E-bike drive unit and e-bike with an oil distribution device

Abstract

The invention relates to an e-bike drive device (1) for providing assisting torque to a rider of an e-bike (4), wherein the e-bike drive device (1) is configured in an assisting state to propel the e-bike (4) by means of the assisting torque, supplementing the rider's muscle power. For this purpose, the e-bike drive device (1) comprises a reduction gear (5) with an input-side gear stage (13) and an output-side gear stage (14). The reduction gear (5) includes an oil distribution device, wherein the oil distribution device is configured to distribute oil as a lubricant within the reduction gear (5) such that the oil distribution device causes the oil (9) to be transferred from at least one gear component (202) in contact with the oil (9) to at least one adjacent gear component (204).Furthermore, the invention relates to an e-bike (4) with such an e-bike drive device (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an e-bike drive device with the features according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to an e-bike with the features according to the preamble of claim 13.

[0002] E-bikes and their corresponding drive systems with an electric motor (referred to as "e-bike drive systems") have been around for a long time. One problem with e-bikes is the limited available installation space, as well as the requirement that the components should contribute as little as possible to the weight increase compared to a non-motorized bicycle.

[0003] These challenges are all the greater for e-bike drive units designed and intended for at least partial installation within a bicycle frame component. These are the e-bike drive units that form the basis of the present invention. A particularly slim and weight-saving design of the e-bike is thus possible and therefore preferred, by arranging the e-bike drive unit at least partially within the down tube of the e-bike. Here, "arranged within a down tube" is intended to mean, in principle, that at least one component, preferably essential components, of the e-bike drive unit are located within the down tube. It could also be provided that the down tube has openings in some sections, or that components of the e-bike drive unit may partially protrude from or extend out of the down tube. The particular challenge arising from such a design is...A general consequence of arranging the e-bike drive unit in a confined space is that the components of the e-bike drive unit can heat up considerably. Heat dissipation is therefore of particular importance.

[0004] This is particularly relevant because the e-bike drive unit is located at least partially within a bicycle frame component, such as the down tube. In this case, the bicycle frame itself at least partially surrounds the e-bike drive unit and can essentially enclose it like an additional housing, which can negatively impact heat dissipation and lead to significant heat buildup. This principle also applies to e-bike drive units that, while not located within the down tube, are at least partially located within another tube adjacent to the bottom bracket area, which are also addressed by the present invention.

[0005] This type of arrangement also necessitates that the e-bike drive unit be as small as possible, meaning that the waste heat is generated in a smaller space, must be dissipated over a smaller surface area, and generally has less mass available in the e-bike drive unit to absorb the heat. This also promotes heat build-up.

[0006] Heat buildup or insufficient heat dissipation can have a particularly negative impact on the e-bike's handling. This is because, to prevent damage to the heating components of the e-bike's drive system, the assistance provided by the drive system—intended to make riding easier or provide a more enjoyable motorized riding experience—is regularly reduced or even completely shut off. This so-called "derating," or reduction in assistance power to lower the temperature, continues until the affected components have cooled down sufficiently to allow for renewed or stronger motorized assistance for the e-bike rider.

[0007] From the prior art DE 10 2020 134 475 A1, a traction transmission for rail vehicles is known, which comprises a gear for transmitting a torque, a reservoir, and a conveying element mechanically rigidly connected to the gear for conveying lubricating oil located in the reservoir.

[0008] From DE 10 2021 213 062 A1 a drive arrangement for an eBike or pedelec is known, comprising a sensor which is arranged in the area of ​​the output shaft, an evaluation and / or control device for the sensor, wherein the drive is arranged between the sensor and the evaluation and / or control device, and a common housing, wherein the housing has a cable channel for receiving a cable from the sensor to the evaluation device.

[0009] From DE 10 2022 114 185 A1, an electric motor is known comprising a stator, an externally rotating rotor, a housing enclosing the rotor, and an oil sump for cooling and lubrication. The rotor is at least partially or completely immersed in a lubricant in the oil sump.

[0010] DE 20 2019 103 283 U1, as well as DE 10 2022 134 824 A1, as well as DE 10 2022 200 155 B3, as well as JP 2023 - 50 834 A concern further drive units from the state of the art.

[0011] Maximizing the efficiency of the available installation space and maximizing the performance of the components used in the e-bike drive system also improves the e-bike's economic efficiency. This increased efficiency can also improve the cost-effectiveness of e-bike production, partly because the performance of the components is fully utilized and a low weight or compact design can also positively impact the required load-bearing capacity of other e-bike components.

[0012] Against this background, the present invention aims to provide an e-bike drive device that enables improved driving performance while simultaneously meeting the requirements of a confined installation space.

[0013] Furthermore, the task is to provide an e-bike that enables improved driving behavior and whose dimensions and installation space are affected as little as possible by the inclusion of an e-bike drive device.

[0014] The problem is solved with respect to an e-bike drive device with the features of claim 1 and with respect to an e-bike with the features of claim 13. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

[0015] The proposed e-bike drive system is designed to provide assistive torque to an e-bike rider. The e-bike drive system comprises an electric motor with a motor output shaft and a driven e-bike component (or a corresponding driven connection structure for the driven e-bike component) for propelling the e-bike. The driven e-bike component could be, for example, a bottom bracket axle, a chainring, or a pulley. The driven e-bike component is configured to be driven, in assisted mode by the e-bike drive system, both by the rider's muscle power and by the assistive torque provided by the e-bike drive system.

[0016] The e-bike drive unit also includes a reduction gear for transmitting torque from the motor output shaft of the electric motor to the driven e-bike component. The reduction gear comprises an input-side gear stage and an output-side gear stage. The input-side gear stage is preferably located closer to the electric motor in the power flow than the output-side gear stage.

[0017] The reduction gear includes an oil distribution device, the oil distribution device being configured to distribute oil as a lubricant within the reduction gear. The oil distribution device is configured to transfer oil from at least one gear component in contact with the oil, preferably a gear, e.g., a ring gear, to at least one adjacent gear component, e.g., a planet carrier and / or a ring gear and / or planet gears of a planetary gear set.

[0018] If, as is preferably the case, the transmission component in contact with the oil is a gear and the adjacent transmission component, to which the oil distribution device directs the oil, is also a gear or comprises a gear, then these two gears are preferably not directly meshing gears. Rather, the oil distribution device preferably goes beyond distributing oil by meshing gears and transports oil to more distant transmission components.

[0019] Preferably, the input-side transmission stage comprises a planetary gear set. The planetary gear set preferably includes several gears, namely a ring gear, several planet gears, and a sun gear. The planetary gear set also preferably includes a planet carrier. The planet gears can each be mounted on the planet carrier by means of a planet pin of the planetary gear set. The sun gear can be formed integrally with the motor output shaft. More preferably, the output-side transmission stage comprises a right-angle gear set, e.g., a bevel gear set. The right-angle gear set preferably also includes several gears, namely preferably a bevel pinion and a ring gear. In this publication, the term "ring gear" preferably refers to the larger of the two meshing bevel gears of the right-angle gear set. The smaller of the two meshing bevel gears is preferably referred to as the bevel pinion.

[0020] In this publication, the term "gear stage" refers to a gear pair within the reduction gear at which the speed or torque changes. A planetary gear is preferably considered to be exactly one gear stage, even if, as is preferred, it comprises several gear pairs.

[0021] Preferably, the e-bike drive system includes an oil bath.

[0022] Preferably, the transmission component in contact with the oil, more preferably the gear (preferably of the output gear stage), and further preferably the ring gear (preferably of the output gear stage), is lubricated by immersion lubrication such that this transmission component is partially immersed in the oil bath during an operating state of the e-bike drive unit. An operating state of the e-bike drive unit can be any state in which the e-bike drive unit is installed and can be operated as intended in an e-bike.In particular, this can also include a condition in which the e-bike drive device is installed in an e-bike as intended, but is not actively operated, but the e-bike is, for example, at rest, preferably in any orientation relative to the ground, i.e., the e-bike is lying on its side or is upside down (for example, for storage or transport purposes).

[0023] The e-bike drive unit preferably comprises a housing. The housing preferably serves to enclose the e-bike drive unit. Preferably, the oil bath is located within the housing. The reduction gear, and thus also the two gear stages, are preferably housed in this (common) housing of the e-bike drive unit. The housing can be made of multiple parts. The housing further preferably comprises an input-side section and an output-side section. The housing can, for example, consist exclusively of these two sections. The output-side section of the housing is preferably the section associated with the bottom bracket axle. The output-side section of the housing can at least largely surround the output-side gear stage. The output-side section of the housing can include a tube section aligned parallel to the axis of rotation of the driven e-bike component (or...).parallel to the axis of rotation of a driven mounting structure for the driven e-bike component). The input-side section of the housing can comprise a pipe section, preferably longitudinally extending, aligned parallel to the motor output shaft. The input-side section of the housing can have a smaller vertical extent or a smaller diameter than the output-side section of the housing.

[0024] Preferably, the oil bath is arranged in a housing section of the e-bike drive unit that surrounds the output gear stage. This housing section can also surround a portion of the bottom bracket axle. Preferably, in a stationary state of the e-bike drive unit, the gear is immersed in the oil bath by between 0.1% and 5% of its diameter relative to its maximum diameter, as viewed in a cross-sectional plane along a rotational axis of the gear.

[0025] Preferably, several gears of the e-bike drive system are oil-lubricated. However, preferably only one gear (preferably the ring gear of the bevel gear stage) is partially immersed in an oil bath during an operating state of the e-bike drive system. The other gear(s) is / are preferably oil-lubricated by oil passed from the immersed gear.

[0026] Preferably, the reduction gear is lubricated with oil such that oil from the oil bath in the housing section is continuously distributed during operation to the output and / or input gear stage of the reduction gear and flows back into the oil bath. Preferably, the oil also comes into contact with the housing. Heat is preferably transferable from the gear or the reduction gear to the oil and from the oil to the housing.

[0027] The motor output shaft is the driven output shaft of the motor.

[0028] Preferably, the e-bike drive device includes a bicycle battery or is connected to a bicycle battery of the e-bike.

[0029] The e-bike drive device is preferably designed for at least partial arrangement within a bicycle frame component, in particular within a tube adjacent to a bottom bracket area, preferably within a down tube or within a seat tube of the e-bike.

[0030] The term "reduction gear" refers to a gearbox that reduces the input speed compared to the output speed. The input torque is increased proportionally, resulting in a higher output torque compared to the input torque. Such gearboxes are also called reduction gears. In this case, the input speed corresponds to the motor speed, and the input torque corresponds to the motor torque. The bottom bracket axle, chainring, or pulley is subjected to the output torque and rotates at the output speed of the reduction gear. Preferably, the reduction gear is a fixed gear. The term "fixed gear" refers to a reduction gear that cannot be shifted. The fixed gear preferably has no different gears. The e-bike drive system is preferably gearless.

[0031] Preferably, the axis of rotation of the motor output shaft is arranged approximately perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the driven e-bike component (at least in the state installed in the e-bike) (or, considering a removed e-bike drive unit without an integral driven e-bike component: approximately perpendicular to the axis of rotation of a driven mounting structure for the driven e-bike component). This allows for a particularly compact design of the e-bike drive unit. Preferably, the deviation from a perfectly perpendicular arrangement is at most 10 degrees.

[0032] Accordingly, the motor shaft rotation axis preferably has an angle of at most 10° to a plane of the driven e-bike component, wherein the plane of the driven e-bike component is the plane whose normal vector coincides with the rotation axis of the driven e-bike component (again considered in a state of the driven e-bike component connected to the e-bike drive device or in a separate state of an e-bike component with respect to the driven connection structure for the driven e-bike component).

[0033] The features described in connection with the input-side gear stage can alternatively or additionally be features of the output-side gear stage and vice versa.

[0034] It is also conceivable that the driven e-bike component is not an independent component of the e-bike drive system, but rather an independent component of the e-bike itself. In this case, the driven e-bike component is a separate and fundamentally independent and detachable component from the e-bike drive system. However, the e-bike drive system then has at least one driven connection structure for the driven e-bike component, which is designed for connecting to the driven e-bike component. The properties described above and below with regard to the driven e-bike component then apply to this driven connection structure, insofar as they relate to the connection with the e-bike drive system.The integration into the e-bike drive system refers to the driven connection structure as an integrated component, while the driven e-bike component, as assumed in this case, is an independent component of the e-bike, separate from the e-bike drive system. In such a case, any descriptions of the position or relative arrangement of other components in relation to the driven e-bike component refer to a state of the e-bike drive system installed in the e-bike, or a "connected state," in which the driven e-bike component is also connected to the e-bike drive system (and to the driven connection structure for the driven e-bike component).A concrete example of such a driven connection structure for the driven e-bike component is, for instance, an output shaft of the output-side gear stage, on whose outer circumference a toothed section is formed for the rotationally fixed connection or attachment of the driven e-bike component, for example, a chainring. In such an embodiment, the driven e-bike component, for example, in the form of the chainring, can be provided as a separate component, fundamentally detachable from the e-bike drive unit, while the output shaft or its toothed section on the outer circumference, as the driven connection structure for the driven e-bike component, is a fixed, integral part of the e-bike drive unit.

[0035] Preferably, the reduction gear includes at least one plastic gear. This reduces the weight and noise of the e-bike drive unit. Preferably, the oil distribution system is configured to distribute oil from the oil bath to the plastic gear and / or to a bearing of the plastic gear. This can, among other things, at least partially compensate for the poorer heat dissipation properties of a plastic gear compared to a metal gear and prevent overheating of the plastic gear. The plastic gear can be single- or multi-component. The multi-component plastic gear can have a metal insert and / or comprise different plastics. The plastic can be fiber-reinforced. Preferably, the plastic gear comprises at least 30% plastic. Preferably, the plastic gear includes at least [number] teeth made of plastic.The metal insert can serve as a structural reinforcement element for the gear and / or form a bearing area for the plastic gear.

[0036] Preferably, the diameter of the ring gear is between 60 mm and 80 mm, for example, approximately 70 mm. Preferably, the distance between the motor housing and the bottom bracket axle axis is between 60 mm and 100 mm, for example, approximately 80 mm. Preferably, the distance between the ring gear and the bottom bracket axle axis is between 30 mm and 70 mm, for example, approximately 50 mm. Preferably, the outer diameter of the bevel gear is between 50 mm and 90 mm, for example, approximately 70 mm.

[0037] The mean outer diameter of the conical pinion can preferably be between 10 mm and 30 mm and be approximately 20 mm.

[0038] Preferably, an output shaft of the bevel gear unit is connected or connectable to the driven e-bike component in a rotationally fixed manner, at least in one direction. Preferably, the ring gear is connected or connected to the output shaft of the reduction gear, or the output shaft of the bevel gear unit, in a rotationally fixed manner, at least in one direction. Further preferably, the bottom bracket shaft is connected or connected to the driven e-bike component, or the output shaft of the bevel gear unit, in a rotationally fixed manner, at least in one direction.

[0039] Preferably, the oil distribution device has recesses on the circumference of a gear in the transmission for carrying oil from the oil bath. The gear is preferably a bevel gear of an angle gear in the e-bike drive unit. The angle gear is preferably part of the output stage. The recesses are preferably paddle-shaped.

[0040] Preferably, the oil distribution device includes an oil guide plate. This oil guide plate preferably serves as an oil collection device. Preferably, the oil guide plate collects oil that has been carried from the oil bath by the gear of the reduction gear, which preferably has scoop-like recesses. Preferably, the oil collected by the oil guide plate can be further distributed, preferably with the aid of an oil guide channel.

[0041] The oil guide plate is preferably arranged on a transmission component that is movable relative to the housing, e.g. the planet carrier, preferably immovably connected to it or rotationally fixed to it.

[0042] Preferably, the oil guide plate is arranged and configured to interact with an adjacent transmission component, in particular with a planet carrier of a planetary gear set, e.g., the input-side gear stage, such that together they form an oil collection device. The oil collection device preferably collects oil directed towards the oil guide plate. Preferably, this collected oil is then distributed further.

[0043] Preferably, the oil guide plate has a ring-shaped section or is ring-shaped.

[0044] Preferably, the oil collection device is designed to collect oil conveyed by the bevel gear, preferably by the scoop-like recesses of the bevel gear, and preferably to distribute it further.

[0045] Preferably, the ring gear is assigned to, or part of, the output gear stage. The oil collection device is preferably assigned to, or part of, the input gear stage.

[0046] Preferably, the oil collection device has at least a section having an approximately U-shaped cross-section, which is open in the direction of the axis of rotation of the planet carrier for collecting oil.

[0047] Preferably, the oil guide plate can have an I-shaped or an L-shaped cross-section, which can be supplemented by the planet carrier to form a U-shaped cross-section.

[0048] Preferably, the oil distribution device is formed by at least one transmission component, preferably one that transmits power from the electric motor, whose oil distribution properties are improved by at least one recess. In this embodiment, the oil distribution device thus comprises only transmission components that are necessary anyway, preferably adapted. This limits the additional effort associated with the oil distribution device, since only components already present in the e-bike drive system can be used for it. Furthermore, the oil distribution device can function without increasing the weight of the e-bike drive system and, thanks to the recesses, can even result in weight savings. The e-bike drive system can be free of independent, separate components that serve solely for oil distribution.

[0049] Preferably, the gear component(s) forming the oil distribution device is / are at least one of the following gear components: the ring gear, e.g. of the output gear stage, wherein the recess is preferably scoop-shaped; the planetary pins, e.g. of the input gear stage, wherein the recess is preferably formed in the form of an axial bore and / or radial bore of the planetary pin.

[0050] According to the invention, the oil distribution device has at least one oil guide channel. The oil guide channel is arranged in one or more planetary pins of the planetary gear by making the planetary pin(s) hollow on the inside and / or by providing a radial bore on a cylindrical surface of the planetary pin(s).

[0051] Preferably, the radial bore is arranged on the outer surface of the planetary bolt when viewed from the axis of rotation of the planetary carrier, preferably at the greatest possible distance from the axis of rotation of the planetary carrier. This can facilitate centrifugal force-assisted oil flow through the radial bore.

[0052] It may also be provided that at least one planetary bolt has several, e.g. four, radial bores distributed around its circumference to prevent incorrect assembly.

[0053] Preferably, the oil guide channel, e.g., the radial bore, opens onto the planet gear or the planet gear bearing. Thus, the planet gear or the planet gear bearing is preferably supplied with oil lubrication by the oil distribution device.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the planet carrier is interrupted by oil passage openings.

[0055] The planet carrier can be mounted on the e-bike drive unit, e.g., on its circumference, by means of a roller bearing.

[0056] Preferably, the e-bike drive device is arranged such that, during operation of the e-bike drive device, oil conveyed by the ring gear, preferably by the scoop-like recesses, passes through the oil passage openings or the roller bearing onto the toothing of the ring gear of the planetary gear.

[0057] Preferably, the planetary carrier provides an oil collection surface in an area located radially within the oil collection device, wherein the oil collection surface is further preferably interrupted by the oil passage openings.

[0058] The oil passage openings can be formed by the interior of the planetary bolts or be aligned with them. Alternatively or additionally, the oil passage openings can be formed independently of the planetary bolts, e.g., next to them.

[0059] Preferably, the e-bike drive device is designed such that, during operation, oil flows from the toothing of the planetary gear's ring gear through the rolling bearing and back into the oil bath. This allows for a closed oil circuit back into the oil bath. The rolling bearing is preferably not sealed.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the reduction gear has a total oil chamber, wherein the total oil chamber comprises the following: - an approximately cylindrical, inlet-side oil chamber section; - an approximately cylindrical, outlet-side oil chamber section; and preferably - an oil space connecting section that connects the inlet oil space section and the outlet oil space section.

[0061] The total oil chamber can consist of the aforementioned oil chamber sections. Preferably, the axis of the inlet oil chamber section runs approximately perpendicular to the axis of the outlet oil chamber section. This ensures that the total oil chamber has a large surface area relative to its volume, thus enabling good heat dissipation. The axis of the inlet oil chamber section can simultaneously be the axis of rotation of the motor output shaft, and the axis of the outlet oil chamber section can simultaneously be the axis of the bottom bracket axle.

[0062] Preferably, the total oil space is enclosed in an oil-tight manner by the housing or parts of the housing, and preferably further by components of the e-bike drive device arranged in the housing, e.g. by a sensor, a housing cover and / or a seal.

[0063] The term "cylindrical" refers to the shape of a cylinder and preferably also the shape of a portion of a cylinder. The circular surfaces of the cylinder can be perpendicular to the cylinder axis and planar, or, for example, shaped like the lateral surface of a cone or truncated cone. The term "approximately cylindrical oil chamber section" refers to a space bounded by the housing and / or by components arranged within the housing, which has an opening to the oil chamber connecting section and is approximately cylindrical. The entire space or its predominant area can be approximately cylindrical. In a broader usage within this publication, an approximately cylindrical oil chamber section also includes a space that only has a cylindrical portion, i.e., is only cylindrical in a partial area.Preferably, the radial extent of the inlet-side, approximately cylindrical oil chamber section or its cylindrical subsection is greater than its axial extent. Preferably, the radial extent of the outlet-side, approximately cylindrical oil chamber section or its cylindrical subsection is also greater than its axial extent. Both approximately cylindrical oil chamber sections or their cylindrical subsections are therefore preferably disk-shaped or partially disk-shaped. Furthermore, preferably, the axial extent of the inlet-side, approximately cylindrical oil chamber section or its cylindrical subsection is greater than the axial extent of the approximately cylindrical portion of the outlet-side oil chamber section or its cylindrical subsection. The inlet-side disk shape or partial disk shape is therefore preferably thicker than the outlet-side one.Preferably, the radial extent of the inlet-side, approximately cylindrical oil chamber section or its cylindrical subsection is at least nearly equal to the radial extent of the approximately cylindrical section of the outlet-side oil chamber section or its cylindrical subsection. Preferably, the radial extent of the outlet-side, approximately cylindrical oil chamber section or its cylindrical subsection deviates by less than 20%, and more preferably by less than 10%, from the radial extent of the inlet-side, approximately cylindrical oil chamber section or its cylindrical subsection. The axial extent of the inlet-side, approximately cylindrical oil chamber section or its cylindrical subsection...The diameter of its cylindrical section can be between 60 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 70 mm and 90 mm. The radial extent of the approximately cylindrical inlet oil chamber section or its cylindrical section can be between 50 mm and 90 mm, preferably between 60 mm and 80 mm. The axial extent of the approximately cylindrical outlet oil chamber section or its cylindrical section can be between 10 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 15 mm and 25 mm. The radial extent of the approximately cylindrical outlet oil chamber section or its cylindrical section can be between 50 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 65 mm and 85 mm.

[0064] Preferably, the surface of the approximately cylindrical area of ​​the outlet-side oil chamber section, or its cylindrical subsection, approaches an outer contour of the bevel gear at least partially from at least one side, preferably while maintaining the necessary distance for the free rotation of the bevel gear. This can be achieved by forming a housing step.

[0065] Preferably, the input-side gear stage is arranged at least partially within the input-side oil chamber section. Preferably, the output-side gear stage is arranged at least partially within the output-side oil chamber section.

[0066] A bottom bracket axle can also be designed to be driven solely by muscle power, without motor assistance.

[0067] The temperature range covered by the oil in the present e-bike drive device preferably extends from -50 °C to +250 °C, more preferably from -20 °C to +150 °C, and more preferably from +40 °C to +100 °C. The temperature range can preferably extend to a maximum of +70 °C, for example, if plastic components and / or plastic gears are used in the reduction gear.

[0068] The viscosity of oil can be classified using viscosity grades according to SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) and / or API (Society of Automotive Engineers). Preferably, the oil has a low-temperature viscosity in the range of 30W to 120W, more preferably 40W to 100W, and more preferably 60W to 80W, according to SAE, and / or a high-temperature viscosity in the range of 30W to 120W, more preferably 40W to 100W, and more preferably 60W to 80W. Preferably, the oil may belong to the SAE 70W-70 grade.

[0069] Gear oil is preferred. Unlike engine oils, gear oils have different properties, such as reduced foaming tendency. An example of such a gear oil is Castrol® BOT 233 LVX or BOT 233 LVXQ, viscosity grade SAE 70W70 or API GL4 / 5.

[0070] An e-bike according to the invention is characterized in that it has a proposed e-bike drive device designed according to the above description.

[0071] The e-bike has a bicycle frame. The bicycle frame preferably includes a down tube and a seat tube. The down tube preferably connects a bottom bracket area to a head tube of the bicycle frame.

[0072] Preferably, the downtube of the bicycle frame provides a mounting or attachment area for the e-bike drive unit in each of its two lower lateral sections. Preferably, the mounting or attachment area extends from the bottom bracket axle at an angle of more than 90 degrees, more preferably at an angle of more than 120 degrees, and more preferably at an angle of more than 130 degrees, at a distance of less than 10 cm, more preferably less than 7 cm, and more preferably less than 5 cm. The bicycle frame therefore extends close to the bottom bracket axle over a large angular range. This allows for particularly rigid integration of the e-bike drive unit into the bicycle frame.

[0073] Preferably, the e-bike drive unit is attached to the bicycle frame using screw connections in the mounting area. This has the advantage that the forces are transferred from the housing to the bicycle frame via short paths, and do not have to be excessively transmitted through the housing to the mounting point on the bicycle frame. Furthermore, a particularly discreet integration of the e-bike drive unit into the bicycle frame is possible.

[0074] The cross-section of the down tube can be round or rectangular.

[0075] The largest external dimension of the downtube in the area of ​​the mounting or attachment point can be less than 20 cm, preferably less than 15 cm, preferably less than 10 cm. This again allows for a particularly discreet integration of the e-bike drive unit into the bicycle frame as well as good aerodynamics.

[0076] Preferably, when the e-bike is positioned on a horizontal surface, the e-bike drive unit extends downwards from the bottom bracket axle by less than 7.5 cm, preferably at most 6 cm, more preferably at most 5 cm, and more preferably at most 4 cm, when viewed from the side. This allows for a particularly discreet integration of the e-bike drive unit into the bicycle frame and good aerodynamics.

[0077] Preferably, the e-bike has a bicycle frame with a down tube area comprising a down tube and a seat tube area comprising a seat tube.

[0078] Preferably, the e-bike has a bottom bracket area in which the bottom bracket axle is mounted. In this document, the term "bottom bracket area" refers to a region of the e-bike that, viewed from the side, extends around the axis of the bottom bracket axle by a maximum of 7.5 cm, preferably a maximum of 6 cm, more preferably a maximum of 5 cm, and more preferably a maximum of 4 cm. The bottom bracket area can be, for example, entirely part of the bicycle frame. The bottom bracket area can comprise a section of the frame and a section of the e-bike drive unit.

[0079] Preferably, the axes of the down tube and the seat tube intersect in the bottom bracket area.

[0080] The three areas – seat tube area, down tube area, and bottom bracket area – are preferably separated from each other. The down tube area and / or the seat tube area may adjoin the bottom bracket area.

[0081] Preferably, the e-bike drive device is partially, preferably at least the electric motor of the e-bike drive device, and more preferably at least the input-side gear stage of the e-bike drive device, arranged in the down tube area.

[0082] Preferably, the electric motor and / or the input-side gear stage extend completely or almost completely within the downtube or a contour of the downtube. The contour of the downtube can be an imaginary continuation of the downtube with an unchanged cross-section in the area of ​​cutouts in the downtube. Alternatively, the electric motor and / or the input-side gear stage can extend completely or almost completely within the seat tube or a contour of the seat tube.

[0083] Preferably, with the exception of any recesses, the down tube has a substantially uniform cross-section at least in its lower area with respect to its longitudinal extent, preferably at least in its lower half, and more preferably at least in the lower 95%.

[0084] The inner diameter or the largest inner dimension of the down tube cross-section is preferably less than 12 cm, preferably less than 10 cm, preferably less than 9 cm, preferably less than 8 cm and / or greater than 3 cm.

[0085] All features described in this publication can be combined with the claimed e-bike drive device and the claimed e-bike.

[0086] The present invention is explained in detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying figures. These show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of an e-bike drive device according to the invention, Fig. 2 the e-bike drive device from Fig. 1 in installed position in a sectional view, Fig. 3 the e-bike drive device from Fig. 1 with partially hidden casing, Fig. 4a-4b an embodiment of an e-bike according to the invention, Fig. 5a-5d a gear or ring gear of an output-side gear stage with scoop-like recesses, Fig. 6 the ring gear from the Fig. 5a - 5d in a state installed in the e-bike drive device with the housing hidden, Fig. 7a-7c the input-side gear stage in the form of a planetary gear with an oil guide plate, Fig. 8 the input-side gear stage in a section through one of the planetary bolts and associated planetary gear, Fig. 9 a sectional view of the e-bike drive device in a top view with schematically drawn oil chamber sections, and Fig. 10 the e-bike drive unit in an expanded position.

[0087] In the figures, unless otherwise stated, the same reference symbols denote the same components with the same function.

[0088] To simplify the description and orientation of the e-bike drive unit 1, a Cartesian coordinate system is used. Its x-axis coincides with a motor shaft axis of rotation A of an electric motor 2, and its y-axis coincides with an axis of rotation B of the driven e-bike component (i.e., a chainring 3 or a corresponding driven mounting structure for the driven e-bike component). The z-axis is perpendicular to both the x-axis and the y-axis. The direction of travel f of the e-bike 4 is represented by a dashed f-axis. The installation position of the e-bike drive unit 1 is shown according to... Fig. 2 is characterized by an angle of more than 10° between the f-axis and the x-axis, meaning the e-bike drive unit is rotated around the y-axis by this angle. The installation position of e-bike drive unit 1 is characterized by both the x-axis and the y-axis being horizontally aligned, while the z-axis is vertical.

[0089] The e-bike drive device 1 shown in the figures serves to provide assistive torque for a rider of an e-bike 4. The e-bike drive device 1 has an electric motor 2, which has a motor output shaft 31 and an e-bike component 78 driven for moving the e-bike 4 (or a corresponding driven connection structure for the driven e-bike component 78, which can also be designed separately). The driven e-bike component 78 is, in this case, a chainring 3 of the e-bike 4 and in Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b is shown together with the e-bike 4. The driven e-bike component 78 is configured to be driven in a support state of the e-bike drive device 1 both by the rider's muscle power and by the supporting torque of the e-bike drive device 1.

[0090] The e-bike drive device 1 has a reduction gear 5 for transmitting power or torque from the motor output shaft 31 of the electric motor 2 to the driven e-bike component 78. The reduction gear 5 comprises an input-side gear stage 13 in the form of a planetary gear and an output-side gear stage 14 in the form of a bevel gear.

[0091] The reduction gear 5 directs the drive power of the electric motor 2 along a power flow starting from the motor output shaft 31 via the input-side gear stage 13 to the output-side gear stage 14 and from there into the driven e-bike component 78.

[0092] Basically, the driven e-bike component can be 78, such as the chainring 3 (see below). Fig. 7 and Fig. 8) be an integral part of the e-bike drive unit 1, or alternatively, not such an independent component of the e-bike drive unit, but rather a fundamentally separate component, as well as an independent component of the e-bike 4. In that case, the driven e-bike component 78 is a separate component that is fundamentally independent of the e-bike drive unit 1 and can be detached. The e-bike drive unit 1 then has at least one driven connection structure for the driven e-bike component 78, which is designed for connection with the driven e-bike component 78. The properties described above and below with regard to the driven e-bike component 78 then apply to this driven connection structure, insofar as they relate to the connection with the e-bike component 78.The integration into the e-bike drive device 1 refers to the driven connection structure, the integrated component of which is the driven connection structure, while the driven e-bike component 78, as assumed in this case, is an independent component of the e-bike 4, separate from or detachable from the e-bike drive device 1. A concrete example of such a driven connection structure for the driven e-bike component 78 is, for example, an output shaft 91 of the output-side gear stage 14, on which output shaft 91 a toothed section is formed on its outer circumference for the rotationally fixed connection or attachment of the driven e-bike component 78, for example, the chainring 3, as shown in [reference]. Fig. 4 is clearly visible. In such an embodiment, the driven e-bike component 78, for example in the form of the chainring 3, can then be provided as a separate component, fundamentally detachable from the e-bike drive device 1, while the output shaft 91 or its toothing on the outer circumference, as the driven connection structure for the driven e-bike component 78, is a fixed integral part of the e-bike drive device 1. In this case of a fundamentally separate driven e-bike component 78, any preceding or subsequent descriptions of the position or relative arrangement, etc., of other components in relation to that driven e-bike component 78 can refer to a state of the e-bike drive device 1 installed in the e-bike 4 or to a "connected state" in which the driven e-bike component 78 is installed."connected state" also means that the driven e-bike component 78 is connected to the e-bike drive device 1 (and to the driven connection structure for the driven e-bike component 78) (as, for example, in . Fig. 5 shown).

[0093] The input-side gear stage 13 is directly and force-conductingly connected to the motor output shaft 31, i.e. without any further intermediate gear stage.

[0094] The input-side gear stage 13 is therefore located closer to the electric motor 2 in the power flow than the output-side gear stage 14. The input-side gear stage 13 is force-conductingly connected to the output-side gear stage 14. The output-side gear stage 14 is directly and force-conductingly connected to the driven e-bike component 78 or the chainring 3, or can be connected to it.

[0095] The reduction gear 5 has an oil distribution device 200, wherein the oil distribution device 200 for distributing oil 9 in the reduction gear 5 comprises, on the one hand, scoop-like recesses 206 in a gear 6, and on the other hand, an oil guide plate 55 connected to or in contact with a planet carrier 28. The oil distribution device 200 is particularly well suited to the Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. 8 to recognize.

[0096] The oil distribution device 200 is configured to transfer the oil 9 from at least one gear component 202 in contact with the oil 9, namely the gear 6 in the form of a ring gear 98, to at least one adjacent gear component 204, namely the planet carrier 28 and a ring gear 26 and planet gears 23 of a planetary gear set 15. The gear components of the planetary gear set 15 are particularly well integrated into the Fig. 7a to 7c. The ring gear 98 and the associated gear components of the bevel gear 30 are shown in the Fig. 5a to 5d as well as Fig. 6 shown in more detail.

[0097] Fig. Figures 7a to 7c show the planet carrier 28, the planet bolts 57, and the oil guide plate 55 in an assembled state ( Fig. 7a) as well as individual components ( Fig. 7b and Fig. 7c). The planet gears 23 are each mounted on one of the three planet pins 57 by means of a bearing 60. The planet pins 57 are rotationally fixed to the planet carrier 28. The sun gear 25 is formed integrally with the motor output shaft 31 of the electric motor 2 and is formed by a toothed connection directly on the motor shaft 31. The axes of rotation C of the planetary gear set 15 correspond to the axes of rotation of the planet gears 23 and the sun gear 25 and run parallel to the x-axis. The axes of rotation C of the planetary gear set 15 also run parallel to the motor shaft axis of rotation A. The respective axes of rotation of the planet carrier 28 and the sun gear 25 (the axes of rotation C) coincide with the motor axis A. The ring gear 26 does not rotate relative to the housing 8. The axis of symmetry of the ring gear 26 also coincides with the motor shaft axis of rotation A.

[0098] The output gear stage 14 is designed as a bevel gear 30. The bevel gear 30 comprises the gear 6, which is a ring gear 98, and a bevel pinion 27, which is also a bevel gear and is non-rotatably connected to the planet carrier 28. The ring gear 98 is non-rotatably connected to the chainring 3. The axes of the bevel gears of the bevel gear pair are at an angle of approximately 90° to each other. The axis of rotation of the bevel pinion 27 coincides with the x-axis, and the axis of rotation of the ring gear coincides with the y-axis.

[0099] The angle gear 30 arranges the axis of rotation or motor shaft axis of rotation A of the motor output shaft 31 approximately perpendicular to the axis of rotation B of the driven e-bike component 78 (in a state of the driven e-bike component 78 connected to the e-bike drive device 1, for example in an installation position in the e-bike 4; or otherwise in a separate state of a driven e-bike component 78 approximately perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the driven connection structure for the driven e-bike component 78).

[0100] The e-bike drive device 1 includes an oil bath 24. The housing 8 includes a housing section 7 designed to receive oil 9. The in Fig. The oil level shown in Figure 2 of the diagram is determined by the installation position of the e-bike drive unit 1 in a down tube 17 of the bicycle frame 16 of the e-bike 4 (see also Figure 2). Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b). The gear 6 is at least partially located in the housing section 7 and is partially immersed in the oil 9 during operation of the e-bike drive device 1.

[0101] The reduction gear 5 is therefore lubricated with oil 9, such that oil 9 from the oil bath 24 in the housing section 7 is continuously distributed during operation in the gear stage 14 of the reduction gear 5 and flows back into the oil bath 24. For example Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the gear component 202, namely the gear 6 of the output gear stage 14 (in the form of the ring gear 98), which is in contact with the oil 9, is lubricated by immersion lubrication such that this gear component 202 is partially immersed in the oil bath 24 during operation of the e-bike drive unit. The reduction gear 5, and thus also the two gear stages 13 and 14, are housed in a common casing 8 of the e-bike drive unit 1. Due to this described oil lubrication, the oil 9 also comes into contact with the casing 8. This allows heat to be transferred from the gear 6 to the oil 9 and from the oil 9 to the casing 8.

[0102] Several gears of the e-bike drive unit 1 are oil-lubricated; however, only gear 6 or ring gear 98 is partially immersed in the oil bath 24 during an operating state of the e-bike drive unit 1. The other gears are oil-lubricated by oil 9 conveyed from the immersed ring gear 98.

[0103] The housing 8 can be sealed airtight. The e-bike drive device 1, more precisely the housing 8, has an oil filling device 10, which includes a recess in the form of a threaded bore in the housing 8 and a screw for screwing into this threaded bore and closing this recess.

[0104] The e-bike drive unit 1, more precisely the housing 8, has a venting device 11 integrated into the oil filling device 10 and comprising a valve. The valve includes a spring and a closing element, which, in the closed state of the valve, is pressed tightly against a valve seat by the spring. Only when a certain overpressure inside the housing 8 is exceeded does the valve open and release pressure from inside the housing 8.

[0105] The e-bike drive device 1, more precisely the housing 8, has an oil draining device 12, which includes a recess in the housing 8 in the form of a threaded bore and a screw for screwing into this threaded bore and closing this recess.

[0106] The reduction gear 5 comprises several plastic gears 40. In this case, the planet gears 23 and the ring gear 26 are made of plastic. The oil distribution device is configured to distribute oil 9 from the oil bath 24 to the planet gears 23 and their bearings 60. By directing the oil 9 to the planet gears 23, the tooth contact between the planet gears 23 and the ring gear 26 is lubricated.

[0107] The ring gear 98 is rotationally fixed to the driven e-bike component 78, i.e., the chainring 3, in one direction. The bottom bracket axle 80 is rotationally fixed to the chainring 3 via a toothed connection.

[0108] The oil distribution device has scoop-like recesses 206 incorporated on the circumference of the gear 6, more precisely the ring gear 98, for carrying oil 9 from the oil bath 24. These are particularly well suited to the Fig. 5a to 5d to be recognized, as well as in Fig. 6.

[0109] The scoop-like recesses 206 are formed as pocket-shaped depressions in the circumference 53 of the gear 6 or ring gear 98, with the depressions opening on one side into a side surface 54 of the gear 6. Each scoop-like recess 206 comprises a surface F that is oriented perpendicular to the tangential direction of the gear 6. The depth of the scoop-like recesses 206 decreases in the direction of rotation DR of the gear 6.

[0110] The scoop-like recesses 206 are equidistant on the circumference 53 of the gear 6 and around the axis of rotation of the gear 6, which coincides with the axis of rotation B of the chainring 3 during operation.

[0111] Fig. Figure 6 shows the input-side gear stage 13 and the output-side gear stage 14 in a slightly perspective top view without the surrounding housing 8, in order to provide a better view of the internal components. The top view clearly shows how the oil 9 can be conveyed towards the planet carrier 28 by means of the scoop-like recesses 206. The scoop-like recesses 206 receive oil 9 in the oil bath 24 and distribute the oil 9 in the plane of rotation of the gear 6 or the plane of rotation of the scoop-like recesses 206. In doing so, some of the oil 9 received by the scoop-like recesses 206 is flung onto the input-side gear stage 13 or the adjacent gear component 204, where it specifically impacts the planet carrier 28.

[0112] The oil distribution facility 200 has an oil conductivity gauge 55 (see also the Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. 8) The oil guide plate 55 serves to form an oil collection device 56. With the aid of the oil guide plate 55, oil 9 can be collected and distributed, which oil 9 has been conveyed from the oil bath 24 by the ring gear 98 with the scoop-like recesses 206. The oil guide plate 55 is arranged on a transmission component that is movable relative to the housing 8, namely, in this case, the planet carrier 28.

[0113] The oil guide plate 55 has an annular section 212 which is arranged in a cylindrical recess 63 of the planet carrier 28. In this way, the oil collection device 56, which has an approximately U-shaped cross-section 64, is formed jointly by the oil guide plate 55 and the planet carrier 28 (see, for example, Figure 1). Fig. 8) The U-shaped cross-section 64 is open in the direction of the axis of rotation of the planet carrier 28 in order to collect oil 9, which oil 9 is flung from the scoop-like recesses 206 onto the area of ​​the planet carrier 28, which area is enclosed by the oil guide plate 55.

[0114] Three webs are arranged on the annular section 212 of the oil guide plate 55, which serve to fasten the oil guide plate 55 to the planet carrier 28.

[0115] The oil 9 collected by the planet carrier 28 flows outwards along the planet carrier 28 due to the centrifugal force acting on the oil 9. The oil 9 that lands in the area of ​​the planet carrier 28 enclosed by the oil collection device 56 is collected by the oil collection device 56 on its way outwards.

[0116] The planet carrier 28 has a closed oil collection surface 61 in its radially arranged portion within the oil collection device 56. During operation of the e-bike drive device 1, oil 9 striking the oil collection surface 61 is accelerated outwards by centrifugal force and thus enters the oil collection device 56. The centrifugal force acting on the oil 9 in the oil collection device 56 at least largely prevents the oil 9 from escaping from the open side of the U-shaped cross-section 64 of the oil collection device 56.

[0117] The oil collection surface 61 is interrupted by oil passage openings 62 in the direction of the planetary pins 57. Through the oil passage openings 62, oil 9 can be directed into areas of the input-side gear stage 13 by means of oil guide channels 58, which begin at the oil passage openings 62 and the oil collection device 56, respectively. In this case, oil 9 is directed into the bearing 60 between the planetary pin 57 and the planet gear 23 by means of the oil guide channels 58.

[0118] The three planetary bolts 57 with the associated bearings 60, the oil guide channels 58 and the associated planetary gears 23 are all of the same design.

[0119] The oil guide channel 58 includes at its end a radial bore 59, which is radially integrated into the cylindrical surface of the planetary bolt 57. The radial bore 59 is located in a region of the planetary bolt 57's surface that faces away from the axis of rotation of the planet carrier 28. The radial bore 59 opens into the area of ​​the bearing 60 between the planetary bolt 57 and the associated planetary gear 23.

[0120] Fig. Figure 8 shows the input-side gear stage 13 in a section through one of the planetary pins 57 with the needle bearing (bearing 60) and planet gear 23 mounted on it. It can be seen how the oil guide plate 55 catches the oil 9, which is flung against the planet carrier 28 by the scoop-like recesses 206, and prevents it from flowing back towards the output-side gear stage 14. Instead, the collected oil 9 is forced outwards by centrifugal force inside the planet carrier 28 and flows first into the U-shaped oil collection device 56 and from there into the hollow planetary pins 57. Through the radial bore 59 in the planetary pin 57, the oil 9 flows into the bearing 60 and lubricates it. From there, the oil 9 also reaches the teeth of the planet gear 23 and the ring gear 26 before it reaches the (in Fig. 8 surrounding housings (not shown) 8 reached.

[0121] Depending on the rotational position of the planet carrier 28, the oil 9 strikes the oil collection surface 61 (see the drops of oil 9 that are in Fig. 8 shown on the left) or is flung directly into a hollow planetary bolt 57 (see the drops of oil 9, which are in Fig. (8 are shown on the right). When the oil 9 hits the oil collection surface 61, it first enters the oil collection device 56 and from there flows into one of the planetary bolts 57. If the oil 9 enters a hollow planetary bolt 57 directly, it is also forced outwards towards the radial bore 59 by centrifugal force.

[0122] The e-bike drive device 1 is designed such that, during operation of the e-bike drive device 1, oil 9 flows from the toothing of the ring gear 26 of the planetary gear 15 through the roller bearing 222 back into the oil bath 24. This completes an oil circuit back into the oil bath 24.

[0123] In the Fig. Figure 9 shows the oil chambers of the reduction gear 5 schematically illustrated by dashed rectangles. The reduction gear 5 has a total oil chamber 120, which is formed by an approximately cylindrical, inlet-side oil chamber section 122, an approximately cylindrical, outlet-side oil chamber section 124, and an oil chamber connecting section 126, which connects the inlet-side oil chamber section 122 and the outlet-side oil chamber section 124.

[0124] The axis D of the inlet-side oil chamber section 122 runs perpendicular to the axis E of the outlet-side oil chamber section 124. The axis D of the inlet-side oil chamber section 122 is simultaneously the motor shaft rotation axis A of the motor output shaft 31 and the axis of the outlet-side oil chamber section 124 is simultaneously the rotation axis B of the chainring 3, the ring gear 98 and the bottom bracket axle 80.

[0125] The surface of the cylindrical sub-area of ​​the outlet-side oil chamber section 124 approaches an outer contour of the bevel gear 98 from one side, ensuring the free rotation of the bevel gear 98.

[0126] The input-side gear stage 13 is located in the input-side oil chamber section 122. The output-side gear stage 14 is located in the output-side oil chamber section 124.

[0127] Fig. Figure 4a schematically shows an e-bike 4 with a bicycle frame 16. The bicycle frame 16 has a down tube 17 and a seat tube 18. The e-bike 4 also has a bottom bracket area 140 in which the bottom bracket axle 80 is mounted (see also Fig. 4b). The bottom bracket area 140 comprises a frame area and an area of ​​the e-bike drive device 1 or an area below the bicycle frame 16. The longitudinal axes of the down tube 17 and the seat tube 18 intersect in the bottom bracket area 140.

[0128] The down tube 17 of the bicycle frame 16 provides a mounting or fastening area 146 for the e-bike drive unit 1 in each of its two lower lateral regions, so that the e-bike drive unit 1 is attached close to the driven e-bike component 78 using screw connections 147. This has the advantage that the forces are introduced from the housing 8 into the bicycle frame 16 via short paths, and do not have to be transmitted excessively through the housing 8 to the fastening point on the bicycle frame 16.

[0129] The electric motor 2 and the input-side gear stage 13 with the planetary gear 15 are arranged within the cross-section or contour of the down tube 17. This arrangement results in the installation position of the e-bike drive unit 1 according to Fig. 2, since the x-axis or the motor shaft rotation axis A essentially runs along the longitudinal axis of the down tube 17.

[0130] In this installation position of the e-bike drive unit 1, the following results in Fig. 2 Oil level of the oil bath is shown 24.

[0131] Fig.Figure 10 shows the e-bike drive unit 1 in its installed position. This position is characterized by the fact that the x- and y-axes are horizontal, and the z-axis is vertical. Accordingly, the motor shaft axis of rotation A, the axes of rotation C of the planetary gear 15, and the axis of rotation B of the chainring 3 are also horizontal. The axes of symmetry of the oil filling device 10 and the venting device 11 coincide and run vertically, as does the axis of symmetry of the oil draining device 12. The common axis of symmetry of the oil filling device 10 and the venting device 11 is horizontally offset from the axis of symmetry of the oil draining device 12. Reference symbol list 1 e-bike drive unit 2 electric motors 3 chainring 4 e-bikes 5 reduction gears 6 gear 7 Housing section 8 cases 9 Oil 10 Oil filling device 11. Ventilation device 12 Oil drain device 13 input-side gear stage 14 output gear stage 15 planetary gears 16 bicycle frames 17 Down tube 18 seat tube 23 planetary gear 24 Oil bath 25 sun wheel 26 Ring gear 27 conical pinions 28 planetary carriers 30 angle gears 31 Motor output shaft 40 plastic gear 53 Circumference of the ring gear 54 Side surface of the ring gear 55 Oil guide plate 56 Oil collection device 57 planetary bolts 58 Oil guide channel 59 radial bore 60 bearings of the planetary gear 61 Oil collection area 62 oil passage openings 63 cylindrical recess of the planet carrier 64 U-shaped cross-section 78 powered e-bike components 80 bottom bracket axle 91 Output wave 98 ring gear 120 Total oil capacity 122 inlet-side oil room section 124 outlet-side oil storage section 126 Oil space connection section 140 bottom bracket area 146 Receiving and fastening area 147 screw connections 200 Oil distribution equipment 202 Gearbox component 204 adjacent transmission component 206 cutouts 212 Ring-shaped section 222 rolling bearings A Motor shaft rotation axis B Axis of rotation of the bottom bracket shaft, chainring or pulley C Rotation axes of the planetary gear D axis of the inlet-side oil chamber section DR Direction of rotation of the gear or ring gear E axis of the outlet-side oil chamber section F area f Direction of travel of the e-bike (f axis) x x-axis y y-axis z z-axis

Claims

[1] E-bike drive device (1) for providing assisting torque to a rider of an e-bike (4), wherein the e-bike drive device (1) comprises at least the following: - an electric motor (2) which has a motor output shaft (31); - an e-bike component (78) driven to propel the e-bike (4), e.g. a bottom bracket axle (80), a chainring (3), or a pulley of the e-bike (4), wherein the driven e-bike component (78) is configured to be driven in a support state of the e-bike drive device (1) both by the rider's muscle power and by the supporting torque of the e-bike drive device (1); - a reduction gear (5) for transmitting a torque from the motor output shaft (31) of the electric motor (2) to the driven e-bike component (78), wherein the reduction gear (5) comprises an input gear stage (13) and an output gear stage (14); wherein the reduction gear (5) has an oil distribution device (200), wherein the oil distribution device (200) is configured to distribute oil (9) as a lubricant in the reduction gear (5) and is configured such that the oil distribution device (200) causes the oil (9) to be transferred from at least one gear component (202) in contact with the oil (9) to at least one adjacent gear component (204), characterized by , that the oil distribution device (200) has at least one oil guide channel (58), wherein the oil guide channel (58) is arranged in one or more planetary bolts (57) of a / the planetary gear (15) by the planetary bolt(s) (57) being / are hollow on the inside. [2] E-bike drive device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the reduction gear (5) comprises at least one plastic gear (40) and the oil distribution device (200) is configured to distribute oil (9) originating from an oil bath (24) of the e-bike drive device (1) onto the plastic gear (40) and / or onto a bearing (60) of the plastic gear (40). [3] E-bike drive device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the oil distribution device (200) has recesses (206) on a circumference (53) of a gear (6), in particular a ring gear (98), preferably a bevel gear (30) of the output gear stage (14), in particular scoop-like, for taking up oil (9) from an oil bath (24) of the e-bike drive device (1). [4] E-bike drive device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the oil distribution device (200) has an oil guide plate (55), wherein the oil guide plate (55) is arranged and configured to interact with a transmission component adjacent to the oil guide plate (55), in particular with a planet carrier (28) of a planetary gear (15) of the input-side transmission stage (13), such that together they form an oil collection device (56) and, for the purpose of further distributing oil (9), cause the collection of oil (9) directed towards the oil guide plate (55). [5] E-bike drive device (1) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the oil guide plate (55) has an annular section (212). [6] E-bike drive device (1) according to at least claims 3 and 4, characterized by , that the oil collection device (56) is designed to collect oil (9) conveyed by the ring gear (98), preferably by the scoop-like recesses (206) of the ring gear (98), for further distribution, wherein, preferably, the ring gear (98) is assigned to, or is part of, the output-side gear stage (14), and the oil collection device (56) is assigned to, or is part of, the input-side gear stage (13). [7] E-bike drive device (1) according to claims 4 to 6, characterized by that the oil collection device (56) has at least in sections an approximately U-shaped cross-section (64). [8] E-bike drive device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the oil distribution device (200) is formed by at least one transmission component (202, 204) whose oil distribution properties are improved by at least one recess (206), wherein the transmission component is at least one of the following transmission components: - a bevel gear (98), e.g. of an output gear stage (14), wherein the recess (206) is preferably paddle-shaped; - a planetary bolt (57), e.g. of the input-side gear stage (13), wherein the recess (206) is preferably designed as an axial bore and / or as a radial bore (59). [9] E-bike drive device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the oil distribution device (200) has at least one oil guide channel (58), wherein the oil guide channel (58): - is arranged in one or more planetary bolts (57) of a / the planetary gear (15) in that a lateral surface of the planetary bolt(s) (57) has a radial bore (59), preferably wherein the radial bore (59) is arranged outside in the lateral surface of the planetary bolt (57) when viewed from an axis of rotation (Q) of the planet carrier. [10] E-bike drive device (1) according to claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the e-bike drive device (1) a planet carrier (28) of a planetary gear set (15), e.g. the input-side gear stage (13), and a ring gear (98), e.g. of the output gear stage (14), and wherein: a) the planet carrier (28) is interrupted by oil passage openings (62); and / or b) the planet carrier (28) is mounted on the e-bike drive device (1) by means of a rolling bearing (222), e.g. on its circumference; and wherein the e-bike drive device (1) is arranged such that, during operation of the e-bike drive device (1), oil (9) conveyed by the ring gear (98), preferably by the scoop-like recesses (206) of the ring gear (98), passes through the oil passage openings (62) or the rolling bearing (222) onto a toothing of the ring gear (26) of the planetary gear (15). [11] E-bike drive device (1) according to claim 10, characterized by , that the e-bike drive device (1) is arranged such that during operation of the e-bike drive device (1) oil (9) from the toothing of the ring gear (26) of the planetary gear (15) through the rolling bearing (222) back into the oil bath (24). [12] E-bike drive device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by , that the reduction gear (5) has a total oil space (120), wherein the total oil space comprises the following: - an approximately cylindrical, inlet-side oil chamber section (122); - an approximately cylindrical, outlet-side oil chamber section (124); and, preferably furthermore, - an oil space connecting section (126); wherein the oil space connecting section (126) connects the inlet oil space section (122) and the outlet oil space section (124), and wherein, preferably, an axis (D) of the inlet oil space section (122) is approximately perpendicular to an axis (E) of the outlet oil space section (124). [13] E-bike (4) characterized by an e-bike drive device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12. [14] E-bike (4) according to claim 13, characterized by, that a down tube (17) of a bicycle frame (16) provides in its two lateral lower areas a receiving or fastening area (146) for the e-bike drive device (1), which, starting from a bottom bracket axle (B), has a distance of less than 10 cm from the bottom bracket axle (B) over an angle range of more than 90 degrees.

Images