DRIVE ASSEMBLY

Description

State of the art

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive arrangement and a vehicle comprising the drive arrangement.

[0002] Drive arrangements with drive units held between two walls of a frame interface are known. The drive unit is usually screwed to the two opposing walls. Typically, a gap between the drive unit and one of the walls must be bridged. Reference is made, for example, to German patent applications DE 10 2020 210864 A1, EP 3 960 605 A1, GB 2 084 525 A and US 2021 / 0197926 A1. Document DE102020210864A1 shows the preamble to claim 1.

[0003] Furthermore, adapting drive units to different frame interfaces with varying geometries is often necessary. This frequently requires complex and costly designs and modifications. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] In contrast, the drive arrangement according to the invention with the features of claim 1 is characterized by a particularly simple and cost-effective design, which enables the adaptation of drive units to different vehicle geometries in a particularly simple manner. This is achieved by a drive arrangement comprising a drive unit having at least one mounting area, wherein the drive unit has two opposing openings at the mounting area. The two openings each extend along a mounting axis. In particular, the two openings are arranged on opposite sides of the drive unit on the mounting axis. Furthermore, the drive arrangement comprises one sleeve for each opening. Each of the sleeves is inserted into one of the openings of the drive unit. The drive arrangement also comprises at least one adapter, in particular one adapter for each sleeve.The adapter is arranged and configured on one, and in particular each, of the sleeves to provide a widening of the drive unit at the mounting area and along one direction of the mounting axis. The adapter has a retaining area that surrounds the flange of the sleeve.

[0005] In other words, a drive unit is provided which can be attached to a mounting point via two sleeves inserted into openings on both sides of the drive unit. For example, the drive unit can be designed to be attached to a frame interface of the vehicle at the mounting point, and in particular by means of the sleeves. At least one adapter is provided, which is arranged on at least one sleeve. Two adapters can also be provided, with one adapter being arranged on each of the two sleeves. The adapter can adjust the width of the drive unit at the mounting point. In particular, the adapter thus forms a spacer element that increases the outer dimension of the drive unit at the mounting point compared to a configuration without an adapter.

[0006] The drive arrangement thus offers the advantage that the connection width of the drive unit can be adjusted in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner using the additional adapter(s). This is especially advantageous when the drive unit is to be positioned and attached between two relatively rigid walls of a frame interface. The adapters make it particularly easy to ensure an optimal installation position for the drive unit. Furthermore, the width of the drive unit can be adapted to different frame interfaces, for example, by omitting or replacing the adapter(s). The adapter is designed to be dimensionally stable, with a fixed thickness. This fixed thickness allows for particularly simple and cost-effective adjustment of the drive unit's connection width.The width of the drive unit can be adapted to different frame interfaces by using one or two adapters of a corresponding thickness, depending on the frame interface. Within the scope of the present invention, a dimensionally stable adapter with a fixed thickness is understood to be an adapter that has the same defined thickness both before and after installation on the drive unit and the frame interface.

[0007] The dependent claims contain preferred further developments of the invention.

[0008] Preferably, each sleeve has a shaft and a flange. The shaft of each sleeve is at least partially located within the corresponding opening of the drive unit, while the flange of each sleeve is located outside the corresponding opening. In particular, the flange can be disc-shaped and configured to rest against the outside of the drive unit when fully inserted into its opening. The adapter is located on the outer surface of the flange opposite the shaft. The adapter can thus be considered an additional element for thickening the flange. This provides a particularly simple and cost-effective arrangement.

[0009] Particularly preferably, each adapter has a disc-shaped base area which, especially when mounted on the sleeve, rests against the outer flange surface of the sleeve's flange. Preferably, the base area is designed as a disc with two parallel flat surfaces and preferably has a through-opening. This allows for a particularly simple adapter design.

[0010] According to the invention, the adapter has a holding area which, particularly when mounted on the sleeve, surrounds the flange of the sleeve. For example, the holding area can be designed as a cylindrical section projecting from the sleeve. This allows for a particularly stable mounting of the adapter on the sleeve while maintaining a simple and cost-effective design.

[0011] Preferably, a press fit is formed between the mounting area of ​​the adapter and the flange of the corresponding sleeve. In particular, the adapter is thus pressed onto the flange of the sleeve. This ensures precise relative positioning and a reliable, secure connection between the adapter and the sleeve.

[0012] Preferably, each sleeve has a damping element arranged on the side of the flange facing the drive unit. Additionally, the damping element is arranged on a radially outer side of the flange, such that it surrounds the flange radially. Specifically, the damping element is thus arranged radially between the mounting area of ​​the adapter and the flange of the sleeve. Preferably, the press fit is formed between the damping element of the sleeve and the mounting area of ​​the adapter. The damping element is made of a vibration-damping material. Preferably, the damping element is made of an elastomer. The damping element provides a certain damping effect through elastic deformation between the flange and the drive unit, as well as radially between the flange and the adapter.This allows the drive assembly to be designed simply and cost-effectively so that the drive unit is held, for example, without play in the axial direction of the openings by deforming the damping element or partially compressing it under pressure. Additionally, the damping element can reduce the transmission of vibrations and oscillations between the drive unit and the frame interface. Furthermore, the damping element advantageously provides a sealing effect between the sleeve and the drive unit.

[0013] Preferably, the damping element also surrounds the shaft at least partially, and preferably completely, in the circumferential direction. In particular, the damping element is thus designed as an overmold of the shaft, the side of the flange facing the shaft, and the radially outer side of the flange. The damping element therefore offers the advantage of vibration-optimized mounting of the drive unit to the frame interface. This has a particularly beneficial effect on the durability of bolted connections, since the vibration-damping effect reduces the transmission of oscillations and vibrations as well as alternating dynamic loads due to the spring and damping properties of the damping element. Thus, alternating mechanical stress on the bolted connection is also reduced or prevented, thereby ensuring high durability.Furthermore, this can, for example, reduce the occurrence of unwanted noise. It also offers the advantage of additional protection against corrosion, particularly galvanic corrosion, for instance, if the drive unit has a housing made of magnesium or aluminum, with the sleeves made of steel. Additionally, axial and radial sealing can be provided on the drive unit.

[0014] Preferably, each adapter has a plurality of protruding positive locking elements on its outer surface facing away from the sleeve. These positive locking elements are preferably designed to press into the wall when the drive unit is screwed to it. In particular, by pressing into the wall, the positive locking elements create a positive lock in a plane perpendicular to the fastening axis. That is, the adapter has protruding positive locking elements on its outer surface that partially dig into the wall when the drive unit is screwed to it, in particular to create a micro-positive lock in the plane of the wall surface in addition to the frictional lock resulting from the screw connection.This allows for a particularly secure screw connection of the drive unit to a vehicle frame interface, as slippage between the adapter and the wall can be reliably prevented by the positive locking elements.

[0015] Preferably, the flange of each sleeve has a plurality of protruding positive-locking elements on the outer flange surface facing away from the shaft. Preferably, the positive-locking elements of the shaft are designed to press into a wall when the drive unit is screwed to it, particularly when no adapter is provided on the sleeve. In particular, the positive-locking elements thereby create a positive connection in a plane perpendicular to the fastening axis. This allows for a particularly secure screw connection even without an additional adapter.

[0016] Preferably, the adapter is designed in two parts, comprising a base body and an insert element. The base body preferably corresponds to the disc-shaped base of the adapter. The positive locking elements are arranged, preferably exclusively, on the insert element. This means that the insert element with the positive locking elements is provided as a separate component from the rest of the adapter. This offers particular advantages in terms of manufacturing, as it allows for significantly greater flexibility in the geometry and material selection of both the adapter and the positive locking elements. Preferably, the insert element is fixed immovably to the base body.

[0017] Preferably, the insert element is designed as a sleeve and comprises an adapter shaft and an adapter flange. The adapter shaft is inserted into a through-opening in the adapter's base body. Preferably, the adapter flange extends radially outward from the adapter shaft in a disc-like shape. The positive locking elements are located on the adapter flange, particularly on an outer surface of the adapter flange that is opposite the corresponding sleeve adjacent to the adapter. Preferably, a press fit is formed between the adapter shaft and the through-opening in the adapter's base body. A sleeve-shaped insert element allows for particularly simple and cost-effective manufacturing; furthermore, the large contact area between the insert element and the base of the adapter enables optimal force transmission and distribution.

[0018] The flange of the sleeve is preferably designed in two parts, comprising a base body and an insert element. The base body and the sleeve shaft are preferably formed as a single, integral component. The positive locking elements are arranged, preferably exclusively, on the insert element. This means that the insert element with the positive locking elements is provided as a separate component from the rest of the sleeve. This offers particular advantages in terms of manufacturing, as it allows for significantly greater flexibility in the geometry and material selection of both the sleeve and the positive locking elements. Preferably, the insert element is fixed immovably to the base body.

[0019] Preferably, the insert element is arranged in a recess, particularly annular, which is preferably designed as a groove, in the base body. This results in a simple and precisely defined relative arrangement of the insert element and the base body for optimal positioning of the positive locking elements. Preferably, the insert element is held in the recess by means of an axial positive locking mechanism. That is, in the axial direction of the adapter or sleeve, at least partial areas of the insert element and the base body undercut each other in such a way that the insert element is reliably held in the recess. For example, the axial positive locking mechanism can be designed in the form of a rivet, for instance, by plastically deformed partial areas of the base body. This enables simple and cost-effective manufacturing.

[0020] Preferably, the base body and the insert element are made of different materials. It is particularly advantageous if the insert element has a greater hardness than the base body. Preferably, the base body of the sleeve flange, and preferably also the sleeve shank, is made of a steel that is well suited for cold forming. This allows for simple and cost-effective manufacturing of the sleeves. Alternatively, the adapter can preferably be made of aluminum. This allows for particularly simple and cost-effective manufacturing of the adapter. Further preferably, the insert element is made of hardened steel. This provides a particularly durable geometry of the positive locking elements, thus ensuring particularly reliable function.

[0021] The adapter's outer surface and the flange's outer surface are preferably designed identically. In particular, both the flange's outer surface and the adapter's outer surface each feature a multitude of positive-locking elements. This allows for a particularly high degree of flexibility in the drive arrangement, enabling reliable bolting to a vehicle's frame interface in any configuration, simply and without additional modifications.

[0022] Preferably, the adapter has at least one recess on its inner surface facing the flange, which is designed and configured to receive the protruding positive-locking elements of the sleeve's flange when the adapter is mounted on the sleeve. For example, the adapter can have a separate recess for each positive-locking element of the flange, or alternatively, at least one recess that can receive several positive-locking elements of the flange. This allows for easy and smooth connection of the flange and sleeve, preventing deformation of the adapter. Advantageously, this also allows the sleeve and adapter to be made of a hard material, such as steel.

[0023] The at least one recess is preferably designed as an annular groove. This allows for a particularly simple adapter design. An annular groove recess is especially advantageous when the positive locking elements of the sleeve are arranged on a circular ring.

[0024] Preferably, each positive locking element, in particular of the adapter and / or sleeve, has a projecting pyramid. In particular, the pyramid projects from the outside of the adapter or the outside of the flange. Alternatively, and more preferably, each positive locking element has, for example, a projecting cone. In other words, a plurality of pyramidal tips projecting from the surface of the adapter and / or the flange are provided as positive locking elements. The pyramids are particularly preferably pointed and have an opening angle of less than 60°, preferably less than 45°, so that they can penetrate the wall of a frame interface particularly easily.This design, with pointed pyramids as positive locking elements, is particularly advantageous when bolting the drive unit to carbon frames, i.e., to frame interfaces that consist at least partially of a fiber-reinforced, preferably carbon fiber-reinforced, plastic. The advantage here is that the pointed pyramids can embed themselves into the carbon's network structure without damaging it. In particular, the fibers are not interrupted when the pyramids penetrate, but can instead deflect and wrap around the respective pyramid.

[0025] Preferably, each positive locking element has a recess adjacent to the pyramid, particularly on the outer surface of the adapter and / or the outer surface of the flange. Preferably, the recess is designed as an annular groove. Particularly preferred is a single recess formed in the surface of the adapter or the flange, with the multiple pyramids arranged on the radial inner and / or outer surface of the annular groove. Alternatively, preferably, a separate recess can be formed for each pyramid, with the recess being arranged particularly directly adjacent to the pyramid. The recess can, for example, accommodate material from the wall displaced by the screw penetration during tightening, thus ensuring reliable and defined contact between the surface of the corresponding element and the wall.

[0026] Preferably, the drive assembly further comprises a frame interface with a first wall and a second wall. The first wall and the second wall can preferably be integrally connected by a connecting wall, for example, a U-shaped one. The drive unit is held on each of the two walls by means of at least one fastening element and by means of the sleeves. For example, the fastening element can be designed as a screw that is screwed into the sleeves or inserted through them. It is particularly advantageous if the drive unit has a through-hole, with the two openings being the end faces of the through-hole. In this case, the fastening element is advantageously a through bolt that is inserted through the through-hole and through both sleeves. This allows for a particularly simple and robust fastening of the drive unit to the frame interface.

[0027] Preferably, the fastening element is attached to the second wall, for example, screwed into the second wall. The fastening element is held axially movable on the first wall. In particular, the fastening element is held radially immovable on the first wall, especially substantially so, for example, by being arranged at least partially within a through-opening in the first wall. This allows for tolerance compensation and / or compensation for, for example, temperature-related changes in length in a particularly simple and effective manner.

[0028] Preferably, the fastening element clamps the two sleeves and the adapter against the second wall. In particular, the fastening element clamps the two sleeves between a bolt head of the fastening element and the second wall. This allows for a particularly simple compensation of tolerances between the frame interface with the two walls and the drive unit, since the axially movable bracket of the fastening element on the first wall acts as a floating bearing, while the fastening on the second wall acts as a fixed bearing.

[0029] The fastening element preferably comprises a bolt with a bolt head and a bolt shank. The bolt head is designed to bridge a gap between the first wall and the first sleeve. Preferably, the drive assembly comprises only one adapter on the side of the second wall. In other words, length compensation between the two walls is provided on the fixed-bearing side of the second wall by the adapter and on the floating-bearing side of the first wall by a corresponding extension or shortening of the bolt head. This allows for a particularly simple and cost-effective design of the drive assembly with few components.

[0030] Preferably, the drive unit is held on the walls of the frame interface by means of, preferably exactly, two mounting areas. The adapters are arranged on one of the two mounting areas, or alternatively on both mounting areas. For example, by designing the unit with adapters on both mounting areas, a narrow drive unit can advantageously be installed in various frame interfaces of greater width.

[0031] Preferably, the width of the frame interface between the first wall and the second wall is greater at a first mounting area than at a second mounting area, and preferably has a minimum and / or maximum width. The adapters are arranged, particularly exclusively, at the first mounting area. Preferably, the maximum width at the second mounting area is a maximum of 90%, more preferably a maximum of 80%, and most preferably a maximum of 70% of the maximum width at the first mounting area. This allows for a frame interface geometry optimally adapted to different applications. For example, a wide first mounting area, preferably at the front in the direction of travel, allows for a particularly stable construction. Advantageously, this facilitates the provision of a wide downtube for the vehicle, which is particularly advantageous for the simple installation of a battery in the downtube of the vehicle.

[0032] Furthermore, the invention leads to a vehicle, preferably a vehicle powered by muscle power and / or motor power, preferably an electric bicycle, which includes the described drive arrangement. The frame interface can, for example, be part of the vehicle frame.

[0033] Preferably, the vehicle comprises a vehicle frame. The frame interface of the drive assembly is an integral part of the vehicle frame; that is, the vehicle frame and the frame interface are formed as a single, integral component. The drive unit is preferably connected directly to the frame interface, i.e., without any additional intervening components. Alternatively, preferably, the frame interface of the drive assembly and / or one or both walls of the frame interface are formed as separate components from the vehicle frame and connected to the vehicle frame, preferably by bolting. For example, this allows for indirect attachment of the drive unit to the frame interface. Brief description of the drawings

[0034] The invention is described below with reference to exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the figures. In the figures, functionally identical components are identified by the same reference numerals. The figures show: Figure 1 is a simplified schematic view of a vehicle with a drive arrangement according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a detailed sectional view of a drive unit of the drive arrangement. Figure 1 Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the drive arrangement of the Figure 1 In its fully screwed-in state, Figure 4 shows a perspective detail sectional view of an adapter of the drive assembly. Figure 1 Figure 5 shows another view of the adapter. Figure 4 Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a sleeve of the drive assembly. Figure 1 Figure 7 shows another sectional view of the drive arrangement of the Figure 1 Figure 8 shows a detailed sectional view of the drive arrangement of the Figure 1Figure 9 shows another detailed sectional view of the drive arrangement of the Figure 1 Figure 10 shows a detailed sectional view of a drive arrangement according to a second embodiment of the invention, and Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the detail of the Figure 10 Figure 12 shows a detailed sectional view of a drive arrangement according to a third embodiment of the invention, and Figure 13 shows a sectional view of a drive arrangement according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. Preferred embodiments of the invention

[0035] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic view of a vehicle 100 that can be operated by muscle power and / or motor power and comprises a drive arrangement 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The vehicle 100 is an electric bicycle. The drive arrangement 1 is located in the area of ​​a bottom bracket and comprises a drive unit 2.

[0036] The drive unit 2 comprises an electric motor and a gearbox and is designed to provide motorized assistance to the rider's pedaling force generated by muscle power, using torque produced by the electric motor. The drive unit 2 is supplied with electrical energy by an electrical energy storage device 109 of the vehicle 100.

[0037] Details of the drive arrangement 1 of the first embodiment are shown in sectional views in the Figures 2 and 3 depicted.

[0038] The drive unit 2 preferably comprises a housing which is designed in multiple parts with a first housing part 2a and a second housing part 2b. A seal 2c is arranged between the two housing parts 2a, 2b to seal against fluid ingress into the drive unit 2.

[0039] The drive unit 2 further comprises two opposing openings 20a, 20b, each extending along a mounting axis 25. The two openings 20a, 20b are the end regions of a through-opening 20, which extends completely through the drive unit 2 along the mounting axis 25.

[0040] Furthermore, the drive arrangement 1 comprises two sleeves 41, 42, each of which is inserted from the outside into one of the openings 20a, 20b.

[0041] The two sleeves 41, 42 are preferably identical. Alternatively, the two sleeves 41, 42 can also be different. Each sleeve 41, 42 has a shaft 43, which is hollow and cylindrical, and a flange 44, which is an annular disc. The shaft 43 is at least partially located within the corresponding opening 20a, 20b of the drive unit 2. The flange 44 is located outside the corresponding opening 20a, 20b.

[0042] Each sleeve 41, 42 further comprises a damping element 45 which completely surrounds a radial outer surface of the shaft 43 and which is also arranged on a side of the flange 44 facing the shaft 43 and on a radially outer surface of the flange 44. The damping element 45 is made of a vibration-damping material, in particular an elastomer. Preferably, the damping element 45 is designed as an overmolding of the sleeve 41, 42.

[0043] As in the Figure 2 and 3As can be seen, the sleeves 41 and 42 are each in contact with the drive unit 2 only by means of the damping element 45. This results in the advantage of a vibration-isolated mounting of the drive unit 2 at a frame interface 3 of the vehicle 100. In addition to preventing or reducing the transmission of acoustic vibrations, which has a beneficial effect on reducing noise during the operation of the vehicle 100, the transmission of mechanical vibrations is also reduced or prevented. This prevents or reduces the damaging effect of such vibrations on the bolted connection. That is, loosening or wear of the bolted connection can be prevented or reduced. Furthermore, the elasticity of the damping elements 45 themselves allows for a certain degree of tolerance compensation.Furthermore, the elastic damping elements 45 allow a particularly reliable fluid-tight seal between sleeves 41, 42 and drive unit 2 at the through-bore 20.

[0044] In the present embodiment, the drive arrangement 1 further comprises one adapter 6 for each of the Figure 2 and 3 The sleeves 41 and 42 shown. The two adapters 6 in the Figures 2 The adapters 6 and 3 are identical in design. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the two adapters 6 can also be designed differently. In a further alternative embodiment not shown, only one of the two sleeves 41, 42 is provided with an adapter 6.

[0045] In detail, such an adapter 6 is shown in a perspective section view in the Figures 4 and 5The adapter 6 is preferably made of the same material as the flange 44 and shaft 43 of the sleeves 41, 42, preferably steel. The adapter 6 comprises a disc-shaped base section 61, which has a central through-opening 61d. Furthermore, the adapter 6 has a retaining section 62, which extends axially from the base section 61 and is designed as a wooden cylindrical ring.

[0046] The adapter 6 is designed to be positioned on the sleeve 41, 42, specifically on the outer flange 41f facing the mounting axis 25. This allows the adapter 6 to widen the drive unit 2 along the direction of the mounting axis 25. Details of the arrangement and construction of the adapter 6 are described in more detail below.

[0047] The adapter 6 has a first thickness 61c in the axial direction, which corresponds to at least a second thickness 41h of the flange 44 of the sleeve 41, 42. Preferably, the first thickness 61c is at least 1.5 times, preferably at least twice, and particularly preferably about 2.7 times, the second thickness 41h. The adapter is designed to be dimensionally stable such that the thickness 61c of the adapter 6 has a fixed value.

[0048] The adapter 6 can be attached to the flange 44 of the corresponding sleeve 41, 42 by means of the retaining area 62, wherein a press fit 62a is formed between the flange 44 and the retaining area 62. Preferably, the retaining area 62 has a predetermined height 62b in the axial direction, which is greater than the second thickness 41h of the flange 44. In particular, the press fit 62a is formed between the part of the damping element 45 surrounding the flange 44 and the retaining area 62.

[0049] As in the Figure 6, which shows a perspective view of a single sleeve 41, 42, a radially outward projecting circumferential rib 45a can be provided on the damping element 45 in the area of ​​the flange 44, making it possible to produce a particularly simple and precisely defined press connection 62a.

[0050] When the adapter 6 is attached to the flange 44 of the sleeve 41, 42, the inner surface 63 of the adapter and the outer surface 41f of the flange are in surface contact with each other. Furthermore, all openings, namely the openings 20a, 20b of the drive unit 2, the openings 61d of the adapter 6, and the openings of the sleeves 41, 42, are aligned with each other when the components are connected.

[0051] The two adapters 6 cause, as described in the Figure 2The figure shows a widening of the drive unit 2. In detail, the maximum width of the drive unit 2 at the mounting area 91 is increased. In a configuration without adapters 6, the maximum width corresponds to a first width 93b, which is defined by the axial distance between the outer flange surfaces 41f of the two sleeves 41, 42. With the two adapters 6, this maximum width of the drive unit 2 can be increased to a second width 93a, which is defined by the axial distance between the outer flange surfaces 6f of the two adapters 6. Each of the two adapters 6 has a thickness 93c.

[0052] In Figure 3 The drive unit 2 is shown in the state mounted at the frame interface 3 of the vehicle 100. The drive arrangement 1 further comprises the U-shaped frame interface 3, within which the drive unit 2 is partially accommodated (compare Figure 3The frame interface 3 is an integral part of a vehicle frame 105 of the vehicle 100 (see Figure 1 The frame interface 3 has a first wall 31 and a second wall 32, between which part of the drive unit 2 is arranged.

[0053] The drive unit 2 is attached to the frame interface 3 by means of a through bolt 5. The through bolt 5 is inserted through the two adapters 6, through the two sleeves 41, 42, and through the drive unit 2 and screwed into a nut 51 on the second wall 32. On the first wall 31, a bolt head 53 of the through bolt 5 is held axially movable and radially immovable by means of a tolerance compensation element 7. For example, the tolerance compensation element 7 can be designed, at least partially, as a sliding bearing bushing.

[0054] The screw connection is designed such that the through bolt 5 clamps the assembly consisting of the drive unit 2, sleeves 41, 42, and adapters 6 against the second wall 32. The axially movable mounting of the bolt head 53 relative to the first wall 31 allows a gap 29 between the first wall 31 and the adapter 6 on the left side to be bridged. The adapter 6 on the right side is pressed against the first wall 31 by the screw connection.

[0055] The drive unit 2 is screwed to the frame interface 3 at a total of two fastening areas 91, 92 on the two walls 31, 32 of the frame interface 3. This is shown by way of example in the Figure 7 shown, which is an alternative sectional view of the drive unit 2 of the Figure 2 shows.

[0056] In the Figure 7Also shown are a motor axis 21a, around which, for example, a rotor of the electric motor is rotatably arranged, and an output axis 22a, around which an output shaft 22 of the drive unit 2 is rotatably arranged. The motor axis 21a and crank axis 22a and the two mounting axes 25 of the mounting areas 91, 92 are parallel to each other.

[0057] As in Figure 7 As shown, adapters 6 can only be provided at the first mounting area 91 to increase the maximum width 93a of the drive unit 2 at this mounting area 91. At the second mounting area 92, in the Figure 7In the illustrated embodiment, no adapters 6 are provided, so that the maximum width 94a at this mounting area 92 is defined solely by the sleeves 41, 42. Alternatively, a precisely reversed arrangement is also possible, i.e., with adapters 6 at the second mounting area 91, and without adapters 6 at the first mounting area 91. According to a further alternative embodiment, adapters can also be provided at both mounting areas 91, 92.

[0058] This allows a drive unit 2 to be provided which has the same width at both mounting areas 91, 92. By arranging the additional adapters 6 on the sleeves 41, 42, the width can be increased as required to enable optimal mechanical connection to different frame interfaces 3 without modifying the drive unit 2 itself.

[0059] It is particularly advantageous if, as in the Figure 7As shown, two adapters 6 are arranged at the first mounting area 91, which is located in the direction of travel A in front of the second mounting area 92, and none at the second mounting area 92. This allows the drive unit 2 to be advantageously mounted on a frame interface 3 which, at a corresponding connection area located at the front in the direction of travel A, has a greater width between the first wall 31 and the second wall 32 than at a connection area located at the rear in the direction of travel A.

[0060] A further advantageous embodiment of the sleeves 41, 42 and the adapters 6, which allows a particularly reliable and mechanically secure mounting of the drive unit 2 on the frame interface 3, is described below, in particular with regard to the Figures 4 to 6 and 8 and 9 described.

[0061] The flange 44 of the sleeve 41 has a plurality of projecting positive locking elements 41c on the outer flange surface 41f. Preferably, the positive locking elements 41c are arranged in one or more, as shown in the Figure 6 preferably two circles arranged concentrically to the through-opening of the sleeve 41.

[0062] A single positive locking element 41c of the sleeve 41 is shown in a detailed sectional view in the Figure 8Each positive locking element 41c has a pyramid 41d projecting from a surface 41f of the flange 44. Alternatively, preferably, each positive locking element 41c can also have a projecting cone. The pyramid 41d is designed as a right pyramid and has an opening angle 41k of preferably less than 60°. The pyramids 41d cause the surface of the second wall 32 to be pressed into it during screwing (in the case without an adapter 6, i.e., when the sleeve 41 can rest directly against the inside of the second wall 32), thus plastically deforming the surface. This creates a micro-positive locking connection between the sleeve 41 and the second wall 32 in a plane perpendicular to the screw axis, enabling a particularly strong connection between the drive unit 2 and the frame interface 3. This reliably prevents the drive unit 2 from slipping relative to the frame interface 3.

[0063] Each positive-locking element 41c has, in addition to the pyramid 41d, a recess 41e formed on an outer circumference of the pyramid 41d and in the surface 41f of the flange 44. The recess 41e can, for example, receive material from the wall 32 displaced by the penetration of the pyramid 41d into the wall 32, so that the wall 32 and flange 44 can reliably and precisely lie flat against each other. For example, a separate recess 41e can be provided for each pyramid 41d, partially or completely surrounding the pyramid 41d. Alternatively, preferably, a single recess 41e can be formed in the surface 41f of the flange 44, on the radial inner and / or outer side of which the pyramids 41d are arranged.

[0064] Analogous to the construction of the flange outer side 41f with positive locking elements 41c, the adapter outer side 6f of each adapter 6 has a plurality of projecting positive locking elements 41c (cf. Figures 4 and 5 The design and function of the positive locking elements 41c on the adapter outer side 41f correspond to the design and function of the positive locking elements 41c on the flange outer side 41f described above.

[0065] The adapter 6 additionally has two recesses 64 on its inner surface 63, which is in contact with the outer surface 41f of the flange. These recesses 64 are designed and arranged such that, when the adapter is fitted onto the sleeve 41, 42, they can receive the positive locking elements 41c of the flange 44 of the sleeve 41, 42. In other words, this ensures that the positive locking elements 41c of the flange 44 do not press into the adapter 6, but rather that there is surface contact between the adapter 6 and the flange 44. This allows for simple assembly and high flexibility of the arrangement with a simple and cost-effective design.

[0066] As an alternative to the two separate recesses 64 designed as ring grooves, for example a single ring groove can also be provided, within which all positive locking elements 41c of the respective sleeve 41, 42 are accommodated when the adapter 6 is attached.

[0067] The outer flange surface 41f and the outer adapter surface 6f are identical. This allows for a particularly simple and advantageous design of the drive assembly 1, which, when the drive unit 2 is bolted to the frame interface 3, always provides the same mechanical properties of the connection, whether or not adapters 6 are used. This enables the drive unit 2 to be used cost-effectively on frame interfaces 3 with different geometries without complex design modifications, such as to the housing. By providing adapters 6 and / or replacing them with adapters 6 of different thicknesses, the connection can be adapted particularly easily and cost-effectively.

[0068] Figure 9Figure 1 shows a further detailed sectional view of a drive arrangement 1 of the first embodiment of the invention. The sleeve 42 has a tapered section 41g at a radially outer end of the flange 44 on the side of the flange 44 facing the shaft 43. The tapered section 41g is designed such that a difference of at least 50%, preferably a maximum of 250%, and particularly preferably 200% between the maximum thickness 41h and the minimum thickness 41i of the flange 44 corresponds to a wall thickness 43h of the shaft 43 of the sleeve 42. The thicknesses are considered along a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve 42.

[0069] The damping element 45 is designed to compensate for the tapering 41g of the flange 44. Additionally, the damping element 45 has a thickening 42g at its radially outermost end. This results in a particularly thick damping element 42 at the radially outer end of the flange 44. This has a beneficial effect on an optimal seal between the sleeve 42 and the drive unit 2.

[0070] Figure 10 Figure 1 shows a detailed sectional view of a drive arrangement 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The second embodiment essentially corresponds to the first embodiment of the invention. Figures 1 to 9 , with the difference of an alternative design of the flange 44 of the sleeves 41, 42. In the second embodiment of the Figure 10The flange 44 of the sleeve 42 is formed in two parts and comprises a base body 44a and an insert element 44b. The base body 44a is formed as a single component together with the shaft 43 of the sleeve 42. The insert element 44b is formed as a ring and is concentric to the sleeve opening of the sleeve 42 and is arranged in a groove 44g of the base body 44a. The insert element 44b is held in the groove 44g by means of an axial positive locking 44f. The axial positive locking 44f can be produced, for example, by crimping, i.e., forming, partial areas of the base body 44a. In the second embodiment, the positive locking elements 41c are arranged exclusively on the insert element 44b and are formed as part of it.

[0071] The insert element 44b is made of hardened steel, which has a significantly higher hardness than the material of the base body 44a and shaft 43. This ensures particularly high robustness and thus permanently reliable function of the positive locking elements 41c. Furthermore, the two-part design of the flange 44 allows the base body 44a and shaft 43 to be made of a steel that is well suited for cold forming. This enables the sleeves 41, 42 to be manufactured in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner.

[0072] The sleeve 41, 42 of the second embodiment of the Figure 10 is in perspective view in Figure 11 depicted. As shown in Figure 11As can be seen, the damping element 45 of the sleeve 41, 42 comprises several projections 45b in the area radially outside the flange 44. Each projection is designed as an axially extending rib that projects radially outwards. These projections 45b are evenly distributed around the circumference of the sleeve 41, 42. The projections 45b allow the adapter 6 to be easily slid onto the flange 44 of the sleeve 41, 42 by hand. Furthermore, the projections 45b create a slight compression, thus securing the adapter 6 against unintentional detachment from the sleeve 41, 42 during the assembly process.

[0073] Figure 12 Figure 1 shows a detailed sectional view of a drive arrangement 1 according to a third embodiment of the invention. The third embodiment corresponds essentially to the first embodiment of the invention. Figures 1 to 9, with the difference of an alternative design of adapter 6. In the third embodiment of the Figure 12 The adapter 6 is designed in two parts, essentially analogous to the flange 44 of the sleeve 42. Figures 10 and 11 The adapter 6 comprises a base body 61a, which corresponds to the base area 61 and is designed as a single-piece component, and an insert element 44b. The insert element 44b is concentric with the through-opening 61d and is arranged in a recess 44g of the base body 61a. The recess 44g and the insert element 44b extend to directly adjacent to the through-opening 61d. Analogous to the second embodiment of the Figures 10 and 11The insert element 44b is held in the recess 44g by means of an axial positive locking 44f, for example by crimping partial areas of the base body 44a. In the third embodiment, the positive locking elements 41c are arranged exclusively on the insert element 44b and are formed as part of it.

[0074] A combination of the second embodiment and the third embodiment is particularly advantageous.

[0075] In the third embodiment, the adapter 6 can be made of aluminum to enable a particularly lightweight, easy-to-manufacture, and cost-effective design. In contrast to the first embodiment, the inner surface 63 of the adapter can be made without recesses 64 (see figure). Figures 4 and 5) be formed. Due to the softer material of the adapter 6, the positive locking elements 41c can easily dig into the adapter 6 on the inside of the adapter 63, thereby providing an additional positive locking in this contact plane to provide a particularly precise and slip-resistant connection between sleeve 41, 42 and adapter 6.

[0076] Figure 13 Shows a sectional view of a drive arrangement 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The fourth embodiment corresponds essentially to the third embodiment of the Figure 12 , with the difference of an alternative design of adapter 6. In the fourth embodiment of the Figure 12The insert element 44b of the adapter 6 is designed as a sleeve comprising an adapter shaft 44f and an adapter flange 44g. The adapter shaft is inserted into a through-opening 61f of the base body 61a of the adapter 6 and preferably secured by means of a press fit. The positive locking elements 41c are arranged on the adapter flange 44g. This enables particularly simple and cost-effective manufacturing of the adapter 6. Furthermore, an enlarged contact area between the insert element 44b and the base body 61a allows for optimized force transmission and distribution.

[0077] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the Figure 13An adapter 6 is provided only on the fixed bearing side of the second wall 32, while the floating bearing side of the first wall 31 is without an adapter. A corresponding length compensation is achieved by an extended bolt head 53 of the fastening element 5. This allows for a particularly simple and cost-effective design of the drive assembly 1.

Claims

1. Drive arrangement of a vehicle which is operable by muscle power and / or motor power, comprising: - a drive unit (2) which has at least one fastening region (91), - wherein, at the fastening region (91), the drive unit (2) has two oppositely situated openings (20a, 20b) which extend along a fastening axis (25), - a respective sleeve (41, 42) for each opening (20a, 20b), - wherein each sleeve (41, 42) is plugged into the corresponding opening (20a, 20b), and - an adaptor (6) which is arranged on at least one of the sleeves (41, 42) and is configured for widening the drive unit (2) along the direction of the fastening axis (25), characterized in that the adaptor (6) has a holding region (62) which surrounds the flange (44) of the sleeve (41, 42).

2. Drive arrangement according to Claim 1, wherein a respective adaptor (6) is provided for each sleeve (41, 42).

3. Drive arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2, - wherein each sleeve (41, 42) has a shaft (43) and a flange (44), - wherein the shaft (43) is arranged at least partially within the corresponding opening (20a, 20b) of the drive unit (2), and - wherein the flange (44) is arranged outside the opening (20a, 20b), and - wherein the adaptor (6) is arranged on a flange outer side (41f), situated opposite the shaft (43), of the flange (44).

4. Drive arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adaptor (6) has a disc-shaped base region (61) which abuts against the flange outer side (41f) of the flange (44) of the sleeve (41, 42).

5. Drive arrangement according to Claim 1-4, wherein a pressing connection (62a) is formed between the holding region (62) and the flange (44).

6. Drive arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein each sleeve (41, 42) has a damping element (45) which is arranged on a side of the flange (44) that faces towards the drive unit (2) and on a radially outer side of the flange (44), and - wherein the damping element (45) is formed from an oscillation-damping material, - in particular wherein the damping element (45) additionally at least partially surrounds the shaft (43).

7. Drive arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adaptor (6) has a multiplicity of projecting form-fit elements (41c) on an adaptor outer side (6f), which faces away from the sleeve (41, 42), in particular wherein the form-fit elements (41c) are configured so as to be pressed into a wall (31, 32) when the drive unit (2) is screw-connected to the wall (31, 32).

8. Drive arrangement according to one of Claims 3 to 6, wherein the flange (44) of each sleeve (41, 42) has a multiplicity of projecting form-fit elements (41c) on the flange outer side (41f), which faces away from the shaft (43).

9. Drive arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the adaptor (6) is formed in two parts and comprises a base body (61a) and an insert element (44b), and - wherein the form-fit elements (41c) are arranged on the insert element (44b).

10. Drive arrangement according to Claim 9, wherein the insert element (44b) is in the form of a sleeve and has an adaptor shaft (44f) and an adaptor flange (44g), wherein the adaptor shaft (44f) is plugged into a through-opening (61f) of the base body (61a), and wherein the form-fit elements (41c) are arranged on the adaptor flange (44g).

11. Drive arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the flange (44) is formed in two parts and comprises a base body (44a) and an insert element (44b), and - wherein the form-fit elements (41c) are arranged on the insert element (44b).

12. Drive arrangement according to either of Claims 9 and 11, wherein the insert element (44b) is arranged in a recess (44c) of the base body (61a, 44a), and in particular wherein the insert element (44b) is held in the recess (44c) by means of an axial form fit.

13. Drive arrangement according to one of Claims 9 to 12, wherein the base body (44a) and the insert element (44b) are formed from different materials, in particular wherein the insert element (44b) has a greater hardness than the base body (61a, 44a).

14. Drive arrangement according to one of Claims 7 to 13, wherein the adaptor (6) has at least one indentation (64) on an adaptor inner side (63), which faces towards the sleeve (41, 42), which at least one indentation is configured for receiving the projecting form-fit elements (41c) of the flange (44) of the sleeve (41, 42), in particular wherein the at least one indentation (64) is in the form of an annular groove.

15. Drive arrangement according to one of Claims 7 to 14, - wherein each form-fit element (41c) has a projecting pyramid (41d) or a cone, - in particular wherein each form-fit element (41c) has a depression (41e) which is adjacent to the pyramid (41d) or the cone.

16. Drive arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a frame interface (3) which has a first wall (31) and has a second wall (32), - wherein the drive unit (2) is arranged at least partially between the first wall (31) and the second wall (32), and - wherein the drive unit (2) is held on each of the two walls (31, 32) by means of at least one fastening element (5) and by means of the sleeves (41, 42).

17. Drive arrangement according to Claim 16, - wherein the fastening element (5) is fastened to the second wall (32), and - wherein the fastening element (5) is held in an axially movable manner on the first wall (31).

18. Drive arrangement according to Claim 17, wherein the fastening element (5) braces the two sleeves (41, 42) and the adaptor (6) against the second wall (32).

19. Drive arrangement according to one of Claims 16 to 18, wherein the fastening element (5) comprises a bolt with a bolt head (53) and with a bolt stem (54), and wherein the bolt head (53) is configured so as to bridge a gap (29) between the first wall (31) and the first sleeve (41) or between the first wall (31) and the adaptor (6).

20. Drive arrangement according to one of Claims 16 to 19, - wherein the drive unit (2) is held on the walls (31, 32) of the frame interface (3) by means of two fastening regions (91, 92), and - wherein adaptors (6) are provided at exactly one or at both fastening regions (91, 92).

21. Drive arrangement according to Claim 20, - wherein a width of the frame interface (3) between the first wall (31) and the second wall (32) at a first fastening region (91) is greater than at a second fastening region (92), and - wherein the adaptors (6) are arranged at the first fastening region (91).

22. Drive arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adaptor (6) is designed to be dimensionally stable in such a way that a thickness (61c) of the adaptor (6) is fixed.

23. Vehicle, in particular a vehicle which is operable by muscle power and / or motor power, preferably an electric bicycle, comprising a drive arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims.