Drive device for electric bicycle, electric bicycle, method of assembling drive device, and method of setting drive device

Abstract

In at least one embodiment, a drive device (1) for an electric bicycle (100) has a first housing element (41) and a second housing element (42) connected thereto. The drive device has a spacer element (5), a shaft (3) and a reversing gear (2) for coupling to the electric motor on the one hand and to the shaft on the other hand in such a way that a torque can be transmitted from the electric motor to the shaft via the reversing gear. The reversing gear has a first gear element (21) which can be rotated about a first axis (A1) and a second gear element (22) which is coupled thereto and which can be rotated about a second axis (A2) running at an angle to the first axis. The spacer element is arranged between two housing surfaces (410, 420) of the two housing elements facing each other in order to predetermine a minimum distance between the two housing surfaces. The transmission elements are coupled to the housing element such that a maximum gap between the two transmission elements is set by a predetermined minimum distance between the housing surfaces.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] A drive device for an electric bicycle, an electric bicycle, a method for assembling a drive device and a method for setting a drive device are proposed. Background Art

[0002] Bicycles provide an inexpensive, easy-to-use and emission-free means of transport. Bicycles have also become popular as sports and fitness equipment, and types have been developed that are particularly suitable for different sports applications.

[0003] In recent years, despite the relatively high weight and price for bicycles, enthusiasm for electric bicycles, in particular so-called "pedelecs," has grown. In electric bicycles, it is of interest to provide a reliably supported drive system that allows high power transmission. It is also of interest to provide a drive system that is simple to assemble and simple to set up. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object to be achieved is to provide a reliable drive device for an electric bicycle, in particular a drive device with play between the components of the drive device that can be adjusted simply and precisely. A further object to be achieved is to specify an electric bicycle having such a drive device, a method for producing such a drive device and a method for adjusting such a drive device. These objects are achieved, among other things, by the subject matter of claims 1 and 12 and by the methods of claims 13 and 15. Advantageous embodiments and improvements are the subject matter of the remaining dependent claims and are also apparent from the following text and the drawings.

[0005] First, a driving device for an electric bicycle is proposed.

[0006] In at least one embodiment, a drive device for an electric bicycle has a first housing element for a housing of the drive device and a second housing element connected thereto. The drive device also has a spacing element and a shaft. In addition, the drive device has a reversing transmission device for coupling with the electric motor on the one hand and with the shaft on the other hand, so that the torque can be transmitted from the electric motor to the shaft via the reversing transmission device. The reversing transmission device has a first transmission element that can rotate around a first axis and a second transmission element coupled thereto. The second transmission element can rotate around a second axis that extends obliquely to the first axis. The spacing element is arranged between two housing surfaces of the two housing elements that face each other so as to preset a minimum spacing between the two housing surfaces. The transmission element is coupled to the housing element so that the maximum gap between the two transmission elements is set by the preset minimum spacing between the housing surfaces.

[0007] Usually, the adjustment of the gap between the transmission elements of a reversing gear is complex. In most cases, the reversing gear must first be assembled so that the gap can be measured. If it turns out that the spacing element installed in the reversing gear, such as a setting disk, has the wrong thickness, the reversing gear must be disassembled again.

[0008] In the present invention, a spacer element is used between two housing surfaces of a housing element. Such a spacer element is more easily accessible and can be replaced more easily than a spacer element inside a reversing gear.

[0009] The drive device may include a housing, which is formed at least partially by a first housing element and a second housing element. The reversing gear is arranged, for example, inside the housing. The shaft may be arranged partially inside the housing and sections of the shaft may protrude from the housing. The housing surface is preferably an outer surface of the housing element, which is accessible from outside the housing. The housing elements are each formed, for example, in one piece.

[0010] The two housing elements can be connected to each other directly or indirectly. For example, the two housing elements are connected to each other in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting and / or material-fitting manner.

[0011] The shaft is mounted, for example, so that it can rotate about an axis parallel to the first axis, in particular so that it can rotate about the first axis.

[0012] A reversing transmission, also referred to as an angular transmission, is configured in particular for coupling to an electric motor on the drive side and to a shaft on the driven side. For example, the second transmission element is configured for (direct) coupling to an electric motor. The first transmission element is configured, for example, for coupling to a shaft. For example, the first transmission element is coupled to the shaft via a freewheel coupling. Thus, a freewheel clutch of the drive device can be provided in particular between the first transmission element and the shaft, or the first transmission element and / or the shaft can be part of such a freewheel clutch.

[0013] The reversing gear can be a non-ratio reversing gear, that is to say the output speed of the reversing gear is equal to the input speed. Alternatively, the reversing gear can have a transmission ratio of at least a factor of 2, for example, so that the output speed is not equal to the input speed.

[0014] The first and second transmission elements of the reversing transmission are coupled to one another, in particular such that a torque can be transmitted from the second transmission element to the first transmission element and / or vice versa. For example, the coupling is such that any rotation of the second transmission element about the second axis causes a rotation of the first transmission element about the first axis and / or vice versa. The transmission elements are in particular directly coupled to one another. The coupling between the first transmission element and the second transmission element is realized, for example, by a meshing engagement point between the first transmission element and the second transmission element. For example, the first transmission element and the second transmission element are directly engaged with one another.

[0015] A coupled joint is understood here in particular to be an area in which a force or torque is transmitted between two elements, such as a transmission element. The area particularly comprises a contact point between two parts that are movable relative to each other and / or an intermediate area between parts that are movable relative to each other.

[0016] The second axis extends obliquely to the first axis, about which the second transmission element can rotate, and about which the first transmission element can rotate. For example, the second axis intersects the first axis at a point or extends obliquely relative to the first axis. The first axis and the second axis can extend perpendicularly to each other or at an angle of less than 90° to each other. For example, the angle between the first axis and the second axis is at least 30° or at least 45°. Rotatable transmission element means in particular that the transmission element can rotate relative to the housing or a housing element.

[0017] The spacer element is arranged between two housing surfaces of the two housing elements facing each other. The housing surface of the first housing element is also referred to as the first housing surface below, and the housing surface of the second housing element is also referred to as the second housing surface below. The first housing surface is formed, for example, at a flange of the first housing element. The two housing surfaces can be axially opposite to each other with respect to the first axis and overlap each other radially and azimuthally.

[0018] The axial direction with respect to the axis refers here and hereinafter to the direction along the axis. The azimuthal direction with respect to the axis refers here and hereinafter to the direction along the circumference around the axis and the radial direction with respect to the axis refers here and hereinafter to the direction perpendicular to the azimuthal and axial directions. The terms axial, azimuthal and radial are to be understood accordingly.

[0019] Two elements overlap in a direction, which means that the coordinates of the two elements for the direction have overlapping value ranges. In other words, the elements are then oriented relative to each other along this direction.

[0020] The spacing element can be in direct contact with the first and / or second housing surface. In particular, the minimum distance between the two housing surfaces, i.e. the smallest possible distance, is predetermined by the thickness of the spacing element or corresponds to this thickness. For example, the minimum distance is 0.6 mm to 1.0 mm. Correspondingly, the thickness of the spacing element can also be selected within this range.

[0021] The transmission elements are coupled to the housing element, more precisely in such a way that the maximum play between the two transmission elements is set by a predetermined minimum spacing between the housing surfaces. For example, a first transmission element is coupled to a first housing element and a second transmission element is coupled to a second housing element. At least one of the transmission elements, for example the first transmission element, can be axially movable relative to the associated housing element, that is to say along an axis about which the transmission element can rotate. However, the axial mobility of the transmission element is limited by the coupling to the associated housing element, so that the maximum axial play between the transmission elements is also given by the above-mentioned minimum spacing.

[0022] Thus, the play between two transmission elements is, for example, an axial play. However, the axial play is related to the rotational play. The rotational play refers to the rotation angle of the first transmission element when the second transmission element is blocked.

[0023] According to at least one embodiment, the first housing element radially surrounds the first transmission element and / or the shaft about the first axis. For example, the first transmission element and / or the shaft are radially completely surrounded by the first housing element. In other words, the first housing element extends completely around the first transmission element and / or the shaft in the azimuthal direction.

[0024] According to at least one embodiment, the second housing element radially surrounds the second transmission element with respect to the second axis, for example radially completely surrounds it.

[0025] According to at least one embodiment, the second transmission element is arranged downstream of the first transmission element in the first axial direction, parallel to the first axis.

[0026] The first transmission element may be movable axially, parallel to the first axis, within predefined limits relative to the second transmission element and / or the first housing element and / or the shaft.

[0027] According to at least one embodiment, the housing surface of the second housing element is arranged downstream of the housing surface of the first housing element in the first axial direction. In particular, the housing surface of the first housing element can point in the first axial direction and the housing surface of the second housing element can point in a second axial direction antiparallel to the first axial direction.

[0028] The second transmission element is arranged downstream of the two housing surfaces, for example, in the first axial direction. With respect to the first axis, the two housing surfaces can be arranged axially overlapping with the first transmission element. With respect to the first axis, the two housing surfaces are arranged radially offset from the first transmission element, for example radially further outward than the first transmission element.

[0029] According to at least one embodiment, the first transmission element and the first housing element are associated with the first assembly. In addition, the shaft can be associated with the first assembly. For example, all elements of an assembly are coupled and / or connected to each other.

[0030] According to at least one embodiment, the second housing element and the second transmission element are associated with the second component.

[0031] According to at least one embodiment, the two components are releasably connected to one another, in particular releasably non-destructively. The two components are, for example, connected to one another such that, in order to release the connection, the first component is moved in a second axial direction, parallel to the first axis, away from the second component. The connection between the two components is, for example, established completely or partially by a connection between two housing elements. Correspondingly, the connection between the housing elements can be releasable.

[0032] According to at least one embodiment, the two housing elements are connected to each other via a screw connection. To release the connection between the two housing elements, for example, the first housing element is moved relative to the second housing element in the second axial direction and rotated about the first axis. To establish the connection, the first housing element is moved relative to the second housing element in the first axial direction and rotated about the first axis.

[0033] According to at least one embodiment, the first and second housing elements each have a thread, wherein the two threads engage with each other for the screw connection. For example, the second housing element has an internal thread and the first housing element has an external thread or vice versa. To establish the connection between the housing elements, for example, the first housing element or the first component is screwed into the second housing element or the second component.

[0034] According to at least one embodiment, the first housing element has at least one projection which projects radially outwards with respect to the first axis. The first housing surface is formed, for example, at the projection.

[0035] The first housing element can have a plurality of such projections, wherein then, for example, a first housing surface is formed at each of the projections. The projections are arranged, for example, equidistantly in azimuthal direction with respect to the first axis and / or are evenly distributed around the first axis.

[0036] At least one projection is arranged, for example, upstream of the first transmission element and / or upstream of the second housing element in the first axial direction. For example, the projection is formed at the end of the first housing element when viewed in the second axial direction.

[0037] According to at least one embodiment, the spacer element is annular or ring segment-shaped. For example, the spacer element extends partially or completely around the first axis in an azimuthal direction with respect to the first axis. The spacer element can in particular be a setting disk.

[0038] According to at least one embodiment, the spacer element is freely accessible from outside the housing element, in particular from outside the housing. For example, the spacer element is exposed in a radial direction with respect to the first axis, that is to say is not surrounded by the housing in a radial direction.

[0039] According to at least one embodiment, the drive device is configured such that the spacing element can be separated from the housing element, in particular from the housing, without completely releasing the connection between the housing elements. This allows the spacing element to be replaced.

[0040] According to at least one embodiment, the spacing element is arranged movably between two positions with respect to the housing element. For example, the spacing element is arranged rotatably about a first axis with respect to the two housing elements.

[0041] According to at least one embodiment, in the first position, the first section of the spacing element is arranged between the housing surfaces in order to predetermine a minimum distance between the two housing surfaces. For example, the thickness of the first section of the spacing element determines the minimum distance between the housing surfaces.

[0042] According to at least one embodiment, in the second position, the first section is located outside the area between the housing surfaces. The minimum spacing between the housing surfaces is then, for example, independent of the spacing element. For example, the spacing between the two housing surfaces can then be set smaller than the minimum spacing. The housing surfaces can, for example, touch each other.

[0043] According to at least one embodiment, in the second position, the spacer element can be separated from the housing element, for example by an axial movement relative to the housing element, in particular in a second axial direction. For example, in the second position, the spacer element can be removed in the axial direction without the spacer element being additionally moved in other directions.

[0044] According to at least one embodiment, the spacer element can be rotated about the first axis and can be moved back and forth between two positions by the rotation. For the movement between the two positions, the spacer element must be rotated, for example, by an angle of at least 10° and / or at most 90°.

[0045] According to at least one embodiment, the spacing element has a second section. For example, the second section is arranged downstream of the first section in the azimuth direction with respect to the first axis or is arranged azimuthally beside the first section.

[0046] According to at least one embodiment, the first section is radially wider than the second section about the first axis. That is, the extension of the first section in the radial direction is greater than the extension of the second section in the radial direction. For example, the first section is at least twice as wide as the first section in the radial direction.

[0047] According to at least one embodiment, in the first position, the first section is arranged axially between the two housing surfaces with respect to the first axis and radially and azimuthally overlaps the two housing surfaces. That is, the first section overlaps the two housing surfaces in the azimuth direction and in the radial direction and is located between the two housing surfaces in the axial direction. Thus, the minimum spacing between the two housing surfaces is determined, for example, by the thickness of the spacing element.

[0048] According to at least one embodiment, in the second position, the second section is axially arranged between the two housing surfaces with respect to the first axis, overlaps the two housing surfaces in azimuth and is radially arranged outside the area between the housing surfaces. That is, in the radial direction, the second section does not overlap the area between the housing surfaces.

[0049] According to at least one embodiment, in the second position, the spacing element can be separated from the housing element by an axial displacement relative to the housing element, in particular in the second axial direction. For example, the spacing element can then be removed across the first housing element.

[0050] By configuring the spacing element with the first and second section and the corresponding shape of the housing element, the spacing element can be fixed and released again between the housing surfaces of the housing elements, like by means of a bayonet connection.

[0051] The spacing element can have a plurality of first sections and second sections, which are arranged, for example, alternately in an azimuthal direction (with respect to the first axis).

[0052] According to at least one embodiment, the reversing gear is a bevel gear. The first gear element is then, for example, a disk gear and the second gear element is a bevel pinion.

[0053] According to at least one embodiment, the shaft is a pedal crankshaft, that is to say an shaft on which a pedal crank is mounted or mountable.

[0054] Next, an electric bicycle is proposed. The electric bicycle is, for example, a so-called electric assist bicycle.

[0055] In at least one embodiment, the electric bicycle comprises a drive device according to one of the embodiments described herein. The electric bicycle also comprises an electric motor, wherein the electric motor is coupled to a reversing gear so that the torque of the electric motor is transmitted to the first gear element via the second gear element. The electric bicycle can also have control electronics for controlling the electric motor.

[0056] Next, a method for assembling a drive device is proposed. The method is particularly suitable for assembling a drive device according to the embodiments described here. All features disclosed in conjunction with the method for assembling are therefore also disclosed for the drive device and vice versa.

[0057] In at least one embodiment of the method for assembling a drive device, a first assembly is provided, which comprises a first transmission element for a reversing transmission and a first housing element for a housing. In addition, a second assembly is provided, which comprises a second transmission element for a reversing transmission and a second housing element for a housing. The two assemblies are connected, wherein the two housing elements are connected to each other. In addition, the two transmission elements are coupled to each other for torque transmission. In addition, a spacing element is provided between the two housing surfaces of the two housing elements in order to preset a minimum spacing between the two housing surfaces. The transmission elements are respectively coupled to the associated housing elements so that the maximum gap between the transmission elements is set by the preset minimum spacing.

[0058] When connecting two components, the housing elements are connected to each other, for example, in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting and / or material-fitting manner. For example, the housing elements are screwed into each other. The coupling of the two transmission elements can be carried out simultaneously with the connection of the components or housing elements or immediately thereafter.

[0059] According to at least one embodiment, after connecting the two housing elements or assemblies, the first transmission element can rotate about the first axis and the second transmission element can rotate about a second axis extending obliquely to the first axis. The first assembly can also include a shaft, which is rotatable, in particular rotatable about the first axis, after connecting the assemblies.

[0060] According to at least one embodiment, when connecting the two components, the first component is moved in an axial direction parallel to the first axis toward the second component.

[0061] According to at least one embodiment, the spacing element is arranged axially between the housing surfaces with respect to the first axis. The two housing surfaces are then, for example, each in contact with the spacing element.

[0062] Next, a method for setting a drive device is proposed. By means of the method, for example, a drive device according to the embodiments described here can be set. Therefore, all features disclosed in conjunction with the drive device are also disclosed for the method and vice versa.

[0063] In at least one embodiment, the method checks whether the maximum gap between the transmission elements set by the spacing element corresponds to the specified requirements. If this is not the case, the spacing element is replaced by a further spacing element, by which a further minimum distance between the two housing surfaces is predefined and a further maximum gap between the transmission elements is correspondingly set.

[0064] The requirements imposed include, for example, smooth operation of the speed change transmission and / or the noise generated during operation of the speed change transmission.

[0065] The further spacer elements can have a different thickness than the previously used spacer elements. Apart from the thickness, the spacer elements can be designed identically.

[0066] According to at least one embodiment, a drive device is used in a method for setting a drive device, wherein the spacing element is freely accessible from outside the housing element and can be separated from the housing element without completely releasing the connection between the housing elements. In order to replace the spacing element, the connection between the two housing elements is then preferably not completely released, for example only partially released or loosened. That is, when replacing the spacing element, the two housing elements remain connected to each other.

[0067] In the following, the drive device described herein, the electric bicycle described herein, the method for assembling the drive device described herein, and the method for setting the drive device described herein are explained in detail according to embodiments with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are used to indicate the same elements in the various drawings. As long as the elements or components in the different drawings are identical in terms of their function, their description is not repeated for each subsequent drawing. For the sake of clarity, elements may not be provided with corresponding reference numerals in all the figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] The accompanying drawings show:

[0069] Figure 1 An embodiment of an electric bicycle is shown;

[0070] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a drive device;

[0071] Figure 3 Show Figure 2 An enlarged detail of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0072] Figure 4 A perspective view from the outside shows an embodiment of a drive device;

[0073] Figure 5 A top view showing one embodiment of a first housing element;

[0074] Figure 6 A top view showing one embodiment of a spacing element;

[0075] Figure 7 and Figure 8 shows different positions in one embodiment of a drive device during separation of the spacing elements;

[0076] Fig. 9 and Fig.10shows different positions in one embodiment of a method for assembling a drive device; and

[0077] Fig.11 The positions in one exemplary embodiment of a method for adjusting a drive device are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] Figure 1 Schematically, an electric bicycle 100 is shown with a bicycle frame 50, which also has a lower frame section 60, which forms a downtube. The frame section 60 extends in the direction of a pedal support, which comprises a pedal crank 40, which is coupled or can be coupled to a drive device 1 for the electric bicycle 100. The drive device 1 is coupled or can be coupled to an electric motor. The electric motor is arranged in the seat tube of the frame 50, for example.

[0079] exist Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a drive device 1 is shown in FIG. Figure 1 A driving device 1 is used in an electric bicycle 100 . Figure 3 Shown enlarged Figure 2 Part of. Figure 4 The operating device 1 is shown in a view from the outside.

[0080] The drive device 1 comprises a housing 4 having two housing elements 41, 42. The housing 4 is made of plastic or aluminum, for example. A reversing gear 2 is arranged in the housing 4. The reversing gear 2 comprises a first transmission element 21 and a second transmission element 22. In the present case, the reversing gear 2 is a bevel gear transmission. The first transmission element 21 is a disc gear and the second transmission element 22 is a small bevel gear.

[0081] exist Figure 2 Axis A1 and A2 are also marked in FIG. The disc gear 21 (relative to the housing 4) is supported in a manner that allows rotation around the first axis A1, and the small bevel gear 22 (relative to the housing 4) is supported in a manner that allows rotation around the axis A2. Axis A1 and A2 are perpendicular to each other. Figure 2 The radial direction R_1 and the azimuthal direction C_1 about the first axis A1 are also indicated. The radial direction R_1 is a direction perpendicular to the first axis A1 and passing through the first axis A1, and the azimuthal direction C_1 is a direction perpendicular to the first axis A1, perpendicular to the radial direction R_1 and around the axis A1. Figure 2 In the illustration of , the azimuth direction C_1 points into the paper plane.

[0082] The disc gear 21 surrounds the shaft 3 of the drive device 1 in the radial direction R_1. The shaft 3 is also supported in a manner that allows rotation about the first axis A1. The shaft 3 is currently a sprocket shaft. The shaft 3 is led out of the housing 4 and can be connected to the sprocket (see also Figure 4 ). Shaft 3 is a hollow shaft.

[0083] Figure 2 The drive device 1 is configured so that the bevel pinion 22 can be coupled to an electric motor for an electric bicycle. The direction of rotation of the rotor of the electric motor can extend parallel to the axis A2 and / or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the seat tube.

[0084] The small bevel gear 22 is driven by the energy provided by the motor, that is, rotated around the second axis A2. The small bevel gear 22 is coupled to the disc gear 21 via the engagement portion 212. The engagement portion 212 is a meshing engagement portion. Through the coupling achieved via the engagement portion 212, the rotation of the small bevel gear 22 causes the disc gear 21 to rotate around the first axis A1.

[0085] A clutch 230 is provided between the disc gear 21 and the shaft 3 (see Figure 3 ). The clutch 230 is currently a one-way clutch, for example. However, another mechanical clutch or an eddy current clutch can also be used.

[0086] The one-way clutch enables the shaft 3 to rotate in a first rotational direction, for example clockwise or counterclockwise, relative to the disc gear 21. Conversely, the disc gear 21 cannot rotate relative to the shaft 3 in the first rotational direction. At most, the disc gear 21 can rotate together with the shaft, i.e., as fast as the shaft 3, in the first rotational direction. Here, by means of the coupling between the disc gear 21 and the shaft 3, a torque that assists the rotation is transmitted from the disc gear 21 to the shaft in a manner provided by the clutch 230.

[0087] In order to facilitate the rotation of the disc gear 21 relative to the shaft 3 and to support the forces that occur, the drive device 1 comprises two bearings 231, 232 (see Figure 3 The one-way clutch 230 is axially arranged between two bearings 231, 232 with respect to the first axis A1. The bearings 231, 232 are rolling bearings, in particular cylindrical roller bearings, such as ball bearings.

[0088] exist Figure 2In the drive device 1 of the embodiment shown in , the disc gear 21 is arranged axially movably relative to the shaft 3 and to the small bevel gear 22 and to the housing 4 about the first axis A1, more precisely, it is arranged axially movably within preset limits. On the one hand, the axial movement of the disc gear 21 is limited by a stop at the small bevel gear 22 in a first axial direction A_11, toward the small bevel gear 22. In the opposite second axial direction A_12, the movement of the disc gear 21 is limited by a stop at the stop surface 30. The stop surface 30 is part of an element 32, which is axially fixed to the shaft 3. However, the stop surface 30 can also be part of the shaft 3, that is, it can be formed integrally or in one piece with the shaft 3.

[0089] The clearance is between the bevel pinion 22 and the disc gear 21 in the region of the joint 212. The maximum clearance between the bevel pinion 22 and the disc gear 21 is preset in such a way that how far the disc gear 21 can move away from the bevel pinion 22 in the second axial direction A_12 is determined by the axial position of the stop surface 30. The stop surface 30 is again axially fixed relative to the first housing element 41. The bevel pinion 22 is axially fixed relative to the second housing element 42 about the first axis A1. That is, the maximum clearance between the bevel pinion 22 and the disc gear 21 in the region of the joint 212 is determined by the position of the housing elements 41, 42 along the first axis A1.

[0090] The axial position of the housing elements 41, 42 relative to one another about the first axis A1 is hereby predetermined by a spacing element 5 which is arranged between a first housing surface 410 of the first housing element 41 and a second housing surface 420 of the second housing element 42 (see Figure 3 ). The housing surface 410 of the first housing element 41 is formed at the flange of the first housing element 41, in particular in the region of a projection 411 protruding radially outwards with respect to the first axis A1. The minimum distance between the two housing surfaces 410, 420 is predetermined by the thickness of the spacing element 5 measured along the first axis A1. Therefore, the maximum gap between the transmission elements 21, 22 at the joint 212 is ultimately set by the minimum distance between the housing surfaces 410, 420 predetermined by the spacing element 5.

[0091] As from Figure 2 and Figure 3 It can be clearly seen that the maximum gap at the joint 212 can be set by changing the thickness of the spacer element 5. The maximum thickness of the spacer element 5 results in a larger minimum distance between the two housing surfaces 410, 420 and thus a larger maximum gap, whereas a smaller thickness results in a smaller minimum distance and correspondingly a smaller maximum gap.

[0092] As from Figure 2 and Figure 3 Zhonghe is more clear in Figure 4 As can be seen in FIG. 4 , the spacer element 5 is freely accessible from outside the housing 4. In the present case, the drive device 1 is configured such that the spacer element 5 can be separated from the housing 4 without the housing 4 being completely opened, in particular the housing elements 41 , 42 are not completely released from each other. This is described below according to Figures 5 to 8 Elaborate in more detail.

[0093] exist Figure 5 Shown in Figures 2 to 4 A top view of the first housing element 41 of the drive device 1 and more precisely in the viewing direction along the first axial direction A_11 is shown. Furthermore, the radial direction R_1 and the azimuthal direction C_1 with respect to the first axis A1 are shown. Figure 5 As can be seen in the figure, the first housing element 41 has a plurality of radially outwardly protruding projections 411. Axially, sections 412 are arranged between the projections 411. The projections 411 have a greater width measured in the radial direction R_1 than the sections 412 and protrude further outward in the radial direction than the sections 412. The first housing surface 410 is formed on the side of the projections 411 that is not visible.

[0094] Figure 6 Also shown along the first axis A1 and along the first axial direction A_11 viewing direction Figures 2 to 4 The spacer element 5 of the drive device 1. The spacer element 5 comprises a plurality of first segments 51 and a plurality of second segments 52, which are arranged alternately along the azimuth direction C_1. The first segment 51 has a greater width than the second segment 52 measured along the radial direction R_1 and protrudes radially further inwards.

[0095] exist Figure 7 Shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 The spacing element 5 is arranged relative to the first housing element 41 in the same viewing direction. Figures 2 to 4 , wherein the minimum distance between the housing surfaces 410, 420 of the housing elements 41, 42 is predetermined by the spacing element 5. The first section 51 of the spacing element 5 is arranged behind the projection 411 of the first housing element 41, so that the first section 51 is arranged axially between the housing surfaces 410, 420 and radially and azimuthally overlapping the housing surfaces 410, 420.

[0096] exist Figure 8 4 shows an arrangement between the housing element 41 and the spacing element 5, wherein the spacing element 5 does not predetermine a minimum distance between the housing surfaces 410, 420 of the housing elements 41, 42, that is, the minimum distance is independent of the spacing element 5. Figure 7 Compared to the first position shown in Figure 8 , the spacing element 5 is rotated relative to the first housing element 41 into the second position, more precisely about the first axis A1. As a result, the first section 51 of the spacing element 5 emerges from the area behind the projection 411 and now no longer overlaps the projection 411 in the azimuthal and radial directions. Instead, the first section 51 overlaps the section 412 in azimuth and the second section 52 overlaps the projection 411 in azimuth. However, since, in particular due to the smaller width of the section 412, the first section 51 of the spacing element 5 now does not radially overlap the section 412 of the first housing element 41 and the second section 52 of the spacing element 5 also due to its smaller width does not radially overlap the projection 411 of the first housing element 41, in the second position the spacing element 5 can be removed from the housing 4 in the second axial direction A_12 simply over the first housing element 41.

[0097] Overall, the locking of the spacing element 5 with the housing 4 or the separation of the spacing element 5 from the housing 4 thus works similarly to a bayonet connection.

[0098] Since the spacer element 5 is preferably clamped in its first position to predetermine the minimum distance between the housing surfaces 410, 420, it may be necessary to increase the distance between the housing surfaces 410, 420 to a certain extent in order to separate the spacer element 5. To achieve this, the connection between the housing elements 41, 42 is realized as a screw connection, for example, wherein the first housing element 41 has an external thread and the second housing element 42 has an internal thread. The joining point 421 where the two threads engage with each other is Figure 2 By slightly rotating the first housing element 41 relative to the second housing element 42 , the first housing element 41 moves relative to the second housing element 42 along the second axial direction A_12 , thereby increasing the distance between the two housing surfaces 410 , 420 .

[0099] exist Fig. 9 and Fig.10 An embodiment of a method for assembling a drive device 1 is shown in FIG. 1 according to two positions. Figures 1 to 4 Drive device 1.

[0100] exist Fig. 9 In the first position, a first assembly 6 is provided, which comprises a first housing element 41, a shaft 3 and a disc gear 21. These three elements of the first assembly are coupled to one another. In addition, a second assembly 7 is provided, which comprises a bevel pinion 22 and a second housing element 22, which are likewise coupled to one another. Fig. 9In the embodiment, the first component 6 moves along the first axial direction A_11 toward the second component 7 and the two housing elements 41, 42 are connected to each other via the mutual engagement of the threads. In addition, the transmission elements 21, 22 are coupled to each other.

[0101] exist Fig.10 4 shows a position in which the two components 6, 7 are connected to each other so that a spacing is maintained between the housing surfaces 410, 420 of the housing elements 41, 42. The spacing element 5 can now be moved in the first axial direction A_11 through the shaft 3 and the first housing element 41 and then locked by rotation between the housing surfaces 410, 420, as in combination Figure 7 and Figure 8 If the two housing elements 41, 42 are now brought closer together by tightening the screw connection, this is not achieved until the two housing surfaces 410, 420 collide with the spacing element 5. Therefore, the minimum distance between the housing surfaces 410, 420 is predetermined by the thickness of the spacing element 5 and the maximum gap between the transmission elements 21, 22 at the joint 212 is correspondingly set.

[0102] If it turns out that the set gap at the joint 212 does not meet the specific requirements for the drive device 1, the spacer element 5 can simply be replaced by a thicker or thinner spacer element 5 in order to predetermine a larger or smaller minimum distance and a correspondingly larger or smaller maximum gap. Fig.11 , in which thicker spacer elements 5 are used.

[0103] In order to pass Fig.11 The thicker spacer element 5 is replaced Fig.10 The housing 4, which includes the first housing element 41 and the second housing element 42, does not have to be completely opened, because it is sufficient, for example, to simply loosen the screw connection between the housing elements 41, 42 and then rotate Fig.10 and then separated from the housing elements 41, 42 (see Figure 7 and Figure 8 ). Fig.11 The thicker spacer element 5 can thus be moved in the first axial direction A_11 through the shaft 3 and the first housing element 41 and secured by twisting between the housing surfaces 410, 420. By tightening the screw connection, the thicker spacer element 5 is then clamped between the housing surfaces 410, 420 and a new, larger minimum distance between the housing surfaces 410, 420 is preset.

[0104] The present invention is not limited to this by the description based on the exemplary embodiments. Rather, the present invention includes any novel features and any combination of features, which in particular includes any combination of features in the claims, even if these features or these combinations themselves are not described in detail in the claims or exemplary embodiments.

[0105] Reference numerals list

[0106] 1. Drive equipment

[0107] 2 Reversing drive

[0108] 3 Axis

[0109] 4 Housing

[0110] 5 Spacer elements

[0111] 6. First Component

[0112] 7 Second Component

[0113] 21 First transmission element

[0114] 22 Second transmission element

[0115] 30 stop surface

[0116] 32 elements

[0117] 40 pedal crank

[0118] 41 first housing element

[0119] 42 second housing element

[0120] 50 bicycle frame

[0121] 51 The first section

[0122] 52 Second Section

[0123] 60 frame sections

[0124] 100 Electric bikes

[0125] 212 Joint

[0126] 230 Clutch

[0127] 231 Bearing

[0128] 232 Bearings

[0129] 410 First shell surface

[0130] 411 protrusion

[0131] 412 Sections

[0132] 420 Second shell surface

[0133] 421 Joint

[0134] A1 First Axis

[0135] A2 Second Axis

[0136] A_11 First axial direction

[0137] A_12 Second axial direction

[0138] R_1 radial direction

[0139] C_1 azimuth direction

Claims

1. A drive device (1) for an electric bicycle (100), the drive device comprising: a first housing element (41) for the housing (4) of the drive device (1) and a second housing element (42) connected thereto, - spacing elements (5), - shaft (3), a reversing gear (2) for coupling to the electric motor on the one hand and to the shaft (3) on the other hand, so that a torque can be transmitted from the electric motor via the reversing gear (2) to the shaft (3), wherein The reversing transmission (2) comprises a first transmission element (21) rotatable about a first axis (A1) and a second transmission element (22) coupled thereto, the second transmission element being rotatable about a second axis (A2) extending obliquely to the first axis (A1), The spacing element (5) is arranged between two housing surfaces (410, 420) of two housing elements (41, 42) facing each other, so as to predetermine a minimum distance between the two housing surfaces (410, 420), and The transmission elements (21, 22) are coupled to the housing elements (41, 42) such that a maximum gap between the two transmission elements (41, 42) is set by a predetermined minimum distance between the housing surfaces (410, 420).

2. The drive device (1) according to claim 1, wherein - the first housing element (41) radially surrounds the first transmission element (21) and / or the shaft (3) with respect to the first axis (A1), - the second housing element (42) radially surrounds the second transmission element (22) with respect to the second axis (A2), - the second transmission element (42) is arranged downstream of the first transmission element (41) along a first axial direction (A_11), parallel to the first axis (A1), The housing surface (420) of the second housing element (42) is arranged downstream of the housing surface (410) of the first housing element (41) in the first axial direction (A_11).

3. A drive device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein - the first housing element (41) and the first transmission element (21) are associated with a first assembly (6), - the second housing element (42) and the second transmission element (22) are associated with a second assembly (7), The two components (6, 7) can be releasably connected to one another, so that - in order to release the connection, the first component (6) is moved in a second axial direction (A_12), Movement (42) parallel to the first axis (A1) and away from the second assembly (7).

4. The drive device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the two housing elements (41, 42) are connected to each other via a screw connection, The first housing element (41) and the second housing element (42) each have a thread and the two threads engage with each other for a screw connection.

5. The drive device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The first housing element (41) has at least one projection (411) protruding radially outwards with respect to the first axis (A1), and the housing surface (410) of the first housing element (41) is formed at the projection (411).

6. The drive device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The spacer element (5) is annular or in the form of a ring segment.

7. The drive device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spacing element (5) is freely accessible from outside the housing elements (41, 42), The drive device (1) is configured such that the spacing element (5) can be separated from the housing elements (41, 42) without completely releasing the connection between the housing elements (41, 42) in order to enable replacement of the spacing element (5).

8. The drive device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spacing element (5) is arranged to be movable between two positions relative to the housing elements (41, 42), in a first position, the first section (51) of the spacing element (5) is arranged between the housing surfaces (410, 420) in order to predetermine a minimum distance between the two housing surfaces (410, 420), In the second position, the first section (51) is located outside the region between the housing surfaces (410, 420) and the minimum distance between the housing surfaces (410, 420) is independent of the spacing element (5).

9. The drive device (1) according to claim 8, wherein In the second position, the spacing element (5) can be separated from the housing elements (41, 42).

10. The drive device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the spacer element (5) is rotatable about the first axis (A1) and is movable back and forth between the two positions by means of the rotation, - the spacer element (5) has a second section (52), - in said first position, the first section (51) is arranged axially between the two housing surfaces (410, 420) with respect to the first axis (A1) and radially and azimuthally overlaps the two housing surfaces (410, 420), - in said second position, The second section (52) is located axially between the two housing surfaces (410, 420) with respect to the first axis (A1) and is azimuthally adjacent to the two housing surfaces (410, 420). 420) overlap and are radially located outside the area between the housing surfaces (410, 420), - the spacing element (5) can be axially displaced with the housing element (41, 42) Separation.

11. The drive device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The reversing transmission (2) is a bevel gear transmission, wherein the first transmission element (21) is a disc gear and the second transmission element (22) is a bevel pinion, and / or - The shaft (3) is a sprocket shaft.

12. An electric bicycle (100), the electric bicycle having - A drive device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - an electric motor, wherein The electric motor is coupled to the reversing transmission (2) such that the torque of the electric motor is transmitted to the first transmission element (21) via the second transmission element (22).

13. A method for assembling a drive device, the method comprising: - providing a first assembly (6) comprising a first transmission element (21) for the reversing transmission (2) and a first housing element (41) for the housing (4), - providing a second assembly (7) comprising a second transmission element (22) for the reversing transmission (2) and a second housing element (42) for the housing (4), - connecting the two components (6, 7), wherein the two housing elements (41, 42) are connected to one another, - coupling the two transmission elements (21, 22) for torque transmission, The spacing element (5) is arranged between two housing surfaces (410, 420) of the two housing elements (41, 42) in order to predetermine a minimum distance between the two housing surfaces (410, 420), wherein The transmission elements (21, 22) are respectively coupled to housing elements (41, 42) of the associated components (6, 7) such that a maximum play between the transmission elements (21, 22) is set by a predetermined minimum distance.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein - after the housing elements (41, 42) are connected, the first transmission element (21) is rotatable about a first axis (A1), and the second transmission element is rotatable about a second axis (A2) extending obliquely to the first axis (A1), - when connecting the two components (6, 7), - the first component (6) moves towards the second component (7) along an axial direction (A_11) parallel to the first axis (A1), The spacing element (5) is arranged axially between the housing surfaces (410, 420) with respect to the first axis (A1).

15. A method for setting a drive device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the method comprising - Check whether the maximum play between the transmission elements (21, 22) set by the spacing element (5) corresponds to the requirements and, if this is not the case, - replacing the spacer element (5) by a further spacer element (5), by which a further minimum distance between the two housing surfaces (410, 420) is predefined and a further maximum play between the transmission elements (21, 22) is correspondingly set.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the drive device (1) is a drive device (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 10 or according to claim 11 referring back to any one of claims 7 to 10, In order to replace the spacing element (5), the connection between the two housing elements (41, 42) is not released.

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