Plug for human-powered vehicle, and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of vehicles, and provides a plug for a human-powered vehicle and the human-powered vehicle with the plug. A plug (4) for a human-powered vehicle (2) has a power interface (8), a signal interface (10) and a seal (12), the seal (12) being arranged on an outer surface (14) of the plug (4) in order to protect the power interface (8) and the signal interface (10) when the plug (4) is inserted into a socket. According to the utility model, the sealing element (12) is arranged on the outer surface of the plug (4), so that a small and compact structure mode can be realized, and the plug (4) can be compactly integrated in the vehicle (2) driven by manpower.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to a plug for a human-powered vehicle and a human-powered vehicle having such a plug. BACKGROUND

[0002] From the prior art, plugs for human-powered vehicles are known, wherein these plugs are not designed for compact integration in a human-powered vehicle. Furthermore, such plugs are not designed for certain environments, since they do not meet, for example, certain high-voltage design criteria. Thus, for example, the power supply pins of the known plugs are not sufficiently spaced apart from one another and thus not sufficiently electrically insulated from one another. Furthermore, some known plugs are not sufficiently protected from dirt and moisture. As a result, the vehicle having such a plug cannot be used in environments that require specific prerequisites for isolation or protection from dirt and moisture. SUMMARY

[0003] The first aspect relates to a plug for a human-powered vehicle. The human-powered vehicle can be a Pedelec or an E-Bike. The vehicle can have a pedal bearing drive. The pedal bearing drive can have a drive motor, for example an electrical drive motor. The electrical drive motor can be driven with electrical energy of a battery of the vehicle.

[0004] The plug can be configured to be inserted into a matching socket. The plug and such a matching socket can form a plug-in connection. The socket can be arranged on the drive motor, for example. The plug can be configured to be inserted into the socket of the drive motor. The plug can be configured to form at least a part of an electrical connection between the battery of the vehicle and the drive motor of the vehicle. The plug can be configured to form at least a part of an electronic connection between the drive motor of the vehicle and a further device of the vehicle, for example the battery or a control device of the vehicle.

[0005] The plug has a power supply interface, a signal interface and a sealing. The power supply interface can be configured to form at least a part of an electrical connection between the battery and the drive motor. The power supply interface can be configured for the transmission of electrical power. The signal interface can be configured to form at least a part of an electronic connection between the drive motor and the further device. The signal interface can be configured for the transmission of signals, such as electrical signals.

[0006] The seal is arranged on an outer surface of the plug. The outer surface of the plug can form an outer interface of the plug. The outer surface of the plug can for example define the maximum extension of the plug, for example in at least one spatial direction. The seal is configured to protect the power interface and the signal interface when the plug is inserted into the socket. The seal can protect the power interface and the signal interface from dust, dirt and alternatively or additionally from moisture when the plug is inserted into the socket.

[0007] Thereby, a compact plug for compact integration in a human-powered vehicle is described. Since the seal is arranged on an outer surface of the plug, a small and compact construction can be achieved. Thus, the plug can thereby be inserted into the socket such that the extension of the plug can be smaller, for example in terms of diameter. In contrast, common plugs have a seal on an inner surface of the plug. In this case, when the plug is inserted into the socket, the plug is partially inserted onto a part of the socket such that the seal on the inner surface of the plug can protect the interfaces of the plug. By arranging the seal on the outer surface, a very compact construction of the plug can be achieved.

[0008] The plug is also adapted to the application scenario of e-bikes and electric bikes. Thus, the use of the plug can for example not be influenced by further components, for example by fastening means for fastening a drive motor on a frame of the vehicle. The fastening means for example do not influence the insertion of the plug into the socket and the removal of the plug from the socket. At the same time, the plug can be inserted into the socket of the drive motor without interfering with the use of the fastening means. This can be achieved by the small and compact construction.

[0009] According to a further embodiment, the plug can be characterized in that the power interface has two power contact surfaces. The power interface can have exactly two power contact surfaces. The power interface can have at least two power contact surfaces, for example more than two power contact surfaces. The power contact surfaces can be flat or form an unflat shape, for example an at least partially cylindrical shape. The power contact surfaces can be referred to as power pins. The power contact surfaces can be configured to receive corresponding power contact surfaces of the socket. In the case of for example exactly two power contact surfaces, the power interface and thus the plug can be designed very compactly. At the same time, two channels for transmitting power and voltage can thereby be easily formed.

[0010] According to a further embodiment, the plug can be characterized in that the two power contacts are spaced apart from each other such that the standard IPC-2221 for voltages in the range of 51 V to 100 V is met. Each of the power contacts can be arranged concentrically about a center point. The two center points of the two power contacts can be spaced apart from each other by 5.5 mm, for example. Thereby, a sufficient insulation between the two power contacts can be formed. Thus, the plug can also be used in areas of use at an altitude of more than 3050 meters. Thus, a vehicle having such a plug can also be used in mountainous regions and high mountain regions without having to fear a fault leakage current between the power contacts and thus damaging the plug.

[0011] According to a further embodiment, the plug can be characterized in that the signal interface has two signal contacts. The signal interface can have exactly two signal contacts or at least two signal contacts. The signal interface can have more than two signal contacts. The signal contacts can be referred to as CAN pins, for example. The signal contacts can be configured for transmitting CAN signals. The signal contacts can be designed at least partially cylindrical and alternatively or additionally flat. Each of the signal contacts can be arranged concentrically about a center point. The center points of the signal contacts can be spaced apart from each other by 2.9 mm. Thus, a plug having exactly two such signal contacts can be designed compactly and also configured for providing CAN transmission.

[0012] According to a further embodiment, the plug can be characterized in that the seal has an O-ring. The seal can be an O-ring. The seal can have at least one O-ring, for example more than one O-ring, for example two or three O-rings. The seal can be designed for ensuring an IP protection according to IP6K9K. The O-ring can be arranged at a point of the plug having the smallest diameter of the plug. The outer diameter of the O-ring can be 11.5 ± 0.06 mm, for example.

[0013] According to a further embodiment, the plug can be characterized in that the plug can have a lever for loosening the plug from a socket. The lever can be configured such that a user of the vehicle can loosen the plug from the socket by means of the lever. For example, the user can at least partially reach the lever from behind with at least one finger in order to loosen the plug from the socket.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the plug can be characterized in that the lever is pivotable relative to a housing of the plug. The lever can be pivotable between two stop positions. In the first stop position, the lever can abut against the kink prevention of the plug. In the second stop position, the lever can be arranged substantially parallel to a plug-in direction of the plug. The plug-in direction is defined, for example, by the direction in which the plug is plugged into the socket or unplugged therefrom. Between the first stop position and the second stop position, the lever can be pivotable by about 70° to 90°, for example 80°. The lever can be designed in the shape of a U. The lever can be pivotably arranged on the housing of the plug by means of two rotation points.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the plug can be characterized in that the plug has an encoding. By means of the encoding, the plug can be configured to be insertable into the socket in a specific orientation and not in other orientations. The encoding can be formed on an outer surface of the plug by means of at least one recess. For example, the plug can have three recesses on the outer surface. The plug can have exactly three recesses on the outer surface. The recesses can be arranged symmetrically to one another. Two recesses, for example, can be designed to be the same size. The two recesses, for example, can be designed as grooves. The other recess, for example, can be formed by flattening a cylindrical surface of the outer surface. This recess can be larger in terms of volume than the other two recesses designed as grooves.

[0016] According to another embodiment, the plug can be characterized in that the plug is a right-angle plug. The angle between the plug-in direction and the direction of extension of the cable surrounded by the kink prevention can be, for example, 90°. The cable can electrically and, alternatively or additionally, electronically connect the plug to the further device. If the plug is a right-angle plug, the plug can be designed, for example, particularly compact.

[0017] The second aspect relates to a human-powered vehicle having a plug according to the embodiments of the first aspect. The human-powered vehicle can be an electric bicycle or an electrically assisted bicycle. Further features, embodiments and advantages of the second aspect can be derived from the features, embodiments and advantages of the first aspect. Furthermore, features, embodiments and advantages of the second aspect can be features, embodiments and advantages of the first aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 A human-powered vehicle having a plug is schematically shown.

[0019] Figure 2 The plug from Figure 1 is shown in a perspective view.

[0020] Figure 3 The front of the plug from Figure 2 is shown in a top view.

[0021] Figure 4 a side of the plug from Figure 2 is shown in a top view.

[0022] Figure 5 a bottom of the plug from Figure 2 is shown in a top view.

[0023] Figure 6 the plug from Figure 2 is shown in a sectional view and in a front view.

[0024] List of reference signs:

[0025] 2: vehicle driven by human power

[0026] 4: plug

[0027] 6: drive motor

[0028] 8: power supply interface

[0029] 10: signal interface

[0030] 12: seal

[0031] 14: outer surface

[0032] 16: lever

[0033] 18: power supply contact surface

[0034] 20: signal contact surface

[0035] 22: O-ring

[0036] 24: housing

[0037] 26: cable

[0038] 28: lower housing part

[0039] 30: injection molding

[0040] 32: overmolding

[0041] 34: sheath

[0042] 36: connection

[0043] 38: handle

[0044] 40: recess

[0045] 42: kink protection

[0046] L: longitudinal axis

[0047] M: central axis DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Figure 1 A human-powered vehicle 2 with a plug 4 is schematically shown. The vehicle 2 has a drive motor 6. The drive motor 6 is driven with electrical energy from a battery (not shown) of the vehicle 2. The plug 4 is configured to transmit electrical energy from the battery to the drive motor 6. Furthermore, the plug 4 is configured to transmit signals from and to the drive motor 6.

[0049] Figure 2 The plug 4 from Figure 1 is shown in a perspective view. The perspective view shows the plug 4 from below and from the side. The plug 4 has a power supply interface 8. The power supply interface 8 has exactly two power supply contacts 18. The power supply contacts 18 are designed at least partially cylindrical to receive pins of a socket of the drive motor 6.

[0050] The plug 4 has a signal interface 10. The signal interface 10 has exactly two signal contacts 20. The signal contacts 20 are designed at least partially cylindrical to receive pins of a socket of the drive motor 6.

[0051] The plug 4 has a seal 12. The seal 12 is arranged on an outer surface 14 of the plug 4. The outer surface 14 is a surface of the plug 4 which separates the plug 4 outwardly with respect to an environment of the plug 4 and which defines an outer contour of the plug in at least one extension direction of the plug 4. The seal 12 has an O-ring 22. The seal 12 is configured to protect the power supply interface 8 and the signal interface 10 when the plug 4 is inserted into a socket of the drive motor 6. When the plug 4 is inserted into the socket, the plug 4 is at least partially engaged into the socket. The O-ring 22 then seals the power supply interface 8 and the signal interface 10 with respect to the environment.

[0052] The plug 4 has a lever 16. The lever 16 is configured to release the plug 4 from the socket. A user can grasp the lever 16 and thus release the plug 4 from the socket.

[0053] The plug 4 is a right-angle plug 4. An angle between a plug-in direction of the plug 4 and the cable 26 is 90°. The cable 26 leads out of the plug 4 to transmit electrical energy from the battery to the drive motor 6. The cable has a length of 1000 ± 15 mm. The plug-in direction is defined by a direction in which the plug 4 is inserted into the socket and pulled out of it. The plug-in direction is also defined by an extension direction of the power supply interface 8 and the signal interface 10.

[0054] The plug 4 has a kink prevention 42 to prevent a kink of the cable 26 as good as possible.

[0055] The plug 4 also has coding. The coding is formed by recesses 40. The plug 4 has three recesses 40. The three recesses 40 are formed on the outer surface 14. The three recesses 40 are formed on the lower housing part 28.

[0056] The plug 4 has a housing 24. The lever 16 is arranged pivotably on the housing 24. The housing 24 has an overmould 32. The overmould 32 has protruding grips 38. The plug 4 has four grips 38, wherein in Figure 2 only two grips 38 of one side of the plug 4 are shown. On the opposite and in Figure 2 not visible side of the plug 4, further two grips 38 are arranged. With the grips 38, the user can insert and remove the plug 4.

[0057] In the following figures, the plug 4 is shown in further views, wherein in the following detailed description, components already shown for the plug 4 in Figure 2 are not explicitly mentioned. Furthermore, Figures 3 to 5 specific dimensions of the plug 4 are contained. This relates to the shown embodiment. In other embodiments, not shown, the plug 4 has at least partially further dimensions.

[0058] Figure 3 The plug 4 is shown from the front. Figure 3 The plug 4 is shown from the front in a top view. In this top view, only two of the three recesses 40 can be seen. Figure 3 The lever 16 in the stop position is shown in dotted lines, when the user removes the plug 4 from the socket and pulls it out. The lever 16 is designed in the shape of a U. The distance between the top edge of the housing 24 and the inner stop of the lever 16 is 14.25 mm. This is sufficient for a finger to reach into the formed recess of the lever 16. Furthermore, the distance between the inner edges of the lever 16 is 16.50 mm. The distance between the outer edges of the lever 16 is 19.50 mm. The distance between the top edge of the lever 16 in the stop position shown in dotted lines and the bottom edge of the plug 4 is 42.45 mm. The outer diameter of the overmould 32 is 15.0 ± 0.2 mm. In further embodiments, the plug has further dimensions.

[0059] In Figure 3 , all four grips 38 can also be seen, i.e. two on one side of the plug 4 and two on the opposite side. Thus, the user can easily grasp the plug 4. The two grips 38 each are arranged at the same height of the plug 4. The grips 38 are thus designed symmetric to each other.

[0060] Figure 4A top view of the plug 4 is shown schematically from one side. Two stop positions of the lever 16 are shown, namely a first stop position shown in solid lines and a second stop position shown in dashed lines, as seen from the top. Figure 3 The stop positions are known. In the stop position drawn in solid lines, the lever 16 is stopped at the kink prevention 42. The user can pivot the lever 16, bringing the lever 16 to the other stop position shown here by dashed lines. In this position, the lever 16 is oriented in the plug-in direction of the plug 4.

[0061] In this view, the outer diameter of the kink prevention 42 is 11.40 ± 0.2 mm. In this view, the outer diameter of the cable 26 protruding from the plug 4 and the kink prevention 42 is 9.00 ± 0.2 mm. The cable 26 with the interruption is shown schematically. In other embodiments, the length of the cable 26 is adapted to the specific geometry of the further vehicle 2, not shown.

[0062] The distance from the top edge of the plug 4 to the bottom edge of the plug 4 is 26.7 ± 0.2 mm. The housing 24 tapers from top to bottom and has a step where the housing 24 becomes narrowest. The distance between the bottom edge of the plug 4 and the step is 11.7 ± 0.15 mm. The distance between the bottom edge of the plug 4 and the bottom edge of the kink prevention 42 is 13.65 ± 0.2 mm.

[0063] In Figure 4 two recesses 40 are also shown. The distance between the bottom edge of the plug 4 and the top edge of the recesses 40 is 5.10 ± 0.1 mm. A larger recess 40 is shown on the right and a smaller recess 40 is shown on the left. A third recess 40 is not visible in Figure 4 and is obscured by the plug 4.

[0064] The outer diameter of the plug 4 above the O-ring 22 is 11.60 ± 0.06 mm. By this, the reference element B is defined. The outer diameter of the O-ring 22 is 11.50 ± 0.06 mm. The outer diameter of the lower housing part 28 is 11.00 ± 0.06 mm. The concentricity with respect to the reference element B is 0.12 mm.

[0065] The outer diameter of the overmold 32 is 15.0 ± 0.2 mm. The distance between the end of the overmold 32 on the side of the kink prevention 42 and the end of the kink prevention 42 facing away from the overmold 32, which is arranged at the transition to the cable 26, is 15.0 ± 0.2 mm. In further embodiments, the plug 4 has further dimensions.

[0066] Furthermore, in Figure 4 the reference element C is defined by the top edge of the plug 4.

[0067] Furthermore, in Figure 4 the reference element C is defined by the top edge of the plug 4.

[0067] Furthermore, in Figure 4 the reference element C is defined by the top edge of the plug 4.

[0067] Figure 5 The bottom side of the plug 4 is shown in a top view. In this top view, the cable 26 has a diameter of 4.00 ± 0.2 mm. Thus, the cable 26 is oval. In this top view, the kink prevention 42 has a diameter of 6.40 ± 0.2 mm. Thus, the kink prevention 42 is oval.

[0068] Each signal contact face 20 and each power contact face 18 has a center point. In Figure 5 the center point of the power contact face 18 is characterized as a cross and is arranged centrally in the power contact face 18 which is drawn as a circle. The center point of the signal contact face 20 is not directly visible in Figure 5 but is still arranged centrally with respect to the signal contact face 20 shown in the top view.

[0069] A longitudinal axis L through the plug 4 in the direction of extension of the cable 26 is shown. With respect to the longitudinal axis L, the power contact faces 18 and the signal contact faces 20 are each arranged symmetrically to one another. The distance of the center point of the power contact face 18 to the longitudinal axis L is 2.75 mm. The distance between the center points of the two power contact faces 18 is 5.5 mm. The distance between the center points of the signal contact faces 20 to the axis is 1.45 mm. The distance between the two center points of the signal contact faces 20 is 2.90 mm.

[0070] In the direction of extension of the longitudinal axis L, the distance between the center point of the power contact face 18 and the center point of the signal contact face 20 is 4.57 mm. In the top view, the plug 4 has a center axis M. The center axis M is arranged in the center of the plug 4 in the direction of extension of the longitudinal axis L. The distance between the center point of the power contact face 18 and the center axis M is 1.00 mm. The outer diameter of each of the power contact faces 18 is 2.20 mm. The outer diameter of each of the signal contact faces 20 is 0.80 mm. The position of each of the power contact faces 18 with respect to the reference system consisting of the reference elements B and C is 0.2 mm. The position of each of the signal contact faces 20 with respect to the reference system consisting of the reference elements B and C is 0.2 mm.

[0071] In the top view of the bottom side of the plug 4, all three recesses 40 can be seen. The recesses are arranged symmetrically to one another with respect to the direction of extension of the longitudinal axis L.

[0072] Figure 6 The plug 4 is shown in a sectional view. The sectional view is likewise as Figure 3The plug 4 is shown from the front. The power contacts 18, which are designed as cylinders, are shown schematically. In order to receive the pins of the socket, the power contacts are partially provided with a cutout, so that the power contacts 18 can easily be deformed when the plug 4 is inserted into the socket. The lower housing part 28 surrounds the power contacts 18. The O-rings 22 are arranged at the lower housing part 28 and embedded in recesses of the outer surface of the lower housing part 28.

[0073] In addition to the overmold 32, the housing 24 also has an injection mold 30. The lever 16 is pivotably supported on the housing 24 by a recess of the injection mold 30. The overmold 32 also has a recess for the lever 16.

[0074] A sheath 34 is arranged around the parts of the injection mold 30. The sheath 34 is arranged at least partially between the overmold 32 and the injection mold 30.

[0075] A connection 36 is arranged between the injection mold 30 and the power contacts 18.

[0076] By spacing the two power contacts 18 sufficiently far apart from each other, the standard IPC-2221 for voltages in the range from 50 V to 100 V is met according to B3. Thus, the plug 4 for the vehicle 2 can also be used at altitudes above 3050 m. With increasing altitude, the air pressure decreases. Thus, the insulating effect of the air decreases with increasing altitude. Therefore, if the vehicle 2 with the plug 4 is to be used at a certain altitude, a certain minimum distance between the power contacts 18 has to be designed. Thus, a leakage current, for example in the circuit board of the socket, can be prevented.

[0077] The signal interface 10 is used for data transmission between the drive motor 6 and further devices, for example a battery and further control devices of the vehicle 2.

[0078] According to the illustrated embodiment, the plug 4 also has the following properties. The maximum tolerance of the scale should be 0.1 mm. In the figures, the critical dimensions are also marked with a corresponding symbol, namely an inverted triangle containing a C. There are five locations for the critical dimensions. The material of the components of the plug 4 must comply with RoHS, halogen-free and comply with the requirements of REACH.

[0079] The materials of the components of the plug 4 will now be described. The power contact faces 18 have a copper alloy. In addition, the power contact faces 18 have 0.25 μm to 0.75 μm of gold over 1.27 μm to 4 μm of nickel. The signal contact faces 20 have a copper alloy and 0.25 μm to 0.75 μm of gold over 1.27 μm to 4 μm of nickel. The lower housing portion 28 has PBT. The O-ring 22 has silicone. The connector 36 has an epoxy. The injection molded piece 30 has polypropylene. The overmold 32 has thermoplastic polyurethane. The sheath 34 has stainless steel with a thickness of 0.4 mm. The lever 16 has stainless steel with a diameter of 1.5 mm. In one embodiment, at least one of the components is constructed of the above-described materials.

[0080] The plug 4 has a small and compact configuration due to its size. In other embodiments, the plug 4 has at least some of the additional sizes.

Claims

1. Plug (4) for a human-powered vehicle (2), wherein the plug (4) has a power supply interface (8), a signal interface (10) and a seal (12), wherein the seal (12) is arranged on an outer surface (14) of the plug (4) in order to protect the power supply interface (8) and the signal interface (10) when the plug (4) is inserted into a socket.

2. Plug (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that The power supply interface (8) has two power supply contact surfaces (18).

3. Plug (4) according to claim 2, characterized in that The two power supply contact surfaces (18) are spaced apart from each other in such a way that the standard IPC-2221 for voltages in the range from 51 V to 100 V is met according to B3.

4. Plug (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The signal interface (10) has two signal contact surfaces (20).

5. Plug (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The seal (12) has an O-ring (22).

6. Plug (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The plug (4) has a lever (16) to release the plug (4) from the socket.

7. Plug (4) according to claim 6, characterized in that The lever (16) is pivotable relative to a housing (24) of the plug (4).

8. Plug (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The plug (4) has an encoding.

9. Plug (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The plug (4) is a bent plug (4).

10. Human-powered vehicle (2) having a plug (4) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images