Drive unit for a bicycle with a continuously variable transmission

DE102024113536B4Active Publication Date: 2025-12-24SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102024113536
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-05-15
Publication Date
2025-12-24
Estimated Expiration
2044-05-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing bicycle drive devices lack a continuously variable transmission that efficiently adjusts gear ratios for improved efficiency and smooth operation.

Method used

A drive device for a bicycle with a crank-CVT transmission system, utilizing two electric machines to adjust the eccentricity of eccentrics, allowing for a continuously variable gear ratio through a concentrically arranged adjusting shaft and crankshaft, integrated with a housing that can be mounted on the bicycle frame, and featuring a freewheel mechanism for torque transmission.

Benefits of technology

The system provides a compact, efficient, and smooth adjustment of gear ratios, enhancing the driving experience by reducing rotational irregularities and allowing for both muscle-powered and electromechanical propulsion, with improved efficiency and control.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a drive device (2a) for a bicycle (1a), comprising a housing (3) in which a drive arrangement (6) with a crankshaft (4) adjustable in the crank stroke with several individual cranks (5a), an output arrangement (6) with an output shaft (9) operatively connected to an output wheel (8a), and a crank CVT transmission (10) operatively connecting the crankshaft (4) and the output shaft (9) with an adjusting device (11) for adjusting an eccentricity of eccentrics (12) of the crank CVT transmission (10) operatively connected to the individual cranks (5a) are arranged, wherein a first electric machine (18), comprising a first stator (47) and a first rotor (48), is provided for rotary driving of the crankshaft (4), wherein a second electric machine (51), comprising a second stator (49) and a second rotor (50),The invention provides for the rotary drive of an adjusting shaft (15) of the adjusting device (11) which is non-rotatably connected to the second rotor (50), wherein the adjusting shaft (15) and the crankshaft (4) are arranged concentrically, and wherein the adjusting shaft (15) is operatively connected to the crankshaft (4) such that a change in the relative angle of the adjusting shaft (15) relative to the crankshaft (4) causes an adjustment of the eccentricity of the eccentrics (12) by the respective individual crank (5a). Furthermore, the invention relates to a bicycle (1a, 1b) with such a drive device (2a, 2b).
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Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Oscillating shift transmission with a simple construction and increased durability

    WO2008046579A1

  • Continuously variable crankshaft transmission

    WO2017137893A1

  • Continuously infinite variable transmission system

    WO2019016335A1