DE102022125224A1 - Pedal, electromechanical drive system, electric vehicle and stationary sports equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

In order to improve the ease of use of electric vehicles (19) but also electric sports equipment (26) or other electromechanical drive systems (18), each of which can be operated by muscle power using a drive crank (2) and a pedal (1) attached to it, it is proposed that the pedal (1) has at least one tread or grip surface (5) which is suspended in a vibration-damped manner on or from a pedal axle body (3) of the pedal (1), which in turn is mechanically connected to the drive crank (2) in a rotationally fixed or rotatable manner. Such a design has the advantage that vibrations which are introduced into the drive crank (2) by a generator (23) connected to it are only transmitted in a dampened manner via the tread or grip surface (5) to a user who moves the pedal (1) with his foot or hand.

Description

The invention relates to a pedal, which can be designed in particular as a foot pedal or as a hand pedal, and which can be attached to a drive crank. The pedal is thus designed to connect to the drive crank and to drive the drive crank. The pedal can be used to rotate the drive crank (either with a foot or with a hand), in particular in order to drive an electric generator by means of the drive crank. As usual, the pedal includes a pedal axle body which is designed to be attached to the drive crank and defines a pedal axle. Furthermore, the pedal has (at least) one tread or grip surface, depending on whether it is designed as a foot pedal or as a hand pedal. In the case of a hand pedal, the grip surface can, for example, be cylindrical or even have an ergonomic shape that is adapted to the human hand.

The invention further relates to an electromechanical drive system that can be driven by muscle power. This drive system can, for example, form part of an electric vehicle or be part of a stationary electric sports device, such as a home trainer, an ergometer or a spinning bike. The drive system comprises an electric drive motor and an electric generator. If necessary, the drive system can also comprise an electric accumulator.

The generator can be used to generate generator current, which can be used, for example, to power the accumulator and/or the drive motor. In other words, by operating the generator, electrical power can be generated that can be fed into either the accumulator or the drive motor.

The invention also relates to an electric vehicle, which can be designed in particular as an electric bicycle, an electric cargo bike, or for example as an electric pedal boat. And finally, the invention relates to a stationary sports device, which can be designed in particular as a home trainer, as a spinning bike or as an ergometer.

In the state of the art, so-called "SERIAL HYBRID" drive systems are known that make it possible, for example, to operate an electric vehicle such as an electric cargo bike without a chain, i.e. without a mechanical drive train, but only using an electric drive train, but still using muscle power. "SERIAL HYBRID" systems are also referred to as "CHAINLESS" systems or "PEDAL-BY-WIRE" systems.

"Serial hybrid" systems typically include an electromechanical generator (often referred to as an alternator in reference to classic automotive technology), which can be driven by a user using muscle power via a crank with attached foot pedals; a battery or an electrical accumulator; an electric drive motor for driving at least one of the wheels; and a drive control. The electric drive motor can be designed as a hub motor, for example.

A “Serial hybrid” system therefore requires neither a chain, as in classic bicycles, nor a drive belt to transmit a driving force/torque supplied by the user to the driven wheel, since the transmission is purely electrical (electric drivetrain). The user thus operates the electromechanical generator while driving by pedaling the cranks or turning the cranks with his arms and thus generates an electrical generator current flow. This current flow, optionally supplemented by another current flow from the accumulator, is transmitted purely electrically to the drive motor as electric drive current. The drive motor then uses the current flow to generate a mechanical drive torque to drive the driven wheel.

One advantage of the "serial hybrid" systems is the increased reliability of the components compared to a traditional mechanical drive train, as maintenance or repairs for chains and drive belts are no longer necessary. Despite these technical advantages, the market is currently still dominated by Pedelecs, i.e. electric bicycles, typically with an electric mid-engine that uses a classic mechanical drive train based on a chain or drive belt. Pedelec can be understood here as a "pedal electric bicycle", which is a bicycle with electrical support: the electric motor supports the rider, but is only used when the rider is pedaling.

Based on this, the invention is based on the object of improving the usage properties of a “PEDAL-BY-WIRE” drive train. In particular, a high level of comfort for the user should be made possible.

This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments The embodiments are described in the subclaims.

To solve the stated problem, the features of claim 1 are provided according to the invention. In particular, according to the invention, in order to solve the problem with a pedal of the type described above, it is proposed that the tread or grip surface of the pedal is connected to the pedal axle body in a vibration-decoupled manner. In addition or as an alternative to this, it can also be provided that the tread or grip surface of the pedal is mounted movably relative to the pedal axle body. In particular, the tread or grip surface of the pedal can be mounted so as to be displaceable transversely to the pedal axis.

Thus, a pedal is proposed in which a tread or grip surface provided by a tread or grip surface element can perform a compensating movement relative to the pedal axle body, namely transversely to the pedal axis.

The advantage of such a pedal is that if vibrations are introduced into the drive crank on which the pedal is mounted, these vibrations are necessarily transferred from the drive crank into the pedal axle body; but that these vibrations of the pedal axle body, due to the movable mounting of the tread or grip surface, are only transmitted in a weakened form to the said tread or grip surface and thus to the foot of the user who is stepping on or with the pedal applied to his hands. As a result, the user of the pedal can operate the drive crank relatively comfortably via the pedal without being unpleasantly disturbed by excessive vibrations in his foot or hand. Especially when using the pedal on a drive crank of an electric generator of an electric vehicle or a stationary electric sports device, the comfort of use for the user can be significantly improved.

The invention has thus recognized that many “pedal-by-wire” systems (particularly when the generator mentioned has a multi-stage gear, for example a planetary gear) tend to cause mechanical vibrations during operation. The reason for this seems to be that the generator itself emits vibrations in certain operating states as soon as it is operated with muscle power. These vibrations can then be passed on, for example, to a supporting structure, in particular a frame of the “pedal-by-wire” electric vehicle, where acoustic amplification can occur. However, the vibrations are also transmitted to the drive crank that operates the generator and can therefore have a negative impact on the driving comfort and safety of a user of the electric vehicle.

Due to the movable and preferably damped mounting of the tread or grip surface according to the invention, the transmission of said vibrations to the foot or to the hand of the user (depending on whether a foot or hand pedal is designed) can be effectively prevented or at least greatly reduced. The invention thus increases ease of use but also safety. In particular, the design according to the invention effectively reduces vibration transmission from the drive crank to the user's limbs.

Alternatively or in addition to the previously explained features, it is provided according to claim 2 to solve the problem mentioned at the outset that the tread or grip surface is fastened on the pedal axle body so as to be displaceable transversely to the pedal axle against the restoring force of at least one restoring element. Alternatively or in addition to this, it can also be provided that the tread or grip surface is mounted on the pedal axle body in a vibration-damped manner by means of at least one damping element. This pedal according to claim 2 can also be designed with the features according to claim 1.

Such designs also make it possible in particular for vibrations emanating from the pedal axle body to be transmitted to the tread or grip surface only in a dampened manner. Here too, the vibrations can originate from a generator to which the drive crank on which the pedal is mounted is attached. This means that these vibrations travel from the generator via the drive crank to the pedal axle body of the pedal according to the invention, but from there only in a weakened form to the foot or hand that operates the pedal.

The above explanation can also be understood to mean that, in order to solve the problem, an arrangement is proposed in particular which comprises a generator, with at least one drive crank connected to the generator (preferably, however, a pair of two drive cranks can be provided which are attached to the generator to the left and right thereof), and wherein a pedal according to the invention is mounted on the (in particular respective) drive crank.

The generator in question, often also referred to as an alternator, can be driven by muscle power using the drive crank or the pedal mounted on it and can thus provide an electrical generator current during operation. The The generator can also have its own housing. As will be explained in more detail, this generator current, which is generated by muscle power when the pedal is pressed and which is supplied by the generator, can be used in a variety of ways, for example to charge a battery or as drive current to operate a drive motor in an electromechanical drive system.

In other words, the generator is thus set up to convert mechanical drive power supplied by the user, which is introduced into the generator via the pedal and the drive crank, into electrical drive power. The idea here is that the mechanical drive torque provided by the user should no longer be transmitted to a drive in the classic mechanical way, but purely electrically, namely after conversion into the generator current using the generator.

• Der Pedalachskörper und/oder das Trittelement, welches die Tritt- oder Grifffläche bereitstellt, kann/können beispielsweise aus Metall oder aus einem hochfesten und abriebfesten Kunststoff gefertigt sein. Als geeignete Materialien bieten sich hierfür etwa Aluminium an oder der Kunststoff PA66, um nur zwei Beispiele zu nennen.

Advantageous embodiments of the pedal according to the invention are described below, which can be combined alone or in combination with the features of claim 1 or claim 2:

• The pedal axle body and/or the tread element, which provides the tread or grip surface, can be made, for example, of metal or of a high-strength and abrasion-resistant plastic. Suitable materials for this include aluminum or the plastic PA66, to name just two examples.

The invention has in particular recognized that said vibrations are transmitted into the pedal and can produce very unpleasant effects in the user's foot or palm area when the pedal/drive crank is used over long periods of time. The invention avoids precisely these effects by movably mounting the tread or grip surface of the pedal. The aim of the invention is, in particular, to provide a driver with a vibration-free feeling when stepping on the pedal (which typically occurs with a weight of less than 85 kg). For this purpose, it can be provided, for example, that four springs are provided as restoring elements, each with a spring constant of just under 40 N/mm. Of course, more than four springs can also be used, for example in order to be able to distribute the force resistance more precisely over the tread or grip surface and/or to be able to lower it at certain points, for example.

The pedal axle body of the pedal can offer at least one receptacle in which the at least one restoring element and/or the at least one damping element is inserted. This can, for example, ensure that the restoring element and/or the damping element is/are supported on the pedal axle body.

In other words, it can be provided that the user can transfer the driving force that he applies to the tread or grip surface to the pedal axle body by means of the at least one return element and/or the at least one damping element. If the pedal axle body is attached to a drive crank, the driving force can ultimately be transferred to the drive crank.

If one or more restoring elements are used, it can be provided that an average total restoring force constant, which acts on the treading or gripping surface due to the at least one restoring element during the displacement of the treading or gripping surface, is at least 100 N/mm, particularly preferably even at least 120 N/mm. If, for example, four compression springs are provided as the respective restoring element, each of these springs can have a spring force constant of 40 N/mm. As a result, a total restoring force constant of 160 N/mm can act on the first tread or grip surface as soon as it is moved transversely to the pedal axis by applying a driving force.

As already explained, when a force is applied to the tread or grip surface, the tread or grip surface (i.e. in particular a tread or grip element that forms the tread or grip surface) can move transversely to the pedal axis. For this purpose, a guide body can also be provided so that the tread or grip surface can be moved transversely to the pedal axis along this at least one guide body. The at least one guide body can in particular be formed by the pedal axis body itself. Alternatively, the at least one guide body can also be mounted on the pedal axis body and thus be formed as a separate body.

In the embodiments explained above, it is generally preferable if the tread or grip surface returns to an initial position (independently) without being subjected to any load, i.e. when no force is acting on the tread or grip surface, driven by the restoring force of the at least one restoring element.

The at least one restoring element can, for example, be designed as a compression spring. A design as a tension spring would also be conceivable, in which case the tread or grip surface would have to be hung on a support structure that is above the tread or grip surface.

Furthermore, it is preferred if at least three, particularly preferably even at least four, restoring elements, in particular three or even four compression springs, are provided for the respective tread or grip surface.

The respective compression spring or the respective return element can be held in position in particular by means of a screw connection.

The at least one return element can preferably be held in position by means of a respective fastening means. Such a fastening means can be, for example, a screw or a screw sleeve.

A preferred embodiment of the pedal provides that the mentioned tread or grip surface is a first tread or grip surface and the pedal also has a second tread or grip surface. These first and second tread or grip surfaces can be opposite each other, preferably they are aligned parallel to each other. Such an embodiment is particularly suitable for a foot pedal.

The second tread or grip surface is preferably also connected to the pedal axle body in a vibration-decoupled manner. In addition or alternatively, it can also be provided that the second tread or grip surface is mounted so that it can move relative to the pedal axle body, i.e. in particular that it can be displaced transversely to the pedal axle. Furthermore, it is preferable if the second tread or grip surface is also mounted so as to be displaceable transversely to the pedal axis against the restoring force of at least one restoring element.

It can also be provided that the second tread or grip surface is also mounted on the pedal axle body in a vibration-damped manner by means of at least one damping element.

Alternatively, the pedal axle body can also form the second tread or grip surface. In this case, the second tread or grip surface is mounted immovably relative to the pedal axle body. In other words, the second tread or grip surface can be firmly mounted on the pedal axle body or can be formed by it. In all of these cases, the second tread or grip surface is immovable in relation to the pedal axle body. This has the advantage that in this case a direct and undamped power transmission from the second tread or grip surface to the pedal axle body is made possible via the second tread or grip surface. In this case, the user can decide whether he transfers his driving force to the pedal axle body via the first vibration-damped tread or grip surface or, undamped, directly via the second undamped tread or grip surface. In such configurations, the first tread or grip surface can be movable towards the second tread or grip surface against the restoring force of the at least one restoring element.

In the previously explained different embodiments of the pedal with first and second tread or grip surfaces, but also in embodiments in which the pedal only has a single (first) tread or grip surface, the pedal axle body can be connected in different ways with an associated drive crank, in particular the previously mentioned drive crank of the said arrangement according to the invention, can be connectable: For example, the first tread or grip surface and/or the second tread or grip surface can each (i.e. in particular together) be rotatably mounted on the pedal axle body. In this case, the pedal axle body itself is connected to the drive crank in a rotationally fixed manner after it has been completely assembled on the drive crank. This means that the pedal axle body constantly rotates with the drive crank. Accordingly, the tread or grip surfaces must then be able to rotate relative to the pedal axle body in order to enable proper operation of the pedal, which is achieved by the rotatable bearing.

Alternatively, the pedal axle body can also form a bearing surface with which the pedal axle body can be rotatably mounted on or in a drive crank.

For example, said bearing surface can form a cylindrical outer surface of the pedal axle body, which can then be rotatably mounted in a corresponding cylindrical inner surface of the drive crank. In such configurations, the pedal axle body can be rotatably connected or connected to the drive crank. In such a configuration, the first tread or grip surface and/or the second tread or grip surface can each be mounted on the pedal axle body in a rotationally fixed manner (with respect to the pedal axle).

Of course, it is preferred if a (preferably sealed) bearing is arranged between the bearing surface of the pedal axle body and the drive crank. This is because it is possible to achieve a rotating bearing of the pedal axle body in the drive crank with as little friction as possible. In addition, it is also possible to provide a damping element at this coupling point between the drive crank and the pedal. This damping element between the drive crank and the pedal axle body can then effectively prevent or reduce the transmission of vibrations from the drive crank to the pedal axle body.

According to one embodiment, it is therefore provided that the pedal axle body can be connected to the drive crank in a rotationally fixed manner, in particular screwed. Such an embodiment can preferably be implemented by means of an external thread on the pedal axle body. Furthermore, it is provided that the tread, in particular the first tread and/or the second tread, are each rotatably mounted on the pedal axle body. With such an embodiment, the respective tread can thus rotate relative to the pedal axle body about the pedal axis. This is easily possible, for example, by providing a separate pedal body that is rotatably mounted in the pedal axle body. The respective tread can then be mounted on the pedal body in a rotationally fixed manner, whereby the mobility of the tread relative to the pedal body should of course be designed by corresponding embodiments, as previously explained with reference to the pedal axle body, in order to enable the desired damping of vibrations according to the invention. In such a design, the pedal body belonging to the pedal axle body can also be understood as part of the multi-part pedal axle body, so that all the descriptions given above with reference to the pedal axle body can then be applied to the pedal body. For example, the pedal body can then provide the receptacles in which the respective return element and/or damping element is inserted, which then enables the relative movement of the tread or grip surface to the pedal body.

To solve the problem, an electromechanical drive system is also proposed, which can be driven by muscle power using a drive crank. Such a drive system can be designed, for example, as part of an electric vehicle such as an electric bicycle or an electric pedal boat, or, for example, as part of a cable winch. The drive system includes an electric drive motor and an electric generator. The generator can be operated with the drive crank and thus supply generator power. This generator current can be used, for example, to charge an accumulator of the drive system and/or to power the drive motor.

The drive system according to the invention is characterized in that the generator is or can be driven by means of at least one drive crank and that a pedal according to the invention is also mounted on the drive crank. This pedal can therefore be designed as described above or according to one of the claims directed to a pedal. If, for example, two drive cranks are provided, each mounted to the left and right of the generator in order to be able to cause the generator to rotate about a generator axis, a pedal according to the invention can be mounted on each of these drive cranks.

Such an electromechanical drive system can be used advantageously in a variety of applications, in particular to enable an electric drive train to be controlled using muscle power, i.e. by actuating said drive crank. The comfort for the user is significantly increased because the vibrations that can occur during operation of the generator are only transmitted to the pedal in a dampened manner. In particular, this means that there is no unpleasant tingling sensation in the user's feet or hands when vibrations from the generator spread along the drive crank and from there to the pedal axle body of the pedal.

To solve the problem, an electric vehicle is also proposed, which can be designed in particular as an electric bicycle, an electric cargo bike or, for example, as an electric pedal boat. This electric vehicle is characterized in that it has a drive system which is designed according to the invention. This drive system of the electric vehicle can therefore be designed as described above or according to one of the claims directed to a drive system.

Such an electric vehicle can, for example, also be designed as an electric recumbent bicycle using a hand crank.

The electric vehicle may include a powered element. This driven element or drivable element can in particular be designed as a driven impeller or, for example, as a driven boat propeller. The driven element or the drivable element can thus be driven with the electric drive motor of the drive system. This can happen in particular through a gearbox. For example, a transmission gear can be arranged between the drive motor and the driven element, so that a mechanical drive train is formed between the driven element and the drive motor. However, the muscle power introduced by the user is still converted by the generator into a generator current and the corresponding electrical power is supplied purely electrically via an electric transmitted from the drive train to the drive motor.

This electric vehicle is also characterized in that at least one, but preferably two drive cranks are mounted on the said generator of the drive system of the electric vehicle, with which the generator can be operated, with a pedal according to the invention being mounted on the/each drive crank. By operating the generator, i.e. by actuating the at least one pedal which is mounted on the drive crank of the generator, a generator current can be provided to power the drive motor.

Pressing the pedal here means that the user steps on the pedal or operates it with at least one hand; i.e. the respective drive crank, which is mounted on the generator, is rotated using the respective pedal in order to drive the generator with muscle power and thus generate an electrical generator current.

Last but not least, a stationary electric sports device is also proposed to solve the problem. This sports device can be designed, for example, as a home trainer, as a spinning bike, or as an ergometer. This sports device is also characterized by the fact that it has a drive system which is designed according to the invention. The drive system can therefore be designed as previously explained or according to one of the claims directed to a drive system.

Preferably, this stationary sports device also has at least one driven element, which can be driven by the electric drive motor of the drive system of the sports device. This drive can also be carried out in particular by a gearbox. A gearbox or, for example, just a mechanical transmission element, such as a chain or a drive belt, can therefore be provided between the driven element and the drive motor. This means that the drive motor does not necessarily have to implement a direct drive of the driven element. With this stationary sports equipment, too, a generator current can be provided for energizing the drive motor by operating the generator, i.e. by operating the at least one pedal, which is attached to a drive crank of the generator.

The advantage of such sports equipment, for example if it is designed as a spinning bike, is that through a suitable design of the generator the user can be given a pedal feeling or crank resistance that is adjustable. The resistance that the user experiences when moving the pedal can therefore be changed in particular continuously or steplessly. This can be done by means of a drive control that electrically generates an adjustable electromechanical feedback torque in the generator.

Using the adjustable feedback torque, different load levels on the sports equipment can be set very easily, in particular electronically. This can be used, for example, to simulate different driving resistances on a spinning bike that occur when riding uphill or, for example, when riding against the wind.

With conventional purely mechanical spinning bikes, the user can only adjust the load that he has to overcome on the spinning bike by mechanically changing the braking effect that acts on the driven element, which is typically driven purely mechanically via a drive crank. The solution according to the invention offers the advantage here that, with the help of the electric drive train, which is provided by the drive system designed according to the invention, the load that the user must overcome by operating the drive crank/pedal can be specified electronically. The adverse vibrations that are transmitted to the drive crank when using a generator can be effectively minimized in their effect on the user by the design of the pedal according to the invention. This means that such a stationary electric sports device can be used with a high level of comfort for the user.

If the drive control sets the feedback torque high, the user must overcome a high resistance when operating the generator, in addition to the resistance that arises solely from generating the generator current in the generator (high load level for the user). If, on the other hand, the feedback torque is reduced electronically, the mechanical resistance that the user has to overcome when moving the pedal decreases (low load level for the user).

Using an electronic drive control, the feedback torque can be changed, particularly steplessly, in order to adjust the load for the user. Such a change in the feedback torque can be done in particular depending on the speed of the drive crank and/or the generator. With this approach, very complex loads can be courses can be set or simulated so that even complex driving situations can be simulated, comparable to the situation when a cyclist suddenly encounters the beginning of an incline or has to fight against the beginning of a gust of wind.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the electric sports device is electronically connected to a display unit, preferably in the form of a screen, on which a virtual current position of the driver is displayed, depending on a current mechanical power that the user generates by operating the pedal in the drive system of the sports device, more precisely with the said generator of the drive system. For this purpose, a computer simulation known in the prior art can be used, as is already used in virtual training rides on spinning bikes.

One possible application is to display the user of the stationary electric sports equipment as a virtual rider on a bicycle on the screen, with the current position and/or speed of the rider being adjusted depending on the current electrical power output by the user, which he generates via the generator.

In order to provide the most realistic driving experience possible, the display unit is also intended to show information about the current virtual road conditions, in particular the gradient and/or current wind conditions. It is also intended that a current load level, which can be set by electronically changing the feedback torque, is adjusted depending on a current virtual gradient of the road profile and/or a current virtual wind flow situation displayed on the screen. The feedback torque can be controlled by an electronic drive control of the sports equipment.

Such an approach creates a correspondence between the real load state that the user of the sports equipment feels through his muscles when moving the pedals and the driving situation that is displayed to the driver by means of the display unit.

For example, it would be conceivable that the user would recognize a road situation on the screen in which an incline begins at some distance. As soon as the driver (i.e. the virtual pedant of the user of the sports device on the screen) encounters the incline in question, which is then displayed accordingly on the screen, the drive control adapts the current load state on the sports device to the incline of the road that the driver is driving virtually straight back on the screen. This makes it possible to use this stationary sports device to set real loads that are dictated by a virtual driving situation as displayed on the screen.

In order to implement such functions, a control unit, in particular in the form of a computer, can be provided, which is set up to control the display unit and / or to give the drive control specifications with regard to the electromechanical load to be set on the electrical generator, i.e. the feedback torque explained. The user feels this load as soon as he moves the pedal. This control unit can regulate the feedback torque but also specify the display on the screen.

The driven element of the sports equipment can be designed, for example, as a running wheel or as a flywheel. Such an impeller or flywheel can preferably be suspended so that it can rotate. Furthermore, it can also be additionally or alternatively provided that this impeller/flywheel is braked, for example mechanically or electromagnetically. Such a design of the sports equipment has the advantage that driving situations can be better simulated because the braking of the impeller/flywheel provides an additional opportunity to dissipate kinetic energy that is generated in the drive system. Another possibility for dissipating electrical energy that is generated in the drive system by the user in the generator is to use the generator current to charge a battery or simply to dissipate it in a load resistor.

A drive system according to the invention therefore preferably also includes an accumulator. However, this is not absolutely necessary, especially when using the drive system in a stationary sports device. Rather, the generator current flow generated by the user with the generator may be sufficient under certain circumstances to simulate a real load situation.

The invention will now be described in more detail using exemplary embodiments, but is not limited to these exemplary embodiments. Further developments of the invention can be obtained from the following description of the exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the general description, the claims and the drawings.

In the following description of various preferred embodiments of the invention, elements that have the same function are given the same reference numbers even if they have a different design or shape.

• 1 eine Explosionsansicht eines erfindungsgemäß ausgestalteten Pedals samt einer zugehörigen Antriebskurbel, an welcher das Pedal befestigt werden kann und
• 2 ein weiteres Beispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Pedals in einer Explosionsansicht,
• 3 da erfindungsgemäße Pedal aus 2 im zusammengebauten Zustand und montiert an einer Antriebskurbel und
• 4 ein Beispiel der Nutzung eines erfindungsgemäßen Pedals an einem Elektrofahrzeug beziehungsweise einem stationären elektrischen Sportgerät.

It shows:

• 1 an exploded view of a pedal designed according to the invention including an associated drive crank to which the pedal can be attached and
• 2 another example of a pedal according to the invention in an exploded view,
• 3 the pedal according to the invention 2 in assembled condition and mounted on a drive crank and
• 4 an example of the use of a pedal according to the invention on an electric vehicle or a stationary electric sports device.

The 1 shows a pedal 1 designed according to the invention, which can be mounted on the drive crank 2, which is also illustrated. The drive crank 2 can be used together with the pedal 1 to operate an electrical generator 23 with muscle power and thus generate an electrical generator current. The generator 23 (cf. 4 ) thus converts the mechanical power supplied by the user via the pedal 1 into electrical power.

How to 1 As can be clearly seen, the pedal 1 has a pedal axle body 3. The pedal axle body 3 forms a cylindrical pin on the drive crank side, which can be rotatably mounted in the bearing 27 shown. The bearing 27 is then inserted together with the pedal 1 into a corresponding receptacle 33 of the drive crank 2, with the bearing 27 being anchored there in a rotationally fixed manner.

The pedal 1 is designed as a foot pedal and therefore has a tread element 29, which forms a tread surface 5 and is designed in the form of a rigid plate. The pedal 1 could, for example, also be designed as a hand pedal, then with a grip surface element 29, which forms a grip surface 5 for gripping with the hand. This grip surface 5 could, for example, be designed cylindrical.

In 1 the tread element 29 is connected to the pedal axle body 3 via the four screws 13 shown. More precisely, the respective screws 13 are screwed into corresponding screw sleeves 14, which in turn are slidably mounted in corresponding receptacles of the pedal axle body 3. For this purpose, the screw sleeves 14 are inserted from below into corresponding holes in the pedal axle body 3 up to the stop and then screwed with the screws 13. Four restoring elements 6 in the form of compression springs 10 are arranged between the pedal axle body 3 and the tread surface element 29 forming the tread surface 5. The tread element 29 is therefore mounted on the restoring elements 6 and is therefore connected to the pedal axle body 3 in a vibration-decoupled manner.

In other words, as soon as a user steps on the tread element 29, the tread 5 can move transversely to the (in 1 by means of the dashed line illustrated) pedal axle 4 to the pedal axle body 3. The movable mounting of the tread 5 is realized by means of the screw sleeves 14, which each serve as a guide body 9, since the cylindrical outer surfaces of the screw sleeves 14 each offer a sliding surface along which the compression springs 10 shown can move as soon as the tread 5 is loaded with a force.

In the 1 Only indicated with dashed lines are four elastomer elements, which can each be arranged within the compression springs 10 or can be used as an alternative to the compression springs. These elastomer bodies, which can preferably be made from a synthetic rubber or from another elastic material, serve as a damping element 7 and can thus dampen the movement of the tread 5 relative to the pedal axle body 3.

The restoring elements 6 themselves can also be designed with damping properties, so that all such configurations can provide a damping element 7 in the sense of the invention, with which the tread surface 5 can be mounted on the pedal axle body 3 in a vibration-damped manner.

All of the previously described possible embodiments of a pedal 1 according to the invention make it possible for vibrations which emanate from the generator 23 and are introduced into the drive crank 2 to possibly still be transmitted to the pedal axle body 3, but only in a dampened manner from the pedal axle body 3 to the tread 5 and thus to the user who places his foot on the tread 5 of the pedal 1.

The said restoring elements 6 in the form of the compression springs 10 shown but also the damping elements 8 not shown can each be supported on the pedal axle body 3, as shown in FIG 1 the exploded view shown is easy to understand.

If a user steps on the tread 5 and moves it against the restoring force of the four 1 shown reset elements 6, the user must overcome a reset force constant of these reset elements. The total reset force constant provided by the reset elements of the foot pedal 1 can preferably be at least 100 N/mm.

When the user steps on the foot pedal 1, more precisely on its tread 5, the tread element 29 moves towards the pedal axle body 3, whereby the tread 5 moves along the four guide bodies 9 shown transversely to the pedal axle 4.

In the 1 In the foot pedal 1 according to the invention shown, the tread 5, more precisely the tread element 29, is connected to the pedal axle body 3 in a vibration-decoupled manner and is thereby movably mounted to the pedal axle body 3 and can also be mounted on the pedal axle body 3 in a vibration-damped manner by means of at least one damping element 7. However, the tread 5 is mounted on the pedal axle body 3 in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to the pedal axle 4. This is because as soon as the pedal axle body 3 rotates around the pedal axle 4 (the current position of which is predetermined by the current position of the drive crank 2) due to the bearing provided by the bearing 27, the tread 5, more precisely the tread element 29 (which forms the tread 5) rotates with the pedal axle body 3, as can be seen from the exploded view of the 1 can easily understand.

One in 1 An alternative option, not shown, would be to connect the pedal axle body 3 to the drive crank 2 in a rotationally fixed manner. This would be possible, for example, by means of a screw connection that is formed on the pedal axle body 3 using an external thread. In this case, the respective tread surface 5 would have to be rotatably mounted on or in the pedal axle body 3. Such a configuration can be realized, for example, by providing a separate pedal body which is rotatably mounted in the pedal axle body 3. In this case, the at least one tread surface 5, i.e. in particular the first tread surface 15 and/or the second tread surface 16, can then be mounted in a rotationally fixed manner on the said pedal body, with all previously explained configurations relating to the restoring elements 6 or the damping elements 7 or the guide body 9 could then be designed accordingly on the pedal body. Such a design is in principle known to those skilled in the art from classic pedals that can be screwed into an internal thread of a drive crank, which represents a widespread design.

The 4 shows how a foot pedal 1 according to the invention (which is only shown schematically in the drawing) can be used advantageously on an electromechanical drive system 18 in order to increase the ease of use for the user of the drive system 18. Shown is a frame 31 that could be used to build either an ergometer or a spinning bike as a stationary sports device 26 or, for example, to build a mobile electric vehicle 19 in the form of an electric bicycle.

How to 4 sees, the drive system 18 according to the invention comprises an electric drive motor 21 in addition to an electric generator 23, which can be operated by muscle power via two drive cranks 2, each with foot pedals 1 designed according to the invention attached to it. The drive motor 21 is designed as a hub motor and drives a driven element 25 in the form of a running wheel (indicated only as a dashed oval). In the case of an electric vehicle 19, this running wheel 25 would generate the propulsion; in the case of a stationary sports device 26, the running wheel could, for example, drive a braked roller or the running wheel could be replaced by a (also braked) flywheel, such as is used on a spinning bike.

If the user at the in 4 shown drive system 18 enters the pedals 1 according to the invention, it actuates the respective drive crank 2 and thereby sets the electric generator 23 in rotation. Here, the mechanical drive torque, which is introduced via the respective drive crank 2, is implemented by means of a transmission 24 integrated into the generator 23, whereby higher speeds of rotation of the generator 23 are possible.

The generator 23 generates a generator current as a result of its rotation. This generator current is measured by an electronic drive control 20, which forms part of the drive system 18. The drive control 20 then supplies a drive current to the drive motor 21, using not only the generator current from the electrical generator 23, but also a current taken from an accumulator 22, although this is not absolutely necessary. The drive motor 21 is thus rotated by means of these drive currents, which drives the hub of the impeller or flywheel and thus causes the driven element 25 to rotate.

The main advantage of the present invention is that the energy generated in the internal gear 24 during operation of the generator 23 The vibrations that are transmitted from the generator 23 to the drive crank 2 are only transmitted to the user in a dampened form via the respective tread 5. If the user uses the sports equipment 26 shown in the form of a spinning bike and pedals 1 with full force, the vibrations that emanate from the gear 24 of the generator 23 are no longer perceived as disturbing by the user.

Another important advantage of such a system is that the electronic drive control 20 can set an electromechanical feedback torque that the user must overcome when pedaling 1 by appropriate electrical control of the generator 23. The user thus receives haptic feedback from the drive system 18. This makes it possible, for example, to electronically control the load that the user experiences when pedaling with the drive system 18 according to the invention on a spinning bike.

To improve the comfort when operating a drive crank 2, which is mounted on an electric generator 23, a pedal 1 is proposed, among other things, which offers at least one tread or grip surface 5, which is suspended from a pedal axle body 3 of the pedal 1 in a vibration-damped manner. This can effectively prevent vibrations emanating from the generator 23 from being transmitted via the drive crank 2 and the pedal 1 to the foot or hand of the user who operates the pedal 1 with muscle power (cf. 1 ). It is also proposed to use such a pedal 1 in order to drive a generator 23 of an electromechanical drive 18 of a mobile electric vehicle 19 or a stationary electrical sports device 26, such as an ergometer (cf. 4 ).

Reference symbol list

1

Pedal (in particular designed as a foot pedal or hand pedal)

2

Drive crank

3

Pedal axle body

4

Pedal axle

5

Tread or grip surface

6

Reset element

7

Damping element

8th

Recording (for 6 and/or 7)

9

Guide body

10

Compression spring

11

Screw connection

12

Fasteners

13

Screw (with external thread)

14

Screw sleeve (with internal thread)

15

first step or grip surface

16

second step or grip surface

17

storage area

18

Drive system

19

(mobile) electric vehicle

20

electronic drive control

21

Drive motor, for example designed as a hub motor

22

accumulator

23

electric generator

24

Gearbox (integrated in 23, in particular designed as a planetary gearbox)

25

driven element and/or drivable element

26

Sports equipment (e.g. standing on feet)

27

camp

28

Washer

29

Step or grip surface element (forms 5)

30

Through hole (for 13)

31

Frame

32

Power line (for forwarding a drive current to 21 or for forwarding a current flow from 22)

33

Recording (on 2 to record 1 and/or 27)

Claims (15)

Pedal (1), in particular for driving a drive crank (2) of an electric generator (23), - with a pedal axle body (3), which is designed for attachment to a drive crank (2) and defines a pedal axle (4), and with a Tread or grip surface (5), characterized in that - the tread or grip surface (5) is connected to the pedal axle body (3) in a vibration-decoupled manner and/or movable to the pedal axle body (3), in particular displaceable transversely to the pedal axle (4), is stored. Pedal (1) according to the generic term of Claim 1 , especially according to Claim 1 , characterized in - that the tread or grip surface (5) counteracts the restoring force of at least one restoring element (6) is mounted on the pedal axle body (3) so as to be displaceable transversely to the pedal axle (4) and/or - that the tread or grip surface (5) is mounted on the pedal axle body (3) in a vibration-damped manner by means of at least one damping element (8), - preferably so that vibrations that emanate from the pedal axle body (3), in particular these vibrations starting from the generator (23) via the drive crank (2) reach the pedal axle body (3), are only transmitted to the tread or grip surface (5) in a damped manner. Pedal (1) according to Claim 2 , wherein the pedal axle body (3) has at least one receptacle (8) in which the at least one return element (6) and/or the at least one damping element (7) is inserted, in particular so that the at least one return element (6) and/or the at least one damping element (7) is supported on the pedal axle body (3). Pedal (1) according to Claim 2 or 3 , wherein an average total restoring force constant, which acts on the tread or grip surface (5) due to the at least one restoring element (6) upon displacement of the tread or grip surface (5), is at least 100 N/mm, particularly preferably at least 120 N/mm. Pedal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein when a force is applied to the tread or grip surface (5), the tread or grip surface (5) can be displaced along at least one guide body (9) transversely to the pedal axis (4), - in particular, wherein the at least one guide body (9) is formed by the pedal axle body (3) or is mounted on the pedal axle body (3), - preferably wherein the tread or grip surface (5) returns to a starting position without being acted upon, driven by the restoring force of the at least one restoring element (6). Pedal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one return element (6) is designed as a compression spring (10), - preferably wherein at least three, particularly preferably at least four, return elements (6), in particular compression springs (10), are provided for the tread or grip surface (5) and/or - wherein the respective compression spring (10) is held in position by means of a screw connection (11). Pedal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one restoring element (6) is held in position by means of a respective fastening means (12), preferably by means of a respective screw (13) or a respective screw sleeve (14). Pedal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mentioned tread or grip surface (5) is a first tread or grip surface (15) and wherein the pedal (1) also has a second tread or grip surface (16), wherein the first and the second tread or grip surface (15) are opposite one another, preferably and are aligned parallel to one another, - preferably wherein the second tread or grip surface (16) is also connected to the pedal axle body (3) in a vibration-decoupled manner and/or is mounted so as to be movable relative to the pedal axle body (3), in particular transversely to the pedal axle (4), preferably displaceable against the restoring force of at least one restoring element (6). Pedal (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the second tread or grip surface (16) is mounted on the pedal axle body (3) in a vibration-damped manner by means of at least one damping element (7). Pedal (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the pedal axle body (3) forms the second tread or grip surface (16) and/or - wherein the second tread or grip surface (16) is fixedly mounted on the pedal axle body (3), - in particular wherein the second tread or grip surface (16) is immovable to the pedal axle body (3) in order to enable a direct and undamped transmission of force from the second tread or grip surface (16) to the pedal axle body (3) and/or - wherein the first tread or grip surface (15) is movable against the restoring force of the at least one restoring element (6) towards the second tread or grip surface (16). Pedal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the pedal axle body (3) can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the drive crank (2), in particular screwed, preferably by means of an external thread on the pedal axle body (3), and wherein the tread or grip surface (5 ), in particular the first tread or grip surface (15) and / or the second tread or grip surface (16), are each rotatably mounted on the pedal axle body (3), - in particular by means of a separate pedal body, which is rotatable in the pedal axle body (3 ) is mounted, wherein the tread or grip surface (5), in particular the first tread or grip surface (15) and / or the second tread or grip surface (16), are mounted on the pedal body in a rotationally fixed manner. or - wherein the pedal axle body (3) forms a bearing surface (17) with which the pedal axle body (3) can be rotatably mounted on a drive crank (2), - In particular, the first tread or grip surface (15) and/or the second tread or grip surface (16) are mounted on the pedal axle body (3) in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to the pedal axle (4). Electromechanical drive system (18), which can be driven by muscle power with the aid of at least one drive crank (2), in particular wherein the drive system (18) is designed as part of an electric vehicle (19) or, for example, as part of a cable winch, the drive system (18) - an electric drive motor (21) and - an electric generator (23) for energizing an accumulator (22) and / or the drive motor (21), characterized in that - the generator (23) by means of the at least one drive crank (2) , preferably mediated by an internal gear (24) of the generator (23), can be driven, and - that a pedal (1) according to one of the preceding claims is mounted on the at least one drive crank (2). Electric vehicle (19), in particular designed as an electric bicycle, as an electric cargo bike, or as an electric pedal boat, characterized in that - the electric vehicle (19) has a drive system (18) according to the preceding claim, - preferably and at least one driven element (25), in particular designed as a driven impeller or as a driven boat propeller, which can be driven with the electric drive motor (21) of the drive system (18), in particular via a gearbox, - in particular by operating the generator (23) by means of Actuation of the at least one pedal (1) a generator current for energizing the drive motor (21) can be provided. Stationary electrical sports equipment (26), in particular designed as a home trainer, as a spinning bike, or as an ergometer, characterized in that - the sports equipment (26) has a drive system (18) according to Claim 11 has, - preferably and at least one driven element (25), which can be driven with the electric drive motor (21) of the drive system (18), in particular via a gearbox, - in particular by operating the generator (23) by actuating the at least a pedal (1) a generator current for energizing the drive motor (21) can be provided. Stationary sports equipment (26) according to the preceding claim, wherein the driven element (25) - as a driven, preferably rotatably suspended and/or mechanically or electromagnetically braked impeller or - Is designed as a flywheel, preferably rotatably suspended and/or mechanically or electromagnetically braked.

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