End plate assembly for battery of electric bicycle

Abstract

The invention relates to an end plate assembly for a battery of an electric bicycle, comprising a battery housing having a fastening interface, an end plate and at least one fastening element, the fastening interface having at least one projecting first fastening element, the end plate having at least one second fastening element, and the fastening element having at least one second fastening element. The second fastening element can be hooked on the first fastening element of the fastening interface in order to establish a form fit, and wherein the end plate can be fixed to the fastening interface by means of a fixing element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an end plate assembly of a battery for an electric bicycle, a battery assembly and an electric bicycle. Background Art

[0002] Battery assemblies for electric bicycles are known, in which the battery can be releasably fastened to the electric bicycle by means of a battery holder. Usually, the battery holder is arranged on the bicycle frame of the electric bicycle. The battery is usually designed to have an elongated, for example prismatic or essentially cylindrical geometry and is held by the battery holder, for example, on its two end sides. In this case, end plates are usually provided as adapters between the battery and the battery holder. The end plates are usually screwed to the battery by threads. Summary of the invention

[0003] In contrast, the end plate assembly according to the invention has a particularly simple and cost-effective structure, which allows a stable fastening on the battery with a particularly compact geometry and a lightweight structure. This is achieved by an end plate assembly for a battery of an electric bicycle, which comprises a battery housing, an end plate and at least one fixing element. The battery housing has a fastening interface, which has at least one protruding first fastening element. The end plate has at least one second fastening element. The second fastening element can be hooked into the first fastening element of the fastening interface in order to establish a form fit between the first fastening element and the second fastening element. In addition, the end plate can be fixed to the fastening interface by means of a fixing element.

[0004] The battery housing is preferably designed to accommodate a battery which is provided as an electrical energy storage device for the electric bicycle.

[0005] In other words, an end plate assembly is provided, which includes an end plate, for example a substantially plate-shaped end plate, which can be fastened to a battery housing. Here, the fastening is achieved on the one hand by means of a fastening element and on the other hand by means of a fixing element. Here, the fastening element is constructed so that the end plate can be hooked on the battery housing, so as to establish a form lock between the battery housing and the end plate in a hooked state, for example, along at least one predetermined direction. Here, hooking can be understood, for example, as the engagement between a first fastening element and a second fastening element. Preferably, the first fastening element can engage in the second fastening element, in particular so that the fastening element at least partially bites (hinterschneiden) in the hooked state, so as to establish a form lock. In addition, the end plate is fixed by means of a fixing element. Preferably, the fixing is achieved by means of a fixing element so that unhooking, i.e., loosening of the form lock, is prevented by the fastening.

[0006] The end plate arrangement offers the following advantages: With a particularly simple, cost-effective and lightweight structure, a stable and reliable fastening of the end plate to the battery housing can be achieved. By means of a form-fitting fastening established by the fastening elements, a stable fastening can be provided in a simple manner, which allows, for example, a relatively large number of screws to be omitted. That is, for example, a particularly stable and reliable assembly of the end plate to the battery housing can be achieved with the smallest possible number of screws. In addition, the structure of the end plate and the battery housing allows a particularly space-saving geometry.

[0007] Preferably, the end plate assembly comprises exactly two first fastening elements and exactly two second fastening elements. As a result, a strong fastening can be achieved with a structure that is as space-saving and material-saving as possible. In particular, the end plate and the cell housing can be prevented from rotating relative to each other in a simple manner by means of the two first and second fastening elements in each case.

[0008] Preferably, the end plate assembly comprises exactly two fixing elements. Thus, a lightweight and cost-effective structure of the end plate assembly can be provided, wherein a strong fastening is reliably achieved, in particular accompanied by prevention of relative movements of the end plate and the cell housing relative to one another.

[0009] Particularly preferably, the battery housing extends along the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the battery housing is prismatic, in particular substantially cylindrical. Here, the fastening interface is arranged on the end-side end of the battery housing. Preferably, the end plate assembly can have a fastening interface and an end plate on each of the two end sides of the battery housing.

[0010] Preferably, the end plate is arranged substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis in the fixed state. In particular, the end plate has a substantially plate-shaped geometry extending in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. Thus, a particularly compact geometry of the fully assembled end plate assembly can be provided.

[0011] Further preferably, the fastening element is constructed in such a way as to allow hooking in by a pivoting movement of the plate about a pivot axis, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. In other words, the hooking in can be provided in such a way that the second fastening element can be brought into engagement with the first fastening element when the plate is tilted, for example, at a predetermined pivot angle relative to the end side, the pivot angle being in particular at least 5°. Subsequently, when the first fastening element and the second fastening element are engaged with each other, the end plate can be pivoted about the longitudinal axis in the direction of the fastening interface, in particular until the end plate is arranged substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis. Subsequently, preferably, the fixing can be achieved by means of a fixing element. Preferably, the fastening element is constructed and arranged in such a way that the pivot axis is arranged on the radial outer edge of the fastening interface and the end plate. Thus, by fastening the end plate by means of a pivoting movement, it can be achieved in a particularly simple manner that a reliable fastening is provided with a geometry of the end plate assembly that is as compact as possible.

[0012] Particularly preferably, the end plate is fixed by means of at least one fixing element in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, in particular only in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. That is, the end plate is held on the fastening interface by means of the fixing element in a manner that it cannot move in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. For example, a backward pivoting about the pivot axis in order to cancel the form fit produced by means of the fixing element can be prevented thereby. Preferably, the fixing element can be designed to additionally prevent a movement of the end plate in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

[0013] Preferably, the first fastening element is configured as a protruding hook. For example, the hook can have a first region, which protrudes parallel to the longitudinal axis, and additionally a second region, which protrudes substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis from the distal end of the first region. As a result, a particularly simple structure of the fastening element can be provided, which structure also allows a robust fastening of the end plate.

[0014] It is further preferred that the second fastening element is designed as a recess. For example, the recess can be designed as a tab-shaped, for example a protruding, sub-region of the end plate. Thus, in particular, the first fastening element can be introduced into the recess and arranged in such a way that the first fastening element and a region of the end plate engage in order to establish a form fit. In this way, a particularly robust fastening can be provided with a simple design.

[0015] Preferably, the fixing element is configured as a screw. In particular, the screw can be screwed through the end plate into the fastening interface of the battery housing to fix the end plate on the fastening interface.

[0016] Particularly preferably, the first fastening element is arranged on the radial outer edge of the fastening interface. Alternatively or additionally, the second fastening element is preferably arranged on the radial outer edge of the end plate. Thus, hooking in and in particular pivoting movements for establishing a form-fitting connection can be achieved in a particularly simple manner, with simple and cost-effective production of the end plate assembly.

[0017] In addition, the present invention discloses a battery assembly, which comprises a battery and the end plate assembly described above, wherein the battery is arranged in a battery housing of the end plate assembly.

[0018] The invention also relates to an electric bicycle comprising the described battery assembly. Preferably, the battery assembly can be fastened to a bicycle frame of the electric bicycle. Preferably, the electric bicycle comprises, in particular comprises on the bicycle frame, at least one retaining element to which an end plate of the end plate assembly can be releasably fastened. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The present invention is described below based on embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, components with the same functions are marked with the same reference numerals. Herein, it is shown:

[0020] Figure 1 A simplified schematic view showing an electric bicycle having an end plate assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,

[0021] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 Detailed view of the end plate assembly during assembly,

[0022] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 Detailed view of the end plate assembly in the assembled state,

[0023] Figure 4 Show Figure 1 Details of the end plate assembly, and

[0024] Figure 5 Show Figure 1 Another detailed view of the end plate assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Figure 1 A simplified schematic diagram of an electric bicycle 100 is shown, which includes an end plate assembly 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The end plate assembly 1 is part of a battery assembly 10, which additionally includes a battery 1. Figures 2 to 5 Details of the end plate assembly 1 of this preferred embodiment are shown in FIG.

[0026] The battery 11 is used as an electrical energy store to supply electrical energy to a drive unit 101 of the electric bicycle 100. The drive unit 101 can assist the pedaling force of the driver of the electric bicycle 100 by means of a motor by means of the motor torque generated.

[0027] The battery 11 is elongated, for example, substantially prismatic in shape. The battery 11 can be releasably fastened to the electric bicycle 100 by means of the battery assembly 10 . For this purpose, the battery assembly 10 can be fixed to a bicycle frame 110 of the electric bicycle 100 .

[0028] The electric bicycle 100 comprises a holding element (not shown in greater detail) which is fastened to the bicycle frame 110 or is, for example, an integral component of the bicycle frame 110. The battery assembly 10 can be releasably fastened to the bicycle frame 110 by means of the holding element.

[0029] The end plate arrangement 1 comprises a battery housing 2 in which a battery 11 is accommodated. The battery housing 2 is provided in particular for holding and protecting the battery 11. In this case, the battery housing 2 extends in an elongated manner along a longitudinal axis 25.

[0030] The battery housing 2 has a fastening interface 21 which is arranged at the end face of the battery housing 2 (see Figure 2 ).

[0031] exist Figure 4 The fastening interface 21 is shown in a perspective view in FIG. For example, the fastening interface 21 can be configured as a separate component relative to the remaining battery housing 2 and is preferably fixed to the battery housing 2 by means of screws 21a.

[0032] Furthermore, the end plate arrangement 1 comprises an end plate 3 which is in particular designed essentially as a flat plate.

[0033] The end plate 3 is particularly provided as a mechanical connection element between the battery housing 2 and the holding element. Alternatively or additionally, the end plate 3 can preferably be provided as an adapter between the battery housing 21 and the holding element. For example, different batteries 11 can be used on the electric bicycle 100 in a simple manner.

[0034] The fastening interface 21 has two protruding first fastening elements 22, which are arranged on the radial outer edge of the fastening interface 21 (see Figure 4 ). In particular, the two first fastening elements 22 are arranged on the same side relative to the periphery of the fastening interface 21 .

[0035] In this case, the two first fastening elements 22 are designed as protruding hooks which protrude from the front side 21 b of the fastening interface 21 in the axial direction and also in the radial direction.

[0036] Furthermore, the end plate 3 has two second fastening elements 32. The second fastening elements 32 are arranged on the radial outer edge of the end plate 3, in particular at positions corresponding to the first fastening elements 22.

[0037] In this case, the two fastening elements 32 are designed as recesses in the webs of the end plate 3 .

[0038] Here, the end plate 3 can be fastened to the fastening interface 21 by means of the fastening elements 22, 32, in that the second fastening element 32 is hooked onto the first fastening element 22, so as to thereby establish a form fit. For this purpose, the fastening elements 22, 32 are designed so as to allow hooking in by a pivoting movement 36 of the end plate 3 about a pivot axis 35, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 25.

[0039] Here, the hook is Figure 2 and 3 Here, Figure 2 A state is shown in which the first fastening element 22 engages in the second fastening element 32 , wherein the end plate 3 is arranged inclined at an angle 37 relative to the fastening interface 21 .

[0040] from Figure 2 Starting from the position shown, the end plate 3 can be pivoted toward the fastening interface 21 by means of a pivoting movement 36 until the end plate 3 is arranged orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 25 .

[0041] In this configuration, the end plate 3 is fixed, ie screwed, to the fastening interface 21 by means of two fastening elements 4 designed as screws (see Figure 3 and 5 ).

[0042] By means of the form fit produced by means of the fastening elements 22, 32 and additionally by means of the fixing by means of the fixing element 4, the end plate 3 is fixedly fixed to the fixing interface 21 at least in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 25 at a total of four locations. As a result, a particularly robust fixing of the end plate 3 can be achieved by means of a simple and cost-effective construction.

[0043] Since the fastening is achieved by means of fastening elements 22 , 32 which are an integral component of the end plate 3 or of the fastening interface 21 , a particularly space-saving design can also be achieved. Thus, in particular, an end plate 3 which is particularly narrow in the direction of the longitudinal axis 25 can be provided.

[0044] As especially in Figure 5As can be seen in the figure, the end plate assembly 1 is symmetrically constructed with respect to the longitudinal plane 17 in which the longitudinal axis 25 lies. That is, the fastening elements 22, 32 and the fixing element 4 are symmetrically constructed and arranged with respect to the longitudinal plane 17. In particular, the end plate 3 and the fastening interface 21 are symmetrically constructed with respect to the longitudinal plane 17.

Claims

1. An end plate assembly of a battery (10) for an electric bicycle (100), the end plate assembly comprising: - a battery housing (2) having a fastening interface (21), - end plates (3), and - at least one fixing element (4), - wherein the fastening interface (21) has at least one protruding first fastening element (22), wherein the end plate (3) has at least one second fastening element (32) which can be hooked onto the first fastening element (22) of the fastening interface (21) in order to produce a positive fit, and - wherein the end plate (3) can be fixed to the fastening interface (21) by means of the fixing element (4).

2. The end plate assembly according to claim 1, comprising exactly two first fastening elements (22) and exactly two second fastening elements (32).

3. End plate assembly according to any of the preceding claims, comprising exactly two fixing elements (4).

4. An end plate assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The battery housing (2) extends along a longitudinal axis (25), in particular in a prismatic manner, and the fastening interface (21) is arranged at an end-side end of the battery housing (2).

5. The end plate assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The end plate (3) is arranged substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis (25) in the fixed state.

6. The end plate assembly according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The fastening elements (22, 32) are designed in such a way as to allow hooking in by a pivoting movement of the end plate (3) about a pivot axis (35) which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (25).

7. The end plate assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The end plate (3) is fixed by means of the fixing element (4) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (25), in particular only in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (25).

8. An end plate assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first fastening element (22) is configured as a protruding hook.

9. An end plate assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second fastening element (32) is designed as a recess.

10. An end plate assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The fixing element (4) is designed as a screw.

11. An end plate assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first fastening element (22) is arranged on a radially outer edge of the fastening interface (21).

12. A battery assembly, comprising: - a battery (11), and - an end plate assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein the battery (11) is arranged in a battery housing (2) of the end plate assembly (1).

13. An electric bicycle comprising the battery assembly (50) according to claim 12.

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