Bicycle frame with a cover for a frame compartment

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a bicycle frame, comprising a cover for a frame compartment, in particular a battery compartment. The cover can be attached stepwise towards the frame by means of a locking mechanism.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a bicycle frame which has a cover for a frame compartment. In particular, the invention relates to a frame with a cover for a battery compartment. Background of the invention

[0002] Bicycle frames with integrated compartments are known. These compartments can be used, in particular, to hold a battery for an electric auxiliary drive. Frame compartments are also known that serve to hold accessories, such as tools.

[0003] Document DE 20 2018 103 882 U1 shows a frame with a cover for a battery compartment. The cover is attached using a snap fastener. This allows for particularly easy removal and replacement of the cover in order to access the battery.

[0004] These covers are usually made of injection-molded plastic. When installed, the cover should fit snugly against the frame to prevent rattling.

[0005] When using a push-button fastener, the position of the coupling for the push button can be changed, for example, by using a threaded coupling. To adjust the position during installation, it may be necessary to loosen the cover several times until the correct coupling position is achieved. This is time-consuming.

[0006] Furthermore, user errors can occur when inserting the battery, such as failing to properly lock it into place. Batteries are being manufactured with increasingly larger capacities, which also makes them heavier. Depending on the cover's fastening system, if the battery is inserted from below, it may be possible for the cover to be pushed out of its mounting and fall out. This is especially true for a mounting device located at the bottom of the cover. Object of the invention

[0007] In contrast, the invention aims to at least reduce the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a frame in which manufacturing tolerances can be easily compensated for during the assembly of the cover for the frame compartment. Summary of the invention

[0008] The object of the invention is already solved by a frame for a bicycle with a cover for a frame compartment according to one of the independent claims.

[0009] Preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0010] The invention relates to a frame for a bicycle. For the purposes of this invention, a bicycle also includes one with an electric auxiliary drive as well as a multi-track, pedal-driven vehicle, such as a cargo bike.

[0011] The frame compartment is specifically designed as a battery compartment. In particular, the battery compartment can be located in the downtube, with the battery being inserted into the frame compartment from below.

[0012] According to other embodiments of the invention, the battery compartment is designed such that the battery is inserted into the frame compartment from above or from the side.

[0013] According to the invention, the cover can be attached step by step towards the frame by means of a locking mechanism.

[0014] It is therefore intended that at least one fastening element for the cover includes a locking mechanism, via which the cover is progressively locked into place when pressed against the frame, and with each locking position fits closer to the frame. The cover is pressed against the frame tube perpendicularly.

[0015] This makes it particularly easy to fit the cover flush against the frame or the respective frame tube during bicycle assembly. The assembler simply needs to press down on the cover from the outside until it fits snugly against the frame as desired.

[0016] Preferably, the cover is made of plastic, in particular as a plastic injection molded part.

[0017] The cover can be designed in a U-shape or a trough shape.

[0018] The locking mechanism allows the cover to be pressed against the frame in such a way that it expands and is thus under tension when connected. This reliably prevents the cover from rattling.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover can be slid into a locking element, which is progressively locked into a housing.

[0020] In particular, the cover can be slid into the locking element at a lower mounting position.

[0021] A push button, in particular a push button as described above, can also be used as a fastening means for an upper fastening position. According to a further embodiment, a locking element is also provided at the upper fastening position.

[0022] Preferably, the housing for the locking element is part of a battery holder.

[0023] The battery is inserted into the battery holder in a known manner, in particular by locking it into place. In addition to the fastening means for the battery, the housing includes a receptacle for the locking element.

[0024] The housing can be designed in one piece and thus serve simultaneously as a housing for the locking element and as part of the battery holder.

[0025] The locking mechanism can include a detent element comprising a rack into which a detent spring engages. The detent spring is preferably part of the housing. In particular, the detent spring is designed as a resilient arm made of plastic, which is an integral part of the housing.

[0026] The teeth of the rack are preferably designed as a sawtooth profile. The teeth at the front, relative to the insertion direction of the cover, can be inclined, but not perpendicular to it. In particular, the front teeth are at an angle of 30 to 60°. At the rear, the flanks of the teeth can be approximately perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0027] This ensures that the teeth are securely locked in the insertion direction and that the fastening device in the form of the latch can withstand high forces, in particular preventing an incorrectly inserted battery from pushing the cover away and falling out.

[0028] In a further development of the invention, the rack comprises a first tooth via which the locking mechanism engages in a mounting position, wherein the first tooth is spaced further apart from other teeth of the rack than the other teeth are from each other.

[0029] During assembly, the locking element can be engaged in an initial mounting position where it is still relatively far apart. The installer can then easily slide the cover onto the locking element. The installer can then position the cover until the locking element engages with the remaining teeth and the desired final position is reached.

[0030] The rack can have 3 to 20 teeth, preferably 5 to 12.

[0031] Preferably, the locking element comprises a rail into which the cover can be slid. The rail can, in particular, be T-shaped in longitudinal section. The cover can have a complementary rail system comprising two angled rail segments spaced transversely apart from each other.

[0032] The head of the locking element can also be T-shaped in cross-section. The cover is then slid onto the longitudinally extending middle section of the T and thus threaded into the rail in a simplified manner, since the base of the T acts as a guide.

[0033] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a frame for a bicycle, in particular a frame as described above.

[0034] The frame includes a cover for a frame compartment.

[0035] According to the invention, the cover can be inserted into a retaining element by means of a rail, wherein the retaining element is movable towards the frame.

[0036] As explained at the beginning, a retaining element that can be moved in the insertion direction allows for particularly easy adjustment to shape tolerances, especially of the cover.

[0037] The retaining element can in particular be designed as a locking element, especially as a locking element as described above.

[0038] The rail is arranged on the retaining element and can, in particular, be T-shaped as described above.

[0039] The invention further relates to a method for mounting a cover on the frame compartment of a bicycle frame, in particular a frame as described above.

[0040] The cover is attached to a retaining element; specifically, the cover is inserted into the retaining element. Then, by pressing down on the cover from the outside, it is positioned against the frame compartment.

[0041] Preferably, the retaining element is provided as a latching element, whereby the latching element locks incrementally when the cover is pressed.

[0042] The invention further relates to a bicycle, in particular a bicycle designed as an e-bike. The bicycle comprises a frame as described above. Brief description of the drawings

[0043] The subject matter of the invention will be described below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and the drawings. Fig. 1 to Fig. 11 will be explained in more detail. Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a frame according to the invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a detailed view of the frame with the cover removed. Fig. Figure 3 is a detailed view of a lower mounting element for the cover. Fig. Figure 4 is another detailed view, this time with the battery removed. Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the housing for the locking element along with the locking element. Fig. Figure 6 is a detailed view of the casing. Fig. Figure 7 is a cutaway detail view of the case. Fig. Figure 8 is a central longitudinal section through the housing with the locking element inserted. Fig. Figure 9 shows another detailed view of the lower retaining element. Fig. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the cover. Fig. Figure 11 shows a detailed representation of the cover. Detailed description of the drawings

[0044] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a frame 10 for a bicycle.

[0045] In this embodiment, frame 10 is designed for an e-bike.

[0046] The frame includes a top tube 11, a down tube 12, a seat tube 13 and a head tube 14.

[0047] In this embodiment, there is a battery compartment in the down tube 12, which is closed from below with the cover 20.

[0048] The cover 20 can be released by means of a push button 21 located at an upper attachment point and then removed by sliding it forwards.

[0049] Fig. Figure 2 is a detailed view of the battery compartment 15, with the cover now removed.

[0050] The battery 15 is inserted between an upper battery holder 18 and the housing 40 of a lower battery holder. In particular, the battery 16 can be locked into the battery compartment 15.

[0051] In the upper mounting position, there is a coupling 17 for the push button. The coupling 17 preferably includes a threaded rod so that the position of the coupling 17 can be adjusted to accommodate form tolerances.

[0052] Fig. Figure 3 is a detailed view of the area of ​​housing 40, which serves, among other things, as the lower battery compartment.

[0053] The housing 40 is connected to the rest of the frame by screws 1.

[0054] The housing 40 also serves as a housing for the locking element 30. The cover can be slid onto the locking element 30 and then pressed against the frame. This causes the cover to move towards the frame or down tube and lock into place incrementally, thereby compensating for form tolerances, particularly of the cover itself.

[0055] Fig. Figure 4 shows a detailed view with the battery removed. The locking element 30 inserted into the housing 40 comprises a head piece 32, which is T-shaped in both longitudinal and cross-sectional sections.

[0056] The wings of a T-shaped section in the cross-section form a rail 31 for sliding on the cover.

[0057] The housing 40 includes a release lever 41 which can be actuated to pull out the locking element 30 again.

[0058] Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the housing 40 including the locking element 30.

[0059] The housing 40 includes a receptacle 42 which has a channel for inserting the locking element.

[0060] To guide the locking element 30, the receptacle includes 42 grooves into which laterally arranged rails 37 of the locking element 30 engage.

[0061] Below the head piece 32, the locking element 30 is designed as a rack and comprises a plurality of teeth 33.

[0062] The release lever 41 is part of a detent spring that engages with the teeth 33.

[0063] Fig. Figure 6 shows a detailed view of the housing 40 with the receptacle 42 for the locking element, which is designed as a channel. The lateral grooves 44 serve as guides for the rails of the locking element.

[0064] Fig. Figure 7 is a cutaway view of the case 40.

[0065] The detent spring 45 is now shown, which is designed as an integral spring arm of the housing 40 made of plastic.

[0066] In this embodiment, the detent spring 45 comprises two teeth 46a, 46b which engage in the detent element when connected.

[0067] The locking spring 45 can be moved to the side via the release lever 41, thus releasing the locking element. The locking spring 45 and the release lever 41 are L-shaped.

[0068] Fig. Figure 8 is a central longitudinal section through the housing 40 including the inserted locking element 30.

[0069] The locking element 30 comprises a plurality of teeth 33a to 33h, which are designed as a sawtooth profile. The leading flank of the teeth 33a to 33h, relative to the insertion direction, is inclined, but not perpendicular to the insertion direction. The trailing flank of the teeth 33a to 33h can be oriented approximately perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0070] The teeth 46a, 46b of the detent spring 45 are also arranged as a sawtooth profile, but in the opposite direction.

[0071] In this embodiment, a first tooth 33a, which is spaced apart from teeth 33b to 33h, serves to insert the locking element into the receptacle 42 in a mounting position.

[0072] For assembly, the detent element can first be inserted into the receptacle 42 in such a way that the first tooth 33a sits between the two teeth 46a, 46b of the detent spring 45.

[0073] The detent element 30 is now permanently connected to the housing 40 and is held in position by the toothing between the teeth 46a, 46b of the detent spring 45 and the tooth 33a.

[0074] The first tooth 33a can be shorter than the subsequent teeth 33b to 33h. This makes it easier to insert the detent element 30 into the assembly position, as the detent spring 45 has to rebound less. Since the first tooth 33a is not engaged with the teeth 46a, 46b of the detent spring 45 in the final assembly position shown here, it is not a problem that the detent of the first tooth 33a offers less resistance to retraction than the detent of the subsequent teeth 33b to 33h.

[0075] In the assembly position with the first tooth 33a engaged, the head piece 32 protrudes so far that sliding on the cover is particularly easy.

[0076] The fitter can then press on the cover from the outside and bring the cover into the final position in which the detent spring, depending on the respective form tolerances, locks into place at a suitable position between teeth 33a and 33b.

[0077] Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the area of ​​the locking element 33. The head piece 32 is T-shaped in a top view or in a cross-section of the upper area of ​​the head piece 32.

[0078] The base of the T can be rounded or have chamfers 36 on the edges to make it easier to thread the cover.

[0079] Then, wings are formed by the T, which act as rail 34 for the cover.

[0080] Starting from the end face 35 of the rail 34, the rail 34 thickens, which also facilitates threading. With respect to the insertion direction, the front of the rail 34 is rounded, which also makes sliding the cover on easier.

[0081] The locking element 30 is preferably made of a plastic in a signal color, which makes insertion easier, especially when the user has removed the cover.

[0082] Due to the release lever 41, the user can also change the height of the head piece 32 himself, for example if the cover is unnecessarily tight against the frame.

[0083] Fig. Figure 10 is a perspective view of cover 20 from below.

[0084] The cover 20 includes a push button 21 for an upper attachment point, which, when mounted, rests on the Fig. The coupling shown in section 2 (17) engages.

[0085] A rail 22 is provided for attaching the cover 20 at the bottom, which is slid onto the rail of the locking element.

[0086] As shown in the detailed view of the cover in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the rail 22 is formed by two segments 22a, 22b, which are angled and can thus engage the T-shaped head of the locking element.

[0087] Segments 22a, 22b can include transverse stiffening ribs 23.

[0088] A ramp-shaped bridge 24 is preferably arranged centrally between the segments 22a, 22b.

[0089] Due to the web 24, the head of the locking element is pressed into the rail 22 when slid on, such that the segments 22a, 22b of the rail 22 are under preload. The head of the locking element is thus clamped in the rail 22, which in particular prevents rattling.

[0090] Segments 22a and 22b are closed at the rear in the direction of insertion. This prevents the cover 20 from being pushed forward so far during insertion that it slips out of the rail 20. At the same time, this improves the stability of segments 22a and 22b.

[0091] The invention provided a simple and secure method for attaching a cover to a frame compartment. Reference symbol list 10 bicycle frames 11 Top tube 12 Down tube 13 Seat tube 14 Head tube 15 Battery compartment 16 batteries 17 Coupling for push button 18 upper battery compartment 20 Cover 21 push button 22 rail 22a, 22b Segment 23 stiffening ribs 24 Steg 30 locking element / retaining element 31 rail 32 Headpiece 33, 33a-33h tooth 34 rail 35 Front side of the rail 36th phase 37 rail 40 Housings (for battery holder and locking element) 41 Release levers 42 Receptacle for the locking element 44 Nut 45 Detent spring 46a, 46b tooth QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 20 2018 103 882 U1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Bicycle frame, comprising a cover for a frame compartment, in particular a battery compartment, characterized by that the cover can be gradually attached towards the frame by means of a locking mechanism. [2] Framework according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the cover can be slid into a locking element which gradually locks into a housing. [3] Framework according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the casing is part of a battery compartment. [4] Frame according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the detent mechanism has a detent element comprising a toothed stage into which a detent spring engages. [5] Framework according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the rack has teeth with a sawtooth profile. [6] Frame according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the rack has a first tooth over which the locking mechanism engages in a mounting position, the first tooth being further spaced from other teeth of the rack than the other teeth are from each other. [7] Frame according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the rack has 3 to 20, preferably 5 to 12 teeth. [8] Frame according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking element has a rail into which the cover can be slid. [9] Frame for a bicycle, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a cover for a frame compartment, characterized by that the cover can be inserted into a retaining element by means of a rail, the retaining element being movable towards the frame. [10] Framework according to the preceding claim, characterized by , the retaining element is designed as a locking element. [11] Frame according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the rail is arranged on the retaining element and is T-shaped. [12] Method for mounting a cover on the frame compartment of a bicycle frame, in particular a frame according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover is attached to a retaining element, in particular inserted, and wherein the cover is then applied to the frame compartment by pressing on the cover from the outside. [13] Method according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the retaining element is provided as a latching element, whereby the latching element locks incrementally when the cover is pressed. [14] Bicycle, in particular e-bike, comprising a frame according to any of the preceding claims.

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