Drive system and vehicle

Abstract

[Solution] The present invention relates to a drive device for a vehicle that can be driven using muscle power and / or motor power, comprising an L-shaped frame interface (3) and a drive unit (2), the L-shaped frame interface (3) having a bottom (31), a side wall (32) and an open side (66) facing the bottom (31), and the drive unit (2) can be mounted, in particular horizontally, via the open side (66) of the frame interface (3) and is releasably fixed to the bottom (31) of the frame interface (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive device, a vehicle having this drive device, and a method for manufacturing the drive device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, drive devices for vehicles such as electric bicycles are known. In this case, the drive device is screwed to the vehicle frame of the vehicle. In this case, the drive unit is often partially arranged between two wall portions of the vehicle frame. For connection, often an indirect screw connection between the vehicle frame and the drive unit is made via sheet metal arranged on both sides of the drive unit. In this case, in a common form, there is a gap between the drive unit and the second wall portion to be screwed. To bridge this gap, for example, one holding sheet metal can be deformed until it abuts against the wall portion. However, this has an adverse effect on the mechanical load and the sealing of the drive device.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] In contrast, the drive device according to the present invention having the features of claim 1 is superior in that it can provide a particularly simple and robust structure suitable for adjusting the optimal load state in the drive unit. This is achieved by a drive device having a drive unit with a bottom bracket shaft and a frame interface. In this case, the frame interface is configured in an L shape. The L-shaped frame interface has a bottom and side walls, with the side facing the bottom being the open side. The drive unit can be mounted horizontally to the frame interface via this open side, parallel to or along the bottom bracket shaft of the drive unit, in this case being removably fixed to the bottom, preferably screw-coupled. Unlike the prior art in which the drive unit is fixed to a U-shaped frame interface and can only be mounted to the frame interface vertically, for example, by insertion, the L-shaped frame interface according to the present invention allows the drive unit to be positioned horizontally on the frame interface and then fixed, for example, screw-coupled. This can provide a drive device that can be mounted horizontally in particular.

[0004] The bottom of the frame interface is positioned particularly on the driven side of the drive unit, and is positioned approximately perpendicular or right-angle to the bottom bracket axis of the drive unit. In this case, the side walls are positioned approximately perpendicular to the bottom and approximately parallel to the bottom bracket axis of the drive unit. The side on which the chain blade is located relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle is considered the driven side of the drive unit. The driven side is formed by the transmission outlet on the chain blade side of the drive unit. A U-shaped frame interface known in the prior art has one bottom and two side walls, the two side walls forming the legs of the U-shaped frame interface. The side facing the bottom is open. The drive unit can be mounted vertically through this open side facing the bottom. In this case, the drive unit is inserted from bottom to top, or selectively from top to bottom, in a preferred manner. The bottom of this known frame interface is positioned approximately parallel to the bottom bracket axis of the drive unit. Therefore, the two side walls, positioned approximately perpendicular to the bottom, are located on the driven side of the drive unit, and on the side of the drive unit facing this driven side. Thus, the open side of the U-shaped frame interface in the prior art faces downward, so assembly is performed vertically from bottom to top. Selectively, the open side of the U-shaped frame interface in the prior art may face upward, so assembly is performed vertically from top to bottom. Unlike this known U-shaped frame interface, according to the arrangement configuration of the present invention having an L-shaped frame interface, the open side facing the bottom is positioned so that assembly is possible from the side in a horizontal direction. The concepts of "horizontal" and "vertical" relate to the general arrangement of drive units in the frame interface of vehicles that can be driven using muscle force and / or motor power, in particular electric bicycles. In this type of general arrangement of drive units in a frame interface, the bottom bracket axis of the drive unit is generally oriented horizontally. Thus, horizontal assembly is assembly that is generally parallel to or along the bottom bracket axis.Furthermore, the vertical assembly is generally perpendicular to the bottom bracket axis of the drive unit.

[0005] In this case, the bottom and side walls define a receiving chamber, particularly for the frame interface. The drive unit is preferably located at least partially within the receiving chamber of the frame interface.

[0006] In the L-shaped arrangement of the side walls and bottom, the side walls may be annular in shape, partially or completely surrounding the bottom. In a fully annular side wall, a bowl-shaped configuration of the frame interface is obtained. Preferably, the bottom may be continuously constructed. Optionally, the bottom may have one or more notches through which, for example, parts of a drive unit or other components can protrude. Preferably, the side walls may be continuously constructed. However, the side walls may have one or more notches through which, for example, parts of a drive unit or other components can be penetrated and engaged. The multiple notches provided may optionally have another function; for example, these multiple notches may be used to heat the drive unit without allowing multiple parts of the drive unit to protrude through them.

[0007] Furthermore, the bowl-shaped configuration of the frame interface can provide mechanical protection for the drive unit against, for example, flying stone impacts, mechanical contact, or other ambient influences. The bowl-shaped frame interface can also provide particularly high strength to all configurations. For example, the side walls provide a particularly large contact area with the drive unit, thereby enabling particularly good distribution of mechanical load. For instance, this allows the load transmitted from the vehicle frame to the drive unit to be evenly distributed to the drive unit, for example, when strong braking is performed.

[0008] The drive unit, in a preferred form, comprises a housing and a bottom bracket shaft, and in particular, a motor and / or transmission within the housing.

[0009] The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0010] The drive unit is screw-coupled to the bottom, particularly via a fixed bearing device. The fixed bearing device is formed, in particular, by the bottom being screw-coupled to at least one thread, preferably a threaded sleeve, of the housing of the drive unit by at least one threaded pin, preferably one screw. Specifically, the drive unit and the bottom are screw-coupled directly using at least one screw. In a preferred form, at least one screw is screwed into the drive unit from the outside of the frame interface through an opening in the bottom. This can provide a particularly robust coupling between the drive unit and the frame interface.

[0011] In a preferred configuration, at least one holding area of ​​the drive unit is located between the holding member and the bottom. In this case, the holding member is fixed to both the side wall and the drive unit.

[0012] Particularly preferably, the drive unit is configured such that, when the drive unit is fully fixed, at least one retaining area of ​​the drive unit is subjected to a predetermined tension or pressure between the retaining member and the bottom. Fully fixed means, in particular, that all screws are screwed in to a predetermined target torque until they stop. The tensile or compressive load is preferably adjusted by the retaining member being appropriately adapted to the tolerances of the retaining area of ​​the drive unit and the frame interface so that a corresponding predetermined tensile or compressive load is obtained after screw coupling. Selectively or additionally, the tensile or compressive load is preferably adjusted by specially adapted contact points for the drive unit at the bottom of the frame interface. In a preferred form, for compressive load, the tolerance of the drive unit is adjusted so that the retaining member contacts the retaining area of ​​the drive unit before screw coupling, and at the same time a gap is created between the retaining member and the side wall of the frame interface. For example, by full screw coupling, this gap is closed and at least the retaining area of ​​the drive unit is compressed and tightened between the retaining member and the bottom. Selectively, preferably for tensile loads, the tolerance of the drive unit is adjusted so that the retaining member abuts the side wall before screw coupling, and at the same time a gap is created between the retaining member and the retaining area of ​​the drive unit. For example, this gap is closed by screw coupling, and at least the retaining area of ​​the drive unit is subjected to tension between the bottom and the retaining member. This allows for the adjustment of the optimal desired load state of the drive unit in a particularly simple form.

[0013] In other words, the retaining member is located on the side of the drive unit's holding area that faces the bottom. In this case, the retaining member is fixed, preferably screw-connected, to the end face of the side wall and the drive unit, respectively, via a floating bearing device. For example, the drive unit is held at least partially within the receiving chamber by the fixing of the retaining member. Furthermore, the load condition of the drive unit can be adapted particularly easily and appropriately by adjusting the gap between the retaining member and the drive unit or between the retaining member and the side wall.

[0014] Preferably, the retaining member is an elastically deformable plate-like member. An elastically deformable plate-like member allows for tolerance adjustment between the frame interface and the drive unit in a particularly simple form and method, and can be individually adapted to the geometry of both the frame interface and the drive unit. Furthermore, the use of a ductile material with a small inherent weight enables a particularly lightweight structure.

[0015] Preferably, the drive unit has exactly two retaining members to enable particularly simple and secure coupling between the drive unit and the frame interface.

[0016] More preferably, the retaining member is a flat metal sheet. A flat metal sheet as a retaining member allows for a particularly simple and inexpensive structure for a drive device with a small weight. It is particularly preferable if the drive device has two retaining members, each of which is a flat metal sheet. In this case, in a preferred form, each metal sheet is screwed to its side wall with just one screw and screwed to the retaining area of ​​the drive unit with two screws.

[0017] Particularly preferred is the retaining member being a stepped metal sheet having two flat metal sheet sections. In this case, the two flat metal sheet sections are arranged parallel to each other while maintaining a predetermined offset. In this case, the offset of the two metal sheet sections is considered to be that of the retaining member in an unscrewed state, i.e., when the retaining member is not subjected to any mechanical load. Preferably, the offset can be changed by screw coupling, for example, by bridging the gap using the retaining member. Preferably, the first flat metal sheet section is screwed to the retaining area of ​​the drive unit, and the second flat metal sheet section is screwed to the side wall. Using the stepped metal sheet, the tensile or compressive load of the retaining area of ​​the drive unit can be adjusted particularly easily and appropriately, especially by appropriately adjusting the offset.

[0018] More preferably, the retaining member is a cover that abuts against the entire end face of the side wall of the frame interface. This preferably covers the open side of the entire receiving chamber. In a preferred form, the cover is constructed in a shape similar to the bottom and preferably, together with the L-shaped frame interface, forms a generally closed receiving chamber. For example, the cover may have several notches through which parts of the drive unit or other members can protrude. The cover may be made of, for example, plastic or selectively metal, such as aluminum. The cover can provide particularly good protection for the drive unit from ambient influences.

[0019] Particularly preferred, the cover has at least one opening, and for each opening, one elastomer element and one sleeve. In this case, the elastomer element and sleeve are positioned within the opening and screw-coupled to a drive unit using a single screw. The screw coupling is performed such that the sleeve is pressed against the elastomer element using the screw, and the elastomer element is pressed against the drive unit. In this process, the sleeve is in contact with the drive unit, particularly in the final state, and preferably therein the elastomer element is within a force bypass. In this case, the elastomer element enables a particularly secure and robust screw coupling, because, for example, the predetermined flexibility of the elastomer element can dampen vibrations or impacts to avoid damage. In a preferred form, the elastomer element further allows for tolerance adjustment of the screw coupling by expanding radially through compression using the sleeve and contacting the inner wall of the opening. This fixes the elastomer element within the opening in the axial and radial directions, thereby fixing the cover and the drive unit relative to each other.

[0020] More preferably, the cover is configured as a spring-elastic cover. In this case, the drive unit is clamped between the contact area of ​​the cover and the bottom of the frame interface. This may be done, for example, by shape fastening. Shape fastening may be achieved, for example, by appropriate centering between the contact area of ​​the cover and the drive unit. Selectively and / or additionally, fastening may be done by friction fastening. In friction fastening, the drive unit is clamped under pressure between the contact area of ​​the cover and the bottom of the frame interface.

[0021] Preferably, the drive unit further has at least one fixing screw, and the contact area is directly screw-connected to the drive unit using this fixing screw. In particular, the contact area and the drive unit are screw-connected to each other using at least one fixing screw until they stop, in a fully screw-connected state of the drive device. This allows for particularly robust fixing of the drive unit.

[0022] Preferably, the cover is configured to apply a compressive force of at least 50N, preferably at least 200N, and advantageously up to 1600N to the drive unit, particularly at each screw-fastening point between the cover and the bottom, while fully screw-connected. In this case, the drive unit is observed in a stationary state, i.e., a stationary state in which no dynamic load, such as that from the vehicle's operation, acts on the drive unit. This ensures that a compressive load is always present on the drive unit, even under dynamic loads on the frame device. This can ensure particularly reliable sealing of the drive unit, especially if, for example, the drive units have housing halves that are coupled to each other.

[0023] Particularly preferable is a cover that is configured in the shape of a dish, bearingThe cover has a support region and a stepped spring region. In this case, the support region surrounds the contact region. The support region can be screw-coupled to the side wall of the frame interface. Preferably, in the screw-coupled state, only the support region of the cover is in contact with the side wall of the frame interface. The spring region connects the contact region and the support region to each other. In particular, the spring region is configured to connect the contact region and the support region spring-elastically, that is, to connect the contact region and the support region to each other in such a way that they flex, and in this case, the spring region generates a reset spring force. In other words, the cover is therefore based on the principle of a disc spring. This makes it possible to obtain the spring elasticity of the cover in a simple form with an inexpensive cover configuration in order to reliably produce a tightened state under pressure.

[0024] In a preferred configuration, the contact area and support area of ​​the cover are positioned parallel to each other, maintaining a predetermined offset when the cover is not screwed in, and especially when unloaded. The predetermined offset is designed such that a predetermined compressive force is applied to the drive unit by the spring elasticity of the cover when the contact area of ​​the cover is fully screwed to the sidewall of the frame interface, i.e., until it stops.

[0025] More preferably, the cover is configured to snap-fit ​​such that the contact area snaps into place from one side of the retaining plane to the other side of the retaining plane, relative to the retaining plane on which the retaining or support area is located. In particular, the retaining plane is a symmetrical plane of the retaining region, that is, preferably located in the center between the two surfaces of the retaining region. In other words, the cover has two non-working positions, and in particular, one cover exists in each of these non-working positions, preferably according to the principle of a disc spring. This allows for particularly simple operation of the drive unit. For example, this allows the retaining region to be screwed to the side wall of the frame interface until it stops, and then the contact area to be pressed toward the drive unit so that it snaps into place and, after snapping, tightens the drive unit toward the cover.

[0026] Particularly preferably, the cover is configured such that snap-fitting occurs immediately when the contact area is moved beyond a predefined tilting plane in the direction towards the holding plane. In a preferred form, the tilting plane coincides with the holding plane. Optionally, the tilting plane may be arranged at a distance from the holding plane. That is, in order to initiate snap-fitting, the holding area has to be moved in the direction towards the holding plane, i.e., in the direction towards the holding area, against the spring force of the spring area, and after passing the tilting plane, snap-fitted into a corresponding further non-operating position.

[0027] In a preferred form, the side wall completely surrounds the receiving chamber in the circumferential direction. That is, the receiving chamber is completely annularly closed by the side wall. Thereby, particularly good mechanical protection of the drive unit against ambient influences is obtained, and moreover, a particularly uniform load distribution between the drive unit and the frame interface can be obtained.

[0028] Even more preferably, the side wall has at least one notch, and thus the receiving chamber is open on the side. In a preferred form, the notch extends over at least 20%, preferably at most 80% of the entire circumference of the side wall. In a preferred form, the notch extends over the entire height of the side wall. The notch in the side wall can provide a particularly inexpensive frame interface with a smaller weight. Also, the notch provides good accessibility to the drive unit.

[0029] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vehicle, preferably a vehicle that can be driven using muscle power and / or motor power, preferably an electric bicycle equipped with the drive device.

[0030] Preferably, the vehicle has a vehicle frame, in which case the frame interface is an integral component of the vehicle frame. In a preferred form, the frame interface is coupled to the down tube and / or seat tube and / or chain stay of the vehicle frame, and particularly preferably is coupled using a welded joint or a threaded joint or an adhesive joint. In particular, the frame interface is arranged such that the bottom bracket axis of the vehicle extends through the drive unit and the frame interface. In a preferred form, the frame interface is arranged such that the bottom bracket axis is positioned generally at a right angle to the bottom of the frame interface. By incorporating the frame interface within the vehicle frame, a particularly simple structure is obtained that enables a robust and well-protected arrangement of the drive unit. Furthermore, particularly simple assembly of the drive unit is possible, since access to the receiving chamber is only required from one side.

[0031] Particularly preferably, the bottom of the frame interface is also arranged on the driven side of the drive unit. This enables particularly simple access to the frame interface for assembling the drive unit, and at the same time enables optimal power transmission within the region of the drive device during operation of the vehicle. Based on the force of the chain, a high force acts on the drive device on the driven side. Here, since the bottom of the preferably bowl-shaped frame interface is located, this force can be particularly evenly distributed. Thus, if the drive unit is preferably directly coupled to the bottom, for example by means of a plurality of threaded connection points distributed on the bottom, a particularly direct force transmission between the drive unit and the frame interface can be obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032] [Figure 1] It is a cross-sectional view of a drive device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a detail of a side view of a vehicle having the drive device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3]Figure 1 is a detailed view of the frame interface of the drive unit. [Figure 4] This is a detailed view of the holding member of the drive device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a detailed cross-sectional view of a drive device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a detailed view of another cross-sectional view of the drive unit shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] This is a detailed side view of a vehicle having a drive system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of a drive device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a detailed diagram of a drive device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the drive unit during assembly. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view of the drive unit in its fully assembled state, as shown in Figure 9. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle that can be driven using muscle power and / or motor power, preferably an electric bicycle. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] The present invention will be described below using the embodiments shown in the drawings. In the drawings, functionally identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0034] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a drive unit 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The drive unit 1 is a part of an electric bicycle (not shown). The arrow indicated by reference numeral B indicates the assembly direction of the drive unit, which is generally perpendicular to the direction of travel (see Figure 12). Another diagram of the drive unit 1 of the first embodiment is shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0035] The drive device 1 has a drive unit 2, which has a motor and / or a transmission. Furthermore, the drive device 1 has a frame interface 3. The frame interface 3 is preferably bowl-shaped and has an L-shaped bottom 31 and side walls 32. The bottom 31 and side walls 32 define, for example, a receiving chamber 30, within which the drive unit 2 is partially positioned. In this case, the drive unit 2 is in contact with the bottom 31 at multiple support points 37 (see Figure 3 or Figure 9, not shown in Figure 1) on the bottom 31.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1 and also in Figure 3, the bottom portion 31 has a notch 35 through which a part of the drive unit 2 can at least partially protrude.

[0037] Furthermore, the drive unit 1 has a retaining member 4, which is made of a flat metal plate. The retaining member 4 is screw-connected to the side wall 32 of the frame interface 3 using a first screw 5, and is further screw-connected to the drive unit 2 using two second screws 6 (see Figure 2). As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, both screws 5 and 6 are screwed through the retaining member 4 from the same side into the side wall 32 or into the drive unit 2.

[0038] Additionally, the drive unit 2 is directly screw-coupled to the bottom 31 of the frame interface 3 from the opposite side. This screw coupling is not shown in Figures 1 and 2, but a corresponding hole 70 in the bottom 31 is shown in Figure 3, through which the screw is threaded into the drive unit 2.

[0039] Figure 1 shows the drive unit 1 in a state where it is not yet fully screw-connected. In other words, in the state shown in Figure 1, screws 5 and 6 have not yet been tightened to the predetermined target torque and stopped. As can be seen from Figure 1, in this case, a gap 9 exists between the retaining member and the end face 32a of the side wall. For example, this gap 9 may result from manufacturing tolerances or may be intentionally created during the manufacturing of the frame interface 3.

[0040] When screws 5 and 6 are fully tightened to a predetermined target torque, the retaining member 4 deforms until it contacts the end face 32a of the side wall 32 and a bending load is applied. As a result, a corresponding bending force is applied to the retaining region 20 of the drive unit 2, so that pressure is applied to the retaining region 20 between the retaining member 4 and the bottom 31. The pressure applied to the drive unit 2 provides mechanical fixation that is particularly advantageous for the long service life of the drive unit 2. Moreover, the compressive stress works to the advantage of reliable sealing of the drive unit 2, for example, if the drive unit 2 has a housing formed from housing halves (see Figure 8, 64) that are screw-connected to each other.

[0041] As can be seen in Figure 2, the side wall 32 completely surrounds the drive unit 2 in the circumferential direction. This provides particularly good protection for the drive unit 2. Furthermore, the bottom bracket shaft 110 is shown. Direct mechanical action on the drive unit 2, such as that caused by flying debris impacts or objects hitting it, is prevented, for example, by the frame interface.

[0042] Furthermore, Figures 7 and 9 show the connection of the frame interface 3 within the vehicle frame 105 of the electric bicycle. The frame interface 3 and the drive unit 2 are located around the bottom bracket axis 110 of the electric bicycle. In this case, the frame interface 3 is connected to the down tube 106 and seat stay 107 of the vehicle frame 105 by a single weld joint, respectively.

[0043] Furthermore, the frame interface 3 has a joint 8, which is incorporated within an opening 80 in the side wall 32. This joint 8 pivotably connects the chainstay 108 of the spring-damped rear structure of the electric bicycle (see Figure 7) to the frame interface 3.

[0044] The frame interface 3 is adjusted on the vehicle frame 105 so that its bottom portion 31 (not shown in Figure 2) is positioned on the driven side 60 of the drive unit 2, that is, closer to the chain blade 109 than to the drive unit 2. In this case, the frame interface 3 is open on the side opposite to the chain blade 109.

[0045] The frame interface 3, shown in detail in the perspective view of Figure 3, is preferably a cast component formed from aluminum or an aluminum alloy. In this case, the support points 37 for the drive unit 2 are manufactured by milling after the casting of the frame interface 3. Immediately in the same setting, all screws 5 or 6 Holes 50, 70 (50 is not required for all embodiments, see Figure 10) and an opening 80 for the joint 8 are drilled, in which case particularly high precision is possible for all machined members, and especially high precision relative to one another.

[0046] Figure 4 shows a detailed view of the retaining member 4 of the drive unit 1 according to the second embodiment. The drive unit 1 of the second embodiment, which has a variation of the retaining member 4 shown in Figure 4, is shown in Figures 5 and 6. The second embodiment is generally equivalent to the first embodiment in Figures 1 to 3, but differs in the alternative retaining member 4. In the second embodiment, the retaining member 4 is a stepped metal sheet having two flat metal sheet sections 41, 42. The two metal sheet sections 41, 42 are arranged parallel to each other and, as shown in Figure 4, are positioned with a predetermined offset 44 from each other without being screw-connected.

[0047] The offset 44 is designed so that a compressive or tensile load exists in the holding area 20 of the drive unit 2 when the drive unit 1 is fully screw-coupled. In a preferred form, the offset 44 is determined depending on the tolerances of the drive unit 2 and the frame interface 3. Two examples of variations are shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0048] Figure 5 shows a retaining member 4 with an offset 44, which is designed so that when the first metal sheet section 41 of the retaining member 4 is in contact with the retaining area 20 of the drive unit 2 in the unscrewed state, a gap 9 exists between the second metal sheet section 42 and the side wall 32 of the frame interface 3. When the screws 5,6 are fully tightened, the retaining member 4 The second thin metal sheet section 42 is bent until it contacts the side wall 32. This causes the holding region 20 to be subjected to pressure between the holding member 4 and the bottom 31 via the holding member 4.

[0049] Figure 6 shows an alternative configuration of the retaining member 4. In this case, the offset 44 is designed so that a gap 9 exists between the first metal sheet section 41 and the retaining area 20 when not screw-connected. In this state, the second Metal sheet section Since 42 is already in contact with the side wall 32, when screws 5 and 6 are fully tightened, the holding area 20 of the drive unit 2 will be subjected to tension.

[0050] Figure 7 shows a detailed side view of a vehicle having a drive unit 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment is generally equivalent to the first embodiment in Figures 1 to 3, but differs in that the frame interface 3 is configured to be open on the side. In detail, the side wall of the frame interface 3 32 In this third embodiment, the side wall 32It has a notch 33 that extends over approximately 30% of its circumferential surface. In this case, the notch 33 is located vertically downward and forward of the frame interface 3 in the direction of travel. The notch 33 enables a particularly simple, inexpensive, and weight-saving structure for the frame interface 3. Moreover, the notch 33 provides particularly good access to the drive unit 2.

[0051] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the drive device 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. This fourth embodiment generally corresponds to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, but has yet another alternative configuration for the retaining member 4. Figure 8 further shows a direct screw connection between the drive unit 2 and the bottom 31 using another screw 7.

[0052] In the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 8, the retaining member 4 is configured as a cover, and this cover abuts against the entire end face 32a of the side wall 32. As a result, the receiving chamber 30 can be largely closed by the cover 4, and in this case, the cover 4 may have a notch as shown in the bottom portion 31 (see Figure 3).

[0053] As shown in the first embodiment in Figures 1 to 3, the cover 4 is screw-connected to the side wall 32 by a first screw 5 in the fourth embodiment in Figure 8, and screw-connected to the holding area 20 of the drive unit 2 by a second screw 6.

[0054] Additionally, the retaining member 4 has two openings 45, and one elastomer element 46 and one sleeve 47 for each of these openings 45, with these elastomer elements 46 and sleeves 47 positioned within the corresponding openings 45. The sleeves 47 and elastomer elements 46 are partially interlocked and fitted together, in which case the elastomer element 46 is positioned on the side of the sleeve 47 facing the drive unit 2. When the screw 6 is tightened, the sleeves 47 and elastomer elements 46 are pressed toward the drive unit 2. In this process, the sleeves 47 press the elastomer elements 46 toward the drive unit 2, particularly until the sleeves 47 contact the drive unit 2. Due to the elasticity of the elastomer elements 46, the pressure causes them to expand radially and press toward the inside 45a of the openings 45. Thus, the elastomer elements 46 compressed using the screw 6 and sleeves 47 perform tolerance adjustment between the retaining member 4, the drive unit 2, and the side wall 32.

[0055] Figure 9 shows a side view of a drive unit 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The drive unit 1 is part of a vehicle (partially shown) as an electric bicycle (see Figure 12). Only a portion of the drive unit 1 is shown in Figure 9. Further illustrations of the drive unit 1 of the preferred embodiment are shown in Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 shows the drive unit 1 in a state that is not yet fully screw-connected. The support area 52 abuts against the end face side 33 of the side wall 32.

[0056] The spring-elastic cover shown here 84 A preferred embodiment of the retaining member is configured in a dish shape and has a contact area 51, a support area 52 surrounding the contact area 51, and a spring area 53 connecting the support area 52 and the contact area 51 to each other. The support area 52 and the contact area 51 are arranged parallel to each other while maintaining a predetermined offset 54 when the spring-elastic cover 84 is not subjected to a load. This state is shown in Figure 10.

[0057] In this case, the spring-elastic cover 84 is configured in a dish shape, so the cover 84 It has a flexibility comparable to that of a disc spring.

[0058] Furthermore, since the cover is configured to snap-fit, the contact area 51 can snap-fit ​​from one side of the retaining plane 40 defined by the support area 52 to the other side of the retaining plane 40. The retaining plane 40 is a symmetrical plane of the support area 52, that is, it is located in the center between the opposing surfaces of the support area 52. In this case, the snap-fit ​​is achieved by moving the contact area 51 beyond the tilting plane 40, which in a preferred embodiment corresponds to the retaining plane 40.

[0059] The spring-elastic cover 84 is designed so that the snap fitting occurs symmetrically with respect to the retaining plane 40. That is, the spring-elastic cover 84 has two non-operating positions in which one surface 51a, 51b of the contact area 51 is positioned with the same predetermined spacing 54 relative to the retaining plane 40.

[0060] In this case, the first non-operating position of the cover 84 is shown in Figure 10. In this state, that is, while screw-connected to the side wall 32, the spring-elastic cover is oriented such that the contact area 51 is located on the opposite side of the cover from the frame interface 3.

[0061] To further complete the assembly of the drive unit 1, at least one fixing screw 86 is inserted into the through hole 55 of the contact area 51 and screwed into the drive unit 2. By tightening the screw, the contact area 51 is moved toward the drive unit 2, and thus toward the retaining plane 40. As soon as the contact area 51 has completely moved beyond the retaining plane 40, a snap fitting occurs.

[0062] In this case, the cover 84 is designed such that a predetermined spacing 54 is greater than the spacing 54' between the retaining plane 40 and the drive unit 2. That is, after snap fitting, the cover 84 This means that it cannot occupy the second non-operating position. As a result, the contact region 51 becomes the spring region. 53 It remains biased toward the support region 52. This applies a predetermined compressive force F to the drive unit 2 based on the spring elasticity of the spring-elastic cover 84. In other words, the drive unit 2 is tightened between the contact region 51 and the bottom 31 using the predetermined compressive force F.

[0063] Applying pressure to the drive unit 2 provides a mechanical fixation that is particularly advantageous for the long service life of the drive unit 2. Moreover, if the drive unit 2 has a housing which can be formed from housing halves that are screw-connected to each other, the pressure load has a favorable effect on the reliable sealing of the drive unit 2.

[0064] Figure 12 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a vehicle 100 that can be driven using muscle power and / or motor power, having a drive unit 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 100 is an electric bicycle. The arrow indicated by the symbol A indicates the direction of travel of the electric bicycle. The drive unit 1 is located in the area of ​​the bottom bracket and has a drive unit 2. The drive unit 2 has an electric motor and a transmission and is provided to assist the pedaling force of the driver, which is generated by muscle power, using the rotational torque generated by the electric motor. In this case, the drive unit 2 is supplied with electrical energy from an electrical energy accumulator 111. The drive unit 1 has a frame interface 3. The frame interface 3 is an integral part of the vehicle frame 105 of the vehicle 100. The driven shaft 108 is coupled to the chain blade 109 so as not to rotate relative to it. In this case, the bottom bracket shaft 110 can be driven on the one hand by the driver's muscle power and on the other hand by the motor power of the drive unit 2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1. Drive unit 2 Drive Unit 3 Frame Interface 4. Retaining member, cover 5. First screw 6. Second screw 7. Another screw, threaded pin 8 joints 9 Gap 20 holding area 30 Reception Room 31 Bottom 32 Side wall 32a End side 33 Notch, end face side 35 notches 37 Support points 40 Holding plane, tilting plane 41,42 Metal sheet section 44 offset 45 Aperture 45a Inside 46 Elastomer elements 47 sleeves 50 holes 51 Contact area 51a,51b surface 52 Bearing area 53 Spring region 54 Offset, spacing 54′ spacing 55 Through hole 60 Driven side 61 Fixed bearing device 64 Housing, Half of Housing 66 Open side 70 holes 80 aperture 84 Cover 85 screw 86 Fixing screws 100 vehicles 105 Vehicle Frame 106 Downtube 107 Seat Stay 108 Chainstay, Driven Axle 109 Chainblade 110 Bottom Bracket Axle A Direction of travel B Assembly Direction F Compression force

Claims

1. A drive system for a vehicle that can be driven using muscle power and / or motor power, comprising an L-shaped frame interface (3) and a drive unit (2), wherein the L-shaped frame interface (3) has a bottom (31), a side wall (32), and an open side (66) facing the bottom (31), The drive unit (2) is detachably attached to the bottom portion (31) of the frame interface (3) via the open side (66) of the frame interface (3) along the direction in which the bottom bracket shaft (110) of the drive unit (2) extends, and is fixed to the bottom portion (31) of the frame interface (3). The L-shape of the frame interface (3) is composed of a side wall (32) extending along the direction in which the bottom bracket shaft (110) extends, and a bottom portion (31) extending from the end of the side wall (32) in that direction toward the drive unit (2). The bottom portion (31) of the frame interface (3) is located on the driven side (60) of the drive unit (2), The drive device is characterized in that the bottom portion (31) is arranged opposite to the direction in which the bottom bracket shaft (110) extends.

2. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the bottom portion (31) of the frame interface (3) is located on the driven side (60) of the drive unit (2) and is positioned perpendicular to the bottom bracket axis (110) of the drive unit (2), and the side wall (32) is positioned perpendicular to the bottom portion (31).

3. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the drive unit (2) is releasably fixed to the bottom (31) using a fixed bearing device (61).

4. The drive device according to claim 3, wherein the fixed bearing device (61) is formed by the bottom portion (31) being screw-coupled to at least one thread of the housing (64) of the drive unit (2) by at least one threaded pin (7).

5. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the drive device is configured such that, in a completely fixed state, at least one holding area (20) of the drive unit (2) is subjected to tension or pressure between the holding member (4) and the bottom portion (31) of the frame interface (3).

6. The drive device according to claim 5, wherein the retaining member (4) is fixed to the end face side (32a) of the side wall (32) and the drive unit (2), respectively, via a floating bearing device.

7. The drive device according to claim 5, wherein the holding member (4) is an elastically deformable plate-shaped member.

8. The drive device according to claim 7, wherein the holding member (4) is a flat metal plate.

9. The drive device according to claim 7, wherein the retaining member (4) is a stepped metal sheet having two flat metal sheet sections (41, 42), the two flat metal sheet sections (41, 42) are arranged parallel to each other while maintaining a predetermined offset (44).

10. The drive device according to claim 5, wherein the retaining member (4) is a cover that abuts against the end face side (32a) of the side wall (32) of the frame interface (3).

11. The drive device according to claim 10, wherein the cover has at least one opening (45) and one elastomer element (46) and one sleeve (47) for each opening (45), the elastomer element (46) and the sleeve (47) are arranged within the opening (45), and the sleeve (47) is screw-coupled to the drive unit (2) using one screw (6) such that the sleeve (47) presses the elastomer element (46) against the drive unit (2).

12. The drive device according to claim 10, wherein the cover (84) is a spring-elastic cover, and the drive unit (2) is fastened between the contact area (51) of the cover and the bottom (31).

13. The drive device according to claim 12, wherein it has at least one fixing screw (86), and the contact area (51) is directly screw-coupled to the drive unit (2) using the fixing screw (86).

14. The drive device according to claim 12, wherein the cover (84) is configured to apply a compressive force (F) of at least 50 N to the drive unit (2) while being fully screw-connected.

15. The drive device according to claim 12, wherein the cover (84) is configured in a dish shape having a support area (52) and a spring area (53), the support area (52) surrounding the contact area (51), and the spring area (53) connecting the contact area (51) and the support area (52) to each other.

16. The drive device according to claim 15, wherein the contact area (51) and the support area (52) are arranged parallel to each other while maintaining a predetermined offset (54) when the cover (84) is not screw-connected.

17. The drive device according to claim 15, wherein the cover (84) is configured to be snap-fittable such that the contact area (51) can be snap-fitted from one side of the holding plane (40) to the other side of the holding plane (40) in relation to the holding plane (40) on which the support area (52) is located.

18. The drive device according to claim 17, wherein the cover (84) is configured such that the contact area (51) moves beyond a predetermined tilting plane in a direction toward the holding plane (40) and a snap fitting is performed.

19. The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the side wall (32) completely surrounds the bottom portion (31) in an annular shape.

20. The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the side wall (32) has a notch (33), and in particular the notch (33) extends over at least 20% of the entire circumference of the side wall (32).

21. A vehicle (100) that can be driven using muscle power and / or motor power, having a drive device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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