End plate arrangement for an electric bicycle battery

Abstract

The invention relates to an end plate arrangement for a battery of an electric bicycle, comprising a battery housing with a mounting interface, an end plate, and at least one fixing element, wherein the mounting interface has at least one projecting first fixing element, wherein the end plate has at least one second fixing element which can be hooked onto the first fixing element of the mounting interface to create a positive fit, and wherein the end plate can be fixed to the mounting interface by means of the fixing element.

Description

State of the art

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

[0002] Battery arrangements for electric bicycles are known in which the battery can be releasably attached to the electric bicycle using battery holders. The battery holder is often mounted on the bicycle frame of the electric bicycle. The batteries are often designed with an elongated, for example, prismatic or essentially cylindrical, geometry and are held, for example, at both ends by the battery holder. End plates, for example as adapters, are often provided between the battery and the battery holder. The end plates are usually screwed to the battery. Disclosure of the invention

[0003] The end plate arrangement according to the invention with the features of claim 1 offers the advantage of a particularly simple and cost-effective construction, which allows stable attachment to the battery with a particularly compact geometry and lightweight construction. This is achieved by an end plate arrangement for a battery of an electric bicycle, comprising a battery housing, an end plate, and at least one fixing element. The battery housing has a fixing interface which has at least one protruding first fixing element. The end plate has at least one second fixing element. The second fixing element can be hooked onto the first fixing element of the fixing interface in order to establish a positive connection between the first fixing element and the second fixing element. In addition, the end plate can be fixed to the fixing interface by means of the fixing element.

[0004] Preferably, the battery housing is designed to accommodate a battery which is intended as an electrical energy storage device for an electric bicycle.

[0005] In other words, an end plate arrangement is provided which comprises an end plate, for example a substantially plate-shaped end plate, which can be fastened to the battery housing. The fastening is effected on the one hand by means of the fastening elements and on the other hand by means of the fixing element. The fastening elements are designed such that the end plate can be hooked onto the battery housing in order to establish a positive connection, for example along at least one predetermined direction in the hooked-in state, between the battery housing and the end plate. Hooking can be regarded as, for example, an at least partial engagement of the first fastening element and the second fastening element. Preferably, the first fastening element can engage in the second fastening element, in particular such that the fastening elements at least partially undercut one another in the hooked-in state in order to establish the positive connection.In addition, the end plate is secured by means of the fixing element. Preferably, the fixing element is secured in such a way that this fixation prevents unhooking, i.e., loosening of the form fit.

[0006] The end plate arrangement offers the advantage of enabling a stable and reliable attachment of the end plate to the battery housing using a particularly simple, cost-effective, and lightweight construction. The positive locking mechanism created by the fastening elements allows for a simple, stable attachment, eliminating the need for a large number of screws. This means, for example, that a particularly stable and reliable assembly of the end plate to the battery housing can be achieved using the smallest possible number of screws. Furthermore, the design of the end plate and battery housing allows for a particularly space-saving geometry.

[0007] The subclaims contain preferred developments of the invention.

[0008] The end plate assembly preferably comprises exactly two first fastening elements and exactly two second fastening elements. This enables a solid fastening with a design that is as space-saving and material-efficient as possible. In particular, two first and two second fastening elements each can easily prevent relative rotation of the end plate and battery housing.

[0009] Preferably, the end plate assembly comprises precisely two fixing elements. This allows for a lightweight and cost-effective design of the end plate assembly, while reliably enabling solid fastening, in particular preventing relative movement between the end plate and the battery housing.

[0010] Particularly preferably, the battery housing extends along a longitudinal axis. The battery housing is preferably prismatic, in particular substantially cylindrical, in shape. The fastening interface is arranged at one end of the battery housing. The end plate arrangement can preferably comprise a fastening interface and an end plate on each of the two end faces of the battery housing.

[0011] 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. This allows for a particularly compact geometry of the fully assembled end plate arrangement.

[0012] Further preferably, the fastening elements are designed to allow hooking by a pivoting movement of the plate about a pivot axis which is arranged orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. In other words, the hooking can be provided in that the second fastening element can be brought into engagement with the first fastening element when the plate is inclined, for example, by a predetermined pivot angle, of in particular at least 5°, relative to the end face. Subsequently, when the first fastening element and second fastening element are in engagement with one another, 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 orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. Subsequently, the fixing can preferably be carried out by means of the fixing element.Preferably, the fastening elements are designed and arranged such that the pivot axis is located on a radially outer edge of the fastening interface and the end plate. By fastening the end plate by means of a pivoting movement, it is thus possible to provide a reliable fastening with the most compact geometry possible for the end plate arrangement in a particularly simple manner.

[0013] Particularly preferably, the end plate is fixed by means of the at least one fixing element, in particular exclusively, along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. This means that the end plate is held immovably at the fastening interface by means of the fixing element along the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. For example, this can prevent pivoting back about the pivot axis to cancel the positive locking created by the fixing elements. Preferably, the fixing element can be configured to additionally prevent movement of the end plate in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

[0014] Preferably, the first fastening element is designed as a protruding hook. For example, the hook can have a first region that protrudes parallel to the longitudinal axis and additionally a second region that protrudes substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis from the distal end of the first region. This allows for a particularly simple design of the fastening elements, which also allows for robust fastening of the end plate.

[0015] More preferably, the second fastening element is designed as a recess. For example, the recess can be formed in a tab-shaped, for example, protruding, portion of the end plate. In particular, the first fastening element can thus be inserted into the recess and positioned such that the first fastening element and a portion of the end plate undercut each other to establish a positive fit. This allows for a particularly robust fastening with a simple construction.

[0016] Preferably, the fixing element is designed as a screw. In particular, the screw can be screwed through the end plate into the fastening interface of the battery housing in order to fix the end plate to the fastening interface.

[0017] Particularly preferably, the first fastening element is arranged on a radially outer edge of the fastening interface. Alternatively or additionally, the second fastening element is preferably arranged on a radially outer edge of the end plate. This allows for the hooking, and in particular the pivoting movement, for establishing the positive connection to be achieved in a particularly simple manner, while producing the end plate arrangement in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0018] Furthermore, the invention leads to a battery assembly comprising a battery and the described end plate assembly. The battery is arranged within the battery housing of the end plate assembly.

[0019] The invention further relates to an electric bicycle comprising the described battery assembly. The battery assembly is preferably attachable to a bicycle frame of the electric bicycle. The electric bicycle preferably comprises, in particular on the bicycle frame, at least one retaining element to which the end plate of the end plate assembly can be releasably attached. Short description of the drawings

[0020] The invention is described below using an exemplary embodiment in conjunction with the figures. In the figures, functionally identical components are identified by the same reference numerals. Here: Fig. 1 is a simplified schematic view of an electric bicycle with an end plate arrangement according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 a detailed view of the end plate arrangement of the Fig. 1 during assembly, Fig. 3 a detailed view of the end plate arrangement of the Fig. 1 in fully assembled condition, Fig. 4 a detail of the end plate arrangement of the Fig. 1, and Fig. 5 a further detailed view of the end plate arrangement of the Fig. 1. Embodiments of the invention

[0021] Fig. Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic view of an electric bicycle 100 comprising an end plate assembly 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The end plate assembly 1 is part of a battery assembly 10, which additionally comprises a battery 1. Details of the end plate assembly 1 of the preferred embodiment are shown in the Fig. 2 to 5.

[0022] The battery 11 serves as an electrical energy storage device to supply electrical energy to a drive unit 101 of the electric bicycle 100. By means of the drive unit 101, the pedaling force generated by muscle power of a rider of the electric bicycle 100 can be assisted by an electric motor using a generated motor torque.

[0023] The battery 11 is elongated, for example, essentially prismatic. The battery 11 can be releasably attached 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.

[0024] The electric bicycle 100 includes retaining elements (not shown in detail) that are fixed to the bicycle frame 110 or, for example, are an integral part of the bicycle frame 110. The battery assembly 10 can be releasably fixed to the bicycle frame 110 by means of the retaining elements.

[0025] The end plate assembly 1 comprises a battery housing 2, within which the battery 11 is accommodated. In particular, the battery housing 2 is configured to hold and protect the battery 11. The battery housing 2 extends elongatedly along a longitudinal axis 25.

[0026] The battery housing 2 has a fastening interface 21, which is arranged at a front end of the battery housing 2 (cf. Fig. 2).

[0027] The fastening interface 21 is shown in a perspective detailed view in the Fig. 4. For example, the fastening interface 21 can be formed as a separate component from the remaining battery housing 2 and preferably fixed to the battery housing 2 by means of screws 21a.

[0028] In addition, the end plate arrangement 1 comprises an end plate 3, which is in particular designed essentially as a flat plate.

[0029] The end plate 3 is provided in particular as a mechanical connecting 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, this allows different batteries 11 to be used on the electric bicycle 100 in a simple manner.

[0030] The fastening interface 21 has two protruding first fastening elements 22, which are arranged on a radially outer edge of the fastening interface 21 (cf. Fig. 4). In particular, the two first fastening elements 22 are arranged on the same side with respect to the circumference of the fastening interface 21.

[0031] The first two fastening elements 22 are designed as protruding hooks. These hooks protrude from a front side 21b of the fastening interface 21 in the axial direction and also in the radial direction.

[0032] The end plate 3 also has two second fastening elements 32. The second fastening elements 32 are arranged on a radially outer edge of the end plate 3, in particular corresponding to the positions of the first fastening elements 22.

[0033] The two second fastening elements 32 are designed as recesses in tabs of the end plate 3.

[0034] The end plate 3 can be fastened to the fastening interface 21 by means of the fastening elements 22, 32, by hooking the second fastening elements 32 onto the first fastening elements 22 to thereby create a positive connection. For this purpose, the fastening elements 22, 32 are designed to allow hooking by a pivoting movement 36 of the end plate 3 about a pivot axis 35 orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 25.

[0035] The hooking is in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is shown schematically in simplified form. Fig. 2 shows a state in which the first fastening elements 22 engage with the second fastening elements 32, wherein the end plate 3 is arranged at an angle 37 inclined to the fastening interface 21.

[0036] Based on the Fig. 2, the end plate 3 can be pivoted towards the fastening interface 21 by means of the pivoting movement 36 until the end plate 3 is arranged orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 25.

[0037] In this configuration, the end plate 3 is fixed, i.e. screwed, to the fastening interface 21 by means of two fixing elements 4, which are designed as screws (cf. Fig. 3 and Fig. 5).

[0038] Due to the positive locking created by the fastening elements 22, 32, and additionally by the fixation by the fixing elements 4, the end plate 3 is firmly fixed to the fastening interface 21 at a total of four positions, at least along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 25. This enables a particularly robust fastening of the end plate 3 using a simple and cost-effective construction.

[0039] Furthermore, the fact that the fastening is effected by means of fastening elements 22, 32, which are an integral part of end plate 3 and fastening interface 21, enables a particularly space-saving design. In particular, this allows for an end plate 3 that is particularly narrow in the direction of the longitudinal axis 25.

[0040] As particularly in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the end plate assembly 1 is designed symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal plane 17 in which the longitudinal axis 25 lies. This means that the fastening elements 22, 32 and the fixing elements 4 are designed and arranged symmetrically to the longitudinal plane 17. In particular, the end plate 3 and the fastening interface 21 are designed symmetrically to the longitudinal plane 17.

Claims

[1] End plate assembly for a battery (10) of an electric bicycle (100), comprising: - a battery housing (2) with a fastening interface (21), - an end plate (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 connection, and - wherein the end plate (3) can be fixed to the fastening interface (21) by means of the fixing element (4). [2] End plate assembly according to claim 1, comprising exactly two first fastening elements (22) and exactly two second fastening elements (32). [3] End plate arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, comprising exactly two fixing elements (4). [4] End plate arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery housing (2) extends, in particular prismatically, along a longitudinal axis (25), and wherein the fastening interface (21) is arranged at a front end of the battery housing (2). [5] End plate arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the end plate (3) in the fixed state is arranged substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (25). [6] End plate arrangement according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the fastening elements (22, 32) are designed to allow hooking by a pivoting movement of the end plate (3) about a pivot axis (35) orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (25). [7] End plate arrangement according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the fixing of the end plate (3) by means of the fixing element (4), in particular exclusively, takes place along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (25). [8] End plate assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first fastening element (22) is formed as a projecting hook. [9] End plate arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second fastening element (32) is formed as a recess. [10] End plate arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing element (4) is designed as a screw. [11] End plate assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first fastening element (22) is arranged on a radially outer edge of the fastening interface (21). [12] Battery assembly comprising: - a battery (11), and - an end plate arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the battery (11) is arranged within the battery housing (2) of the end plate arrangement (1). [13] An electric bicycle comprising a battery assembly (50) according to claim 12.

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