Holding system and energy supply assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a holding system for holding and releasing an element, in particular an electrical energy accumulator (3), having a holding device (4) which is designed to receive and secure the element, wherein the holding device (4) is designed to receive the element in a removable manner in the holding device (4), and having an intermediate element (5) which is arranged between the element and the holding device (4) and is designed to enable a damped movement of the element in the holding device (4), in particular to enable a gentle reception of the element in the holding device, wherein the holding device (4) has a locking element (6) which is designed to be received in a receiving portion in a locking position, or wherein the holding device (4) has a receiving portion which is designed to receive a locking element (6) in a locking position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a holding system and energy supply assembly for a two-wheeled vehicle, particularly one with an electric drive, such as an electric-assisted bicycle (Pedelec) or an electric bicycle (E-Bike), wherein the electric drive can also function in addition to a muscle-force-based drive mechanism and / or only the electric drive can function. Furthermore, this invention relates to a two-wheeled vehicle having such an energy supply assembly. Background Technology

[0002] In these bicycle-based two-wheeled vehicles, the electric accumulator is typically removable from the retaining device to facilitate easy replacement and / or charging. The retaining device is usually mounted on the frame, rack, or similar structure of the two-wheeler. The accumulator is inserted into the retaining device, for example, by swinging, pushing, or screwing it in. Subsequently, the accumulator can be locked to the retaining device, for example, by means of a lock, to secure the accumulator and prevent unauthorized removal. Inserting the accumulator into the retaining device usually requires considerable force, as the locking element must be pushed back, and the locking element only engages in the locked position after a certain travel of the locking element. This can result in the user expending significant force to install the accumulator into the retaining device. However, this poses a particular risk of damaging the electrical contacts between the accumulator and the retaining device, rendering the energy supply system unable to output power. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention proposes a holding system for holding and releasing an element, particularly an electric energy storage device, the holding system comprising: a holding device configured to receive and secure the element, wherein the holding device is configured to receive the element in a removable manner; and an intermediate element disposed between the element and the holding device and configured to enable damped movement of the element in the holding device, particularly for gently receiving the element in the holding device, wherein the holding device has a locking member configured to be received in a receiving portion in a locked position, or wherein the holding device has a receiving portion configured to receive the locking member in a locked position.

[0004] Compared with the prior art, the holding system according to the invention has the following advantages: it allows for the very gentle and protective insertion and removal of the element, especially the energy storage device, into and from the holding device, particularly without damaging the element, especially the components of the energy storage device and the holding device. Furthermore, the holding system according to the invention ensures that the work required to bring the element in the holding device to its locked final position is very small or borne by the element itself or by its own weight. Thus, the user does not need to apply force to the element when inserting it into the holding device, thereby avoiding damage. It can also be designed so that the user only needs to apply a very small force besides the aforementioned gravity. Therefore, according to the invention, a reliable connection is always achieved between the element, such as the energy storage device, and the holding device in the inserted state. According to the invention, this is achieved by having an intermediate element, in addition to the holding device for holding the element, arranged between the element and the holding device. The intermediate element is configured to implement damped movement during insertion, allowing the element to be gently received into the holding device. Thus, the element can be received in and removed from the retaining device by the user with a smooth movement, with little or no force required. The intermediate element is therefore a damping element. The retaining device also includes a locking member configured to be received in a receiving portion in a locked position, or the retaining device has a receiving portion configured to receive the locking member in a locked position, in order to provide a locking state between the element and the retaining device.

[0005] The following shows a preferred extension of the present invention.

[0006] Preferably, the intermediate element between the element and the retaining device is a deformable damping element. This deformable damping element is configured to dampen movement when the element is placed into the retaining device by its own deformation, and thus ensure a smooth reception of the element.

[0007] The deformable damping element is preferably configured to deform solely due to the element's own weight. Thus, the user simply places the element into the retaining device, and the retaining system can automatically lock itself based on the element's weight. It should be noted that, preferably, the user also needs to apply a small force to achieve the locked position of the element in the retaining system.

[0008] The deformable damping element is preferably made of elastic plastic or elastic foam. This allows for the provision of deformable damping elements very simply and at low cost. Alternatively, the deformable damping element can be a spring element or a synthetic rubber or natural rubber element.

[0009] The deformable damping element is preferably arranged at the first end of the element between the element and the retaining device.

[0010] According to an alternative configuration of the invention, the intermediate element is a magnetic assembly having at least one permanent magnet. Here, damped movement and gentle placement of the element into the holding device can also be achieved by appropriately selecting the magnetic force. Preferably, the magnetic assembly comprises exactly two permanent magnets, one of which is arranged on the insertable element, and the other on the holding device.

[0011] Particularly preferably, the magnet assembly also includes a deformable damping element, by means of which the gentle placement of the element can be further influenced in a desired manner.

[0012] More preferably, the retaining system includes a lock configured to release and lock the retaining device. The lock prevents the component from being improperly removed from the retaining device. Furthermore, the component can be additionally secured within the retaining device.

[0013] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the retaining system further includes an additional drive mechanism configured to actuate a locking element of the retaining device, and / or wherein the additional drive mechanism is configured to gently bring an element loosely inserted into the retaining device into a locked position. The additional drive mechanism is preferably an electrically operated additional drive mechanism or optionally a manually operable crank or similar device. The additional drive mechanism can also be used to apply a defined force to move the element into its final position within the retaining device.

[0014] The locking element of the holding device is preferably arranged directly on the holding device, and the receiving part, such as the empty part corresponding to the geometry of the locking element, is arranged on the element, especially the energy storage device.

[0015] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the holding system further includes a switch configured to output a locking signal. Here, the locking signal is output only when the locking member is in a predetermined final position in the receiving section. Thus, for example, when the electric accumulator is correctly inserted into the holding device and the system can be supplied with electrical power, the control unit of the two-wheeled vehicle's electric drive system can be notified. The control unit can then be configured to supply electrical power to the two-wheeled vehicle's electric drive system.

[0016] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an energy supply system for a vehicle, particularly a two-wheeled vehicle with an electric drive, having an electric energy storage device and a retention system according to the invention.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a two-wheeled vehicle, particularly a bicycle with an electric drive system, comprising an energy supply system according to the invention and / or a holding system according to the invention.

[0018] The components to be received in the holding system, in addition to electrical energy storage devices, may be, for example, boxes for valuable items, beverage bottles, or similar items.

[0019] The two-wheeled vehicle preferably includes a frame, wherein a retaining device is arranged on the frame and / or partially or fully integrated into the frame. The retaining device may, for example, be arranged on the downtube of the two-wheeled vehicle, in the area of ​​the luggage rack, or in the seat tube.

[0020] In addition, the two-wheeled vehicle includes a control unit for controlling the electric drive unit of the two-wheeled vehicle, wherein the control unit is configured to control the electric drive unit only when a corresponding locking signal is issued by a switch on the holding device, the locking signal being a signal indicating the correct final position of the electric accumulator in the holding device.

[0021] Two-wheeled vehicles are preferably electric-assisted vehicles that can be driven by muscle power and / or electricity, or electric bicycles that can be driven only by electricity. It should be noted that, according to the present invention, two-wheeled vehicles are also understood to be bicycle-like vehicles with three or four wheels. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a two-wheeled vehicle having a holding system and an energy supply system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 Figure 1 A schematic, partially cut-away side view of the energy supply system in an unlocked state.

[0025] Figure 3 Figure 1 A schematic, partially cut-away side view of the energy supply system in a locked state.

[0026] Figure 4 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of the energy supply system in the locked state according to the second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the insertion process of the energy supply system according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and

[0028] Figure 6 and 7 Schematic partial cross-sectional views of the energy supply system according to the fourth embodiment in the unlocked state and in the locked state. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following reference Figures 1 to 3The following is a detailed description of the holding system and energy supply system 1 of the two-wheeled vehicle 10 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 1 A two-wheeled vehicle 10 is schematically shown, which in this embodiment is an electric-assisted bicycle. The two-wheeled vehicle 10 includes an electric drive unit 2 arranged in the area of ​​the pedal bearings. Furthermore, an energy supply system 1 is arranged on a frame 9, which includes an electric accumulator 3 and a holding system with a holding device 4. The holding device 4 is partially positioned within the frame 9, so that when the electric accumulator 3 is inserted, the electric accumulator is also partially located within the frame 9.

[0031] The two-wheeled vehicle 10 also includes a control unit 11, which controls the electric drive unit 2 as desired by the driver in order to obtain pedaling assistance through the two-wheeled vehicle.

[0032] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The energy supply system 1 is schematically shown. The electric energy storage device 3 is removably arranged in a holding device 4, which is fixed to the frame 9. Figure 2 This shows the beginning of the insertion process of placing the electric energy storage device into the holding device 4.

[0033] In addition to the holding device 4, the holding system also includes an intermediate element 5, which is arranged between the energy storage device 3 and the holding device 4. The intermediate element is configured to implement a smooth movement for gently receiving the energy storage device 3 into the holding device 4. Therefore, gentle receiving can be understood, for example, as continuous movement. This can also be understood as uniform movement, which can also have characteristics of gradual acceleration or, in particular, gradual deceleration. Thus, the insertion speed is reduced or predetermined to a degree that ensures reliable contact connection without damage.

[0034] The electric energy storage device 3 has a first end 31 and a second end 32. (As from...) Figure 2 As can be seen, the intermediate element 5 is arranged between the energy storage device 3 and the holding device 4 at the second end 32 of the energy storage device 3. The first end 31 of the energy storage device is the end that is first inserted into the holding device 4.

[0035] The retaining device 4 also includes a locking element 6 and a receiving portion 7, the receiving portion being configured to receive the locking element 6. The locking element 6 is, for example, a pin, and the receiving portion 7 is a correspondingly constructed opening. (As from...) Figure 2 As can be seen, the locking element 6 is arranged on the holding device 4, and the receiving part 7 is arranged on the electric energy storage device 3 at the second end 32. However, it should be noted that the locking element 6 and the receiving part 7 can also be arranged on other components respectively.

[0036] In the first embodiment, the intermediate element 5 is a deformable damping element, such as elastic foam. Here, Figure 2 The undeformed state of intermediate element 5 is shown, while Figure 3 The diagram schematically illustrates the deformed state of intermediate element 5, which is in... Figure 3 It is indicated by the figure mark 5' in the figure.

[0037] The energy storage device 3 comprises multiple individual batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries of various types, which are enclosed and surrounded by a casing. Therefore, the energy storage device has a certain weight. (As in...) Figure 2 As shown, after the energy storage device 3 is placed into the holding device 4 at the first end 31, the further placement process is automatically carried out at the second end 32 due to the gravity of the energy storage device 3. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The arrow G indicates this. Thus, the elastic intermediate element 5 deforms and can push the locking member 6 into the receiving part 7. This can be done automatically, for example, by a snap-fit ​​process, if the locking member 6 is preloaded by a spring and pushed back during the insertion of the electric accumulator 3, and once the receiving part 7 is in the snap-fit ​​position, the locking member can be pre-tightened and moved into the snap-fit ​​position.

[0038] Therefore, the user does not need to do anything themselves to arrange the portable energy storage device 3 in the holding device 4. The energy storage device 3... Figure 3 The motion in the final position shown is achieved solely by the gravity of the energy storage device 3. Thus, the energy storage device 3 and the holding device 4 exist and... Figure 3 The electrical contacts in the final position shown will not be damaged during the insertion of the energy storage device 3. Alternatively, the user may apply a small force to press the energy storage device into the final position within the holding device.

[0039] Figure 4 An energy supply system 1 with a holding system is shown according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Identical or functionally identical components are indicated by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment.

[0040] The second embodiment substantially corresponds to the first embodiment, except that, unlike the first embodiment, a switch 8 is additionally provided on the retaining device 4. Here, the switch 8's function is to send a locking signal 80 to the control unit 11 after the energy storage device 3 is correctly locked in the retaining device 4. Here, the control unit 11 is configured to supply electrical energy to the electric drive unit 2 of the two-wheeled vehicle only after the locking signal 80 has been sent. Therefore, it can be ensured that the electric drive unit 2 of the two-wheeled vehicle can only be operated when the energy storage device 3 is correctly inserted. Here, signal transmission can be performed via cable, WiFi, Bluetooth, or other transmission methods. Furthermore, the switch 8 can be used to query whether the locking member 6 is correctly positioned in the receiving part 7 of the energy storage device 3 in an inductive, capacitive, tactile, or optical manner. In other respects, the second embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment, so that the description given therein can be referenced.

[0041] Figure 5 An energy supply system 1 with a holding system is shown according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Identical or functionally identical components are indicated by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment.

[0042] The energy supply system 1 of the third embodiment includes an additional drive device 12 as an intermediate element. In this embodiment, the additional drive device 12 is a manual crank. However, the additional drive device 12 could also be a small electric motor. The manual crank or the small electric motor can here be responsible for transferring the energy from the energy storage device 3... Figure 5 The task is to gently transition from the initial position 3', shown in dashed lines, to the locked final position. Locking can also be performed directly via the manual crank 12 or a small electric motor if necessary. It should be noted that, if necessary, an additional damping element, corresponding to the first or second embodiment, is also provided between the electric accumulator 3 and the holding device 4.

[0043] Figure 6 and Figure 7 An energy supply system 1 with a holding system is shown according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Components that are identical or functionally identical are shown as in the embodiments described above.

[0044] The fourth embodiment includes a magnet assembly 51 as an intermediate element 5 between the energy storage unit 3 and the holding device 4. Here, the magnet assembly 51 includes a first permanent magnet 52 and a second permanent magnet 53. The first permanent magnet 52 is arranged on the energy storage unit 3, and the second permanent magnet 53 is arranged on the holding device 4 or the frame 9. When the energy storage unit 3 is in… Figure 6 When the first end 31 of the device is inserted into the holding device 4, the energy storage unit 3 is attracted by the magnetic force provided by the permanent magnets 52 and 53. Figure 6 This is indicated by arrow A. Therefore, the energy storage device 3 is brought to... Figure 7In the final position shown. By appropriately selecting the permanent magnet, the magnetic attraction can be predetermined, enabling the energy storage unit 3 to move slowly into the holding device 4. It should be noted that the magnet assembly 51 can also be constructed such that only one permanent magnet assembly is arranged on the energy storage unit 3 or the holding device 4, and iron-containing components are provided on other components, or iron-containing components are present in the corresponding components if necessary. This can significantly reduce the cost of the magnet assembly.

[0045] In another embodiment, the magnet assembly 51 and, in particular, the magnet 53 on the frame 9 or holding device 4, can be manipulated such that a repulsive magnetic field is generated first upon insertion of the accumulator 3. This can interact with the magnet 52 on the accumulator or with the metal casing of the accumulator 3, such that a force must first be applied to fully guide the accumulator into the frame 9 or holding device 4. Alternatively, the magnet 52 on the accumulator 3 can generate this repulsive magnetic field.

[0046] In another embodiment, the attractive or repulsive force can be configured to be controlled. Thus, the attractive force can initially be configured to be weak and increase as the energy storage device 3 approaches closer to the frame 9 or holding device 4. Correspondingly, the repulsive force can be configured to decrease as the energy storage device 3 reaches its final position within the frame 9 or holding device 4. Optionally, a sensor can be provided that senses the distance to the current position or the final position. The sensor parameters sensed in this way can be used to control the magnetic or repulsive force.

[0047] Here, the possible sensors are optical sensors, such as light sensors or sensing devices that detect reflected light beams, as well as pressure sensors. Advantageously, such sensors are mounted on the bottom of the frame 9 or in the lower region of the retaining device 4 near the bottom.

[0048] It should be noted in all embodiments that a lock can also be provided on the holding device 4 to ensure the locked state of the energy storage device 3 within it. Furthermore, it should be noted in all embodiments that the locking member 6 can be manually or by means of a preload, such as a spring element, pushed into the receiving part 7. For this purpose, an inclined surface can also be provided on the energy storage device 3, for example, to allow the locking member 6 to move against the preload during insertion.

[0049] In another embodiment, the intermediate or damping elements described above may be arranged on the energy storage device.

Claims

1. A holding system for holding and releasing an element, said holding system having: - A holding device (4) configured for receiving and securing the element. - in, The holding device (4) is configured to receive the element in a removable manner within the holding device (4); and - An intermediate element (5), which is arranged between the element and the retaining device (4) and configured to enable damped movement of the element within the retaining device (4). - Wherein, the holding device (4) has a locking member (6) configured to be received in a receiving part (7) in a locked position, or wherein, the holding device (4) has a receiving part (7) configured to receive the locking member (6) in a locked position. - Wherein, the intermediate element (5) includes an additional drive device (12), wherein the additional drive device (12) is configured to bring an element loosely placed in the retaining device (4) into a locked position, and wherein the additional drive device (12) is configured to manipulate the locking member (6).

2. The holding system according to claim 1, wherein, The component is an electric energy storage device (3).

3. The holding system according to claim 2, wherein, The intermediate element (5) is a deformable damping element.

4. The holding system according to claim 3, wherein, The deformable damping element is configured to deform only due to the gravity (G) of the electric energy storage device (3).

5. The holding system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The deformable damping element (5) is an elastic plastic or an elastic foam.

6. The holding system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The deformable damping element (5) is a spring element or a synthetic rubber or natural rubber element.

7. The holding system according to claim 1, wherein, The intermediate element (5) is a magnet assembly (51) having at least one permanent magnet (52, 53).

8. The holding system according to claim 7, wherein, The magnet assembly includes exactly one first permanent magnet (52) and one second permanent magnet (53), wherein one of the permanent magnets is arranged on the element and the other of the permanent magnets is arranged on the holding device (4).

9. The holding system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7 and 8, further comprising a lock configured to release and lock the locking member (6) in the receiving part (7).

10. The holding system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7 and 8, wherein, The additional drive device (12) is configured to bring the element out of the locked position.

11. The holding system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7 and 8, further comprising a switch (8) configured to output a locking signal (80), wherein, The locking signal is output only when the locking member (6) is positioned in the predetermined final position in the receiving part (7).

12. The holding system according to claim 1, wherein, The damped motion is configured to gently receive the element in the holding device (4).

13. An energy supply system comprising an electric energy storage device (3) and a retention system according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. A two-wheeled vehicle having an electric drive device (2), the two-wheeled vehicle comprising the energy supply system (1) according to claim 13.

15. The two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 14, further comprising a frame (9), wherein, The retaining device (4) is arranged on the frame and / or partially or fully integrated into the frame (9).

16. The two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising a control unit (11) configured to operate the electric drive unit (2) of the two-wheeled vehicle only when the switch (8) has transmitted a locking signal (80) to the control unit (11), the locking signal indicating in the form of a signal that the locking member (6) is properly locked in the receiving unit (7).

17. The two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The two-wheeled vehicle mentioned is a bicycle.

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