Frame assembly and two-wheeled vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a frame assembly (1) of a two-wheeled vehicle (10), particularly a two-wheeled vehicle capable of operation by muscle force and / or motor force, comprising a main frame (2), a resiliently mounted rear structure (3), and at least one connecting element (4) arranged on the main frame (2), wherein the connecting element (4) allows at least a portion of the rear structure (3) to be pivotally connected to the main frame (2) about a hinge axis (40), and wherein the connecting element (4) is configured to secure the drive unit (5) to the main frame (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a frame assembly and a two-wheeled vehicle including the frame assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Two-wheeled vehicles with a fully spring-loaded mechanism, such as electric bicycles, are known. Here, the bicycle frame has a main frame and a spring-loaded rear structure. The rear structure is typically rotatable relative to the main frame at the main pivot point. In electric bicycles, there is a drive unit in the area of ​​the pedal bearing axis, which requires additional space and is connected to the main frame. The space requirements of the drive assembly and the location of the main pivot point often conflict. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In contrast, the frame assembly according to the invention is characterized by a simplified structure and improved kinematic design for a two-wheeled vehicle frame with a spring mechanism. According to the invention, this is achieved by a frame assembly comprising a main frame, a resiliently mounted rear structure, and at least one connecting element. Here, the connecting element is arranged on the main frame. Here, the connecting element allows at least a portion of the rear structure to be rotatably connected to the main frame about a hinge axis. Furthermore, the connecting element is configured to secure the drive unit to the main frame, particularly to the hinge axis.

[0004] In other words, the frame assembly and connecting elements have an interface that enables at least a portion of the rear structure to be rotatably connected to the main frame while simultaneously securing the drive unit to the main frame. This means that the connecting element performs both the functions of a rotatable connection and a securing interface simultaneously and in the same location (i.e., on the hinge axis). Therefore, the connecting element simultaneously constitutes both a pivot point and a securing point. Preferably, the connecting element can be considered as a hinge, which, in addition to the rotatable connection between the main frame and the rear structure, secures the drive unit to the main frame.

[0005] The unification of the fastening points for the drive unit and the rotation points between at least part of the main frame and rear structure yields numerous advantages. In particular, the frame assembly thus provides a particularly space-saving and cost-effective structure in the area of ​​the pedal bearings in a two-wheeled vehicle. Because the connecting elements can simultaneously perform the hinge function between the main frame and rear structure and the fastening function for the drive unit, cost savings can be achieved by eliminating additional fastening and / or hinge elements. Similarly, drilling for such additional fastening and / or hinge elements in the main frame, for example, can be avoided, which advantageously affects the rigidity of the main frame. Furthermore, more space exists in the main frame for the connecting elements, allowing for optimal placement. This results in greater design freedom, especially in terms of optimal force delivery and kinematics. The increased space further advantageously influences the increased freedom for laying cables and wires (e.g., for the drive unit). Furthermore, this allows for shorter chain supports in the rear structure, enabling the riding characteristics of the two-wheeled vehicle to be influenced more specifically or flexibly and over a wider range, and also allowing for particularly flexible matching of the vehicle's geometry, for example, with a smaller frame size, through shorter chain supports.

[0006] Preferably, the rear structure has a spring element, wherein at least one connecting element allows the main frame and the spring element to be rotatably connected to each other about a hinge axis. That is, in this case, the connecting element constitutes a support for one side of the spring element. Preferably, the other side of the spring element is connected to another part of the rear structure, for example, to a deflection rocker arm, which is connected to the seat brace of the rear structure. Thus, the connecting element achieves a rotatable connection between the spring element and the main frame. This results in a particularly inexpensive, simple, and space-saving structure for connecting the spring assembly.

[0007] Particularly preferably, the rear structure has a rear structure frame, wherein at least one connecting element allows the main frame and the rear structure frame to be rotatably connected to each other about a hinge axis. Preferably, the rear structure frame consists of a chain support, a seat brace, and other elements, such as those swayable relative to the main frame. Here, preferably, the connecting element forms a main hinge by means of which the rear structure frame can sway relative to the main frame. Thus, with the main hinge structure being cost-effective and space-saving, a particularly flexible structure for the two-wheeled vehicle can be provided, especially in terms of driving dynamics. Particularly preferably, two connecting elements can be provided, which can be spring elements and allow the rear structure frame to be swayably connected to the main frame about separate hinge axes. Here, each of the two connecting elements can be additionally provided for securing the drive unit to the main frame. Preferably, here, the drive unit can be secured to the main frame solely by means of these two connecting elements. This provides a particularly simple, cost-effective, and space-saving structure for the frame assembly. For example, alternatively, an additional connection point, such as a connection point using screws, may be provided to secure the drive unit to the main frame.

[0008] Preferably, the frame assembly further includes a drive unit, which is fastened to the main frame by means of at least one connecting element. Preferably, the drive unit has an engine and / or transmission. In particular, the drive unit is firmly connected to the main frame, thus preventing relative rotation, especially between the drive unit and the main frame. Particularly preferably, the frame assembly has a total of two or three connecting elements by means of which the drive unit is fastened to the main frame. This provides a particularly simple and robust arrangement. Preferably, the drive unit has a pedal bearing, thereby extending through the drive unit, particularly along the axis of the pedal bearing.

[0009] Preferably, the drive unit is at least partially disposed between the two frame walls of the main frame. For example, the drive unit may be disposed substantially entirely between the two frame walls, so that the frame walls can provide mechanical protection for the drive unit. Alternatively, for example, only a fastening area of ​​the drive unit may be disposed between the two frame walls, so that the drive unit is substantially freely disposed outside the main frame.

[0010] More preferably, the connecting element has a through bolt that extends along the hinge axis through the main frame and drive unit. This provides a particularly simple and cost-effective structure for the frame assembly. Furthermore, it achieves a particularly simple assembly because the through bolt can be pushed, for example, into the aligned channel holes in the drive unit and main frame from one side, thus requiring only entry from that side. Preferably, the through bolt can be tightened with nuts on the corresponding opposite sides for securing. Particularly preferably, the drive unit is secured to the main frame with a total of two through bolts.

[0011] Preferably, the connecting element has two fastening screws, each extending along the hinge axis and used to screw the main frame and drive unit together. Specifically, the two fastening screws are screwed into the drive unit and main frame from opposite sides. For example, when the drive unit is partially arranged between two frame walls of the main frame, the two fastening screws can be screwed into the drive unit through one of the frame walls to achieve a secure connection between the main frame and the drive unit. Preferably, the drive unit and main frame are screwed together with a total of four fastening screws, or alternatively, a total of six fastening screws. Particularly preferably, it is also possible to fasten the drive unit with a combination of fastening screws and through bolts.

[0012] Particularly preferably, the drive unit has two fastening plates. For example, the fastening plates can be constructed protruding from the housing of the drive unit. The drive unit is fastened to the main frame by means of the fastening plates and connecting elements. Here, the swing area of ​​the rear structure is located between the two fastening plates. Here, the particularly integral, lower, and front areas of the rear structure are considered the swing area, where the two chain supports converge. In particular, the connection between the rear structure and the main frame is here indirectly via the drive unit. Preferably, here, the swing area and the drive unit are oscillatingly connected to each other about a hinge axis by means of connecting elements.

[0013] Preferably, the rear structure has two chain supports that are hinged to the main frame by means of connecting elements. This means that two separate chain supports are provided in the interface area between the main frame, drive unit, and rear structure, each connected to the main frame by means of a connecting element. For example, a single through bolt can be used as the connecting element. Alternatively, each chain support can be individually connected to the main frame by means of a separate fastening screw, wherein the two fastening screws are located on a common hinge axis.

[0014] Preferably, each of the two chain supports is arranged in the direction of the hinge axis between one of the two frame walls of the drive unit and the main frame. This means that the two chain supports, together with the drive unit, are at least partially located within the receiving space of the main frame defined by the two frame walls.

[0015] More preferably, the drive unit and the two frame walls are arranged between the two chain supports in the direction of the hinge axis. In other words, the two chain supports are arranged outside the main frame in the direction of the hinge axis.

[0016] Preferably, the connecting element has at least one bearing, particularly a ball bearing or a sliding bearing, arranged between at least a portion of the main frame and the rear structure. Preferably, the connecting element has at least two bearings to obtain stable mechanical support. In particular, a bearing is arranged between each of the two frame walls and between each chain support or swing area.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention leads to a two-wheeled vehicle comprising the illustrated frame assembly. Preferably, the two-wheeled vehicle relates to a bicycle that can be operated by muscle force and / or motor vehicle power, and particularly preferably to an electric bicycle. In particular, here, it relates to a fully spring-loaded electric bicycle. A special frame assembly, with elements connected by fastening interfaces that function as the main articulation and simultaneously constitute the drive unit, allows for a particularly space-saving arrangement of different components in the region of the pedal bearing axis. In particular, here, the electric bicycle can be geometrically constructed according to optimal kinematics and driving dynamics. Particularly preferably, the frame assembly here can be constructed such that the connecting element is arranged at the height of the engagement point between the bicycle chain and the sprocket arranged on the pedal bearing. Preferably, the articulation axis here is close to or near the engagement point. Here, the point is considered the engagement point: at which the driving force of the rider's body force is applied from the sprocket to the bicycle chain.

[0018] Preferably, the frame assembly includes a drive unit fastened to the main frame by means of at least one connecting element. Here, the at least one connecting element is arranged in the rearward region of the drive unit in the driving direction, preferably at its rearward end in the driving direction. That is, the drive unit extends substantially forward in the driving direction from the connecting element. This provides a particularly space-saving arrangement, allowing for optimal arrangement of the spring system and optimal adjustment of the frame assembly geometry in terms of kinematics and driving dynamics. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The present invention will now be described in conjunction with embodiments and accompanying drawings. In the drawings, components with the same function are labeled with the same reference numerals. As shown here:

[0020] Figure 1 A simplified schematic view of a two-wheeled vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0021] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 Details of the two-wheeled vehicle

[0022] Figure 3 Details of a two-wheeled vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0023] Figure 4 Details of a two-wheeled vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0024] Figure 5 Details of a two-wheeled vehicle according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention are shown, and

[0025] Figure 6 Details of a two-wheeled vehicle according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention are shown, and

[0026] Figure 7 A simplified schematic view of a two-wheeled vehicle according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Figure 1 A simplified schematic view of a two-wheeled vehicle 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The two-wheeled vehicle 10 relates to an electric bicycle that can be operated by muscle force and / or motor force.

[0028] Here, the two-wheeled vehicle 10 has a frame assembly 1 with a drive unit 5, which includes an electric motor and a transmission device, and the drive unit is configured to assist the driver's pedaling force by means of the motor force. In order to supply energy to the drive unit 5, the two-wheeled vehicle 10 may have a battery (not shown).

[0029] Here, the pedal bearing 14 of the two-wheeled vehicle 10 is part of the drive unit 5. The pedal bearing 14 is configured for connection with the crank and pedal (not shown).

[0030] The two-wheeled vehicle 10 is a fully elastically mounted two-wheeled vehicle with a spring fork 11 and an elastically mounted rear structure 3.

[0031] The flexibly mounted rear structure 3 has a rear structure frame 7, which is rotatably connected to the main frame 2 of the frame assembly 1 of the two-wheeled vehicle 10 about a hinge axis 40. Here, the hinge axis 40 is perpendicular to... Figure 2 The drawing plane.

[0032] In particular, the rear frame 7 has a chain support 32 and a seat brace 33, which are arranged at an acute angle to each other. The main frame 2 preferably has an upper tube 21, a lower tube 22 and a seat support 23, which are also arranged substantially triangularly.

[0033] Furthermore, the rear structure 3 includes a spring element 6 and a deflection rocker arm 8. The spring element 6 is hinged to both the deflection rocker arm 8 and the main frame 2. The deflection rocker arm 8 is also hinged to the upper end of the rear structure frame 7, specifically to the seat brace 33. Additionally, the deflection rocker arm 8 is hinged to the seat support 23.

[0034] To enable a swivel connection between the main frame 2 and the rear structural frame 7, the frame assembly 1 includes a connecting element 4 disposed on the main frame 2. The connecting element 4 can therefore also be considered as the main hinge of the spring mechanism of the two-wheeled vehicle 10. Here, the connecting element 4 is additionally configured to secure the drive unit 5 to the main frame 2. In other words, the connecting element 4 performs two functions: a hinged connection between the rear structural frame 7 and the main frame 2, and simultaneously secures the drive unit 5 to the main frame 2.

[0035] Here, the connecting element 4 forms a connection point between the drive unit 5 and the main frame, and the connection point is arranged in the area behind the drive unit 5 in the direction of travel 15 of the two-wheeled vehicle 10.

[0036] The unification of the fastening point and the rotation point offers numerous advantages. In particular, it enables a space-saving structure for the frame assembly 1 within the drive unit 5 region. Specifically, it allows for optimal kinematics in terms of driving dynamics for the two-wheeled vehicle, as the connecting element 4 and, consequently, the hinge axis 40, can be arranged particularly close to the axis of the pedal bearing 14. The hinge axis 40 is preferably located at the engagement point between the bicycle chain and the sprocket 16 of the two-wheeled vehicle 10. Here, the engagement point is vertically located above the pedal bearing 14 and on or near the outer periphery of the sprocket 16. Furthermore, the unification of the main rotation point of the frame assembly 1 and the fastening point of the drive unit 5 achieves weight and cost savings, as fastening devices can be eliminated, for example.

[0037] exist Figure 1 In the first embodiment, the drive unit 5 is fixedly connected to the main frame 2 at a total of two fastening points. The first fastening point is formed by the connecting element 4 and the second fastening point is formed by the fastening device 55 of the drive unit 5 in the forward region in the driving direction 15. The second fastening device may be a tightening achieved, for example, by means of a through bolt and / or by means of one or more screws.

[0038] Subsequently, referring to Figure 2A more precise configuration of the connection between the main frame 2, the rear structural frame 7, and the drive unit 5 via connecting element 4 is explained in detail. Here, Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A detailed cross-sectional view of the two-wheeled vehicle 10 in the area of ​​the connecting element 4.

[0039] As in Figure 2 As can be seen, the drive unit 5 is partially arranged inside the main frame 2, specifically between the two frame walls 21 of the main frame 2. Two chain supports 32 of the rear structure 3 are arranged outside the main frame 2 relative to the hinge axis 40.

[0040] Here, the connecting element 4 has a through bolt 41 that extends along the hinge axis 40 through the main frame 2, the drive unit 5, and the two chain supports 32. The through bolt 41 provides a particularly simple, inexpensive, and simultaneously stable connection between the drive unit 5 and the main frame 2.

[0041] Through bolt 41 has bolt head 41a, which can abut against Figure 2 On the right-hand chain support 32. In addition, the through bolt 41 has a nut 41b, which can be abutted against the left-hand chain support 32 on the opposite side, and the nut can be screwed into the bolt area 44 of the through bolt 41 to secure the through bolt 41.

[0042] To enable the main frame 2 and the rear structure 3 to pivot about the hinge axis 40, a bearing 43 is arranged between each of the chain brackets 32 in the rear structure 3 and the through bolt 41. The bearing 43 is exemplarily shown as a ball bearing. Alternatively, the bearing 43 may also be constructed as a sliding bearing or the like.

[0043] Furthermore, the frame assembly 1 has a spacer bushing 45 and a tolerance compensation element 46 in the area of ​​the connecting element 4. The spacer bushing 45 is arranged between the right chain support 32 and the right frame wall 21, and between the right frame wall 21 and the drive unit 5. The tolerance compensation element 46 is constructed in the form of a bushing, which is arranged on the outside of the bolt area 44 of the through bolt 41 and between the bolt area 44 and the left frame wall 21. In addition, the tolerance compensation element 46 is arranged between the drive unit 5 and the left chain support 32. Here, the spacer bushing 45 and the tolerance compensation element 46 achieve optimal geometric coordination of the frame assembly 1 in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner.

[0044] Figure 3 The two-wheeled vehicle 10 shown according to the second embodiment of the present invention is similar to Figure 2 Details of the cross-sectional view. The second embodiment is essentially equivalent to... Figure 1 and2 The first embodiment differs in the alternative arrangement of bearing 43. Figure 3 In the second embodiment, the bearing 43 is arranged between the bolt region 44 of the through bolt 41 and the frame wall 21. This provides an advantageous alternative structure and kinematics for the frame assembly 1.

[0045] Figure 4 The two-wheeled vehicle 10 shown in the third embodiment of the present invention is similar to Figure 2 Details of the cross-sectional view. The third embodiment is essentially equivalent to... Figure 1 and 2 In the first embodiment, the difference lies in that the connecting element 4 has two fastening screws 42 instead of a through bolt 41. The two fastening screws 42 are screwed in from the outside along the hinge axis 40 into the arrangement consisting of the chain bracket 32, the frame wall 21, and the drive unit 5. Here, the two fastening screws 42 are fixedly screwed into the drive unit 5. A bearing 43 is located between each fastening screw 42 and its corresponding chain bracket 32.

[0046] Furthermore, the third embodiment does not include spacer bushings and tolerance compensation elements. Instead, these elements are directly screwed together, and this screwing causes the chain support 32 to be pulled onto the main frame 2 during installation by means of fastening screws 42, thereby subjecting the drive unit 5 to tensile load. However, alternatively, similar to Figure 2 Alternatively, spacer bushings and tolerance compensation elements can be installed. Here, according to... Figure 4 The third embodiment of the connecting element 4, which has two fastening screws 42, provides an additional, particularly inexpensive, simple and space-saving connection possibility.

[0047] Figure 5 The two-wheeled vehicle 10 shown according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is similar to Figures 2 to 4 Details of the cross-sectional view. The fourth embodiment is essentially equivalent to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the first embodiment, the difference lies in that the chain support 32 is arranged inside the main frame 2. Specifically, the two chain supports 32 are respectively arranged between the drive unit 5 and one of the frame walls 21. Similar to Figure 4 In the third embodiment, the connecting element 4 in the fourth embodiment has two fastening screws 42, which are screwed into the drive unit 5. Similarly, in the fourth embodiment, as in... Figure 5 As shown, tolerance balancing by means of spacer bushings and / or tolerance compensation elements is preferably not provided. However, in an alternative configuration, the two-wheeled vehicle of the fourth embodiment may also be equipped with spacer bushings and / or tolerance compensation elements.

[0048] Figure 6Details of a cross-sectional view of a two-wheeled vehicle 10 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention are shown. The fifth embodiment is substantially equivalent to... Figure 1 and 2 The first embodiment has an alternative arrangement of frame wall 21, drive unit 5, and rear structure 3. Figure 6 In the fifth embodiment, the drive unit 5 has two fastening plates 51, which are fastened to the main frame 2 by means of the two fastening plates and connecting elements 4. Specifically, the fastening plates 51 extend into the receiving space between the two frame walls 21, while the rest of the drive unit 5 is arranged externally. Here, each fastening plate 51 is screwed to the corresponding frame wall 21 by means of fastening screws 42.

[0049] A swing area 31 for the rear structure 3 is arranged between the two fastening plates 51. Here, the swing area 31 corresponds to the front end of the rear structure frame 7 in the direction of travel 15 (see...). Figure 1 The two chain supports 32 converge toward the integrated area. Here, the swing region 31 is rotatably secured to the main frame 2 indirectly via the drive unit 5. For this purpose, each of the two fastening screws 42 has a preferably threadless connecting region 42a that extends into the swing region 31. Here, a bearing 43 is located between each connecting region 42a and the swing region 41.

[0050] Figure 7 A simplified schematic view of a two-wheeled vehicle 10 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown. The sixth embodiment is essentially equivalent to... Figure 1 and 2 In the first embodiment, the connecting element 4' replaces the rear structural frame 7, allowing the spring element 6 and the main frame 2 to be rotatably connected to each other about another hinge axis 40. (As in...) Figure 1 In the first embodiment, the connecting element 4' simultaneously functions as a hinge for hinged connection of the spring element 6 and the main frame 2 and as a fastening device for fastening the drive unit 5 to the main frame 2.

[0051] In general, the two-wheeled vehicle 10 of the sixth embodiment has two fastening points for the drive unit 5, namely, the connecting element 4' and the fastening device 55 between the main frame 2 and the front area of ​​the drive unit 5. Here, the hinge, marked with reference numeral 9, is... Figure 7 The two-wheeled vehicle 10 shown is used only for the articulated connection between the rear structural frame 7 and the main frame 2 around the main articulation axis 90.

[0052] Preferably, the connecting element 4' can be constructed according to the two variants described, namely, a construction with a through bolt or, alternatively, a construction with two fastening screws. Preferably, the drive unit 5 can also be fastened by means of a combination of a through bolt and fastening screws.

[0053] Furthermore, it should be noted that the described embodiments can be arbitrarily combined with each other. Particularly preferred are the first and sixth embodiments, which can be combined such that the connecting elements are used not only at the main hinge between the rear structural frame 7 and the main frame 2, but also between the spring element 6 and the main frame 2, respectively. These connecting elements simultaneously achieve a hinged connection and secure the drive unit 5. In particular, these two fastening points can be individually provided for securing the drive unit 5 to the main frame 2, or alternatively, fastening can be constructed at a total of three fastening points, for example by means of additional, [missing information]. Figure 1 and 7 The fastening device 55 shown is used for fastening.

Claims

1. A frame assembly for a two-wheeled vehicle (10), the frame assembly comprising: - Main frame (2) - Rear structure with flexible installation (3). - A drive unit (5) with a motor and / or transmission device, and - At least one connecting element (4), said connecting element being arranged on the main frame (2), The connecting element (4) enables at least a portion of the rear structure (3) to be rotatably connected to the main frame (2) about a hinge axis (40), and the connecting element (4) secures the drive unit (5) to the main frame (2) along the hinge axis (40), characterized in that: The connecting element (4) has a through bolt (41) that extends along the hinge axis (40) through the main frame (2) and the drive unit (5); or The at least one connecting element (4) has two fastening screws (42) extending along the hinge axis (40) and used to tighten the main frame (2) and the drive unit (5) together; or The drive unit (5) has two fastening plates (51), by means of which the drive unit (5) is fastened to the main frame (2) via the connecting element; or The rear structure (3) has a spring element (6), and wherein the at least one connecting element (4) enables the main frame (2), the drive unit (5) and the spring element (6) to be rotatably connected to each other about the hinge axis (40).

2. The frame assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The rear structure (3) has a rear structure frame (7), and wherein the at least one connecting element (4) enables the main frame (2) and the rear structure frame (7) to be rotatably connected to each other.

3. The frame assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The drive unit (5) is arranged at least partially between the two frame walls (21) of the main frame (2).

4. The frame assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The swing area (31) of the rear structure (3) is arranged between the two fastening plates (51).

5. The frame assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The rear structure (3) has two chain supports (32), which are hinged to the main frame (2) by means of the connecting element (4).

6. The frame assembly according to claim 5, wherein, Each of the two chain supports (32) is arranged about the hinge axis (40) between the drive unit (5) and one of the two frame walls (21).

7. The frame assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The drive unit (5) and the two frame walls (21) are arranged between the two chain supports (32) about the hinge axis (40).

8. The frame assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The connecting element (4) has at least one bearing (43) arranged between the main frame (2) and at least a portion of the rear structure (3).

9. The frame assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The two-wheeled vehicle (10) can be operated by muscle force and / or motor force.

10. A two-wheeled vehicle comprising a frame assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 10, wherein, The frame assembly (1) includes a drive unit (5), wherein the drive unit (5) is fastened to the main frame (2) by means of at least one connecting element (4), and wherein the at least one connecting element (4) is arranged in the rear region of the drive unit (5) in the direction of travel (15).

12. The two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 10, wherein, The two-wheeled vehicle is a bicycle that can be operated by muscle force and / or motor force.

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