Electric connection between an electric device and an electrically operatable vehicle, electric device, and electric vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric connection between an electric device (10) and at least one part (20) of an at least partially electrically operatable vehicle, in particular a vehicle with a serial hybrid drive. The electric device (10) has a rotational axle (16) and can be secured to the part (20) of the vehicle in an installed position (10.1). Electric energy and / or data can be transmitted from the vehicle to the electric device (10) and / or from the electric device (10) to the vehicle via the electric connection. Furthermore, at least one plug connector (11) is provided on the electric device (10), and at least one mating plug connector (21) is provided on the vehicle or on the part (20) of the vehicle in order to produce the electric connection, wherein the electric connection between the at least one plug connector (11) and the at least one mating plug connector (21) is established solely by bringing the electric device (10) into its installed position (10.1) on the vehicle. The invention proposes that the plug connector (11) is arranged directly on the rotational axle (16) of the device (10), and the mating plug connector (21) is likewise arranged on the vehicle in the region of the rotational axle (16) of the device (10). A transition piece (14) is provided on which the plug connector (11) is arranged and which bridges a distance between the device (10) and the mating plug connector (21) when the mating plug connector (21) is arranged on the vehicle at a distance from the rotational axle (16) of the device (10). The invention additionally relates to an electric device and to an electrically operatable vehicle.

Description

[0001] Electrical connection between an electrical device and an electrically operated vehicle, electrical device and electric vehicle

[0002] The invention relates to an electrical connection between an electrical device and an electrically powered vehicle, as well as to an electrical device and an electrically powered vehicle. Fully or partially electrically powered vehicles have become increasingly popular in recent years. Cargo bikes, e-bikes, and pedelecs in particular are enjoying ever-increasing popularity. Such vehicles are often powered directly by a person via pedals and assisted by one or more electric motors that can be activated as needed. The energy for the electric motors is provided by a rechargeable battery, which must be recharged or replaced periodically.

[0003] Furthermore, it is also possible to equip the vehicle with a serial hybrid drive. In this case, the vehicle is powered solely by the energy stored in the battery and one or more electric motors. A generator is connected to the pedals, which converts the energy generated when the pedals are pressed and stores it in the battery. This eliminates the need for a drive chain, makes the vehicle lighter because the mechanical drive train is eliminated, and requires less maintenance. This is particularly important in the area of ​​cargo bikes.

[0004] However, such electrically powered vehicles are problematic when one of the electrical components – the motor or the generator – is defective and needs to be replaced. This requires not only the electrical component to be mechanically removed, replaced, and reinstalled, but also the associated electrical connections to be safely disconnected and reconnected. This is not easy, especially for a layperson, if the defect occurs while driving, for example, and needs to be repaired immediately. Frequently, the connecting cable to the electrical component is damaged or torn, or the connection is faulty.

[0005] EP 4 151 513 A1 describes a motor for an electric bicycle. The motor is located in the fork of the bicycle. When the motor is mounted on the fork of the bicycle, a connector on the motor is connected to a mating connector on the fork to establish an electrical connection. This motor with connector can only be used with forks where the mating connector is a certain distance from the motor and is offset perpendicular to the motor axis. If the mating connector is located on the motor axis or arranged parallel to it, a completely differently designed motor is required, since otherwise the electrical connection to the mating connector will not work.

[0006] DE 20 2013 1102 672 Ul describes a cable connection for a motor on an electrically powered bicycle. The connector is located directly on the motor's rotational axis, and during motor assembly, a connector, which includes the mating connector, is plugged onto the connector concentrically to the motor's rotational axis. However, if the mating connector is located at a different location on the bicycle, for example, at a distance from the motor's rotational axis, this type of motor cannot be installed on this bicycle; a new motor variant is required.

[0007] The object of the invention is therefore to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages and to develop an electrical connection, as well as an associated electrical device and a corresponding vehicle, in which the electrical device can be replaced quickly and easily, even by a single person, and in which assembly can be carried out regardless of whether the mating connector is arranged in the region of the rotational axis of the device or at a distance from it. These objects are achieved by the characterizing features of claims 1, 12, and 13, which are of particular importance as follows.

[0008] The electrical device has a mounting position in which it can be attached to a vehicle or to a part of a vehicle. Furthermore, the device has at least one plug connector, whereby the vehicle has at least one mating plug connector. When the electrical device is now moved into its mounting position, the plug connector and the mating plug connector automatically engage with each other and the electrical connection is established. A separate connection for the electrical parts is therefore not necessary. This prevents damage to the electrical cables and incorrect connection, such as reversed polarity. The electrical unit can also be replaced more quickly because the electrical connection does not have to be disconnected and reconnected separately. Replacing the electrical device is easy, even by a layperson, with just a few simple steps.Furthermore, a transition piece is provided, which bridges the distance between the device and the mating connector, if necessary. This is particularly important if, due to the structural conditions of the vehicle or part of the vehicle, the mating connector is not directly provided on the receptacle. The transition piece is then mounted on the device or its housing and automatically establishes the electrical connection between the connector and the mating connector when the device is installed. The transition piece can therefore preferably have a guide that has a certain degree of rigidity, so that additional assembly, e.g., manual plugging in of the connector and the mating connector is not required.

[0009] It is particularly advantageous if the mounting position of the electrical device on the vehicle is mechanically defined in a unique manner. This means that the electrical device can only be arranged in the correct position on the vehicle; incorrect positioning is not possible. This protects the device from assembly errors because incorrect connection is not possible. The electrical device can be, for example, a motor and / or a generator. A gearbox is also an option. The motor can drive one or more of the vehicle's wheels. The generator can be used, for example, to convert energy generated by an operator when operating the pedals into electrical energy and feed it into the accumulator and / or directly drive a motor.

[0010] The device can be located near the wheel hub of a vehicle's wheel. This is particularly useful for motors that drive the corresponding wheel. Alternatively, the device can also be located near the vehicle's pedals. If the device is a generator, the operator's pedal action can be converted directly into electrical energy. The pedals can be designed to be operated by the operator either by foot or manually.

[0011] Advantageously, at least one mount is provided for the device or at least part of the device on the vehicle or on a part of the vehicle. When transferred to the installation position, the device is then inserted into the mount in its entirety or in sections. This makes correct placement and positioning of the device easier and more error-proof for an operator.

[0012] In a particular embodiment, an adapter is provided which can be attached to the vehicle or to a part of the vehicle and which has the receptacle for the electrical device. The adapter can be attached to the vehicle either detachably or permanently, for example by welding or gluing. The adapter can be designed like a capsule and have a body and a cover detachably attached to the body. The receptacle for the electrical device is then located inside the capsule. Such an adapter is particularly advantageous for accommodating a generator because it can be easily arranged between the pedals and can withstand mechanical stress.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the mating connector required to establish the electrical connection can be arranged on the receptacle or on the adapter. The connector and mating connector then automatically engage with each other when the device and the receptacle are inserted. The adapter can also be used here if the mating connector is spaced apart from the adapter.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a housing on which the connector is arranged. The connector is located on the outside of the housing. The housing protects the device well against damage, weather influences, and contamination, making it easy to handle. By arranging it on the outside of the housing, the connector is also securely positioned in an easily accessible location.

[0015] Furthermore, the invention also encompasses an electrical device for use on or in an at least partially electrically operated vehicle and suitable for establishing the electrical connection. The electrical device has at least one externally accessible connector, which then automatically engages a mating connector during installation on or in the vehicle, establishing the electrical connection. Furthermore, the device also comprises a motor and / or a generator and / or a transmission.

[0016] Finally, the invention also encompasses a vehicle comprising at least one electrical device according to the invention and at least one electrical connection according to the invention. Of course, the vehicle can also have several identical or different electrical devices according to the invention and also several or a plurality of electrical connections according to the invention. Further advantages and exemplary embodiments will become apparent from the following description, the dependent claims, and the drawings. The invention is illustrated in three exemplary embodiments in the drawings. They show:

[0017] Fig. 1 : a first embodiment of a device according to the invention in a perspective side view,

[0018] Fig. 2: the device from Fig. 1 in assembly position,

[0019] Fig. 3: a receptacle for a device according to Fig. 1 and 2

[0020] Fig. 4: the image from Fig. 3 in exploded view,

[0021] Fig. 5: the device from Fig. 1 and a transition piece, in perspective,

[0022] Fig. 6: the transition piece from Fig. 5, perspective,

[0023] Fig. 7: a guide, perspective,

[0024] Fig. 8: the transition piece from Fig. 6 and the guide from Fig. 7 in the assembled state, perspective,

[0025] Fig. 9: a device according to the invention in a second embodiment with adapter, in perspective in exploded view,

[0026] Fig. 10: the device from Fig. 9 viewed in perspective from the other direction,

[0027] Fig. 11: a device according to the invention in a third embodiment in a perspective exploded view before assembly, Fig. 12: the device from Fig. 11 viewed in perspective from the other direction,

[0028] Fig. 13: the device from Fig. 11 and 12 at the beginning of the assembly, perspective,

[0029] Fig. 14: the device from Fig. 13 viewed in perspective from the other direction,

[0030] Fig. 15: the device from Fig. 11 to 14 shortly before completion of the assembly, perspective,

[0031] Fig. 16: the device from Fig. 15 viewed in perspective from the other direction,

[0032] Fig. 17: the device from Fig. 11 to 16 in assembly position, perspective,

[0033] Fig. 18: the device from Fig. 17 viewed in perspective from the other direction.

[0034] Fig. 1 shows an electrical device 10 with a housing 13. On the outside of the device 10, a transition piece 14 is arranged, at one end of which the plug connector 11 is provided. This device 10 is intended in particular for two-sided mounting on a part 20 of a vehicle, for example on the fork of an e-bike or similar. The transition piece 14 bridges the distance between the device 10 itself and the mating connector 21. The device 10 itself also has a plug connector 11, wherein the transition piece 14 has a mating connector 21, which operatively connects to the plug connector 11 on the device 10. The mounting position 10.1 of the electrical device 10 can be seen in Fig. 2. The device is arranged on the part 20 of the vehicle, namely on the fork. By establishing the mounting position 10.1, both the connector 11 and the mating connector 21 were operatively connected to each other, and the electrical device 10 itself was securely attached to the part 20 of the vehicle. The receptacle 12 for the device 10 is located here between the two halves of the part 20 of the vehicle, as will be shown. Furthermore, the rotation axis 16 of the device 10 can be seen here. The connector 11 on the device 10 is arranged here at the opposite, non-visible end of the rotation axis 16.

[0035] A more detailed structure of this embodiment with transition piece 14 is shown in Fig. 3 and 4. The electrical device 10 has been omitted here for the sake of clarity. In Fig. 3 you can see how the mating connector 21 on the transition piece 14 is intended to interact with the plug connector 11 on the electrical device 10. The transition piece 14 is arranged in a guide 15 and at its other end has a plug connector 11 which can be brought into operative connection with the mating connector 21 on the vehicle in order to establish the electrical connection. The exploded view in Fig. 4 shows the plug connector 11 and the mating connector 21 in the unassembled state. It can also be seen that the transition piece 14 bridges the distance between the axis of rotation 16 of the electrical device 10 and the mating connector 21 on the vehicle.The holder 12 for the device 10 is arranged centrally between the two elements of the part 20 of the vehicle.

[0036] Fig. 5 shows an electrical device 10 according to the invention with a housing 13 and a transition piece 14. The transition piece 14 can be arranged on the axis of rotation 16 of the electrical device 10 and thus on the plug connector 11. The transition piece 14 is shown again in the following figures. Fig. 6 shows the transition piece 14 itself with the mating connector 21 for the plug connector 11 on the electrical device 10 and with the plug connector 11 for the electrical contact with the mating connector 21 on the vehicle. Fig. 7 shows a guide 15 into which the transition piece 14 can be inserted. This then creates the situation shown in Fig. 8. The guide 15 ensures that the plug connector 11 on the transition piece 14 comes into electrical contact with the mating connector 21 on the vehicle.

[0037] Figs. 9 and 10 show a further embodiment. Here, an adapter 30 is provided, which simultaneously forms the receptacle 12 for the electrical device 10. The adapter 30 comprises a body 31 and a cover 32, which is provided for detachable attachment to the body 31. The cover 32 is attached to the body by means of screws. However, other attachment options are also conceivable, such as clip or snap connections, bayonet locks, etc. The electrical device 10 can be accommodated in the adapter 30. This embodiment is particularly preferred for electrical devices 10 that are located near the pedals to be operated by the operator.

[0038] Figs. 11 to 16 show a third embodiment of the invention. Here, the electrical device 10 is attached to a part 20 of a vehicle on only one side. A swing arm or a dropout, for example, can serve as part 20 of a vehicle. The very simple assembly of the device 10 is also evident from Figs. 11 to 16.

[0039] Fig. 11 and 12 show an exploded view in which all parts are not yet attached to one another. The electrical device 10 is separated from the part 20 of the vehicle. The plug connector 112 and the mating plug connector 21 are also not yet in contact with one another. In Fig. 13 and 14, the electrical device 10 is plugged onto the part 20 of the vehicle. The electrical connection has also already been established, since the plug connector 11 and the mating plug connector 21 are operatively connected to one another. Finally, a fastening screw is fastened to the electrical device 10 through the part 20 of the vehicle, as shown in Fig. 15 and 16. Finally, the screw is secured with a nut, as can be seen in Fig. 17 and 18.

[0040] This assembly sequence makes it clear that the assembly and disassembly of the electrical device 10 can be carried out in just a few steps by an operator without special training. If such vehicles according to the invention are used on a large scale, breakdowns such as those that occur when one of the electrical devices fails can be quickly remedied. The same electrical device can be mounted at different locations on the vehicle, and the mating connector can be provided both near the rotational axis of the electrical device and at a distance from it, so that the same electrical device can be used for many different vehicle types and applications in the same or even in different vehicles. This is advantageous both in terms of production and storage.If several similar electrical devices are installed on a vehicle, an operator does not have to carry a spare for each electrical device in order to be able to react in the event of a breakdown.

[0041] Finally, it should be noted that the embodiments presented here are merely exemplary implementations of the invention. This is not limited to them. Rather, modifications and variations are possible. The number of electrical devices and their mounting locations are virtually freely selectable. The vehicle can also have two, three, or four wheels and can also be equipped with a trailer.

[0042] List of reference symbols: Electrical device Mounting position of 10 Connector receptacle Housing of 10 Transition piece Guide Rotation axis of 10 Part of a vehicle Mating connector Adapter Body of 30 Cover

Claims

Patent claims: Electrical connection between an electrical device (10) and at least one part (20) of an at least partially electrically operated vehicle, in particular a vehicle with a serial hybrid drive, wherein the electrical device (10) has a rotation axis (16) and can be fastened to the part (20) of the vehicle in a mounting position (10.1), wherein electrical energy and / or data can be transmitted from the vehicle to the electrical device (10) and / or from the electrical device (10) to the vehicle via the electrical connection, wherein at least one plug connector (11) is provided on the electrical device (10) and at least one plug connector (11) is provided on the vehicle orat least one mating connector (21) is provided on the part (20) of the vehicle for establishing the electrical connection, and wherein the electrical connection between the at least one plug connector (11) and the at least one mating connector (21) is established solely by the electrical device (10) being brought into its mounting position (10.1) on the vehicle, characterized in that, on the one hand, the plug connector (11) is arranged directly on the axis of rotation (16) of the electrical device (10), wherein the mating connector (21) is also arranged in the region of the axis of rotation (16) of the electrical device (10) on the vehicle, and in that, on the other hand, a transition piece (14) is provided, on which the plug connector (11) is arranged and which bridges a distance between the electrical device (10) and the mating connector (21) when the mating connector (21) is spaced from the. Rotation axis (16) of the electrical device (10) is arranged on the vehicle.

2. Electrical connection according to claim 1, characterized in that a guide (15) is provided into which the transition piece can be inserted in order to more easily establish an electrical connection between the device (10) and the vehicle when transferring the electrical device (10) into its mounting position (10.1).

3. Electrical connection according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the mounting position (10.1) of the device (10) is mechanically unambiguously defined and protected against mounting errors.

4. Electrical connection according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the electrical device (10) is a motor or a generator.

5. Electrical connection according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the device (10) is arranged in the region of the wheel hub of a wheel of the vehicle.

6. Electrical connection according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the device (10) is arranged in the region of pedals on the vehicle that can be operated by a person.

7. Electrical connection according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a receptacle (12) is provided for the device (10) or for a part of the device (10), into which the device (10) can be inserted at least in part for transfer into its mounting position (10.1).

8. Electrical connection according to claim 7, characterized in that an adapter (30) is provided which can be fastened to the vehicle or to a part (20) of the vehicle and has the receptacle (12). Electrical connection according to claim 8, characterized in that the adapter (30) is designed in the manner of a capsule and comprises a body (31) and a releasably attachable cover (32). Electrical connection according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the mating connector (21) is arranged on the receptacle (12) and / or on the adapter (30). Electrical connection according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the device (10) has a housing (13) and the plug connector (11) is arranged on the outside of the housing (13).An electrical device (10) for use on or in an at least partially electrically operated vehicle, suitable for establishing an electrical connection according to one or more of claims 1 to 11, wherein the device (10) comprises a motor and / or a generator and / or a transmission and directly or indirectly has at least one externally accessible plug connector (11) and at least one transition piece (14). An at least partially electrically operated vehicle, in particular a vehicle with a serial hybrid drive, comprising at least one electrical device (10) and at least one electrical connection according to one or more of claims 1 to 11.

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