Drive housing for electric bicycle having rib structure forming ventilation assembly and / or cooling air duct

Abstract

The proposed solution relates to a drive housing, particularly for a drive unit of an electric bicycle. The drive housing (G) includes a support (L) for mounting at least a portion of the motor (M) of the drive unit (A) in an interior space (I) of the drive housing (G), a housing opening (O) connecting the interior space (I) to the surrounding exterior of the drive housing (G), and a ventilation assembly (2) disposed in the housing opening (O) and configured to allow air to flow from the interior space (I) to the exterior and to prevent liquid from entering the interior space (I) from the exterior. The ventilation assembly (2) includes a carrier part (20) mounted in the housing opening (O) and having a plurality of interconnected air guide channels (200.1, 200.3, 200.4. At least one of the air guide channels opens into the interior space (I), and the plurality of air guide channels are covered on the exterior space side by a cover member (21) fixed to the carrier part (20).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The proposed solution relates in particular to a drive housing for a drive unit of an electric bicycle. [Background technology]

[0002] Electric bicycle drive units having at least one motor drive are widely known. Typically, at least one electric motor in the drive unit is used to apply a drive torque to an output member via external driving. The output member is connected to a power transmission member, such as a belt or chain, which is connected to the rear wheel of the electric bicycle. The drive torque generated by external driving is typically applied in addition to the drive torque generated by muscle input to the pedal shaft via the pedals.

[0003] Functionally relevant components of the drive unit, such as at least one motor (e.g., at least one electric motor) of the drive unit and electronic components required for drive control, are housed within the drive housing. The drive housing can be mounted on the frame of the electric bicycle as a pre-assembled structural unit. To protect the components housed within the drive housing's interior space from moisture, the drive housing is typically hermetically closed. However, at the same time, ventilation of the drive housing and / or heat dissipation from the interior space must be possible. For this purpose, the drive housing may be provided with a housing opening through which the interior space is connected to an exterior space surrounding the drive housing. To prevent unrestricted inflow of liquid into the interior space of the drive housing through the housing opening, the housing opening may be provided with a ventilation assembly. The ventilation assembly is configured to allow air to flow from the interior space to the exterior space while preventing liquid from entering the interior space from the exterior space.

[0004] However, drive housings of electric bicycles known to date still leave room for improvement in this respect. A specific design is usually required to ensure ventilation of the drive unit through the housing openings in the drive housing. On the other hand, if the drive housing has large ventilation openings, there is a risk of liquid getting inside the drive housing, especially when cleaning electric bicycles intended for sports use with a high-pressure washer. Furthermore, existing drive housings for electric bicycles have limited optimization in terms of ergonomics and cooling air.

[0005] Therefore, there is still room for improvement in this regard. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Against this background, the proposed solution provides a drive housing for a drive unit of an electric bicycle, which has a ventilation assembly in a housing opening that allows air from the interior space to flow out into the exterior space surrounding the drive housing while preventing liquid from entering the interior space from the exterior space. In the proposed drive housing, the ventilation assembly is made up of a carrier part attached to the housing opening, which includes a plurality of interconnected air guide ducts, at least one of which opens into the interior space and which is covered on the exterior space side by a cover member fixed to the carrier part.

[0007] By providing a carrier part with a plurality of interconnected air guide ducts for air exchange between the interior space and the exterior space, the carrier part allows for relatively good branching and guiding of the air. As a result, it becomes more difficult for liquids to penetrate into the interior space of the drive housing through the air guide ducts. Furthermore, the cover element protects and covers the air guide ducts from the exterior space. The cover element fixed to the carrier part makes it more difficult for liquids to penetrate into the carrier part. Furthermore, providing a separate part in the form of a cover element allows for greater design freedom. Therefore, the cover element, which is visible from the outside of the drive housing, can be designed relatively freely without having to change the structure of the carrier part itself. The cover element allows the ventilation assembly to be integrated into the drive housing in an aesthetically pleasing way, which is advantageous for the placement of logos or brand names, for example.

[0008] In one embodiment, the air guide ducts of the carrier part are connected to each other in a labyrinth seal, connecting at least one first ventilation opening of the carrier part that opens into the interior space to at least one second ventilation opening of the ventilation assembly that opens into the exterior space. At least two ventilation openings of the ventilation assembly are fluidly connected via the labyrinth seal formed by the air guide ducts. This allows gas, and therefore air, to be exchanged between the interior space and the exterior space. However, at the same time, the intrusion of liquid into the interior space is effectively prevented.

[0009] In one embodiment, the air flow from the interior space is deflected and directed from at least one first air guide duct of the carrier part to a second air guide duct (one of the air guide ducts of the carrier part), from which the air can flow toward the exterior space. For example, warm exhaust air generated during operation of the drive unit can flow from the at least one first air guide duct as part of the air flow entering the second air guide duct of the carrier part. The resulting deflection of the air flow helps to reliably prevent liquid from penetrating back into the interior space. For example, the partition wall of the carrier part is provided with at least one passage through which air from the first air guide duct can flow into the second air guide duct of the carrier part.

[0010] In one embodiment, at least one first air guide duct of the plurality of air guide ducts of the carrier part extends along an extension axis from the interior space to the exterior space. In a further development, for example, the air flow is deflected from the first air guide duct in a radial direction relative to the extension axis to a second air guide duct of the plurality (at least two) air guide ducts via at least one passage. This passage makes it possible to direct an air flow inward or outward in a radial direction relative to the extension axis, for example to direct warm exhaust air from the interior space of the drive housing to the exterior space.

[0011] In one embodiment, the at least one third air guide duct is part of a plurality of air guide ducts of the carrier part. Air from the second air guide duct can flow into the third air guide duct through at least one connecting opening formed in a further partition wall of the carrier part. The third air guide duct may, for example, be arranged radially further outward than the second air guide duct with respect to the extension axis of the first air guide duct. For example, only air passing through the first, second, and third air guide ducts in sequence can reach the interior space of the ventilation assembly from the exterior space. Thus, in this embodiment, for air to flow from the interior space of the drive housing to the exterior space during operation of the drive unit, for example, the air must pass through the first, second, and third air guide ducts in sequence. Therefore, if liquid can enter the interior space of the drive housing, it can only do so from the opposite direction. In practice, such intrusion is virtually impossible because the first, second, and third air guide ducts are interconnected and extend in different directions.

[0012] In one embodiment, the second air guide duct and / or the third air guide duct are formed annularly on the carrier part, for example, the second air guide duct and / or the third air guide duct extend annularly around the extension axis of the first air guide duct.

[0013] To further prevent liquid from entering the internal space of the drive housing while not hindering air exchange between the internal space and the external space, in one embodiment, the air guide ducts are configured to deflect the air flow from the internal space in the carrier part multiple times (at least twice) before allowing it to flow out to the external space. According to the above embodiment, for example, first, second, and third air guide ducts are provided on the carrier part, and the air flow from the internal space is first guided along the extension axis of at least one first air guide duct, then deflected at least once along a spatial direction perpendicular to the extension axis, and then flowing into the second and third air guide ducts. In this case, the ventilation assembly may be configured so that the air flows out to the external space (e.g., directly from the third air guide duct) along a spatial direction also running perpendicular to the extension axis. For example, the air flow is guided to flow into the second and third air guide ducts along a spatial direction facing radially outward relative to the extension axis of the first air guide duct. In this case, the ventilation assembly may also be configured to allow air to flow out to the exterior space along a radially outward spatial direction.

[0014] In one embodiment, at least one first air guide duct of the carrier part opens into the interior of the drive housing through at least one first ventilation opening, which is provided with at least one breathable membrane. The provision of the breathable membrane ensures air exchange between the interior space and the exterior space, making it more difficult for contaminants and / or liquids to penetrate into the interior space. In particular, when combined with one or more of the above-mentioned measures regarding the design of the air guide duct in the carrier part, the possibility of liquids and / or contaminants penetrating into the interior space can be virtually eliminated. The air guide duct of the carrier part already prevents a large amount of dirt and liquid from the exterior space from reaching the membrane at the first ventilation opening. Even liquids and contaminants that have reached the first ventilation opening can be prevented from penetrating into the interior space by the at least one breathable membrane.

[0015] In one embodiment, the cover element has at least one specially formed air duct on its inner surface facing the carrier element, through which the air flow guided along the carrier element toward the exterior space can flow out to the exterior space. In such an embodiment, the cover element also defines a portion of the ventilation assembly for precisely directing air toward the exterior space. Via the air guide duct on the carrier element, the air flow can be guided to the at least one air guide duct defined by the cover element and then precisely discharged along the inner surface of the cover element to the exterior space. The at least one air guide duct can, for example, extend radially outward relative to the extension axis of the at least one first air guide duct opening into the interior space.

[0016] To facilitate the attachment of the cover member to the ventilation assembly and / or simplify its replacement, the cover member can be fixed to the carrier part, for example, via at least one bayonet connection. The bayonet connection between the cover member and the carrier part can be configured such that the cover member can be attached to and detached from the carrier part without the need for tools. For the detachable bayonet connection between the carrier part and the cover member, for example, a plurality of bayonet pins can be provided on the inner surface of the cover member facing the carrier part.

[0017] Essentially, the housing opening closed by the ventilation assembly can be provided in a support of the drive housing in which at least part of the motor of the drive unit is supported in the interior space of the drive housing.

[0018] For example, in this configuration, to compactly integrate the ventilation assembly, a housing opening can be provided in the drive housing around a rotation axis around which the motor shaft of the drive unit can rotate. The housing opening is provided in a wall of the drive housing axially aligned with the rotation axis. The ventilation assembly, including the carrier part and the cover member, is attached to this wall. For example, after the motor is assembled to the drive housing, the ventilation assembly is attached from the outside to the outer surface of the drive housing.

[0019] Another aspect of the proposed solution, which can be easily combined with the first aspect described above, in particular the embodiment described above, provides a drive housing with at least one rib structure having a plurality of ribs on its outer surface, wherein the cooling air duct is formed between two adjacent ribs of the rib structure and is configured to guide the incoming airflow generated by the movement of the electric bicycle along at least a part of the outer surface of the drive housing and deflect the airflow at least once in a plane in which the cooling air duct extends along the outer surface.

[0020] The outer surface of the drive housing mounted on an electric bicycle, on which the proposed rib structure is formed, may be arranged, for example, laterally, i.e., on a side along the longitudinal direction of the drive housing. This allows for precise lateral guidance of the incoming airflow along the drive housing while the electric bicycle is in motion. Through a properly configured rib structure, the airflow can be targeted to specific areas of the outer housing. Prior art known rib structures for drive housings for electric bicycles only provide localized reinforcement of the drive housing or rib structures focused on directing air in a straight line on the outer surface of the housing. The rib structure of the proposed solution not only improves the aesthetic appearance, but also allows for more precise guidance of the incoming air, for example, for cooling the drive unit during operation and improving the aerodynamics around the drive unit.

[0021] To deflect the airflow over the rib structure, a second portion of the cooling air duct is defined by the second guide portions of each of two adjacent ribs, and this second portion is continuous with and extends at an angle to the first portion of the cooling air duct defined by the two first guide portions of the same two adjacent ribs. In one embodiment, the angle between the first and second portions of the cooling air duct is, for example, in the range of 30 degrees or more, in particular 45 degrees or more. However, the angle between the first and second portions of the cooling air duct usually does not exceed 90 degrees, for example, less than 80 degrees.

[0022] At least one cooling air duct formed by the rib structure can be configured on the outer surface of the drive housing to direct air towards the shaft of the pedal shaft of the drive unit, and the rib structure can further increase the rigidity of the housing and in particular externally reinforce the bearing seat of the pedal shaft.

[0023] Basically, the cooling air ducts formed by the rib structure can be arranged parallel to one another, in particular on the outer surface of the drive housing, extending over its entire length. In one embodiment, the at least one ribbed cooling air duct is configured to direct air flow passing near the ventilation assembly according to the first aspect described above. Heat conducted to the ventilation assembly can be more effectively removed by the (cooling) air passing near the ventilation assembly. In particular, the at least one ribbed cooling air duct can be configured to direct the (cooling) air passing near at least one (second) ventilation opening in the ventilation assembly. Through this opening, air can flow from the interior space of the drive housing to the surrounding exterior space.

[0024] The proposed solution also relates to an electric bicycle having a motor drive with a drive housing according to any of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0025] This includes, for example, an embodiment in which the drive housing is fixed to a bicycle frame of an electric bicycle and is at least partially covered by a cover attached to the bicycle frame. In one embodiment, the cover on the bicycle frame has at least one air inlet through which air enters while the electric bicycle is being ridden. This air is directed from the air inlet to a rib structure on the drive housing, which defines a plurality of cooling air ducts on the outer surface of the drive housing. Thus, the at least one air inlet on the bicycle frame cover is configured to direct the incoming airflow generated while the electric bicycle is being ridden toward the rib structure of the drive housing. This airflow is split as needed among the plurality of cooling air ducts in the rib structure and directed along the outer surface of the drive housing, deflecting at least once along the way. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] The accompanying drawings show examples of possible implementations of the proposed solution. [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 shows a drive unit of an electric bicycle with an embodiment of the proposed drive housing, showing that a rib structure is formed on each of two opposing longitudinal sides of the drive housing. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 shows a drive unit of an electric bicycle with an embodiment of the proposed drive housing, showing that a rib structure is formed on each of two opposing longitudinal sides of the drive housing. [Figure 2] 1C is a partial cross-sectional view of the drive housing of FIGS. 1A and 1B, shown in cross section in the region of the vent assembly; FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 2 showing a vent assembly. [Figure 4A] 4A and 4B show exterior (FIG. 4A) and interior (FIG. 4B) views of the carrier part of the fan assembly. [Figure 4B] 4A and 4B show exterior (FIG. 4A) and interior (FIG. 4B) views of the carrier part of the fan assembly. [Figure 5A] 5A and 5B show exterior (FIG. 5A) and interior (FIG. 5B) views of a cover member of a vent assembly. [Figure 5B] 5A and 5B show exterior (FIG. 5A) and interior (FIG. 5B) views of a cover member of a vent assembly. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a partial view of the frame of an electric bicycle to which the drive unit of FIGS. 1A and 1B is attached. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] 1A and 1B show a drive unit A of an electric bicycle having a drive housing G, each showing different longitudinal sides of the drive housing G that face outward. The drive unit A houses at least one electric motor that provides the motor driving force for driving the electric bicycle. The motor driving force of the electric bicycle is provided as an auxiliary force to be used in combination with the driving force applied by the rider through muscle operation. The driving force can be applied through muscle operation via pedals located at the ends of pedal shafts T that protrude from each of the longitudinal sides of the drive housing G. The driving force can be transmitted to a power transmission member, such as a belt or chain, attached in a predetermined state to the drive unit A of the electric bicycle via a drive member supported coaxially with the pedal shaft T.

[0028] The edge connecting the two longitudinal sides of the drive housing G has multiple (in this case three) fixing positions B1, B2, B3 that can be used to fix the drive unit A to the frame of the electric bicycle.

[0029] The illustrated drive housing G has a rib structure 10 or 11 formed on its longitudinal side. Each rib structure 10 or 11 has a plurality of adjacent ribs 100 or 110 extending parallel to one another. The ribs 100 or 110 on the longitudinal side do not extend in a straight line because they extend along the respective outer surfaces of the drive housing G. Each rib 100 or 110 has two guide portions (100.1, 100.2, or 110.1, 110.2) that are continuous with one another and extend at an angle to one another. In this case, the angle is in the range of 45° to 70°. This allows for the formation of cooling air ducts (101 or 111), respectively, between adjacent ribs (100 or 110) of each rib structure (10 or 11). The ducts are configured not only to guide the incoming airflow generated at the end sides of the drive housing G as the electric bicycle moves along the respective longitudinal directions of the drive housing G, but also to deflect the incoming airflow at least once within a plane in which the cooling air ducts (101 or 111) extend along the longitudinal side surfaces. In this way, the incoming airflow is appropriately guided along the multiple cooling air ducts (101 or 111) provided on the outer surface of the drive housing G by the ribs (100 or 110) that are folded or spaced apart on one longitudinal side surface of the drive housing G. In addition, the incoming airflow is deflected in a predetermined direction on the other outer surface of the drive housing G.

[0030] In this example, the airflow generated at the end side of the drive housing G is guided and deflected in a predetermined direction toward the protruding shaft end of the pedal shaft T. In addition to the characteristic structure of the drive housing G due to the folded rib structure 10 or 11, the illustrated rib structure 10 or 11 also generates an effective cooling airflow on both outer surfaces of the drive housing G.

[0031] In this example, cooling air is directed to pass near the ventilation assembly 2 of the drive unit A by a rib structure 10 on one longitudinal side. The ventilation assembly 2 allows air exchange between the interior space I of the housing G and the surrounding exterior space. This can assist in ventilating the drive housing G during pressure fluctuations, for example, and can also assist in heat dissipation from within the drive housing G. While allowing air exchange, the ventilation assembly 2 ensures that undesirable contaminants and moisture do not enter the interior space I of the drive housing G from the exterior space. Furthermore, the ventilation assembly 2 is formed with an easy-to-assemble cover member 21, which can be used as a logo carrier 21 (see particularly Figures 2 to 5B).

[0032] A housing opening O of the drive housing G is provided with a ventilation assembly 2 shown in cross section in FIG. 2. In this example, the housing opening O is arranged around a rotation axis R, and a motor shaft W of an (electric) motor M of the drive unit A is rotatable within an internal space I of the drive housing G. In this example, the housing opening O is provided in a support L of the drive housing G, and a part of the motor M is supported by this support L. In the illustrated example, the support L has, for example, a bearing, in particular a roller bearing, and rotatably supports the shaft end of the motor shaft W. A part of a stator of the motor M may also be fixed to the support L.

[0033] The ventilator assembly 2 here consists of several parts, including in particular a carrier part in the form of a diaphragm carrier 20. The diaphragm carrier 20 is attached to a support L and is at least partially inserted into a housing opening O. A central part 200 of the diaphragm carrier 20 engages in the housing opening O in a form-fitting manner. The central part 200 is centrally located with respect to the rotation axis R of the motor shaft W.

[0034] The sealing edge 202 of the diaphragm carrier 20 continues radially to the central portion 200. This sealing edge 202 completely surrounds the rotation axis R in the circumferential direction, and abuts in a sealing manner against a part of the support portion L when the ventilation assembly 2 is assembled in a predetermined state.

[0035] The diaphragm carrier 20 has a carrier part 20A in its central part 200, which protrudes conically toward the interior space I and on which a breathable diaphragm 201 is held. Air, particularly warm exhaust air, can flow through the diaphragm 201 from the interior space I toward the exterior space surrounding the drive housing G. The air passing through the diaphragm 201 must pass through several air guide ducts (200.1, 200.3, 200.4) on the membrane carrier 20, which are connected to each other by a labyrinth seal. These air guide ducts (200.1, 200.2, 200.4) are located on the outer surface of the diaphragm carrier 20 facing the exterior space and are covered by a logo carrier 21. The logo carrier 21 is fixed to the outer surface of the diaphragm carrier 20.

[0036] As is particularly apparent from the enlarged cross-sectional view of Figure 3, the views of the diaphragm carrier 20 alone in Figures 4A and 4B, and the views of the diaphragm carrier 21 alone in Figures 5A and 5B, the diaphragm 201 closes a (first) ventilation opening 2A formed in the carrier part 20A. A first air guide duct in the form of a central diaphragm duct 200.1 opens into the interior space I of the drive housing G via this ventilation opening 2A. The central diaphragm duct 200.1 is arranged in continuation of the rotation axis R of the motor shaft W and is formed in the central inner part 200c of the diaphragm carrier 20. Air can flow radially outward from the central diaphragm duct 200.1 via passages 200.2 in its wall into the second air guide duct 200.3. In the present example, this second air guide duct is axially offset relative to the ventilation opening 2A and is formed as an annular inner duct 200.3 on the outer surface of the diaphragm carrier 20. In the present example, three passages 200.2 are provided, evenly distributed around the circumference of the end wall of the central diaphragm duct 200.1, through which air can flow from the central diaphragm duct 200.1 into the annular inner duct 200.3 (see in particular Figure 4A).

[0037] The inner duct 200.3 is bounded radially outwardly relative to the rotation axis R (which also serves as the extension axis of the central diaphragm duct 200.1) by an outer annular partition wall 200b. The outer annular partition wall 200b is formed in a recess in the diaphragm carrier 20 and protrudes towards the exterior space. This wall is provided with several (in this case three evenly distributed around the circumference) connecting openings (2001b, 2002b, 2003b) through which air from the inner duct 200.3 can flow into the radially outer annular outer duct 200.4. The third air guide duct of the diaphragm carrier 20, the outer duct 200.4, is bounded radially inward by the outer annular partition wall 200b and radially outward by a funnel-shaped wall 200a, forming the inner wall of the recess in the diaphragm carrier 20.

[0038] Air flows from the interior space I via a number of interconnected air guiding ducts (200.1, 200.3, 200.4), the passage 200.2 and the connecting openings (2001b, 2002b, 203b) which are not directly opposite each other but are offset in the circumferential direction, into the exterior space surrounding the drive housing G. This flow is only possible by being deflected multiple times by the diaphragm carrier 20. Thus, the drive housing G can be easily ventilated, while the intrusion of liquid into the diaphragm 201 from the reverse direction through the air guiding ducts (200.1, 200.3, 200.4) is virtually excluded.

[0039] To allow air to be exhausted from the second ventilation openings 2B, 2C on the drive housing G to the outer duct 200.4, the logo carrier 21 has at least one (two in this case) air guide duct 212a, 212b on its inner surface 211 facing the diaphragm carrier 20. In the example shown, the air guide ducts 212a and 212b of the logo carrier 21 extend to the radially outer ends of the logo carrier 21 and are separated from each other by a central web 213. Thus, in this example, the air guide ducts 212a and 212b extend radially. The air guide ducts 212a and 212b open into a common connection which, when the ventilation assembly 2 is assembled, faces a part of the outer duct 200.4 of the diaphragm carrier 20. This allows the air from the outer duct 200.4 to reach the air guide ducts 212a and 212b on the inner surface 211 of the logo carrier 21. The air is then guided radially outwards through the air guide ducts 212a, 212b and reaches the ventilation openings 2B, 2C on the edges of the logo carrier 21, where it flows out into the external space.

[0040] To secure the logo carrier 21 to the diaphragm carrier 20 without tools, the logo carrier 21 is provided on its inner surface 211 with a plurality of bayonet pins 214 that are circumferentially spaced apart. The bayonet pins 214 allow the logo carrier 21 to be inserted into the diaphragm carrier 20 during assembly of the drive unit A, and in particular the vent assembly 2. This allows the logo carrier 21 to be easily replaced as needed, particularly if a logo needs to be attached to the outward-facing outer surface 210 or if it is damaged.

[0041] 6 shows a portion of a bicycle frame F of an electric bicycle equipped with the drive unit A shown in FIGS. 1A to 5B. The drive unit A is fixed to the intersections of three frame members FR1, FR2, and FR3 of the bicycle frame F. For example, the frame members FR1, FR2, and FR3 are the down tube, seat tube, and chainstay of the bicycle frame F, respectively.

[0042] The drive unit A is thus arranged in the lower region of the bicycle frame F and is largely covered and protected from environmental influences without spoiling the aesthetics by a drive cover AG provided on the bicycle frame F. The drive cover AG is formed, for example, by a plastic cap fixed to the frame member FR1, i.e. the down tube of the bicycle frame F. In this example, the drive cover AG is recessed only by a cover opening AO, through which the longitudinal side surface of the drive housing G that forms the rib structure 10 or 11 is accessible and visible (only the longitudinal side surface with the rib structure 10 is shown in Figure 6).

[0043] One end of the drive cover AG is formed with a number of air intakes in the form of ventilation slots AL1 and AL2. When the electric bicycle is in motion, the air flowing into the drive cover AG flows through these ventilation slots AL1 and AL2 towards the rear of the drive cover AG and reaches the drive unit A. Via the ventilation slots AL1 and AL2, the incoming airflow of the drive cover AG is guided to the rib structures 10 and 11 on the longitudinal sides of the drive housing G. The airflow LS generated by the incoming air is guided along the cooling air ducts 101 or 111 on the outer surface of the drive housing G and is deflected at least once towards the protruding shaft end of the pedal shaft T.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 6, at least one of the air flows LS is directed to pass near the (second) ventilation openings 2B and 2C of the ventilation assembly 2. The air is discharged from the interior space I of the drive housing G through the ventilation openings 2B and 2C radially outward and, when the drive unit A is installed, downward. This allows moisture, particularly splashes of water, to seep in from below the ventilation openings 2B and 2C and potentially enter the electric bicycle against gravity during use. This can also occur when the electric bicycle is placed upright on its wheels for cleaning. However, the configuration of the ventilation assembly 2 described above virtually eliminates liquid inflow into the ventilation opening 2A inside the drive housing G, particularly past the diaphragm 201.

[0045] In addition to the aerodynamically advantageous air guidance, or at least simple deflection, of the (cooling) airflow LS along the outer surface of the drive housing G by the rib structure 10, Figure 6 illustrates the functionally oriented design of the contours of the drive housing G for inclusion in the bicycle frame F. The parallel arrangement of the cooling air ducts 101 also reflects the extension direction of the frame members FR1, FR2, FR3. In particular, the outer surface area of ​​the drive housing G formed by the rib structure 10 remains accessible through the opening AO in the frame-side drive cover G. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 10 Rib structure 100 Ribs 100.1, 100.2 Guide section 101, 111 Cooling air duct 11 Rib structure 110 Ribs 110.1, 110.2 Guide section 2 Ventilation Assembly 2A, 2B, 2C ventilation openings 20 Diaphragm carrier (carrier part) 20A carrier part 200 central part 200.1 Central diaphragm duct (first air guide duct) 200.2 Passages 200.3 Inner duct (secondary air guide duct) 200.4 Outer Duct (Third Air Guide Duct) 2001b, 2002b, 2003b Connection opening 200a funnel wall 200b Paddlewheel partition wall 200c inner part 201 diaphragm 202 Seal edge 21 Logo carrier (cover part) 210 External surface 211 Inner surface 212a, 212b air guide duct 213 Central Web 214 bayonet pin A Drive Unit AG drive cover AL1, AL2 ventilation slots (air intakes) AO cover opening B1, B2, B3 fixed position D Roller bearing F. Bicycle frame FR1, FR2, FR3 frame members G Drive housing I Interior space L support part LS Airflow Medium motor O Housing opening R Rotation axis / extension axis T Pedal shaft W motor shaft

Claims

1. A drive housing for a drive unit of an electric bicycle, comprising: a support portion (L) that supports at least a portion of the motor (M) of the drive unit (A) within the internal space (I) of the drive housing (G); a housing opening (O) connecting the interior space (I) to an exterior space surrounding the drive housing (G); a vent assembly (2) provided in the housing opening (O) and configured to allow air to flow from the interior space (I) to the exterior space and to prevent liquid from entering the interior space (I) from the exterior space; The ventilation assembly (2) comprises a carrier part (20) mounted on the housing opening (O) and having a plurality of air guide ducts (200.1, 200.3, 200.4) connected to one another; At least one of the plurality of air guide ducts opens into the internal space (I); A drive housing, characterized in that the plurality of air guide ducts are covered on the exterior space side by a cover element (21) fixed to the carrier part (20).

2. 2. A drive housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of air guide ducts (200.1, 200.3, 200.4) are connected to one another in the manner of a labyrinth seal and connect at least one first ventilation opening (2A) of the carrier part (20) opening into the interior space (I) with at least one second ventilation opening (2B, 2C) of the ventilation assembly (2) opening into the exterior space.

3. 3. A drive housing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the air flow from the internal space (I) is deflected and directed from at least one first air guide duct (200.1) of the carrier part (20) to a second air guide duct (200.3), from which it can flow into the external space.

4. 4. A drive housing according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one passage (200.2) is provided in the partition wall of the carrier part (20), through which air from the first air guide duct (200.1) can flow into the second air guide duct (200.3).

5. 5. A drive housing according to claim 1, wherein a first air guide duct (200.1) of the plurality of air guide ducts extends along an extension axis (R) extending from the interior space (I) towards the exterior space.

6. 6. A drive housing according to claim 4 and 5, characterized in that via said at least one passage (200.2) the air flow is deflected from said first air guide duct (200.1) in a radial direction relative to said extension axis (R) towards said second air guide duct (200.3).

7. At least one third air guide duct (200.4) is provided in said carrier part (20), 7. A drive housing according to claim 3, wherein air from the second air guide duct (200.3) can flow into the third air guide duct (200.4) through at least one connecting opening (2001b, 2002b, 2003b) provided in another partition wall (200b), so that only air that has passed through the first air guide duct, the second air guide duct, and the third air guide duct (200.1, 200.3, 200.4) in sequence can reach the external space from the internal space (I) in the ventilation assembly (2).

8. 8. Drive housing according to claim 7, characterized in that the second air guide duct and / or the third air guide duct (200.3, 200.4) are formed in an annular shape.

9. 9. A drive housing according to claim 5, 7 or 8, characterized in that the third air guide duct (200.4) is arranged radially outwardly in the carrier part (20) with respect to the extension axis (R) of the first air guide duct (200.1) than the second air guide duct (200.3).

10. 10. A drive housing according to claim 1, wherein the air guide ducts (200.1, 200.3, 200.4) are configured in the carrier part (20) to deflect the air flow from the interior space (I) multiple times before allowing it to flow out into the exterior space.

11. the first air guide duct, the second air guide duct and the third air guide duct (200.1, 200.3, 200.4) provided on the carrier part (20) guide the air flow from the interior space (I) along the extension axis (R) in the at least one first air guide duct (200.1) and then into the second air guide duct and the third air guide duct (200.3, 200.4) along a first spatial direction perpendicular to the extension axis (R); 11. A drive housing according to claims 3, 5, 7 and 10, characterized in that the ventilation assembly (2) is configured to allow the air to flow out to the exterior space along a spatial direction also perpendicular to the extension axis (R).

12. the first air guide duct, the second air guide duct and the third air guide duct (200.1, 200.3, 200.4) provided on the carrier part (20) guide the air flow from the interior space (I) along the extension axis (R) in the at least one first air guide duct (200.1) and then into the second air guide duct and the third air guide duct (200.3, 200.4) along a first spatial direction radially outward relative to the extension axis (R); 12. A drive housing according to claim 11, characterized in that the ventilation assembly (2) is configured to let the air flow out to the exterior space along a spatial direction that is also radially outward relative to the extension axis (R).

13. At least one first air guide duct (200.1) of the carrier part (20) opens into the interior space (I) through at least one first ventilation opening (2A), A drive housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one breathable membrane (201) is provided in said first ventilation opening (2A).

14. 14. A drive housing according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one air guide duct (212a, 212b) is provided on an inner surface (211) of the cover element (21) facing the carrier part (20), and an air flow directed by the carrier part (20) towards the external space flows into the external space through the at least one air guide duct.

15. 15. A drive housing according to any one of claims 1 to 14, when dependent on claim 5, characterized in that at least one air guide duct (212a, 212b) extends radially outward relative to the extension axis (R) of the at least one first air guide duct (200.1) opening into the interior space (I).

16. 16. Drive housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element (21) is fixed to the carrier part (20) by means of at least one plug connection.

17. A drive housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing opening (O) is provided in the support part (L).

18. 18. A drive housing according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the housing opening (O) is provided in the drive housing (G) around a rotation axis (R) about which the motor shaft (W) of the drive unit (A) can rotate.

19. A drive housing for a drive unit of an electric bicycle, the drive housing having an outer surface with at least one rib structure (10, 11) including a plurality of ribs (100, 110), A cooling air duct (101, 111) is formed between two adjacent ribs (100, 110) of the rib structure (10, 11), A drive housing, in particular as described in any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the cooling air ducts (101, 111) are configured to guide an inflowing air flow caused by the movement of the electric bicycle along at least a portion of the outer surface of the drive housing (G) so that the cooling air ducts (101, 111) deflect at least once in a plane extending along the outer surface.

20. a second portion of the cooling air duct (101, 111) is defined by two second guide portions (100.2, 110.2) of two adjacent ribs (100, 110); 20. A drive housing according to claim 19, characterized in that the second part is continuous with a first part of the cooling air duct (101, 111) defined by two first guide portions (100.1, 110.1) of the same two adjacent ribs (100, 110) as the second part, and extends at an angle to the first part of the cooling air duct (101, 111).

21. 21. A drive housing according to claim 20, characterized in that the second portion of the cooling air duct (101, 111) extends at an angle of more than 30 degrees, in particular more than 45 degrees, relative to the first portion of the cooling air duct (101, 111).

22. 22. A drive housing according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that at least one cooling air duct (101, 111) formed by the rib structure (10, 11) is configured on the outer surface to direct air towards a shaft portion of a pedal shaft (T) of the drive unit (A).

23. 23. A drive housing according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that a plurality of cooling air ducts (101, 111) extending parallel to one another are formed by the rib structure (10, 11).

24. 24. A drive housing according to any one of claims 1 to 18 and 19 to 23, characterized in that at least one cooling air duct (101, 111) of the rib structure (10, 11) directs air to pass near the ventilation assembly (2).

25. An electric bicycle comprising a motor drive unit (A) having a drive housing (G) according to any one of claims 1 to 24.

26. An electric bicycle comprising a motor drive unit (A), the motor drive unit (A) having a drive housing (G) according to any one of claims 19 to 24, the drive housing (G) being fixed to a bicycle frame (F) of the electric bicycle, The drive housing (G) is at least partially covered by a cover (AG) of the bicycle frame (F), The cover (AG) is provided with at least one air intake (AL1, AL2) through which air flows in when the electric bicycle is moving, The electric bicycle is characterized in that the air is guided from the intake ports (AL1, AL2) toward the rib structures (10, 11) of the drive housing (G).

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