Abstract
A holding device for releasably holding an energy store at a frame unit, in particular, at a bicycle frame. The holding device includes at least one carrier unit and a stop unit connected to a carrier element of the carrier unit. The holding device includes a tensioning unit, which is provided to fix the energy store at the carrier unit in a tensioned operating state and to clamp the energy store between the tensioning unit and the stop unit in an operating position in such a way that the tensioning unit in the tensioned operating state exerts a pressure force on the energy store, which acts in the direction of the stop unit, in particular, parallel to a longitudinal direction of the carrier element.
Claims
1-14. (canceled)
15. A holding device for releasably holding an energy store at a frame unit, comprising: at least one carrier unit; a stop unit connected to a carrier element of the carrier unit; and a tensioning unit configured to fix the energy store at the carrier unit in a tensioned operating state and to clamp the energy store between the tensioning unit and the stop unit in an operating position in such a way that the tensioning unit exerts a pressure force on the energy store in the tensioned operating state, which acts in a direction of the stop unit parallel to a longitudinal direction of the carrier element.
16. The holding device as recited in claim 15, wherein the frame unit is a bicycle frame.
17. The holding device as recited in claim 15, wherein the tensioning unit includes an operating element which is operable without tools.
18. The holding device as recited in claim 15, wherein the tensioning unit includes a tensioning element, which is configured to support a major portion of a pressure force occurring on the carrier element or on the frame unit.
19. The holding device as recited in claim 18, wherein the tensioning element includes a form-fit element.
20. The holding device as recited in claim 15, wherein the carrier unit or the frame unit includes at least one corresponding form-fit element, which is provided to interlock with at least one tensioning element of the tensioning unit for producing the tensioned operating state.
21. The holding device as recited in claim 20, wherein the carrier element includes two or more corresponding form-fit elements, which are situated at various distances from the stop unit along the longitudinal direction of the carrier element.
22. The holding device as recited in claim 15, wherein the tensioning unit includes a locking mechanism configured to secure at least one operating element of the tensioning unit and/or at least one tensioning element of the tensioning unit in the tensioned operating state.
23. The holding device as recited in claim 15, wherein the stop unit includes at least one spring mechanism, configured to generate a spring force at least in the tensioned operating state, which counteracts a tensioning force of the tensioning unit.
24. The holding device as recited in claim 15, further comprising a lock to block or to unblock the tensioning unit.
25. The holding device as recited in claim 15, wherein the stop unit includes a plug element on a side facing the tensioning unit at least in the tensioned operating state.
26. The holding device as recited in claim 15, wherein at least one part of the tensioning unit is fixedly connected to the energy store.
27. The holding device as recited in claim 15, wherein at least one part of the tensioning unit is fixedly connected to the carrier element.
28. A bicycle frame, comprising: a holding device for releasably holding an energy store at the frame, including: at least one carrier unit; a stop unit connected to a carrier element of the carrier unit; and a tensioning unit configured to fix the energy store at the carrier unit in a tensioned operating state and to clamp the energy store between the tensioning unit and the stop unit in an operating position in such a way that the tensioning unit exerts a pressure force on the energy store in the tensioned operating state, which acts in a direction of the stop unit parallel to a longitudinal direction of the carrier element.
29. The bicycle frame as recited in claim 28, wherein a frame element of tubular configuration is provided to receive in its interior at least a major part of the holding device and/or at least a major part of an energy store held using the holding device.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] Further advantages result from the following description. One exemplary embodiment of the present invention is represented in the figures. The figures and the description contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also advantageously consider the features separately and combine them to form meaningful further combinations, in view of the disclosure herein.
[0021] FIG. 1 schematically shows a representation of a bicycle including a bicycle frame according to an example embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 2A schematically shows a representation of a first variant of the bicycle frame including a holding device according to an example embodiment of the present invention and including an energy store.
[0023] FIG. 2B schematically shows a representation of a second variant of the bicycle frame including the holding device and the energy store, according to an example embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 3 schematically shows a representation of one part of the holding device, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 4A schematically shows a representation of one further part of the holding device, including a tensioning unit in a tensioned operating state, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 4B schematically shows a representation of a perpendicular section of the further part of the holding device from FIG. 4A, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 5A schematically shows a representation of the further part of the holding device including the tensioning unit in a relaxed operating state, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 5B schematically shows a representation of a perpendicular section of the further part of the holding device from FIG. 5A, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 6 schematically shows a representation of a horizontal section through a part of the tensioning unit including a locking mechanism,
[0030] FIG. 7 schematically shows an exploded representation of one part of the tensioning unit, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 8 schematically shows a side view of the holding device including an alternative energy store, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0032] FIG. 1 shows a bicycle 52 including an auxiliary motor 56 and including an energy store 10. Bicycle 52 is designed as a Pedelec or as an E-bike. Energy store 10 is provided to supply auxiliary motor 56 with electrical power. Energy store 10 is designed as an accumulator. Bicycle 52 includes a frame unit 12 designed as bicycle frame 46. FIGS. 2A and 2B show two variants of bicycle frame 46, 46′. Bicycle frame 46 includes a frame element 50. Frame element 50 has a tubular design. Frame element of tubular design 50 has a round cross section, but could alternatively also have an oval, an angular or a differently shaped cross section. Frame element 50 is designed as a lower tube of bicycle frame 46, 46′. Bicycle frame 46, 46′ includes a holding device 48. Frame element 50 is provided to receive at least a major part of holding device 48 in its interior. Frame element 50 is provided to receive at least a major part of an energy store held with the aid of holding device 48 in its interior. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2A, bicycle frame 46 includes an opening 68 at an underside of frame element 50. Energy store 10 is inserted through opening 68 along a longitudinal direction 70 of energy store 10 into the interior of frame element 50. In the alternative exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2B, bicycle frame 46′ includes a lateral opening 72 on frame element 50. Energy store 10 is inserted, in particular, pivoted through lateral opening 72 into the interior of frame element 50. Lateral opening 72 points essentially downward as viewed in a positioning direction 64 of bicycle 52.
[0033] FIG. 3 shows a part of holding device 48. Holding device 48 is provided for releasably holding energy store 10 at bicycle frame 46. Holding device 48 includes a carrier unit 14. Carrier unit 14 includes a carrier element 16. Carrier element 16 is designed as a curved bent sheet metal part. Carrier element 16 forms a guide rail for guiding energy store 10. Carrier element 16 has a longitudinal direction 24. Energy store 10 is guided along longitudinal direction 24 by a carrier element designed as a guide rail. Carrier element 16 includes a receiving area 78 for energy store 10. Energy store 10 is situated, in particular, clamped, at least in a tensioned operating state 22 of holding device 48 (cf. FIG. 4A) in receiving area 78 of carrier element 16. Carrier element 16 includes fastening elements 74. Fastening elements 74 are designed as boreholes. Carrier element 16 is fixable onto bicycle frame 46 with the aid of fastening elements 74.
[0034] Holding device 48 includes a stop unit 18. Stop unit 18 is fixedly connected to carrier unit 14, in particular, to carrier element 16. Stop unit 18 is fixedly attached at carrier element 16. Stop unit 18 includes a spring mechanism 38. Stop unit 18 includes a stop part 76. Spring mechanism 38 is provided to pre-stress stop part 76. Spring mechanism 38 is provided to contribute to a tensioning force holding energy store 10. Spring mechanism 38 presses stop part 76 in a direction parallel to longitudinal direction 24 and pointing toward receiving area 78 of carrier element 16. Stop unit 18 includes a plug element 44. Plug element 44 is used for electrically contacting an energy store 10 inserted into receiving area 78. Plug element 44 is situated on a side 42 of stop unit 18 facing receiving area 78. In tensioned operating state 22, plug element 44 is situated on a side 42 facing a tensioning unit 20 of holding device 48. Stop unit 18 includes mating elements 80. Mating elements 80 are provided to engage in corresponding recesses (not shown) of energy store 10. This may advantageously improve a holding of energy store 10 and/or prevent a non-fitting energy store 10 from being pressed into receiving area 78 and thereby potentially damaging plug element 44.
[0035] FIG. 4A shows a further part of holding device 48 in tensioned operating state 22. Holding device 48 includes tensioning unit 20. Tensioning unit 20 is provided to fix energy store 10 at carrier unit 14 in tensioned operating state 22. Tensioning unit 20 is provided to clamp energy store 10 between tensioning unit 20 and stop unit 18 in an operating position in such a way that tensioning unit 20 exerts a pressure force on energy store 10 in tensioned operating state 22, which acts in the direction of stop unit 18. The pressure force exerted on energy store 10 by tensioning unit 20 in tensioned operating state 22 acts in parallel to longitudinal direction 24 of carrier element 16. Spring mechanism 38 shown in FIG. 3 generates a spring force in tensioned operating state 22, which counteracts the tensioning force of tensioning unit 20. Tensioning unit 20 is fixedly connected to energy store 10. Tensioning unit 20 is mounted at energy store 10. Tensioning unit 20 includes a housing 54. Housing 54 closes tensioning unit 20 off outwardly at least on one side facing away from energy store 10. Tensioning unit 20 includes an operating element 26. Operating element 26 is designed as a tilt lever. Operating element 26 is designed to be operable without tools. Tensioning unit 20 includes a locking mechanism 36. Locking mechanism 36 secures operating element 26 in tensioned operating state 22. Locking mechanism 36 includes a further operating element 66. Further operating element 66 is designed as a push button. Further operating element 66 is provided at least to release the safeguard of locking mechanism 36 during an actuation. Operating element 26 in a closed state, i.e., in tensioned operating state 22, is flush with a front side of tensioning unit 20, in particular, with housing 54 of tensioning unit 20. This may advantageously preclude an undesirable manipulation (i.e., a theft). In addition, an operator of operating element 26 may be advantageously provided a clear indication that operating element 26, and thus energy store 10, is correctly fixed.
[0036] FIG. 4B shows a perpendicular section through the further part of holding device 48 from FIG. 4A. Tensioning unit 20 includes a tensioning element 28. Tensioning unit 20 includes a toggle lever 82. Operating element 26 forms an arm of toggle lever 82. Tensioning element 28 forms a further arm of toggle lever 82. A pivoting of operating element 26 causes a pivoting of tensioning element 28. Tensioning element 28 in tensioned operating state 22 is provided to support at least a major portion of the occurring pressure force at carrier element 16. Alternatively, tensioning element 28 in tensioned operating state 22 may be provided to support the pressure force directly at frame unit 12. Tensioning element 28 includes a form-fit element 30. Form-fit element 30 has a hook-like design. Tensioning unit 20 is provided to maintain the pressure force in tensioned operating state 22. Carrier element 16 includes corresponding form-fit elements 32, 34. Corresponding form-fit elements 32, 34 are provided to interlock with tensioning element 28 of tensioning unit 30 to produce tensioned operating state 22. Corresponding form-fit elements 32, 34 are designed as recesses in carrier element 16. Hook-like form-fit element 30 in tensioned operating state 22 engages in a corresponding form-fit element 32, 34, and in the process hooks corresponding form-fit element 32, 34. Tensioning unit 20 is pressed in the direction of energy store 10 by the toggle lever geometry of toggle lever 82 when operating element 26 is closed. It is also apparent from FIG. 3 that carrier element 16 includes multiple corresponding form-fit elements 32, 34. The different corresponding form-fit elements 32, 24 are situated at different distances from stop unit 18 along longitudinal direction 24 of carrier element 16. The different corresponding form-fit elements 32, 34 are used to enable a mounting of energy stores 10 of different lengths.
[0037] FIGS. 5A and 5B show the part of holding device 48 in a relaxed operating state 84. Operating element 26 is folded completely outwardly. As a result of the toggle lever geometry, tensioning unit 28 is folded out of corresponding form-fit element 32, 34 of carrier unit 14. Operating element 26 and tensioning element 28 are free of contact from carrier unit 14. Energy store 10 including tensioning unit 20 is removable in relaxed operating state 84 from receiving area 78 along longitudinal direction 24 of carrier element 16. Operating element 26 in relaxed operating state 84 forms a grip element, in particular, a draw shackle. For the sake of clarity, parts of locking mechanism 36 are omitted in FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0038] FIG. 6 shows a horizontal section through a part of tensioning unit 20 including locking mechanism 36. In the position shown in FIG. 6, operating element 26 is secured by locking mechanism 36 in tensioned operating state 22. Locking mechanism 36 includes a latching element 60. Latching element 60 is designed as an engagement hook. Locking mechanism 36 includes a locking element 62. Locking element 62 is inserted into operating element 26. Locking element 62 includes further operating element 66. Locking element 62 includes a counterpart 86. Counterpart 86 abuts the engagement hook in tensioned operating state 22 secured by locking mechanism 36. Locking element 62 is latched to the engagement hook via counterpart 86. The latching of counterpart 86 of locking element 62 with the engagement hook prevents a movement of operating element 26 connected to locking element 62 at least in one pivot direction of operating element 26, in particular, in a direction parallel to longitudinal direction 24 of carrier element 16. Locking mechanism 36 includes a spring element 88. Spring element 88 stores locking element 62 relative to operating element 26. Locking element 62 is supported at operating element 26 via spring element 88 in the direction of an actuation direction 90 of locking element 62, in particular, of further operating element 26. By pressing on further operating element 66, spring element 88 is compressed and counterpart 86 is removed from engagement with latching element 60. As a result, energy store 10 is pushed part way out of receiving area 78 by spring mechanism 38 of stop unit 18. In this way, operating element 26 is easily pivoted so that a re-engaging of locking element 62 with latching element 60 is no longer possible. Energy store 10 is released as a result and may be removed from receiving area 78 along longitudinal direction 24. Locking element 62 includes a positioning element 92. Positioning element 92 is provided to prevent locking element 62 from releasing from operating element 26. In addition, positioning element 92 is provided to limit a maximum expansion of spring element 88.
[0039] FIG. 7 shows an exploded representation of a part of tensioning unit 20. Individual parts of tensioning unit 20 shown in FIG. 7 have shapes differing slightly from the previous figures; however, the functions are essentially identical. Components that have the same designations or reference numerals in the following description and figures correspond to the aforementioned components and have their functions. In addition to the embodiment of FIG. 1 through FIG. 6, holding device 48 from FIG. 7 includes a lock 40. Lock 40 is provided to block and/or to unblock tensioning unit 20. Lock 40 is integrated into housing 54 of tensioning unit 20.
[0040] FIG. 8 shows a side view of holding device 48 including an alternative energy store 10′. Alternative energy store 10′ is shorter than the above-shown energy store 10. Alternative energy store 10′ is shorter than receiving area 78, as viewed along longitudinal direction 24. FIG. 8 also shows an alternative tensioning unit 20′. Alternative tensioning unit 20′ is fixedly connected to carrier element 16. Alternative tensioning unit 20′ is designed separately from alternative energy store 10′. Holding device 48 includes an adapter element 58. Adapter element 58 is provided to fill a gap 102 formed between stop element 18 and alternative energy store 10′. Adapter element 58 has a longitudinal extension that corresponds to a longitudinal extension of gap 102. Adapter element 58 includes at least one plug element 94, 96 each on two opposing sides. First plug element 94 of adapter element 58 is provided for a connection to plug element 44 of stop unit 18. Second plug element 96 of adapter element 58 is provided for a connection to a plug element 98 of alternative energy store 10′. Plug elements 94, 96 of adapter element 58 are connected to one another by an electrical line 100. Adapter element 58 is through-contacted.
