Drive assembly of an electric bicycle

The drive arrangement for electric bicycles uses a bolt and a tolerance compensation element to simplify and cost-effectively address tolerance compensation and sealing issues, ensuring reliable and robust fastening of the drive unit to the frame interface.

WO2026037718A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-02-19ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/EP2025/072725
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2025-08-06
Filing Date
2025-08-07
Publication Date
2026-02-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing drive arrangements for electric bicycles face challenges in bridging gaps and compensating for radial and axial tolerances between the drive unit and the frame interface, often requiring complex and costly components for reliable and backlash-free mounting.

Method used

A drive arrangement using a bolt and a tolerance compensation element, designed as a sleeve, which compensates for radial and axial tolerances by expanding radially when the bolt is mounted, ensuring a robust and backlash-free connection with a simple and cost-effective design.

Benefits of technology

The solution provides a reliable, robust, and cost-effective fastening of the drive unit to the frame interface with radial and axial tolerance compensation, while also preventing dirt and water ingress, and facilitating easy assembly and disassembly.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a drive assembly of an electric bicycle (100), comprising a drive unit (2), a frame interface (3), a tolerance compensation element (4), and a bolt (5), wherein the drive unit, in the mounted state, is situated at least partly between a first wall (31) and a second wall (32) of the frame interface, and the drive unit, in the mounted state, is fixed to the first wall by means of the tolerance compensation element and the bolt; the first wall has a first wall opening (31a), and the tolerance compensation element is in the form of a sleeve and, in the mounted state, is situated within the first wall opening; in the mounted state, a sub-region of the bolt is situated within the tolerance compensation element; and the tolerance compensation element and the bolt are designed such that, by virtue of the mounting process of the bolt, the tolerance compensation element compensates for at least a radial tolerance, preferably a radial and axial tolerance, of the fixation of the drive unit to the first wall.
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Description

[0001] R.414361 -IP1

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Description

[0004] title

[0005] Drive system of an electric bicycle

[0006] State of the art

[0007] The present invention relates to a drive arrangement of an electric bicycle, an electric bicycle, and a bolt and a tolerance compensation element for fastening a drive unit.

[0008] Drive arrangements are known in which drive units are held between two walls of a frame interface. The drive unit is typically screwed to the two opposing walls. Often, a gap between the drive unit and at least one of the two walls must be bridged. Furthermore, a radial tolerance between the walls and the drive unit frequently needs to be compensated for. To enable this tolerance compensation, elastically deformable retaining plates between the wall and the drive unit are known, for example. Elastic elements that can be arranged radially between the screws and the wall are also known.

[0009] Disclosure of the invention

[0010] The drive arrangement according to the invention with the features of claim 1 is characterized, in contrast, by the fact that tolerance compensation for the fastening of a drive unit to a frame interface is enabled by means of a particularly simple and cost-effective design. In particular, particularly simple and time-efficient assembly is also possible. This is achieved by a drive arrangement of an electric bicycle comprising a drive unit, a frame interface, a tolerance compensation element, and a bolt. In an assembled state R.414361 -IP1

[0011] - 2 - The drive unit is arranged at least partially between a first wall and a second wall of the frame interface, wherein the drive unit is attached to the first wall by means of the tolerance compensation element and the bolt. Preferably, the drive unit is additionally attached to the second wall in the assembled state, at least by means of the bolt, and in particular at least indirectly. The first wall has a wall opening within which the tolerance compensation element is arranged at least partially in the assembled state of the drive assembly. Furthermore, in the assembled state of the drive assembly, a portion of the bolt is arranged within the tolerance compensation element.The tolerance compensation element and the bolt are designed such that, by mounting the bolt, the tolerance compensation element compensates for at least one radial, preferably one radial and additionally one axial, tolerance of the fastening of the drive unit to the first wall.

[0012] A frame interface can be, for example, a section of a bicycle frame to which the drive unit can be attached using bolts and a tolerance compensation element. Preferably, the first wall and the second wall are arranged parallel to each other. In particular, the first wall and the second wall can be connected by means of a connecting wall to form, in particular, a substantially U-shaped frame interface that preferably encompasses a section of the drive unit.

[0013] Preferably, the drive unit is attached to the first wall in the area of ​​the first wall opening by means of a tolerance compensation element and a bolt, and preferably exclusively by means of these two components. Preferably, the drive assembly can have several fastening arrangements, each comprising exactly one bolt and exactly one tolerance compensation element. That is, for example, the drive unit can be attached to exactly two or three first wall openings by means of one bolt and one tolerance compensation element, respectively.

[0014] In other words, a drive assembly for an electric bicycle is provided, which has a bolt and a tolerance compensation element for attaching the drive unit to the frame interface, which is located within a wall opening of the first wall of the frame interface R.414361 -IP1

[0015] - 3 - can be arranged. The tolerance compensation element and the bolt, and preferably also the first wall opening of the first wall, are designed and coordinated such that the assembly of the bolt, in particular the insertion of the portion of the bolt into the tolerance compensation element, causes the tolerance compensation element to compensate at least the radial, and preferably also the axial, tolerance of the fastening of the drive unit to the first wall. That is, if the portion of the bolt is located radially within the sleeve-shaped tolerance compensation element, this results, in particular through appropriate mechanical and geometric design, in the tolerance compensation element compensating at least the radial tolerance, in particular by completely compensating for any radial distance between an edge of the first wall opening and the bolt.Preferably, the mounting of the bolt radially within the tolerance compensation element also ensures that the tolerance compensation element compensates for the axial tolerance, in particular between the first wall and the drive unit.

[0016] This drive arrangement offers the advantage that a robust and backlash-free mounting of the drive unit to the first wall can be achieved using particularly simple and cost-effective components. In addition to simply compensating for tolerances, the tolerance compensation element also provides a sealing function, preventing, for example, dirt and / or water from penetrating the interior of the frame interface. Furthermore, it ensures reliable force transmission between the bolt and the first wall, and thus between the drive unit and the frame interface, in every direction. Because mounting the bolt inside the tolerance compensation element achieves radial tolerance compensation, a particularly robust connection between the bolt and the first wall, and therefore direct and reliable force transmission, is enabled.The drive arrangement also allows for particularly simple and time-efficient assembly, since the tolerance compensation is directly achieved via the tolerance compensation element during the mounting of the bolt itself. Furthermore, the drive arrangement advantageously requires few components for attaching the drive unit to the frame interface, resulting in a simple and cost-effective design with low weight. R.414361 -IP1.

[0017] - 4 -

[0018] The dependent claims contain preferred further developments of the invention.

[0019] Preferably, the tolerance compensation element and the bolt are designed such that, upon assembly, the tolerance compensation element is radially expanded by the bolt and pressed against the first wall, particularly in the radial direction. Specifically, the radial expansion is achieved by mounting the bolt by axially pulling it into the interior of the tolerance compensation element. That is, the two components are designed such that the axial insertion of the bolt into the interior of the tolerance compensation element expands it radially until it is pressed radially against the inner surface of the wall opening in the first wall. Preferably, the tolerance compensation element is deformed in this process, particularly elastically.This allows for particularly simple and reliable tolerance compensation, while also providing a particularly robust design of the drive assembly in the assembled state.

[0020] The bolt preferably has a bolt head, which, in the assembled state, is at least partially arranged radially within the tolerance compensation element. For radial expansion of the tolerance compensation element, the bolt head has a pressing area with an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the tolerance compensation element. Preferably, the pressing area is formed by a radial outer surface, i.e., a cylindrical surface, of the bolt head. In particular, the outer diameter of the bolt head is at least 12%, preferably a maximum of 25%, larger than the inner diameter of the tolerance compensation element. This enables reliable radial tolerance compensation in a particularly simple and reliable manner and by means of a robust design.

[0021] Preferably, in the assembled state, only the tolerance compensation element and the bolt head, in particular the pressing area of ​​the bolt head, are arranged radially within the first wall opening. That is, within the clearance defined by the first wall opening, R.414361 -IP1

[0022] - 5 - only a part of the tolerance compensation element and a part of the bolt are arranged and no other elements.

[0023] Preferably, the bolt head further comprises an insertion area with an outer diameter that substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the tolerance compensation element. Preferably, a clearance fit or a transition fit, or alternatively preferably a slight interference fit, is formed between the inner diameter of the tolerance compensation element and the outer diameter of the insertion area. In particular, the insertion area corresponds to a cylindrical outer surface of the bolt head. This allows the tolerance compensation element to be easily and smoothly slid onto the insertion area before assembly, thus simplifying the assembly process.

[0024] Preferably, the insertion area of ​​the bolt head is arranged adjacent to a bolt shank, particularly axially. Furthermore, the pressing area is preferably arranged adjacent to a tool receptacle of the bolt, particularly axially. The bolt shank may preferably have a thread, particularly for fastening the bolt to the second wall of the frame interface. The tool receptacle may preferably be provided to allow the bolt to be actuated by a tool, for example, by screwing in the bolt. Preferably, the insertion area extends over at least 5%, particularly at least 10%, and most preferably at least 18% of the axial length of the bolt head. More preferably, the insertion area extends over a maximum of 80%, more preferably a maximum of 50%, more preferably a maximum of 30%, and most preferably a maximum of 48% of the axial length of the bolt head.Preferably, the pressing area extends over at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, and particularly a maximum of 95% of the axial length of the bolt head. Particularly preferably, the pressing area extends over an axial length of at least 3 mm, preferably at least 7 mm, particularly preferably at least 6.5 mm, and particularly a maximum of 8 mm, and particularly a maximum of 20 mm. This allows for reliable and robust fastening with a compact overall geometry of the drive assembly. R.414361 -IP1.

[0025] - 6 -

[0026] Preferably, the insertion area of ​​the bolt head, when fully assembled, extends axially into or across a gap between the drive unit and the first wall. This means that the insertion area projects only partially or not at all into the gap between the drive unit and the first wall. This prevents the tolerance compensation element from expanding significantly radially within the gap, as a substantial portion of the press-fit area remains within the gap. In particular, this allows the press-fit connection between the bolt and the first wall to be directed radially towards a particularly reliable and robust connection. Furthermore, this facilitates easy disassembly of the drive assembly, for example, by allowing the tolerance compensation element to be easily removed from the wall after removing the bolt.

[0027] Preferably, the bolt can be fixed to the second wall, at least indirectly, by means of a thread. That is, in the assembled state, the bolt is screwed into the second wall by means of the thread, particularly directly, or alternatively, screwed to the second wall by means of an additional threaded element. The axial lengths of the bolt and the pressing area, as well as of the pressing area and the tolerance compensation element, are designed such that, during assembly, thread engagement is possible without the tolerance compensation element being expanded by the pressing area. Particularly preferred is an axial distance between a threaded end face of the tolerance compensation element, in a state where it is fully pushed onto the insertion area of ​​the bolt head, and a threaded end face of the bolt that is smaller than the axial distance between the end faces of the first wall and the second wall facing the bolt head.In other words, the axial lengths of the bolt, in the area of ​​the bolt shank, bolt head with insertion and pressing area, and tolerance compensation element, are matched to the distance between the two walls of the frame interface, particularly with the thread, such that the bolt with the attached tolerance compensation element can be easily positioned at the frame interface, especially without radial expansion of the tolerance compensation element due to the pressing area, so that the thread engages. This allows for particularly easy assembly without requiring high force. R.414361 -IP1.

[0028] - 7 -

[0029] Preferably, the bolt can be fixed in the drive unit at least indirectly, and preferably directly, by means of a thread. The axial lengths of the bolt and the pressing area, as well as of the pressing area and the tolerance compensation element, are designed such that, during assembly, thread engagement is possible without the tolerance compensation element being expanded by the pressing area. Particularly preferred is an axial distance between a thread-side end face of the tolerance compensation element, in a state where it is fully pushed onto the insertion area of ​​the bolt head, and a thread-side end face of the bolt that is smaller than the axial distance between the end face of the first wall facing the bolt head and the thread start facing the bolt head.In other words, the axial lengths of the bolt, in the area of ​​the bolt shank, bolt head with insertion area and pressing area, and tolerance compensation element, are precisely matched to the distance of the first wall from the thread in the drive unit. This allows the bolt, with the tolerance compensation element attached, to be easily positioned at the frame interface, particularly without radial expansion of the tolerance compensation element due to the pressing area, so that the thread engages. This enables particularly easy assembly without requiring significant force.

[0030] Preferably, the drive assembly comprises two bolts and two tolerance compensation elements. Each bolt can be fixed in the drive unit, at least indirectly, and preferably directly, by means of a thread. The second bolt and the second tolerance compensation element are arranged on the second wall. In other words, one bolt and one tolerance compensation element are provided on each of the two walls of the frame interfaces, with each bolt being screwed directly into the thread in the drive unit. This provides an alternative fastening method to a through bolt, enabling simple and cost-effective fastening with the same components.

[0031] Preferably, the tolerance compensation element is designed as a monolithic component. In particular, a one-piece R.414361-IP1 is used as a monolithic component.

[0032] - 8 -

[0033] The component is considered to be made from exactly one material. This allows for a particularly simple and cost-effective manufacturing of the tolerance compensation element.

[0034] Preferably, the tolerance compensation element is rotationally symmetrical and / or axially symmetrical. It is particularly advantageous for the tolerance compensation element to be both rotationally symmetrical and axially symmetrical. This allows for mounting the tolerance compensation element on either side, regardless of direction. In particular, this enables the mounting of the tolerance compensation element to be based on the so-called "poka-yoke" principle. The tolerance compensation element preferably has a constant inner diameter and / or an outer diameter along its entire axial length.

[0035] Preferably, the tolerance compensation element is designed such that, in the assembled state, a gap between the drive unit and the first wall is bridged in the axial direction by the tolerance compensation element. This means that, in the assembled state, the tolerance compensation element rests against an end face of the drive unit facing the first wall. The interference fit of the tolerance compensation element in the first wall opening ensures a backlash-free axial mounting of the drive unit. Thus, a completely backlash-free arrangement of the drive unit within the frame interface can be achieved using a particularly simple and cost-effective design.

[0036] Preferably, the tolerance compensation element and the bolt are designed such that, in the assembled state, a press fit between the tolerance compensation element and the first wall extends substantially over the entire axial length of the first wall opening. Preferably, the first wall opening is designed as a cylindrical through-hole with a constant diameter. This allows for reliable tolerance compensation and robust fastening in a particularly simple and cost-effective design.

[0037] The tolerance compensation element is particularly preferably formed from a softer material than the first wall and / or the bolt. This allows for the application of R.414361-IP1.

[0038] - 9 - It is made possible in a simple way that the tolerance compensation element is specifically deformed during assembly, thereby creating the tolerance compensation. The tolerance compensation element is particularly preferably made of plastic, preferably a thermoplastic polyurethane. This also makes the tolerance compensation element particularly easy and cost-effective to manufacture. Furthermore, the bolt, preferably at least in the area of ​​the bolt head, is preferably made of a metal, preferably steel. The wall of the frame interface can be made, for example, of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, or magnesium or a magnesium alloy, or of a fiber composite material, such as a carbon fiber reinforced plastic.

[0039] Preferably, at least a portion of the tolerance compensation element and / or the bolt is tapered towards the drive unit, particularly preferably conically. In particular, the tapering can be uniform along the axial direction. That is, for example, the inner diameter of the tolerance compensation element can be tapered towards the drive unit. This allows, for example, the radial expansion of the tolerance compensation element to occur during the mounting of the bolt, particularly by axially pulling the bolt head into the tolerance compensation element, in order to achieve radial and preferably also axial tolerance compensation.

[0040] Furthermore, the invention leads to an electric bicycle comprising the described drive arrangement. Preferably, the electric bicycle includes a bicycle frame, wherein the frame interface of the drive arrangement is an integral part of the bicycle frame. Preferably, the drive arrangement can be arranged in the area of ​​a bottom bracket of the electric bicycle.

[0041] The invention further relates to a bolt and a tolerance compensation element for fastening a drive unit to a frame interface of an electric bicycle. Preferably, the bolt and tolerance compensation element are designed for use in or with the drive arrangement described above. The bolt and the tolerance compensation element are designed to at least partially secure the drive unit in the assembled state between a first wall and a second wall of a frame interface R.414361 -IP1

[0042] - 10 - to fix to the electric bicycle. The bolt and the tolerance compensation element are further designed to attach the drive unit to a first wall opening of the first wall. The tolerance compensation element is designed as a sleeve and is further designed to be arranged within the first wall opening in the assembled state. Furthermore, a portion of the bolt is designed to be arranged within the tolerance compensation element in the assembled state, wherein the tolerance compensation element and the bolt are designed such that, through the assembly of the bolt, the tolerance compensation element compensates for at least one radial, preferably one radial and additionally axial, tolerance in the attachment of the drive unit to the first wall.The bolt and tolerance compensation element are thus characterized by a particularly simple and cost-effective design, which enables reliable and robust fastening of the drive unit to the frame interface with radial, and preferably also axial, tolerance compensation.

[0043] Brief description of the drawings

[0044] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawing shows:

[0045] Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic view of an electric bicycle with a drive arrangement according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0046] Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the drive arrangement of the first

[0047] Exemplary embodiment in fully assembled state,

[0048] Figure 3 shows a perspective exploded view of the drive unit of the first embodiment,

[0049] Figure 4 shows a detailed sectional view of the drive arrangement of the first

[0050] Example of implementation during assembly,

[0051] Figure 5 shows a detailed view of the drive arrangement of the first

[0052] Exemplary embodiment, R.414361 -IP1

[0053] - 11 -

[0054] Figure 6 shows a detailed view of a drive arrangement according to a second embodiment of the invention,

[0055] Figure 7 shows a detailed view of a drive arrangement according to a third embodiment of the invention,

[0056] Figure 8 shows a detailed view of a drive arrangement according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, and

[0057] Figure 9 shows a detailed sectional view of a drive arrangement according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

[0058] Preferred embodiments of the invention

[0059] Preferably, all identical components, elements and / or units in all figures are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0060] Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic view of an electric bicycle 100 with a drive arrangement 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. Details of the drive arrangement 1 of the first embodiment are shown in Figures 2 to 5.

[0061] The drive assembly 1 is located in the area of ​​the bottom bracket of the electric bicycle 100. The bottom bracket is designed to support a pedal shaft 108, which can be connected to cranks 104 in a rotationally fixed manner. By means of the cranks 104, a rider of the electric bicycle 100 can apply a pedaling force generated by muscle power to the drive of the electric bicycle 100.

[0062] The drive arrangement 1 comprises a drive unit 2, which includes a motor 106 and a gearbox 107. Motor torque generated by the motor 106 can preferably be transmitted via the gearbox 107 to the pedal shaft 108 to provide motor assistance to the rider's pedaling force. The motor 106 is preferably an electric motor, which can be supplied with electrical energy by means of an electrical energy storage device 109 of the electric bicycle 100. R.414361 -IP1

[0063] - 12 -

[0064] The drive arrangement 1 further comprises a frame interface 3, which is an integral part of a bicycle frame 105 of the electric bicycle 100. The frame interface 3 has two walls 31, 32, which are arranged parallel to each other and essentially orthogonal to a pedal axle 101 of the pedal shaft 108 (see Figure 2). The two walls 31, 32 are preferably formed together as a single, essentially U-shaped component by means of a connecting wall 3a. The drive unit 2, when mounted on the frame interface 3, is arranged, at least partially, between the first wall 31 and the second wall 32, i.e., it is partially enclosed by the frame interface 3.

[0065] Furthermore, the drive assembly 1 includes a bolt 5 and a tolerance compensation element 4. By means of the bolt 5 and tolerance compensation element 4, the drive unit 2 can be attached to the frame interface 3 without play.

[0066] The drive unit 2 is fastened by means of a through bolt 5 which, in the assembled state, projects completely through a through-opening 25 of the drive unit 2 and is fastened to each of the two walls 31, 32. Specifically, the through bolt 5 is fastened within a wall opening 31a, 32a, the wall openings 31a, 32a being preferably aligned or coaxial.

[0067] Preferably, the drive unit 2 comprises two insertion sleeves 26, each of which is inserted into the through-opening 25 of the drive unit 2 on one side. Each insertion sleeve 26 may additionally include a damping element 27, for example made of an elastomer, on its outer surface. The insertion sleeves 26 may, for example, be made of steel. This provides a vibration-damping and robust mounting of the drive unit 2. In particular, this enables a uniform force transmission to the mounting, for example, to a drive unit 2 with an aluminum or magnesium housing. R.414361 -IP1

[0068] - 13 -

[0069] The bolt 5 has a bolt head 51, a bolt shaft 54 ​​and a threaded area 56 at an end of the bolt shaft 54 ​​located away from the bolt head 51.

[0070] The bolt 5 can be fixed to the second wall 32 by screwing the threaded section 56 into a thread 60 on the second wall 32. The thread 60 is preferably part of a nut 6, which is designed as a separate component from the second wall 32 and is arranged in the second wall opening 32a, which may preferably be stepped.

[0071] The drive unit 2 is fastened by means of bolts 5 in such a way that, in the assembled state, a fastening axis 50, along which the bolt 5 extends, is arranged parallel to the pedal axle 101.

[0072] The drive unit 2 is preferably attached to the frame interface 3 at at least two attachment points 29 (see Figure 3), each of which is secured by a separate bolt 5 and a separate tolerance compensation element 4. For the sake of simplicity and clarity, only one such attachment is shown in each figure.

[0073] The tolerance compensation element 4 is designed as a sleeve, which is intended to be positioned radially between the bolt head 51 and the inside of the first wall opening 31a of the first wall in the assembled state. Figures 2 and 5 show the fully assembled state.

[0074] The tolerance compensation element 4 is rotationally symmetrical and axially symmetrical. This allows the tolerance compensation element 4 to be mounted on either side, thus simplifying assembly.

[0075] The tolerance compensation element 4 and bolt 5 are designed such that the installation of the bolt 5 causes the tolerance compensation element 4 to compensate for a radial and an additionally an axial tolerance in the fastening of the drive unit 2 to the first wall 31. This is achieved by the tolerance compensation element 4 expanding radially through the radially located bolt head 51 and contacting the first wall 31. R.414361 -IP1

[0076] - 14 - is pressed. For this purpose, the bolt head 51 has a pressing area 52 which has an outer diameter 52a that is larger than an inner diameter 4a of the tolerance compensation element 4 (see Figure 5). As a result, when the threaded section 56 is screwed in, the pressing area 52 is pulled axially into the interior of the tolerance compensation element 4, so that it is pushed radially outwards and expands.

[0077] The expansion and radial tolerance compensation achieved by radial compression with the first wall 31 is made possible by the fact that the tolerance compensation element 4 is made of a softer material than the bolt 5 and the first wall 31. Specifically, the tolerance compensation element 4 is made of a plastic, preferably a thermoplastic polyurethane, or TPU for short. Furthermore, the tolerance compensation element 4 is designed as a monolithic component, that is, as a single-piece component made of exactly one material.

[0078] For particularly easy assembly, the bolt 5 also features an insertion area 53 on the bolt head 51 and a special adaptation of the axial lengths of the sub-areas. Specifically, the insertion area 53 has an outer diameter 53a, which essentially corresponds to the inner diameter 4a of the tolerance compensation element 4. Preferably, a clearance fit or a transition fit can be formed between the insertion area 53 and the tolerance compensation element 4. The insertion area 53 is located directly adjacent to the bolt shank 54. The pressing area 52 is also directly adjacent to the insertion area 53 and is located at the axial end of the bolt head 51, adjacent to a tool holder 55. A tool can preferably be inserted into the tool holder 55 to actuate the bolt 5, for example, to screw it into the thread 60.

[0079] Preferably, the insertion area 53 extends over a maximum of 30% of an axial length 51b of the bolt head 51. In particular, the pressing area 52 extends over the remainder of the axial length 51b of the bolt head 51, thus preferably over at least 70% of the axial length 51b.

[0080] The axial lengths of bolt 5 with its sub-areas and the frame interface 3 with the thread 60 are such that they are aligned with each other R.414361 -IP1

[0081] - 15 - agreed that during assembly, thread engagement between thread area 56 and thread 60 is possible without radial expansion of the tolerance compensation element 4 by the pressing area 52 of the bolt head 51. In detail, a first length 81 between an axial end or face of the thread area 56 and a thread-side face of the tolerance compensation element 4 in the state of the tolerance compensation element 4 being fully pushed onto the bolt head 51, i.e., onto the insertion area 53 up to the point of contact with the pressing area 52, is greater than a second length 82 between a bolt head-side face of the thread area 60 and a bolt head-side face of the drive unit 2, which is defined in particular by a face of the insertion sleeve 26.In particular, the first length 81 is defined by the axial length of the bolt shaft 54, the axial length of the insertion area 53 and the axial length 40 of the tolerance compensation element 4.

[0082] This allows, for example, the tolerance compensation element 4 to be first slid onto the insertion area 53 of the bolt head 51 during assembly. The bolt 5 with the tolerance compensation element 4 can then be inserted through the first wall opening 31 and the through-opening 25 of the drive unit 2, and subsequently partially screwed into the thread 60 without requiring a significant insertion force to expand the tolerance compensation element 4. Subsequently, by further screwing in the bolt 5, the bolt head 51 can be pulled axially towards the second wall 32 by means of the thread engagement. This also presses the tolerance compensation element 4 axially against the drive unit 2, thereby bridging an axial gap 7 between the first wall 31 and the drive unit 2.Further screwing in causes the press area 52 to be pulled into the tolerance compensation element 4 to widen in the radial direction and thus press the tolerance compensation element 4 in the radial direction with the first wall 31, thereby compensating the tolerance in the axial and radial directions.

[0083] The bolt 5 is screwed in until the threaded end face of the bolt head 51 rests against the drive unit 2. In particular, the drive unit 2 is thus secured against the second wall 32 R.414361 -IP1 by means of the bolt 5 without any play.

[0084] - 16 - pulled and fixed to this. The fully screwed state is shown in Figures 2 and 5.

[0085] The axial length of the insertion area 53 is preferably designed such that, in the fully assembled state, the insertion area 53 extends axially essentially completely across the gap 7 between the drive unit 2 and the first wall 31. This ensures that there is essentially no radial expansion of the tolerance compensation element 4 within the gap 7. This allows for easy disassembly of the drive assembly 1.

[0086] For simple and cost-effective manufacturing, the pressing area 52 and the insertion area 53 of the bolt head 51 are preferably designed with a cylindrical outer geometry. Furthermore, the tolerance compensation element 4 is designed with a cylindrical inner and outer geometry. The first wall opening 31a is also designed as a cylindrical through-bore with a constant diameter, thus enabling particularly simple and cost-effective manufacturing. The press fit between the tolerance compensation element 4 and the first wall 31 therefore extends uniformly over the entire axial length of the first wall opening 31a, resulting in a particularly reliable and robust fastening.

[0087] Figure 6 shows a simplified schematic view of a detail of a drive arrangement 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The second embodiment corresponds essentially to the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 5, with the difference being an alternative design of the bolt head 51. In the second embodiment, the bolt head 51 has an outer diameter 51c that tapers towards the drive unit 2. The inner diameter 4a of the tolerance compensation element 4 is constant over its axial length. In particular, the bolt head 51 is uniformly tapered along the axial direction, preferably conically.

[0088] On the drive unit-side end face, the outer diameter 51c of the bolt head 51 is essentially equal to the inner diameter 4a of the tolerance compensation element 4. On the side facing away from the drive unit, the outer diameter 51c is preferably at least 10% larger than on the R.414361-IP1

[0089] - 17 -

[0090] Front face of the drive unit 2. This allows the radial expansion of the tolerance compensation element 4 and the axial and radial tolerance compensation to be provided with an alternative, simple and cost-effective design.

[0091] Figure 7 shows a simplified schematic detail view of a drive arrangement 1 according to a third embodiment of the invention. The third embodiment essentially corresponds to the second embodiment of Figure 6, with the difference that the outer diameter 51c of the bolt head 51 is constant, and instead the inner diameter 4a of the tolerance compensation element 4 tapers towards the drive unit 2. In particular, the outer diameter 51c at the end face facing the tool holder 55 is essentially equal to the inner diameter 4a on the corresponding axial end face of the tolerance compensation element 4. The inner diameter 4a is preferably at least 10% smaller on the drive unit side. This provides a further alternative, simple, and cost-effective design that enables axial and radial tolerance compensation by radially expanding the tolerance compensation element 4.

[0092] Figure 8 shows a simplified schematic detail view of a drive arrangement 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The fourth embodiment corresponds essentially to the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 5, with the difference that the pressing area 52 extends essentially over the entire axial length of the bolt head 51. Preferably, an insertion chamfer 58 can be provided on the end face of the bolt head 51 facing the drive unit 2, which facilitates the insertion of the tolerance compensation element 4. This allows for a particularly simple and cost-effective manufacture of the bolt 5.

[0093] Figure 9 shows a detailed sectional view of a drive arrangement 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. The fifth embodiment corresponds essentially to the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 5, with the difference that instead of a through bolt, two bolts 5 are provided for fastening the drive unit 2 to the R.414361-IP1

[0094] - 18 -

[0095] Frame interface 3. In detail, the two bolts 5 are arranged axially opposite each other, preferably on a common axis.

[0096] The drive unit 2 has a blind hole 25a with a thread 60 on each of its opposite sides, into which the respective

[0097] Bolt 5 with its thread area 56 is screwed directly in.

[0098] A bore 25b with an enlarged diameter is provided axially to the outside of each blind hole bore 25a, for receiving the insertion sleeve 26 and damping element 27.

[0099] Preferably, in the fifth embodiment, the assembly is carried out such that the drive unit 2, in particular via the insertion sleeve 26 and damping element 27, rests directly against the inside of the second wall 32. Thus, the side of the second wall 32 forms a fixed bearing side, with the axial tolerance compensation taking place on the side of the first wall 31, analogous to the first embodiment.

Claims

R.414361 -IP1 - 19 - Claims 1. Drive arrangement of an electric bicycle (100), comprising: - a drive unit (2), - a frame interface (3), - a tolerance compensation element (4), and - a bolt (5), - wherein the drive unit (2) in the assembled state is at least partially arranged between a first wall (31) and a second wall (32) of the frame interface (3), - wherein the drive unit (2) is attached to the first wall (31) in the assembled state by means of a tolerance compensation element (4) and bolts (5), - wherein the first wall (31) has a first wall opening (31a), - wherein the tolerance compensation element (4) is designed as a sleeve and is arranged within the first wall opening (31 a) in the assembled state, - wherein, in the assembled state, a portion of the bolt (5) is arranged within the tolerance compensation element (4), and - wherein the tolerance compensation element (4) and the bolt (5) are designed such that the mounting of the bolt (5) allows the tolerance compensation element (4) to compensate for at least one radial, preferably one radial and axial, tolerance of the fastening of the drive unit (2) to the first wall (31).

2. Drive arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the tolerance compensation element (4) and the bolt (5) are designed such that during assembly the tolerance compensation element (4) is radially expanded by means of the bolt (5) and pressed against the first wall (31), wherein the bolt (5) has a bolt head (51), wherein the bolt head (51) has a pressing area (52) for radially expanding the tolerance compensation element (4) with an outer diameter (52a) that is larger than an inner diameter (4a) of the tolerance compensation element (4), R.414361 -IP1 - 20 - in particular wherein the pressing area (52) is formed by a radial outer surface of the bolt head (51).

3. Drive arrangement according to claim 2, wherein in the assembled state only the tolerance compensation element (4) and the bolt head (51), in particular the pressing area (52) of the bolt head (51), is arranged radially within the first wall opening (31).

4. Drive arrangement according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the bolt head (51) further comprises an insertion area (53) with an inner diameter (53a) which substantially corresponds to the inner diameter (4a) of the tolerance compensation element (4), in particular wherein the insertion area (53) corresponds to a cylindrical shell area of ​​the bolt head (51).

5. Drive arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the insertion area (53) of the bolt head (51) is located adjacent to a bolt shaft (54) and the pressing area (52) is located adjacent to a tool receptacle (55) of the bolt (5), in particular wherein the insertion area extends over a maximum of 80%, preferably a maximum of 30%, preferably at least 5%, and the pressing area (53) extends over at least 20%, preferably at least 70%, of an axial length of the bolt head (51).

6. Drive arrangement according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the insertion area (53) of the bolt head (51) extends axially into or over a gap (7) between the drive unit (2) and the first wall (31) in the fully assembled state.

7. Drive arrangement according to one of claims 4 to 6, - wherein the bolt (5) can be fixed at least indirectly to the second wall (32) by means of a thread (60), and - wherein axial lengths of bolt (5) and press area (52) as well as press area (52) and tolerance compensation element (4) are designed such that during assembly a thread engagement is possible without widening of the tolerance compensation element (4) by the press area (52). R.414361 -IP1 - 21 - 8. Drive arrangement according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the bolt (5) can be fixed at least indirectly in the drive unit (2) by means of a thread (60), and wherein axial lengths of bolt (5) and press area (52) as well as press area (52) and tolerance compensation element (4) are designed such that during assembly a thread engagement without widening of the tolerance compensation element (4) by the press area (52) is possible.

9. Drive arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, comprising two bolts (5) and two tolerance compensation elements (4), wherein each bolt (5) can be fixed at least indirectly in the drive unit (2) by means of a thread (60), and wherein the second bolt (5) and the second tolerance compensation element (4) are arranged on the second wall (32).

10. Drive arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tolerance compensation element (4) is designed as a monolithic component, in particular made of exactly one material.

11. Drive arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tolerance compensation element (4) is rotationally symmetric and / or axially symmetric, in particular wherein the tolerance compensation element (4) has a constant inner diameter and / or constant outer diameter over its entire axial length.

12. Drive arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tolerance compensation element (4) and the bolt (5) are designed such that, in the assembled state, a press connection exists between the tolerance compensation element (4) and the first wall (31) substantially over the entire axial length of the first wall opening (31 a), in particular wherein the first wall opening (31 a) is designed as a cylindrical through bore with a constant diameter.

13. Drive arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tolerance compensation element (4) is made of a softer material than the first R.414361 -IP1 - 22 - wall (31) and / or the bolt (5) is formed, in particular from plastic, preferably from thermoplastic polyurethane.

14. Electric bicycle comprising a drive arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

15. Bolt (5) and tolerance compensation element (4) for fastening a drive unit (2) to a frame interface (3) of an electric bicycle (100), - wherein the bolt (5) and the tolerance compensation element (4) are designed to fix the drive unit (2) in the assembled state at least partially between a first wall (31) and a second wall (32) of a frame interface (3) on the electric bicycle (100) and wherein the bolt (5) and the tolerance compensation element (4) are further designed to fasten the drive unit (2) to a wall opening (31a) of the first wall (31), - wherein the tolerance compensation element (4) is designed as a sleeve and is designed to be arranged within the first wall opening (31a) in the assembled state, - wherein, furthermore, in the assembled state, a portion of the bolt (5) is designed to be arranged within the tolerance compensation element (4), and - wherein the tolerance compensation element (4) and the bolt (5) are designed such that, by mounting the bolt (5), the tolerance compensation element (4) compensates for at least one radial, preferably one radial and axial, tolerance of the fastening of the drive unit (2) to the first wall (31).

Citation Information

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