Electronic device for moving a pedal-assisted bicycle, bicycle comprising said electronic device and method of assembling said electronic device

Abstract

Electronic device (1) for moving a pedal-assisted bicycle comprising an electric motor, at least one transmission cable (9), connected or connectable to a battery, and an electronic board connected to the transmission cable (9) and the electric motor. The electronic device (1) comprises at least one connector provided with a first region, made of electrically conductive material and electrically connected to one of the transmission cable (9) and the electric motor, and a second region, made of electrically conductive material and electrically connected to the first region. The electronic board is provided with at least one electrically conductive housing, and the second region is removably engaged within the electrically conductive housing of the electronic board.

Description

[0001] "ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR MOVING A PEDAL-ASSISTED BICYCLE, BICYCLE COMPRISING SAID ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING SAID ELECTRONIC DEVICE"

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of pedal-assisted bicycles.

[0003] In particular, the present invention relates to an electronic device for moving a pedal-assisted bicycle. Pedal-assisted bicycles are special bicycles wherein the cyclist is partially assisted in pedalling by an electric motor. They usually comprise the electric motor, a battery or battery pack, a motor and energy flow control module, and various sensors, such as sensors to measure the motor angular speed or the cyclist's torque. These movement-assisted devices are coupled to the wheels of the bicycle or to its pedals.

[0004] Nowadays, the motor and energy flow control module comprises an electronic board, and one of the critical issues in the design of these devices lies precisely in the connection between the electronic board and the rest of the components to be electrically connected to it.

[0005] Generally, the connection between the battery, or battery pack, and the electronic board is made by soldering the transmission cables of the battery, or battery pack, directly to the electronic board.

[0006] Likewise, the connection between the electric motor and the electronic board is made by soldering the transmission cables of the electric motor directly onto the electronic board.

[0007] If soldering is directly made on the electronic board, in the event of errors as it is made, it can substantially compromise the electronic board, which will then be discarded.

[0008] In other words, errors made in the connection, by soldering, between the electronic board and the battery (or battery pack) and between the electronic board and the electric motor lead to an increase in production costs.

[0009] Moreover, any errors in performing soldering, if not detected, lead to a drop in the quality of the electronic device, the cause of which is difficult to detect once the electronic device is assembled and / or mounted on the bicycle.

[0010] In other words, known electronic devices for moving a bicycle are little reliable.

[0011] In addition, performing soldering directly on the electronic board requires high precision, which is associated with high production costs due to the need to use high-precision industrial machinery or the use of qualified personnel to manually perform soldering. This results in high production costs and times.

[0012] The Applicant therefore felt the need to make its electronic devices easier to assemble and more reliable.

[0013] In particular, the object of the present invention is to make available an electronic device for moving a pedal-assisted bicycle whose assembly is such as to ensure increased reliability of the device, as well as a reduction in production costs.

[0014] Said objects are achieved by an electronic device for moving a pedal- assisted bicycle having the characteristics of one or more of the following claims. In particular, the present invention makes available an electronic device for moving a pedal-assisted bicycle.

[0015] The electronic device comprises a containment body extending along a central axis.

[0016] Preferably, the containment body is provided with connecting members to a wheel of a bicycle.

[0017] The electronic device comprises an electric motor housed in the containment body and configured to confer to the containment body a rotation about the central axis.

[0018] The electronic device comprises at least one transmission cable, connected or connectable to one or more batteries.

[0019] The electronic device comprises an electronic board connected to the transmission cable and the electric motor.

[0020] Preferably, the electronic board is housed in the containment body.

[0021] The device comprises at least one connector adapted to electrically connect the electronic board to one of the electric motor and the transmission cable.

[0022] Preferably, the connector comprises a main body made of electrically insulating material.

[0023] The connector comprises a first region, made of electrically conductive material and electrically connected to one of the transmission cable and the electric motor.

[0024] The connector comprises a second region, made of electrically conductive material, and electrically connected to the first region.

[0025] Preferably, the first and second regions are connected to the main body.

[0026] The electronic board is provided with at least one electrically conductive housing.

[0027] The second region of the connector is removably engaged within the electrically conductive housing of the electronic board.

[0028] In detail, the second region is in electrical contact with the electrically conductive housing of the electronic board by means of a solder-free electrical connection.

[0029] Preferably, the electrically conductive housing passes through the electronic board along a direction parallel to the central axis and the second region of the connector extends parallel to the central axis and is inserted within the electrically conductive housing along a direction parallel to the central axis.

[0030] Preferably, the second region of the connector comprises a pin extending along a direction parallel to the central axis fitted into the electrically conductive housing of the electronic board parallel to the central axis.

[0031] Preferably, the electronic board comprises at least one metal receiving eyelet, configured to accommodate the pin. Preferably, the receiving eyelet is substantially sleeve-shaped.

[0032] Preferably, the present invention makes available a method of assembling the electronic device.

[0033] The method comprises a step of preparing the containment body, the electronic board, the transmission cable, and the electric motor.

[0034] The method comprises a step of creating an electrical connection between the electronic board and the transmission cable and between the electronic board and the electric motor.

[0035] The method comprises a step of housing the electric motor and electronic board within the containment body.

[0036] The step of creating the electrical connection comprises preparing the connector.

[0037] The step of creating the electrical connection comprises electrically connecting the first region of the connector to one of the transmission cable and the electric motor.

[0038] The step of creating the electrical connection comprises slidably engaging the second region of the connector into the corresponding housing of the electronic board.

[0039] The dependent claims correspond to possible embodiments of the invention.

[0040] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the indicative, and therefore non-limiting, description of an embodiment of an electronic device and a bicycle comprising the electronic device.

[0041] This description will be set forth herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided for merely indicative and therefore nonlimiting purposes, wherein:

[0042] - Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an electronic device for moving a pedal-assisted bicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention; - Figure 2 shows a section and partially exploded perspective view of the electronic device of Figure 1 ;

[0043] - Figure 2A shows a view of a detail of Figure 2;

[0044] - Figure 3 shows a partially exploded view of the electronic device of Figure 1 ;

[0045] - Figure 3A shows a detail of Figure 3;

[0046] - Figure 4 shows a pedal-assisted bicycle provided with the electronic device of Figure 1 .

[0047] With reference to the appended figures, an electronic device for moving a pedal-assisted bicycle according to the present invention is indicated by number 1 .

[0048] Such electronic devices are commonly known as “hub motors”.

[0049] Their application is, as said, in the cycling field and they are used to provide an additional torque to the cyclist; this additional torque is useful to assist and help the cyclist's action based on an explicit request from the user, or predefined dependency logic.

[0050] The electronic device 1 is therefore used within a pedal-assisted bicycle 100 comprising a frame 101 provided with at least one front fork 102 and at least one rear fork 103 and a pedal assembly 104, known in themselves and not further described herein.

[0051] A front wheel 105 is rotatably connected to the front fork 102.

[0052] A rear wheel 106 is rotatably connected to the rear fork 103.

[0053] The rear wheel 106 preferably comprises a central hub rotatable with respect to the rear fork 103 about its own rotation axis and defined by an electronic device 1 according to the invention.

[0054] The electronic device 1 comprises a containment body 2 extending along a central axis “A” and provided with connecting members to the front wheel 105 or to the rear wheel 106 of the bicycle 100.

[0055] The containment body 2 has an outer shell delimiting a housing inner volume and having connecting portions 15 with the wheel of the bicycle 100. Preferably, these connecting portions are shaped and / or sized to couple with the spokes of the wheel, keeping the containment body 2 with the central axis “A” coaxial to the rotation axis of the wheel.

[0056] Preferably, the containment body 2 comprises at least two half-shells that are constrained to each other to define the housing inner volume.

[0057] Preferably, the electronic device 1 is provided with a shaft 3 extending along the central axis “A” between a first end portion 3a and a second end portion 3b, crossing the containment body 2.

[0058] Preferably, the first 3a and / or the second end portions 3b protrude externally from the containment body 2, which therefore provides for appropriate axial openings.

[0059] Note that the shaft 3 is rotatably associated with the containment body 2, preferably by means of bearings or similar devices, in order to allow the rotation of the containment body 2, i.e. of the wheel 105, 106 of the bicycle 100 to which the electronic device 1 is associated.

[0060] Preferably, the shaft 3 is hollow, i.e. it has a substantially tubular shape defined by a tubular wall which, in the preferred embodiment, has a substantially cylindrical outer annular surface.

[0061] Preferably, the shaft 3 has a through axial cavity 3c extending along the central axis "A".

[0062] The shaft 3 is therefore preferably shaped to house a thru axle (not shown) inside the axial cavity 3c in a slidably disengageable manner.

[0063] The thru axle, known in itself, extends along the central axis "A" within the axial cavity 3c of the shaft 3 between two end portions provided with clamping means adapted to lock the shaft 3 against the fork.

[0064] It should be noted that the term "thru axle" is intended in this text to comprise both thru axle couplings in the strict sense and quick release couplings, as well as any other embodiments requiring a longitudinal element passing through the containment body within a shaft.

[0065] Alternatively, in any case, the electronic device 1 could comprise two halfshafts, preferably solid, each rotatably associated with the containment body 2; this solution is very common in hub electric motors because it allows to obtain more space in the middle area of the containment body 2 where to insert device components.

[0066] In the present text, therefore, where technically compatible, the term “shaft 3” will refer both to solutions with a through hollow shaft, such as the one shown, and to solutions with two coaxial half-shafts.

[0067] The electronic device 1 further comprises an electric motor 4 housed in the containment body 2 and configured to confer to the latter a rotation about the central axis “A”.

[0068] This electric motor 4 extends along the central axis "A".

[0069] The electric motor 4, e.g. a brushless motor, is therefore suitable for generating, under certain conditions, additional power that algebraically adds to or replaces the power introduced by a cyclist by his action on the pedals of the bicycle 100, so as to reduce his effort.

[0070] In certain embodiments, the electric motor 4 is also suitable for acting as a generator for recharging batteries.

[0071] Preferably, the first 3a and the second end portions 3b protrude from the electric motor 4.

[0072] The first end portion 3a and the second end portion 3b are thus protruding from respective faces, opposite along the main axis “A”, of the electric motor 4.

[0073] In the embodiment shown, this occurs because the shaft 3 extends along the central axis "A" crossing the electric motor 4.

[0074] Alternatively, the two half-shafts connected to opposite sides of the engine and projecting therefrom may be present.

[0075] The electric motor 4 is connected to the containment body 2 so that, when the electric motor 4 is activated, i.e. when its rotor rotates with respect to its stator, the containment body 2 rotates with respect to the shaft 3. This results in a rotation of the wheel 105, 106 of the bicycle 100 to which the electronic device 1 is associated. In order to transmit motion from the motor 4 to the containment body 2, the electronic device 1 preferably comprises a gear reducer “I” (so-called “geared” device).

[0076] The electric motor 4 thus comprises a stator constrained to the shaft 3 and a rotor rotatable with respect thereto and connected, possibly by means of said gear reducer “I”, to the containment body 2.

[0077] The stator therefore has a through-hole within which the shaft 3 is housed. Preferably, the containment body 2 is associated with a drive unit configured to mechanically connect the containment body 2, and consequently the rotor of the motor 4, with the pedal assembly 104 of the bicycle 100.

[0078] For example, a sprocket (in the case of a constant transmission ratio) or a sprocket set (in the case of a variable transmission ratio, according to the embodiment shown in the figure) that are engageable, for example, by a chain moved by the pedals of the bicycle, can be connected to the containment body 2.

[0079] In this way, the cyclist's pedalling also results in a rotation of the containment body 2 relative to the shaft 3.

[0080] In certain embodiments, in particular those wherein the electronic device 1 is attached to the rear wheel 106, the electronic device 1 comprises a freewheel body 6.

[0081] The freewheel body 6 is preferably configured to rotate integral with the containment body 2 in a first rotation direction (when subjected to a pushing action on the pedals by the user) and to decouple from the containment body 2 when a rotational speed thereof is lower than that of the containment body 2 itself.

[0082] The freewheel body 6, known in itself, is preferably shaped to house the sprocket or sprocket set, thus allowing decoupling between the rotation of the rear wheel 106 and that of the pedal assembly 104.

[0083] In the embodiment shown, the freewheel body 6 is located at the second end portion 3b of the hollow shaft 3 and is rotatably associated therewith by means of bearings or similar devices.

[0084] A disc of a disc brake 7 can also be associated to the containment body 2 if this is provided for.

[0085] The electronic device 1 may also comprise a battery 8 connected to the electric motor 4.

[0086] Preferably, the electronic device 1 comprises a battery pack comprising several batteries 8 connected to the electric motor 4.

[0087] In certain embodiments, not shown, the one or more batteries 8 may be housed within the containment body 2 and directly connected to the electric motor 4.

[0088] Alternatively, as in the embodiment shown, the one or more batteries 8 are external to the containment body 2, e.g. reversibly constrained to the frame 101 of the bicycle 100.

[0089] In these embodiments, in order to manage the energy flows and / or control the electric motor 4, the electronic device 1 comprises an electronic board 10.

[0090] The electronic board 10 is housed in the containment body 2 and is integral (at least in rotation) with the shaft 3.

[0091] During the rotation of the containment body 2 therefore, the electronic board 10 remains stationary in rotation.

[0092] Preferably, the electronic board 10 is arranged near the first end portion 3a of the shaft 3.

[0093] The electronic board 10 is electrically connected to the motor 4 and the battery 8 in order to transfer energy from the battery 8 to the electric motor 4 and to enable control of the electric motor 4.

[0094] In order to electrically connect the battery 8 to the electronic board 10, the electronic device 1 comprises a transmission cable 9 connected or connectable to the battery 8 and the electronic board 10.

[0095] The electronic board 10 is therefore adapted to exchange energy with the battery 8 via the transmission cable 9.

[0096] In order to electrically connect the electronic board 10 to the transmission cable 9, and / or the electric motor 4, the electronic device 1 comprises at least one connector 5. The connector 5 is provided with its own main body 5a, preferably made of electrically insulating material, e.g. plastic.

[0097] Preferably, the main body 5a extends along a circumferential direction with respect to the central axis "A".

[0098] The connector 5 has an electrically conductive portion, carried by the main body 5a and configured to define an electrical connection between the electronic board 10 and the transmission cable 9 and / or between the electronic board 10 and the electric motor 4.

[0099] In detail, the connector 5 comprises a first region 5b and a second region 5c, both connected to the main body 5a and made of electrically conductive material.

[0100] The first region 5b is electrically connected to one of the transmission cable 9 and the electric motor 4.

[0101] The second region 5c of the connector 5 is electrically connected to the first region 5b.

[0102] In order to define a connection between the connector 5 and the electronic board 10, the latter is provided with at least one electrically conductive housing 10a adapted to house at least part of the second region 5c of the connector 5.

[0103] In detail, the second region 5c of the connector 5 is removably engaged within the electrically conductive housing 10a of the electronic board 10.

[0104] The second region 5c of the connector 5 is therefore engaged into the electrically conductive housing 10a by means of a male-female coupling.

[0105] In other words, the second region 5c is in contact with a wall of the electrically conductive housing 10a to define an electrical contact between the second region 5c and the electronic board 10.

[0106] The second region 5c is therefore in electrical contact with the electrically conductive housing 10a by means of a solder-free electrical connection.

[0107] Therefore, the electrical connection between the electric motor 4 and the electronic board 10 and / or between the transmission cable 9 and the electronic board 10 does not require soldering directly on the electronic board.

[0108] Thanks to the connector 5, the electronic device 1 has increased reliability and allows a production process that is free of risks and costs related to possible errors in the electrical connection between transmission cable 9 and electronic board 10 and / or between electronic board 10 and motor 4.

[0109] In addition, thanks to the connector 5, the transmission cable 9 and the electronic board 10 and / or the electronic board 10 and the motor 4 are separable, thus enabling the interchangeability of the electronic board 10 and / or electric motor 4 in the event of failure thereof.

[0110] With reference to the connection between the connector 5 and the transmission cable 9, the latter extends to a connection end 9a electrically connected to the first region 5b of the connector 5.

[0111] Preferably, the first region 5b is constrained to the connection end 9a by crimping.

[0112] With reference to the connection between the connector 5 and the electric motor 4, the latter comprises at least one winding which extends to a connection portion electrically connected to the first region 5b of the connector 5.

[0113] Preferably, the first region 5b is constrained to said end portion by crimping.

[0114] In more detail, the first region 5b has an electrically conductive seat, and the connection end 9a, or the connection portion of the electric motor 4, is inserted into said seat and pressure-constrained to said seat.

[0115] In other words, the first region 5b comprises a first and a second electrically conductive portions delimiting the seat, and the connection portion of the electric motor 4, or the connection end 9a of the transmission cable 9, is inserted within the seat and pressure-constrained to said first and second electrically conductive portions.

[0116] In other words, the connection end 9a and / or the connection portion of the electric motor 4 are connected to a respective first region 5b of the connector 5 both mechanically and electrically; the mechanical connection is made by mechanical crushing (of the first and second electrically conductive portions on the connection end 9a or on the connection portion of the electric motor 4) so that the connection end 9a and / or the connection portion of the electric motor 4 remains locked on the first region 5b due to the pressure exerted.

[0117] Thanks to this type of connection and thanks to the connector 5, it is possible to exclude from the production process of the electronic device 1 the creation of electrical connections by means of soldering between the transmission cable 9 and a respective first region 5b and between the electric motor 4 and a respective first region 5b.

[0118] Structurally, the electrically conductive housing 10a of the electronic board 10 passes through the electronic board 10 along a direction parallel to the central axis "A".

[0119] Similarly, the second region 5c of the connector 5 extends parallel to the central axis "A".

[0120] The second region 5c is therefore inserted within the electrically conductive housing 10a along a direction parallel to the central axis "A".

[0121] The first region 5a of the connector 5 extends along a radial direction with respect to the central axis "A".

[0122] Preferably, the first region 5b extends from the second region 5c closer to the central axis "A".

[0123] Preferably, the second region 5c of the connector 5 comprises a pin 50 extending along a direction parallel to the central axis "A".

[0124] The pin 50 is fitted into the electrically conductive housing 10a of the electronic board 10 parallel to central axis “A”.

[0125] Therefore, the pin 50 protrudes from the electronic board 10.

[0126] Advantageously, any unwanted sliding of the electronic board 10 parallel to central axis "A" takes place along the pin 50 without obstructing the electrical contact between the electronic board 10 and the connector 5.

[0127] In addition, thanks to the pin 50, the assembly of the electronic device 1 is eased, since it is necessary to fit the second region 5c, i.e. the pin 50, within the electrically conductive housing 10a of the electronic board 10.

[0128] In order to make the connection to the electronic board 10 firm and reliable, the electrically conductive housing 10a comprises at least one metal receiving eyelet 11 configured to accommodate the pin 50.

[0129] The metal receiving eyelet 11 extends parallel to the central axis “A”.

[0130] In detail, the metal receiving eyelet 11 is substantially sleeve-shaped. Preferably, the electric motor 4 comprises a casing 40 within which the stator and rotor are housed.

[0131] Preferably, the casing 40 comprises two half-shells 40a, 40b connected to each other, e.g. by means of appropriate screws.

[0132] The first 3a and / or the second end portions 3b of the shaft 3 protrude externally from the casing 40.

[0133] The first region 5b and the main body 5a of the connector 5 are housed within the casing 40, while the second region 5c protrudes externally from it to allow connection to the electronic board 10.

[0134] In order to allow a connection between the second region 5c of the connector 5 and the electronic board 10, the casing 40 is provided with a through opening 41 extending parallel to the central axis "A", with the second region 5c protruding externally from the casing 40 parallel to the central axis "A" and through the through opening 41 of the casing 40.

[0135] Preferably, the main body 5a of the connector 5 is constrained to the casing 40.

[0136] Preferably, the main body 5a of the connector 5 is removably constrained to the casing 40.

[0137] In detail, the main body 5a of the connector 5 comprises a connection portion 60 configured to engage, preferably by snap-fitting, within a wall of the casing 40.

[0138] Preferably, the casing 40 has a through-hole 42 and the connection portion 60 of the connector 5 comprises an elastically deformable fork with a snap-fit engagement into the through-hole 42.

[0139] In other words, the connector 5 is constrained to the casing 40 by means of a quick coupling, more preferably of the snap-fit type.

[0140] In accordance with one embodiment, the transmission cable 9 extends to the connection end 9a (connected to the first region 5b of the connector 5) and comprises a crossing section 90, parallel to the central axis "A" and arranged crossing the electronic board 10, and a joining section 91 , transverse to the central axis "A" and placed between the crossing section 90 and the connection end 9a.

[0141] Preferably, the crossing section 90 is arranged adjacent to the shaft 3.

[0142] The joining section 91 is housed within the casing 40.

[0143] Alternatively, the crossing section 90 is arranged crossing the electric motor 4 and is therefore at least partially housed within the casing 40, while the joining section 91 is housed within the casing 40.

[0144] In accordance with an embodiment, the electronic device 1 comprises a plurality of transmission cables 9.

[0145] The connector 5 therefore comprises a plurality of first 5b and second 5c regions, as schematically shown in Figure 2.

[0146] Each first region 5b is connected to a transmission cable 9 of the plurality of transmission cables 9.

[0147] The electronic board 10 comprises a plurality of electrically conductive housings 10a and each second region 5c is removably engaged within a corresponding housing 10a.

[0148] In detail, the plurality of transmission cables 9 comprises a positive transmission cable 9, connected or connectable to a positive pole of the battery 8, and a negative transmission cable 9, connected or connectable to a negative pole of the battery 8.

[0149] Thus, the plurality of first regions 5b comprises a first positive region 5b, electrically connected to the connection end 9a of the positive transmission cable 8, and a first negative region 5b, electrically connected to the connection end 9a of the negative transmission cable 9.

[0150] Similarly, the plurality of second regions 5c comprises a second positive region 5c and a second negative region 5c, each removably engaged within a corresponding electrically conductive housing 10a of the electronic board.

[0151] In accordance with an embodiment, the electric motor 4 comprises a three-phase motor and the connector 5 is configured to electrically connect each phase of the electric motor 4 to the electronic board 10.

[0152] In detail, the electronic board 10 comprises a plurality of electrically conductive housings 10a, and the connector 5 comprises a plurality of first 5a and second 5b regions, as schematically shown in Figure 3a.

[0153] Each first region 5b is connected to a phase of the electric motor 4.

[0154] Each second region 5c is removably engaged into a corresponding electrically conductive housing 10a of the electronic board 10.

[0155] In more detail, the electric motor 4 comprises a first, second, and third winding each extending to its own connection portion connected to a respective first region 5b of the connector 5. The connector 5 thus comprises a second region 5c for each first region 5b, and the second regions 5c are removably engaged into a corresponding electrically conductive housing 10a of the electronic board.

[0156] Preferably, the electronic device 1 comprises:

[0157] - a first connector 5 (schematically shown in Figure 2A), configured to define an electrical connection between the electronic board 10 and the transmission cable 9;

[0158] - a second connector 5 (schematically shown in Figure 3A), configured to define an electrical connection between the electronic board 10 and the electric motor 4.

[0159] The electronic device 1 can be assembled by means of an assembly method covered by the present invention.

[0160] The assembly method comprises a step of preparing the containment body 2, the electronic board 10, the transmission cable 9, and the electric motor 4.

[0161] The assembly method comprises a step of creating an electrical connection between the electronic board 10 and the transmission cable 9 and between the electronic board 10 and the electric motor 4.

[0162] The assembly method comprises a step of housing the electric motor 4 and the electronic board 10 within the containment body 2.

[0163] The electrical connection step is made by preparing the connector 5, electrically connecting the first region 5b of the connector 5 to one of the transmission cable 9 and the electric motor 4, and slidably engaging the second region 5c of the connector 5 into the corresponding housing 10a of the electronic board 10.

[0164] Preferably, the assembly method comprises a step of housing the main body 5a and the first region 5b of the connector 5 within the casing 40 of the electric motor 4 by slidably inserting the second region 5c of the connector 5 within the through opening 41 of the casing 40 so that the second region 5c protrudes externally from the casing 40.

[0165] Preferably, the assembly method comprises a step of constraining the main body 5a of the connector 5 to the casing 40 by means of a mechanical snap-fit coupling.

[0166] Advantageously, the present invention is capable of overcoming the drawbacks which have emerged from the prior art.

[0167] Advantageously, the connector 5 allows for increased reliability and easier assembly of the electronic device 1 due to the second region 5c being removably engaged within the housing 10a of the electronic board 10.

[0168] In addition, the snap-fit coupling between the casing 40 and the main body 5a of the connector 5 also allows for an easier assembly of the electronic device 1 .

[0169] Advantageously, the connector 5, as well as the snap-fit coupling between the casing 40 and the main body 5a of the connector 5 allows for interchangeability of the electronic board 10 and motor 4 in the event of faults.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Electronic device (1 ) for moving a pedal-assisted bicycle comprising:- a containment body (2) extending along a central axis (A) and provided with connecting members to the wheel of a bicycle (100);- an electric motor (4) housed in said containment body (2) and configured to confer to said containment body (2) a rotation about said central axis (A);- at least one transmission cable (9), connected or connectable to a battery (8);- an electronic board (10) housed in the containment body (2), wherein the electronic board (10) is connected to the transmission cable (9) and the electric motor (4); characterised in that it comprises at least one connector (5) provided with:- a main body (5a) made of electrically insulating material;- a first region (5b), connected to the main body (5a), made of electrically conductive material, and electrically connected to one of the transmission cable (9) and the electric motor (4);- a second region (5c), connected to the main body (5a), made of electrically conductive material, and electrically connected to the first region (5b); wherein:- the electronic board (10) is provided with at least one electrically conductive housing (10a),- the second region (5c) of the connector (5) is removably engaged within the electrically conductive housing (10a) of the electronic board (10).

2. Electronic device according to the preceding claim, wherein the second region (5c) of the connector (5) is in electrical contact with the electrically conductive housing (10a) of the electronic board (10) by means of asolder-free electrical connection.

3. Electronic device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission cable (9) extends to a connection end (9a), and wherein the first region (5b) is constrained to the connection end (9a) by crimping.

4. Electronic device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the electric motor (4) comprises at least one winding which extends to a terminal portion, and wherein the first region (5b) is constrained to said terminal portion by crimping.

5. Electronic device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first region (5b) has a seat, and wherein the connection end (9a) or the connection portion of the electric motor (4) is inserted into said seat and pressure-constrained to said seat.

6. Electronic device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the electrically conductive housing (10a) passes through the electronic board (10) along a direction parallel to the central axis (A), wherein the second region (5c) of the connector (5) extends parallel to the central axis (A) and is inserted within the electrically conductive housing (10a) along a direction parallel to the central axis (A).

7. Electronic device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the second region (5c) of the connector (5) comprises a pin (50) extending along a direction parallel to the central axis (A) fitted into the electrically conductive housing (10a) of the electronic board (10) parallel to the central axis (A).

8. Electronic device according to the preceding claim, wherein theelectronic board (10) comprises at least one metal receiving eyelet (11 ) configured to accommodate the pin (50), preferably said metal receiving eyelet (11 ) being substantially sleeve-shaped.

9. Electronic device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the first region (5a) of the connector (5) extends along a radial direction with respect to the central axis (A).

10. Electronic device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the electric motor (4) comprises a casing (40), within which a rotor and a stator of said electric motor (4) are housed, housed within the containment body (2) and provided with a through opening (41 ) extending parallel to the central axis (A), wherein the electric motor (4) is housed within said casing (40), and wherein:- the first region (5b) and the main body (5a) of the connector (5) are housed within said casing (40);- the second region (5c) of the connector (5) protrudes externally from the casing (40) parallel to the central axis (A) and through the through opening (41 ) of the casing (40).

11. Electronic device according to the preceding claim, wherein the main body (5a) of the connector (5) comprises a connection portion (60) configured to engage, preferably by snap fitting, removably into a wall of the casing (40).

12. Electronic device according to any preceding claim, wherein the casing (40) comprises a through-hole (42) and wherein the connection portion (60) of the connector (5) comprises an elastically deformable fork with a snap-fit engagement into the through-hole (42).

13. Electronic device according to one or more of the preceding claims,wherein the first region (5b) of the connector (5) is connected to the transmission cable (9), and wherein the transmission cable (9) extends to a connection end (9a) connected to the first region (5b) of the connector (5), the transmission cable (9) comprising:- a crossing section (90) parallel to the central axis (A) and arranged crossing the electronic board (10); and- a joining section (91 ) transverse to the central axis (A) and placed between the crossing section (90) and the connection end (9a).

14. Electronic device according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of transmission cables (9), wherein:- the electronic board (10) comprises a plurality of housings (10a);- the connector (5) comprises a plurality of first regions (5a), each connected to a transmission cable (9) of said plurality of transmission cables (9), and a plurality of second regions (5b), each removably engaged within a corresponding electrically conductive housing (10a) of said plurality of electrically conductive housings (10a) of the electronic board (10).

15. Electronic device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the electric motor (4) comprises a three-phase motor, wherein the electronic board (10) comprises a plurality of electrically conductive housings (10a), and wherein the connector (5) comprises:- a plurality of first regions (5b), each connected to a phase of the electric motor (4);- a plurality of second regions (5c), each removably engaged within a corresponding electrically conductive housing (10a) of said plurality of electrically conductive housings (10a) of the electronic board (10).

16. Pedal-assisted bicycle (100) comprising:- a frame (101 ) equipped with at least one front fork (102) and at least onerear fork (103) and a pedal assembly (104);- a front wheel (105) rotatably connected to said front fork (102);- a rear wheel (106) rotatably connected to said rear fork (103) and comprising a central hub defined by an electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims.

17. Bicycle (100) according to the preceding claim, comprising a battery (8) electrically connected to the transmission cable (9) and constrained to the frame (101 ) of said bicycle (100).

18. Method of assembling an electronic device according to one or more of the preceding claims comprising the steps of:- preparing the containment body (2), the electronic board (10), the transmission cable (9), and the electric motor (4);- making an electrical connection between the electronic board (10) and the transmission cable (9) and between the electronic board (10) and the electric motor (4);- housing the electric motor (4) and the electronic board (10) within the containment body (2); characterised in that the electrical connection step comprises:- preparing at least one connector (5);- electrically connecting the first region (5b) of the connector (5) to one of the transmission cable (9) and the electric motor (4);- slidably engaging the second region (5c) of the connector (5) into the corresponding housing (10a) of the electronic board (10).

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