System for actuated clamping of an energy storage device in a bicycle frame and bicycle

Abstract

System for clamping an energy storage device (12) in a frame (4) of a bicycle (2), wherein the system comprises several contact elements (16), the frame (4) and the energy storage device (12), wherein the contact elements (16) are arranged between the energy storage device (12) and the frame (4) and wherein the contact elements (16) are arranged on two longitudinal sides of the energy storage device (12) facing away from each other, wherein the system is configured, when the energy storage device (12) is inserted in the frame (4), to establish contact between the frame (4) and the energy storage device (12) via the contact element (16) in a first state in order to clamp the energy storage device (12) in the frame (4), and to break the contact in a second state, and wherein the system can be controlled by means of a signal to transition the system between the first and the second state.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for clamping an energy storage device in a bicycle frame, wherein the system comprises at least one actuable contact element. The present invention further relates to a bicycle with such a system for clamping the energy storage device in a frame.

[0002] Bicycles with an energy storage device, arranged within the frame, are known from the prior art. Such bicycles are powered by energy from the energy storage device. Various systems exist for securing the energy storage device within the frame.

[0003] From DE 10 2019 204 572 B3 a locking device for a power supply device for a bicycle is known.

[0004] From DE 10 2019 207 122 A1 a locking device is known which secures a battery unit to a battery holder of a muscle-powered vehicle by means of a movable locking unit, an electrically actuated actuator and an elastic element, wherein the unit is adjustable between locking and unlocking positions.

[0005] From WO 2022 / 017 887 A1 an electric scooter is known which includes an electric motor and a battery holder, wherein the battery is detachably seated in the holder and secured by an electrically operated locking mechanism.

[0006] From DE 10 2021 104 610 A1 a locking device is known which secures a battery pack via an interface with a movable locking and blocking element, wherein the blocking element blocks the locking element in certain states and has several points of application for force to unlock it.

[0007] Starting from the aforementioned prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved system for clamping an energy storage device in a bicycle frame. This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] The present invention relates, in a first aspect, to a system for clamping an energy storage device in the frame of a bicycle. The energy storage device can comprise a battery, an accumulator, or another chemical or, alternatively or additionally, electrical energy storage device. The bicycle can, for example, be an electrically powered bicycle such as an (S-)pedelec, a cargo bike, a velomobile, or the like. The frame can have a top tube, a down tube, and a seat tube. The frame can be configured to accommodate the energy storage device. For this purpose, the frame can have a cutout, which can be arranged in at least one part of the frame, such as the down tube, the seat tube, or the top tube. By providing the cutout in one part of the frame, side walls can be formed in that part of the frame.For example, the frame's down tube has a cutout, resulting in two unsupported side walls along the long sides of the cutout.

[0009] The system comprises several contact elements, a frame, and an energy storage device. At least one of the contact elements can be an actuated contact element. Furthermore, the system can include a control unit, which may be configured to control the actuated contact element.

[0010] The system is configured, when the energy storage device is inserted into the frame, to establish contact between the frame and the energy storage device via the contact elements in a first state. This state can be a state of the system itself, or alternatively or additionally, a state of at least one of the contact elements. In the first state, the contact elements can touch both the frame and the energy storage device. Alternatively or additionally, a direct connection between the frame and the energy storage device can be established via the contact elements in the first state using another element. The system is configured to establish the first state in order to clamp the energy storage device within the frame. Actuating each contact element can trigger this clamping action.In the first state, a force can act from the energy storage device onto the frame via the contact elements, and an equal and opposite counterforce can act from the frame onto the energy storage device via the contact elements. This can lead to the energy storage device becoming jammed within the frame in the first state.

[0011] Furthermore, the system is designed to break contact in a second state when the energy storage device is inserted into the frame. Breaking contact between the energy storage device and the frame releases the previously described tension, allowing the energy storage device to move relative to the frame. A user of the system, such as a cyclist, can then remove the energy storage device from the frame in this second state. The user does not need to exert any additional force to release the tension. The system can also be controlled by a signal to transition between the first and second states. This signal allows the system to be moved from the first to the second state, and alternatively or additionally, from the second to the first state.Alternatively or additionally, the system can be switched to at least one further state by controlling it with the signal. The control unit can be configured to determine the signal and send it as an alternative or additional step to controlling the system.

[0012] The system presented here allows the energy storage device to be mounted and braced within the bicycle frame in such a way that vibrations can be transferred from the frame to the energy storage device via the contact elements. The energy storage device, often a heavy battery or accumulator, can thus act as a slowly oscillating and inert mass. Bracing the frame can reduce its natural frequency by coupling the inertial mass of the energy storage device to the frame. The unsupported side walls of the frame cutout can be stiffened by the bracing and additionally or alternatively supported. Furthermore, vibrational energy can be converted from the frame into heat energy, for example, into vibrational energy of the energy storage device and, alternatively or additionally, of the contact elements.Furthermore, the present system makes it possible to compensate for manufacturing tolerances of the energy storage device and the frame by clamping them to correct slight irregularities in the geometries or external dimensions of the energy storage device and, alternatively or additionally, the frame. Vibrations can occur in a bicycle with an energy storage device, for example, when an electric motor is powered by energy from the energy storage device and generates vibrations during operation. These vibrations can lead to vibrations of the frame, and especially to vibrations of the unsupported side panels. Particularly when the natural frequencies of the frame are affected by the excitation vibrations of the electric motor, unwanted vibration maxima can occur.The system described here makes it possible to suppress or at least dampen vibrations by means of the tension between the energy storage device and the frame, since the frame's natural frequency is reduced by coupling it to the energy storage device. Furthermore, the vibrations can also be at least partially converted into heat energy, which can reduce the vibrational energy within the frame. This can lead to improved bicycle handling. Alternatively or additionally, this can result in less material fatigue of the bicycle's components, such as the energy storage device or the frame, and thus lead to a longer service life for these components.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the system can also include a detection device that can be configured to detect a change in the state of the bicycle. The detection device can, for example, include a contact sensor between the energy storage device and the frame. The detection device can also include a crank sensor that detects whether, and alternatively or additionally, at what frequency, a crank of the bicycle is being operated by the user. Alternatively or additionally, the detection device includes a switch on the handlebars of the bicycle. Alternatively or additionally, the detection device includes a speed sensor. The switch can be operated by the user. A change in the state of the bicycle can, for example, be the energy storage device being fully inserted into the frame.Alternatively, the user can begin pedaling, or alternatively, the user can activate the switch. Furthermore, the system can be configured to determine the signal based on the detected change in state and to control the system with that signal. The control unit can be configured to receive information about the detected change in state and determine the signal accordingly. The system can then transition from the first to the second state, and alternatively or additionally from the second to the first state. For example, the system can transition from the first to the second state if the speed sensor detects that the bicycle is moving at least at a minimum speed. The system can transition from the second to the first state if the speed sensor detects that the bicycle is moving at a maximum speed.Maximum speed and minimum speed can be different or the same.

[0014] This allows the energy storage device to be tensioned within the frame at least semi-automatically, by having the sensing device detect changes in the bicycle's state. A user does not necessarily have to directly input the signal to activate the system for tensioning the energy storage device within the frame. However, in one embodiment, a switch can be provided so that the user can manually activate the system. The sensing device thus ensures that the energy storage device within the frame is tensioned whenever the bicycle is being ridden or is about to be ridden, and frame vibrations are therefore likely to occur soon. This allows vibrations generated during riding, for example, while operating the electric motor, to be transferred to the energy storage device via the tensioning mechanism.If the bicycle is stationary and not in motion, for example, the second state can exist, allowing the user to easily remove the energy storage device without having to exert force against the tension to remove the energy storage device from the frame.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the system can also include an actuator. The actuator can have an actuating device. The actuator can be powered by energy from the energy storage device. The actuator can be configured to transfer the system into the first or second state depending on the signal. The control unit can be configured to send the signal to the actuator to control it. The actuator can be part of one of the contact elements, or alternatively, the actuator can be force-coupled to at least one of the contact elements. The contact element and the actuator can be connected to each other. The actuator can be configured to actuate the contact element, for example, by moving it. The actuator can move the contact element so that the system can be transferred from the first to the second state and, alternatively or additionally, from the second to the first state.

[0016] The actuator eliminates the need for the bicycle user to manually operate the contact elements. The user does not have to exert any force to tighten or release the tension.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, the actuator can have a pneumatic system. The pneumatic system can include a reservoir, a working medium, a pump, and connecting hoses. The pneumatic system can have an actuated piston, wherein the piston can be axially displaceable within a cylinder of the pneumatic system. At least one part of the piston or the cylinder can be connected to the contact element in order to displace the contact element.

[0018] Pneumatics allows for simple and cost-effective actuation of the contact element.

[0019] According to a further embodiment, the actuator can have a hydraulic system. The hydraulic system can be combined with the pneumatic system, or alternatively, only the pneumatic system or only the hydraulic system can be provided. The hydraulic system can include hoses, a reservoir, a working fluid, and a pump. Furthermore, the hydraulic system can include a piston axially movable within a cylinder, as well as the cylinder itself, wherein at least one of the cylinder or the piston can be connected to the contact element in order to actuate the contact element by means of the hydraulic system.

[0020] Using hydraulics, a simple, easily maintainable and cost-effective embodiment of the actuator for actuating the contact element is shown.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the actuator can incorporate a smart material. The actuator can incorporate the smart material in addition to pneumatics and alternatively or additionally to hydraulics. Alternatively, the actuator may incorporate only at least one smart material. A smart material could, for example, be a piezoelectric element. A change in voltage can lead to a change in the geometry or external dimensions of the piezoelectric element. Energy for this can be provided by the energy storage device. Alternatively or additionally, the smart material can incorporate a memory material that can be modified by a temperature change. By activating the smart material, the corresponding contact element can be actuated and switched between the first and second states.

[0022] By incorporating a smart material, a highly efficient actuator can be provided, eliminating the need for supply lines, working fluid, pumps, or tanks compared to hydraulic or pneumatic systems. This can simplify bicycle construction. Furthermore, combining the smart material actuator with at least one hydraulic or pneumatic component can reduce the likelihood of actuator failure, as a failure in one part of the actuator allows the other part to continue functioning independently.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, the system can also include a mechanical lever. The mechanical lever can be force-transmittingly coupled to the intelligent material of the actuator. The mechanical lever can be configured, in combination with the intelligent material, to transition the system into the first or the second state. Thus, the intelligent material can have a small size, and the mechanical lever can be mechanically and force-transmittingly coupled to the intelligent material in such a way that this small movement can be converted into a larger movement. This can lead to the complete actuation or activation of the corresponding contact element by the actuator.

[0024] By incorporating a mechanical lever, even a smart material can be used that exhibits only small relative geometric changes during actuation. The mechanical lever can then convert this small relative change into a larger change, allowing the corresponding contact element to be completely transitioned from one state to another. Therefore, more complex, expensive, or larger smart materials are unnecessary when the smart material is used in combination with the mechanical lever.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, the system can be transitioned between the first and second states if the energy storage device is fully inserted into the frame cutout. The system can only be transitioned if the energy storage device is fully inserted into the frame cutout. If the energy storage device is not fully inserted into the frame, for example, only partially or not at all, the system cannot be transitioned between states. Full insertion of the energy storage device into the frame can mean insertion up to a stop. This stop can be defined by the existence of an electrical connection between the energy storage device and the frame.

[0026] This ensures that clamping only occurs when electrical contact is established between the energy storage device and the frame. This guarantees that the bicycle can be operated using energy from the energy storage device while clamped. Furthermore, it ensures that energy is available for clamping. If, for example, the system could transition from the first to the second state before the energy storage device is fully inserted into the frame, the clamping process could prevent the energy storage device from being inserted further into the frame opening. This could prevent electrical contact between the energy storage device and the frame, potentially impairing the bicycle's functionality.

[0027] According to another embodiment, at least one of the contact elements is arranged on the energy storage device. The actuator can also be arranged on the energy storage device.

[0028] By arranging this contact element on the energy storage device, a constant supply of energy to the actuator from the energy storage device can be ensured.

[0029] According to a further embodiment, at least one of the contact elements can be arranged on the frame. The actuator can also be arranged on the frame.

[0030] By positioning this contact element on the frame, the weight of the energy storage device can be reduced. Furthermore, the maximum spatial dimensions of the energy storage device, or of its frame, can be reduced, as it no longer needs to accommodate the contact element or actuator. This can simplify the bicycle's design.

[0031] The system has multiple contact elements, such as an even number of contact elements, for example, four, six, or eight. The contact elements are arranged between the energy storage device and the frame. The contact elements are arranged on two opposite longitudinal sides of the energy storage device. Alternatively or additionally, the contact elements can be arranged on two opposite side walls of the frame, for example, on the inner surfaces of the side walls. The contact elements can be arranged symmetrically. At least one contact element can also be arranged on an end face of a longitudinal extension of the cutout, or alternatively or additionally on an end face of the energy storage device. Alternatively, a continuous contact element can be arranged along an edge or surface between the energy storage device and the frame.In contrast to individual contact elements, which can cause a localized tension and connection between the energy storage device and the frame, this can lead to a continuous tension and connection between the energy storage device and the frame.

[0032] By providing multiple contact elements, the clamping and connection between the energy storage device and the frame can be improved. Energy and vibration transmission between the energy storage device and the frame can be enhanced. Using individual, for example, discrete, contact elements between the energy storage device and the frame can result in particularly efficient vibration transmission, especially if these contact elements are positioned at points of vibration maxima within the frame. This can then lead to the energy storage device being easier to remove from the frame when it is not clamped within the frame. If a continuous contact element is used, particularly strong vibration transmission can be achieved.During the frame and bicycle design phase, it becomes unnecessary to determine frame-specific vibration maxima, for example through simulation, in order to optimally position the discrete contact elements. This can reduce development work and costs. However, removal in the second state may be more difficult in such a case compared to discrete contact elements, as potentially more contact area can be provided between the energy storage device and the frame. Furthermore, a lower clamping force may be required with discrete contact elements, which can save energy in terms of the energy stored in the energy storage device used to actuate the contact elements via the actuator.

[0033] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a bicycle with a system according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention. The bicycle can be an e-bike, an (S-)pedelec, an e-motorcycle, an e-scooter, or an e-scooter. The system can be used to clamp the energy storage device within the frame. Fig. Figure 1 shows a bicycle according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2a shows a system of the bicycle made of Fig. 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2b shows elements of the in Fig. 2a system shown. Fig. 2c shows further elements of the in Fig. 2a system shown. Fig. Figure 3a shows an energy storage device according to an embodiment of a system of the bicycle made of Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3b shows an energy storage device according to an embodiment of a system of the bicycle made of Fig. 1.

[0034] Fig. Figure 1 shows a bicycle 2 according to an embodiment of the invention. The bicycle 2 has a frame 4. The frame 4 has a down tube 6 in which a cutout 8 is provided. The cutout 8 faces downwards towards the surface on which the bicycle 2 stands. Two side walls 10 are formed through the cutout 8, which are arranged opposite each other and laterally on the down tube 6. Furthermore, the bicycle 2 has an energy storage device 12, which is located in Fig. 1 is fully inserted into the cutout 8. Also shown schematically are a lever 20 on the handlebars of the bicycle 2, a crank sensor 22, and a contact sensor 24. The bicycle 2 also has an electric motor 14, which is configured to power the bicycle using energy from the energy storage device 12.

[0035] Fig. Figure 2a shows elements of a system according to an embodiment of the invention. The system according to an embodiment of the invention comprises the frame 4, the energy storage device 12, and contact elements 16. Fig. 2a The energy storage device 12 has been removed from the frame 4. Six contact elements 16 can be seen, which are arranged on the side walls 10 of the cutout 8.

[0036] Compared to Fig. 2a, which shows a perspective view of the system, is in Fig. 2b shows a top view from below of the energy storage device 12 in the inserted state within the frame 4. Contact elements 16 connect the energy storage device 12 to the side walls 10. Additionally, in Fig. Figure 2b shows a schematic representation of a mechanical lever 18.

[0037] Fig. Figure 2c shows a perspective view of part of the down tube 6. It schematically shows how actuators 26, 28, 30 are connected to the contact element 16 and the mechanical lever 18.

[0038] If, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 2b, once the energy storage device 12 is fully inserted into the frame 4, it can be clamped to the frame 4. This represents a first state of the system. One of the actuators 26, 28, or 30 is provided for clamping, in order to actuate the contact element 16. As shown in Figure 2b, the energy storage device 12 can be clamped to the frame 4. Fig. 2a, the contact element 16 is arranged, for example, on the frame 4, and the actuator 26, 28, 30 can push the contact element 16 towards the energy storage device 12 in order to clamp the energy storage device 12 in the frame 4. For clamping, the actuator 26, 28, 30 is controlled by a signal from a control unit (not shown further below).

[0039] A detection device 20, 22, 24 is configured to detect a change in the state of the bicycle 2 and send this information to the control unit. The control unit is configured to determine the signal for controlling the actuator 26, 28, 30 based on this information. When the lever 20 is actuated, a change in the state of the bicycle 2 occurs, and the signal for controlling the actuator 26, 28, 30 is determined. For example, if the rider moves the lever 20, thereby indicating that the energy storage device 12 should be tensioned, the signal for controlling the actuator 26, 28, 30 is determined such that the energy storage device 12 is tensioned in the frame 4. When the lever 20 is moved to a different position, the actuator 26, 28, 30 is controlled so that the energy storage device 12 is no longer clamped in the frame 4, which represents a second state of the system.The detection device 22 further comprises a crank sensor 22, which detects whether and at what frequency a crank of the bicycle 2 is operated by the rider. If the rider, for example, pedals, tension is applied, and if the rider does not pedal, the system is switched to the second state and the energy storage device 12 is no longer tensioned in the frame 4. Furthermore, a contact sensor 24 is provided, which can detect contact between the energy storage device 12 and the frame 4. If contact is detected, the signal for the actuator 26, 28, 30 is determined such that the energy storage device 12 is tensioned in the frame 4. Only one type of detection device 20, 22, 24 is required for this purpose.

[0040] A pneumatic system 26 is planned, which is only partially and schematically shown in Fig. Figure 2c shows the system. The contact element 16 is actuated by the pneumatic system 26. A hydraulic system 28, which also actuates the contact element 16, is shown schematically. A smart material 30, which actuates the contact element 16, is also shown schematically. The lever 18 works in conjunction with the smart material 30, enabling the contact element 16 to be fully transferred from the first to the second state and vice versa, even with minor geometric changes in the smart material 30. The control unit is configured to activate one of the pneumatic system 26, the hydraulic system 28, or the smart material 30 using a specific signal to transfer the system to the first or second state. Only one type of actuator 26, 28, or 30 is required.

[0041] In this case, it is shown in Fig. 2a. The system cannot be transformed from the first to the second state or from the second to the first state because the energy storage device 12 is not fully inserted into the frame 4. Only when, as shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2b, once the energy storage device 12 is fully inserted into the frame 4, the system can be transferred from the first to the second state. Only then can the contact elements 16 establish contact between the energy storage device 12 and the frame 4, thus clamping the energy storage device 12 in the frame 4.

[0042] In Fig. Figure 3a shows an embodiment of an energy storage device 12 of a system according to an embodiment. Three discrete contact elements 16 are shown on one side of the energy storage device 12. In contrast, in Fig. Figure 3b shows a continuous contact element 16 on an energy storage device 12 according to an embodiment of the system. In contrast to the energy storage device 12 made of Fig. 3a The contact element 16 is configured on the energy storage device 12 such that contact is established between the energy storage device 12 and the frame 4 along a continuous edge or surface. The clamping force between the energy storage device 12 and the frame 4 is therefore particularly strong. In contrast, with the discrete contact elements 16 made of Fig. 3a an efficient tensioning is possible, which is limited to force transmission and contact between energy storage device 12 and frame 4 only at points of potential vibration maxima of the frame 4. Reference sign 2 bicycles 4 frames 6 down tube 8 Cutout in the down tube of the frame 10 Side wall of the cutout 12 Energy storage device 14 Electric motor 16 Contact element 18 mechanical levers 20 levers 22 Crank sensor 24 contact sensor 26 Pneumatics 28 Hydraulics 30 Piezoelectric elements

Claims

[1] System for clamping an energy storage device (12) in a frame (4) of a bicycle (2), the system comprising several contact elements (16), the frame (4) and the energy storage device (12), the contact elements (16) being arranged between the energy storage device (12) and the frame (4), and the contact elements (16) being arranged on two longitudinal sides of the energy storage device (12) facing away from each other, the system being configured, when the energy storage device (12) is inserted in the frame (4), to establish contact between the frame (4) and the energy storage device (12) via the contact element (16) in a first state in order to clamp the energy storage device (12) in the frame (4), and to break the contact in a second state, and the system being controllable by means of a signal to transition the system between the first and the second state. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a detection device (20; 22; 24) which is configured to detect a change of state of the bicycle (2), and wherein the system is further configured to determine the signal depending on the detected change of state and to control the system with the determined signal. [3] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises an actuator (26; 28; 30) which is configured to transfer the system to the first or the second state depending on the signal. [4] System according to claim 3, wherein the actuator (26) has a pneumatic system (26). [5] System according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the actuator (28) has a hydraulic system (28). [6] System according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the actuator (30) comprises an intelligent material (30). [7] System according to claim 6, wherein the system further comprises a mechanical lever (18) which is configured to transfer the system into the first or second state in combination with the intelligent material (30). [8] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system is transferable between the first and second states when the energy storage device (12) is fully inserted into a cutout (8) of the frame (4). [9] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the contact elements (16) is arranged on the energy storage device (12). [10] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the contact elements (16) is arranged on the frame (4). [11] Bicycle (2) with a system according to one of the preceding claims for clamping the energy storage device (12) in the frame (4).

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