Mounting arrangement for a bicycle drive and bicycle

Abstract

The invention relates to a fastening arrangement for attaching a bicycle drive (22) to a bicycle frame (10). The fastening arrangement comprises a fastening element (40) and a damping element (42). The damping element (42) is arranged between the fastening element (40) and a retaining element. The retaining element is configured as a bicycle frame (10) or bicycle drive (22). The invention also relates to a bicycle.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastening arrangement for attaching a bicycle drive to a bicycle frame. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a bicycle.

[0002] Bicycles have a bicycle drive to provide drive power for the respective wheels, for example. This can lead to vibrations in the bicycle drive. Especially if the bicycle is designed as a pedelec and the bicycle drive has an electric motor, some of the vibrations can have a nearly constant frequency. The vibrations can be transmitted to a bicycle frame and cause it to vibrate. This can be structure-borne noise. This structure-borne noise can be unpleasantly audible for the user. Bicycle frames are usually hollow and can act as sound amplifiers, similar to the body of a loudspeaker. If the vibrations are close to a resonance frequency of the bicycle frame, considerable noise can be generated while riding.The vibrations caused by the electric motor can also be heard in unexpected places, for example in the area of ​​a headset, and thus cause additional irritation for the user.

[0003] Such noise can be reduced or even completely eliminated by appropriately matching the bicycle drive to the bicycle frame. However, such matching is complex and may require modifications to the bicycle frame or the bicycle drive, which is not always desirable. Furthermore, bicycle drive systems are often purchased parts that are installed by bicycle manufacturers in different bicycles. Furthermore, bicycles are often available in different sizes and therefore with different bicycle frame geometries. Overall, matching the bicycle to reduce noise during use is difficult or even impossible.

[0004] DE 10 2022 202 104 A1 describes a drive arrangement of a bicycle.

[0005] DE 10 2020 200 385 A1 describes an electric bicycle with a noise-insulated mid-engine.

[0006] WO 2022 / 049055 A1 describes an electric bicycle drive unit mounting arrangement.

[0007] In DE 10 2016 010 148 A1, an electric bicycle is described as a Pedelec with a mid-engine.

[0008] DE 10 2020 210 864 A1 describes a fastening arrangement for an electric drive of an electric bicycle.

[0009] DE 10 2022 202 101 A1 and DE 10 2022 202 103 A1 describe a drive arrangement for a bicycle.

[0010] CN 2 767 305 Y describes a bearing arrangement for a motorcycle engine.

[0011] Based on the aforementioned prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved fastening arrangement for attaching a bicycle drive to a bicycle frame, which contributes to reducing noise generation. This object is achieved by the subject matter having the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous further developments are set out in the subclaims.

[0012] A first aspect relates to a fastening arrangement for fastening a bicycle drive to a bicycle frame. With the fastening arrangement, the bicycle drive can be fastened to a bicycle frame of the bicycle. A bicycle can be designed, for example, as a mountain bike, touring bike, or city bike. The bicycle can be designed as a pedelec. The bicycle drive can, for example, have a pedal crankshaft, a gear system, and an optional drive motor, for example, designed as an electric motor. The bicycle drive can have a power transmission element to an output element of the bicycle, such as a wheel, for example, designed as a chain or belt. The bicycle drive can be designed to transmit a drive force from a cyclist and optionally from the drive motor to the wheel. The bicycle drive can, for example, be designed as a mid-engine drive. The bicycle drive can have a housing.The bicycle frame can be made of aluminum, carbon, or steel, for example. The bicycle frame can have several interconnected tubes. The bicycle frame can also be formed as a single piece. The bicycle frame can form a drive mount for a bicycle drive. A saddle, a fork, a handlebar, and two wheels of the bicycle can be attached to the bicycle frame. The bicycle drive and the bicycle frame can be part of the mounting arrangement.

[0013] The fastening arrangement has a fastening means. This allows the bicycle drive to be fastened to the bicycle frame at one point. Multiple fastening means and thus multiple fastening points can also be provided. The fastening points can be spaced apart from one another. One damping element can be provided for each fastening means, the properties of which are described below. Each damping element can be designed the same or differently. The fastening means can be designed, for example, as a screw, screw and nut, quick release, rivet, or an integral part of the bicycle drive or the bicycle frame. The fastening means can be designed in one piece or in multiple parts. The fastening means can be designed for clamping in order to secure the bicycle drive to the bicycle frame. The respective fastening means can be the only connection between the bicycle drive and the bicycle frame.The mounting arrangement may include a gap between the bicycle drive and the bicycle frame. The bicycle drive and the bicycle frame may be arranged without contact.

[0014] The fastening arrangement has a damping element. The damping element is designed, for example, as an elastic element. The damping element can be designed to dampen the transmission of vibrations from the bicycle drive to the bicycle frame. This can, for example, reduce structure-borne noise emitted by the bicycle frame during operation. Vibration excitation of the bicycle frame by the bicycle drive can be dampened by the damping element. The damping element can have vibration-damping properties. The damping element can be made, for example, from an elastomer or rubber.

[0015] The damping element is arranged between the fastening means and a holding element. The holding element can be part of the fastening arrangement. For example, the holding element is the bicycle frame or the bicycle drive. The holding element can be formed integrally by a section thereof or by a component attached thereto. By arranging the damping element between the fastening means and either the bicycle frame or the bicycle drive, vibrations must pass through the damping element for transmission and can thus be efficiently dampened. The bicycle can therefore be particularly quiet in operation. In the following, the bicycle frame is mainly described as the holding element in the exemplary explanations. However, the corresponding explanations can also apply to a design in which a reverse arrangement is used, i.e. with the damping element between the bicycle drive and the fastening means.

[0016] In one embodiment of the fastening arrangement, it can be provided that the damping element is designed to provide a damping effect in an axial direction of the fastening means between the fastening means and the holding element. For example, the fastening means can be designed as an elongated component, such as a screw. The damping element can be designed to dampen vibration transmissions from the bicycle drive to the bicycle frame axially along a longitudinal extent of the fastening means. Alternatively or additionally, the damping element is designed to provide a damping effect in a radial direction of the fastening means between the fastening means and the holding element. The damping element can be designed to dampen vibration transmissions from the bicycle drive to the bicycle frame transversely, for example orthogonally, to the longitudinal extent of the fastening means.The damping in two directions allows a particularly large number of vibrations to be dampened during transmission to the bicycle frame.

[0017] In one embodiment of the fastening arrangement, it can be provided that the holding element has a through-opening through which the fastening means extends. For example, the bicycle frame can have the through-opening in a tube wall. For example, the housing of the bicycle drive can have the through-opening in a projection or a housing wall. The through-opening can also be formed by a protruding component of the holding element. The through-opening can be delimited by a casing surface. The casing surface can have an opening. However, the through-opening can also be delimited by a continuous casing surface. For example, the fastening means can have a head which is, for example, larger than a smallest diameter of the through-opening and thus secures the bicycle drive to the bicycle frame. Part of the fastening means can be arranged in the through-opening.The through-opening can, for example, be cylindrical or, according to the invention, conical. The shape of the through-opening, for example, a cross-section of the through-opening, can correspond to the shape of the damping element.

[0018] The damping element can also be at least partially arranged in the through-opening of the holding element. For example, the damping element can decouple the fastening means in the through-opening from the holding element and thus reliably dampen the vibration transmission. The damping element can extend completely or partially through the through-opening. The damping element can protrude from the through-opening. The damping element can be completely accommodated in the through-opening. The damping element can be partially arranged in a recess formed by the bicycle drive or the bicycle frame, for example, depending on which of these components does not form the holding element.

[0019] In one embodiment of the fastening arrangement, it can be provided that the damping element surrounds the fastening means on the outside at least in the region of the through-opening of the holding element. This allows the fastening means to rest against the damping element over a large area. This enables good vibration damping and, at the same time, a stable fastening with little play. For example, damping in the radial direction can be achieved by surrounding it on the outside. The damping element can, for example, surround the fastening means on the outside in a damping element region which is arranged in the through-opening. Alternatively or additionally, the damping element can surround the fastening means in an axial region outside the through-opening of the holding element. The damping element has, for example, a through-opening in which the fastening means is at least partially arranged.The through-opening of the damping element can be arranged centrally in a body of the damping element. For example, the fastening means can extend through the damping element. An inner diameter of the through-opening of the damping element can correspond to an outer diameter of the region of the fastening means arranged in the through-opening of the damping element. The fastening means can be arranged, for example, with a press fit or a clearance fit in the through-opening of the damping element.

[0020] In one embodiment of the fastening arrangement, the damping element can be arranged with a press fit in the through-hole of the retaining element. For example, an outer diameter of the damping element can be larger, at least in some areas, than an inner diameter of the through-hole of the retaining element. The press fit allows the damping element to be preloaded in the radial direction. This allows for particularly high damping of vibration transmission in the radial direction. Furthermore, the bicycle drive can be securely held in a defined position.

[0021] The fastening arrangement provides for the damping element to be conical. The damping element has a conically tapered outer diameter. The damping element can be pressed axially against the bicycle frame or the bicycle drive by fastening the fastening means. The conical shape means the damping element can then also be pressed radially. This can result in a preload. This can result in particularly high damping of vibration transmission in the radial direction. In addition, the bicycle drive can be securely held in a defined position. In addition, the damping element can be particularly easy to install. The damping element can, for example, simply be inserted into the through-hole in the holding element. If the fastening means is loosened, the damping element can be easily removed from the holding element again and quickly replaced, for example, if it becomes worn.The through-hole of the retaining element has a conical shape that corresponds to the conical shape of the damping element. The through-hole of the retaining element can have a smaller diameter than the damping element. This also reliably prevents the damping element from slipping.

[0022] Alternatively, and not according to the invention, the damping element can have a cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the damping element can, for example, be constant. The through-opening of the retaining element can be correspondingly cylindrical. The damping element can thus be particularly easy to manufacture.

[0023] In one embodiment of the fastening arrangement, it can be provided that the fastening means has an end face with which the fastening means rests on the damping element. This allows the vibration transmission to be dampened particularly well in the axial direction. The end face can, for example, be contact-free with the holding element. The end face can, for example, be formed by a screw head. The end face can have a larger diameter than at least one end of the through-opening of the holding element and, alternatively or additionally, one end of the through-opening of the damping element in which the fastening means is arranged. The damping element can, for example, be arranged at least partially axially between the end face and the bicycle frame and, alternatively or additionally, the bicycle drive.

[0024] In one embodiment of the fastening arrangement, it can be provided that the damping element has a first sub-region with a first damping property and a second sub-region with a second damping property. The first damping property can differ from the second damping property. For example, the first sub-region can be formed from a different material than the second sub-region. The material in the first sub-region can, for example, have a different elasticity than the material in the second sub-region. The damping properties can, for example, be independent of a geometry of the sub-regions. The damping properties can be material properties. The damping element can also have three or more sub-regions with different damping properties. The sub-regions can, for example, dampen vibrations in different frequency ranges particularly well.This allows the overall damping to be adjusted to the vibrations that are relevant to noise generation and to the vibrations primarily generated by the bicycle drive. Adaptation to different resonance frequencies of bicycle frames is also easily possible. Furthermore, the different sub-areas can enable additional functions. For example, a first sub-area facing the bicycle drive can initially dampen vibrations effectively, while a second sub-area facing away from the bicycle drive can then enable a particularly secure mount for the bicycle drive without significantly affecting vibration damping.

[0025] In one embodiment of the fastening arrangement, it can be provided that the damping element has a first damping part and a separate second damping part. By using separate parts, respective sub-regions with different damping properties can be easily provided. The first damping part forms the first sub-region and the second damping part the second sub-region. Both damping parts can be cylindrical or conical, for example. A damping part can be provided for each sub-region with different damping properties. The damping parts can, for example, rest on one another. The damping parts can form a common body, for example with a continuous outer contour. The damping parts can not be firmly connected to one another. In this case, production can be particularly simple. However, the damping parts can also be connected, for example by gluing.This makes installation particularly simple. The damping components can be arranged one behind the other in the axial direction. Each damping component can form a damper, with these dampers connected in series.

[0026] In one embodiment of the fastening arrangement, the damping element can be formed in one piece. For example, the damping element can be manufactured using an injection molding process. The damping element can be formed in one piece from a uniform material. This makes production particularly cost-effective. The damping element can also be formed in one piece from different materials. For example, the damping element can be manufactured using a 2K injection molding process. This makes it easy to create a one-piece component with different sub-areas with different damping properties.

[0027] In one embodiment of the fastening arrangement, it can be provided that the fastening means is in non-contact with the retaining element. For example, the fastening means may not touch the bicycle frame. The bicycle frame and the bicycle drive may also be in non-contact. This non-contact arrangement can prevent unwanted vibration transmission past the damping element. For example, the fastening means is only indirectly supported on the bicycle frame via the damping element. For example, the bicycle frame is clamped between the fastening means and the bicycle drive.

[0028] A second aspect relates to a bicycle with a bicycle frame. The bicycle also has a bicycle drive. The bicycle drive is fastened to the bicycle frame by means of a fastening arrangement according to the first aspect. The bicycle can have the fastening arrangement according to the first aspect. Respective advantages and further features can be derived from the description of the first aspect, wherein embodiments of the first aspect also form embodiments of the second aspect and vice versa. The bicycle can have an output element. The output element can be designed, for example, as a wheel. The output element can be drivable by the bicycle drive. For example, the output element can be mechanically operatively connected to an output shaft of the bicycle drive. Fig. 1 illustrates in a schematic side view a bicycle with a bicycle frame and a bicycle drive attached thereto. Fig. Figure 2 schematically illustrates in a sectional view a first embodiment of a fastening arrangement for fastening the bicycle drive to the bicycle frame in the bicycle according to Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 schematically illustrates in a sectional view a second embodiment of a fastening arrangement for fastening the bicycle drive to the bicycle frame in the bicycle according to Fig. 1. Fig. 4 illustrates the attachment of the bicycle drive using the mounting arrangements of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 on the bicycle frame.

[0029] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a bicycle designed as a pedelec. The bicycle has a bicycle frame 10. A saddle 12 and a rear wheel 14 are mounted on the bicycle frame 10. A fork 16 is mounted on the front of the bicycle frame 10, to which a handlebar 18 and a front wheel 20 are held. The bicycle also has a bicycle drive 22. The bicycle drive 22 is held on the bicycle frame 10 by means of a fastening arrangement, which is described below with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is described.

[0030] When riding, the bicycle drive 22 generates vibrations that cause noise. Firstly, the bicycle drive 22 directly emits airborne noise, which is illustrated by an arrow 24. The user perceives this airborne noise as being caused by the bicycle drive 22. Furthermore, some of the vibrations are transmitted to the bicycle frame 10 as structure-borne noise via a fastening of the bicycle drive 22. As a result, parts of the free surfaces of the at least partially hollow bicycle frame 10 begin to vibrate and thus also emit noise in the form of airborne noise, which is illustrated by an arrow 26. In the example shown, the airborne noise is emitted by the bicycle frame 10 primarily in the area of ​​a headset. The user then perceives this airborne noise as being caused by the bicycle frame 10. This may lead the user to mistakenly assume that there is damage there.Overall, the bicycle drive 22 should cause as little noise as possible during driving.

[0031] In Fig. 4 shows that the bicycle drive 22 has a pedal crankshaft 28 and an electric motor 30. The pedal crankshaft 28 is partially housed in a housing 32 of the bicycle drive 22 and extends transversely through the housing 32. The electric motor 30 is completely housed in the housing 32. The rear wheel 14 of the bicycle can be driven via a mechanical operative connection between the pedal crankshaft 28 and the electric motor 30.

[0032] In Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a first embodiment of the mounting arrangement. This mounting arrangement reduces the transmission of structure-borne noise from the bicycle drive 22 to the bicycle frame 10. The mounting arrangement at least partially acoustically decouples the bicycle drive 22 from the bicycle frame 10.

[0033] In Fig. 2 schematically shows a fastening point of the housing 32 and thus of the bicycle drive 22 to the bicycle frame 10. The fastening arrangement has a fastening means 40 which is designed as a screw. The fastening means 40 is fastened to the housing 32, here by the screw being screwed into a corresponding thread in a blind hole of the housing 32. The fastening means 40 extends axially through a through-opening in the bicycle frame 10 with a screw shaft, i.e. with its longitudinal extension. The fastening means 40 thus holds the bicycle drive 22 to the bicycle frame 10 as a holding element. In another embodiment, the fastening means 40 is screwed into a blind hole in the bicycle frame 10 and extends through a through-opening in the housing 32 of the bicycle drive in order to hold the bicycle frame 10 to the bicycle drive 22 as a holding element.

[0034] A damping element 42 is arranged between the bicycle frame 10 and the fastening means 40. In the first embodiment shown, the damping element 42 is formed integrally and elastically. The damping element 42 extends through the through-opening of the bicycle frame 10 and is longer than the through-opening. The damping element 42 has a conical outer shape. The through-opening of the bicycle frame 10 has a correspondingly conical shape. The damping element 42 surrounds the fastening means 40 on the outside in the region of the screw shaft. For this purpose, the damping element 42 has a central through-opening which is cylindrical. The shape of the through-opening of the damping element 42 corresponds to the shape of the screw shaft.

[0035] A screw head of the fastening means 40 rests, with a face facing the screw shaft, on a face of the damping element 42 facing away from the bicycle drive 22. When the fastening means 40 is tightened, the damping element 42 is pressed into the conical through-hole of the bicycle frame 10. This also results in radial compression. In the embodiment shown, the screw shaft is thus pressed from the inside against the damping element 42 in the through-hole of the damping element 42. The damping element 42 can thus provide a damping effect in an axial direction of the fastening means 40 and in a radial direction of the fastening means 40 between the fastening means 40 and the bicycle frame 10. This also results in a play-free connection at the fastening point shown. The damping element 42 rests against the housing 32 of the bicycle drive 22 with its side facing away from the screw head.

[0036] The fastening means 40 is contact-free with the bicycle frame 10. The bicycle frame 10 and the bicycle drive 22 are also contact-free. Fig. 4 it is particularly clear that a gap is provided between the housing 32 and the bicycle frame 10. In addition, Fig. 4 that the housing 32 is connected at two fastening points to the Fig. 2 is attached to the bicycle frame 10.

[0037] Fig.3 illustrates a second embodiment of the fastening arrangement. Differences from the first embodiment are explained below. In the second embodiment, the damping element 42 is formed in several parts. In the example shown, the damping element 42 has a first damping part 44, a separate second damping part 46, and a likewise separate third damping part 48. Each of these three separate damping parts 44, 46, 48 forms an axial portion of the damping element 42. Each damping part 44, 46, 48 has a conical outer shape and a central through-opening with an identical diameter. The outer contours of the damping parts 44, 46, 48 merge smoothly into one another.

[0038] Each sub-region of the damping element 42 has different damping properties. For this purpose, each damping part 44, 46, 48 is made of a different material. In the embodiment shown, the materials differ in their elasticity. The damping parts 44, 46, 48 are connected axially in series and each provide a damping effect in the axial direction of the fastening means 40 and in the radial direction of the fastening means 40 between the fastening means 40 and the bicycle frame 10.

[0039] Instead of three damping parts 44, 46, 48, other embodiments have only two or even four or more damping parts. Likewise, other embodiments have damping elements 42 with two, four, or more sub-regions made of different materials and, alternatively or additionally, different damping properties. As an alternative to the multi-part design, in another embodiment, the different sub-regions are also formed by a one-piece damping element 42, which was manufactured using a multi-component injection molding process and has regions made of different materials. In yet another embodiment, the damping element 42 and the through-opening in the bicycle frame 10 are cylindrical, with a press fit being provided. Reference symbol 10 bicycle frames 12 Saddle 14 Rear wheel 16 forks 18 handlebars 20 front wheel 22 Bicycle drive 24 Arrow / Acoustic emission 26 Arrow / Acoustic emission 28 Crankshaft 30 electric motor 32 housings 40 fasteners 42 Damping element 44 first damping part 46 second damping part 48 third damping part

Claims

[1] Fastening arrangement for fastening a bicycle drive (22) to a bicycle frame (10), wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a fastening means (40) and a damping element (42), wherein the damping element (42) is arranged between the fastening means (40) and a holding element, characterized by that the damping element (42) is conical, wherein the damping element (42) has an outer diameter tapering conically in the axial direction of extension, and that the holding element has a through-opening through which the fastening means (40) extends, wherein the damping element (42) is at least partially likewise arranged in the through-opening of the holding element, wherein the through-opening is shaped to correspond to the damping element (42). [2] Fastening arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by that the holding element is designed as the bicycle frame (10). [3] Fastening arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by that the holding element is designed as the bicycle drive (22). [4] Fastening arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the damping element (42) is designed to provide a damping effect in an axial direction of the fastening means (40) and in a radial direction of the fastening means (40) between the fastening means (40) and the holding element. [5] Fastening arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the damping element (42) surrounds the fastening means (40) on the outside at least in the region of the through opening of the holding element. [6] Fastening arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the damping element (42) is arranged with a press fit in the through opening of the holding element. [7] Fastening arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fastening means (40) has an end face with which the fastening means (40) rests on the damping element (42). [8] Fastening arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the damping element (42) has a first partial region with a first damping property and a second partial region with a second damping property, wherein the first damping property differs from the second damping property. [9] Fastening arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the damping element (42) has a first damping part (44) and a separate second damping part (46), wherein the first damping part (44) forms the first partial region and the second damping part (46) forms the second partial region. [10] Fastening arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the damping element (42) is formed in one piece. [11] Fastening arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fastening means (40) is in contact with the holding element. [12] Bicycle with a bicycle frame (10) and a bicycle drive (22), wherein the bicycle drive (22) is fastened to the bicycle frame (10) with a fastening arrangement according to one of the preceding claims.

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