Drive arrangement of a bicycle comprising a magnetic gear stage, a mechanical gear stage and an electric drive motor
The drive arrangement for bicycles combines a magnetic and mechanical gear stage with an electric motor, reducing magnet costs and enabling efficient torque and gear ratio transmission while protecting against overloads, addressing the cost and performance challenges of existing systems.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE102025100412
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-15
- Estimated Expiration
- 2045-01-08
AI Technical Summary
Existing drive arrangements for bicycles with electric motors and magnetic transmissions face challenges in cost-effectively transmitting high torques and implementing high gear ratios while also serving as a slip clutch, as larger magnets and increased numbers of magnets are required, leading to higher costs.
A drive arrangement comprising a magnetic gear stage with non-contacting components, a mechanical gear stage, and an electric drive motor, where the mechanical gear stage is positioned downstream, allowing for a rotationally fixed connection between the magnetic and mechanical stages, reducing the need for magnets and enabling cost-effective torque transmission and high gear ratios, with the magnetic gear stage acting as a slip clutch to protect against overloads.
The solution enables efficient, cost-effective transmission of high torques and gear ratios, reduces magnet-related costs, and protects the drive system from overloads by functioning as a slip clutch, maintaining the integrity of the components.
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Abstract
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a drive arrangement of a bicycle comprising at least one magnetic gear stage, at least one mechanical gear stage and at least one electric drive motor, as well as a bicycle with the aforementioned drive arrangement.
[0002] Drive arrangements for bicycles with an electric drive motor and a magnetic transmission are known from the prior art.
[0003] DE 10 2020 210 869 A1 discloses a drive arrangement of a two-wheeled vehicle with electric motor drive support, wherein the drive arrangement comprises a magnetic transmission and an electric motor.
[0004] DE 10 2023 205 772 A1 discloses a drive train for a bicycle that is at least partially electrically powered, comprising an electric machine and a transmission, as well as a motor vehicle with at least one such drive train. GB 2 433 967 A discloses an electromagnetic torque converter.
[0005] The KR 10 2023 0 090 103 A discloses a coupled and decoupled motor for propelling a means of transport.
[0006] Magnetic gearboxes are maintenance-free and wear-free due to their non-contacting components. However, as the torque transmitted from the electric drive motor to the magnetic gearbox increases, the gearbox or its magnets must be larger, thus increasing costs. Similarly, a higher gear ratio necessitates an increase in the number of magnets within the gearbox, again driving up costs.
[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a drive arrangement for a bicycle that enables cost-effective transmission of high torques from an electric drive motor as well as the implementation of high gear ratios and simultaneously fulfills the function of a slip clutch.
[0008] The problem is solved by a drive arrangement of a bicycle comprising at least one magnetic gear stage, at least one mechanical gear stage and at least one electric drive motor with the features of claim 1 and a bicycle with the features of claim 11. Further embodiments are included in the dependent claims and will become apparent from the following description.
[0009] The invention claims a drive arrangement of a bicycle comprising at least one magnetic gear stage, at least one mechanical gear stage and at least one electric drive motor, as well as a bicycle with this drive arrangement.
[0010] The drive arrangement of a bicycle according to the invention comprises at least one magnetic gear stage, at least one mechanical gear stage, and at least one electric drive motor. The mechanical gear stage is arranged downstream of the magnetic gear stage. The magnetic gear stage comprises an inner gear element with at least one first magnet, a middle gear element with at least one magnetic conductor, and an outer gear element with at least one second magnet. The inner gear element, the middle gear element, and the outer gear element are arranged coaxially and interact with each other in at least one way. This interaction is a magnetic field acting between the first magnet and the second magnet, which can be influenced by the magnetic conductor.In a rotationally fixed connection between the magnetic gear stage and the mechanical gear stage, the middle gear element is rotatable and rotationally fixed to at least one rotatable element of the mechanical gear stage, while the outer gear element is fixed in position. Alternatively, the outer gear element is rotatable and rotationally fixed to a rotatable element of the mechanical gear stage, while the middle gear element is fixed in position. The inner gear element is rotatable. The magnetic gear stage limits at least one torque that can be transmitted from the electric drive motor to the mechanical gear stage or from the mechanical gear stage to the electric drive motor.
[0011] In an arrangement in which at least one mechanical gear stage is arranged after at least one magnetic gear stage, at least one mechanical power is transferred from the magnetic gear stage to the mechanical gear stage or at least one mechanical power is transferred from the mechanical gear stage to the magnetic gear stage.
[0012] Alternatively, in an arrangement where at least one mechanical gear stage is arranged after at least one magnetic gear stage, at least one mechanical power from at least one electric drive motor can be transmitted via the magnetic gear stage to the mechanical gear stage.
[0013] Alternatively, in an arrangement where at least one mechanical gear stage is arranged after at least one magnetic gear stage, it is possible to transmit mechanical power from the mechanical gear stage via the magnetic gear stage to at least one electric drive motor.
[0014] Furthermore, in an arrangement in which at least one mechanical gear stage is arranged after at least one magnetic gear stage, it is possible to insert at least one element between the magnetic gear stage and the mechanical gear stage, wherein the element allows at least one transmission of at least one mechanical power between the magnetic gear stage and the mechanical gear stage.
[0015] Alternatively, in an arrangement in which at least one mechanical gear stage is arranged after at least one magnetic gear stage, at least one element can be inserted between at least one electric drive motor and the magnetic gear stage, as well as between the magnetic gear stage and the mechanical gear stage, wherein the element allows at least one transmission of at least one mechanical power from the electric drive motor via the magnetic gear stage to the mechanical gear stage, or at least one transmission of at least one mechanical power from the mechanical gear stage via the magnetic gear stage to the electric drive motor.
[0016] Additionally, in an arrangement where at least one mechanical gear stage is arranged after at least one magnetic gear stage, in a space with at least one spatial origin point, it is possible to place at least one spatial reference point of the mechanical gear stage further from the spatial origin point than at least one spatial reference point of the magnetic gear stage.
[0017] A rotationally fixed connection is a mechanical connection that prevents relative movement of connected elements. A fixed connection is a mechanical connection that does not allow any movement of a connected element. Rotatable means that rotational movement is possible, where rotational movement is a rotational movement around an axis.
[0018] The term "bicycle" encompasses all vehicles with at least two wheels, or at least one wheel and at least one sliding element such as a sled runner, located in a plane or on an axle. Examples of bicycles include e-bikes, pedelecs, e-mountain bikes (eMTBs), cargo bikes, tricycles, quadricycles, and snow bikes.
[0019] The bicycle has at least one drive system. This drive system includes at least one crank unit consisting of at least one crank axle and at least one crank arm with at least one pedal. Power from the rider can be transmitted to the drive system via the crank unit.
[0020] The drive system of the bicycle has at least one drive arrangement according to the invention comprising at least one magnetic gear stage, at least one mechanical gear stage and at least one electric drive motor.
[0021] The magnetic gear stage comprises at least one inner gear element with at least one first magnet, at least one middle gear element with at least one magnetic conductor, and an outer gear element with at least one second magnet. The inner gear element, the middle gear element, and the outer gear element are arranged coaxially. A gap exists between the inner gear element and the middle gear element. The inner gear element and the middle gear element have no physical contact with each other across this gap. A similar gap exists between the middle gear element and the outer gear element. Again, the middle gear element and the outer gear element have no physical contact with each other across this gap. Because the gear elements have no physical contact with each other, no wear occurs, and the use of lubricant is unnecessary.The magnetic gear stage therefore requires no maintenance. The inner gear element, the middle gear element, and the outer gear element interact with each other in at least one way. This interaction is a magnetic field acting between the first and second magnets, as well as between both magnets and the magnetic conductor, which can be influenced by the magnetic conductor. At least one torque can be transmitted from the inner gear element to the outer gear element, or vice versa, via the acting magnetic field. Alternatively or additionally, at least one torque can be transmitted from the inner gear element to the middle gear element, or vice versa, via the acting magnetic field. Alternatively or additionally, at least one torque can be transmitted from the outer gear element to the middle gear element, or vice versa, via the acting magnetic field.
[0022] The first magnet of the inner gear element and the second magnet of the outer gear element are preferably designed as permanent magnets. For example, alloys of iron, cobalt, nickel, or similar materials can be used as the material for the permanent magnets. Artificially produced magnets such as neodymium magnets or ferrite magnets are preferably used as permanent magnets. Alternatively or additionally, naturally occurring magnets such as magnetite can be used as permanent magnets. Preferably, several first magnets can be arranged along a circumferential surface of the inner gear element. Preferably, several second magnets are arranged along a circumferential surface of the outer gear element.
[0023] The magnetic conductor consists of materials with high magnetic permeability, such as iron, nickel, cobalt, nickel-iron alloys, or similar materials. Preferably, several magnetic conductors are arranged on a circumferential surface of the central gear element between the first magnet and the second magnet.
[0024] Depending on the gear ratio, the magnetic gear stage can convert a rotation with high speed and low torque into a rotation with low speed and high torque, and vice versa. The maximum achievable gear ratio of the magnetic gear stage depends on which of the three gear elements of the magnetic gear stage is stationary and which gear elements are rotatable. Furthermore, the maximum achievable gear ratio depends on the first number of magnets and the second number of magnets. Preferably, the first number of magnets differs from the second number of magnets. The achievable gear ratio increases with a larger difference between the first number of magnets and the second number of magnets.Furthermore, the direction of rotation of the inner gear element and the direction of rotation of the outer gear element are influenced depending on the number of magnetic conductors.
[0025] In the drive arrangement according to the invention, the mechanical gear stage is arranged after the magnetic gear stage. With a rotationally fixed connection between the magnetic gear stage and the mechanical gear stage, the central gear element is rotatable and rotationally fixed to at least one rotatable element of the mechanical gear stage, while the outer gear element is stationary. Alternatively, the outer gear element is rotatable and rotationally fixed to a rotatable element of the mechanical gear stage, while the central gear element is stationary. With a rotationally fixed connection between the magnetic gear stage and the mechanical gear stage, the inner gear element is rotatable.
[0026] With a rotationally fixed connection between the magnetic and mechanical gear stages, the necessary gear ratio can be distributed between the magnetic and mechanical stages. Consequently, fewer magnets are required in the magnetic gear stage, thus reducing magnet-related costs. The gear ratio of the magnetic or mechanical gear stage can, for example, be 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:7, or other similar ratios. Since the mechanical gear stage is located downstream of the magnetic gear stage, the magnetic gear stage can transmit lower torques compared to the mechanical gear stage. Therefore, it is possible to use smaller magnets in the magnetic gear stage, further reducing magnet-related costs.Furthermore, it is also possible that the magnetic gear stage can transmit the same or greater torques compared to the mechanical gear stage.
[0027] Like the magnetic gear stage, the mechanical gear stage can, depending on the gear ratio, convert a rotation with high speed and low torque into a rotation with low speed and high torque, and vice versa. Preferably, the mechanical gear stage is designed as a planetary gear set. The planetary gear set comprises at least one sun gear, at least one planetary gear, at least one ring gear, and at least one web rotatably connected to the planetary gear. The sun gear, the planetary gear, and the ring gear are preferably designed as gears. The ring gear is in positive engagement with the planetary gear. Additionally, the planetary gear is in positive engagement with the sun gear. The highest possible achievable gear ratio of the planetary gear set depends on which gears of the planetary gear set are stationary and which gears of the planetary gear set are rotatable.
[0028] In a configuration of the mechanical gear stage as a planetary gear set, the rotatable element of the mechanical gear stage corresponds to the ring gear of the planetary gear set, wherein the sun gear is rotatable and the carrier is fixed, or the sun gear is fixed and the carrier is rotatable. Alternatively, the rotatable element of the mechanical gear stage can correspond to the carrier of the planetary gear set, wherein the sun gear is fixed and the ring gear is rotatable, or the sun gear is rotatable and the ring gear is fixed. Alternatively, the rotatable element of the mechanical gear stage can also correspond to the sun gear of the planetary gear set, wherein the carrier is fixed and the ring gear is rotatable, or the carrier is rotatable and the ring gear is fixed.
[0029] Furthermore, it is possible to design the mechanical transmission stage as a reduction gear with at least one drive shaft or as a wave gear with at least one drive shaft. In this case, the rotatable element of the mechanical transmission stage corresponds to the drive shaft.
[0030] An electric drive motor is a drive system that can convert electrical power into mechanical power or vice versa, such as DC motors, AC motors, three-phase motors, or similar devices. At least one electrical energy storage device supplies the electric drive motor with energy. Alternatively, the electric drive motor can power the electrical energy storage device. The bicycle has at least one electrical energy storage device. This device can be a battery, an accumulator, a capacitor (such as a supercapacitor), or an energy converter (such as a fuel cell) with a chemical storage system consisting of a fuel and an oxidant.
[0031] Furthermore, the electric drive motor can be controlled or regulated by at least one power electronics unit. The electric drive motor makes it possible to completely or partially replace the rider's power with the mechanical power of the electric drive motor. Consequently, the bicycle can be powered either by the rider's muscle power alone, purely electrically, or in a hybrid mode by both muscle power and electricity.
[0032] The electric drive motor is implemented by means of at least one electrical conductor and the inner gear element. Preferably, the electrical conductor can be formed as at least one coil made of an electrically conductive material. The electrical conductor is arranged in a fixed position radially to the inner gear element. Alternatively or additionally, the electrical conductor is arranged in a fixed position radially to at least one protruding end of an inner gear element. The protruding end of the inner gear element has an identical or a different magnetic field than the non-protruding end of the inner gear element. For example, the protruding end of the inner gear element can have a different number of first magnets than the non-protruding end of the inner gear element.
[0033] In the electrical conductor, at least one alternating magnetic field can be generated by at least one electrical energy supply to the electrical conductor or by at least one rotational movement of the inner gear element. The alternating magnetic field can be coupled to at least one magnetic field of the first magnet of the inner gear element. A rotational movement of the inner gear element can be generated by at least one control of the alternating magnetic field. Furthermore, the electrical conductor can be controlled or regulated by at least one power electronics unit. Consequently, the control of the alternating magnetic field can be carried out by the power electronics unit. Preferably, several electrical conductors are used instead of just one.
[0034] Alternatively, the electric drive motor of the drive arrangement according to the invention can be implemented as an electric drive motor with at least one output shaft. The output shaft can be connected to the inner gear element in a rotationally fixed manner. A rotary movement of the inner gear element can be generated by a rotary movement of the output shaft.
[0035] The magnetic gear stage limits the minimum transmittable torque from the electric drive motor to the mechanical gear stage or from the mechanical gear stage to the electric drive motor. If the transmittable torque is too high, the magnetic forces of the acting magnetic field between the inner and outer gear elements are overcome. Consequently, relative motion can occur between the inner and outer gear elements, between the inner and middle gear elements, or between the middle and outer gear elements. As a result, no further torque can be transmitted between the inner and outer gear elements, between the inner and middle gear elements, or between the middle and outer gear elements.The magnetic gear stage can therefore also function as a slip clutch. The magnetic gear stage can protect the electric drive motor, the mechanical gear stage, or both the electric drive motor and the mechanical gear stage from overload caused by excessively high torques. Overloading occurs when a material's strength is exceeded, leading to deformation or breakage of the affected component. An overload could result in the failure of the electric drive motor, the mechanical gear stage, or both the electric drive motor and the mechanical gear stage.For example, during bicycle maintenance, an overload in the bicycle's drive system, and thus in the drive arrangement according to the invention, can be caused by stopping a rotating drive wheel of the bicycle and simultaneously generating torque using the electric drive motor.
[0036] Furthermore, it is possible to arrange several mechanical gear stages after several magnetic gear stages in order to reduce the number of magnets required in a magnetic gear stage and at the same time to achieve a higher gear ratio when considering all gear stages together through a combination of several magnetic gear stages and several mechanical gear stages.
[0037] Furthermore, the bicycle's drive system comprises at least one gearbox. The gearbox is preferably designed as a manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Depending on the gear ratio, the gearbox can convert rotation at high speed and low torque into rotation at low speed and high torque, and vice versa. The gearbox can be positioned before or after the drive assembly according to the invention. The drive assembly according to the invention can be connected to the gearbox in a rotationally fixed manner.
[0038] Furthermore, the bicycle can have at least one steering system. The steering system can preferably be designed as at least one movable axle and can be connected to at least one wheel or at least one sliding element of the bicycle, as well as to the bicycle frame. The movable axle can preferably be connected to at least one handlebar. It is also possible that the movable axle can be connected to an additional drive arrangement according to the invention. This allows the steering movement of the bicycle rider to be assisted by the drive arrangement according to the invention.
[0039] Furthermore, the bicycle may have at least one brake, which can be a disc brake, a rim brake, or a drum brake. Additionally, the brake may be combined with at least one anti-lock braking system (ABS). Alternatively or additionally, the bicycle may include at least one brake-by-wire braking system. The brake can be used to slow down or prevent the rotation of at least one wheel of the bicycle.
[0040] For example, the drive arrangement according to the invention can, by means of the magnetic gear stage, which additionally functions as a slip clutch, protect the electric drive motor or the mechanical gear stage or other components of the drive system from overloads in the event of braking of a drive wheel of the bicycle.
[0041] Furthermore, the bicycle has at least one control unit. The control unit is preferably designed as at least one electronic control unit (ECU) or electronic control module (ECM).
[0042] When the control unit is used in or outside of a bicycle, it is connected to at least one power electronics unit of at least one electric drive motor of the drive arrangement according to the invention. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit is connected to at least one power electronics unit of at least one electrical conductor of the drive arrangement according to the invention.
[0043] A signal-effective connection is one that enables data and signal exchange between the connected devices. For this purpose, each device has a corresponding interface. Data transmission and signal transmission can be either wired or wireless.
[0044] The control unit has at least one interface that enables a signal-effective connection. Additionally, the power electronics of the electric drive motor have at least one interface that enables a signal-effective connection. Alternatively or additionally, the power electronics of the electrical conductor have at least one interface that enables a signal-effective connection.
[0045] Furthermore, the control unit can be configured for controlling or regulating the power electronics of the electric drive motor. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be configured for controlling or regulating the power electronics of the electrical conductor.
[0046] Furthermore, the control unit can be configured to send predefined control parameters or predefined control parameters to the power electronics of the electric drive motor. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be configured to send predefined control parameters or predefined control parameters to the power electronics of the electrical conductor.
[0047] The control unit can be integrated into a housing with the electric drive motor or the automatic transmission. The housing can be mechanically connected to a bicycle frame, for example, to a bicycle's down tube.
[0048] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the figures. Specifically, they show: Fig. 1 A schematic representation of a bicycle according to an exemplary embodiment Fig. 2 A schematic sectional view of a drive arrangement of the bicycle 1 according to the invention. Fig. 1 Fig. 3 A schematic sectional view of a magnetic gear stage and an electric drive motor with an output shaft Fig. 4 Schematic sectional views of different variants of a mechanical gear stage Fig. 5 Schematic sectional views of different variants of a magnetic gear stage and different variants of an electric drive motor
[0049] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a bicycle 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. The bicycle 1 is designed as an e-bike or pedelec, or in particular as an e-mountain bike. The bicycle 1 has a drive system 2 by means of which a drive wheel 12 of the bicycle 1 can be set in motion. The drive system has a crank unit 3 consisting of at least one crank axle 4 and at least one crank arm 5 with at least one pedal 6. Furthermore, the drive system 2 has a drive arrangement AO according to the invention comprising at least one magnetic gear stage, at least one mechanical gear stage, and at least one electric drive motor. In addition, the drive system 2 has at least one gearbox 13. The gearbox is preferably designed as a manual gearbox or as a continuously variable transmission. The crank unit 3, the drive arrangement AO according to the invention, and the gearbox 13 can be arranged in the area of the bottom bracket.
[0050] Furthermore, the drive system 2 includes an electrical energy storage device 7, which is connected to the electric drive motor of the drive arrangement AO according to the invention. The electrical energy storage device 7 can supply the electric drive motor with electrical energy (motor operation). Alternatively, the electrical energy storage device 7 can be supplied with electrical energy by means of the electric drive motor (generator operation). The bicycle 1 can therefore be driven either purely by muscle power, purely electrically, or by both muscle power and electrically.
[0051] Furthermore, the bicycle 1 has a control unit 14 which is connected to at least one power electronics unit of the electric drive motor of the drive arrangement AO according to the invention in a signal-effective manner. Alternatively, the control unit can be connected to at least one power electronics unit of at least one electrical conductor of the drive arrangement according to the invention in a signal-effective manner.
[0052] Furthermore, bicycle 1 has a steering system consisting of a movable axle 8 and a handlebar 9. The movable axle 8 is connected to the bicycle frame of bicycle 1, as well as to the handlebar 9 and a front wheel 11 of bicycle 1. The movable axle 8 can be rotated about its rotationally symmetrical axis by means of the handlebar 9, thereby steering the front wheel 11.
[0053] Furthermore, the bicycle 1 has a brake 10, which can be designed, for example, as a disc brake, a rim brake, or a drum brake. Additionally, it is possible to combine the brake with an anti-lock braking system. The brake 10 can be used to slow down or prevent the rotation of the front wheel 11, the drive wheel 12, or both the front wheel 11 and the drive wheel 12.
[0054] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a drive arrangement AO of the bicycle 1 according to the invention. Fig. 1. The drive arrangement AO according to the invention comprises at least one magnetic gear stage magG, at least one mechanical gear stage mecG, and at least one electric drive motor eAM. The mechanical gear stage mecG is arranged downstream of the magnetic gear stage magG. Depending on the gear ratio, the magnetic gear stage magG and the mechanical gear stage mecG can convert a rotation with high speed and low torque into a rotation with low speed and high torque, and vice versa.
[0055] The magnetic gear stage magG comprises an inner gear element iG with at least one first magnet, a middle gear element mG with at least one magnetic conductor, and an outer gear element aG with at least one second magnet. The inner gear element iG, the middle gear element mG, and the outer gear element aG are arranged coaxially and interact with each other in at least one way. The gear elements iG, mG, and aG are separated from each other by a gap.
[0056] The single mechanical gear stage mecG is preferably designed as a planetary gear set. The planetary gear set comprises a sun gear SR, at least one planetary gear UR, a ring gear HR and a web S rotatably connected to the planetary gear UR.
[0057] The magnetic gear stage magG and the mechanical gear stage mecG are connected to each other by a rotationally fixed connection. The central gear element mG is rotatable and connected to at least one rotatable element of the mechanical gear stage magG. In this case, the rotatable element of the mechanical gear stage magG corresponds to the sun gear SR.
[0058] The outer gear element aG is stationary and the inner gear element iG is rotatable. The bridge S is rotatable and the ring gear HR is stationary. Not shown here, the bridge S is connected to the gear 13 of bicycle 1. Fig. 1. The electric drive motor eAM is implemented by means of at least one electrical conductor eL and the inner gear element iG. The electrical conductor eL is arranged radially to the inner gear element iG in a fixed position. Preferably, the electrical conductor eL can be formed as at least one coil made of an electrically conductive material. An alternating magnetic field can be generated in the electrical conductor eL by means of an electrical energy supply to the electrical conductor eL or a rotational movement of the inner gear element iG. The alternating magnetic field is coupled to a magnetic field of the first magnet of the inner gear element iG. A rotational movement of the inner gear element iG can be generated by means of at least one control of the alternating magnetic field. The inner gear element iG, the middle gear element mG, and the outer gear element aG are in at least one interaction with each other.The interaction involves a magnetic field acting between the first and second magnets, as well as between both magnets and the magnetic conductor, which can be influenced by the magnetic conductor. At least one torque can be transmitted via the acting magnetic field from the inner gear element iG to the middle gear element mG, or vice versa.
[0059] The magnetic gear stage magG limits the minimum transmittable torque from the electric drive motor eAM to the mechanical gear stage mecG, or from the mechanical gear stage mecG to the electric drive motor eAM. The transmittable torque is transferred from the inner gear element iG to the middle gear element mG, then to the sun gear SR, and finally to the web S. Alternatively, the transmittable torque is transferred from the web S to the sun gear SR, then to the middle gear element mG, and finally to the inner gear element iG. If the transmittable torque is too high, the magnetic forces of the acting magnetic field between the inner gear element iG and the outer gear element aG are overcome. Consequently, relative motion can occur between the inner gear element iG and the middle gear element mG.
[0060] This prevents any torque from being transmitted between the inner gear element iG and the middle gear element mG. The magnetic gear stage magG can therefore also function as a slip clutch. Consequently, the magnetic gear stage magG can protect the electric drive motor eAM, the mechanical gear stage mecG, or both the electric drive motor eAM and the mechanical gear stage mecG from overload and failure due to excessively high transmitted torques.
[0061] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional view of a magnetic gear stage magG made of Fig. 2 and an electric drive motor eAM with an output shaft AW. The output shaft AW is connected to the inner gear element iG made of Fig. 2 rotationally fixed connected. A rotational movement of the inner gear element iG from Fig. 2 can be generated by means of a rotary movement of the output shaft AW.
[0062] Fig. Figure 4 shows schematic sectional views of different variants of a mechanical gear stage mecG. Each variant of a mechanical gear stage mecG is combined with the magnetic gear stage magG. Fig. 2 can be combined. The middle gear element mG is made of Fig. 2 connected to a rotatable element of the mechanical gear stage mecG in a rotationally fixed manner.
[0063] The variants of a mechanical gear stage mecG shown here are designed as planetary gears and each includes a sun gear SR, at least one planetary gear UR, a ring gear HR and a bridge S rotatably connected to the planetary gear UR.
[0064] Fig. 4a and Fig. Figure 4b shows two variants of a mechanical gear stage mecG designed as a planetary gear. The ring gear HR corresponds to the rotatable element of the mechanical gear stage mecG. Fig. 4a the bridge S is rotatable and the sun wheel SR is stationary, wherein in Fig. 4b the sun wheel SR is rotatable and the bridge S is stationary.
[0065] Fig. 4c and Fig. Figure 4d shows two further variants of a mechanical gear stage mecG designed as a planetary gear. The web S corresponds to the rotatable element of the mechanical gear stage mecG. Fig. 4c the ring gear HR is rotatable and the sun gear SR is stationary, whereby in Fig. 4d the sun gear SR is rotatable and the ring gear HR is stationary.
[0066] Fig. Figure 4e shows another variant of a mechanical gear stage mecG designed as a planetary gear set. The sun gear SR corresponds to the rotatable element of the mechanical gear stage mecG. The ring gear HR is rotatable and the bridge S is stationary.
[0067] Not shown here, it is alternatively possible to design a mechanical gear stage mecG as a reduction gear with at least one drive shaft or as a wave gear with at least one drive shaft. In this case, the rotatable element of the mechanical gear stage mecG corresponds to the drive shaft.
[0068] Fig. Figure 5 shows schematic sectional views of various variants of a magnetic gear stage magG and various variants of an electric drive motor eAM. Each variant of a magnetic gear stage magG and an electric drive motor eAM is shown alongside the variants of a mechanical gear stage mecG. Fig. 4 can be combined.
[0069] The variants of a magnetic gear stage magG include, as does the magnetic gear stage magG from Fig. 2, an inner gear element iG with at least one first magnet, a middle gear element mG with at least one magnetic conductor, and an outer gear element aG with at least one second magnet. The inner gear element iG, the middle gear element mG, and the outer gear element aG are arranged coaxially and interact with each other in at least one way. The gear elements iG, mG, and aG are separated from each other by a gap.
[0070] The variants of the eAM electric drive motor are also, like the eAM electric drive motor, made of Fig. 2, realized by means of at least one electrical conductor eL and an internal gear element iG.
[0071] The two variants of a magnetic gear stage magG made of Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b differs from the magnetic gear stage magG from Fig. 2 by an arrangement of the electrical conductor eL, which is located within the inner gear element iG. Furthermore, the variant of a magnetic gear stage magG differs from Fig. 5b to the magnetic gear stage magG from Fig. 2 such that the middle gear element mG is stationary and the outer gear element aG is rotatable and is equipped with at least one rotatable element of a mechanical gear stage mecG Fig. 2 or Fig. 4 can be connected.
[0072] The variant of a magnetic gear stage magG made of Fig. 5c differs from the magnetic gear stage magG from Fig. 2 such that the middle gear element mG is stationary and the outer gear element aG is rotatable and is equipped with at least one rotatable element of a mechanical gear stage mecG Fig. 2 or Fig. 4 can be connected.
[0073] The variant of a magnetic gear stage magG made of Fig. 5d differs from the magnetic gear stage magG from Fig. 2 such that the inner gear element iG protrudes compared to the middle gear element mG and the outer gear element aG. The electrical conductor eL is arranged radially to the protruding end of the inner gear element iG. The protruding end of the inner gear element iG has an identical or a different magnetic field than the non-protruding end of the inner gear element iG. Reference sign 1 bicycle 2 Drive system 3 Crank unit 4. Crankshaft 5 Crankset 6 pedal 7 electrical energy storage 8 movable axes 9 Steering wheel 10 Brake 11 Front wheel 12 drive wheel 13 gearboxes 14 Control unit AO drive arrangement magG magnetic gear stage iG inner gear element mG medium gear element aG outer gear element mL magnetic conductor mecG mechanical gear stage HR ring gear UR planetary gear SR sun wheel S Bridge eAM electric drive motor AW output shaft eL electrical conductor
Claims
[1] Drive arrangement (AO) of a bicycle (1) comprising at least one magnetic gear stage (magG) and at least one electric drive motor (eAM), wherein in the magnetic gear stage (magG) at least one inner gear element (iG), at least one middle gear element (mG) and at least one outer gear element (aG) are arranged coaxially and are in at least one interaction with each other, characterized bythat the drive arrangement (AO) comprises at least one mechanical gear stage (mecG), wherein the mechanical gear stage (mecG) is arranged downstream of the magnetic gear stage (magG), wherein, in the case of a rotationally fixed connection between the magnetic gear stage (magG) and the mechanical gear stage (mecG), the middle gear element (mG) is rotatable and rotationally fixed to at least one rotatable element of the mechanical gear stage (mecG), and the outer gear element (aG) is stationary, or the middle gear element (mG) is stationary and the outer gear element (aG) is rotatable and rotationally fixed to a rotatable element of the mechanical gear stage (mecG), wherein, in the case of the rotationally fixed connection between the magnetic gear stage (magG) and the mechanical gear stage (mecG), the inner gear element (iG) is rotatable.wherein the magnetic gear stage (magG) limits at least one transmittable torque from the electric drive motor (eAM) to the mechanical gear stage (mecG) or from the mechanical gear stage (mecG) to the electric drive motor (eAM), wherein the electric drive motor (eAM) is implemented by means of at least one electrical conductor (eL) and the inner gear element (iG). [2] Drive arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by , that the mechanical gear stage (mecG) is preferably designed as a planetary gear, wherein the planetary gear comprises at least one sun gear (SR), at least one planetary gear (UR), at least one ring gear (HR) and at least one web (S) rotatably connected to the planetary gear. [3] Drive arrangement according to claim 2, characterized by, that the rotatable element of the mechanical gear stage corresponds to the ring gear (HR), wherein the sun gear (SR) is rotatable and the bridge (S) is fixed or the sun gear (SR) is fixed and the bridge (S) is rotatable. [4] Drive arrangement according to claim 2, characterized by , that the rotatable element of the mechanical gear stage corresponds to the bridge (S), wherein the sun gear (SR) is fixed and the ring gear (HR) is rotatable or the sun gear (SR) is rotatable and the ring gear (HR) is fixed. [5] Drive arrangement according to claim 2, characterized by , that the rotatable element of the mechanical gear stage corresponds to the sun gear (SR), wherein the bridge (S) is fixed and the ring gear (HR) is rotatable or the bridge (S) is rotatable and the ring gear (HR) is fixed. [6] Drive arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by, that the mechanical gear stage (mecG) is designed as a reduction gear with at least one drive shaft or as a wave gear with at least one drive shaft, wherein the rotatable element of the mechanical gear stage (mecG) corresponds to the drive shaft. [7] Drive arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by , that the electrical conductor (eL) is arranged in a fixed position radially to the inner gear element (iG). [8] Drive arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by , that the electrical conductor (eL) is arranged in a fixed position radially to at least one protruding end of an inner gear element (iG), wherein the protruding end of the inner gear element (iG) has an identical magnetic field or a different magnetic field than the non-protruding end of the inner gear element (iG). [9] Drive arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by, that at least one alternating magnetic field in the electrical conductor (eL) can be generated by means of at least one electrical energy supply to the electrical conductor (eL) or at least one rotational movement of the inner gear element (iG). [10] Drive arrangement according to claim 9, characterized by , that a rotary movement of the inner gear element (iG) can be generated by means of at least one control of the alternating magnetic field. [11] Bicycle (1) with a drive arrangement (AO) according to one of the preceding claims.
Citation Information
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