HOLDING DEVICE FOR RELEASABLY SUPPORTING AN ENERGY STORE ON A FRAME, IN PARTICULAR, ON A BICYCLE FRAME

Abstract

A holding device for releasably supporting an energy store, in particular, an energy store for a bicycle, on a frame, in particular, on a bicycle frame. The holding device includes at least one locking unit, which is intended, in a locked state, for axially fixing the energy store in position and releasably locking it. The locking unit includes at least one first locking element and at least one second locking element corresponding to the first locking element.

Claims

1-9. (canceled)

10. A holding device for releasably supporting an energy store on a frame, comprising: at least one locking unit, which is configured, in a locked state, to axially fix the energy store in position and releasably locking the energy store, the locking unit including at least one first locking element, and at least one second locking element corresponding to the first locking element.

11. The holding device as recited in claim 10, wherein the energy store is an energy store for a bicycle, and the frame is a bicycle frame.

12. The holding device as recited in claim 10, wherein the first locking element and the second locking element are movably supported on the locking unit, and in a locked state, the first locking element blocks a motion of the second locking element.

13. The holding device as recited in claim 12, wherein the first locking element and the second locking element are pivotable on the locking unit, and in the locked state, the first locking element blocks are rotation of the second locking element.

14. The holding device as recited in claim 10, wherein the locking unit includes at least one tensioning unit, which is configured to prestress at least the first locking element and/or the second locking element, in a locked state, using a tensional force.

15. The holding device as recited in claim 14, wherein the tensioning unit is formed in such a manner, that when the locked state is ended, the tensioning unit ejects the energy store, using the tensioning force.

16. The holding device as recited in claim 10, further comprising an actuating unit configured for toolless actuation of the locking unit by a user.

17. The holding device as recited in claim 16, wherein the actuating unit includes at least one security mechanism for protection against unauthorized actuation of the locking unit.

18. The holding device as recited in claim 10, wherein the locking unit includes at least one damping element configured to fix the energy store in position without play.

19. The holding device as recited in claim 10, wherein the locking unit has at least one contacting unit configured to contact the energy store electrically.

20. A frame, comprising: at least one holding device for releasably supporting an energy store on the frame, including: at least one locking unit, which is configured, in a locked state, to axially fix the energy store in position and releasably locking the energy store, the locking unit including at least one first locking element, and at least one second locking element corresponding to the first locking element; and at least one frame element, wherein the locking unit is integrated directly in the frame element.

21. The frame as recited in claim 20, wherein the frame is a bicycle frame.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Further advantages of the present invention are derived from the description of the figures that follows. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted in the figures. The figures and the description include numerous features in combination. One skilled in the art will necessarily consider the features individually, as well, and unite them to form useful, further combinations, in view of the disclosure herein.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a bicycle having a bicycle frame according to an example embodiment of the present invention and a holding device according to the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a locking unit of the holding device according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a further view of the locking unit.

[0020] FIG. 4A shows a schematic representation of a carrier unit of the holding device according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 4B shows a schematic representation of the carrier unit, including an energy storage unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a bicycle 48 having a frame 14, in particular, a bicycle frame. Frame 14 includes a holding device 10 for releasably supporting an energy store 12, in particular, an energy store for a bicycle, on frame 14. Holding device 10 includes at least one locking unit 16, which is intended, in a locked state 18, for fixing energy store 12 axially in position and locking it releasably. Bicycle 48 includes an auxiliary motor 52 and an energy store 12. Bicycle 48 takes the form of a pedelec. Energy store 12 is provided for supplying auxiliary motor 52 with electrical power. Energy store 12 takes the form of a storage battery. Frame 14 takes the form of a bicycle frame 50. Bicycle frame 50 includes a frame element 40. Frame element 40 is formed to be tubular. Tubularly formed frame element 40 has a circular cross-section, but could have, as an alternative, an oval, angular, or differently shaped cross-section, as well. Locking unit 16 of holding device 10 is integrated directly in frame element 40 of frame 14.

[0023] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show two different schematic views of locking unit 16 of holding device 10 from different perspectives. Locking unit 16 is intended for axially fixing the energy store in position and locking it releasably inside of holding device 10. Locking unit 16 includes a first locking element 20 and a second locking element 22 corresponding to first locking element 20. In FIGS. 2 and 3, first locking element 20 and second locking element 22 are represented in two different positions. In a first position, first locking element 20 and second locking element 22 are represented by a dashed line and show an unlocked state of locking unit 16. In a second position, first locking element 20 and second locking element 22 are represented by a solid line and show locking unit 16 in a locked state 18. In locked state 18, a connecting element 46 is fixed in position within a recess of second locking element 22 having a semicircular cross section. Connecting element 46 takes the form of a pin, which has a circular cross-section, but could have, as an alternative, an oval, angular, or differently shaped cross section, as well. Connecting element 46 is presently situated on a carrier unit 42 for receiving energy store 12. As an alternative, connecting element 46 could, however, be part of energy store 12, as well, and be situated directly on energy store 12. First locking element 20 and second locking element 22 are pivoted on a base of locking unit 16. First locking element 20 and second locking element 22 are interconnected by a bar element 32 of locking unit 16. When connecting element 46 is inserted into locking unit 16, in a direction opposite to an ejection direction 54, connecting element 46 is pressed against second locking element 22. Second locking element 22 carries out a rotation. Since first locking element 20 is connected to second locking element 22 by bar element 32, first locking element 20 simultaneously carries out a rotation in a direction of rotation opposite to a direction of rotation of second locking element 22, until locked state 18 is reached. In locked state 18, first locking element 20 blocks a further rotation of second locking element 22. Due to the shape of the outer contour of first locking element 20, first locking element 20 forms a limit stop for second locking element 22.

[0024] Locking unit 16 includes an actuating unit 30 for toolless manipulation of locking unit 16 by a user. Actuating unit 30 includes an actuating element 56. Actuating element 56 takes the form of a lock 58 and is connected to first locking element 20 in a form-locked manner. However, as an alternative, actuating element 56 could also take the form of a knob or a lever or a different actuating element. Lock 58 forms a security mechanism of actuating unit 30 for protection against unauthorized actuation of locking unit 16. With the aid of a key (not shown), a user may actuate locking unit 16 in an otherwise toolless manner.

[0025] FIG. 3 shows a tensioning unit 24 of locking unit 16. Tensioning unit 24 is intended for pre-stressing first locking element 20 and/or second locking element 22 in the locked state 18 with the aid of a tensional force. Tensioning unit 24 includes a first tensioning element 26 and a second tensioning element 28. First tensioning element 26 takes the form of a torsion spring and is rigidly connected to first locking element 20.

[0026] In the locked state 18, first tensioning element 26 prestresses first locking element 20 with the aid of a tensional force. Second tensioning element 28 takes the form of a further torsion spring and is rigidly connected to second locking element 20. In the locked state 18, second tensioning element 28 prestresses second locking element 22 with the aid of a tensional force.

[0027] When locked state 18 is removed, tensioning unit 24 ejects energy store 12 in ejection direction 54 with the aid of the tensional force exerted on second locking element 22 by second tensioning element 28. Locked state 18 is ended by turning a key in actuating element 56 of actuating unit 30 in a direction contrary to the tensional force exerted on first locking element 20 by first tensioning element 26; the actuating element taking the form of a lock 58 and being connected to first locking element 20 of locking unit 16 in a form-locked manner. In an operating state of the locking unit different from locked state 18, second locking element 22 is not blocked by first locking element 20 and may rotate. Due to the tensional force exerted by second tensioning element 28 on second locking element 22, second locking element 22 rotates into the position represented by dashed lines and pushes connecting element 46, and thus, energy store 12, out of locking unit 16.

[0028] Locking unit 16 includes a damping element 34. In this case, it is preferable for second tensioning element 28 to simultaneously take the form of damping element 34. In locked state 18, the second tensioning element 28 taking the form of damping element 34 exerts a bias and is intended for fixing the energy store in position without play. Due to the tensional force of the tensioning element 28 taking the form of damping element 34, damping element 34 performs a damping function when connecting element 46 is pushed into locking unit 16. Alternatively, or in addition, damping element 34 could also be constructed as a further spring formed differently from the second tensioning element 28 taking the form of a torsion spring, or as a rubber element, a cushioning element, or a sheet made of a cellular plastic such as polyurethane, or as a further element for damping and fixing energy store 12 in position without play.

[0029] Locking unit 16 includes a contacting unit 36. Contacting unit 36 includes a contacting element 38 and is designed to contact energy store 12 electrically. In locked state 18, electrical contact is established between energy store 12 and auxiliary motor 52 by contacting element 38 of contacting unit 36, and energy store 12 supplies auxiliary motor 52 with power (cf. FIG. 1).

[0030] FIG. 4A shows carrier unit 42 of holding device 10. Carrier unit 42 is provided for receiving and releasably supporting energy store 12. Carrier unit 42 includes a base plate having rounded-off corners. The base plate of carrier unit 42 has a plurality of screw holes, which are provided for screwing the carrier element onto energy store 12. Carrier unit 42 includes connecting element 46 and a carrier element 44. Connecting element 46 takes the form of a pin having a circular cross-section and is connected in one piece to a front side of the base plate of carrier unit 42, using two connecting legs parallel to each other. Carrier element 44 is formed in one piece with the base plate of carrier unit 42 and extends from the front side of the base plate of carrier unit 42, past a bottom edge of the base plate of carrier unit 42, in a direction running perpendicularly to the base plate of carrier unit 42. FIG. 4B shows carrier unit 42 together with energy store 12. Energy store 12 is connected to the base plate of carrier unit 42. Carrier element 44 forms a guide rail 60. Guide rail 60 is intended for guiding energy store 12 inside of holding device 10. Energy store 12 is situated above guide rail 60. To fix energy store 12 in position axially and lock it to holding device 10 releasably, connecting element 46 of carrier unit 42 may be pushed into locking unit 16 in a direction contrary to ejection direction 54 (cf. FIG. 2).