using them to extend the radius of action without overstraining one's own physique and/or the increase cruising speed. Interest in electrically assisted mountain bikes seems to be growing, especially among mountain bikers.

From the DE 10 2018 106 949 A1 there is known a bicycle battery holder comprising: a main body that supports an end portion of a battery pack; and a frame connecting portion provided on the main body, wherein the frame connecting portion is configured to be connected to a frame of a bicycle through a connecting member, and the connecting member includes a drive unit having a motor assisting propulsion of the bicycle with which frame connects.
From the EP 2 423 096 A2 relates to a bicycle. The bicycle includes a frame with a seat tube and a bottom bracket coupled to an end of the seat tube. A pedal crankshaft is operably coupled to the bottom bracket. A motor is coupled to the bottom bracket and operatively coupled to the pedal crankshaft. A battery is detachably coupled to the frame and electrically coupled to the engine. A seat with a seat post is detachably coupled to the seat tube with the battery arranged to remain coupled to the frame upon removal of the seat post.

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

This object is solved by a drive device for a bicycle according to claim 1 and a bicycle according to claim 8.

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 rechargeable battery device. The drive device also has a motor device that is separate from the energy storage device and has an electric motor for driving a pedal crank axle 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 in such a way 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 energy storage device has a coupling section at one end and the motor device has a corresponding coupling section at an end facing the energy storage device. In the electromechanically connected state, the motor device is electrically and mechanically connected directly to the energy storage device by means of an electrical plug connection of the two coupling sections.

The drive device described, which is intended in particular for mounting on a down tube or on a seat tube, allows mounting on different frame structures or frame geometries due to the angular arrangement of the energy storage device and the motor device relative to one another. For example, the drive device described is particularly suitable for special mountain bike frames, so-called city bikes or step-through bikes, in which the frame section leading to the bottom bracket has a curved or arcuate shape with a typically horizontal section. Depending on what is desired and the geometry of the frame, 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 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 are thus retained or individually designed and cannot be adapted to a mandatory geometry of the drive device. A straight down tube and a straight drive mechanism are not mandatory. 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 adapted to one another in the respective coupling sections or areas.

Due to the electromechanical coupling of said elements, a simple assembly of the motor device with the energy storage device is possible, with no cables for the transmission of electrical data or electrical energy being required in particular. 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 installation on the frame structure in such a way that the drive device can be installed on the bicycle frame as a whole, i.e. in the coupled state of the motor device and the energy storage device, and also in the uncoupled state in its individual components. In the latter case, the electromechanical coupling only takes place on the frame itself. In addition, in the latter case, the frame can be designed to be particularly stable, with the motor device and/or the energy storage device each being at least partially pushed or inserted into the frame.

As already mentioned, the electromechanical coupling means that the motor device and the energy storage device are mechanically and electrically coupled to each other essentially directly. The motor device comprises in particular an electric motor which is designed to drive a pedal crank or a pedal crank axle 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 axle are not explained further in the context of this disclosure. In this regard, reference is made to the European patent specification by way of example EP 2 731 858 B1 referred.

In the electromechanically connected state, the motor device 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 that does not require any cables or cable connections.

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, with the two connectors each having a plurality of blade-like contacts. Such a configuration not only allows 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 operational purposes.

The blade contacts can have a rounded contour, for example, so that the motor device and the energy storage device can be arranged at different angles, in particular steplessly, 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 in relation to one another in the electromechanically connected state. The locking device ensures that the motor device and the energy storage device are fixed relative to one another in a coupled state.

According to one embodiment, the motor device and the energy storage device latch with one another in the electromechanically connected state and are thus locked in a releasable manner with respect to one another. For example, the motor device and the energy storage device lock together at multiple angles. The locking device described above can optionally also be 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, around 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 interrelated Be connected and then pivoted about the coupling axis to each other, so that the desired orientation is set at an angle to each other. It is conceivable, for example, for the two elements to lock in relation to one another in certain angular steps when they are pivoted.

According to one embodiment, the motor device and the energy storage device can be coupled to one another in an angular range of 0° to 90°, in particular between their longitudinal axes. In other words, the angular arrangement is limited to a predetermined angular range. Consequently, 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 are described 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 area of the curved or angled course, in particular on an underside of the frame section. The motor device and the energy storage device are angularly disposed relative to one another, i.e., at a predetermined angle relative to one another, approximately between their longitudinal axes.

The bicycle essentially enables the previously mentioned advantages and functions.

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

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

According to one embodiment, the drive device is arranged, in particular mounted, as an assembly on the frame section in the already coupled state. This means that the angle between the motor device and the energy storage device is already set before assembly on the bicycle and the two components are locked to one another. Thus, the drive device can 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 in such a way that the electromechanical coupling is formed. For example, the energy storage device is arranged on the first section, being partially pushed into the frame section. The motor device is arranged on the second section, and it can also be pushed at least partially 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 suspended or plugged in. This embodiment provides additional protection and stable support since at least the energy storage device is partially protected and supported by the surrounding frame.

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

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

Two locking 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 provided by the electric motor when pedaling on or off.

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 transferred to the crank axle could be set.

According to one embodiment, the closure device has a display, such as a touch display. Data relating to the drive device can be displayed by means of the display, for example whether the motor is ready for operation or functional, which forces are transmitted or the like. By means of the touch display, additional settings or functions relating to the drive device can be made by the user.

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.

In the figures show:

• 1 a schematic view of a bicycle with a mounted drive device according to a first embodiment of the invention,
• 2 a schematic, enlarged partial view of the bicycle with the drive device in the assembled state,
• 3 until 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 a schematic, perspective view during assembly of the drive device according to a first embodiment of the invention,
• 9 a schematic sectional view of the bicycle in the area of the drive device,
• 10 and 11 schematic, perspective views of a locking device of the bicycle in the open and closed state, and
• 12 and 13 schematic, perspective detail views of the locking device of the bicycle in the open and closed state.

1 shows schematically a bicycle 1, in particular an electric bicycle. The bicycle 1 has a bicycle frame 2, which has, among other things, a frame section 3, which in the exemplary embodiment is a down tube and which extends from the head tube (only indicated and without a reference number). The down tube 3 extends in the direction of a bottom bracket 4 and has a curved course. The down tube 3 has a first section 5 which transitions into a second section 6 in a curved manner. Longitudinal axes 7 and 8 (approximately main extension directions or central longitudinal axes) of the sections 5, 6 run at a specific angle 9 to one another. An angled lower tube 3, such as an angled transition into the second section 6, is also conceivable.

2 shows a detailed view of the bicycle 1. On an underside 10, the down tube 3 has a recess 11, in which a drive device 12 is fixed according to an embodiment of the invention. The drive device 12 has two separate components, an energy storage device 13 and a motor device 17, which are electromechanically coupled to one another and together in the assembled state (as in FIG 2 shown) form a unit. The energy storage The safety device 13 is essentially (ie at least predominantly) arranged on the first section 5 . The energy storage device 13 is a battery storage device, in particular a rechargeable battery device. The energy storage device 13 has its own housing 14 and has a coupling section 16 at one end 15 (see FIG. 3 ). The motor device 17 has a corresponding coupling section 19 on an end 18 facing the energy storage device 13 (see Fig. 5 ). The motor device 17 also has its own housing 20. The motor device 17 has, for example, an electric motor; it can optionally have other components such as a transmission, control unit, etc. The motor device 17 is arranged and designed on the down tube 3 in such a way that it can transmit a force to a pedal crank axle for driving it (not shown). The motor device 17 and the energy storage device 13 can be covered by a panel either individually or together.

A possible configuration of the bottom bracket 4 and the motor device 17 for mechanical coupling to the pedal crank axle can be, for example, the one mentioned at the outset EP 2 731 858 B1 be removed.

The motor device 17 and the energy storage device 13 are electromechanically connected via the two coupling sections 16 and 19 . In other words, they are connected by means of an electromechanical coupling 21 . The coupling 21 is such that a direct electrical plug-in contact is formed, as becomes clear from the further figures yet to be described. The two components 13 and 17 are not electrically connected by cables. The motor device 17 is supplied with electricity by the electromechanical coupling, the electric motor in particular being operated in order to drive the pedal crank axle.

An essential feature of the drive device 12 is that it can be adapted to the frame geometry of the down tube 3 . This is achieved in that the motor device 17 and the energy storage device 13 are coupled at a predetermined angle 22 to one another. The angle 22 is related to the longitudinal axes 23 and 24 of the two components 13 and 17, for example. These are, for example, main longitudinal axes, ie axes along which the respective component mainly extends.

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

3 until 5 show the drive device 12 during assembly according to a first variant. In this variant, the drive device 12 is mounted in such a way that the energy storage device 13 is first arranged on the down tube 3 . This is at least partially pushed into the first section 5 , which is hollow and is adapted to the shape of the energy storage device 13 . The motor device 17 is then arranged in the region of the end 25 opposite the end 18 on the lower tube 3, ie the second section 6. The motor device 17 is then pivoted against the down tube 3 and connected to the energy storage device 13 as in FIG 2 shown coupled. As a result, the drive device 12 is arranged on the down tube 3 .

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

The two coupling sections 16 and 19 are coordinated and adapted to one another in such a way that when the electromechanical coupling 21 is formed, a common axis of rotation 26 (also the coupling axis) is formed (schematically indicated) with respect to which the energy storage device 13 and the motor device 17 can be aligned with one another. For example, the two components 13 and 17 can be coupled to one another and then pivoted or locked in relation to one another with respect to the axis of rotation 26 until the desired angle 22 is set.

Furthermore, the motor device 17, in particular the coupling section 19, has a first electrical connector 27 which can be coupled to a second electrical connector 28 of the energy storage device 13 or its coupling section 16. Both plug connectors 27 and 28 are designed to correspond to one another and have corresponding measuring-type contacts 29 . This embodiment allows a mechanically secure contact and also the reliable transmission of high currents, such as can flow when the bicycle 1 and the drive device 12 are in operation.

In the coupled state, the energy storage device 13 and the motor device 17 are optionally latched to one another and are detachably connected thereto. 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, 17 can be securely fixed to one another. The latching and/or locking can take place steplessly. Alternatively, the locking or locking positions are specified, so that discrete angular arrangements between the two components 13, 17 are possible.

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

8th 12 shows another variant in which the drive device 12 is assembled before it is mounted on the bicycle 1, ie the energy storage device 13 and the motor device 17 are coupled to one another in the desired angular arrangement. The coupling 21 is such that the alignment of the two components 13, 17 is fixed, for example latched to one another and/or locked by means of an additional locking device as described above. The drive device 12 is then mounted on the down tube 3 as a structural unit. The recess 11 on the down tube 3 is therefore larger than in the first variant or extends over a larger area along the down tube 3. Sliding at least one component 13, 17 into the down tube 3 is not intended or essentially not possible. All features and details already described apply analogously. The frame structure of the bicycle can be identical except for the cutout 11 .

9 shows a schematic sectional view of the drive device 12 in the assembled state. It can be seen that the motor device 17 can have other components in addition to an electric motor 30, such as a gearbox et cetera.

10 until 13 show a further detail of the bicycle 1 in perspective. A locking device 31 is provided fixed to the frame in the down tube 3 (also in 1 until 5 , 8th and 9 to recognize). The locking device 31 has an actuating element 32 which is arranged as a slide switch on the upper side 33 of the down tube 3 and is guided on it in a displaceable manner. Preferably, the actuating element 32 is between an open ( 11 ) and a closed position ( 10 ) limited sliding. 12 and 13 3 show the closure device 31 without the down tube 3 for reasons of clarity.

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

In the closed position, the locking device 31 mechanically secures the drive device 12 on the down tube 3 so that it does not come loose unintentionally. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the actuating element 32 has a locking projection 34 which, in the closed position, engages in a corresponding locking groove 35 or recess 36 in the motor device 17 . In the open position (p. 13 ) the locking projection 34 is not in engagement with the locking groove 35, so that the drive device 12 can be disassembled from the down tube 3.

As mentioned at the outset, the closure device 31 can also have other features, which are not shown in detail in the figures and can easily be implemented by a person skilled in the art.

Reference List

1

bicycle

2

bike frame

3

Frame section (down tube)

4

bottom bracket

5

first section

6

second section

7

Longitudinal axis of the first section

8th

Longitudinal axis of the second section

9

angle

10

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

17

engine device

18

end of the engine device

19

Coupling section of the engine device

20

Housing of the engine device

21

electromechanical coupling

22

angle

23

Longitudinal axis of the energy storage device

24

Longitudinal axis of the engine device

25

opposite end of the motor device

26

axis of rotation

27

first connector

28

second connector

29

messy contacts

30

electric motor

31

locking device

32

actuator

33

top

34

locking tab

35

locking groove

36

locking recess

Claims (15)

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 axle of the bicycle (1), wherein the motor device (17) and the energy storage device (13) are designed to be connected to one another by means of an electromechanical coupling (21) in such a way that 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), wherein the energy storage device (13) has a coupling section (16) at one end (15) and the motor device (17) has a corresponding coupling section (19) at an end (18) facing the energy storage device (13), and wherein the motor device (17) in the electromechanically connected state is electrically and mechanically connected directly to the energy storage device (13) by means of an electrical plug connection of the two coupling sections (16, 19). Drive device (12) after claim 1 , wherein 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 blade-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, in which the motor device (17) and the energy storage device (13) latch to one another in the electromechanically connected state and are releasably 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) about 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 of 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), especially 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 any one of the preceding claims, which is arranged on the frame section (3) in the area of the curved or angled course, wherein a motor device (17) and an energy storage device (13) are arranged at an angle to one another. bike (1) after claim 8 , wherein the drive device (12) is arranged as an assembly in the already coupled state to the frame section (3). Bicycle (1) after one of Claims 8 or 9 , wherein the drive device (12) such is arranged on the bicycle (1) in that before the electromechanical coupling (21) the energy storage device (13) is at least partially inserted into a tubular section of the frame section and then the motor device (17) is arranged on the frame section (3) in such a way that the electromechanical Coupling is formed. Bicycle (1) after one of Claims 8 until 10 , The motor device (17) and/or the energy storage device (13) being latched to the frame section (3). Bicycle (1) after one of Claims 8 until 11 wherein the frame section (3) has a locking device (31) which mechanically secures the drive device (12) to the frame section (3) after the drive device (12) has been arranged on the frame section (3). bike (1) after claim 12 , wherein the closure device (31) has an electrical switch for actuating the motor device (17). bike (1) after claim 12 or 13 , 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) after one of Claims 12 until 14 , wherein the closure device (31) has a display, esp. A touch display.

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