Pedal crank for a drive unit of a means of locomotion driven by muscle power, drive unit, means of locomotion and method for assembling a pedal crank

Abstract

The invention relates to a pedal crank (110) for a drive unit (100) of a means of locomotion driven by muscle power. The pedal crank (110) comprises a clamping body (10) with a plug-in opening (11) for plugging the clamping body onto a crankshaft (101) of the drive unit, wherein the clamping body (10) has a clamping device (19) for clamping the clamping body (10) to the crankshaft (101). Furthermore, the pedal crank (110) comprises a crank arm body (20) with a hollow space (22), wherein the clamping body (10) and the crank arm body (20) can be connected to one another in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner. The invention further relates to a drive unit (100) comprising such a pedal crank, a means of locomotion comprising such a drive unit, and a method for assembling a pedal crank.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to the field of drives for human-powered means of transport, such as bicycles and pedelecs. In particular, the present invention is directed to a pedal crank for a drive unit of a human-powered means of transport. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for assembling a pedal crank, a drive unit, and a means of transport with the drive unit. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Cycling is becoming increasingly popular as a recreational activity and as a means of transportation. Furthermore, cycling has also become a very popular competitive sport. Regardless of whether the bicycle is used for recreation, transportation, or competition, the current trend is toward constructing bicycles that are both more stable and lighter than previous bicycles. Especially in the pursuit of higher running speeds, it is desirable to reduce the weight of all parts of the bicycle.

[0003] Accordingly, every part of a bicycle is constantly being redesigned to minimize weight and maximize strength. One part of the bicycle that has been extensively redesigned to be lighter and stronger is the bicycle crank. The bicycle crank is one of the most important parts of a bicycle, as it converts the rider's leg power into rotational motion. Therefore, not only is weight reduction important, but also maintaining the rigidity of the bicycle crank to efficiently transfer leg power.

[0004] Every bicycle has a pair of bicycle crank arms connected to the bicycle crankshaft or axle. The crank arms extend outward from the crankshaft in opposite directions and have pedals at their free ends that support the rider's feet. The rider's rotation of the pedals rotates one or more front sprockets, which in turn move the bicycle chain to rotate one or more rear sprockets and thus the bicycle's rear wheel. In certain crank arm designs, the front pinion or pinions are connected directly to the crank arm by mounting fingers. The mounting fingers are connected to the hub portion of the crank arm and extend radially outward from the hub portion of the crank arm.

[0005] Typically, these bicycle crank arms are manufactured with hollow crank bodies to save weight. These bicycle crank arms are also often made from a forged aluminum alloy for lightweight performance. Various solutions exist that offer advanced, closed hollow structures with significantly improved rigidity. However, the manufacturing processes of these solutions, which involve gluing or welding the two halves of the hollow structure, have been found to have certain manufacturing disadvantages, typically resulting in reduced strength of the finished bicycle cranks.

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a pedal crank, a drive unit and an assembly method with which one or more of the disadvantages known from the prior art, in particular with regard to production effort, production costs, ease of assembly, strength and torsional rigidity, can be partially or completely overcome. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned object, a pedal crank for a drive unit, a drive unit, a means of locomotion, and a method for assembling a pedal crank are provided according to the independent claims. Further aspects, advantages, and features of the present invention can be found in the dependent claims, the description, and the accompanying figures.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, a pedal crank is provided for a drive unit of a muscle-powered means of transport. The pedal crank comprises a clamping body with a plug-in opening for plugging the clamping body onto a crankshaft of the drive unit. The clamping body has a clamping device for clamping the clamping body to the crankshaft. Furthermore, the pedal crank comprises a crank arm body with a hollow space. The clamping body and the crank arm body can be connected to each other in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner.

[0009] Thus, a pedal crank is advantageously provided which is improved compared to the prior art in terms of production effort, production costs, ease of assembly, strength and torsional rigidity.

[0010] A particular advantage of the invention described here is that the benefits of a simple manufacturing process, such as the die-casting process, can be combined with low weight and high rigidity. This is made possible in particular by dividing the crank into two functionally different parts. The clamping body takes on the function of securely fixing the crank on the crankshaft. The actual crank, i.e. the crank arm body, is then fastened to the clamping body in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner. In particular, the form-fitting connection is produced by means of a form-fitting surface fit on the contact surfaces of the clamping body and the crank arm body. The force-fitting connection is typically produced by means of screw connections between the clamping body and the crank arm body. The form-fitting connection can advantageously prevent shear stresses on the screws.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the invention, a drive unit for a means of locomotion propelled by muscle power is provided. The drive unit comprises a crankshaft. A clamping body with a plug-in opening is plugged onto opposite sides of the crankshaft. The clamping body has a clamping device with which the clamping body is fastened to the crankshaft. The clamping body and the crank arm body are designed to provide a positive and non-positive connection between the clamping body and a crank arm body.

[0012] Thus, a drive unit is advantageously provided, in particular with one or more electric motors, which has a permanently mounted crankshaft, as this is reliably secured by the clamping bodies. A further advantage is that the assembly of the cranks, i.e., the crank arm bodies, can be performed in the final step without any special qualifications. This not only contributes to the efficiency of the manufacturing processes but also enables easier handling during assembly.

[0013] According to a third aspect of the invention, a means of transport, in particular a bicycle or a pedelec, is provided, which comprises a drive unit according to one of the embodiments described herein.

[0014] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a method for assembling a pedal crank for a drive unit of a muscle-powered means of transport is provided. The method comprises attaching a clamping body to a crankshaft of the drive unit. Furthermore, the method comprises clamping the clamping body to the crankshaft using a clamping device of the clamping body. Furthermore, the method comprises establishing a positive and non-positive connection between the clamping body and the crank arm body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0015] The invention will be explained below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures, from which further advantages and modifications emerge. Herein: Fig. 1 a schematic exploded view of a pedal crank for a drive unit of a driving device according to embodiments described herein; Fig. 2 a pedal crank according to embodiments described herein in the assembled state; Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b schematic perspective views of a clamping body of the pedal crank according to embodiments described herein; Fig. 4a a schematic sectional view AA (see Fig. 2) along the longitudinal axis of the crank; Fig. 4b a schematic sectional view BB (see Fig. 2) along the longitudinal axis of the crank; Fig. 5 a means of transport, in particular a bicycle or pedelec, with a drive unit according to embodiments described herein; and Fig. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a method for assembling a pedal crank for a drive unit according to embodiments described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0016] Various embodiments are described below, one or more examples of which are shown in each figure. Each example is provided for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be limiting. For example, features shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used on or in conjunction with any other embodiment to obtain a further embodiment. The present disclosure is intended to encompass such modifications and variations.

[0017] In the following description of the figures, the same reference numbers refer to the same or similar components. Generally, only the differences between the individual embodiments are described. Unless otherwise noted, the description of a part or aspect in one embodiment may also refer to a corresponding part or aspect in another embodiment.

[0018] With reference to the Fig. 1 to 4b, embodiments of a pedal crank 110 for a drive unit 100 of a muscle-powered means of transport according to the present disclosure are described below.

[0019] According to an embodiment that can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the drive unit 100 comprises a clamping body 10 with a plug-in opening 11 for plugging the clamping body onto a crankshaft 101 of the drive unit, as shown by way of example in Fig. 1. In particular, the plug-in opening is round. Typically, an inner surface 12 of the plug-in opening 11 has a structured surface designed to provide a rotationally secure connection with a complementarily structured outer surface 103 of the crankshaft 101. In particular, the inner surface 12 of the plug-in opening 11 and the outer surface 103 of the crankshaft 101 are designed to form a positive connection, thus providing an anti-rotation lock between the clamping body 10 and the crankshaft 101 around the crankshaft rotation axis 102.

[0020] For example, the positive connection can be provided by a groove structure on the inner surface 12 of the plug-in opening 110 and a complementary groove structure on the outer surface 103 of the crankshaft 101, as shown, for example, in Fig. 1. The grooves of the groove structure on the inner surface 12 of the plug-in opening 110 are typically aligned in the direction of the plug-in axis 13 of the plug-in opening 11. The grooves of the complementary groove structure on the outer surface 103 of the crankshaft 101 are typically aligned in the direction of the crankshaft rotation axis 102. It is understood that in order to attach the clamping body 10 to the crankshaft 101, the plug-in axis 13 of the plug-in opening 11 is aligned coaxially with the crankshaft rotation axis 101.

[0021] As in the Fig. 1, Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b and Fig. 4a, the clamping body 10 has a clamping device 19 for clamping the clamping body 10 to the crankshaft 101. Typically, the clamping device 19 comprises a first clamping element 191 and a second clamping element 192, each having a receptacle 16 for a clamping screw 32. Typically, at least one receptacle 16 has an internal thread into which the clamping screw 32 can be screwed. As shown in the Fig. 3a and Fig. As shown in Figure 3b, a gap 193 is typically provided between the first clamping element 191 and the second clamping element 192. The plug-in opening 11 can therefore be almost closed. In other words, the inner surface 12 of the plug-in opening 11 is typically only interrupted by the gap 193. By screwing in the clamping screw 32, the first clamping element 191 and the clamping element 192 are pulled towards each other, whereby the gap is typically reduced. Thus, the inner surface 12 of the plug-in opening 110 can be pressed against the outer surface 103 of the crankshaft 101, whereby a force-fitting connection can be established between the clamping body 10 and the crankshaft 101.

[0022] Furthermore, the drive unit 100 comprises a crank arm body 20. The crank arm body 20 typically comprises a cavity 22. The cavity can be designed to accommodate the clamping device 19 inside the crank arm body 20, as shown by way of example in Fig. 4a. As can be seen from the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 4a, the clamping device 19 can be designed such that it can be pushed into the cavity 22 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 21 of the crank arm body 20. Alternatively, the clamping device can also be arranged outside the cavity 22 of the crank arm body 20. In the assembled state, the plug-in axis 13 of the plug-in opening 11 and the longitudinal axis 21 of the crank arm body 20 are typically perpendicular to one another. At the opposite end of the opening into the cavity 22 of the crank arm body 20, a pedal fastening opening 24 is typically arranged, as shown by way of example in Fig. 1 is shown.

[0023] As can be seen from the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the clamping body 10 and the crank arm body 20 can be connected to one another in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner. A form-fitting connection between the clamping body 10 and the crank arm body 20 can be provided, for example, via one or more structured contact surfaces 17, 18 of the clamping body 10 and one or more complementarily structured contact surfaces 25, 26 of the crank arm body 20. In other words, the clamping body 10 typically has at least one structured contact surface 17, 18, and the crank arm body 20 typically has at least one complementarily structured contact surface 25, 26. The at least one structured contact surface 17, 18 of the clamping body 10 and the at least one complementarily structured contact surface 25, 26 of the crank arm body 20 are designed to provide a form-fitting connection in the assembled state.

[0024] For example, the at least one structured contact surface 17, 18 of the clamping body 10 can have grooves. As shown, for example, in Fig. 1, the grooves preferably extend in the direction of the thru-axle 13. Accordingly, the at least one complementarily structured contact surface 25, 26 of the crank arm body 20 can have complementary grooves which typically extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 21 of the crank arm body 20, as shown by way of example in Fig. 1 is shown.

[0025] As exemplified in the Fig. 1-4a, the clamping body 10 typically has at least one fastening means receptacle 15, which is designed to at least partially receive a fastening means 31. By means of the fastening means 31, the crank arm body 20 can be fastened to the clamping body 10. Typically, the at least one fastening means receptacle 15 of the clamping body 10 runs perpendicular to the thru axis 13. According to a preferred embodiment, the clamping body 10 comprises at least two fastening means receptacles, for example a first fastening means receptacle 15A and a second fastening means receptacle 15B, as shown in Fig. 4a. Typically, the first fastener receptacle 15A and the second fastener receptacle 15B are arranged opposite one another with respect to the transverse axis 14 of the clamp body 10. As shown in Fig. 1, the transverse axis 14 of the clamping body 10 runs perpendicular to the plug-in axis 13 of the plug-in opening 11.

[0026] According to an embodiment that can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the at least one fastening means receptacle 15 comprises a countersink 152 formed on an outer surface, in particular a radial outer surface, of the clamping body 11, as shown in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3b. As can be seen from Fig. 1, the countersink 152 can be designed to receive two fastening means 31, for example screws, arranged next to one another. Typically, the countersink 152 is designed such that the fastening means 31 are completely countersunk into the countersink 152 in the mounted state. However, it is also possible for the countersink 152 to be designed to receive a single fastening means 31, as is shown by way of example in Fig. 2 is shown.

[0027] As from Fig. 3b, the at least one fastening means receptacle 15 typically comprises at least one through-bore 151. In particular, the at least one through-bore 151 extends from the countersink 152 perpendicular to the plug-in axis 13 to a structured contact surface 17, 18 of the clamping body 10. Fig. 3b shows an example in which the at least one fastening means receptacle 15 has a countersink 152 from which two through holes 151 extend perpendicular to the plug-in axis 13.

[0028] As exemplified in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 3b, the crank arm body 20 typically has at least one fastening means receptacle 23 extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis 21 of the crank arm body 20. The at least one fastening means receptacle 23 is designed to at least partially receive a fastening means 31 by means of which the crank arm body 20 can be fastened to the clamping body 10. Typically, at least two or more fastening means receptacles 23 are provided, of which at least one fastening means receptacle 23 is arranged on a different side with respect to the longitudinal axis 21 of the crank arm body 20 than the remaining fastening means receptacle(s). As shown, for example, in Fig. 1, typically two fastener receptacles 23 are arranged on a first side opposite the longitudinal axis 21 of the crank arm body 20 and two fastener receptacles 23 are arranged on an opposite second side opposite the longitudinal axis 21.

[0029] According to an embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the clamping body 11 has a recess 112 for receiving a closure element 33 for closing the plug-in opening 11 of the clamping body 10, as is shown by way of example in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b. Typically, the recess 112 and the closure element 33 are round.

[0030] It should be noted that the clamping body 11 is typically constructed as a single piece. Likewise, the crank arm body 20 is typically constructed as a single piece. For example, the clamping body 11 and / or the crank arm body 20 can be manufactured using a die-casting process.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the invention, a drive unit 100 of a means of locomotion driven by muscle power is provided.

[0032] The drive unit 100 comprises a crankshaft 101, wherein a clamping body 10 with a plug-in opening 11 is plugged onto each opposite side of the crankshaft 101. Typically, the drive unit 100 has one or more electric motors that are operatively connected to the crankshaft 101. The clamping body 10 has a clamping device 19 with which the clamping body 10 is fastened to the crankshaft 101. The clamping device 19 can be designed to be received in a cavity of a crank arm body 20. Alternatively, the clamping device 19 can also be arranged outside the cavity 22 of the crank arm body 20. Furthermore, the clamping body 10 is designed to connect the crank arm body 20 in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner. It is understood that the clamping body 10 is typically a clamping body according to the embodiments described herein.Likewise, the crank arm body 20 is typically a crank arm body 20 according to embodiments described herein.

[0033] The drive unit according to the invention has the advantage that a drive unit is provided, in particular with one or more electric motors, which has a fixedly mounted crankshaft, since this is reliably secured by the clamping bodies.

[0034] For example, the drive unit can have a drive electric motor. A variable-speed electric motor can also be provided. In particular, the drive unit can be designed to transfer the combined drive energy from human muscle power, the drive electric motor, and the variable-speed electric motor to an output drive shaft for transmitting the drive energy to a driving device. It should be noted that, depending on the direction of rotation of the variable-speed electric motor, it can differently translate the speed input by the driver via the input drive shaft to the output drive shaft. This ratio achieves a speed variation of the output drive shaft relative to the input drive shaft.For example, the output drive shaft can be accelerated or decelerated relative to the input drive shaft, with the variable speed electric motor also capable of maintaining a set gear ratio for extended periods without further acceleration or deceleration. By controlling the speed of the variable speed electric motor, the speed of the output drive shaft can be increased or decreased relative to the input drive shaft to any desired degree. In conjunction with a control unit, a comfortable pedal speed and pedal resistance can be set for the driver in any driving situation, without being tied to predefined, step-by-step gears.

[0035] An additional benefit of the drive unit according to the invention is that the assembly of the cranks, especially the crank arm bodies, to the drive unit with a permanently mounted crankshaft can be carried out in the final step without any special qualifications. This not only contributes to the efficiency of the manufacturing processes but also significantly simplifies handling during assembly.

[0036] Furthermore, it should be mentioned that it has been found that the invention according to the embodiments described herein has the positive effect that the torsional rigidity of the crankshaft can be significantly improved, in particular more than doubled, compared to other prior art solutions.

[0037] As already explained at the beginning, the inner surface 12 of the plug-in opening 11 of the clamping body 10 typically has a structured surface. The crankshaft 101 typically comprises a complementary structured outer surface 103, as shown for example in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 4a. Thus, a positive and torsion-proof connection between the crankshaft 101 can be provided.

[0038] As in connection with the Fig. 1, Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b and Fig. As explained in Figure 4a, the clamping device 19 typically comprises a first clamping element 191 and a second clamping element 192. The first clamping element 191 and the second clamping element 192 are typically designed such that they can be pulled together by means of a clamping screw 32. This allows the clamping body 10 to be non-positively fastened to the crankshaft 101.

[0039] As exemplified in Fig. As shown in Figure 4a, a crank arm body 20 can be positively and non-positively attached to the clamping body 10, which is attached to the crankshaft 101. It is understood that the crank arm body 20 is typically a crank arm body according to embodiments described herein.

[0040] Fig. 5 shows a means of transportation 200, in particular a bicycle or pedelec, with a drive unit 100 according to embodiments described herein. The means of transportation 200 can be driven simultaneously by an electric motor and by human muscle power, in particular in such a way that the drive from human muscle power is assisted by an electric motor. The means of transportation 200 comprises, in a known manner, a frame 202 and two driving devices 201, specifically a front wheel and a rear wheel. The pedal axle 102 is located in the center and at the lower end of the frame 202. The drive unit 100 is typically designed as a mid-drive unit and lies on the pedal axle 102. Human muscle power is introduced into the drive unit 100 directly via the crankshaft.The transmission output of the drive unit 100 is designed as a traction wheel 205 and is connected to the rear wheel hub 203 via a traction means 204, for example a chain or a belt.

[0041] Generic means of transport include, for example, single- or multi-track vehicles such as bicycles, especially electric bicycles, e-bikes, or pedelecs, but also water bikes, pedal boats, or wheelchairs. In particular, generic means of transport include vehicles of vehicle classes L1e, L2e, L3e, L4e, L5e, L6e, and L7e according to Article 4 of EU Regulation 2013 / 168 / EU of January 15, 2013.Furthermore, this includes in particular vehicles with a maximum design speed of up to 6 km / h, vehicles intended exclusively for use by physically disabled persons, such as wheelchairs, vehicles intended exclusively for use in sporting competition, pedal-driven bicycles with pedal assistance equipped with an auxiliary electric motor with a maximum rated continuous power of up to 250 W, the assistance of which is interrupted when the rider stops pedaling and the assistance of which is progressively reduced as the vehicle speed increases and is interrupted before the vehicle speed reaches 25 km / h, self-balancing vehicles with an electric motor drive, sports vehicles with pedal drive, pedal-driven vehicles which do not have at least one seat and pedal-driven vehicles with an R point (according to ECE-R 17) ≤ 400 mm.They often have a front wheel and at least one rear wheel that are connected to each other via a frame. However, there may also be multiple rear wheels, for example two rear wheels, and / or multiple front wheels, for example two front wheels, in particular in any combination. These can, for example, be arranged next to each other transversely to a forward direction of travel, as in a wheelchair, a tricycle or a vehicle with a sidecar, or one behind the other in the forward direction of travel, as in a tandem. Such means of transport are increasingly being equipped with a drive unit with at least one electric motor that is intended to assist the user in propelling the means of transport. Typically, they are not powered by this electric motor alone, but rather the electric motor assists the user in propelling the means of transport using their own human muscle power.The electric motor, for example, is controlled by a control unit, so the level of assistance is usually selectable. This allows a user to provide exactly as much of their own power as they are able or want while riding such a vehicle, while still moving at a comfortable speed that is also usable in everyday life.

[0042] With reference to the Fig. 6, embodiments of a method 300 for assembling a pedal crank 110 for a drive unit 100 of a muscle-powered means of transport 200 according to the present disclosure are described below. According to an embodiment that can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the method 300 comprises, in a first step, plugging (schematically represented by block 310 in Fig. 6) of a clamping body 10 onto a crankshaft 101 of the drive unit 100. In addition, the method 300 comprises, in a subsequent step, clamping (schematically represented by block 320 in Fig. 6) of the clamping body 10 on the crankshaft 101 by means of a clamping device 19 of the clamping body. Furthermore, the method 300 can, in a further step, include plugging (schematically represented by block 330 in Fig. 6) of a crank arm body 20 onto the clamping device 19, so that the clamping device 19 is accommodated in a cavity 22 in the interior of the crank arm body 20. Furthermore, the method 300 comprises manufacturing (schematically represented by block 340 in Fig. 6) a positive and non-positive connection between the clamping body 10 and the crank arm body 20.

[0043] As can be seen from the embodiments described herein, a pedal crank, a drive unit, a driving unit, and an assembly method for a pedal crank are advantageously provided, which have certain advantages over the prior art with regard to production effort, production costs, ease of assembly, strength and torsional rigidity.

[0044] The selection of a cost-effective manufacturing process such as die-casting enables economical production. Dividing the crank into two functionally distinct parts (clamping body and crank arm body) enables a light overall weight while simultaneously increasing rigidity. Secure attachment of the crank to the crankshaft is ensured by the positive connection between the clamping body and crank arm body, particularly through a precise surface fit. This positive connection prevents shear stresses at the screw connections, which improves stability and durability. The clamping bodies ensure reliable securing of the crankshaft, especially in drive units with permanently mounted crankshafts, which optimizes the overall functionality of the drive unit.The assembly of the crank arm bodies does not require any special qualifications, which not only increases the efficiency of the manufacturing processes but also enables uncomplicated handling during assembly.

[0045] Thus, the invention described herein has a number of advantages with regard to the production and provision of cranks with low weight, high rigidity and easy assembly. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 10 clamping bodies 11 Plug-in opening of the clamp body 111 side of the clamping body facing away from the crankshaft 112 Recess for receiving the locking element 12 Inner surface of the plug-in opening 13 Plug-in axis of the plug-in opening 14 Transverse axis of the clamping body 15 Crank arm fastener holder of the clamp body 151 Through hole 152 Reduction 16 Clamping screw holder of the clamping body 17 first structured contact surface of the clamping body 18 second structured surface of the clamping body 19 Clamping device of the clamping body 191 first clamping element 192 second clamping element 193 gap 194 flat area of the first clamping element 20 crank arm bodies 21 Longitudinal axis of the crank arm body 22 Crank arm body cavity 23 Crank arm fastener holder of the crank arm body 24 Pedal mounting hole 25 first structured counter surface of the crank arm body 26 second structured counter surface of the crank arm body 31 crank arm fasteners 32 clamping screw 33 Locking element for closing the plug-in opening 331 External thread of the locking element 332 Pin of the locking element 100 drive unit 101 Crankshaft 102 Crankshaft rotation axis / pedal axis 103 Outer surface of the crankshaft 104 Internal thread of the crankshaft 110 crank 200 means of transport 201 Driving device (wheel) 202 frames 203 rear wheel hub 204 traction devices 205 traction wheel 300 procedures for assembling a pedal crank 310, 320, 330, 340 blocks to illustrate the process steps QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited non-patent literature

[0000] Article 4 of EU Regulation 2013 / 168 / EU of 15 January 2013

[0041]

Claims

[1] Pedal crank (110) for a drive unit (100) of a means of locomotion driven by muscle power, comprising: - a clamping body (10) with a plug-in opening (11) for plugging the clamping body onto a crankshaft (101) of the drive unit, wherein the clamping body (10) has a clamping device (19) for clamping the clamping body (10) to the crankshaft (101), and - a crank arm body (20) with a cavity (22), wherein the clamping body (10) and the crank arm body (20) can be connected to one another in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner. [2] Crank (110) according to claim 1, wherein the cavity (22) for receiving the clamping device (19) is formed in the interior of the crank arm body (20), and wherein the clamping device (19) can be pushed into the cavity (22) in the direction of a longitudinal axis (21) of the crank arm body (20). [3] Pedal crank (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an inner surface (12) of the plug-in opening (110) has a structured surface which is designed to provide a rotationally secure connection with a complementarily structured outer surface (103) of the crankshaft (101). [4] Pedal crank (110) according to claims 1 to 3, wherein the clamping device (19) comprises a first clamping element (191) and a second clamping element (192), each having a receptacle (16) for a clamping screw (32), in particular wherein a gap (193) is provided between the first clamping element (191) and the second clamping element (192). [5] Pedal crank (110) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the clamping body (10) has at least one fastening means receptacle (15) which is designed to at least partially receive a fastening means (31) by means of which the crank arm body (20) can be fastened to the clamping body (10). [6] Crank (110) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the clamping body (10) has at least one structured contact surface (17, 18), and wherein the crank arm body (20) has at least one complementarily structured contact surface (25, 26), wherein the at least one structured contact surface (17, 18) and the at least one complementarily structured contact surface (25, 26) are designed to provide a positive connection. [7] Pedal crank (110) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the crank arm body (20) has at least one fastening means receptacle (23) which runs in the direction of the longitudinal axis (21) of the crank arm body and is designed to at least partially receive a fastening means (31) by means of which the crank arm body (20) can be fastened to the clamping body (10). [8] Pedal crank (110) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the clamping body (11) has a recess (112) for receiving a closure element (33) for closing the plug-in opening (11) of the clamping body (10). [9] Drive unit (100) of a means of locomotion driven by muscle power, comprising a crankshaft (101), wherein a clamping body (10) with a plug-in opening (11) is plugged onto opposite sides of the crankshaft (101), wherein the clamping body (10) has a clamping device (19) with which the clamping body (10) is fastened to the crankshaft (101), and wherein the clamping body (10) is designed to provide a positive and non-positive connection between the clamping body (10) and a crank arm body (20). [10] Drive unit (100) according to claim 9, wherein an inner surface (12) of the plug-in opening (11) has a structured surface, and wherein the crankshaft (101) has a complementarily structured outer surface (103) so that a positive and rotationally secure connection is provided. [11] Drive unit (100) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the clamping device (19) comprises a first clamping element (191) and a second clamping element (192), wherein the first clamping element (191) and the second clamping element (192) are pulled together by means of a clamping screw (32), whereby the clamping body (10) is non-positively fastened to the crankshaft (101). [12] Drive unit (100) according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the crank arm body (20) is fastened to the clamping body (10) in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner, in particular wherein the crank arm body (20) has a cavity (22) in which the clamping device (19) is received. [13] Drive unit (100) according to one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the plug-in opening (11) is closed by means of a closure element (33), in particular wherein the closure element (33) is screwed to the crankshaft (101). [14] Means of transport (200), in particular a bicycle or pedelec, with a drive unit (100) according to one of claims 9 to 13. [15] Method (300) for assembling a pedal crank (110) for a drive unit (100) of a means of locomotion driven by muscle power, comprising - Attaching (310) a clamping body (10) to a crankshaft (101) of the drive unit (100); - clamping (320) the clamping body (10) to the crankshaft (101) by means of a clamping device (19) of the clamping body; and - Establishing a positive and non-positive connection between the clamping body (10) and a crank arm body (20). [16] Method according to claim 15, further comprising plugging (330) the crank arm body (20) onto the clamping device (19) such that the clamping device (19) is received in a cavity (22) in the interior of the crank arm body (20).

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