NL2031287B1 - Electric bicycle and charging device for use in such an electric bicycle - Google Patents

Electric bicycle and charging device for use in such an electric bicycle Download PDF

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Publication number
NL2031287B1
NL2031287B1 NL2031287A NL2031287A NL2031287B1 NL 2031287 B1 NL2031287 B1 NL 2031287B1 NL 2031287 A NL2031287 A NL 2031287A NL 2031287 A NL2031287 A NL 2031287A NL 2031287 B1 NL2031287 B1 NL 2031287B1
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NL
Netherlands
Prior art keywords
charging
bicycle
charging device
bicycle according
electric bicycle
Prior art date
Application number
NL2031287A
Other languages
Dutch (nl)
Inventor
Jonan Midas Carlier Ties
Hendrik Stehmann Job
Niellissen Jean-Paul
Original Assignee
Vanmoof Bv
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Publication date
Application filed by Vanmoof Bv filed Critical Vanmoof Bv
Priority to NL2031287A priority Critical patent/NL2031287B1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of NL2031287B1 publication Critical patent/NL2031287B1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62M—RIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR SINGLE-TRACK CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES
    • B62M6/00—Rider propulsion of wheeled vehicles with additional source of power, e.g. combustion engine or electric motor
    • B62M6/80—Accessories, e.g. power sources; Arrangements thereof
    • B62M6/90—Batteries
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
    • B62J11/00—Supporting arrangements specially adapted for fastening specific devices to cycles, e.g. supports for attaching maps
    • B62J11/10—Supporting arrangements specially adapted for fastening specific devices to cycles, e.g. supports for attaching maps for mechanical cables, hoses, pipes or electric wires, e.g. cable guides
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K19/00—Cycle frames
    • B62K19/30—Frame parts shaped to receive other cycle parts or accessories
    • B62K19/40—Frame parts shaped to receive other cycle parts or accessories for attaching accessories, e.g. article carriers, lamps

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric vehicle, in particular an electric bicycle, comprising a bicycle frame, said frame comprising at least one top tube, at least 5 one seat tube, a pair of chain stays connected, directly or indirectly, to said seat tube, and a pair of seat stays, each of which being connected, directly or indirectly, at one end to a chain stay and at another end to the seat tube and/or the top tube; at least two wheels connected to said bicycle frame, at least one an electric motor configured to drive at least one wheel, at least one rechargeable battery attached to 10 and/or accommodated within the bicycle frame, wherein said battery is configured to store electric energy to be supplied to the at least one electric motor. The invention also relates to a charging device for use in such an electrical vehicle, in particular electric bicycle.

Description

Electric bicycle and charging device for use in such an electric bicycle
The invention relates to an electric vehicle, in particular an electric bicycle, comprising a bicycle frame, said frame comprising at least one top tube, at least one seat tube, a pair of chain stays connected, directly or indirectly, to said seat tube, and a pair of seat stays, each of which being connected, directly or indirectly, at one end to a chain stay and at another end to the seat tube and/or the top tube; at least two wheels connected to said bicycle frame, at least one an electric motor configured to drive at least one wheel, at least one rechargeable battery attached to and/or accommodated within the bicycle frame, wherein said battery is configured to store electric energy to be supplied to the at least one electric motor. The invention also relates to a charging device for use in such an electrical vehicle, in particular electric bicycle.
Over the last 150 years, the bicycle has evolved to become one of the most efficient means of transportation in terms of conversion of energy into distance travelled. The efficiency of the bicycle has also been optimized to minimize the effort required by the rider. For instance, most modern bicycles include an efficient gear system to minimize rider effort. To further reduce the amount of human effort required to propel a bicycle, a variety of electric bicycles (e-bikes) have been introduced, wherein use is made of an electromotor as auxiliary power source to assist the manpowered pedalling process. These developments have resulted in faster bicycles, which facilitates bicycling at high speeds. The electromotor is powered by a rechargeable battery which is typically arranged within a down tube of the bicycle frame. The battery of the electric bicycle will have to be charged from time to time by connecting the battery to an external charger (charging terminal). To this end, the battery can be either disconnected from the bicycle frame or can be connected to a charging port of the bicycle which has the advantage that the battery does not have to be removed for charging. The charging port is located close to the battery and attached to the down tube or in or on a bottom surface of a front section of a top tube connected to said down tube.
It is an object of the invention to provide an improved electric bicycle, in particular an electric bicycle, which allows to the user to charge the bicycle’s battery in a more user-friendly manner.
This object can be met by providing an electric bicycle, comprising: - A bicycle frame, comprising: o at least one top tube, o atleast one seat tube, o a pair of chain stays connected, directly or indirectly, to said seat tube, and o a pair of seat stays, each of which being connected, directly or indirectly, at one end to a chain stay and at another end to the seat tube and/or the top tube, - at least two wheels connected to said bicycle frame, - at least one electric motor configured to drive at least one wheel, - at least one rechargeable battery attached to and/or accommodated within the bicycle frame, wherein said battery is configured to store electric energy to be supplied to the at least one electric motor, and - a charging device electrically connected or connectable, directly or indirectly, to at least one rechargeable battery, wherein the charging device comprises at least one charging port configured to co-act with an external charger to transfer electric energy from said external charger via the charging device to at least one battery, wherein the charging device is attached to at least one of said seat stays and/or to said seat tube and/or to a rear section of said top tube (preferably located behind the seat tube).
Due to the location of the charging device the present invention allows for a better access of the charging device. As such, a user may more easily connect an external charger to the bicycle in order to charge the battery thereof. In particular it is of benefit that the battery does not necessarily have to be removed from the bicycle in order to charge the bicycle. If a removable additional battery is attached to the frame, or incorporated in the frame, it is conceivable that also this additional battery may be charged via the charging device according to the invention. The placement of the charging device allows a user to connect an external charger easier, in particular in case the bicycle is stalled in a side-by-side configuration with other bicycles. This may for example occur in a public or private bicycle rack.
These racks mostly render the front of the bicycles in said racks to be hard to reach for user. This becomes even more relevant when trying to drag a charging cable of an external charger to the front, which may cause the cable to be entangled in the handlebar of adjacent bicycles. This may be circumvented by placing the bicycle in the rack in a reversed orientation, i.e., with the rear wheel inserted in the rack, however this turned out to be rather inconvenient, in particular with heavier electric bicycles. The present invention allows the user to reach the charging device from the back of the bicycle, which even in case of the side-by-side placement in a bicycle rack allows the user to reach the location with less hassle. To this end, preferably the charging device, in particular the charging port may be arranged in a line of sight of a user when standing next to a rear wheel of the bicycle, or behind a rear wheel of the bicycle. The placement of the charging device, in particular the charging port, may prevent the need to determine the location of the charging port blindly or by touch. Besides the aforementioned benefits of the present invention it may be conceivable that the location of the charging device allows for a more ergonomically operable charging device. By means of the present invention, the user may connect a charger without being urged into unpleasant positions. Also, it is not required to detach a battery which may incur heavy lifting by the user. The easily accessible location therefore allows the user to ergonomically connect an external connector. More preferably, said external connector may be connected to the charging device essentially without bending.
In a preferred embodiment, at least a part of the charging device is located in between said seat stays and/or wherein at least a part of the charging device is accommodated within the seat stays and/or within the seat tube. Placement of the charging device in these locations allow for the charging device to be easily reachable. Moreover, these locations, that is between the seat stays and/or at least partially accommodated within the seat stays and/or seat tube, allow the charging device to be easily connected to the battery. The battery may be located inside a tube of the bicycle, such as the bottom tube, or may be attached to a tube of the bicycle. Independent of the placement of the battery, the charging device may be connected thereto. Wires may as such be guided via the frame of the bicycle towards the battery. Furthermore, arranging the charging device at least partially inside the rear stays and/or seat tube allow the charging device to be easily connected thereto.
Preferably at least one charging port is oriented such that an interface and/or upper surface of the charging port is facing at least partially in upward direction. The interface of the charging port faces upwardly. This allows the connector to be connected to the charging port to be connected via a downward movement. Hence, during this movement, the charging port remains visible to the user since said interface is upwardly facing. The interface may be the face of the charging port comprising connections which co-act with an external charger. Where upward direction is mentioned, this should be understood broadly. In fact, upward direction may be understood as comprising at least a vertical component. The upward orientation moreover prevents mud that mud or water splashed from the wheels does not easily end up in the charging device. In a preferred embodiment at least one charging port is oriented such that an interface and/or upper surface of the charging port is oriented substantially parallel to at least a part of the seat stays, preferably at least a part of the seat stays to which the charging device is attached.
In particular, a plane defined by the interface or upper side of the charging device is substantially parallel to at least a part of the seat stays, in at least as seen from a side view. This orientation may allow the external charger to reach the charging port without getting entangled by other components of the bicycle, such as the fender, or the seat stays. As such, easy placement of the external charger may be established by a user. In a beneficial embodiment at least one charging port is oriented such that an interface and/or upper surface of the charging port is oriented substantially parallel to a part of the seat stays positioned adjacent to the charging port. The charging device, or at least an upper surface or interface thereof may be substantially flush with an exterior side of the seat stays adjacent to the charging device, in particular the charging port. The preferred location is also preferred since it is in an exposed part of the bicycle, which allow the user to easily reach the charging port with the external charger. In particular this may prevent the cable of the external charger to become entangled with other components of the bicycle.
Itis preferred that at least one charging port is oriented such that a plane defined by an interface and/or upper surface of the charging port, and a plane defined by the rear wheel mutually enclose, and/or intersect at, an angle of between 15 and 75 degrees, preferably between 30 and 60 degrees more preferably between 40 and 50 degrees. It is also conceivable that at least one charging port is oriented such that a plane defined by an interface and/or upper surface of the charging port, and a horizontal plane mutually enclose an angle of between 15 and 75 degrees, preferably between 30 and 60 degrees more preferably between 40 and 50 degrees. It has turned out that these orientations of the charging port allow the charging port to remain easily visible to a user standing besides a rear wheel 5 and/or to a user standing behind a rear wheel. This allows that the charging port remains in a line of sight of the user which allows the user to more easily detect the location of the charging port. This is beneficial since it prevents the user to look blindly for a charging port whilst manoeuvring the external charger.
Preferably, the charging device is configured to exchange data between the bicycle and the external charger. Preferably, the charging device is configured to communicate with the external charger (or vice versa). To this end the external charger may be provided with a communication system configured for communicating and/or exchanging data with the electric bicycle, in particular the charging device thereof. Said communication system may be ether wired or wireless, such as Bluetooth. Wired communication may be established between the charging device and the external charger via at least one data connector of the charging device, which data connector may be connected to or make integral part of a CAN communication bus, which CAN bus may be established while coupling the external connector. It is imaginable that the charging port comprises a plurality of connectors, wherein at least one of said plurality of connectors is formed by a data port (and/or a service port). By allocating at least one data port (and/or at least one service port) and at least one power port in the charging port, a simultaneous exchange of power and data between the bicycle, in particular at least one rechargeable battery and/or control unit thereof, and the external charging device (and/or external servicing device). The Bluetooth connection may be established when the bicycle is close enough to the external charger, and provides the benefit that the charging device and external charger may mutually communicate even when the charger is not yet coupled to the charging device. As such, the charging device may be configured to provide audible and/or visible feedback to the user in case an external charger is detected via the wireless communication. This feedback may be provided in order to warn the user that the bicycle should be charged. Hence, preferably the charging port is not only configured to charge one or more batteries of the bicycle, but also to exchange data with the external charger.
Preferably, at least one charging point comprises at least one contact point and/or contact pin and/or contact tube (contact sleeve) configured to physically co-act with a, preferably complementarily shaped, contact point and/or contact tube and/or contact pin of the external charger, in order to transfer electrical power and/or data.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention at least one charging port is formed by a charging plug configured to co-act with an external plug of the external charger. That is, the charging port of the invention is configured for receiving the external plug of the external charger. Said plug may as such be attached to a cable which is in electrical contact with the external charger. Preferably the charging plug of the charging device is a female charging plug and the external plug of the external charger is a male charging plug, or vice versa. A hybrid embodiment is also imaginable, wherein the charging plug is partially male and partially female.
The male plug preferably has at least one solid pin, whereas the female connector typically has at least one hole (or tube) for accommodating said at least one male pin.
Said external male charging plug is preferably electrically connected to the external charger via cables, which allows the external male plug to be manoeuvred towards the charging plug of the charging device according to the invention. Even though it is preferred that the external charging plug of the external charger is a male charging plug and that the charging plug of the charging device is a female charging plug, the opposite is not excluded, and may be a conceivable alternative.
Preferably, the charging plug is a keyed charging plug allowing the external plug to mate the charging plug in at least one predefined orientation, preferably one predefined orientation only. Said keyed charging plug allows for at least one unique coupling condition. The correct orientation may be provided on the external plug by means of an indicator. Such an indicator may for example be a visible indicator, such as a dot or an arrow. lt is however also conceivable that the external plug is configured for providing an audible indicator, such as a beep, whenever it is oriented correctly or incorrectly. The charging plug and the external plug typically include at least one power line (power connector), but may also include at least one data line (data connector). Preferably, the charging port, in particular the charging plug, comprises at least one connecting element having a shape which is complementary to at least one counterconnecting element of the external plug,
wherein the shape of said connecting element is asymmetric or symmetric with a single axis of symmetry. To this end, to the connecting element may, for example, be trapezium shaped. Such shapes will allow a connection between the charging port and the external plug in a single orientation only, and hence leads to a one- way fitment. Preferably, one or more connecting pins and/or holes for transfer of power and/or data are situated within said connecting element. It is imaginable that the charging port comprises at least two connecting pins and/or holes mutually having different dimensions, in particular diameters. This will for example lead to at least one smaller hole and at least one wider hole. This will further contribute to realize a keyed charging plug, and prevents misalignment of the external plug.
Preferably, the bicycle, and more preferably the charging device, in particular the charging port, comprises at least one indicator, preferably a visual indicator, such as at least one LED light, to provide information to the user relating to the charging process. It is imaginable that at least one visual indicator is positioned at a distance from the charging device, for example on the handlebar. For example, when a powered external plug is connected to the charging port, at least one indicator may blink, indicating that the at least one battery is charged, and may stop blinking once the charging process has been completed. The colour of the visual indicator may change during the charging process (for example from red to green). lt is imaginable that a plurality of adjacent of visual indicators is used, such as adjacent
LED indicator lights, wherein the LEDs indicate the status of the charging process, such as: a first light blinking means it is charged between 0%-25% and charging, a second light blinking means it s charged between 25%-50% and charging, a third light blinking means it is charged between 50%-75% and charging, and a fourth light blinking means it is charged between 75-100%. When all lights stay steadily lit, it may for example means that the at least one battery is fully charged. Preferably, the charging device and/or a control unit of the bicycle comprises a built-in battery protection systems to prevent overcharging and overheating.
Preferably, the charging device comprises a cover element for covering said charging plug, wherein the cover element is displaceable between an covered position, wherein the charging plug is covered, preferably watertightly sealed, by said cover element, and uncovered position, wherein the charging plug is left at least partially uncovered to allow the charging plug to co-act with the external plug, wherein the cover element is preferably pivotably and/or slidably connected to a housing of the charging device. The cover element is preferably at least partially composed out of a resilient material, such as a rubber or polymer material having similar material properties. This allows the cover element to seal the charging plug.
Additionally this allows the cover element to be connected on one side and hinged through its resilient and/or flexible properties. The resilient cover element may be attached to the frame and/or the charging device on one location, wherein the cover element may be hinged or folded around said location. The cover element may be attached to the charging device by means of an adhesive, and/or via bolts or screws, and/or by means of clamping. Preferably the charging port, in particular the charging plug, comprises at least one accommodating space, preferably at least one annular accommodating space, which preferably surrounds (circumvents) at least one, preferably all, contact points of the charging port. This accommodating space is preferably used to receive a part of the, preferably resilient, cover element, in particular a, preferably flexible, downwardly protruding annular rim of the cover element. Preferably, the width of the flexible of the rim is (slightly) larger than the width of the accommodating space, such that the rim can be clamped into the accommodating space, which secures the cover element with respect to the charging port, in particular the charging plug. Alternatively or additionally, said accommodating space of the charging port can be used to receive a part of the external charging plug. This will typically lead to a more firm connection between the charging port and the external plug, and hence to a more reliable connection between both components.
Preferably, the charging device, in particular the charging port, comprises at least one locking element to lock the cover element in closed state, wherein the cover element covers the charging port, and/or to lock the external plug in connected state to prevent an unintentional disconnection between the charging port and the external plug. Preferably said at least one locking element can be displaced between a locking state and an unlocking state. This displacement can be realized manually by a user, or, and this is commonly preferred, can be realized in an automated or semi-automated manner. Here, it is for example imaginable that the at least one locking element is (electronically) displaced from the unlocking state into the locking state upon locking of the bicycle. The locking of the bicycle is preferably monitored by at least one control unit which may trigger electronic displacement of the at least locking element into the locking state. In case the bicycle is not charged at that moment, the locking element(s) will typically lock the cover element in closed state, which not only prevents loosening of theft of the cover element, but which also protects the charging port positioned underneath said cover element. In case the bicycle is charged at that moment (by using the external plug), the locking element(s) will lock the external plug with respect to the charging port. The locking element(s) may, for example, comprise a locking pin or focking cam.
Preferably, the charging device, in particular the charging port, comprises at least one sealing element, such as an annular sealing element, configured to co-act with the external plug. This will typically improve the realization of a watertight connection between the charging port and the external plug.
Optionally, the charging device, in particular the charging port comprises at least one drainage opening and/or at least one drainage channel in order to drain (rain) water from the charging port. Such a drainage channel may be a linear channel, but is preferably a non-linear channel and/or a labyrinth channel. This will prevent water to enter the charging device, in particular the charging port, via the drainage channel. The drainage opening and/or drainage channel will typically connect to a lower section, such as a bottom section, of the charging device.
In a beneficial embodiment the charging port comprises a magnet and/or a ferromagnetic element configured to realize a magnetic connection with a ferromagnetic element and/or a magnet of an external plug. As such, the eternal plug may be at least partially self-guiding. As such, the user may navigate the external plug towards a predefined close surrounding of the plug of the charging device, the external plug will then automatically be pulled, via the magnetic forces, towards the plug of the charging device once close enough. This may realize an easier coupling mechanism between the plugs. Preferably the magnetic forces are sensible within a distance of about 0 cm to 5 cm of the charging port.
In a preferred embodiment at least one charging port is covered by at least one shielding layer. The shielding may reduce the electrical noise from affecting the signals, and to reduce electromagnetic radiation that may interfere with other devices. The shield minimizes capacitively coupled noise from other electrical sources. Preferably said shield is grounded.
Preferably at least one charging port is configured to wirelessly co-act with the external charger for transfer of electric energy and/or data. That is, the power may be transferred via inductive charging pads. To this end a wireless power, a transmitter device, driven by electric power from a power source, such as the external charger, generates a time-varying electromagnetic field, which transmits power across space to a receiver device, such as the plug of the charging device, which extracts power from the field and supplies it to an electrical load. As such the charging power may be wirelessly transmitted from the external charger to the battery of the bicycle. The wireless power transfer may be either near field wireless power transfer and/or far-field wireless power transfer. Preferably, the wireless power transfer is achieved via inductive coupling. Preferably, the transmitter device is connected or connectable to a power source such as a mains power line, which converts power to the time-varying electromagnetic field. At least one receiver receives the power and converts it back into DC or AC electric current which may be used by a load such as the battery. It is conceivable that a plurality or receivers are applied, preferably one for each battery of the bicycle {e.g., an internal battery and an add-on battery, such as a secondary battery). This allows all batteries to be charged simultaneously. Wireless data exchange may be achieved via for example
RF technology, Wi-Fi, and/or WLAN.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention at least one charging port is configured to unidirectionally or bidirectionally exchange data, preferably battery status related data, with the external charger. Communication between the charging device in the form of data exchange is advantageous for e.g., the control of the charger and/or charging device. For example, the charging device may be configured for communicating to the external charger the current state of charge of the battery. Hence, if the current state of charge of the battery of the bicycle passes a predefined threshold value, the charging device may send a stop data signal to the external charger to stop the charging process. Such a threshold value may be defined by a user. The user may define said threshold value via a user control unit. It is conceivable that the user is allowed to define the state of charge threshold value via a portable user computing device, such as a mobile phone, which is configured for communicating with the bicycle, in particular the user control unit thereof.
It is also of benefit if the external charger is configured for exchanging data with the bicycle, in particular the charging device thereof.
The external charger may for example comprise multiple charging ports, each charging port configured for being connected or connectable to an electric bicycle.
If all charging ports of the external charging device are connected to an individual bicycle, the total power of said external charger is to be divided in a predefined way over the connected bicycles.
Normally, the charging power will be distributed equally over the amount of bicycles connected to the external charger.
However, by allowing the external charger to communicate with the charging device, the charging device may receive information regarding a current charging power available by said external charger.
This allows the bicycle control unit to determine if the external charger is able to provide for the required power, and if not provide the user with optical or audible feedback.
It is of additional benefit if both the charging device and the external charger are configured for exchanging data with each other in a bidirectional manner.
As such, the charging device may communicate, such as in the form of data, to the external charger a requested charging power.
The external charger may communicate to the bicycle, in particular the charging device, in the form of data, an available charging power.
Either the bicycle control unit or a control unit of the external charger may determine whether the requested charging power is available by the external charger.
If the power requested is available, a positive feedback may be provided to the user of the bicycle by the bicycle, for example via a light or an audible signal.
Other data which may be unidirectionally and/or bidirectionally communicated in the form of data between the charging device and the external charger is the current state of charge, in order to ramp up or ramp down the current charge rate to prevent the battery from being overloaded.
Also, the power balance between the various cells may be communicated, such that the charger may execute a power balancing step during the charging process in order to keep the mutual differences in cell voltages at a minimum.
This may increase the lifespan of the battery of the bicycle.
The data communication may also comprise data received from a user, such as a desired start time of the charging process or a desired end time of the charging process.
As such, the user may request the bicycle to be fully charged in the morning.
The charging device will forward the data to the external charger which on its turn will compute the charging start time based on the desired end time.
Another aspect which may be of benefit based on the data communication is that the charger may send a data signal which tells the bicycle that the charging process is half way, and/or at a predetermined level, such as three quarter, and the bicycle may forward this to the user via an audible or visible signal. Preferably, at least one charging device is connected to a preferably powered, bicycle data bus, more preferably a
Controller Area Network bus (CAN bus). The CAN bus system allows the components of the bicycle to mutually communicate efficiently. Preferably, the external charger also comprises a data bus, such as a CAN bus, in order to communicate via said CAN bus to the bicycle. As such, the bicycle and the external charger may efficiently exchange a current status thereof.
Preferably the bicycle comprises at least one bicycle control unit, such as a main controller, a power controller, and/or a battery management system, positioned at a distance from the charging device, wherein at least one charging device is connected to at least one bicycle control unit via at least one bicycle data bus, such as a Controller Area Network bus (CAN bus). The battery management system may observe the battery status. As such the battery management system may shut down the battery or a part thereof in case of an error to protect the user. The power controller may be configured for arranging the flow of electric power through the bicycle. That is, if only a main battery is provided, the power controller may arrange the power from the external charger towards the main battery according to the specifications of said main battery, such as total voltage, and the like. If also a secondary battery is provided, the power controller may determine whether the charging power from the external charger is directed to the main battery and/or towards the secondary battery. This may be based on the data received by the power controller and/or by the bicycle control unit. The power controller as such may be controlled by the bicycle control unit.
According to a preferred embodiment, the charging device comprises a charging device control unit. The charging device control unit may control the charging device based on data received from a bicycle control unit and/or from a power control unit. The bicycle control unit may control for example if the ports are electrically connected to the batteries, and detect if the external charging plug is correctly inserted. Preferably, the charging port is configured as service port to exchange bicycle status related information between the bicycle and an external computer and/or to modify software stored in at least one bicycle control unit of the bicycle. That is, the service port may allow for a firmware update of the bicycle control unit. Also, the service port may allow for read out of error codes that may have been logged by any of the components, such as the bicycle control unit, of the bicycle. Alternatively, the charging device comprises at least one service port which is different form the charging port. The service port can be positioned at a distance from the charging port, although it is also imaginable that the service port at least partially overlaps with the charging port. It is imaginable that the charging port and the service port share at least one connector, for example at least one connector configured to transfer data.
It is conceivable that the charging device comprises a, preferably waterproof, housing accommodating said at least one charging port. The housing may be attached to any of the frame members of the bicycle. Preferably the housing is attached to at least one seat stay, preferably to the pair of seat stays. Additionally, the housing may be attached to the seat tube. This allows the housing to be rigidly attached to the bicycle frame, which may provide sufficient rigidity for inserting the plug of the external charger into the plug of the charging device. Preferably, the charging device is connected, directly or indirectly, by means of at least one wire to atleast one battery, wherein at least a part of said wire is accommodated within the seat tube. Accommodating the wire within the seat tube allows for a tight packaging of the charging system. Also, housing said wire inside the seat tube protects the wires from external impact. This also prevents that the wires are impacted by e.g., constant sunlight or the weather to influence the state of the wires, which may cause the sleeve of the electric wire to become brittle over time. To this end the seat tube preferably comprises at least one longitudinal wire compartment for guiding said at least wire and at least one at least partially, preferably entirely, separate longitudinal seat post compartment for accommodating at least a part of a seat post of the bicycle. As such adjusting the height of the saddle, and hence therewith the seat post of attached thereto, to damage the wires since these are guided in a different compartment. Preferably, said wire is guided through a circumferential wall of the seat tube, preferably at a location below the top tube.
According to a preferred embodiment, said wire is connected, directly or indirectly, with at least one charging port by means of at least one internal connector assembly. Preferably, said internal connector assembly is accommodated within the housing of the charging device, in order to protect the connector assembly.
According to an advantageous embodiment, the bicycle comprises a seat post at least partially accommodated within said seat tube, and preferably fixed with respect to said seat tube by means of at least one clamping element, and wherein an upper end of the seat post is connected to a saddle, wherein the saddle overhangs the charging device. In this respect, it is preferred that the charging device remains visible for a user standing next to the rear wheel of the bicycle and/or remains visible for a user standing behind the rear wheel of the bicycle. This allows the charging device to remain easily accessible, and will help the user to keep the charging device in sight when manoeuvring the charging port of the external charger towards the charging port of the charging device. Preferably, the seat stays are connected to the seat tube and/or the top tube at a distance from each other. As such, a space remains available for placement of the charging device according to the present invention. It is also conceivable that the seat stays are connected a rear side of the seat tube and/or a bottom side of the top tube.
Moreover, the seat stays may join each other above the rear wheel, and may be jointly connected to the seat tube and/or the top tube.
According to a preferred embodiment the charging device is welded and/or glued and/or screwed to the bicycle frame. It is beneficial to attach the charging device properly to the bicycle frame. As such, the charging device will be a solid basis for receiving a charging port of an external charging device. Preferably, the charging device is releasably attached to the bicycle frame. This may be of benefit in case of maintenance to the bicycle frame or maintenance to the charging device according to the invention. To this end, if a connector assembly is accommodated inside the housing of the charging device it is preferred that this connector is a quick release connector such that the connector may be easily disconnected from the charging device. Preferably the charging device comprises a polymer based casing. Such a casing is lighter than a metal based casing, which will save weight, and hence (electrical) energy.
The bicycle may comprise foot pedals, wherein said pedals are, directly or indirectly, connected to a crank set of the bicycle for propelling the bicycle. In particular, the bicycle is a pedal operable electric bicycle. Moreover, the bicycle comprises preferably at least one electromotor to drive at least one wheel of the bicycle. lt is preferred that the bicycle comprises a pedal-operated manpower driven system and an electromotor driven system in parallel to each other, wherein atleast one bicycle control unit is configured to control the output of the electromotor driven in response to a pedal depressing force of the manpower driven system.
The present invention is further related to a charging device for use in a bicycle according to one of the embodiments as described before. The same benefits apply to the charging device according to the invention as have been stipulated with respect to the electric bicycle above. These benefits are therefore incorporated by reference with respect to the charging device.
The present invention will hereinafter be further elucidated based on the following non-limitative drawings, wherein: - Figure 1 shows a part of a frame of a bicycle comprising a charging device according to the invention; - Figure 2 shows a part of a frame of a bicycle wherein an external charger is connected to the charging device; and - Figure 3 shows a cross section of a part of the bicycle frame; and - Figure 4 shows a schematic overview of a bicycle according to the invention.
Figure 1 shows a first non-limitative embodiment of the electric bicycle according to the invention. The figure depicts a part of a bicycle frame 1, wherein at least the seat tube 2, the top tube 3, and the seat stays 4, 5 are shown. The pair of seat stays 4, 5 is connected, e.g., by means of welding and/or gluing, to the seat tube 2 of the bicycle frame 1. Said frame 1 preferably further comprises a pair of chain stays, which for illustrative purposes are not shown in this figure. The chain stays may be connected to an end of the seat stays. In this embodiment a charging device 6 is located between the pair of seat stays 4, 5. The charging device 6 allows for charging at least one rechargeable battery. Said battery may be housed in a part of the bicycle frame 1 or may be attached to said frame 1 for supplying electric energy to an electric motor of the bicycle. This figure shows the charging device 6 without a cover element 10. Preferably, the cover element 10 is displaceable between a covered position, such as shown in figure 3, wherein the charging plug 8 is covered, preferably watertightly sealed, by said cover element 10, and uncovered position, wherein the charging plug 8 is left at least partially uncovered to allow the charging plug 8 to co-act with the external plug, wherein the cover element 10 is preferably pivotably and/or slidably connected to a housing 14 of the charging device.
The housing 14 of the charging device 6 may be connected to one of the seat stays 4, 5 or the seat tube 2 in order to provide an accommodating space for the charging plug 8. The charging plug 8 is preferably located on a surface 7 of the charging device 6 which is upwardly oriented.
As such, a male plug 9 as shown in figure 2 may be easily connected to the charging plug 8. This specific location is in particular easily reachable for a user.
In addition to provide for an easier to use charger or charging connector, the charging plug 8 is shaped in a predefined shape 15, which shape is configured to co-act with an external charger or charger connector 9. In particular to allow for a one-way fit of the external charger 9 into the charging plug 8. In this embodiment the charging plug 8 is substantially trapezoidal shaped or generally D-shaped.
The charging device 6, in particular the charging plug 8 may comprise a plurality of connecting pins or contact points 16. At least one of said contact points 16 may be configured for providing a charging current to an electric battery.
Preferably, at least one contact point 16 is configured for establishing a connection with a pint or contact point of the charger 9. This may allow for establishing a data connection between the charging device 9 and the charger.
As such, information regarding the battery may be exchanged.
Figure 2 shows a part of the bicycle frame 1, showing also the pair of seat stays 4, 5, and the seat tube 2. In this embodiment a male charger 9 is inserted in the charging plug 8 as shown in figure 1. Due to the fact that the external charger 9 and the shape 15 of the charging plug 8 are complementary and only allow a one-way fit it becomes easier for the user to connect the charger 9 to the plug 8. To this end, the charger 9 may be provided with an indicator which indicates a side of the charger 9 to be positioned upwardly to ensure a proper fit.
A part of the charger 9 may be provided with a relief, to provide for more grip when inserting the charger 9 into the charging plug 8. The male charging connector 9 may comprise a wall that encloses at least two of the charging pins 16. In coupled condition, this wall extends around the body of the charging plug 8 and may allow that water, such as rain water is guided along the outside thereof and preferably debouches via at least one drainage opening 19, preferably connected to an outer surface of the charging device to drain said water from the charging device. This effectively prevents water to reach the charging plug 8 or the charging pins 16 thereof. The water guided to the lower part of the housing and leaves through the drain opening 19 at the bottom.
Figure 3 shows a cross section of a part of a bicycle frame 1. The figure depicts a cross section of the top tube 3, and the seat tube. One seat stay 4, 5 is also shown in the figure. The figure further shows a cross-section of the charging device 6 as it is located between the two seat stays 4, 5. The seat tube 2 comprises a compartment 11 which accommodates a part of the cables 13 of the charging device 6. Said cables 13 may for example connect the battery to the charging device 6, such that the electrical power of the charger 9 may be routed towards the battery. Said cables 13 may comprise e.g., a power cable for providing an electric power, and a communication cable, such as a CAN cable, for establishing a communication between charger and battery. The cables are connected, directly or indirectly to the connection pins or contact points 16 of the charging device 6. In this figure, the charging device 6 is covered by a cover element 10. The cover element 10 may be attached to the charging device 6 by means of a screw ad/or bolt 20, and/or may be pivotably connected and/or slidably connected to the charging device 6. Said bolt 20 may clamp the, preferably resilient, material of the cover element 10 with respect to the housing of the charging device 6. This prevents moisture or water from entering the charging device 6 in case no charger is connected. Preferably, the cover element 10 comprises a sealing portion 12, which in this non limitative embodiment is formed by protrusions 12. The protrusions may co-act with a recess 17 provided in the charging device 6. Said sealing portion 12 is preferably partially resilient such as to ensure a proper seal between the charging port 8 and the exterior. This figure further shows that due to the upward facing surface 7 of the charging device 6 it remains easily accessible from the rear side of the bicycle. As such, a user may also easily connect a charger to the bicycle in case the bicycle is located in a rack. Optionally, the charging device 6, in particular the charging port 8 comprises at least one drainage opening 19 and/or at least one drainage channel in order to drain (rain) water from the charging port 8. Such a drainage channel may be a linear channel, but is preferably a non-linear channel and/or a labyrinth channel. This will prevent water to enter the charging device 6, in particular the charging port 8, via the drainage channel. The drainage opening 19 and/or drainage channel will typically connect to a lower section, such as a bottom section, of the charging device. It is conceivable that said drainage opening 19 is connected to a recess 17 provided in the charging device 7.
Figure 4 shows a schematic overview of a bicycle 200 according to the invention.
The bicycle 200 comprises a frame comprising a top tube 203, a seat tube 205, a bottom tube 206, a pair of seat stays 216, and a pair of chain stays 218. At the rear axis 219 a rear wheel 208 is rotatably arranged. The rear wheel may be powered by a used via a crank set 221. In order to drive de bicycle 200, the front side of the bicycle may comprise a handlebar 201, which may be rotatable with respect to the head tube 202 of the bicycle. The handlebar 201 may rotate the front wheel 207 which is arranged rotatably on a front axis 220. Said front wheel 207 may be held into place by means of the fork 217 which is rotatably coupled to the handlebar 201 of the bicycle 200. The handlebar 201 may be provided with a brake system 213 for allowing a user to apply a braking force. The handlebar 201 may comprise a first control unit 100, preferably arranged in a stem of the bicycle. Said first control unit may allow the accessory cables of the electronic accessories of the handlebar to be routed at least partially, preferably substantially entirely inside the frame of the bicycle 200. The first control unit 100 allows to reduce the amount of cables running through a steerer tube. One or more optical feedback units 214 may be arranged on and/or in the handlebar 201 for providing the user with optical feedback related to a bicycle status. Inside the bottom tube 206 a primary battery may be arranged for driving at least one electric motor which is arranged in the front axis 220 and/or rear axis 219. Optionally, a secondary battery 222 may be provided for extending the range of the bicycle 200. The primary battery inside the bottom tube 206 and/or the secondary battery 222 may be charged via a charging port 210 of the bicycle 200. The charging port 210 is arranged on a rear side of the bicycle in order to be easily accessible for a user. In this particular embodiment, the charging port 210 is arranged between the pair of seat stays 216 and attached to the seat tube 205 of the bicycle 200. In order for easily connecting the bicycle 200 to an external service device a service port 215 may be provided. In this embodiment the service port 215 is provided on a bottom side of the top tube 203 of the bicycle. Inside the top tube 203 at least one bicycle control unit may be provided. It is imaginable that at least one exposed exterior surface of at least one frame part comprises at least one antenna system. Said antenna system may be directly or indirectly mounted to said bicycle frame 203, 205, 206, 212, 216. The seat tube 205 further accommodates the seat post which may be attached to the saddle 204 of the bicycle 200. In order to increase the visibility of the user of the bicycle 200 during the evening or in the night time, the bicycle 200 may be provided with a front light module 212 and/or a rear light module 211. Said front light module 212 and rear light module 211 may allow for dynamic light patterns and/or for emitting light in at least a left and/or right direction. The bicycle 200 as shown in this figure is merely illustrative for the components thereof. It is explicitly noted that some aspects of the bicycle 200 as shown in this figure may be chosen by way of design. In particular shapes of the light modules 212, 211 may at least partially be shaped by design. Moreover, the shape of the tubes 202, 203, 205, 206 of the bicycle may also at least partially be chosen by way of design. Hence, the aesthetical appearance of the depicted embodiment are matters of design choice and can be varied or eliminated as desired.
The above-described inventive concepts are illustrated by several illustrative embodiments. It is conceivable that individual inventive concepts, including inventive details, may be applied without, in so doing, also applying other details of the described example. lt is not necessary to elaborate on examples of all conceivable combinations of the above-described inventive concepts, as a person skilled in the art will understand numerous inventive concepts can be (re)combined in order to arrive at a specific application and/or alternative embodiment.
The ordinal numbers used in this document, like “first”, “second”, and “third” are used only for identification purposes. Hence, the use of expressions like a “second” component, does therefore not necessarily require the co-presence of a “first” component. By "complementary" components is meant that these components are configured to co-act with each other. However, to this end, these components do not necessarily have to have complementary forms. The verb “comprise” and conjugations thereof used in this patent publication are understood to mean not only “comprise”, but are also understood to mean the phrases “contain”, “substantially consist of”, “formed by” and conjugations thereof.
it will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the working examples shown and described herein, but that numerous variants are possible within the scope of the attached claims that will be obvious to a person skilled in the art.
The aesthetical appearance and design of the working examples or details thereof, in particular as shown in the appended figures, is not technically determined, unless indicated otherwise, and is merely incorporate to demonstrate and clarify the inventive concept(s) described herein.
Hence, the aesthetical appearance of the depicted embodiments are matters of design choice and can be varied or eliminated as desired.
The owner of this patent document does moreover not disclaim any other rights that may be lawfully associated with the information disclosed in this document, including but not limited to, copyrights and designs associated with, based upon, and/or derived from the appended figures.

Claims (37)

ConclusiesConclusions 1. Elektrische fiets, bestaande uit: - Een fietsframe, bestaande uit: e ten minste één bovenbuis, e ten minste één zadelbuis, e een paar liggende achtervorken die direct of indirect zijn verbonden met de zadelbuis, en e een paar staande achtervorken, die elk direct of indirect aan het ene uiteinde zijn verbonden met een liggende achtervork en aan het andere uiteinde met de zadelbuis en/of de bovenbuis, - ten minste twee wielen die zijn verbonden met het fietsframe, - ten minste één elektromotor die is geconfigureerd om ten minste één wiel aan te drijven, - ten minste één oplaadbare batterij bevestigd of bevestigbaar aan en/of opgenomen in het fietsframe, waarbij de batterij is geconfigureerd om elektrische energie op te slaan die moet worden geleverd aan de ten minste ene elektromotor, en - een oplaadinrichting die, direct of indirect, elektrisch is verbonden met of kan worden aangesloten op ten minste één batterij, waarbij de oplaadinrichting ten minste één oplaadpoort omvat die is geconfigureerd om samen te werken met een externe oplader om elektrische energie over te dragen van de externe oplader via de oplaadinrichting op ten minste één batterij, waarbij de oplaadinrichting is bevestigd aan ten minste één van de staande achtervorken en/of aan de zadelbuis, en waarbij de oplaadinrichting bij voorkeur is geconfigureerd om gegevens uit te wisselen tussen de fiets en de externe oplader.1. Electric bicycle, consisting of: - A bicycle frame, consisting of: e at least one top tube, e at least one seat tube, e a pair of chain stays that are directly or indirectly connected to the seat tube, and e a pair of seat stays, which each connected directly or indirectly at one end to a chainstay and at the other end to the seat tube and/or top tube, - at least two wheels connected to the bicycle frame, - at least one electric motor configured to operate at least to drive at least one wheel, - at least one rechargeable battery attached or attachable to and/or incorporated into the bicycle frame, wherein the battery is configured to store electrical energy to be supplied to the at least one electric motor, and - a charging device electrically connected or connectable, directly or indirectly, to at least one battery, the charging device including at least one charging port configured to cooperate with an external charger to transfer electrical energy from the external charger via the charging device to at least one battery, wherein the charging device is attached to at least one of the seat stays and/or to the seat tube, and wherein the charging device is preferably configured to exchange data between the bicycle and the external charger. 2. Elektrische fiets volgens conclusie 1, waarbij ten minste een deel van de oplaadinrichting zich tussen de staande achtervorken bevindt.2. Electric bicycle according to claim 1, wherein at least part of the charging device is located between the seat stays. 3. Elektrische fiets volgens conclusie 1 of 2, waarbij ten minste een deel van de oplaadinrichting is opgenomen in de staande achtervorken en/of in de zadelbuis.3. Electric bicycle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least part of the charging device is accommodated in the seat stays and/or in the seat tube. 4. Elektrische fiets volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij ten minste één oplaadpoort zodanig is georiénteerd dat een interface en/of bovenopperviak van de oplaadpoort ten minste gedeeltelijk in opwaartse richting is gericht.4. Electric bicycle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one charging port is oriented such that an interface and/or top surface of the charging port is at least partially oriented in an upward direction. 5. Elektrische fiets volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij ten minste één oplaadpoort zodanig is georiënteerd dat een interface en/of bovenoppervlak van de oplaadpoort in hoofdzaak evenwijdig is georiënteerd aan ten minste een deel van de staande achtervorken, bij voorkeur ten minste een deel van de staande achtervorken waaraan het oplaadapparaat is bevestigd.5. Electric bicycle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one charging port is oriented such that an interface and/or top surface of the charging port is oriented substantially parallel to at least a part of the seat stays, preferably at least a part of the seat stays to which the charger is attached. 6. Elektrische fiets volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij ten minste één oplaadpoort zodanig is georiënteerd dat een interface en/of bovenoppervlak van de oplaadpoort in hoofdzaak evenwijdig is georiënteerd aan een deel van de staande achtervorken die aangrenzend aan de oplaadpoort is gepositioneerd.6. Electric bicycle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one charging port is oriented such that an interface and/or top surface of the charging port is oriented substantially parallel to a part of the seat stays that are positioned adjacent to the charging port. 7. Elektrische fiets volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij ten minste één oplaadpoort zodanig is georiënteerd dat een vlak gedefinieerd door een interface en/of bovenoppervlak van de oplaadpoort, en een vlak gedefinieerd door het achterwiel onderling een hoek tussen 15 en 75 graden, bij voorkeur tussen 30 en 60 graden, liever tussen 40 en 50 graden.7. Electric bicycle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one charging port is oriented such that a plane defined by an interface and/or top surface of the charging port, and a plane defined by the rear wheel mutually have an angle between 15 and 75 degrees, preferably between 30 and 60 degrees, more preferably between 40 and 50 degrees. 8. Elektrische fiets volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij ten minste één oplaadpoort zodanig is georiënteerd dat een vlak gedefinieerd door een interface en/of bovenoppervlak van de laadpoort, en een horizontaal vlak onderling een hoek tussen 15 en 75 graden insluiten, bij voorkeur tussen 30 en 60 graden, meer bij voorkeur tussen 40 en 50 graden.8. Electric bicycle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one charging port is oriented in such a way that a plane defined by an interface and/or top surface of the charging port and a horizontal plane mutually include an angle between 15 and 75 degrees, preferably between 30 and 60 degrees, more preferably between 40 and 50 degrees. 9. Elektrische fiets volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij ten minste één oplaadpoort wordt gevormd door een oplaadstekker die is geconfigureerd om samen te werken met een externe stekker van de externe oplader.Electric bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one charging port is formed by a charging plug configured to cooperate with an external plug of the external charger. 10. Elektrische fiets volgens conclusie 9, waarbij de oplaadstekker een vrouwelijke oplaadstekker is en de externe stekker een mannelijke oplaadstekker is.10. Electric bicycle according to claim 9, wherein the charging plug is a female charging plug and the external plug is a male charging plug. 11. Elektrische fiets volgens conclusie 9 of 10, waarbij de oplaadstekker een sleutelverbinding vormende oplaadstekker is die het de externe stekker toelaat om de externe stekker in slechts één vooraf gedefinieerde oriëntatie te koppelen.An electric bicycle according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the charging plug is a key connection charging plug that allows the external plug to be connected in only one predefined orientation. 12. Elektrische fiets volgens een van de conclusies 9-11, waarbij de laadinrichting een afdekelement omvat voor het afdekken van de genoemde oplaadstekker, waarbij het afdekelement verplaatsbaar is tussen een afgedekte stand, waarbij de oplaadstekker is afgedekt, bij voorkeur waterdicht afgesloten, door het afdekelement, en onbedekte positie, waarbij de oplaadstekker ten minste gedeeltelijk onbedekt wordt gelaten om de oplaadstekker te laten samenwerken met de externe stekker, waarbij het afdekelement bij voorkeur zwenkbaar en/of verschuifbaar is verbonden met een behuizing van de oplaadinrichting.12. Electric bicycle according to any one of claims 9-11, wherein the charging device comprises a covering element for covering said charging plug, wherein the covering element is movable between a covered position, wherein the charging plug is covered, preferably sealed watertight, by the covering element, and uncovered position, wherein the charging plug is left at least partially uncovered to allow the charging plug to cooperate with the external plug, wherein the covering element is preferably pivotally and/or slidably connected to a housing of the charging device. 13. Elektrische fiets volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de oplaadpoort een magneet en/of een ferromagnetisch element omvat, geconfigureerd om een magnetische verbinding te realiseren met een ferromagnetisch element en/of een magneet van een externe stekker.Electric bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the charging port comprises a magnet and/or a ferromagnetic element, configured to realize a magnetic connection with a ferromagnetic element and/or a magnet of an external plug. 14. Elektrische fiets volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij ten minste één oplaadpoort is afgedekt door ten minste één afschermlaag.14. Electric bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one charging port is covered by at least one shielding layer. 15. Elektrische fiets volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij ten minste één oplaadpoort is geconfigureerd om draadloos samen te werken met de externe oplader voor overdracht van elektrische energie en/of data.An electric bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one charging port is configured to cooperate wirelessly with the external charger for the transfer of electrical energy and/or data. 16. Elektrische fiets volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij ten minste één oplaadpoort is geconfigureerd om unidirectioneel of bidirectioneel! gegevens, bij voorkeur batterijstatus gerelateerde gegevens, uit te wisselen met de externe lader.An electric bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one charging port is configured to be unidirectional or bidirectional! exchange data, preferably battery status-related data, with the external charger. 17. Elektrische fiets volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij ten minste één oplaadinrichting is aangesloten op een bij voorkeur aangedreven fietsdatabus, met meer voorkeur een Controller Area Network-bus (CAN-bus).Electric bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one charging device is connected to a preferably powered bicycle data bus, more preferably a Controller Area Network bus (CAN bus). 18. Elektrische fiets volgens conclusie 17, waarbij de fiets ten minste één fietsregeleenheid omvat, zoals een hoofdregelaar, een vermogensregelaar en/of een batterijpeheersysteem, gepositioneerd op afstand van de oplaadinrichting, waarbij ten minste één oplaadinrichting via ten minste één fietsdatabus is verbonden met ten minste één fietsregeleenheid.18. Electric bicycle according to claim 17, wherein the bicycle comprises at least one bicycle control unit, such as a main controller, a power controller and/or a battery management system, positioned at a distance from the charging device, wherein at least one charging device is connected via at least one bicycle data bus to at least at least one bicycle control unit. 19. Elektrische fiets volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de oplaadinrichting een oplaadinrichting-regeleenheid omvat.19. Electric bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the charging device comprises a charging device control unit. 20. Elektrische fiets volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de oplaadpoort is geconfigureerd als servicepoort om fietsstatus gerelateerde informatie uit te wisselen tussen de fiets en een externe computer en/of om software te wijzigen die is opgeslagen in ten minste één fietsregeleenheid van de fiets.20. Electric bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the charging port is configured as a service port to exchange bicycle status-related information between the bicycle and an external computer and/or to change software stored in at least one bicycle control unit of the bicycle . 21. Elektrische fiets volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de oplaadinrichting een, bij voorkeur waterdichte, behuizing omvat waarin de ten minste ene oplaadpoort is opgenomen.21. Electric bicycle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the charging device comprises a, preferably waterproof, housing in which the at least one charging port is accommodated. 22. Elektrische fiets volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de oplaadinrichting door middel van ten minste één draad direct of indirect is verbonden met ten minste één accu, waarbij ten minste een deel van die draad is opgenomen in de zadelbuis.22. Electric bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the charging device is directly or indirectly connected to at least one battery by means of at least one wire, wherein at least part of that wire is included in the seat tube. 23. Elektrische fiets volgens conclusie 22, waarbij de zadelbuis ten minste één longitudinaal draadcompartiment omvat voor het geleiden van de genoemde ten minste ene draad en ten minste één ten minste gedeeltelijk, bij voorkeur geheel, afzonderlijk longitudinaal zadelpencompartiment voor het opnemen van ten minste een deel van een zadelpen van de fiets.23. Electric bicycle according to claim 22, wherein the seat tube comprises at least one longitudinal wire compartment for guiding said at least one wire and at least one at least partially, preferably completely, separate longitudinal seat post compartment for receiving at least a part of a bicycle seat post. 24. Elektrische fiets volgens conclusie 22 of 23, waarbij de genoemde draad door een omtrekswand van de zadelbuis is geleid, bij voorkeur op een locatie onder de bovenbuis.24. Electric bicycle according to claim 22 or 23, wherein said wire is guided through a peripheral wall of the seat tube, preferably at a location under the top tube. 25. Elektrische fiets volgens een van de conclusies 22-24, waarbij de genoemde draad direct of indirect is verbonden met ten minste één oplaadpoort door middel van ten minste één intern connectorsamenstel.Electric bicycle according to any one of claims 22-24, wherein said wire is directly or indirectly connected to at least one charging port by means of at least one internal connector assembly. 26. Elektrische fiets volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de fiets een zadelpen omvat die ten minste gedeeltelijk is opgenomen in de zadelbuis, en bij voorkeur is vastgezet ten opzichte van de zadelbuis door middel van ten minste één klemelement, en waarbij een boveneinde van de zadelpen is verbonden met een zadel, waarbij het zadel over de oplaadinrichting hangt.26. Electric bicycle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bicycle comprises a seat post that is at least partially accommodated in the seat tube, and is preferably secured relative to the seat tube by means of at least one clamping element, and wherein an upper end of the seat post is connected to a saddle, with the saddle hanging over the charging device. 27. Elektrische fiets volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de staande achtervorken op afstand van elkaar met de zadelbuis en/of de bovenbuis zijn verbonden.27. Electric bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the seat stays are connected to the seat tube and/or the top tube at a distance from each other. 28. Elektrische fiets volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de staande achtervorken zijn verbonden met een achterzijde van de zadelbuis en/of een onderzijde van de bovenbuis.28. Electric bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the seat stays are connected to a rear side of the seat tube and/or an underside of the top tube. 29. Elektrische fiets volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de staande achtervorken boven het achterwiel op elkaar aansluiten, en gezamenlijk zijn verbonden met de zadelbuis en/of de bovenbuis.29. Electric bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the seat stays connect to each other above the rear wheel and are jointly connected to the seat tube and/or the top tube. 30. Elektrische fiets volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de oplaadinrichting aan het fietsframe is gelast en/of gelijmd en/of geschroefd.30. Electric bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the charging device is welded and/or glued and/or screwed to the bicycle frame. 31. Elektrische fiets volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de oplaadinrichting losneembaar aan het fietsframe is bevestigd.31. Electric bicycle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the charging device is detachably attached to the bicycle frame. 32. Elektrische fiets volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de oplaadinrichting, in het bijzonder de oplaadpoort, ten minste één, bij voorkeur verplaatsbaar, vergrendelingselement omvat om een afdekelement in gesloten toestand te vergrendelen, waarbij het afdekelement de oplaadpoort afdekt, en/of om de externe stekker in aangesloten toestand te vergrendelen.32. Electric bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the charging device, in particular the charging port, comprises at least one, preferably movable, locking element for locking a cover element in the closed position, wherein the cover element covers the charging port, and/or for lock the external plug in the connected state. 33. Fiets volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de fiets voetpedalen omvat, waarbij de pedalen direct of indirect zijn verbonden met een crankstel van de fiets voor het voortbewegen van de fiets.33. Bicycle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bicycle comprises foot pedals, wherein the pedals are directly or indirectly connected to a crankset of the bicycle for propelling the bicycle. 34. Fiets volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de fiets een met een pedaal bedienbare elektrische fiets is.34. Bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bicycle is an electric bicycle that can be operated with a pedal. 35. Fiets volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de fiets ten minste één elektromotor omvat om ten minste één wiel van de fiets aan te drijven.35. Bicycle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bicycle comprises at least one electric motor to drive at least one wheel of the bicycle. 36. Fiets volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de fiets parallel aan elkaar een door een pedaal bediend en door mankracht aangedreven systeem en een door een elektromotor aangedreven systeem omvat, waarbij ten minste één fietsregeleenheid is geconfigureerd om de output van de elektromotor te regelen die wordt aangedreven in reactie op een pedaalindrukkende kracht van het door mankracht aangedreven systeem.A bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bicycle comprises in parallel a pedal-operated man-powered system and an electric motor-driven system, wherein at least one bicycle control unit is configured to regulate the output of the electric motor which is actuated in response to a pedal pressing force from the man-powered system. 37. Oplaadinrichting voor gebruik in een fiets volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies.37. Charging device for use in a bicycle according to any of the preceding claims.
NL2031287A 2022-03-15 2022-03-15 Electric bicycle and charging device for use in such an electric bicycle NL2031287B1 (en)

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3372482A1 (en) * 2017-03-07 2018-09-12 Hong Xue Frame for electrically-assisted vehicle and electrically-assisted vehicle
EP3428051A1 (en) * 2017-07-14 2019-01-16 ZEG Zweirad-Einkaufs-Genossenschaft eG Bicycle frame for electric bicycles and electric bicycle with such a frame
US20200354017A1 (en) * 2017-08-24 2020-11-12 Mahle International Gmbh Electric motor device for pedal assist bicycles

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3372482A1 (en) * 2017-03-07 2018-09-12 Hong Xue Frame for electrically-assisted vehicle and electrically-assisted vehicle
EP3428051A1 (en) * 2017-07-14 2019-01-16 ZEG Zweirad-Einkaufs-Genossenschaft eG Bicycle frame for electric bicycles and electric bicycle with such a frame
US20200354017A1 (en) * 2017-08-24 2020-11-12 Mahle International Gmbh Electric motor device for pedal assist bicycles

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