System for an actuated clamping of an energy storage device in a frame of a bicycle, and bicycle

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for clamping an energy storage device (12) in a frame (4) of a bicycle (2). The system has at least one contact element (16), the frame (4), and the energy storage device (12). The system is designed to produce a contact between the frame (4) and the energy storage device (12) via the contact element (16) in a first state when the energy storage device (12) is inserted into the frame (4) in order to clamp the energy storage device (12) in the frame (4). The system is additionally designed to interrupt the contact in a second state. Furthermore, the system can be actuated using a signal in order to convert the system between the first and second state. The invention additionally relates to a bicycle (2) comprising such a system.

Description

[0001] System for actuated tensioning of an energy storage device in a

[0002] Frame of a bicycle and bicycle

[0003] The present invention relates to a system for bracing an energy storage device in a bicycle frame, wherein the system comprises at least one actuatable contact element. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a bicycle having such a system for bracing the energy storage device in a frame.

[0004] Bicycles with an energy storage device are known from the prior art, with the energy storage device located in the frame. Such bicycles are powered by energy from the energy storage device. There are various systems for locking the energy storage device in the frame.

[0005] From DE 102019 204 572 B3 a locking device for a power supply device for a bicycle is known.

[0006] Based on the cited prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved system for bracing an energy storage device in a bicycle frame. This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are set forth in the subclaims.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a system for bracing an energy storage device in a frame of a bicycle. The energy storage device can comprise a battery, an accumulator, or another chemical or, alternatively or additionally, electrical energy storage device. The bicycle can, for example, be an electrically powered bicycle such as an (S-)Pedelec, a cargo bike, a velomobile, or the like. The frame can comprise a top tube, a down tube, and a seat tube. The frame can be configured to accommodate the energy storage device. For this purpose, the frame can comprise a cutout, which can be arranged in at least one part of the frame, such as the down tube, the seat tube, or the top tube. By providing the cutout in a part of the frame, side walls can be formed in this part of the frame.For example, the down tube of the frame has the cutout and this creates two unsupported side walls on the long sides of the cutout.

[0008] The system comprises at least one contact element, the frame, and the energy storage device. The system may comprise one contact element; alternatively, the system may comprise multiple contact elements. The at least one contact element may be an actuatable contact element. Furthermore, the system may comprise a control unit configured to control the actuatable contact element.

[0009] The system is configured, when the energy storage device is inserted in the frame, to establish contact between the frame and the energy storage device via the contact element in a first state. The state can be a state of the system or alternatively or additionally a state of the at least one contact element. In the first state, the contact element can touch both the frame and the energy storage device. Alternatively or additionally, a direct connection can be established via the contact element between the frame and the energy storage device in the first state via a further element. The system is configured to establish the first state in order to clamp the energy storage device in the frame. Actuated clamping can be brought about by actuating the contact element.In the first state, a force can act from the energy storage device onto the frame via the contact element, and a counterforce of the same magnitude can act from the frame onto the energy storage device via the contact element. This can lead to the energy storage device becoming distorted in the frame in the first state.

[0010] Furthermore, the system is designed to break contact in a second state when the energy storage device is inserted in the frame. By breaking the contact between the energy storage device and the frame, the previously described tension can be released. This allows the energy storage device to be made movable relative to the frame. A user of the system, for example a cyclist, can then remove the energy storage device from the frame in the second state of the system. The user does not have to exert any additional force to release the tension. Furthermore, the system can be controlled by means of a signal in order to transfer the system between the first and the second state. By controlling the system by means of the signal, the system can be transferred from the first to the second state and alternatively or additionally from the second to the first state.Alternatively or additionally, by controlling the system using the signal, the system can be transferred to at least one further state. The control unit can be configured to determine the signal and transmit it alternatively or additionally to controlling the system.

[0011] Using the system presented here, the energy storage device can be attached and clamped to the bicycle frame in such a way that vibrations can be transferred from the frame to the energy storage device via the contact element. The energy storage device, often a heavy battery or accumulator, can act as a slowly vibrating and inertial mass. The clamping can reduce the frame's natural frequency by coupling the inertial mass of the energy storage device to the frame. The unsupported side walls of the frame cutout can be stiffened and additionally or alternatively supported by the clamping. Furthermore, vibration energy from the frame can be converted into thermal energy, for example into vibration energy of the energy storage device and alternatively or additionally of the contact elements.Furthermore, this system makes it possible to compensate for manufacturing tolerances of the energy storage device and the frame by bracing it to compensate for slight irregularities in the geometry or external dimensions of the energy storage device and, alternatively or additionally, the frame. Vibrations can occur on a bicycle with an energy storage device, for example, when an electric motor is powered by energy from the energy storage device and generates vibrations during operation. These vibrations can, for example, lead to vibrations of the frame, particularly to vibrations of the unsupported side walls. Undesirable vibration maxima can arise, particularly when the frame's natural frequencies are affected by the exciting vibrations of the electric motor.The system described here makes it possible, on the one hand, to prevent or at least mitigate vibrations by means of the bracing between the energy storage device and the frame, since the natural frequency of the frame is reduced by coupling it with the energy storage device. On the other hand, the vibrations can also be at least partially converted into thermal energy, which can reduce the vibration energy in the frame. This can lead to improved handling of the bicycle. Alternatively or additionally, this can lead to less material fatigue of the bicycle elements, for example the energy storage device or the frame, and this can lead to a longer service life of the bicycle elements.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the system can further comprise a detection device that can be configured to detect a change in the state of the bicycle. The detection device can, for example, comprise a contact sensor between the energy storage device and the frame. The detection device can further comprise a crank sensor that detects whether and, alternatively or additionally, with what frequency a crank of the bicycle is operated by the user. Alternatively or additionally, the detection device comprises a switch on a handlebar of the bicycle. Alternatively or additionally, the detection device comprises a speed sensor. The switch can be actuated by the user. A change in the state of the bicycle can, for example, be that the energy storage device is fully inserted into the frame.Alternatively, the user starts pedaling, or alternatively, the user presses the switch.

[0013] Furthermore, the system can be configured to determine the signal depending on the detected change in state and to control the system with the determined signal. The control unit can be configured to receive information about the detected change in state and to determine the signal depending thereon. The system can be transferred from the first to the second state and alternatively or additionally from the second to the first state. For example, the system can be transferred from the first to the second state if the speed sensor detects that the bicycle is moving at least at a minimum speed. The system can be transferred from the second to the first state if the speed sensor detects that the bicycle is moving at a maximum speed. The maximum speed and the minimum speed can be different or the same.This allows the energy storage device to be braced in the frame to be at least partially automated by the detection device detecting the change in the state of the bicycle. A user does not necessarily have to directly issue the signal to control the system for bracing the energy storage device in the frame. However, in one embodiment, the switch can be provided so that the user can control the system manually. The detection device can thus ensure that the energy storage device in the frame is always braced when the bicycle is being ridden or is about to be ridden and it is therefore likely that vibrations of the frame will soon occur. This means that vibrations generated during riding, for example during operation of the electric motor for riding, can be transmitted to the energy storage device via the bracing.If the bicycle is not being ridden and is stationary, for example, the second state may exist, so that the energy storage device can be easily removed by the user and the user does not have to exert force against the tension in order to remove the energy storage device from the frame.

[0014] According to a further embodiment, the system can further comprise an actuator. The actuator can comprise an actuating device. The actuator can be operated using energy from the energy storage device. The actuator can be configured to transfer the system to the first or second state depending on the signal. The control unit can be configured to send the signal to the actuator in order to control the actuator. The actuator can be part of the contact element; alternatively, the actuator can be coupled at least to the contact element in a force-transmitting manner. The contact element and the actuator can be connected to one another. The actuator can be configured to actuate the contact element, for example, to displace it. The actuator can displace the contact element such that the system can be transferred from the first to the second state and, alternatively or additionally, from the second to the first state.

[0015] Thanks to the actuator, manual actuation of the contact elements by the bicycle user is not necessary. The user does not have to exert any force to tighten or release the tension. According to a further embodiment, the actuator can comprise a pneumatic system. The pneumatic system can comprise a storage tank, a working medium, a pump, and connecting hoses. The pneumatic system can comprise an actuatable piston, wherein the piston can be axially displaceable within a cylinder of the pneumatic system. At least one of the piston or the cylinder can be connected to the contact element in order to displace the contact element.

[0016] Pneumatics can be used to implement simple and cost-effective actuation of the contact element.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, the actuator can comprise a hydraulic system. The hydraulic system can be provided in combination with the pneumatic system; alternatively, only the pneumatic system or only the hydraulic system can be provided. The hydraulic system can comprise hoses, a storage tank, a working medium, and a pump. Furthermore, the hydraulic system can comprise a piston axially movable in a cylinder, as well as the cylinder itself. At least one of the cylinder or the piston can be connected to the contact element to actuate the contact element by means of the hydraulic system.

[0018] Using hydraulics, a simple, easy-to-maintain and cost-effective embodiment of the actuator for actuating the contact element is shown.

[0019] According to a further embodiment, the actuator can comprise an intelligent material. The actuator can comprise the intelligent material in addition to the pneumatics and alternatively or in addition to the hydraulics. Alternatively, the actuator can comprise only at least one intelligent material. An intelligent material can be a piezo element, for example. A voltage change can lead to a change in the geometry or external dimensions of the piezo element. Energy for this can be provided by the energy storage device. Alternatively or additionally, the intelligent material can comprise a memory material, which can be changed by a change in temperature. By controlling the intelligent material, the contact element can be actuated and transferred between the first and second states.By using a smart material, the most efficient actuator possible can be created, eliminating the need for supply lines, a working fluid, pumps, or tanks, for example, compared to hydraulics or pneumatics. This can simplify the design of the bicycle. Combining the actuator with a smart material with at least one of the hydraulics or pneumatics can reduce the likelihood of actuator failure, as if one part of the actuator fails, the other part can still function independently.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the system can further comprise a mechanical lever. The mechanical lever can be coupled to the intelligent material of the actuator in a force-transmitting manner. The mechanical lever can be configured, in combination with the intelligent material, to transfer the system into the first or second state. Thus, the intelligent material can have a small extension, and the mechanical lever can be mechanically and force-transmittingly coupled to the intelligent material in such a way that this small movement can be converted into a larger movement. This can lead to a complete actuation or actuation of the contact element by the actuator.

[0021] By providing the mechanical lever, a smart material can also be used that exhibits only small relative geometric changes during actuation of the smart material. The mechanical lever can then convert this small relative change into a larger change, allowing the contact element to be completely transformed from one state to another. More complex, expensive, or even larger smart materials can thus be dispensed with when the smart material is used in combination with the mechanical lever.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the system can be convertible between the first and the second state when the energy storage device is fully inserted into the cutout of the frame. The system can only be convertible when the energy storage device is fully inserted into the cutout of the frame. If the energy storage device is not fully inserted or inserted into the frame, for example only partially or not at all, the system cannot be convertible between the states. Fully inserting or inserting the energy storage device into the frame can be inserting or inserting it up to a stop. The stop can be defined by the presence of an electrical connection between the energy storage device and the frame.

[0023] This ensures that tensioning only occurs when electrical contact has been made between the energy storage device and the frame. This ensures that the bicycle can be operated using energy from the energy storage device when tensioned. Furthermore, it can be ensured that energy from the energy storage device can be made available for tensioning. If, for example, the system could be converted from the first to the second state when the energy storage device has not yet been fully inserted into the frame, the tensioning could then result in the energy storage device not being able to be pushed any further into the cutout in the frame. This could then result in no electrical contact being established between the energy storage device and the frame. This could impair the use of the bicycle.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the at least one contact element is arranged on the energy storage device. The actuator can also be arranged on the energy storage device.

[0025] By arranging the contact element on the energy storage device, the actuator can always be supplied with energy from the energy storage device.

[0026] According to a further embodiment, the at least one contact element can be arranged on the frame. The actuator can also be arranged on the frame.

[0027] By arranging the contact element on the frame, the weight of the energy storage device can be reduced. Furthermore, the maximum spatial dimension of the energy storage device, or of a frame of the energy storage device, can be reduced, since it does not need to accommodate the contact element or actuator. This can lead to a lighter design of the bicycle.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, the system has a plurality of contact elements, such as an even number of contact elements, for example four, six, or eight contact elements. The contact elements can be arranged between the energy storage device and the frame. The contact elements can be arranged on two opposite sides of the energy storage device, for example on long sides of the energy storage device. Alternatively or additionally, the contact elements can be arranged on two opposite side walls of the frame, for example on the inside of the side walls. The contact elements can be arranged symmetrically. At least one contact element can also be arranged on an end face of a longitudinal extension of the cutout or alternatively or additionally on an end face of the energy storage device.Alternatively, a continuous contact element can be arranged along an edge or surface between the energy storage device and the frame. This can result in a continuous connection between the energy storage device and the frame, in contrast to individual contact elements, which can cause a point-like tension and connection between the energy storage device and the frame.

[0029] By providing multiple contact elements, the bracing and connection between the energy storage device and the frame can be improved. Energy and vibration transmission between the energy storage device and the frame can be improved. By providing individual, for example discrete, contact elements between the energy storage device and the frame, vibration transmission between the energy storage device and the frame can be particularly efficient, for example if these contact elements are arranged at locations of vibration maxima of the frame. This can then result in the energy storage device being easier to remove from the frame in the second state when the energy storage device is not bracing in the frame. If a continuous or continuous contact element is provided, particularly strong vibration transmission can be achieved.During the design of the frame and bicycle, it is then possible to forgo determining frame-specific vibration maxima, for example through simulation, in order to be able to optimally arrange the discrete contact elements. This can reduce development work and costs. In such a case, however, removal in the second state may be more difficult than with discrete contact elements, since potentially more connection surface can be provided between the energy storage device and the frame. In the case of discrete contact elements, a lower clamping force may also be necessary, which can save energy with regard to the energy stored in the energy storage device, which is used to operate and actuate the contact elements by means of the actuator.

[0030] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a bicycle with a system according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention. The bicycle can be an e-bike, an (S-)pedelec, an e-motorcycle, an e-scooter, or an e-scooter. The system can be used to brace the energy storage device in the frame.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a bicycle according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0032] Fig. 2a shows a system of the bicycle from Fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0033] Fig. 2b shows elements of the system shown in Fig. 2a.

[0034] Fig. 2c shows further elements of the system shown in Fig. 2a.

[0035] Fig. 3a shows an energy storage device according to an embodiment of a system of the bicycle from Fig. 1 .

[0036] Fig. 3b shows an energy storage device according to an embodiment of a system of the bicycle from Fig. 1 .

[0037] Fig. 1 shows a bicycle 2 according to an embodiment of the invention. The bicycle 2 has a frame 4. The frame 4 has a down tube 6 in which a cutout 8 is provided. The cutout 8 points downwards towards the ground on which the bicycle 2 stands. The cutout 8 forms two side walls 10, which are arranged opposite one another and laterally on the down tube 6. The bicycle 2 also has an energy storage device 12, which in Fig. 1 is fully inserted into the cutout 8. Also schematically shown are a lever 20 on a handlebar of the bicycle 2, a pedal crank sensor 22 and a contact sensor 24. The bicycle 2 also has an electric motor 14, which is configured to drive the bicycle using energy from the energy storage device 12.

[0038] Fig. 2a shows elements of a system according to one embodiment of the invention. The system according to one embodiment of the invention comprises the frame 4 as well as the energy storage device 12 and contact elements 16. In Fig. 2a, the energy storage device 12 is removed from the frame 4. Six contact elements 16 can be seen, which are arranged on the side walls 10 of the cutout 8.

[0039] In comparison to Fig. 2a, which shows a perspective view of the system, Fig. 2b shows a bottom view of the energy storage device 12 in the inserted state in the frame 4. Contact elements 16 connect the energy storage device 12 to the side walls 10. Additionally, Fig. 2b schematically shows a mechanical lever 18.

[0040] Fig. 2c shows a perspective view of part of the down tube 6. It shows schematically how actuators 26, 28, 30 are connected to the contact element 16 and the mechanical lever 18.

[0041] When, as shown in Fig. 2b, the energy storage device 12 is fully inserted into the frame 4, the energy storage device 12 can be clamped to the frame 4. This represents a first state of the system. For clamping, one of the actuators 26, 28, 30 is provided to actuate the contact element 16. As shown in Fig. 2a, the contact element 16 is arranged, for example, on the frame 4, and the actuator 26, 28, 30 can push the contact element 16 towards the energy storage device 12 to clamp the energy storage device 12 in the frame 4. For clamping, the actuator 26, 28, 30 is controlled by a signal from a control unit (not shown).

[0042] A detection device 20, 22, 24 is configured to detect a change in the state of the bicycle 2 and send this information to the control unit. The control unit is configured to determine the signal for controlling the actuator 26, 28, 30 based on this change. If the lever 20 is actuated, a change in the state of the bicycle 2 occurs, and the signal for controlling the actuator 26, 28, 30 is determined. If, for example, the rider moves the lever 20, thereby indicating that the energy storage device 12 should be tensioned, the signal for controlling the actuator 26, 28, 30 is determined such that the energy storage device 12 is tensioned in the frame 4. When the lever 20 is moved to another position, the actuator 26, 28, 30 is controlled such that the energy storage device 12 is no longer clamped in the frame 4, which represents a second state of the system.The detection device 22 further comprises a pedal crank sensor 22, which detects whether and with what frequency a crank of the bicycle 2 is actuated by the rider. For example, if the rider pedals, tensioning occurs. If the rider stops pedaling, the system is transferred to the second state, and the energy storage device 12 is no longer tensioned in the frame 4. Furthermore, a contact sensor 24 is provided, which can detect contact between the energy storage device 12 and the frame 4. If contact is detected, the signal for the actuator 26, 28, 30 is determined such that the energy storage device 12 is tensioned in the frame 4. One type of detection device 20, 22, 24 is sufficient.

[0043] A pneumatic system 26 is provided, which is only partially and schematically shown in Fig. 2c. The contact element 16 is actuated by means of the pneumatic system 26. Furthermore, a hydraulic system 28, which also actuates the contact element 16, is only shown schematically. Furthermore, an intelligent material 30, by means of which the contact element 16 is actuated, is only shown schematically. In combination with the intelligent material 30, the lever 18 functions so that the contact element 16 can be completely transferred from the first to the second state and from the second to the first state, even with small geometric changes in the intelligent material 30. The control unit is configured to control one of the pneumatic system 26, the hydraulic system 28, and the intelligent material 30 using the specific signal in order to transfer the system to the first or second state. One type of actuator 26, 28, 30 is sufficient.

[0044] In the case shown in Fig. 2a, the system cannot be transferred from the first to the second state or from the second to the first state because the energy storage device 12 is not fully inserted into the frame 4. Only when, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2b, the energy storage device 12 is fully inserted into the frame 4 can the system be transferred from the first to the second state. Only then can the contact elements 16 establish contact between the energy storage device 12 and the frame 4, thus clamping the energy storage device 12 in the frame 4.

[0045] Fig. 3a shows an embodiment of an energy storage device 12 of a system according to one embodiment. Three discrete contact elements 16 are shown on one side of the energy storage device 12. In contrast, Fig. 3b shows a continuous contact element 16 on an energy storage device 12 according to one embodiment of the system. In contrast to the energy storage device 12 from Fig. 3a, the contact element 16 is formed on the energy storage device 12 in such a way that contact is established between the energy storage device 12 and the frame 4 along a continuous edge or surface. The bracing between the energy storage device 12 and the frame 4 is thus particularly strong. In contrast, with the discrete contact elements 16 from Fig.3a, efficient bracing is possible, which is limited to force transmission and contact between energy storage device 12 and frame 4 only at points of potential vibration maxima of frame 4. Reference symbol.

[0046] Bicycle

[0047] Frame

[0048] down tube

[0049] Cutout in the down tube of the frame

[0050] Side wall of the cutout

[0051] Energy storage device

[0052] electric motor

[0053] Contact element mechanical lever

[0054] lever

[0055] Crank sensor

[0056] Contact sensor

[0057] Pneumatics

[0058] Hydraulics

[0059] Piezo element

Claims

Patent claims 1. System for clamping an energy storage device (12) in a frame (4) of a bicycle (2), wherein the system has at least one contact element (16), the frame (4) and the energy storage device (12), wherein the system is configured, when the energy storage device (12) is inserted in the frame (4), to establish contact between the frame (4) and the energy storage device (12) via the contact element (16) in a first state in order to clamp the energy storage device (12) in the frame (4), and to interrupt the contact in a second state, and wherein the system can be controlled by means of a signal in order to transfer the system between the first and the second state.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a detection device (20; 22; 24) which is configured to detect a change in state of the bicycle (2), and wherein the system is further configured to determine the signal as a function of the detected change in state and to control the system with the determined signal.

3. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises an actuator (26; 28; 30) which is arranged to transfer the system into the first or second state in dependence on the signal.

4. System according to claim 3, wherein the actuator (26) comprises a pneumatic (26).

5. System according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the actuator (28) comprises a hydraulic system (28).

6. System according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the actuator (30) comprises an intelligent material (30).

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the system further comprises a mechanical lever (18) configured, in combination with the intelligent material (30), to transfer the system to the first or second state.

8. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system is transferable between the first and second states when the energy storage device (12) is fully inserted into a cutout (8) of the frame (4).

9. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one contact element (16) is arranged on the energy storage device (12).

10. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one contact element (16) is arranged on the frame (4).

11. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises a plurality of contact elements (16) arranged between the energy storage device (12) and the frame (4).

12. Bicycle (2) with a system according to one of the preceding claims for bracing the energy storage device (12) in the frame (4).

Images