ELECTRIC BIKE AND BATTERY HOLDER

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electric bicycle and a battery holder.

[0002] Bicycles have long enjoyed great popularity as easy-to-use, emission-free means of transportation. Over the years, they have also become widely used as sports and fitness equipment, and models particularly suited to various sporting activities have emerged.

[0003] Enthusiasm for electric bicycles (especially so-called "pedelecs") has been growing for several years. Potential riders include not only older, less fit people, or those without athletic ambitions, but also younger, sporty riders, whether for commuting or because they offer the opportunity to extend their range and / or increase their travel speed without overtaxing their physical abilities. Interest in electrically assisted bicycles appears to be growing, especially among mountain bikers and road cyclists.

[0004] There are various options for mounting a battery for an electric motor on a bicycle, ensuring a robust mount for the battery while also ensuring easy handling. Extreme forces, such as acceleration forces while riding, vibrations and shocks, as well as environmental influences such as dirt, must be taken into account.

[0005] DE102015010818A1 relates to a multiply rechargeable device for energy storage and / or energy delivery for a light electric vehicle (LEV), in particular electric bicycles. The device comprises a means for energy absorption and / or energy delivery, in particular an accumulator, a means for electrically coupling to an electric motor of the light electric vehicle in a frame element of the vehicle frame, and a means for holding and contacting. This means is arranged on a surface of the frame element, in particular on the front down tube and / or seat tube and / or top tube, and is connected to the means for electrical coupling. The means for energy absorption and / or energy delivery is placed on the means for holding and contacting, wherein it can be fixed to the means for holding and contacting by a lateral pivoting movement and thus connected to a means for electrical contacting.

[0006] DE202014009732U1 discloses a holding element (100) for receiving a rechargeable battery (200), in particular a bicycle battery. It consists of a flat, elongated first sub-element (130), which forms the base, and a second (140) and third sub-element (150), which are attached laterally to the short sides of the first sub-element and form the lateral boundary. The second sub-element has an overhang (160), which serves as a clamping device for one end of the rechargeable battery, while the third sub-element has at least one hook-shaped recess (230) for receiving a hook-shaped counterpart of the rechargeable battery. This construction enables secure fastening of the rechargeable battery in the holding element to prevent accidental removal or slipping.

[0007] CN204096021U discloses a mounting structure for a battery that is mounted on the slope of a battery-powered vehicle. This structure includes an upper and a lower fixed seat, with the lower seat being rotatably connected to the battery. A locking mechanism secures the battery to the upper seat. The battery can be rotated into the correct position and then secured by a locking mechanism.

[0008] It is desirable to provide a concept for a battery holder that allows a compact design and helps to take the above points into account.

[0009] According to one aspect, an electric bicycle is disclosed. The electric bicycle has a bicycle frame with a frame section. Furthermore, a battery is provided. The electric bicycle further comprises a battery holder, which is arranged on the frame section and has two retaining tabs, by means of which the battery for an electric motor of the electric bicycle is held, in particular at least positively, on the frame section. The battery holder, such as the two retaining tabs, is designed such that – in a first assembly step – the battery can be placed on the first retaining tab and then – in a second assembly step – can be pivoted against the frame section such that the battery engages with the second retaining tab and is thereby held on the bicycle frame, in particular positively. The second retaining tab is designed to be resilient for locking with the battery.The battery has a recess or opening into which the second retaining tab engages for positive engagement with the battery during the second assembly step. The battery has an opening on an outer side facing away from the frame section, allowing the second retaining tab to be actuated and unlocked from the outside, thus allowing the battery to be removed.

[0010] The battery holder according to the invention enables a lightweight and cost-effective construction. In particular, the holder has only two retaining tabs that are arranged or fixed to the frame section. The battery holder therefore enables a mechanically simple construction, requiring little material and a low degree of complexity. The battery holder is thus designed in several parts, but can also be designed in one piece, for example by having the two tabs integrally and firmly connected. The provision of only two retaining tabs contributes to a significant reduction in weight and installation space. Furthermore, an ergonomically particularly simple operating concept is enabled, whereby, for example, the battery only needs to be placed on the retaining tab and then pivoted against the frame section. This can be done by a user with one hand.The battery holder can, for example, be easily mounted on the underside of the frame section. The battery holder also allows for a robust design, for example, through appropriate design of the retaining tabs. Furthermore, the battery holder is resistant to environmental influences, for example, when mounted on the underside of the frame section.

[0011] The battery is detachable, specifically removable, and can be inserted into the battery holder. In other words, the battery can be installed or removed without tools and without great effort. The battery can thus be easily installed and removed, and thus replaced. The battery is held securely in place by the two retaining tabs, for example, with a positive and / or force fit.

[0012] The retaining tabs enable a positive engagement with the battery, for example, one or both retaining tabs encompass the battery from the outside or engage in a corresponding recess in the battery. The retaining tabs are designed, for example, as sheet metal tabs. The retaining tabs can be mounted separately on the frame section and form the battery holder. The retaining tabs are arranged at a specific distance from one another, allowing adaptation to different battery models. The retaining tabs thus contribute significantly to the flexible installation of the battery. The two retaining tabs contribute only insignificantly to the overall weight of the bicycle.

[0013] The frame section is, for example, a section of the bicycle frame that leads to the bottom bracket. For example, this could be the seat tube or the down tube. The first retaining tab, for example, faces the bottom bracket, while the second retaining tab faces away from it.

[0014] According to the invention, the second retaining tab is resiliently constructed for latching with the battery. This enables the battery to be easily latched and unlocked. The battery can therefore be fitted or removed manually, with the second tab designed as a spring tab being bent accordingly. During assembly of the battery, the spring tab is moved out of its rest position against a spring force by interacting with the battery, i.e. when the battery is pivoted onto the frame section, before the battery reaches the final assembly state in which the spring tab is bent back into an engaged position or the rest position due to the acting spring force, in which the second retaining tab is in positive engagement with the battery, i.e. locked.Conversely, the second retaining tab can be released from the battery by moving it from the engaged / rest position, allowing it to be disengaged from the battery and removed. For example, the second tab has a locking hook that interacts with the battery or a battery component (e.g., the housing).

[0015] According to the invention, the battery has a recess or opening into which the second retaining tab engages in the second assembly step for positive engagement with the battery. The electric bicycle, for example, has the battery which, in a final assembly state in which the battery is held in the battery holder, is fixed in such a way that the second retaining tab engages in the battery, i.e., in the battery housing, and engages with it inside the battery, in particular, interacts with it in a positive engagement. For example, the retaining tab has a locking element or a latching hook which, in the final assembly state, mechanically interacts with a corresponding counter-latching element or counter-latching hook of the battery. This has the advantage that the second retaining tab does not grip the battery from the outside, but rather mechanically interacts with it inside to hold it and is thus protected from external influences.For example, the positive engagement of the second retaining tab with the battery takes place in an end region of the battery holder or battery facing away from the bottom bracket. In other words, the recess or opening is provided in the end region of the battery holder or battery facing away from the bottom bracket. This has the advantage that the main weight during installation of the battery is borne by the first retaining tab, allowing the battery to be easily pivoted against the frame section. The opening in the battery for the second retaining tab can also be positioned elsewhere along the battery, for example, centrally.

[0016] According to the invention, the battery has an opening on an outer side facing away from the frame section so that the second retaining tab can be unlocked and the battery can be removed. The opening is arranged, for example, on an underside of the battery. The opening is freely accessible from the outside. Thus, the second retaining tab can be operated from the outside by engaging in the correspondingly provided opening. This enables particularly easy unlocking and thus removal of the battery from the frame section. Because the retaining tab does not grip the battery at an outer end - with respect to the direction along the frame section - the end of the battery can be grasped with one hand and the retaining tab can be released with the fingers by dipping into the opening. When unlocking, the battery is therefore already in the operator's hand, so that it cannot necessarily be grasped with a second hand and / or accidentally dropped.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the first retaining tab is designed such that the battery can be placed on or hung in the first assembly step. The battery can then be pivoted accordingly around the support area or around the hanging area. In other words, the battery is at least partially placed on the retaining tab or hung in it. The battery is placed in such a way that a defined pivot axis can be formed. The battery strikes the retaining tab, for example, and rests thereon, so that a defined pivot axis is created. Placing the battery on or hanging it on the first retaining tab defines a pivot axis for the second assembly step. The first retaining tab represents, for example, a loose bearing.

[0018] The first retaining tab has, for example, a support element or a suspension element. For example, the support element or the suspension element is arranged on a free end of the first retaining tab facing away from the frame section. The support element or the suspension element extends in the direction of the second retaining tab, for example, along the frame section away from the bottom bracket. For example, a hook element is also provided, which interacts mechanically, i.e., positively, with the battery on the corresponding side, for example, engaging underneath, encompassing, or the like. This embodiment enables particularly simple mounting of the battery on the battery holder.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the battery holder is formed in one piece, and the two retaining tabs are connected by a web. The battery holder is thus approximately C-shaped. This enables a solid overall construction. The two retaining tabs are aligned at a defined distance from each other. This enables particularly simple assembly, as the battery holder can be mounted as a single unit. Further adjustment of the retaining tabs relative to each other is therefore no longer necessary. Alternatively, the battery holder can be constructed from several components to form a single assembly.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the web has two mounting sections by means of which the battery holder is fixed to the frame section, wherein the web has a central web section between the mounting sections, which is designed such that it runs at a distance from the frame section, so that an intermediate space is formed between the frame section and the central web section.

[0021] The two mounting sections extend along a first plane and have support surfaces by means of which the battery holder rests on the frame section. The battery holder is secured to the frame section in the mounting sections. The central web section extends in a second plane, wherein the second plane runs essentially parallel to and spaced from the first plane. In other words, the battery holder has a first mounting section, which is followed by the central web section by means of a step or a ledge, before the central web section again merges into the second mounting section via a step or ledge running in the opposite direction. The first and second mounting sections represent, for example, end regions of the battery holder. The first retaining tab is formed on the first mounting section or extends outwards from it normal to the first plane.Analogously, the second retaining tab is arranged in the second mounting section or extends outwards from it normal to the first or second level.

[0022] The gap allows cables or similar items to be easily stowed or routed within the slots without colliding with the battery itself. Additionally or alternatively, one or more tools can also be stored in the gap. The tools could, for example, be a quick repair kit for the electric bike. When the battery is installed, the gap is concealed or protected by the battery itself. In other words, the battery is designed in such a way that, when finally installed, it largely or completely encloses the gap and seals it off together with the frame section. This makes access from the outside difficult or even impossible.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the battery holder is made of metal, plastic, or a composite material, in particular a fiber composite material. The battery holder is in particular made of a metal sheet. For example, the battery holder has a wall thickness of only a few millimeters, for example, less than 5 mm, preferably 3 mm or less. This contributes to the battery holder being a particularly lightweight yet stable overall construction. In particular, the sheet-like structure allows vibrations and shocks to be well compensated or dampened.

[0024] According to one embodiment, a lock is arranged on the frame section or the battery holder, so that the battery can be locked to the frame section when mounted. The lock provides theft protection. The lock secures the battery to the frame section, preventing removal, for example, by unlocking the second tab.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the battery holder has an electrical contact element designed to ensure electrical contact between the battery and the battery holder when the battery is installed. Floating mounting of the contact element is particularly suitable for ensuring frictionless contact. This compensates for tolerances, "an improperly guided battery," or the like. The contact element can ensure that the battery is properly installed, for example.

[0026] According to a further aspect, a battery holder for an electric bicycle according to the first aspect is disclosed. The battery holder essentially enables the aforementioned advantages and functions. The above-described further development, in particular regarding the battery holder, applies analogously.

[0027] Further embodiments, advantages, and functions are explained in the following description of exemplary embodiments with the aid of the attached figures. Identical, similar, or equivalent elements may be provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

[0028] The figures show: Figure 1 a schematic view of an electric bicycle, Figure 2 a schematic view of an electric bicycle according to an embodiment of the invention in a first mounting state of a battery in a battery holder, Figure 3a schematic view of the electric bicycle according to the embodiment of the invention in a final assembly state of the battery, Figure 4 a perspective view of the battery holder and Figures 5 to 9 different views of the battery holder with battery.

[0029] Figure 1 shows an exemplary schematic bicycle 1, which is an electric bicycle. The bicycle 1 has a bicycle frame 2, which is formed, among other things, by a frame section 3. The frame section 3 in the exemplary embodiment is a down tube. The frame section 3 or the down tube extends from the head tube (corresponds to the frame section on which the steering wheel is mounted) in Fig. 1 only indicated and without reference symbol) in the direction of a bottom bracket 4 and has a curved course.

[0030] A drive device 5 is arranged on and / or in the down tube 3. The drive device 5 is mounted on an underside of the down tube 3, for example, in an open tube section. Among other things, the drive device comprises an energy storage device 6 in the form of a battery, an electric motor 7, and a transmission 8, which are electrically and / or mechanically coupled to one another.

[0031] The drive device 5 is arranged and configured on the down tube 3 and the bottom bracket 4 such that it can transmit the power of the electric motor 7, which is fed with energy from the energy storage device 6, via the transmission 8 to an output shaft for driving the bicycle 1 (not shown). The output shaft is, for example, non-rotatably connected to a chainring for driving the bicycle. The output shaft is, for example, a hollow shaft arranged around the pedal crank, i.e., coaxial with the pedal crank axis. The bicycle 1 also has a pedal crank for manually driving the bicycle 1.

[0032] At this point, it should be noted that further details of the bicycle 1. The bicycle 1 shown may have other designs. The arrangement and design of the drive device 5 also differs in other versions (see also the other figures), as long as it serves to drive the bicycle 1. Furthermore, the battery 6 can be placed in a different location.

[0033] The following describes in detail a battery holder, the battery and their assembly and disassembly according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0034] Figures 2 and 3 show an electric bicycle 1 according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein two mounting states of a battery 6 on the electric bicycle 1 are shown. The electric bicycle 1 has a battery holder 9, which is shown in perspective in Figure 4 is shown in isolation.

[0035] The battery holder 9 is made of sheet metal and is essentially C-shaped. The battery holder 9 has a first end 10 and a second end 11. At the first end 10, the battery holder 9 has a first retaining tab 12, while at the second end 11, the battery holder 9 has a second retaining tab 13. The second retaining tab 13 is designed as a resilient tab. The two retaining tabs 12 and 13 are connected to one another via a web 14. At the ends 10 and 11, which can also be referred to as end regions, the web 14 has a first mounting section 15 and a second mounting section 16, respectively, on which the two tabs 12 and 13 are arranged and, in the example, are each bent essentially vertically. Generally speaking, the retaining tabs 12 and 13 extend normal to a first main extension plane 17, in or along which the two mounting sections 15 and 16 extend.

[0036] The two mounting sections 15 and 16 are connected to one another via a central web section 18, which extends in or along a second main extension plane 19, which runs essentially parallel to the first main extension plane 17 and is offset from the first main extension plane 17 at a distance in the direction of outer, free ends 20 and 21, respectively, of the two retaining tabs 12 and 13. The two main extension planes 17 and 19 are spaced apart from one another in the normal direction by a predetermined distance 22. As a result of this measure, a type of intermediate space or free space 23 is formed between the two main extension planes 17 and 19 in the region of the central web section 18, which will be discussed in more detail below. In the region of the mounting sections 15 and 16, the battery holder 9 is mounted on the down tube 3, i.e., the frame section, for example, in a recess. The retaining tabs 12 and 13 protrude downwards from the down tube 3.The first retaining tab 12 has a support element 24 at its free end 20.

[0037] In the Figure 2 In the assembly state shown, the battery 6 is placed in one assembly step with its lower end 25 in such a form-fitting manner against the first retaining tab 12 that the battery 6 rests on the support element 24 in the region of its lower end 25. The battery 6 is positioned at an angle relative to the frame section 3 at a predetermined angle. The support element 24 defines a lower stop and thus a pivot axis for the battery 6.

[0038] Subsequently, in a second assembly step, the battery 6 is pivoted against the frame section 3 from below around the pivot axis, so that the second retaining tab 13 can interact positively with the battery 6 in such a way that the battery 6 is securely mechanically held on the down tube 3. This state is shown in Figure 3 shown schematically.

[0039] Figures 5 and 6 show the two assembly states in enlarged views, with the battery 6 and the battery holder 9 shown isolated from the bicycle 1.

[0040] For securing to the battery holder 9, the battery 6 has an opening 28 on its upper side 26 facing the battery holder 9 in the region of an upper longitudinal end 27 of the battery 6. The opening 28 is designed such that the second retaining tab 13 can be inserted into the opening 28 in the second assembly step, as shown in Figure 6 shown. The Figures 7 to 9show that the second retaining tab 13 is immersed in the opening 28 of the battery 6. In the immersed state, ie in particular in a final installed state of the battery 6, the second resilient retaining tab 13 engages with a corresponding counter-locking element 29. For this purpose, a free end 21 of the second retaining tab 13 is optionally designed to be slightly rounded outwards, so that when the battery 6 is pressed against the battery holder 9, the second retaining tab 13 is bent outwards accordingly and then springs back into its original state, in which the counter-locking element 29 is engaged behind by the second retaining tab 13.

[0041] In the exemplary embodiment, the second retaining tab 13 has a latching opening 30 into which the counter-latching element 29 engages with a latching nose. Many other latching mechanisms and designs are also conceivable which are not described here. A key advantage of the solution shown is that the locking or latching of the second retaining tab 13 to the battery 6 takes place inside the battery 6 or the housing of the battery 6. The mechanical locking, i.e. the positive engagement of the second retaining tab 13 with the battery 6, is thus inside the battery 6 and thus protected from involuntary release or impacts from the environment. Opposite the opening 28, the battery 6 has a further opening, namely an unlocking opening 31.The spring tab 13 can be manually actuated via the release opening 31, which is formed on the underside 32 of the battery 6, and released from the counter-locking element 29, so that the battery 6 can be removed from the battery holder 9. Because the second retaining tab 13 does not grip or hold the battery 6 from the outside, but rather interacts with the battery 6 internally by inserting into the opening 28, the battery 6 can fall directly into the operator's hand when the battery 6 is removed by actuating the spring tab 13. This represents considerable unlocking and operating convenience for the user.

[0042] A further aspect of the embodiment shown is a lock 33. The lock 33 is attached to the frame section 3 or the battery holder 9 and serves to lock the battery 6 in the mounted state on the frame section 3. As can be seen in particular from the Figures 8 and 9As can be seen, the lock 3 is a conventional lock in which a locking bolt or, in general, a locking element can be actuated between an unlocked and a locked position by means of a key 34. In the locked position, the locking element interacts in a form-fitting manner with the battery 6 or a part of the battery 6 in such a way that removal of the battery 6 from the battery holder 9 is blocked, even if the second retaining tab 13 is unlocked. The lock 33 can have any desired configuration, and the lock 33 is not limited to the configuration shown in the figures.

[0043] An electrical contact element 35 is optionally provided (see for example Figures 9 and 8), by means of which, in the assembled state of the battery 6, electrical contact between the battery holder 9 and the battery 6 is ensured. In the exemplary embodiment, the electrical contact element 35 is mounted in a floating manner in order to compensate for tolerances or inaccuracies in the manufacture of the battery 6. List of reference symbols

[0044] 1 Electric bicycle 2 Bicycle frame 3 Frame section 4 Bottom bracket 5 Drive device 6 Battery 7 Electric motor 8 Gearbox 9 Battery holder 10 First end 11 Second end 12 First retaining tab 13 Second retaining tab 14 Web 15 Mounting section 16 Mounting section 17 First main extension plane 18 Middle web section 19 Second main extension plane 20 Free end 21 Free end 22 Distance 23 Space 24 Support element 25 Lower end 26 Top side 27 Upper longitudinal end 28 Opening 29 Counter-locking element 30 Locking opening 31 Release opening 32 Bottom side 33 Lock 34 Key 35 Contact element

Claims

1. Electric bicycle (1) comprising a bicycle frame (2) with a frame section (3), a battery (6), and a battery holder (9) arranged on the frame section (3) and having two retaining tabs (12, 13) by means of which the battery (6) can be held in a form-fitting manner on the frame section (3), wherein the battery holder (9) is designed such that - in a first assembly step - the battery (6) can be placed on the first retaining tab (12) and then - in a second assembly step - can be pivoted against the frame section (3) in such a way that the battery (6) engages with the second retaining tab (13) and is thereby held on the bicycle frame (2), wherein - the second retaining tab (13) is resiliently designed for locking with the battery (6), - the battery (6) has a recess or opening (28) into which the second retaining tab (13) engages in the second assembly step to form a form-fitting engagement with the battery (6), and characterized in that the battery (6) has an opening (31) on an outer side facing away from the frame section (3) so that the second retaining tab (13) can be actuated and unlocked from the outside, thereby allowing the battery (6) to be removed.

2. Electric bicycle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first retaining tab (12) is designed such that the battery (6) can be placed or hooked in during the first assembly step.

3. Electric bicycle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery holder (9) is designed in one piece and the two retaining tabs (13) are connected by a web (14).

4. Electric bicycle (1) according to claim 3, wherein the web has two mounting sections (15, 16) by means of which the battery holder (9) is fixed to the frame section (3), wherein the web (14) between the mounting sections (15, 16) has a central web section (18) which is designed such that it runs at a distance from the frame section (3) so that a space (23) is formed between the frame section (3) and the central web section (18).

5. Electric bicycle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery holder (9) is made of a metal sheet.

6. Electric bicycle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a lock (33) is arranged on the frame section (3) or the battery holder (9) so that the battery (6) can be locked to the frame section (3) when mounted.

7. Electric bicycle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery holder (9) has an electrical contact element (35) which is designed to ensure electrical contact between the battery (6) and the battery holder (9) when the battery (6) is mounted.