External battery holder and bicycle pedal assembly with this external battery holder

Abstract

The invention relates to an external battery holder comprising: a first housing (2) having a first conductive carrier (21) and a first insulating layer (27), wherein the first conductive carrier (21) is partially covered by the first insulating layer (27), and wherein the section of the first conductive carrier (21) that is not covered by the first insulating layer (27) forms a first contact section (22) and a first output section (23);and a second housing (3) comprising a second conductive carrier (31) and a second insulating layer (37), wherein the second conductive carrier (31) is partially covered by the second insulating layer (37), the portion of the second conductive carrier (31) not covered by the second insulating layer (37) forming a second contact section (32) and a second output section (33), the first housing (2) and the second housing (3) being connected to each other to accommodate a battery (81), the first contact section (22) and the second contact section (32) being electrically connected to the battery (81). The external battery holder uses wireless power transmission, which simplifies the design, reduces the volume, and ensures stable power transmission.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a battery holder, in particular an external battery holder, and a bicycle pedal assembly with this external battery holder. State of the art

[0002] Electrical connections in electronic devices are typically made using wires. For example, the two ends of the wire are soldered to the metal of the battery holder or the circuit board. The advantage of using wires is that they are flexible and can be bent as needed.

[0003] The wire itself, however, is relatively weak and can easily detach from the solder joint due to external force. If electronic devices using wires are in environments where vibrations and instability are frequent, or if components and batteries need to be replaced during use, the wires can easily detach from the solder joints and break due to unexpected factors, rendering them unable to conduct electricity. Furthermore, the wires are generally integrated, which makes assembly time-consuming and increases the volume of the pedal body, thus detracting from the pedal's overall aesthetics.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a novel and advanced external battery holder and a bicycle pedal assembly with this battery holder in order to solve the aforementioned problems. Object of the invention

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide an external battery holder and a bicycle pedal assembly with this external battery holder, wherein the housing of the external battery holder uses conductive carriers to replace the conventional wire circuit configuration, thereby simplifying the structure of the entire battery holder, reducing the overall thickness and volume, and making the current conduction more stable.

[0006] This task is achieved by an external battery holder comprising: a first housing having a first conductive support and a first insulating layer, wherein the first conductive support is partially covered by the first insulating layer, and wherein the section of the first conductive support that is not covered by the first insulating layer forms a first contact section and a first output section;and a second housing comprising a second conductive support and a second insulating layer, wherein the second conductive support is partially covered by the second insulating layer, the portion of the second conductive support not covered by the second insulating layer forming a second contact section and a second output section, the first housing and the second housing being connected to each other to accommodate a battery, the first contact section and the second contact section being electrically connected to the battery, and the first output section and the second output section being electrically connected to an electronic module.

[0007] This task is further accomplished by a bicycle pedal assembly comprising: a pedal body; an axle assembly, wherein one end of the axle assembly passes through the pedal body and the other end is connected to a crank; a current-conducting module arranged at the end of the axle assembly opposite the pedal body, comprising a positive contact unit, a negative contact unit, a positive output and a negative output, wherein the positive contact unit is electrically connected to the positive output and the negative contact unit is electrically connected to the negative output, the positive output and the negative output being electrically connected to the electronic module;and an external battery holder that is detachably arranged on the current-conducting module, wherein the first output section is connected to and electrically linked with the negative contact unit, and wherein the second output section is connected to and electrically linked with the positive contact unit. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 a perspective view of the operational state of the embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 an exploded view according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a representation according to Fig. 2 from the other perspective, Fig. 4 a perspective view of the PCB conductor, the positive probes and the negative probes of the embodiment of the invention, Fig. 5 a perspective view of the current-conducting module of the embodiment of the invention, Fig. 6 a sectional view according to Fig. 1, Fig. 7 a representation of the rotation adjustment of the external battery holder of the embodiment of the invention, Fig. Figure 8 shows a representation of the bicycle pedal assembly and the position of the external battery holder of the embodiment of the invention. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0008] The following embodiments are used only to illustrate the possible implementation of this invention. They are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the invention. The term "one" or "at least one" in the description does not refer to the quantity, which may also be a "plural" as needed. Changes to this number are also within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0009] Fig.Figures 1 to 8 show an embodiment of the present invention. The external battery holder 1 of this invention is arranged outside the bicycle pedal assembly 6. The external battery holder 1 comprises a first housing 2 and a second housing 3.

[0010] The first housing 2 has a first conductive carrier 21 and a first insulating layer 27. The first conductive carrier 21 is partially covered by the first insulating layer 27. The portion of the first conductive carrier 21 not covered by the first insulating layer 27 forms a first contact section 22 and a first output section 23. Similarly, the second housing 3 has a second conductive carrier 31 and a second insulating layer 37. The second conductive carrier 31 is partially covered by the second insulating layer 37. The portion of the second conductive carrier 31 not covered by the second insulating layer 37 forms a second contact section 32 and a second output section 33. The first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are connected to each other to accommodate a battery 81. The first contact section 22 and the second contact section 32 are electrically connected to the battery 81.The first output section 23 and the second output section 33 are electrically connected to an electronic module 82 (e.g. a cadence sensor module).

[0011] The current from battery 81 is transmitted to the electronic module 82 via the first conductive carrier 21 and the second conductive carrier 31 of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3. This type of wireless power transmission has the advantage of greatly simplifying the overall design and reducing the overall volume, as no wiring planning or processing is required. Furthermore, this method of wireless power transmission eliminates the wire soldering step, thus speeding up manufacturing. Additionally, there is no risk of the wires separating from the solder points and interrupting the electrical connection. Therefore, the external battery holder 1 is well-suited for use in environments where vibrations and instability are common, such as in the pedal assembly 6 of a bicycle.Furthermore, the user can quickly replace the battery 81 himself without fear of damaging the conductive structure (wires and solder points).

[0012] The material of the first conductive carrier 21 is aluminum alloy. The material of the second conductive carrier 31 is also aluminum alloy, chosen for its ease of machining, good structural rigidity, good conductivity, attractive appearance, low weight, and other properties. Specifically, during the manufacturing process of the first housing 2, the first conductive carrier 21 undergoes an insulation treatment, so that the entire first conductive carrier 21 is covered with the first insulating layer 27. Then, a portion of the first insulating layer 27 is removed by cutting to form the first contact section 22 and the first output section 23. The second housing 3 is manufactured in the same manner as the first housing 2.

[0013] The first conductive carrier 21 forms a first recess 24. The first contact section 22 is located in the first recess 24. The second conductive carrier 31 forms a second recess 34. The second contact section 32 is located in the second recess 34. The first recess 24 and the second recess 34 are connected to each other to form a battery chamber 41. The battery chamber 41 serves to hold the battery 81. The battery 81 is preferably a button cell battery to further reduce its size and weight. It offers the advantages of a long service life, a low self-discharge rate, and a stable output voltage.

[0014] The external battery holder 1 further comprises a conductive elastic element 42. The conductive elastic element 42 is positioned in the second recess 34. One side of the conductive elastic element 42 rests against the second contact section 32. The other side of the conductive elastic element 42 rests against the battery 81. The conductive elastic element 42 can be used to compensate for the size error of the battery 81 and to ensure that the second contact section 32 can be electrically connected to the battery 81. It is understood that the conductive elastic element 42 can also be arranged in the first recess 24.

[0015] The first conductive carrier 21 is provided with a first through-hole 25. The second conductive carrier 31 is provided with a second through-hole 35. The first through-hole 25 and the second through-hole 35 are coaxial and serve to guide the axle assembly 62 of the pedal assembly 6 through, so that the external battery holder 1 can be suspended on the outside of the axle assembly 62.

[0016] The first housing 2 and the second housing 3 together form a receiving space. The receiving space serves to hold a current-conducting module 7, which is electrically connected to the electronic module 82. The first output section 23 and the second output section 33 are located on the two side walls surrounding the receiving space in order to contact the current-conducting module 7 and establish the electrical connection. The first through-hole 25 and the second through-hole 35 extend through the two side walls. In this embodiment, the first output section 23 and the second output section 33 annularly surround the first through-hole 25 and the second through-hole 35.

[0017] Preferably, the external battery holder 1 further comprises a seal 43. The first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are both plate-shaped. The first housing 2 and the second housing 3 clamp the seal 43. The seal 43 effectively blocks external moisture to ensure that no short circuit occurs. Specifically, the seal 43 has a frame 44 and a plate 45. The plate 45 extends within the frame 44. The plate 45 is provided with a third through-hole 46. The third through-hole 46 is coaxial with the first through-hole 25. A portion of the first housing 2 and a portion of the second housing 3 project into the frame 44 to clamp the plate 45 securely. The frame 44 provides the first line of defense against moisture. The plate 45 is also provided with a raised annular wall 47. The ring-shaped wall 47 lies between the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 and surrounds the battery 81.This ring-shaped wall 47 forms the second layer of protection against water vapor. The ring-shaped wall 47 prevents moisture from entering the battery chamber 41, thus ensuring a good operating environment for the battery 81.

[0018] The external battery holder 1 further comprises at least one screw element 5. The first conductive support 21 is also provided with at least one first mounting hole 26. The second conductive support 31 is also provided with at least one second mounting hole 36. The position of the at least one second mounting hole 36 corresponds to the position of the at least one first mounting hole 26. The at least one screw element 5 penetrates the at least one first mounting hole 26 and the at least one second mounting hole 36 to connect the first housing 2 and the second housing 3. The first insulating layer 27 covers the hole wall of the at least one first mounting hole 26. The second insulating layer 37 covers the hole wall of the at least one second mounting hole 36 to prevent the at least one screw element 5 from conducting the current of the battery 81.

[0019] In this embodiment, the at least one screw element 5 comprises a nut 51 and a screw 52. The nut 51 is inserted into the at least one first mounting hole 26. The screw 52 passes through the second mounting hole 36 and is screwed into the nut 51. By turning the screw 52, ​​the connection tightness of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 can be adjusted.

[0020] The present invention also provides a bicycle pedal assembly comprising a pedal body 61, the axle set 62, the current-conducting module 7 and the above external battery holder 1.

[0021] One end of the axle assembly 62 passes through the pedal body 61, and the other end is connected to a crank 83. The current-conducting module 7 is located at the end of the axle assembly 62 opposite the pedal body 61. The current-conducting module 7 comprises a positive contact unit 71, a negative contact unit 72, a positive output 731, and a negative output 732. The positive contact unit 71 is electrically connected to the positive output 731. The negative contact unit 72 is electrically connected to the negative output 732. The positive output 731 and the negative output 732 are electrically connected to the electronic module 82. The external battery holder 1 is detachably attached to the current-conducting module 7. The first output section 23 is located at the negative contact unit 72 and is electrically connected to it. The second output section 33 is located at the positive contact unit 71 and is electrically connected to it.

[0022] The electrically conductive module 7 also includes a PCB conductor 73, a pressure element 74, and a sleeve 75. The PCB conductor 73 has a positive output 731 and a negative output 732. The sleeve 75 has a support section 751 and a tube section 752. The support section 751 extends transversely from the tube section 752. The PCB conductor 73 is clamped between the pressure element 74 and the support section 751. The first housing 2 and the second housing 3 clamp the outside of the pressure element 74 and the outside of the support section 751. The positive contact unit 71 contains a plurality of positive probes 711. The negative contact unit 72 contains a plurality of negative probes 721. One end of the positive probe 711 and one end of the negative probe 721 are passed through the PCB conductor 73 and electrically connected to the positive output 731 and the negative output 732.The other end of the positive probe 711 passes through one of the pressure element 74 and the support section 751 to connect to the second output section 33. The other end of the negative probe 721 passes through the other of the pressure element 74 and the support section 751 to connect to the first output section 23. The sleeve 75 is inserted into the axle assembly 62. A gap 76 is formed between the tube section 752 and the axle assembly 62. The gap 76 serves to accommodate the electronic module 82. The positive output 731 and the negative output 732 project into the gap 76.

[0023] It should be noted that in actual use, the external battery holder 1 is positioned between the crank arm 83 and the pedal body 61. The external battery holder 1 is located relatively close to the crank arm 83. Because the external battery holder 1 is thin and light, the user's foot has sufficient space to pedal without any obstruction or collision.

[0024] Preferably, the external battery holder 1 is rotatably mounted on the current-conducting module 7. When the axle assembly 62 is connected to the crank 83, the user can rotate the external battery holder 1 so that it aligns with the crank 83 in the extension direction of the axle assembly 62. Furthermore, the external battery holder 1 does not protrude from the crank 83 in the radial direction of the axle assembly 62. Rotating the external battery holder 1 with the crank 83 effectively prevents lateral collisions. In this embodiment, the clamping force with which the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 clamp the current-conducting module 7 is changed by rotating the at least one screw element 5. When the at least one screw element 5 is loosened, the external battery holder 1 can be rotated relative to the current-conducting module 7.If, on the other hand, at least one screw element 5 is tightened, the external battery holder 1 clamps the current-conducting module 7 and is thus positioned. Reference symbol list 1 external battery holder 2 first case 21 first conductive carrier 22 first contact section 23 first exit section 24 first exception 25 first through hole 26 first mounting hole 27 first insulating layer 3 second case 31 second conductive carrier 32 second contact section 33 second exit section 34 second exception 35 second through hole 36 second mounting hole 37 second insulating layer 41 Battery chamber 42 conductive elastic element 43 Seal 44 frames 45 plate 46 third through hole 47 ring-shaped wall 5 screw element 51 mother 52 screws 6 Pedal assembly 61 Pedal body 62 axle set 7 current-conducting module 71 positive contact units 711 positive probe 72 negative contact units 721 negative probe 73 PCB conductors 731 positive outcome 732 negative outcome 74 Printing element 75 Sleeve 751 Support section 752 Pipe section 76 space 81 Battery 82 electronic module 83 Crank

Claims

[1] External battery holder arranged outside the bicycle pedal assembly (6) comprising a first housing (2) comprising a first conductive support (21) and a first insulating layer (27), wherein the first conductive support (21) is partially covered by the first insulating layer (27), and wherein the portion of the first conductive support (21) not covered by the first insulating layer (27) forms a first contact section (22) and a first output section (23), and a second housing (3) comprising a second conductive support (31) and a second insulating layer (37), wherein the second conductive support (31) is partially covered by the second insulating layer (37), the portion of the second conductive support (31) not covered by the second insulating layer (37) forming a second contact section (32) and a second output section (33), wherein the first housing (2) and the second housing (3) are connected to each other to accommodate a battery (81), wherein the first contact section (22) and the second contact section (32) are electrically connected to the battery (81), and wherein the first output section (23) and the second output section (33) are electrically connected to an electronic module (82). [2] External battery holder according to claim 1, characterized by, that the first conductive carrier (21) forms a first recess (24), wherein the first contact section (22) is located in the first recess (24), and the second conductive carrier (31) forms a second recess (34), wherein the second contact section (32) is located in the second recess (34), and wherein the first recess (24) and the second recess (34) are connected to each other to form a battery chamber (41), and the battery chamber (41) serves to accommodate the battery (81). [3] External battery holder according to claim 2, characterized by a conductive elastic element (42), wherein the conductive elastic element (42) is positioned in the second recess (34), wherein one side of the conductive elastic element (42) rests against the second contact section (32), and wherein the other side of the conductive elastic element (42) rests against the battery (81). [4] External battery holder according to claim 1, characterized bya seal (43), wherein the first housing (2) and the second housing (3) clamp the seal (43). [5] External battery holder according to claim 1, characterized by , that the first conductive carrier (21) is provided with a first through-hole (25) and the second conductive carrier (31) is provided with a second through-hole (35), wherein the first through-hole (25) and the second through-hole (35) are coaxial and serve to guide the axle set (62) of the pedal assembly (6). [6] External battery holder according to claim 1, characterized byat least one screw element (5), wherein the first conductive support (21) is provided with at least one first mounting hole (26) and the second conductive support (31) is provided with at least one second mounting hole (36), wherein the position of the at least one second mounting hole (36) corresponds to the position of the at least one first mounting hole (26), wherein the at least one screw element (5) penetrates the at least one first mounting hole (26) and the at least one second mounting hole (36) to connect the first housing (2) and the second housing (3) together, wherein the first insulating layer (27) covers the hole wall of the at least one first mounting hole (26) and the second insulating layer (37) covers the hole wall of the at least one second mounting hole (36). [7] External battery holder according to claim 3, characterized by, that the external battery further comprises a seal (43) and at least one screw element (5), wherein the first housing (2) and the second housing (3) clamp the seal (43), wherein the first conductive support (21) is provided with at least one first mounting hole (26) and the second conductive support (31) is provided with at least one second mounting hole (36), wherein the position of the at least one second mounting hole (36) coincides with the position of the at least one first mounting hole (26), wherein the at least one screw element (5) penetrates the at least one first mounting hole (26) and the at least one second mounting hole (36) to connect the first housing (2) and the second housing (3) together, wherein the first insulating layer (27) covers the hole wall of the at least one first mounting hole (26) and the second insulating layer (37) covers the hole wall of the at least one second mounting hole (36);that the first conductive support (21) is provided with a first through-hole (25) and the second conductive support (31) with a second through-hole (35), wherein the first through-hole (25) and the second through-hole (35) are coaxial and serve to guide the axle set (62) of the pedal assembly (6); that the material of the first conductive support (21) is aluminum alloy and the material of the second conductive support (31) is also aluminum alloy;that the seal (43) has a frame (44) and a plate (45), wherein the plate (45) extends within the frame (44), wherein the plate (45) is provided with a third through-hole (46), wherein the third through-hole (46) is coaxial with the first through-hole (25), wherein a part of the first housing (2) and a part of the second housing (3) project into the frame (44) to clamp the plate (45), wherein the plate (45) is also provided with a raised annular wall (47), wherein the annular wall (47) lies between the first housing (2) and the second housing (3) and surrounds the battery (81);that the first conductive carrier (21) is first subjected to an insulation treatment during the manufacturing process of the first housing (2) so that the entire first conductive carrier (21) is covered with the first insulating layer (27), after which part of the first insulating layer (27) is removed by cutting to form the first contact section (22) and the first output section (23), the second housing (3) being manufactured in the same way as the first housing (2); that the at least one screw element (5) comprises a nut (51) and a screw (52), the nut (51) being inserted into the at least one first mounting hole (26), and the screw (52) passing through the second mounting hole (36) and being screwed into the nut (51); that the battery (81) is a button battery; that the first housing (2) is plate-shaped and the second housing (3) is plate-shaped;and that the first housing (2) and the second housing (3) together form a receiving space, the receiving space being used to receive a current-conducting module (7) which is electrically connected to the electronic module (82), the first output section (23) and the second output section (33) being located on the two side walls around the receiving space in order to abut the current-conducting module (7) and to achieve the electrical connection, the first through-hole (25) and the second through-hole (35) extending through the two side walls, and the first output section (23) and the second output section (33) annularly surrounding the first through-hole (25) and the second through-hole (35). [8] Bicycle pedal assembly, comprising a pedal body (61), an axle set (62), wherein one end of the axle set (62) passes through the pedal body (61) and the other end is connected to a crank (83), a current-conducting module (7) arranged at the end of the axle assembly (62) facing away from the pedal body (61) and comprising a positive contact unit (71), a negative contact unit (72), a positive output (731) and a negative output (732), wherein the positive contact unit (71) is electrically connected to the positive output (731) and the negative contact unit (72) is electrically connected to the negative output (732), wherein the positive output (731) and the negative output (732) are electrically connected to the electronic module (82), and an external battery holder (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, which is detachably arranged on the current-conducting module (7), wherein the first output section (23) is located at the negative contact unit (72) and is electrically connected to it, and wherein the second output section (33) is located at the positive contact unit (71) and is electrically connected to it. [9] Bicycle pedal assembly according to claim 8, characterized by , that the external battery holder (1) is rotatably mounted on the current-conducting module (7). [10] Bicycle pedal assembly according to claim 8, characterized by, that the current-conducting module (7) comprises a PCB conductor (73), a pressure element (74) and a sleeve (75), wherein the PCB conductor (73) has a positive output (731) and a negative output (732), wherein the sleeve (75) has a support section (751) and a tube section (752), the support section (751) extending transversely from the tube section (752), the PCB conductor (73) being clamped between the pressure element (74) and the support section (751), the first housing (2) and the second housing (3) clamping the outside of the pressure element (74) and the outside of the support section (751), the positive contact unit (71) comprising a plurality of positive probes (711) and the negative contact unit (72) comprising a plurality of negative probes (721), one end of the positive probe (711) and one end of the negative probe (721) Probe (721) is guided through the PCB conductor (73) and electrically connected to the positive on output (731) and the negative output (732),wherein the other end of the positive probe (711) passes through one of the pressure element (74) and the support section (751) to contact the second output section (33), wherein the other end of the negative probe (721) passes through the other of the pressure element (74) and the support section (751) to contact the first output section (23), wherein the sleeve (75) is inserted onto the axle assembly (62), wherein a space (76) is formed between the tube section (752) and the axle assembly (62), wherein the space (76) serves to accommodate the electronic module (82), and wherein the positive output (731) and the negative output (732) project into the space (76).

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