Connecting device for electrically connecting an electric bicycle to a trailer for the purpose of supplying energy from at least one energy store of the electric bicycle to electrical components of the trailer

Abstract

The invention relates in particular to a connecting device (3) for connecting an electric bicycle (1), which has at least one energy storage unit (10), to a trailer (2), which has at least one electrical component (20), the connecting device comprising at least one first coupling element (11) and at least one second coupling element (22), wherein - the at least one first coupling element (11) is provided for installation on the electric bicycle (1), - the at least one second coupling element (22) is provided for installation on the trailer (2), and - the at least one first coupling element (11) is mechanically connectable to the at least one second coupling element (22). The at least one first coupling element (11) comprises a first connecting element (111) which is electrically connectable to a second connecting element (222) of the at least one second coupling element (22), wherein, by virtue of the first and second coupling elements being electrically interconnected, the at least one electrical component (20) is electrically connectable to the at least one energy storage unit (10) for the purpose of supplying electrical energy from the at least one energy storage unit (10) to the at least one electrical component (20).

Description

[0001] BRG194 Page 1

[0002] Brose Antriebstechnik GmbH & Co.

[0003] Limited partnership, Berlin

[0004] Sickingenstraße 29-38

[0005] 10553 Berlin

[0006] Connection device for the electrical connection of an electric bicycle with a trailer for supplying electrical components of the trailer with energy from at least one energy storage device of the electric bicycle.

[0007] Description

[0008] The proposed solution relates in particular to a connecting device for connecting an electric bicycle to a trailer.

[0009] Electric bicycles, also known as e-bikes or pedelecs, are now widely known. They are often coupled with a trailer to enable the transport of people, animals, or goods. These trailers are simply mechanically attached to the electric bicycle, so the trailer's electrical components are powered by an additional energy storage device on the trailer. However, this involves additional effort for the user, who must always be mindful of and recharge the trailer's energy storage device. BRG194 Page 2

[0010] The proposed solution is based on the task of remedying this situation.

[0011] This problem is solved in particular with a connecting device of claim 1.

[0012] A proposed connecting device is designed for connecting an electric bicycle, which has at least one energy storage unit, to a trailer, which has at least one electrical component. The connecting device comprises at least one first coupling element and at least one second coupling element. The first coupling element is intended for mounting on the electric bicycle, and the second coupling element is intended for mounting on the trailer. The first coupling element is mechanically connectable to the second coupling element. The first coupling element comprises a first connecting element that is electrically connectable to a second connecting element of the second coupling element.The at least one electrical component can be electrically connected to the at least one energy storage unit via an electrical connection between the first and second coupling elements. This electrical connection is designed to supply the at least one electrical component with electrical energy from the at least one energy storage unit.

[0013] The proposed solution is based on the fundamental idea that at least one electronic component of the trailer can be powered by electrical energy from the e-bike's at least one energy storage unit via an electronic connection. This would, for example, eliminate the need for an energy storage unit within the trailer itself. Alternatively, one of the trailer's energy storage units could be completely replaced, so that all electronic components of the trailer are powered by electrical energy from the e-bike's at least one energy storage unit. Alternatively, the trailer's energy storage unit could itself be an electronic component of the trailer and be powered by it.In this case, the e-bike's at least one energy storage device is solely intended to charge the trailer's energy storage device, which can then supply further electronic components of the trailer with electrical energy. In both examples, the user is spared the need to think about the trailer's energy storage device and how to charge it. BRG194 Page 3.

[0014] In the proposed solution, the electronic connection is dependent on the mechanical connection. The electronic connection is established via the first connecting element to the second connecting element, with the first connecting element being enclosed by the first coupling element and the second connecting element being enclosed by the second coupling element. This dependency of the electronic connection on the mechanical connection allows for a simple design of the electrical connection for the user. For example, the first coupling element can enclose the first connecting element, and the second coupling element can enclose the second connecting element, so that the electronic connection is included in the mechanical coupling without any additional effort.Furthermore, an enclosure by the respective first or second coupling element protects the first or second connecting element from external influences such as weather.

[0015] In one version, the mechanical connection is detachable. In this version, the first coupling element (at least one) can be separated from the second coupling element (at least one other), even after a mechanical connection has already been established. This has the advantage that the connecting device can be used for different e-bikes and / or different trailers.

[0016] In another version, the electronic connection is detachable. If the mechanical connection is already detachable, then the electronic connection is also detachable to allow for multiple uses of the connection device. In yet another version, the electronic connection can be detachable while the mechanical connection is permanent. This has the advantage that the user can always decide whether or not they want an electronic connection.

[0017] For the electronically detachable connection, one version uses a plug connection between the first and second connecting elements. A plug connection is a simple way to establish the electronic connection, as the first and second connecting elements simply need to be plugged together.

[0018] In one embodiment of such a connector, the first connecting element comprises a socket and the second connecting element comprises a plug. Alternatively, the first connecting element comprises a plug and the second connecting element a socket. BRG194 Page 4

[0019] For example, the second connecting element comprises a jack plug or a HIGO connector. In this version, the first connecting element then comprises the corresponding counterpart to the jack plug or HIGO connector. The advantage of a jack plug or HIGO connector is that it can be plugged into its counterpart regardless of the plug's orientation. This allows at least one first and at least one second connecting element to be electronically connected in any rotation. Therefore, the user only needs to ensure the correct mechanical connection between the at least first and at least one second connecting element.

[0020] In another embodiment, the first connecting element is rotatable within the at least one first coupling element. Similarly, in another embodiment, the second connecting element is rotatable within the at least one second coupling element. The rotatable enclosure of the first and second connecting elements within the at least one first and second coupling elements allows the movements of the trailer to be accommodated. This rotatable enclosure also facilitates the establishment of the electronic connection, as the at least one first and at least one second coupling elements can be electronically connected in any rotation. Additionally, in a further embodiment, the first and second connecting elements are floatingly mounted within the first and second coupling elements, meaning they are movable within these elements.

[0021] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the first connecting element includes a first conductor. This first conductor is intended to establish an electrical connection between the first connecting element and at least one first energy storage unit when the unit is mounted on the e-bike. The first conductor can, for example, be at least partially enclosed by the at least one first coupling element. Typically, the first conductor will extend from the at least one first coupling element to establish the electrical connection with the at least one first energy storage unit.

[0022] In one design variant, the first line is floatingly mounted within the first coupling element, meaning it is movable within the first coupling element. This floating mounting allows the first line to [see BRG194, page 5].

[0023] To follow the movements of the trailer or to adapt to the movements of the trailer.

[0024] Similarly, in one embodiment, the second connecting element incorporates a second conductor. This second conductor is intended to establish an electrical connection between the second connecting element and at least one electrical component when the unit is mounted on the trailer. The second conductor can, for example, be at least partially enclosed by the second connecting element. Typically, the second conductor will extend from the second connecting element to establish the electrical connection with the electronic component.

[0025] In one design variant, the second line is mounted in a floating manner within the second coupling element, meaning it is movable within the second coupling element. This floating mounting allows the second line to move with the trailer's movements.

[0026] In another embodiment, the at least one first coupling element comprises an axle coupling. An axle coupling can serve as the first coupling element.

[0027] In another embodiment, the connecting device is designed for a trailer with at least one drawbar, and the second coupling element comprises a trailer hitch that can be attached to the at least one drawbar during installation on the trailer. The second coupling element can be attached to the drawbar, so that the electronic and mechanical connection is made via the drawbar.

[0028] For example, at least one electronic component includes a taillight, interior lighting, or a trailer heating system. An electronic component is a component that requires electrical energy to function. This applies, among other things, to a taillight, interior lighting, or a trailer heating system. A cooling system for the trailer or a drive system with a motor for the trailer are equally conceivable examples.

[0029] In another embodiment, the first connecting element extends along an outer lateral surface of the at least one first coupling element. In another embodiment, the second connecting element extends along an outer lateral surface of the at least one second coupling element. (See BRG194, page 6.)

[0030] Along the lengths of the first or second connecting element on the respective mechanically connected at least one first or second coupling element, it is easier to disconnect or reconnect an electrical connection, since the electronic connection is located on the outside and is therefore easily accessible.

[0031] A bicycle combination comprising an electric bicycle with at least one energy storage unit, a trailer with at least one electronic component, and a variant of a proposed connecting device is also part of the proposed solution.

[0032] Likewise, an electric bicycle with at least one energy storage unit and one variant of a proposed connecting device is also part of the proposed solution.

[0033] Furthermore, a trailer with at least one electronic component and one variant of a proposed connecting device is also part of the proposed solution.

[0034] The features and advantages explained above and below in connection with design variants of a proposed connecting device also apply to design variants of a bicycle combination, an electric bicycle or a trailer with a connecting system and vice versa.

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

[0036] This shows:

[0037] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a proposed connecting device in which an electronic component of a trailer can be supplied with electrical energy from an energy storage device of an electric bicycle via the electronic connection of the connecting device;

[0038] Figure 2 shows the electronic connection of the first connecting element to a second connecting element via a plug connection; BRG194 page 7

[0039] Figure 3A shows a first coupling element connected to a second coupling element, wherein the first connecting element is connected to the second connecting element;

[0040] Figure 3B shows a second coupling element with a second connecting element;

[0041] Figure 3C shows a first coupling element with a first connecting element;

[0042] Figure 4 shows a side view of a trailer with a variant embodiment of a proposed connecting device;

[0043] Figure 5 shows a side view of a bicycle combination in which an electronic component of a trailer can be supplied with electrical energy from an energy storage device of an electric bicycle via the electronic connection through an embodiment of a proposed connection device;

[0044] Figure 6 shows a side view of an electric bicycle with a variant embodiment of a proposed connecting device.

[0045] Figure 1 shows a connecting device 3 for connecting an electric bicycle 1 to a trailer 2. The electric bicycle includes an energy storage unit 10, and the trailer includes an electronic component 20, e.g., a light source or its own electric motor drive. The trailer 2 also has a drawbar 23.

[0046] The connection system 3 comprises a coupling element 11 and a second coupling element 22. The first coupling element 11 is intended for mounting on the electric bicycle 1. The second coupling element 22 is intended for mounting on the trailer 2, in particular on the drawbar 23. The first coupling element 11 can be mechanically connected to the second coupling element 22. The first coupling element 11 comprises a first connecting element 111, which can be electrically connected to a second connecting element 222 of the second coupling element 22. Via an electrical connection between the first coupling element 11 and the second coupling element 22, the electronic component 20 can be electronically connected to the energy storage unit 10. Via this electronic connection, the electronic component 20 can be supplied with electrical energy from the energy storage unit 10. BRG194 Page 8

[0047] Furthermore, Figure 1 shows that a first conductor 1111 is provided on the first connecting element 111 and a second conductor 2222 on the second connecting element 222. The first conductor 1111 establishes the electronic connection between the first connecting element 111 and the energy storage unit 10, while the second conductor 2222 establishes the electronic connection between the second connecting element 222 and the electronic component 20. Both the first conductor 1111 and the second conductor 222 extend from the first coupling element 11 and the second coupling element 22, respectively.

[0048] Furthermore, Figure 1 shows the electronic component 20, which in this case is, for example, a taillight. Other examples, not shown, of the electronic component 20 are interior lighting, a heating system, a cooling system, or a trailer engine.

[0049] Figure 2 shows the electronic connection as an electronically detachable connection. The first connecting element 111 can be electronically connected to the second connecting element 222 via a plug connection. The first connecting element 111 is a socket and the second connecting element 222 is a plug. For example, the second connecting element 222 could be a jack plug or a HIGO plug.

[0050] Figure 3A shows a first coupling element 11, which is mechanically detachably connected to a second coupling element 22 by being inserted into the second coupling element 22. The first connecting element 111 is electronically connected to the second connecting element 222. The first conductor 1111 and the second conductor 2222 are floatingly mounted within the first coupling element 11 and the second coupling element 22, respectively. This floating mounting allows the first conductor 1111 and the second conductor 2222 to move within the first coupling element 11 and the second coupling element 22, respectively, so that movements of the trailer 2 can be compensated for, and in particular, movements of the trailer 2 can be followed.

[0051] Figure 3B shows a second coupling element 22 that encloses a second connecting element 222. The second conductor 2222 is also at least partially enclosed by the second coupling element 22. The second connecting element 222 is rotatable within the second coupling element 22.

[0052] Figure 3C shows a first coupling element 11 enclosing a first connecting element 111. The first line 1111 is also at least partially connected to the first coupling element. BRG194 Page 9

[0053] 11 enclosed. The first connecting element 111 is rotatable within the first coupling element 11.

[0054] Figure 6 shows the bicycle combination with an electric bicycle 1 and the attached trailer 2. The mechanical and electronic connection to the trailer is made via the connecting device 3. The connecting device 3 is attached to the rear wheel of the electric bicycle by mounting the first coupling element 11 on the rear wheel, as shown in Figure 5. The connecting device 3 is also attached to the beginning of the drawbar 23 by attaching the second coupling element 22 to the drawbar 23, as shown in Figure 4.

[0055] The first coupling element shown in Figure 6, attached to the electric bicycle 1, comprises, for example, an axle coupling.

[0056] BRG194 Page 10

[0057] Reference symbol list

[0058] 1 electric bicycle

[0059] 10 Energy storage units

[0060] 11 First coupling element 111 First connecting element 1111 First line

[0061] 2 trailers

[0062] 20 Electrical component

[0063] 22 Second coupling element 222 Second connecting element 2222 Second line

[0064] 23 Drawbar

[0065] 3 Connecting device

Claims

BRG194 Page 11 Claims 1. Connecting device (3) for connecting an electric bicycle (1) having at least one energy storage unit (10) to a trailer (2) having at least one electrical component (20), comprising at least one first coupling element (11) and at least one second coupling element (22), wherein the at least one first coupling element (11) is provided for mounting on the electric bicycle (1), the at least one second coupling element (22) is provided for mounting on the trailer (2), and the at least one first coupling element (11) is mechanically connectable to the at least one second coupling element (22), characterized in that the at least one first coupling element (11) comprises a first connecting element (111) which is electrically connectable to a second connecting element (222) of the at least one second coupling element (22).wherein the at least one electrical component (20) can be electrically connected to the at least one energy storage unit (10) via an electrical connection between the first and second coupling elements in order to supply the at least one electrical component (20) with electrical energy from the at least one energy storage unit (10).

2. Connecting device (3) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the mechanical connection is a detachable connection.

3. Connecting device (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electrical connection is a detachable connection.

4. Connection device (3) according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one plug connection is provided between the first connection element (111) and the second connection element (222) for the electrically detachable connection.

5. Connection device according to claim 4, characterized in that the first connection element (111) comprises a socket and the second connection element (222) comprises a plug. BRG194 Page 12 6. Connection device (3) according to claim 5, characterized in that the second connection element (222) comprises a jack plug or a HIGO plug.

7. Connecting device (3) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first connecting element (111) is rotatable within the at least one first coupling element (11).

8. Connecting device (3) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second connecting element (222) is rotatable within the at least one second coupling element (22).

9. Connecting device (3) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first line (1111) is provided on the first connecting element, and the first line (1111) is provided to establish an electrical connection between the first connecting element (111) and the at least one first energy storage unit (10) when mounted on the electric bicycle (1).

10. Connecting device (3) according to claim 9, characterized in that the first line (1111) is floatingly mounted within the first coupling element (11).

11. Connecting device (3) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second line (2222) is provided on the second connecting element, and the second line (2222) is provided for establishing an electrical connection between the second connecting element (222) and the at least one electrical component (20) when mounted on the trailer (2).

12. Connecting device (3) according to claim 11 , characterized in that the second line (2222) is floatingly mounted within the second coupling element (22).

13. Connecting device (3) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first coupling element (11) comprises an axle coupling.

14. Connecting device (3) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting device for a trailer (2) with BRG194 page 13 at least one drawbar (23) is provided and the second coupling element (22) comprises a trailer coupling which can be attached to the at least one drawbar (23) when mounted on the trailer (2).

15. Connecting device (3) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one electrical component (20) comprises a rear light, an interior light or a heating system of the trailer (2).

16. Connecting device (3) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first connecting element (111) extends along an outer lateral surface of the at least one first coupling element (11) and / or the second connecting element (222) extends along an outer lateral surface of the at least one second coupling element (22).

17. Bicycle combination comprising an electric bicycle (1) having at least one energy storage unit (10), with a trailer (2) having at least one electrical component (20), wherein the electric bicycle (1) is mechanically and electrically connected to the trailer (2) via a connecting device (3) according to at least one of claims 1 to 15.

18. Electric bicycle (1) comprising at least one energy storage unit (10) and at least one first coupling element (11), wherein the at least one first coupling element (11) is provided for mechanical connection with a second coupling element (22) of a trailer (2) having at least one electrical component (20), characterized in that the at least one first coupling element (11) comprises a first connecting element (111) which is electrically connectable to a second connecting element (222) of the at least one second coupling element (22), wherein, via an electrical connection of the first and second coupling elements to each other, the at least one electrical component (20) is electrically connectable to the at least one energy storage unit (10) in order to supply the at least one electrical component (20) with electrical energy from the at least one energy storage unit (10). BRG194 Page 14 19. Trailer (2) comprising at least one electrical component (20) and at least one second coupling element (22), wherein the at least one second coupling element (22) is provided for mechanical connection with a first coupling element (11) of an electric bicycle (1) having at least one energy storage unit (10), characterized in that the at least one second coupling element (22) comprises a second connecting element (222) which is electrically connectable to a first connecting element (111) of the at least one first coupling element (11), wherein the at least one electrical component (20) is electrically connectable to the at least one energy storage unit (10) via an electrical connection of the first and second coupling elements to each other, in order to supply the at least one electrical component with electrical energy from the at least one energy storage unit (10).

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