Line support for an electric bicycle for mounting in the region of a drive unit, and mounting method

Abstract

The invention relates in particular to a line support for an electric bicycle (B), said line support being designed and configured for mounting on a bicycle frame (1) of the electric bicycle (B) in the region of a motor drive unit (2) for the electric bicycle (B), wherein the line support (3) is a separate component, has an interface (32) to a housing of the drive unit (2), and holds a plurality of lines (L1-L6, LB, ML1-ML3) in an orientation with respect to one another, said orientation being defined by the line support (3).

Description

[0001] Cable carrier for an electric bicycle for mounting in the area of ​​a drive unit and mounting method

[0002] Description

[0003] The proposed solution concerns in particular a cable carrier for an electric bicycle.

[0004] Electric bicycles are equipped with a motor drive unit that generates drive torque to propel the electric bicycle. This drive torque is optionally provided in addition to the drive torque applied by the electric bicycle rider using muscle power. To connect an electronic control unit for controlling a motor of the drive unit, but also to supply electrical energy to the electronic control unit and at least one electric motor of the drive unit, various cables must be laid in the area of ​​the drive unit on a bicycle frame of the electric bicycle. These cables are used to transmit signals and / or electrical energy to other electronic components, such as a control unit typically mounted near the handlebars of the electric bicycle, and to electrical consumers, such as lighting.At least some of these cables are used to connect to an energy storage unit on the electric bicycle, which typically has at least one rechargeable battery and therefore a rechargeable battery.

[0005] In addition, other cables, such as cables for transmitting forces, such as Bowden cables or brake lines, must also be laid in the area of ​​the bicycle frame where the drive unit is typically located.

[0006] The installation space for the drive unit is typically very limited. For example, this installation space is provided in the area around the intersection of the down tube and the seat tube of the bicycle frame. Due to the limited installation space, routing cables and mounting the drive unit to the bicycle frame can be very complex and time-consuming, especially since this can usually only be done manually. Typically, individual cables must be routed individually within the bicycle frame and may even not be permanently installed until after the drive unit has been mounted to the bicycle frame.

[0007] There is therefore a need for improvement in this regard.

[0008] This object is achieved with a cable carrier of claim 1 and an assembly method of claim 22.

[0009] In particular, a cable carrier for an electric bicycle is proposed, which is designed and intended for mounting on a bicycle frame of the electric bicycle in the region of a motor drive unit for the electric bicycle. The proposed cable carrier is designed as a separate component and has a (mechanical) interface to a housing of the drive unit. Furthermore, the cable carrier holds a plurality of cables in an alignment to one another predetermined by the cable carrier. The cable carrier can be connected to the housing of the drive unit via the interface, but independently of the housing of the drive unit provides a possibility of holding a plurality of cables in a predetermined alignment to one another and in particular at a predetermined distance from one another.This not only simplifies the routing of cables in the area of ​​the drive unit once the drive has been properly mounted to the bicycle frame. Furthermore, the cable carrier allows cables to be (pre-)mounted to the bicycle frame in a predefined orientation before the drive unit is mounted to the bicycle frame.

[0010] A proposed cable carrier thus provides a way to combine different cables, and thus in particular electrical connections with different potentials, in a defined manner in the area of ​​the bicycle frame intended for the attachment of the electric bicycle's drive unit. The installation of the corresponding cables and the drive unit on the bicycle frame of an electric bicycle can thus be considerably simplified.

[0011] In one embodiment, the cable carrier comprises a cable carrier body with several (at least two) cables routed through the cable carrier body. The cables routed through the cable carrier body are thus completely enclosed circumferentially by the material of the cable carrier body in at least one section of the cross-section. The cable carrier body can thus already hold several cables in an at least partially defined alignment with one another before the cable carrier is mounted on the bicycle frame. The cable carrier with the several cables routed through its cable carrier body can thus form a prefabricated structural unit on which several cables and, optionally, at least one connector connected to at least one cable are already provided.

[0012] In principle, a section of a line passed through the line carrier body can be fixed in the line carrier body. This includes, in particular, the possibility that the section of the line passed through the line carrier body is embedded in the material from which the line carrier body is formed. Here, a section of a line (line section) can therefore be embedded in the material from which the line carrier body is formed. For example, this is a plastic material. For example, the line carrier body can be injection-molded onto a section of a line or several sections of one or more lines. For example, the line carrier body can be formed by overmolding sections of one or more lines.

[0013] In one embodiment, sections of the cables are led out of the cable carrier body on first and second end faces of the cable carrier body facing away from one another. In particular, the first and second end faces can be located along a (longitudinal) extension of the cable carrier body. A first end face of the cable carrier body then serves, for example, to guide cables towards a front side of the electric bicycle, while the second end face facing away from it serves to guide cables to a rear side of the electric bicycle. Consequently, if in such an embodiment the cable carrier with the cables already laid thereon is mounted as intended on the bicycle frame, sections of cables led out of the cable carrier body on one end face and thus protrude can be available for connecting electronic components in the area of ​​a front side of the electric bicycle.Conversely, cable sections that extend outwards and thus protrude from the second end face can be used to connect electronic components in a rear area of ​​the electric bicycle, for example electronic components that are arranged in the area of ​​a seat tube or in the area of ​​a rear wheel of the electric bicycle. In one embodiment, at least one guide for at least one additional cable that does not pass through the cable carrier body is provided on the cable carrier body. A guide is therefore set up on the cable carrier body and is intended to guide at least one additional cable along the cable carrier body so that this additional cable can be physically laid on the cable carrier body. The cable carrier body thus integrates at least one further guide for at least one additional cable on an outer side.

[0014] In a further development, the guide on the cable carrier body comprises at least one holder, on which a section of the additional cable can be laid in a form-fitting manner. A cable can thus be guided and held in a form-fitting manner on the cable carrier body via the at least one holder of the guide. For example, the at least one holder is designed and provided for clipping in a cable section. A section of a cable can thus be clipped onto the holder during assembly of the cable carrier to the bicycle frame.

[0015] In a further development, the at least one holder can define a sliding seat for displaceable mounting of the cable carrier on the additional cable secured to the holder. The cable carrier body and the additional cable secured to the holder are displaceable relative to one another via the sliding seat. In this way, the cable carrier can be attached, for example, to an additional cable already laid on the bicycle frame and pre-positioned via the holder. In particular, the cable carrier can be displaced along the additional cable via the sliding seat provided on the holder in order to assume a final installation position.

[0016] In one embodiment, a central guide is provided on one side of the cable carrier body, which runs between two additional lateral guides. For example, at least three different guides for cables are provided on a top side or long side of the cable carrier. A central guide runs between two additional lateral guides. In this way, several cables can be laid compactly on the cable carrier body of the cable carrier. In principle, the cable carrier can be designed and provided both for the guidance and alignment of cables for signal and / or energy transmission, as well as for the guidance and alignment of cables for power transmission.

[0017] Cables for signal and / or energy transmission can be of different types and therefore designed for different potentials and / or different functions, for example, to electrically connect various components on the electric bicycle to one or more electronic control units and / or an energy storage unit. For example, these can be 12V cables, 48V cables, cables for a CAN bus, and / or cables for transmitting control or wake-up signals.

[0018] A power transmission line, which can also be laid along a guide of the line carrier on the bicycle frame, can be used to transmit a power component instead of transmitting electrical signals and / or electrical energy. For example, a power transmission line is a line for transmitting braking force (brake line), a line for operating a gearshift on the electric bicycle, or a Bowden cable. In a power transmission line, for example, at least one pull cable can be movably guided within a tubular sheath. Such a line can be a Bowden cable and / or, for example, part of a brake line or a line for operating a gearshift.

[0019] In one embodiment, for example, cables passing through the cable carrier body (possibly exclusively) are provided for signal and / or power transmission, while at least one additional cable, which does not pass through the cable carrier body and is also routed along the cable carrier body, is provided for power transmission. The cable carrier, with its cables passing through its cable carrier body, can thus form a prefabricated unit for electrical connections, along which additional cables can also be routed and held on the bicycle frame.

[0020] In one embodiment, the interface between the cable carrier and the drive unit housing forms a contact contour that follows an outer contour of the housing. Thus, the cable carrier can be configured via its interface to contact an outer side of the drive unit housing and can be positively connected to the outer side of the housing. In particular, in such an embodiment, the cable carrier can be designed for arrangement, when properly mounted on the bicycle frame, between a portion of the outer side of the drive unit housing and an inner side of an installation space provided on the bicycle frame for the drive unit.

[0021] For example, the interface of the cable carrier to the housing of the drive unit is provided on an underside of the cable carrier.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, in one embodiment, the cable carrier forms at least one fastening point intended for securing the cable carrier to the bicycle frame. The at least one fastening point can, for example, be formed on the cable carrier body of the cable carrier.

[0023] To simplify assembly and, in particular, the securing of the cable carrier to the bicycle frame, in a further development, the securing point of the cable carrier can be provided for a securing element that is also used to secure the drive unit to the bicycle frame. The securing point of the cable carrier, for example, with a securing opening defined at the securing point, can thus be aligned with a securing point of the drive unit, for example, when the cable carrier is properly mounted on the bicycle frame. This allows a single securing element to be connected to both the securing point on the cable carrier and a securing point on the drive unit in a single assembly step, and simultaneously secured to the bicycle frame.For example, fastening openings of the fastening points on the cable carrier and the housing of the drive unit can be designed and provided for a screw or bolt connection to the bicycle frame.

[0024] In one embodiment, a fastening point for fixing the cable carrier to the bicycle frame is formed on an underside of the cable carrier.

[0025] In one embodiment, the cable carrier forms at least one section as part of an interface to the bicycle frame, which—when the cable carrier is mounted on the bicycle frame—is provided for supporting the cable carrier against the bicycle frame. The cable carrier thus also integrates a (frame) interface, via which the cable carrier is supported on the bicycle frame when the cable carrier is mounted as intended. For example, several spatially separated sections can be provided on the cable carrier, via which the cable carrier, when mounted as intended on the bicycle frame, is supported against the bicycle frame.Each section thus forms a locally defined area on the cable carrier for support against the bicycle frame in order to provide the cable carrier, in its intended mounted state, with a defined alignment on the bicycle frame and to keep the cable carrier supported in a defined manner not only against the housing of the drive unit, but also against the bicycle frame.

[0026] For example, the at least one section of the conductor carrier forming part of the (frame) interface can be provided on an upper side of the conductor carrier. In particular, the section of the conductor carrier can be formed so as to protrude from the upper side.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one section of the cable carrier forming part of the (frame) interface forms in at least one area - and thus possibly only locally - a lateral boundary for a guide provided on a cable carrier body of the cable carrier for at least one cable to be laid along the cable carrier. The section of the cable carrier forming part of the (frame) interface can thus form a lateral boundary for the above-mentioned guide for an additional cable that does not pass through the cable carrier body. In particular, it can thus be, for example, a lateral boundary of a central guide on an upper side of the cable carrier.

[0028] The proposed solution further relates to an electric bicycle with a motor drive unit and a variant of a proposed cable carrier.

[0029] Furthermore, the proposed solution relates to a method for mounting a drive to the bicycle frame of an electric bicycle. The drive comprises a motor drive unit with a housing that is to be fixed to the bicycle frame. A proposed mounting method comprises at least the following steps:

[0030] - Mounting a cable carrier to the bicycle frame, which has an interface to the housing of the drive unit and holds a plurality of cables on the bicycle frame in an orientation predetermined by the cable carrier to one another before the drive unit is mounted to the bicycle frame, and mounting the drive unit to the bicycle frame.

[0031] The proposed assembly method therefore involves pre-assembling a cable carrier with a multitude of cables onto the bicycle frame before the drive unit is mounted to the bicycle frame. An interface on the cable carrier ensures a defined connection between the drive unit housing and the pre-assembled cable carrier. At the same time, the cables are already pre-positioned and aligned with respect to the drive unit via the cable carrier.

[0032] In one embodiment, the cable carrier is mounted in a pre-assembly position on the bicycle frame before the drive unit is mounted to the bicycle frame. The cable carrier then only assumes its final installation position on the bicycle frame and in relation to the drive unit once the drive unit has been mounted to the bicycle frame. For example, in this context it can be provided that the cable carrier is connected in the pre-assembly position to at least one cable already laid on the bicycle frame and is movably mounted thereon. This allows longitudinal displacement of the cable carrier along a cable already connected to the cable carrier. For example, this cable can be a power transmission cable, such as a Bowden cable or a brake line.

[0033] For example, the cable carrier is held in a movable position in the pre-assembly position by at least one guide holder defining a sliding fit for the corresponding cable. The cable carrier can thus be moved in a defined manner after its attachment to the bicycle frame to ensure a specific alignment with the drive unit during its installation on the bicycle frame.

[0034] In principle, a proposed assembly method can also provide for the cable carrier to be fixed to the bicycle frame when the drive unit is fixed to the bicycle frame. For this purpose, for example, a fastening point of the cable carrier mentioned above can be aligned with a fastening point of the drive unit to enable both the drive unit and the cable carrier to be fixed to the bicycle frame using a single fastening element. A proposed assembly method can be implemented, in particular, using a variant of a proposed cable carrier. The features and advantages of variant designs of a proposed cable carrier explained above and below therefore also apply to variant designs of a proposed assembly method, and vice versa.

[0035] The attached figures show exemplary possible implementation variants of the proposed solution.

[0036] Here we show:

[0037] Figures 1A-1B show an embodiment variant of a proposed cable carrier in different perspective views with a view of its underside (Figure 1A) and its upper side (Figure 1B);

[0038] Figures 2A-2B show two partial side views of the conductor carrier of Figures 1A and 1B;

[0039] Figure 3 shows, in a view corresponding to Figure 2B, the cable carrier with additional cables physically guided on a central guide on the top side of the cable carrier;

[0040] Figure 4, in a view corresponding to Figure 3, shows the cable carrier with two additional cables held on lateral guides for power transmission, the cable carrier being held displaceably on these cables;

[0041] Figure 5 is a flow chart for an embodiment of a proposed assembly method using a cable carrier of Figures 1 to 4;

[0042] Figure 6 shows an electric bicycle with an electric motor drive unit that can be combined with a cable carrier of Figures 1A to 4; Figure 7 shows a solution known from the prior art for laying cables in the area of ​​a drive unit on a bicycle frame of an electric bicycle.

[0043] Figure 6 shows a side view of an example of an electric bicycle B with a front wheel (FW) and a rear wheel (HR), which are rotatably mounted on a bicycle frame 1. The bicycle frame 1 has a down tube 1A, a top tube 1B, and a seat tube 1C. A drive A of the electric bicycle B is housed at an intersection point of the down tube 1A and the seat tube 1C. This drive A comprises an electric motor drive unit 2. For example, one or two electric motors and a transmission device are housed in a housing of the drive unit 2. The drive unit 2 is fixed to the bicycle frame 1 at fastening points 20, 21, and 22 on an outer side of the housing of the drive unit 2.

[0044] An energy storage unit E is provided to supply electrical energy to the drive unit 2 and other electrical consumers on the electric bicycle B. This may be, for example, a battery unit, which in this case is mounted on the down tube 1A.

[0045] In order to connect, in particular, the battery unit E to the drive unit 2 and any additional electrical consumers and electronic components on the electric bicycle B, a plurality of cables must be provided within the bicycle frame 1. As the enlarged view of Figure 7 illustrates for a solution known from the prior art, a plurality of cables L1 to L5 must be laid, particularly in the area of ​​the drive A. For example, cables must be provided for a connector 4.1, which is plugged into the drive unit 2 in order to connect the battery unit E to the drive unit 2 (and in particular to a control electronics unit integrated therein). Further cables in turn lead to connectors 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 in order to enable energy and / or signal transmission to further electrical consumers on the electric bicycle B.For this purpose, cables are also routed inside the seat tube 1C and inside the down tube 1A. Additionally, cables are routed toward the rear wheel (RW). These can be power transmission cables, such as brake lines or Bowden cables.

[0046] The individual routing of individual cables in the area of ​​the drive unit A on the bicycle frame 1 requires a comparatively complex manual assembly. For example, individual cables L1 to L5 can only be definitively routed once the drive unit 2 has been attached to the bicycle frame 1, in particular along or past the housing of the drive unit 2. The assembly of the drive unit 2 and the routing of cables L1 to L5 in the area of ​​the bicycle frame 1 designated for the drive unit 2 is therefore typically comparatively time-consuming.

[0047] Against this background, the proposed solution provides a cable carrier 3 that bundles the routing and alignment of a plurality of cables and integrates a mechanical (drive) interface for connection to the housing of the drive unit 2. In the embodiment of Figures 1A-1B, 2A-2B, 3, and 4, the cable carrier 3 also integrates a further (frame) interface for a defined support of the cable carrier 3 on the bicycle frame 1.

[0048] The cable carrier 3 of Figures 1A to 4, shown in various views and levels of detail, has an interface 32 on the underside of a cable carrier body 30 for connection to the housing of the drive unit 2. A contour on the underside of the cable carrier body 30 follows a contour on the top side of the housing of the drive unit 2, so that the housing of the drive unit 2 can be positively connected to the cable carrier body 30 during assembly on the bicycle frame 1. Via the contact contour defining the (drive) interface 32, sections on the top side of the housing of the drive unit 2 can consequently engage positively on the underside of the cable carrier body 30.

[0049] Furthermore, a plurality of lines L1 to L6 are arranged on the line carrier body 30, aligned and spaced apart from one another in a defined manner. For this purpose, sections of the lines L1 to L6 are passed through the line carrier body 30. For example, these sections of the lines L1 to L6 are overmolded with plastic material with which the line carrier 3 is formed.

[0050] The cable carrier 3 thus forms a prefabricated structural unit with a plurality of cables L1 to L6, which can initially be pre-assembled on the bicycle frame 1 independently of the drive unit 2. On the elongated cable carrier body 30 of the cable carrier 3, cables protrude from the cable carrier body 30 on a first end face 301, which are to be laid in the direction of a front side of the electric bicycle B, for example, within the down tube 1A. On a second end face 302 of the cable carrier body 30, facing away from the first end face 301, cables or sections of cables protrude from the cable carrier body 30, which are to be laid within the seat tube 1C or along a swing arm for the rear wheel HR. Plug connectors 4.1 and 4.3 are also already provided on individual cables L5 and L3 for simplified connection to the drive unit 2 and an electrical circuit of the electric bicycle B.

[0051] By mounting the cable carrier 3 on the bicycle frame 1, several cables L1 to L6 can be provided, which are used for signal and / or energy transmission and in particular for connecting the drive unit 2 to the battery unit E, and which are held in an orientation and spacing from one another predetermined by the cable carrier body 30.

[0052] Furthermore, guides 33, 34A, and 34B are also provided on an upper side of the cable carrier body 30 facing the bicycle frame 1 for the physical routing of additional cables on the electric bicycle B. A central guide 33, which runs in a channel-like manner approximately centrally on the upper side of the cable carrier body 30, is provided between two lateral guides 34A and 34B.

[0053] The central guide 33 is provided, for example, as shown in Figure 3, for guiding a plurality of lines combined in a line bundle LB. The lines of the line bundle LB can also be provided for signal and / or energy transmission. In addition, a power transmission line ML1 is also guided along the central guide 33, as an example. In contrast to a line for signal transmission and / or energy transmission, a power transmission line does not serve as an electrically conductive connection, but rather as a means of transmitting forces. For example, the power transmission line is a line for transmitting braking force or shifting force for a gearshift of the electric bicycle B.

[0054] The central guide 33 is bordered laterally by limiting sections 33.1A-33.4A and 33.1B-33.4B protruding from the top of the cable support body 30. The limiting sections 33.1A-33.4A and 33.1B-33.4B are each arranged one behind the other along a longitudinal extension direction of the central guide 33 and spaced apart from one another. The height of these limiting sections 33.1A-33.4A and 33.1B-33.4B is dimensioned such that the cables of the cable bundle LB, which are to be arranged in the central guide 33 and guided therein, as well as the power transmission line ML1, cannot be displaced laterally out of the central guide 33.

[0055] Furthermore, the limiting sections 33.1A-3.4A and 33.1B-3.4B protrude (upward) on the upper side of the cable carrier body 30 to such an extent that a frame interface to the bicycle frame 1 is jointly defined via their respective cover surfaces. Via the limiting sections 33.1A-3.4A and 33.1B-3.4B, the cable carrier 3 can rest on the interior of the installation space of the bicycle frame 1 defined for the drive unit 2 and be supported thereon when the drive unit A has been fixed to the bicycle frame 1.

[0056] Further outwardly on each long side of the central guide 33 are the additional guides 34A, 34B. For example, groove- and / or slot-shaped sections are formed on the top side of the cable carrier body 30 for this purpose. In this case, (exactly) one power transmission line ML2 or ML3 is guided along the cable carrier 3 along the guides 34A and 34B. In addition, each guide 34A, 34B has a holder 340A or 340B into which a section of the respective, associated power transmission line ML2 or ML3 can be clipped. For example, a power transmission line ML2, ML3 is a Bowden cable that is laid within the bicycle frame 1 and, in particular, must be guided through the installation space provided for the drive unit 2. This Bowden cable has a Bowden sheath with an internal cable pull.The cable carrier body 30 can now be clipped onto the power transmission lines ML2 and ML3 already installed on the bicycle frame 1 via the holders 340A and 340B. The power transmission lines ML2 and ML3 are thus held at a defined distance from each other via the cable carrier 3 in the area of ​​the drive unit 2 to be mounted on the bicycle frame 1.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, a sliding seat is further defined via each holder 340A, 340B of a lateral guide 34A or 34B, which enables the line carrier 3 connected to a power transmission line ML2 or ML3 to be moved along the respective power transmission line ML2, ML3. Thus, the line carrier 3 can be moved along the power transmission lines ML2 and ML3 via the holders 340A and 340B. This enables the line carrier 3 to be mounted on the bicycle frame 1 in a pre-assembly position by connecting it to the power transmission lines ML2 and ML3 already laid on the bicycle frame 1, in which position the line carrier 3 can still be moved relative to the bicycle frame 1, namely in particular can be moved along the power transmission lines ML2 and ML3.

[0058] Consequently, when the drive unit 2 is mounted on the bicycle frame 1, the cable carrier 3 can still align itself with respect to the drive unit 2 in order to engage positively with the housing of the drive unit 2. The drive unit 2 can thus be easily mounted in a blind assembly on the bicycle frame 1, which already supports the cable carrier 3. When the drive unit 2 is mounted on the bicycle frame 1, for example, by pivoting it around a front or rear attachment point 20 or 22, the cable carrier 3 is automatically aligned in a predetermined installation position.

[0059] In the installation position assumed by the cable carrier 3 upon assembly of the drive unit 2 to the bicycle frame 1, the cable carrier 3, with the multitude of different cables L1 to L6, LB, and ML1 to ML3 already integrated therein and routed therealong, lies between an upper side of the housing of the drive unit 2 and an inner side of the installation space of the bicycle frame 1. Via the contact contour 32, the cable carrier 3 is further positively connected to the housing of the drive unit 2 and is supported thereon. At the same time, the cable carrier 3 is supported against the bicycle frame 1 via its limiting sections 33.1A-33.4A and 33.1B-33.4B. In this installation position, the fastening point 31 provided on the underside of the cable carrier body 30 is also aligned with the fastening point 21 of the drive unit 2.Both the drive unit 2 and the cable carrier 3 can then be fixed to the bicycle frame 1 using a single fastening element.

[0060] The flow chart in Figure 5 illustrates once again the procedure explained above for assembling the cable carrier 3 and drive unit 2 to the bicycle frame 1 of the electric bicycle B.

[0061] Thus, in a first step S1, the cable carrier 3 is initially provided as a prefabricated unit with a plurality of cables L1 to L6, which are already integrated in sections into the cable carrier body 30 of the cable carrier 3, to be mounted on the bicycle frame 1 in the installation space provided for the drive unit 2. Via the cable carrier 3, which is then held in a pre-assembly position, the cables L1 to L6 are also mounted on the bicycle frame 1 and can, if necessary, be readjusted with minimal manual intervention on the bicycle frame 1 and, for example, partially connected to the battery unit E and other cables of the electric bicycle B. During the assembly of the cable carrier 3 on the bicycle frame

[0062] 1, the holders 340A and 340B have also been clipped onto the power transmission lines ML2 and ML3. This also guides the other lines of the LB cable bundle and the additional power transmission line ML1 along the guides 33, 34A, and 34B of the cable support 3 and aligns them properly.

[0063] In a subsequent assembly step S2, the drive unit 2 is mounted on the bicycle frame 1. The movable mounting of the cable carrier body 30 on the power transmission lines ML2 and ML3 allows the cable carrier 3 to align itself with respect to the housing of the drive unit 2 in order to assume the final installation position.

[0064] In a final assembly step S3, the drive unit is then fixed

[0065] 2 at the housing-side fastening points 20, 21, and 22. It is provided that the fastening point 31 provided on the underside of the cable carrier body 30 is aligned with the fastening point 21 of the drive unit 2 when the drive unit 2 assumes a designated end position on the bicycle frame 1. Thus, both the drive unit 2 and the cable carrier 3 can be fixed to the bicycle frame 1 via a single fastening element.

[0066] List of reference symbols

[0067] 1 bicycle frame

[0068] 1A down tube

[0069] 1 B top tube

[0070] 1C seat tube

[0071] 2 drive unit

[0072] 20, 21 , 22 Fastening

[0073] 3 cable carriers

[0074] 30 carrier bodies

[0075] 301 , 302 front side

[0076] 31 junction

[0077] 32 Drive interface / system contour

[0078] 33 Central guide channel

[0079] 33.1A-33.4A, 33.1B-33.4B boundary section / frame interface

[0080] 340A, 340B holder

[0081] 34A, 34B Side guide channel

[0082] 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 Connectors

[0083] A drive

[0084] B electric bike

[0085] E battery unit (energy storage unit)

[0086] Rear wheel

[0087] L1 - L6 line

[0088] LB cable bundle

[0089] ML1, ML2, ML3 power transmission line

[0090] VR front wheel

Claims

Claims 1. Cable carrier for an electric bicycle (B), which is designed and provided for mounting on a bicycle frame (1) of the electric bicycle (B) in the region of a motor drive unit (2) for the electric bicycle (B), wherein the cable carrier (3) is designed as a separate component and has an interface (32) to a housing of the drive unit (2) and holds a plurality of cables (L1-L6, LB, ML1-ML3) in an alignment to one another predetermined by the cable carrier (3).

2. Cable carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that the cable carrier (3) has a cable carrier body (30) with a plurality of cables (L1-L6) guided through it.

3. Cable carrier according to claim 2, characterized in that a section of a cable (L1-L6) guided through the cable body is fixed in the cable carrier body (30).

4. Cable carrier according to claim 3, characterized in that a section of a cable (L1-L6) guided through the cable carrier body (30) is embedded in the material from which the cable carrier body (30) is formed.

5. Cable carrier according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that sections of the cables (L1-L6) are led out of the cable carrier body (30) on first and second mutually opposite end faces (301, 302) of the cable carrier body (30).

6. Cable carrier according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that at least one guide (33, 34A, 34B) for at least one additional cable (LB, ML1-ML3) which does not pass through the cable carrier body (31) is provided on the cable carrier body (31).

7. Cable carrier according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one guide (34A, 34B) comprises at least one holder (340A, 340B) to which a section of the at least one additional cable (ML2, ML3) can be fixed in a form-fitting manner.

8. Cable carrier according to claim 7, characterized in that the at least one holder (340A, 340B) has a sliding seat for a displaceable mounting of the Line carrier on the at least one additional line (ML2, ML3) fixed to the holder (340A, 340B).

9. Cable carrier according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that a central guide (33) is provided on one side of the cable carrier body (30), which runs between two further lateral guides (34A, 34B).

10. Cable carrier according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable carrier (3) is designed and provided both for the guidance and alignment of cables (L1-L6) for signal and / or energy transmission and for the guidance and alignment of cables (ML1-ML3) for power transmission.

11. Cable carrier according to claim 10, characterized in that a line (ML1-ML3) for a power transmission is a line for the transmission of a braking force, a line for actuating a circuit on the electric bicycle (B) or a Bowden cable.

12. Cable carrier according to one of claims 6 to 9 and according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that lines (L1-L6) passing through the line carrier body (31) are provided for signal and / or energy transmission and the at least one additional line (LB, ML1-ML3) not passing through the line carrier body (31) is provided for power transmission.

13. Cable carrier according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface (32) of the cable carrier (3) to the housing of the drive unit (2) is formed with a contact contour that follows an outer contour of the housing, so that the cable carrier (3) is arranged via the interface to contact an outer side of the housing of the drive unit (2) and can be connected in a form-fitting manner to the outer side of the housing.

14. Cable carrier according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface (32) of the cable carrier (3) to the housing of the drive unit (2) is provided on an underside of the cable carrier (3).

15. Cable carrier according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable carrier (3) has at least one fastening point (31) which is provided for fixing the cable carrier (3) to the bicycle frame (1).

16. Cable carrier according to claim 15, characterized in that the fastening point (31) of the cable carrier (3) is provided for a fastening element which is also used for fixing the drive unit (2) to the bicycle frame (1).

17. Cable carrier according to claim 14 and according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the fastening point (31) is formed on the underside of the cable carrier (3).

18. Cable carrier according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable carrier (3) forms at least one section (33.1A-33.4A, 33.1B-33.4B) as part of an interface to the bicycle frame (1), which section is provided for supporting the cable carrier (3) against the bicycle frame (1) in a state of the cable carrier (3) mounted on the bicycle frame (1).

19. Cable carrier according to claim 18, characterized in that the at least one section (33.1A-33.4A, 33.1B-33.4B) forming part of the interface is provided on an upper side of the cable carrier (3).

20. Cable carrier according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the at least one section (33.1A-33.4A, 33.1B-33.4B) forming part of the interface forms, in at least one region, a lateral boundary for a guide provided on a cable carrier body (30) of the cable carrier (3) for at least one cable (LB) which is to be laid along the cable carrier (3).

21. Electric bicycle with a motor drive unit (2) and a cable carrier (3) according to one of the preceding claims.

22. A method for mounting a drive (A) on the bicycle frame (1) of an electric bicycle (B), wherein the drive (A) comprises a motor drive unit (2) with a housing which is to be fixed to the bicycle frame (1), and the method comprises at least the following steps: Mounting a cable carrier (3) on the bicycle frame (1), which has an interface (32) to the housing of the drive unit (2) and a plurality of cables (L1-L6, LB, ML1-ML3) on the bicycle frame (1) in a by the cable carrier (3) predetermined alignment to each other before the drive unit (2) is mounted on the bicycle frame (1), and Mounting the drive unit (2) to the bicycle frame (1).

23. Method according to claim 22, characterized in that the cable carrier (3) is mounted in a pre-assembly position on the bicycle frame (1) before the drive unit (2) is mounted on the bicycle frame (1), and the cable carrier (3) assumes a final installation position on the bicycle frame (1) and with respect to the drive unit (2) by mounting the drive unit (2) on the bicycle frame (1).

24. Method according to claim 23, characterized in that the cable carrier (3) in the pre-assembly position is connected to at least one cable (ML2, ML3) already laid on the bicycle frame (1) and is displaceably mounted thereon.

25. Method according to one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that the cable carrier (3) is also fixed to the bicycle frame (1) when the drive unit (2) is fixed to the bicycle frame (1).

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