TW202300396A - Bicycle frame power socket assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bicycle frame power socket assembly for a bicycle frame for connecting a bicycle’s on-board computer and/or battery to a subsystem of the bicycle which is connectable to the on-board computer and/or battery, this connectability being achieved by means of the bicycle frame power socket, comprising: a frame portion assembly for arranging or mounting on a frame portion, comprising: a power socket connector, for cooperating with a plug connector, securing means for attaching the power socket connector with respect to the frame portion for insertion of the plug connector, wherein: the power socket connector is connectable or connected to the on-board computer and/or connectable or connected to the battery of the bicycle, and wherein the plug connector is connectable or connected to the subsystem, and the power socket connector for insertion of the plug connector is attachable or attached such that it is secured fixedly, or fixedly for the purpose of insertion, to the frame portion, thereby providing a power socket function on the bicycle frame.

Description

Bicycle rack power socket assembly

The invention relates to a bicycle frame power socket assembly, which is used to provide the power socket function for the bicycle frame, which can connect the bicycle on-board computer and/or power source provided inside the bicycle frame to the bicycle and can communicate with the on-board computer And/or the subsystem of power source supply connection, this connection capability is achieved through the power socket of the bicycle frame. The present invention also relates to a bicycle, more specifically, an electric bicycle provided with the above-mentioned bicycle rack power socket assembly.

It is a well-known practice on bicycles to use wires to connect lights to the engine or battery. It is also common practice to connect the electric motor used to drive the bicycle to a battery located inside or outside the frame. In order to provide the above connections, cables are usually used to connect the battery to the motor. A disadvantage of conventional cable arrangements is that, even though the cables can be disconnected via connectors, their assembly or maintenance is rather inconvenient.

In order to solve the shortcomings of the previous claims, the present invention provides a frame power socket assembly used on a bicycle frame, which is used to connect the on-board computer and/or power source inside the bicycle, which is preferably fixed on the frame, to the bicycle A subsystem that can be connected to the on-board computer and/or power source supply, this connection capability is achieved through the bicycle frame power socket, and the frame power socket assembly includes:

A frame section assembly, which is arranged or mounted on a frame section, such as a frame tube or a fork, such as a front fork, seat stay or chainstay, the frame section Assembly includes:

a power socket connector, preferably implemented as a male or female connector, mated with a plug connector,

The fixing means and/or preferably at least one installation element are used to attach the power socket connector to the frame part for insertion of the plug connector, wherein:

The power socket connector, preferably for relaying a control connection and/or data connection from the on-board computer, can be connected or connected to the on-board computer and/or, preferably is used to provide a power supply connectable or connected to the battery of the bicycle and wherein the plug connector is connectable or connectable to the subsystem, and

the power socket connector for insertion of the plug connector is attachable or tethered to the frame portion so that the power socket connector is substantially fixed or fixed for insertion purposes to the frame portion, Thereby, a power socket function is provided on the bicycle frame.

The advantage of this bicycle frame power socket assembly is that, in terms of assembly and/or maintenance, the power socket function is provided on the bicycle frame to facilitate plugging of the plug connector. This allows this subsystem to be conveniently connected to the bicycle's on-board computer and/or battery. When assembling the bicycle, the function of the power socket is preferably to provide power supply, data connection and/or control means via, for example, a control signal from an on-board computer. In this case, the on-board computer is preferably capable of switching the bicycle on and off based on appropriate input from the rider, such as via an input via a mobile phone application or from the rider. Enter the activation access code for the bicycle. In this case, the power socket assembly has both the functions of data connection and power connection. Advantageously, the bicycle rack power socket assembly or its preferred power socket assembly forms part of the cable connection or wiring harness between the on-board computer and the subsystem.

Advantageously, the power socket function of the bicycle frame power socket assembly can further provide a subsystem that can be easily disassembled by pulling the plug connector from the power socket connector, so as to facilitate maintenance of the bicycle.

According to the first preferred embodiment, the frame part assembly includes a cavity formed on the frame part corresponding to the position of the bicycle frame power socket assembly and/or the power socket connector. Preferably, the concave cavity is arranged inside or outside the frame part. Via such a cavity, the bicycle frame power socket assembly or the power socket connector can advantageously be at least partially or completely disposed within the frame portion. The advantage of such a design is that it can reduce the space occupied by the bicycle rack power socket assembly or the power socket connector outside the frame portion or make it relatively hidden from view. Another advantage of such a design is that since only a small portion of the bicycle frame power socket assembly or power socket connector extends outside the frame, it can be protected from damage.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the frame part assembly partly includes a mounting element which can be mounted inside, in the middle and/or outside of the opening penetrating the wall of the frame part. In this way, it is beneficial that the power socket function of the bicycle rack power socket assembly, such as its power socket connector, can be installed at this position. Preferably, the fixing means is constituted by at least one mounting element for attaching the power socket connector to the frame part.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the frame assembly has both a cavity and a mounting component, and preferably the power socket connector is disposed in the cavity and/or the position of the mounting component. By combining the cavity with the mounting element, the bicycle rack power socket assembly or power socket connector thereof can be located at least partially within the frame portion, and the power socket connector can be positioned at least partially outside the frame portion. In this way, the power socket connector may be beneficially attached to or partly within the frame portion. This achieves an optimal combination of advantages such as protection, visually concealing the bicycle rack power socket assembly, and access to the power socket connector via the plug connector.

More preferably, the bicycle rack power socket assembly includes a cover element for covering the power socket connector when the plug connector is inserted into the power socket connector. In this way, the connection between the power socket connector and the plug connector can be covered during use. Advantageously, the bicycle rack power socket assembly or the opening through the bicycle frame portion can be covered during use. In this way, the cover element helps to improve the protection and safety of the bicycle rack power socket assembly. Preferably, the cover element is connected or connectable to the mounting element. For this purpose, the cover element and the mounting element are preferably provided with cooperating coupling elements for detachably connecting the cover element to the mounting element.

Preferably, the cover element provides and/or forms a channel for the plug connector and/or a cable between the plug connector and the subsystem to pass through, and the cover element preferably comprises a cable Wire guide groove. With such a channel, dust and moisture can be further prevented from entering by performing this step on the cable in an arrangeable manner. More beneficially, the cable guiding groove covers a certain length of the cable to further prevent dust and moisture from entering. Advantageously, the cable guide slots may provide direction for the cables to their destinations, such as subsystems. In this way, the cable guide groove has the advantage of preventing or reducing load-induced abrasion of the cables, eg, due to tensile loads where they exit the frame section assembly.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the power socket connector and the plug connector create a moisture-proof and/or substantially watertight connection, for example according to IPxx standards, in particular IP69 and/or IP66. Utilizing this connection advantageously protects the connector or connector pins of the power socket connector from moisture or corrosion. Furthermore, advantageously, the orientation of the bicycle rack power socket assembly is not a determining factor regarding the risk of undue moisture ingress. It may thus be arranged substantially horizontally.

According to another embodiment, the power socket connector and the plug connector comprise connector pins suitable for carrying a current, such as a motor supply current, at a voltage of up to 100 volts, preferably below 80 volts , preferably less than 72 volts, more preferably less than 60 volts, more preferably less than 50 volts, for example, between 12 volts and 48 volts, and at an amperage of up to 100 amperes , preferably less than 80 A, more preferably less than 60 A, more preferably less than 40 A. In this way, it is advantageously arranged so that the power socket assembly is suitable for powering the drive motor of the bicycle.

More preferably, the power socket connector and the plug connector include connector pins suitable for transmitting signals or data signals. In this way, it is advantageously arranged such that the power socket assembly is suitable for providing control and data signals to individual subsystems. According to the preferred embodiment described below, the bicycle rack power socket assembly advantageously provides the connection between the on-board computer and the bicycle drive motor, wherein both the current used to drive the motor and the measurement signal from the motor can be managed by the power socket assembly .

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the bicycle frame power socket assembly is mounted in or on a frame tube or a fork, such as the seat tube or down tube, and the fork is, for example, a Fork, seat stay or chain stay. In this way, it is advantageously arranged so that during the assembly of the bicycle frame, when installing the on-board computer and/or the drive battery, all necessary connections in the frame can take advantage of the connections already made in the frame. The installation is accomplished by wiring, for example, to the bicycle frame power outlet assembly or its frame section assembly. If there are subsystems that need to be erected after assembly or installed outside the frame, only socket connections need to be established.

Preferably, the mounting element is connectable and/or connectable to the frame element and/or the frame part via fastening means such as a snap connection, screw connection and/or adhesive connection. In this way, it is advantageously arranged so that the power socket connector can be fixedly connected to the frame part or fixed to the frame part for insertion purposes as required.

More preferably, the power socket connector forms a part of the mounting element or is implemented as a cable plug which can be fixed to the bicycle frame power socket assembly via the frame part assembly. In this way, it is advantageously arranged so that the transition between the cables in the direction of the supply of the on-board computer and/or power source is connected to the power socket connector in a durable and/or watertight manner. In this manner, a substantially uninterrupted cable connection between the on-board computer and subsystems can be achieved or simulated despite the use of the bicycle rack power socket assembly. More preferably, the power socket connector is connected to a harness or cable through waterproof, adhesive, mounting and/or welding connection. This can provide the advantages of utilizing the bicycle rack power socket assembly of the present embodiment to achieve the continuous line connection. Advantageously, this connection is provided between the plug connector and the cable in the direction of the subsystem. Furthermore, advantageously, the orientation of the bicycle rack power socket assembly is not a determining factor regarding the risk of undue moisture ingress. It may thus be arranged substantially horizontally.

More preferably, the bicycle rack power socket assembly includes the plug connector.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the power socket assembly of the bicycle frame includes a part of the wall surface of the frame portion, such as the cavity or an individual element, which can be, for example, a threaded locking element, so as to achieve the purpose of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The threaded connection described above. In this way, the installation of the power socket connector or the mounting element can be arranged on the frame part, integrated in the frame part or attached to the frame part.

More preferably, the power socket connector is a female connector and the plug connector is a mating male connector.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the connector pins of the power socket connector and/or the plug connector or the individual connectors comprise impact protection, for example by gold plating. In this way, the durability and/or moisture resistance of the bicycle rack power socket assembly can be further improved.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the bicycle frame power socket assembly includes a full cover element for providing a full cover for the frame section assembly. In this way, the transition between the power socket connector and/or the mounting element and the frame part can be improved.

More preferably, the power socket connector forms part of a wiring harness on a bicycle, particularly an electrically driven bicycle or cable infrastructure, which harness connects the bicycle's on-board computer and/or battery to a subsystem of the bicycle . In this way, advantageously, the wiring harness used in the present invention can be separated for assembly, fitting and/or maintenance of the bicycle.

The present invention also relates to a bicycle, especially an electric bicycle provided with at least one bicycle frame power socket assembly of the present invention. Preferably, said bicycle comprises at least one subsystem connected to said plug connector, wherein said at least one subsystem is preferably selected from the group comprising: a motor, in particular an electric motor, an actuating device, in particular an actuator for gear shifting and/or a bicycle lock. More specifically, the bicycle frame power contact connector assembly can connect a motor, especially an electric motor, or another bicycle system that can be connected or connected to the bicycle frame. It can thus be seen that a motor can be at least electrically connectable or connectable to a bicycle using the bicycle frame power contact connector assembly.

Other advantages, features and details of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to one or more preferred embodiments and accompanying drawings. Similar but not necessarily identical components in different preferred embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The first preferred embodiment of the present invention (FIGS. 1-7) relates to a bicycle rack power socket assembly 1 or its components. It comprises a frame part assembly 2 arranged on the frame part 11, in this embodiment, on one arm of the front fork. The frame part assembly 2 has a mounting element 3 , 31 which can be arranged in the opening 15 of the frame part 11 . The bicycle rack power socket assembly 1 further includes a power socket connector 33 into which the plug connector 34 can be plugged. The bicycle frame power socket assembly 1 also includes a cover element 7 for covering the rest of the frame portion assembly 2 , such as the mounting elements 3 , 31 , the plug connector 34 and the power socket connector 33 . The on-demand transition zone between the frame part 11 and the mounting elements 3, 31 is provided with a full-face cover element 4, 28 formed in the frame part element. The frame element and/or the end portion 12 of the frame portion 11 is the mounting part of the bicycle wheel axle. In this embodiment, a driving motor (not shown) is arranged at the front wheel.

FIG. 2 shows the bicycle rack power socket assembly 1 without the cover element 7 . A power socket connector 33 and a plug connector 34 can be seen in the figure. The cable 6 of the plug connector 34 extends from the bicycle frame power socket assembly 1 to the bicycle drive motor. The connection between the power socket connector 33 and the cable 5 is shown in FIG. 7 . This cable 5 extends from the vehicle frame to the on-board computer and/or the battery or the motor control unit of the on-board computer.

In this case, the power socket has a transfer function that transfers the drive current to the drive motor. Furthermore, the power socket has a communication function, which can transmit information from the temperature sensor and information about the rotation sensor or speedometer from the motor to the on-board computer. The on-board computer uses this information to monitor the motor status and control the motor accordingly. Also, the information about the rotation is converted to show the speed to the cyclist on the display of the on-board computer. Therefore, the bicycle rack power socket assembly 1 is an integral part of the bicycle harness. Alternatively, other subsystems other than the drive motor can be connected to the vehicle computer and/or the battery via the bicycle rack power socket assembly 1 .

The cable 5 is connected to the power socket connector 33 in a watertight manner, and the cable 6 is connected to the plug connector 34 in a watertight manner. The connection between the power socket connector 33 and the plug connector 34 has a waterproof effect, so after the plug connector 34 is inserted into the power socket connector 33, the connection is substantially watertight, so moisture cannot reach the power socket connection substantially. The connector or pin of device 33.

The mounting element 3, 31 has an inner space 29 for the power socket connector 33 to be disposed therein. In addition, a cable clamp 19 is provided on the rear side of the installation components 3 and 31 for clamping the cable 5 therein. In this way the cable 5 can be guided out of the power socket connector 33 . The mounting components 3, 31 are fixed to the threaded holes 13, 14 of the frame part 11 by the two support arms 17, 18 through the fixing holes 13', 14'. Preferably, the power socket connector 33 can thereby be clamped between the cavity 16, 16' in the frame part 11 and the cavity 29 in the mounting element 3, 31. Through the above configuration, the frame assembly 2 is substantially complete. Alternatively, adhesive materials such as paste can be used to replace the mounting components 3 , 31 , and the power socket connector 33 can also be fixed to the frame portion 11 .

The cover element 7 can be attached to the snap grooves 17', 18' of the arms 17, 18 of the mounting elements 3, 31 via snap arms or snap elements 39, 39'.

FIG. 5 shows the details of the arrangement of the power socket connector 33 relative to the cavity 16 of the frame portion 11 . FIG. 6 shows details of the arrangement of the power socket connector 33 for the cavity 16 of the frame portion 11, wherein the mounting elements 3, 31 are fixed thereon via bolts 13", 14".

Through this preferred embodiment, the present invention and its several preferred embodiments can be implemented. Advantageously, in this preferred embodiment, there is a waterproof detachable connection between the on-board computer and/or battery of the electric bicycle and its motor. In this way, current can be sent to the motor to drive the bicycle and data can be passed between the motor and the on-board computer. Therefore, the power socket connector 33 of the bicycle rack power socket assembly 1 constitutes a part of the wiring harness between the on-board computer and the motor or another bicycle subsystem. Accordingly, it is made in an advantageous manner so that this connection can be easily detached from or attached to the wiring harness, facilitating assembly, installation or maintenance of the bicycle. A high degree of reliability can be achieved by virtue of the waterproof connection between the cable 5 or harness and the power socket connector 33 in the frame and the waterproof connection between the cable 6 and the plug connector 34 . By virtue of the waterproof connection between the plug connector 34 and the power socket connector 33, the overall connection between the on-board computer and/or the battery and motor or other systems is substantially reliable and easy to install.

other definitions. The bicycle subsystem means a system that constitutes a part of a bicycle and adds functions to the bicycle in the present invention. Such a subsystem is preferably connectable to the on-board computer for control and/or battery. Preferably, such a subsystem is controlled by the on-board computer to perform at least some of its functions. Exemplary subsystems that may be used with the bicycle of the present invention or form part of this application include a motor, a gear actuator or a bicycle lock.

The present invention is described above with the assistance of several embodiments. Different aspects of different embodiments can be combined with each other, and all combinations are conceivable by those skilled in the art based on the disclosure of this document. These preferred embodiments do not limit the protection scope of this document. Claimed rights are defined in the appended claims.

1: Bicycle rack power socket assembly 11:Frame part 12: end 13: threaded hole 13': Fixing hole 13": Bolt 14: threaded hole 14': Fixing hole 14": Bolt 15: opening 16: concave cavity 16': concave cavity 17: Support arm 17': Buckle slot 18: Support arm 18': Buckle slot 19: wire clamp 2: Frame assembly 28: Full cover element 29: Concave/inner space 3: Install components 31: Mounting components 33: Power socket connector 34: plug connector 39: snap element 39':Snap element 4: Full cover element 5: cable 6: Cable 7: cover element

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the three-dimensional appearance of a preferred embodiment of the present invention after assembly. Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the preferred embodiment, in which part is removed. Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the second component of the preferred embodiment. Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the three-dimensional appearance of the frame part used in the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the frame part, in which the components of this embodiment are arranged. Figure 6 shows a subsequent assembly stage according to this embodiment. Fig. 7 is a partial perspective view of the preferred embodiment seen from the inside of the frame.

1: Bicycle rack power socket assembly

11:Frame part

12: end

2: Frame assembly

28: Full cover element

3: Install components

31: Mounting components

34: plug connector

39: snap element

39':Snap element

4: Full cover element

6: Cable

7: cover element

Claims (21)

A bicycle frame power socket assembly for a bicycle frame for connecting an on-board computer and/or power supply inside the bicycle, preferably fixed to the frame, to the bicycle and one connectable to the vehicle Subsystems for computers and/or batteries, this connection capability is achieved through the bicycle rack power socket, the bicycle rack power socket assembly includes: A frame portion assembly for setting or mounting on a frame portion, such as a frame tube or fork, such as a front fork, seat stay or chain stay, the frame portion assembly Include: a power socket connector, preferably embodied as a male or female connector, for mating with a plug connector; The fixing means and/or preferably at least one installation element are used to attach the power socket connector to the frame part for insertion of the plug connector, wherein: The power socket connector, preferably for relaying a control connection and/or data connection from the on-board computer, can be connected or connected to the on-board computer and/or, preferably is used to provide a power supply connectable or connected to the battery of the bicycle and wherein the plug connector is connectable or connectable to the subsystem, and the power socket connector for insertion of the plug connector is attachable or tethered to the frame portion so that the power socket connector is substantially fixed or fixed for insertion purposes to the frame portion, Thereby, a power socket function is provided on the bicycle frame. The bicycle frame power socket assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the frame part assembly includes a cavity formed on the corresponding frame part of the bicycle frame power socket assembly and/or the power socket connection The location of the device is preferably wherein the cavity is disposed inside or outside the frame portion. The bicycle frame power socket assembly as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame part assembly part includes a mounting element that can be installed in the inside, middle and/or of an opening penetrating the wall of the frame part or external. The bicycle frame power socket assembly as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame part assembly includes the cavity and the installation component, preferably wherein the power socket connector is arranged in the cavity and the location of the installation component. The bicycle rack power socket assembly as described in one or more of the above claims, which includes a cover element for covering the power socket connector when a plug connector is inserted into the power socket connector. The bicycle rack power socket assembly as described in claim 5, wherein, after the cover component is installed, the cover component provides and/or forms a channel for the plug connector and/or a channel located at the plug connector For the passage of cables between the subsystems, the cover element preferably includes a cable guide groove. The bicycle rack power socket assembly as claimed in one or more of the above claims, wherein the power socket connector and the plug connector create a moisture-proof and/or substantially watertight connection, such as a watertight connection according to IPxx standards . The bicycle frame power socket assembly as described in one or more of the above claims, wherein the power socket connector and the plug connector include connector pins suitable for transmitting a current such as a motor supply current, with a A voltage of up to 100 volts, preferably less than 80 volts, more preferably less than 72 volts, more preferably less than 60 volts, more preferably less than 50 volts, and at a maximum of 100 amperes The current intensity is preferably lower than 80 A, more preferably lower than 60 A, more preferably lower than 40 A. The bicycle rack power socket assembly as described in one or more of the above claims, wherein the power socket connector and the plug connector include connector pins suitable for transmitting control signals and/or data signals. The bicycle frame power socket assembly as described in one or more of the above claims, which is installed in or on a frame tube or a fork, such as the seat tube or down tube, said The fork is, for example, a front fork, seat stay or chain stay. The bicycle rack power socket assembly as described in one or more of the above claims, wherein the mounting element is connectable and/or connectable to the A frame element and/or the frame portion. The bicycle frame power socket assembly as described in one or more of the above claims, wherein the power socket connector forms a part of the mounting element or is implemented as a device that can be fixed to the bicycle through the frame part assembly The cable plug of the power socket assembly. The bicycle rack power socket assembly according to claim 12, wherein the power socket connector is connected to a harness or cable through a waterproof, adhesive, mounting and/or welding connection. The bicycle rack power socket assembly as described in one or more of the above claims, which includes the plug connector. The bicycle rack power socket assembly as described in one or more of the above claims, which includes a part of the wall of the frame part, such as the cavity or an individual element, such as a screw lock element, so as to achieve the requirements of claim 11 The threaded connection described above. The bicycle rack power socket assembly as described in one or more of the above claims, wherein the power socket connector is a female connector and the plug connector is a male connector mated therewith. The bicycle rack power socket assembly as described in one or more of the above claims, wherein the power socket connector and/or the connector pins of the plug connector or individual connectors include impact protection, such as through gold plating. The bicycle frame power outlet assembly as recited in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the frame portion assembly includes a full cover member providing a full cover for the frame portion assembly. A bicycle rack power socket assembly as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the power socket connector forms part of a wiring harness on a bicycle, in particular an electric powered bicycle or a cable infrastructure, which harness will The bicycle's on-board computer and/or battery are connected to a subsystem of the bicycle. A bicycle, especially an electric bicycle, is provided with at least one bicycle rack power socket assembly as described in any one of the above claims. The bicycle according to claim 20, especially an electric bicycle, wherein the bicycle comprises at least one subsystem connected to the plug connector, wherein the at least one subsystem is preferably selected from the group comprising the following items : A motor, in particular an electric motor, an actuator, in particular an actuator for gear shifting and/or a bicycle lock.

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