System for translationally clamping an energy storage device in a bicycle frame and bicycle

Abstract

System for clamping an energy storage device (12) in a frame (4) of a bicycle (2), wherein the frame (4) has a down tube (6), wherein the system comprises at least two wedges (16, 18) as well as the frame (4) and the energy storage device (12), wherein a first wedge (16) is formed on the energy storage device (12) and a second wedge (18) is formed on the frame (4), wherein the wedges (16, 18) each have a flat base and at least one inclined surface (22; 24) thereto, wherein by relative arrangement of the base to the inclined surface (22; 24) a tapered shape towards one end of the wedge (16; 18) and a widening shape towards the other end is formed, wherein the wedges (16, 18) are arranged such that when the energy storage device (12) is inserted into the frame (4) the wedges (16, 18) press against each other to clamp the to clamp the energy storage device (12) in the frame (4).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for translationally clamping an energy storage device in the frame of a bicycle. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a bicycle with such a system for clamping an energy storage device in the frame of the bicycle.

[0002] Bicycles with an energy storage device, arranged within the frame, are known from the prior art. Such bicycles are powered by energy from the energy storage device. Various systems exist for securing the energy storage device within the frame.

[0003] A locking device for a power supply unit for a bicycle is known from DE 10 2019 204 572 B3. Further prior art is shown in DE 20 2020 105 635 U1, CN 2 02 201 108 U, CN 2 03 937 794 U, WO 2019 / 128 262 A1, US 2020 / 0 062 342 A1 and DE 10 2018 206 821 A1.

[0004] Starting from the aforementioned prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved system for clamping an energy storage device in a bicycle frame. This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0005] The present invention relates, in a first aspect, to a system for clamping an energy storage device in the frame of a bicycle. The energy storage device may comprise a battery, an accumulator, or another electrically and, alternatively or additionally, chemically powered energy storage device. The frame may have a top tube, a down tube, and a seat tube. The frame may be configured to accommodate the energy storage device. The frame may have a cutout. A down tube of the frame may have the cutout, wherein the formation of the cutout in the down tube of the frame creates two unsupported side walls. The bicycle may be an e-bike, an (S)pedelec, a velomobile, or a cargo bike. An electric motorcycle, an electric scooter, or an electric moped may also be included under the term "bicycle."

[0006] The system comprises at least two wedges, as well as the frame and the energy storage device. The wedges can be made of materials such as carbon fiber, plastic, or aluminum. At least one, or alternatively all, of the system's wedges have a flat base and at least one inclined surface. The relative arrangement of the base and the inclined surface creates a tapered shape towards one end of the wedge and a widening shape towards the other end. An end face may be formed at this latter end. The first wedge is integrated into the energy storage device and may be part of its housing. The second wedge is integrated into the frame and may be located within a recess in the frame's downtube.The wedges are arranged so that when the energy storage device is inserted into the frame, the wedges press against each other to clamp the energy storage device within the frame. The first wedge can come into contact with the second. A force can act from the first wedge onto the second wedge, and the force from the energy storage device can act on the frame. A force can also act from the second wedge onto the first wedge, which can be equal in magnitude to the previously defined force and act in the opposite direction. This second force can act from the frame, via the second wedge, onto the first wedge and onto the energy storage device. The resulting equilibrium of forces clamps the energy storage device within the frame. During insertion, the energy storage device can be shifted relative to the frame to clamp it translationally within the frame.This allows tension to be created between the frame and the energy storage device, whereby a user can apply the force necessary to create the tension.

[0007] The system presented here allows the energy storage device to be mounted and braced within the bicycle frame in such a way that vibrations from the frame can be transferred to the energy storage device. The energy storage device, often a heavy battery or accumulator, can thus act as a slowly oscillating and inert mass. Bracing the device reduces the frame's natural frequency by coupling the inertial mass of the energy storage device to the frame. The unsupported side walls of the frame cutout can be stiffened by the bracing and additionally or alternatively supported. Furthermore, vibrational energy from the frame can be converted into heat energy, for example, into the vibrational energy of the energy storage device and, alternatively or additionally, of the wedges.Furthermore, the present system makes it possible to compensate for manufacturing tolerances of the energy storage device, the wedges, and the frame by clamping them together to correct slight irregularities in the geometries or external dimensions of the energy storage device and, alternatively or additionally, the frame. Vibrations can occur in a bicycle with an energy storage device, for example, when an electric motor is powered by energy from the energy storage device and generates vibrations during operation. These vibrations can lead to vibrations of the frame, and especially to vibrations of the unsupported side panels. Particularly when the natural frequencies of the frame are affected by the excitation vibrations of the electric motor, unwanted vibration maxima can occur.The system described here makes it possible to suppress or at least reduce vibrations by clamping the energy storage device to the frame, as the frame's natural frequency is lowered by coupling it to the energy storage device. Furthermore, the vibrations can also be at least partially converted into heat energy, which can reduce the vibrational energy within the frame. This can lead to improved bicycle handling. Alternatively or additionally, this can result in less material fatigue of the bicycle components, such as the energy storage device or the frame, and thus a longer lifespan for these components. The wedges enable a particularly simple, cost-effective, and economical clamping of the energy storage device within the frame, without the need for sensors or actuators.For example, a user of the bicycle, such as a rider, can insert the energy storage device into the frame and apply the necessary force to tighten it. By selecting a suitable material for at least one wedge, the damping behavior of the wedges and the conversion of vibrational energy into heat energy can be optimized. Such a system provides a means of translationally clamping the energy storage device within the bicycle frame.

[0008] According to a further embodiment, at least one of the wedges can have a flat surface, a slightly inclined surface, and a steeply inclined surface. The at least one wedge can have further surfaces. The slightly inclined surface can form a first angle with the base of the wedge. The steeply inclined surface can form a second angle with the base, which can be larger than the first angle between the slightly inclined surface and the base. The flat surface can be parallel to the base. The flat surface can adjoin the slightly inclined surface, and the slightly inclined surface can adjoin the steeply inclined surface. Thus, an upper surface of the wedge can transition from the tapered or flat end of the wedge, starting with the steeply inclined surface, then into the slightly inclined surface, and finally into the flat surface.At the end of the flat surface, the end face can be positioned at a 90° angle and may abut the base. The surfaces can be configured to contact another wedge in order to clamp the energy storage device within the frame. The surfaces can be configured to contact at least one surface of this second wedge. For example, during insertion, the steeply inclined surface of the first wedge may initially contact the steeply inclined surface of the second wedge. With further translational movement of the energy storage device relative to the frame, and of the first wedge relative to the second wedge, the slightly inclined surface of the first wedge may then contact the slightly inclined surface of the second wedge. With further insertion and translational movement, the flat surface of the first wedge may contact the flat surface of the second wedge.An end stop when inserting the energy storage device into the frame can be defined by the fact that the entire upper surface of one wedge is in contact with the upper surface of the other wedge. In this state, the slightly and steeply inclined surfaces as well as the flat surfaces of the first and second wedges can be in contact.

[0009] By incorporating three differently inclined surfaces of the wedge, a gradual increase in clamping force can be achieved. For example, with a larger energy storage device, clamping can be accomplished when only the steeply inclined surfaces of the wedges are in contact. With a smaller energy storage device, clamping is only fully achieved when, for instance, the entire upper surfaces of the wedges are in contact. This also allows for easy adjustments to accommodate differing expansion rates of the frame and energy storage device due to changing environmental influences, such as temperature fluctuations.

[0010] According to a further embodiment, the energy storage device can be displaceable axially transversely to the downtube and axially along the downtube during insertion. At least during part of the insertion process, the energy storage device can be displaceable axially transversely to the downtube. Alternatively or additionally, at least during part of the insertion process, the energy storage device can be displaceable axially along the downtube. The system can be configured such that, during insertion, the energy storage device is displaceable axially transversely to the downtube up to a stop point. While the energy storage device can be displaceable axially transversely to the downtube, it can also be displaceable axially along the downtube. At the stop point, a surface of the energy storage device can abut a surface of the recess.The system can be configured so that, upon insertion and reaching the stop point, the energy storage device can be displaced axially along the downtube by means of axial displacement perpendicular to the downtube. During axial displacement along the downtube, displacement of the energy storage device axially perpendicular to the downtube can be prevented. Displacement of the energy storage device axially along the downtube can be used to clamp the energy storage device within the frame. Displacement of the energy storage device axially perpendicular to the downtube cannot, however, result in clamping of the energy storage device within the frame. The first wedge can be arranged and aligned longitudinally along the axis of the downtube. The tapered end of the wedge can be oriented along the axis of the downtube, either upwards or downwards.The wedge can then widen along the axis of the downtube. The second wedge can also be aligned along the axis of the downtube and widen axially along the downtube, with its tapered end also oriented towards an upper or lower end of the downtube. The first and second wedges can be designed on the energy storage device and the frame in such a way that the wedges do not touch each other when moved axially transversely to the downtube.

[0011] This simplifies installation by first fully inserting the energy storage device into the frame, thus preventing any further axial movement perpendicular to the downtube axis. The user then only needs to move the energy storage device along the downtube axis to create tension. For example, this axial movement can be from one end of the downtube to the other. After this final translational tensioning, the system is so tightly secured that it cannot return to its relaxed state without user intervention.The force of gravity holds the energy storage device in the clamped position, and a user would have to work against the force of gravity to release the energy storage device from the clamping upwards along to the upper end of the down tube in order to be able to remove the energy storage device axially transverse to the axis of the down tube in a further step.

[0012] According to a further embodiment, the energy storage device can be rotated about an axis of rotation during insertion. The system can be configured so that, during insertion, the energy storage device is rotated about an axis of rotation, which may be transverse to the down tube, in order to clamp the energy storage device within the frame. The axis of rotation can be transverse to the down tube as well as transverse to a plane defined by the frame. The first wedge can be arranged on the energy storage device such that its tapered end is oriented transversely to the axis of the down tube and the wedge tapers or thickens axially transversely to the down tube. The second wedge can be arranged on the frame similarly.A tapered end of the second wedge can be oriented perpendicular to the axis of the down tube; for example, the tapered end can point downwards and away from the cutout, with the wedge thickening or widening upwards and further into the cutout.

[0013] With this design, the energy storage device can be inserted into the frame and simultaneously clamped in place with a simple movement performed by the user. This ensures particularly efficient handling of the energy storage device. Depending on manufacturing tolerances or the varying thermal expansion of the components, the rotation can occur through different angles. For example, if the energy storage device is somewhat larger, the rotation may only occur up to a certain angle, while if the energy storage device is somewhat smaller, such as at colder temperatures where it contracts more than the frame, it can be rotated through a larger angle relative to the downtube. Optimal clamping can thus be ensured in various configurations.To keep the energy storage device securely in place after insertion into the frame, a locking device can be used.

[0014] According to a further embodiment, the downtube can have an upper and a lower end, and the energy storage device can have an upper and a lower end. The wedges can be formed at the upper or lower ends. The first wedge can be formed at the upper end of the energy storage device, and the second wedge can be formed at the upper end of the frame. Alternatively, the first wedge can be formed at the lower end of the energy storage device, and the second wedge can be formed at the lower end of the frame. Furthermore, the axis of rotation, which can be transverse to the downtube, can be formed at the opposite end of the downtube to clamp the energy storage device within the frame. Thus, in a first case, the first and second wedges can be formed at the upper ends, and the axis of rotation can be formed at the lower end of the downtube, i.e., close to the electric motor.In the second case, the axis of rotation can be located at the upper end of the down tube, i.e., close to the handlebars, and the wedges can be located at the lower ends.

[0015] This allows the energy storage device to be inserted into the frame from below and rotated either clockwise or counterclockwise. This ensures a high degree of design freedom during the construction of both the frame and the energy storage device.

[0016] According to a further embodiment, each of the wedges can have exactly one inclined surface. The inclined surface forms one face of the wedge, with the end face and the base forming the other two sides of the wedge. This embodiment can be used in conjunction with a rotated insertion and clamping process.

[0017] If the energy storage device is inserted and clamped into the frame's down tube by rotation, it may be sufficient to provide exactly one inclined surface in each wedge. This simplifies the wedge design.

[0018] According to a further embodiment, at least one wedge can be an integral part of the frame or the energy storage device. For example, the first wedge can be an integral part of the energy storage device, such as a frame or housing of the energy storage device. Alternatively or additionally, the second wedge can be an integral part of the inside of the recess and thus of the unsupported side walls of the down tube.

[0019] Thus, at least one wedge can be formed during the production of the energy storage device and frame. This can result in the wedge being more firmly attached to the frame and not being able to shift relative to the frame or the energy storage device.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, at least one wedge can be configured to be attached to the frame or the energy storage device. For example, the first wedge can be arranged on the energy storage device, and alternatively or additionally, the second wedge can be arranged on the frame. According to another embodiment, at least one of the wedges can be attached to the frame or energy storage device, and at least one further wedge can be designed as an integral part of the frame or the energy storage device.

[0021] By providing a wedge that can be attached as an add-on component, any number of wedges can be retrofitted. This avoids the need to change production processes, as wedges can be retrofitted even after the final production step of the frame or energy storage device.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the system can have several wedges formed between the energy storage device and the frame. An even number of wedges can be provided, for example, 4, 6, 8, or 10 wedges, which can be formed at discrete and individual locations on the frame and the energy storage device. Alternatively, a continuous wedge can be formed along an edge, line, or surface on the energy storage device and, alternatively or additionally, on the frame.

[0023] By using discrete wedges, these can be positioned precisely where vibration maxima would occur on the frame without clamping the energy storage device. This can lead to particularly efficient vibration and energy transfer between the frame and the energy storage device. Alternatively, a particularly good vibration or energy transfer can be achieved through an edge, surface, or line connection via the wedges between the energy storage device and the frame. In this case, it is unnecessary to calculate vibration maxima for specific frames and then position the discrete components precisely at these maxima. However, a higher clamping force may be required during insertion. Using discrete wedges reduces the force required when inserting or removing the energy storage device from the frame.If a wedge is formed continuously, an entire section or part of the energy storage device and, alternatively or additionally, of the frame can be formed as a wedge.

[0024] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a bicycle, wherein the bicycle has a system according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention for bracing the energy storage device in the frame. The bicycle can be an e-bike, an (S-)pedelec, an e-motorcycle, an e-scooter, or an e-scooter. Fig. Figure 1 shows a bicycle according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows a system of a bicycle made of Fig. 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b show elements of a Fig. 2 system shown according to one embodiment. Fig. 4a-d show wedges of a system according to an embodiment from Fig. 2. Fig. 5a, Fig. 5b shows a system of a bicycle made of Fig. 1 according to one embodiment. Fig. 6a, Fig. 6b shows the system from Fig. 5a, Fig. 5b when inserting the energy storage device. Fig. Figure 7 schematically shows a system of the bicycle made of Fig. 1 according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 shows a bicycle 2 according to an embodiment of the invention. The bicycle 2 has a frame 4. The frame 4 has a down tube 6 in which a cutout 8 is provided. The cutout 8 points downwards towards the surface on which the bicycle 2 stands. Two side walls 10 are formed through the cutout 8, which are arranged opposite each other and laterally on the down tube 6. Furthermore, the bicycle 2 has an energy storage device 12, which is located in Fig. 1 is fully inserted into the cutout 8. The bicycle 2 also has an electric motor 14, which is configured to drive the bicycle using energy from the energy storage device 12. The down tube 6 has an upper end 6a and a lower end 6b. The upper end 6a is located near a handlebar of the bicycle 2, and the lower end 6b is located near an electric motor 14.

[0026] Fig. Figure 2 shows a system according to an embodiment of the invention. It is the frame 4 of the bicycle 2 made of Fig. Figure 1 shows the energy storage device 12, which is fully integrated into the frame 4. Furthermore, axial displacement directions R1 and R2 are shown schematically. The axial displacement direction R1 is defined along the down tube 6 and an axis of the down tube 6, while the axial displacement direction R2 is defined transversely to the down tube 6 and in a plane spanned by the frame 4.

[0027] Fig. 3a and Fig. Figure 3b shows the cutout 8 of the frame 4 with the unsupported side walls 10. The energy storage device 12 is also shown in a partially inserted state. First wedges 16 are formed and arranged on the energy storage device 12. Second wedges 18 are formed and arranged on the frame 4 and on the inside of the unsupported side walls 10 of the cutout 8. The first wedges 16 of the energy storage device 12 are aligned along the axis R1. The second wedges 18 are also aligned along the axis R1. The designations "first" and "second" wedges refer to the nomenclature and do not define the number of wedges 16 and 18. As shown in Figure 3b, the first wedges 16 and 18 are formed and arranged on the frame 4 and on the inside of the unsupported side walls 10 of the cutout 8. Fig. As shown in the embodiment 3a, four first wedges 16 are formed on one side of the energy storage device 12, and four second wedges 18 are also shown on one side of the recess 8, and thus on an unsupported side wall 10. On the opposite sides of the energy storage device 12 and the recess 8, four further first and second wedges 16, 18 are formed. The first wedges 16 are provided as attachments to the energy storage device 12, and the second wedges 18 are an integral part of the frame 4.

[0028] In the Fig. 4a-d are two different configurations of the first and second wedges 16, 18 of the embodiments from Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b shown. In the Fig. 4a and Fig. 4c is a widened end of the second wedge 18 arranged further down and a widened end of the first wedge 16 arranged further up, the orientation with respect to the ends 6a, 6b, 12a, 12b being as follows. In the embodiments of Fig. 4b and Fig. 4d The widened ends of the wedges 16 and 18 are arranged in opposite directions. The widened end of the first wedge 16 is located at the bottom, and the widened end of the second wedge 18 is located at the top. Also in Fig. Figure 4d shows surfaces 20, 22, 24 of the second wedge 18. The first wedge 16 also has these surfaces 20, 22, 24, as can be seen in Fig. 4c. The wedges 16, 18 each have exactly one straight surface 20, one slightly inclined surface 22 and one strongly inclined surface 24. The straight surface 20 is located at the wide end of the wedge 16, 18, followed by the slightly inclined surface 22 and then the strongly inclined surface 24.

[0029] When inserting the energy storage device 12 into the frame 4, the user first moves the energy storage device 12 axially along axis R2, transversely to the down tube 6. The wedges 16, 18 do not yet engage, and it is possible to slide and insert the energy storage device 12 into the recess 8. When further insertion or sliding of the energy storage device 12 in the direction of R2 is no longer possible, a stop point is reached. The user then moves the energy storage device 12 axially in the direction of R1. In the Fig. 3a and Fig. In the embodiment shown in 3b, the energy storage device 12 is axially displaced towards the lower end 6b during insertion. Before the axial displacement along R1, the situation is as shown in Fig. 4c before, and after the shift, the situation is shown in Fig. 4a. By exerting force on the wedges 16, 18 against each other, the energy storage device 12 is clamped in frame 4. Alternatively, it is moved along direction R1 towards the upper end 6a. Before moving along R1, the situation is as shown in Fig. 4d before, and after moving to the final position, the situation is shown as in Fig. 4b. Here too, the energy storage device 12 is clamped against the frame 4.

[0030] In the Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b is another embodiment of the bicycle 2 system. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a rotation direction R3, with the corresponding axis of rotation arranged transversely to the longitudinal extent of the frame 4 and transversely to the extent of the down tube 6. The first wedges 16 are arranged on the energy storage device 12 such that they are arranged transversely to the axial extent of the energy storage device 12. The second wedges 18 are also arranged transversely to the axial extent of the down tube 6. The second wedges 18 have only an inclined surface 22. The wedges 16 are formed at an upper end 12a of the energy storage device 12. The second wedges 18 are formed at the upper end 6a of the down tube 6. Fig. 5a shows the system in its not yet fully deployed state and Fig. Figure 5b shows the system in its fully deployed state. The accompanying Fig. Figure 6b shows a side view of the state during the insertion of the energy storage device 12 into the lower tube 6. The axis of rotation is located at the lower end 6b, and the wedges 16, 18 are located at the upper ends 6a, 12a. Alternatively, the wedges 16, 18 can also be located at the lower ends 6b, 12b, and the axis of rotation can be located at the upper end 6a, as shown in Figure 6b. Fig. 6a.

[0031] During insertion, a user takes the energy storage device 12 and rotates it in the direction of R3, so that by a movement and rotation of the energy storage device 12 relative to the down tube 6 it is inserted into the recess 8 and at the same time the wedges 16, 18 cause the energy storage device 12 to be clamped in the frame 4.

[0032] Fig.Figure 7 shows continuously formed wedges 16, 18. A first wedge 16 is formed along a surface or edge on the energy storage device 12. The second wedge 18 is also formed along a surface or edge complementary to the first wedge 16 on the lower tube 6. Reference sign 2 bicycles 4 frames 6 down tube 6a upper end of the down tube 6b lower end of the down tube 8 Cutout in the down tube of the frame 10 Side wall of the cutout 12 Energy storage device 12a upper end of the energy storage device 12b lower end of the energy storage device 14 Electric motor 16 (first) wedge on energy storage device 18 (second) wedge on the frame 20 straight surface of the wedge 22 slightly inclined surface of the wedge 24 steeply inclined surface of the wedge R1 Axial displacement direction along the down tube R2 Axial displacement direction perpendicular to the down tube R3 Direction of rotation around the axis of rotation perpendicular to the down tube

Claims

[1] System for clamping an energy storage device (12) in a frame (4) of a bicycle (2), wherein the frame (4) has a down tube (6), wherein the system comprises at least two wedges (16, 18) as well as the frame (4) and the energy storage device (12), wherein a first wedge (16) is formed on the energy storage device (12) and a second wedge (18) is formed on the frame (4), wherein the wedges (16, 18) each have a flat base and at least one inclined surface (22; 24) thereto, wherein by relative arrangement of the base to the inclined surface (22; 24) a tapered shape towards one end of the wedge (16; 18) and a widening shape towards the other end is formed, wherein the wedges (16, 18) are arranged such that when the energy storage device (12) is inserted into the frame (4) the wedges (16, 18) press against each other, to clamp the energy storage device (12) in the frame (4). [2] System according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the wedges (16; 18) has a flat surface (20), a slightly inclined surface (22) and a strongly inclined surface (24), and wherein the surfaces (20, 22, 24) are arranged to come into contact with a further wedge (18; 16) in order to clamp the energy storage device (12) in the frame (4). [3] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy storage device (12) is axially displaceable transversely to the down tube (6) and axially along the down tube (6) when inserted, and wherein the system is configured such that the energy storage device (12) is axially displaceable transversely to the down tube (6) up to a stop point when inserted, and wherein the system is configured such that, after reaching the stop point, the energy storage device (12) is axially displaceable transversely to the down tube (6) when inserted in order to clamp the energy storage device (12) in the frame (4). [4] System according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the energy storage device (12) is rotatable about an axis of rotation when inserted, and wherein the system is arranged such that when inserted the energy storage device (12) is rotated about an axis of rotation which is transverse to the down tube (6) in order to clamp the energy storage device (12) in the frame (4). [5] System according to claim 4, wherein the down tube (6) has an upper end (6a) and a lower end (6b), and wherein the energy storage device has an upper end (12a) and a lower end (12b), and wherein the wedges (16, 18) are formed at the upper or lower ends (12a; 12b, 6a; 6b), and wherein the axis of rotation, which is transverse to the down tube (6), is formed at the other end (6b; 6a) of the down tube (6) to clamp the energy storage device (12) in the frame (4). [6] System according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein each of the wedges (16; 18) has exactly one inclined surface (22; 24). [7] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one wedge (16; 18) is an integral part of the frame (4) or the energy storage device (12). [8] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one wedge (16; 18) is provided to be arranged as an attachment part on the frame (4) or on the energy storage device (12). [9] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system has several wedges (16, 18) which are formed between the energy storage device (12) and the frame (4). [10] Bicycle (2), wherein the bicycle (2) has a system according to one of the preceding claims for clamping the energy storage device (12) in the frame (4).

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