Apparatus for establishing an electrical connection to a stored energy source - Patent 7233637

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for establishing an electrical connection of a stored energy source (14) to an electrical component of a motorcycle. The device comprises a coupling unit (12) to which the stored energy source (14) is removably fixed, and a connection module (26) for electrically connecting the components of the motorcycle. The device is characterized in that the connection module (26) is removably connected to the coupling unit (12). The connection module (26) has a plug interface (24) to an electrical plug connector (44) of the stored energy source (14). The connection module (26) has at least one connection interface (30) for coupling a terminal connector (58) of the component of the motorcycle to the connection module (26) to supply energy from the stored energy source (14) to the component of the motorcycle.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for establishing an electrical connection between a stored energy source and an electrical component of a two-wheeled vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Such a device is known, for example, from DE 10 2019204572 B3. In this case, an electrical connection with a locking device for locking an energy supply unit for a bicycle is proposed. The energy supply unit is a stored energy source, such as a rechargeable battery or accumulator, used in connection with a two-wheeled vehicle, such as a bicycle or a pedelec. This is used to supply one or more electric motors or other electrical components of the two-wheeled vehicle.

[0003] A central unit integrated into the locking device provides a fixed interface between a removable stored energy source and a bicycle component. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] DE102019204572B3 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Based on this, there is a need for a more flexible connection between the components of the two-wheeler and the energy storage system used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a device for establishing an electrical connection of a stored energy source to an electrical component of a two-wheeled vehicle. The device comprises a coupling unit to which the stored energy source is removably fixed and a connection module for electrically connecting the components of the two-wheeled vehicle. The device is characterized in that the connection module is removably connected to the coupling unit. The connection module has a plug interface to an electrical plug connector of the stored energy source. The connection module has at least one connection interface and couples a terminal connector of the component of the two-wheeled vehicle to the connection module for supplying the component of the two-wheeled vehicle with energy from the stored energy source.

[0007] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to an electric two-wheeler comprising a device as described above.

[0008] Further preferred embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims. It is understood that the features mentioned above and those described below can be used not only in the specific combinations shown, but also in other combinations or in exclusive positions, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0009] The device according to the invention has the advantage that the coupling unit, which couples the stored energy source to the motorcycle, and the connection module are removably coupled, and the connection module can be separated from the coupling unit. This means that different connection modules can be used without modifying the coupling unit. The coupling units can therefore be produced in large quantities and are correspondingly cheap. The specific requirements of individual motorcycles can be addressed using adapted connection modules. The function of holding the stored energy source provided by the coupling unit and the function of electrical connection between the stored energy source and the electrical components of the motorcycle are realised in two separate components.

[0010] The connection module forms a conversion unit, in which the various terminal connectors of the individual components of the two-wheeler are tailored and adapted to the plug connector of the stored energy source. By separating the connection module from the coupling unit, batteries and stored energy sources with different electrical connectors can be used on the electric two-wheeler without the need to replace the entire coupling unit. Only the connection module can be replaced by other connection modules with suitable plug connections and adapted plug interfaces. By selecting the appropriate connection module, the coupling unit can be individually adapted to different electric two-wheelers. Larger and cheaper production is possible, since no modifications of the coupling unit are necessary.

[0011] In addition to the holding means, the coupling unit generally also comprises a component for fixing the stored energy source to the vehicle frame. In an advantageous embodiment of the coupling unit, a lever or lever mechanism is provided by which the stored energy source can be fixed to the coupling unit. Typically, the coupling unit is connected to the frame of the electric vehicle. Often, corresponding receptacles and recesses are provided in the vehicle frame.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the connection module is integrated into the coupling unit. This creates a compact component. Alternatively, the connection module can be coupled to the coupling unit or attached to the coupling unit by means of a flange. The integrated version is preferred since it allows maximum use of the available installation space.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the connection module is designed in the form of a plate (module plate). The plate can be inserted into a corresponding recess of the connection unit. The recess can, for example, be provided on the front face of the connection unit opposite the front face of the stored energy source. Preferably, the contour of the plate is designed so that it can be inserted exactly into the recess of the connection unit. Preferably, the recess of the connection unit and the connection module in the form of a plate are adjusted to one another in such a way that the top of the plate is flush with the connection unit. For example, the connection unit can be clamped in the recess to achieve a form-fit or a press-fit. Alternatively and preferably, the connection module is screwed into the recess of the connection unit, ensuring a secure fit and a permanent hold.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the plug-in connections and the terminal connections of the connection module are arranged on both sides of the plate. Preferably, the plug connections are arranged on the side of the plate facing the connecting unit. The terminal connections are provided on the side of the plate opposite the connecting unit.

[0015] Preferably, the plug interface comprises a plug which corresponds to a plug connector of the stored energy source and can be coupled such that an electrical connection to the stored energy source can be established. Alternatively, the plug interface can also be designed as a corresponding socket.

[0016] Preferably, the coupling unit has a guide channel. The plug of the plug interface or connection module extends at least partially into the guide channel. The guide channel forms a guided connection between the plug and the electrical plug connector of the stored energy source. This allows the plug connector to reliably contact the plug of the connection module without mechanical resistance. This is particularly important since, when the stored energy source is fastened to the electric two-wheeler, the stored energy source is moved relative to the coupling unit. In this way, the plug connector of the stored energy source can be reliably placed into the plug of the connection module without jamming.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the connection module has a connection plug that corresponds to the terminal connector of the component. Preferably, the connection plug is designed with a collar that receives and holds the terminal connector of the component. The collar allows the terminal connector to be guided, so that the two components can be easily connected and at the same time a secure and reliable holding is guaranteed. Preferably, the collar has a latching connection to the terminal connector of the component, so that the electrical connection cannot be unintentionally disconnected.

[0018] Preferably, the mating plug has pins that correspond to sockets on the connector, the pins being receivable in the sockets of the terminal connector, thereby establishing a reliable electrical contact.

[0019] Both the pins and the collars of the connecting plug ensure good guidance and good contact, and the individual shapes for these elements serve to prevent confusion between the terminal connector and the connecting plug.

[0020] Preferably, the connection module has multiple connection plugs, so that one connection plug can be used for each terminal connector of a component, and it is possible to establish unique connections, for example by selecting a specially configured connection module.

[0021] Electric two-wheelers include electric bicycles, bicycles with electric auxiliary drives or electrically assisted bicycles (pedelecs), as well as e-scooters, electric scooters, electric motorcycles, etc. The stored energy sources are, for example, rechargeable batteries or accumulators. They are used, for example, to power one or more electric motors of the two-wheeler that are part of the electric motor auxiliary drive, as well as other components, such as operating elements (human machine interface, HMI), ABS units, navigation systems, lights, or externally connected devices such as mobile phones.

[0022] The present invention will be described and explained in further detail below with reference to some selected exemplary embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a holding device having two possible sources of stored energy. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 shows an apparatus having a docking unit and a separate connection module. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 shows a further embodiment of a coupling unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is another view of the connecting unit of FIG. 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] 1 shows a holding device 10 with a connecting unit 12 and two stored energy sources 14 of different lengths, both of which can be connected to the holding device 10 and held there. The holding device 10 comprises a holding rail 16. The holding rail 16 has guide elements 18 which engage in grooves 20 in order to fix the stored energy source 14, which is in the form of a battery, to the holding rail 16. The electrical stored energy source 14 can be a rechargeable battery or an accumulator.

[0025] The connection unit 12 comprises, in addition to the lockable actuating lever 22, a locking lever which can be moved together with the aforementioned actuating lever and which engages in a recess provided in the stored energy source 14 in order to lock the stored energy source 14 in the connection unit 12. In this case, an electrical connection is also established between a plug interface 24 of the connection unit 12, which is designed as a plug connection, and a plug connector arranged on an end face, not visible here, of the stored energy source 14.

[0026] The linking unit 12 in the example shown here comprises a connection module 26 integrated into the linking unit 12 .

[0027] 2 shows a detailed view of the docking unit 12 with a part of the retaining rail 16, a connection module 26 and a (partial) stored energy source 14. The connection module 26 is designed as a plate 28 and comprises a plug interface 24 and a number of connection interfaces 30. The plug interface 24 is not visible here and lies on the rear side of the plate 28. The connection interfaces 30 are arranged on the plate 28 on the side opposite the plug interface.

[0028] The connecting unit 12 has a recess 32, into which the connection module 26 extends at least partially. A frame 36, which protrudes beyond the contact surface 34 on the rear side of the connecting unit 12, surrounds the recess 32. The frame 36 can be designed, for example, in the form of a seal. In this way, the plate 28 of the connecting module can rest on the contact surface 34 and be fixed to the connecting unit 12 by fastening means in the form of screws. For this purpose, corresponding holes 38 are provided in the plate 28, which correspond to holes in the connecting unit. The space formed by the recess 32 and the plate 28 can be used to accommodate components or cables. The plate 28 has a recess on its upper side. In this recess the retaining rail extends. The plate 28 is thus flush with the retaining rail 16. Another recess at the lower end of the plate 28 corresponds to a housing part of the connecting unit 12. As a result, a flush termination is formed with the connecting unit.

[0029] The guide channel 40 is provided in the recess 32 and projects in a cylindrical shape beyond the connection side of the connection unit facing the battery. The cylindrical guide channel 40 corresponds to a groove 42 of a plug connector 44 on an end face 46 of the stored energy source 14. When the connection module 26 is fixed to the connection unit 12, the plug interface 24 of the connection module 26 projects into the guide channel 40. As shown in FIG. 1, the plug interface 24 and the guide channel 40 together form a plug connection. This establishes the connection of the stored energy source 14 to the plug connector 44. Optional guide lugs 48 in the guide channel 40 ensure an improved connection.

[0030] The connection module 26 can comprise several electronic components that can be integrated into the coupling unit 12 of the holding device 10. This means that in the assembled state, all peripherals of the electric bike can be plugged in by means of a plug interface and supplied with energy directly - no additional electronic distributor is required.

[0031] The plug interface 24 may preferably have the form of a plug 50 (FIG. 1) that corresponds to a plug connector 44 designed as a socket for the stored energy source 14 .

[0032] 3 and 4 show an alternative embodiment of the connecting unit 12 with the connection module 26. According to FIG. 3, the six connection interfaces 30 are designed as connection plugs 52. The connection plugs 52 correspond to the connection connectors 58 of the components of the electrical branch circuit. The connection plugs 52 have a collar 54. The collar 54 serves to receive and hold the terminal connectors of the components. The terminal connectors can be designed, for example, as sockets. The connection plugs 52 have one or more pins 56. The pins 56 correspond to the sockets of the terminal connectors and allow a plug-in connection. When connected, the pins 56 of the connection plugs 52 are received in corresponding receptacles in the sockets of the terminal connectors and an electrical contact is established.

[0033] Figure 4 shows the embodiment according to figure 3 of the connection module 26. In this case, however, four of the six terminal connectors 52 are equipped with radio connectors 53. On the other hand, two terminal connectors 52 are connected to corresponding terminal connectors 58 by cables that can lead to the individual components of the electric two-wheeler. Here too, different connection interfaces 30 are provided, where a different number of plugs and pins are provided. Possible components of an electric two-wheeler that can be connected to the connection module 26 and that can be supplied with energy from the stored energy source 4 are, for example, the drive motor, the tail and front lights, a possible ABS unit, an operating unit or an HMI (human machine interface).

[0034] A separate connection interface 30 is used for the electrical connection to the charging port of the electric two-wheeler, via which the stored energy source 14 is charged. In addition, a freely available plug connection, e.g. a CAN plug, can be provided, for example to supply energy to an electronic gear shift. In the example shown here, the motor connection interface 60 is not assigned. However, the charging port connection interface 62 and the tail light connection interface 64 are assigned.

[0035] The use of different connection modules for the electrical connections to the same coupling unit allows for a high degree of flexibility during assembly and can lead to cost savings. In differently configured electric two-wheelers, there are often different terminal connectors and connection cables for the components that are mounted on the two-wheeler. In this way, material, costs and weight can be saved by installing only the necessary electrical supply lines and connections.

[0036] The present invention has been comprehensively described and illustrated with reference to the drawings and description. It is to be understood that the description and explanation are illustrative and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other embodiments or variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the use of the present invention and from a careful analysis of the drawings, disclosure and the following claims.

[0037] In the claims, the words "comprise" and "with" do not exclude the presence of further elements or steps. The indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude the presence of a plurality. A single element or unit may perform several functions of the units recited in the claims. The mere mention of several measures in several different dependent claims should not be understood as meaning that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Reference signs in the claims should not be understood in a limiting manner. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 10 Holding device 12 Connecting Units 14 Stored Energy Sources 16 Retaining Rail 18 Guide Elements 20 grooves 22 Operating lever 24 Plug Interface 26 Connection Modules 28 Plate 30 Connection Interfaces 32 Recess 34 Contact surface 36 Frames 38 holes 40 Guide Channel 42 Groove 44 Plug Connector 46 End face 48 Guide lug 50 Plug 52 Connection plug 53 Wireless Connector 54 Color 56 pin 58 Terminal Connector 60 Motor connection interface 62 Charging port interface 64 Taillight connection interface

Claims

1. 1. A device for establishing an electrical connection of a stored energy source (14) to electrical components of a motorcycle, said device comprising: a coupling unit (12) to which said stored energy source (14) is removably fastened; and a connection module (26) for electrically connecting the components of said motorcycle, The connection module (26) is removably connected to the connection unit (12); the connection module (26) having a plug interface (24) to an electrical plug connector (44) of the stored energy source (14); The device is characterized in that the connection module (26) has at least one connection interface (30) for connecting terminal connectors (58) of components of the motorcycle to the connection module (26) to supply energy from the stored energy source (14) to the components of the motorcycle.

2. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection module (26) is integrated into the connection unit (12).

3. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connection module (26) is designed in the form of a plate (28) which can be inserted into a corresponding recess (32) of the connecting unit (12), preferably so that the plate (28) is flush with the connecting unit (12).

4. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plug interface (24) and the connection interface (30) are arranged on opposite sides of the plate (28).

5. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plug interface (24) comprises a plug (50) adapted to be coupled to the plug connector (44) of the stored energy source (14) to establish an electrical connection.

6. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plug (50) of the connection module (26) extends at least partially into a guide channel (40) of the coupling unit (12) to establish a guided connection between the plug (50) and the electrical plug connector (44) of the stored energy source (14).

7. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection module (26) has a connection plug (52) corresponding to a terminal connector (58) of a component, and preferably the connection plug (52) has a collar (54) that receives and holds the terminal connector (58) of the component.

8. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection plug (52) has pins (56) corresponding to sockets of the terminal connector (58), the pins (56) being receivable in the sockets and establishing electrical contact.

9. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connection module (26) has a plurality of connection interfaces (30), so that one connection interface (30) can be connected to the terminal connector (58) of exactly one component.

10. An electric two-wheeler comprising a device for establishing an electrical connection of a stored energy source (14) to electrical components of the electric two-wheeler according to claim 1 or 2.

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