NL2017190B1 - Bicycle including a frame and an auxiliary motor - Google Patents

Abstract

Bicycle, including a frame as well as an auxiliary motor, the frame being provided with a battery structure and a motor controller, wherein the battery structure is removably connected to the frame, wherein the motor controller is integrated in the removable battery structure. Also, there is provided a kit of parts including the battery and the respective battery holder for a bicycle according to the invention, wherein the battery is removably held by the battery holder, the battery holder including a motor controller configured for controlling a bicycle auxiliary motor.

Description

Patent center

The Netherlands

Θ 2017190 (21) Application number: 2017190 © Application submitted: 19/07/2016

BI PATENT (51) Int. CL:

B62M 6/90 (2016.01)

(TA Application registered: (73) Patent holder (s): 24/01/2018 Accell Group N.V. in Heerenveen. (43) Application published: - (72) Inventor (s): Ivo Hendri Roos in Heerenveen. (P) Patent granted: 24/01/2018 (74) Agent: (45) Patent issued: ir. C.M. Jansen et al. In The Hague. 06/02/2018

Bicycle, including a frame and an auxiliary motor (57) Bicycle, including a frame as well as an auxiliary motor, the frame being provided with a battery structure and a motor controller, the battery structure being removably connected to the frame, being the motor controller is integrated in the removable battery structure.

Also, there is provided a kit of parts including the battery and the respective battery holder for a bicycle according to the invention, the battery is removably held by the battery holder, the battery holder including a motor controller configured for controlling a bicycle auxiliary motor .

NL BI 2017190

This patent has been granted regardless of the attached result of the research into the state of the art and written opinion. The patent corresponds to the documents originally submitted.

P112078NL00

Title: Bicycle including a frame and an auxiliary motor

The present invention relates to a bicycle, including a frame as well as an auxiliary motor, the frame being provided with a battery structure and a motor controller.

Such a bicycle is commonly known as "ebike". The know bicycle includes common bicycle operating parts that are driven by the rider using pedaling force, the rider's power is usually transmitted to a bicycle rear wheel via a bicycle drive train such as a chain or shaft or thelike. Also, the bicycle is fitted with an auxiliary motor for assisting the rider, the auxiliary motor usually being powered -or powerable-only in the case of the rider exerts driving him / herself. The auxiliary motor can be e.g. a motor that is part of a rear wheel or front wheel of the bicycle, for example a hub motor.

The motor controller is configured for controlling the auxiliary motor, for example based on input from one or more ride monitoring sensors that can be fitted for detecting rider action or other bicycle ride related parameters (such as a sensor or sensor system that is configured to detect rider induced drive train force, torque, movement and / or power, and / or bicycle speed or wheel speed).

The battery structure usually includes a high capacity battery failure electrical power, for example the lithium-ion type, capable of delivering DC up to e.g. several tens of Volts. Bicycle types having fully integrated battery structures are known. Also, it is know to fit a detachable battery pack to the bicycle, so that it can be removed after use eg for safe storage or remote charging.

It is known to position the motor controller in a safe location, out of sight, within the bicycle frame, avoiding damage and resulting failure to any relatively fragile parts. Under certain circumstances it may be desired to gain access to the motor controller, for example for maintenance, firmware updating or even replacement. That usually requires disassembly or part of the bicycle, which may be a number and time-consuming task.

The present invention aims to improve the bicycle. In particular, the invention aims to provide a bicycle that has improved serviceability. Also, an aspect of the invention aims at providing an improved bicycle having a sleek design, and improved user experience.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a bicycle that is defined by the features of claim 1.

It is preferred that the battery structure is removably connected to the frame, while the motor controller is covered by the removable battery structure.

In this way, motor controller access can be significantly improved. In particular, under normal bicycle operating conditions, a bicycle user can let the battery structure power the motor or the auxiliary bicycle, under / via the control or the respective motor controller. On the other hand, access to the motor controller can be achieved simply, by removing the (entire) battery structure that covered the controller. Subsequently, the motor controller can be accessed, for example for maintenance, updating or replacement operations. In a further embodiment the removable battery structure includes the motor controller.

Herein, it is preferred that the removing of the battery structure (and optionally the motor controller if it is integrated with the battery structure) from the bicycle frame can be carried out manually by a single person, and does not have to include laborious bicycle disassembly operations such as the removing or a bicycle wheel or the dismantling or the bicycle frame.

The motor controller as such can be configured in various ways as will be clear to the skilled person. It can include suitable electronic hardware (and software in a case or a digital motor controller) for carrying out motor controlling functionality. Particularly, the motor controller can include a number of electric connections or terminals, for receiving battery power and for transmitting electric power to the auxiliary motor. Also, the skilled person will appreciate that the motor controller can include a number of communication inputs (and outputs), for example for receiving user control signals from a user interface (for example a user control unit that is placed at or near a rider position such as on or near a bicycle handle bar and for receiving sensor signals from one or more ride monitoring sensors (sensor examples are mentioned above).

It should be observed in this application, the term "battery structure" is broadly interpreted. In particular, it can be a structure or system that includes one or more electrically chargeable battery cells, the bicycle is configured such that the respective electric battery power can at least be fed to the auxiliary motor during cycling and operation, and after the mounting of the battery structure in a respective mounting position in / of the bicycle.

In a further embodiment the battery structure and bicycle frame include disconnectable control signal terminals, for passing electric power and / or signals between the motor controller and other components of the bicycle such as the auxiliary motor, a user interface (if any) and one or more sensors (if any). Such electrical terminals may be disconnected when the battery structure is removed from the frame, and e.g. reconnected in case the battery structure is replaced to the frame.

In a further elaboration, the removable battery structure includes a battery (e.g. a dedicated battery pack having a number of electrically chargable cells) and a battery holder that removably holds the battery, the battery holder is detachably connected to the frame.

In this way, enhanced battery frame integration can be achieved. In particular, the battery holder can serve a docking structure / station for removably docking the battery onto the frame. Moreover, in an embodiment, the battery structure as such may be configured to strengthen the bicycle frame after mounting, and / or to increase bicycle frame stiffness.

It is preferred that the motor controller is not part of the battery itself (but positioned remote from the battery), e.g., to suppress or prevent any motor controller heat reaching the battery during operation. The battery can preferably be removed from the frame to be remotely charged and / or stored, without removing the remaining battery structure part (i.e. holder / dock).

In an embodiment, the detachable battery holder can serve as a cover or housing part of the motor controller. In case access to the motor controller is desired, the (further or alternative) step of detaching the battery holder from the bicycle frame can then be tasks.

It is also preferred that the motor controller remains covered by the battery holder (i.e. out of sight, when viewed from an environment of the bicycle) in case the battery holder is in its connected position to the bicycle frame. For example, the battery holder and the bicycle frame can be formed the conceal the motor controller there-between, when the battery holder is held in mounting position in / on the bicycle frame.

Preferably, the battery holder is configured for allowing removal of the battery along a virtual plane that extends in parallel with respect to a bottom bracket axis of the bicycle, when the battery holder is connected to the frame.

In this way, a user can hold the frame firmly and stably during the removal of the battery, for example at a down tube or top tube (if any), in order to smoothly take the battery out of the respective holder. Replacing the battery can be achieved in the same way, for example by reversed battery movement with respect to the holder, the movement being along the same virtual plane.

According to a preferred embodiment, the battery holder is fixed to the bicycle frame using detachable connecting means, for example screw or bolting means.

In this way, a simple yet reliable holder fixation can be achieved. For example, the bicycle frame may include a number of threaded bores for securely receiving such detachable connection means.

It is highly advantageous in case the detachable connecting means 5 are covered by the battery after assembly.

Thus, a smooth design can be achieved, and besides, the battery as such can function to prevent unauthorized access to the detachable connecting means. This particularly holds in case there is provided a locking device (e.g., including a cylinder lock that is operated by a respective key) for locking the battery to its holder.

Further, an aspect of the invention provides a kit or parts including a battery and a respective battery holder for forming a battery structure or a bicycle according to any of the claims 2-7, the battery is removably held by the battery holder, the battery holder preferably including a motor controller configured for controlling a bicycle auxiliary motor.

Also, an aspect of the invention provides a bicycle frame, including the frame includes a seat tube, a bottom bracket shell and an intermediate frame section linking a lower end of the seat tube to the bottom bracket shell, where the intermediate frame section is configured to provide a gap between the seat tube and bottom bracket shell, particularly a gap for receiving another bicycle component, for example a part of a battery structure and / or a motor controller.

Various or the above-mentioned advantages can be achieved in this way.

Further advantageous are described in the dependent claims. The invention will now be explained in more detail, referring to the drawings that show a non-limiting example of the invention.

Figure 1 depicts a side view of a bicycle according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 depicts a side view of the frame of the bicycle shown in Figs.

1, with a displaced battery structure;

Figure 3 depicts a perspective view of the bicycle shown in Figs. 2; Figure 4 depicts a side view of the bicycle frame or the bicycle depicted in Figures 1-3;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the frame;

Figure 6 shows a side view of an embodiment of the battery structure as such, or the bicycle depicted in Figures 1-3;

Figure 7 is a bottom view of the battery structure or Fig. 6;

Figure 8 is a top view of the battery structure or Fig. 6;

Figure 9 is a side view of the battery holder or the battery structure embodiment of Figure 6;

Figure 10 is a top view of the battery holder shown in Figs. 9;

Figure 11 is a bottom view of the battery holder shown in Figs. 9; and

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the battery holder shown in Figs. 9.

In the present application, corresponding or similar features are denoted by corresponding or similar reference signs.

Figures 1-12 show a non-limiting example of a bicycle 1, including a frame 2 as well as an auxiliary motor M, the frame being provided with a battery structure S and a motor controller C (partly visible in Fig. 2, 3 , 6, 8).

The motor controller C as such can be configured in various ways, as has been explained above.

The bicycle frame includes a seat tube 2a, a down tube 2b, a bottom bracket shell 2c for receiving a bottom bracket, and head tube 2e. The present embodiment also includes an optional top tube 2d, extending between an upper part of the seat tube 2a and the head tube 2e. In this example, the auxiliary motor M is associated with a bicycle rear wheel (e.g., it can be a respective hub motor). Alternatively, the motor may be an example associated with a front wheel.

The present down tube 2b has an upper section 2bU and a lower section 2bL, straight center lines of the upper section 2bU and a lower section 2bL including an angle a greater than 0 degrees with respect to each other (see the side view of Figure 4) , for example an angle in the range of about 10-30 degrees, more particularly an angle in the range of about 10-20 degrees. In this example, the lower section of the down tube 2b extends substantially in parallel with frame seat stays 2f, seen in side view (see Fig. 4). Also, the center line of the upper down tube section 2bU includes a narrower angle with a center line of the optional top tub 2d (or with a virtual horizontal plane) than an angle that is enclosed between the center line of the lower down tube section 2bL and the center line of that top tub 2d (or with the virtual horizontal plane).

The frame is sturdy and has an elegant, speedy design. Also, the down tube design allows for a relatively low, stable positioning or a relatively large (e.g. large electrical capacity) battery structure S.

In the present example, the battery structure S is mounted on the lower section 2bL or the down tube 2b. It is preferred that a top wall T of the battery structure S that is facing away from the lower section 2bL of the down tube 2b extends substantially in line with an upper side of the upper section 2bU or the down tube 2b, after mounting on the down tube (see Figure 1). For example, the battery structure S may have a substantially tapered shape, viewed in side view (see Fig. 6).

In the present version, a front part of the battery structure S (particularly including structure 4M and front holder part 4T as well as the battery, in this example) has a triangular shape, with a top angle that is identical to the above-mentioned angle a between the center lines of the two down tube sections 2bU, 2bL.

A back part of the present battery structure S (particularly of a respective battery holder 4 in this example) has a rear edge 32 and bottom edge 31 that include a larger second angle 6 with one another compared to said top angle (a), see FIG. 6, for example an angle 6 larger than 40 degrees, e.g. an angle in the range of about 70-110 degrees, or e.g. an angle 6 or about 90 degrees as in the drawings.

Referring to Figure 6, for example, a bottom edge 31 of the battery structure S (the holder 4, in this example) may extend in a substantial horizontal direction, and the rear edge 32 of the battery structure S (the holder 4 , in this example) may extend in a substantially vertical direction.

Such features allow for efficient and stable positioning of the battery structure S insufficient frame during mounting (and particular of the battery holder 4).

As follows from Figure 1, the battery structure and bicycle frame can be adapted such that they provide an optically integrated appearance. Also, the battery structure can be located at a relatively low level, providing rider comfort.

It is preferred that the entire battery structure S is removably connected to the frame. Figures 2-3 show the battery structure S in a partly removed position, whereas Figures 6-8 show the structure by itself, with — in this case — an integrated motor controller C.

It is preferred that the motor controller C is covered by the battery structure S, after the battery structure S has been mounted into mounting position on the bicycle frame. In one embodiment (not shown), the motor controller C may be mounted or fixed to the frame at a battery structure receiving location (eg onto the bottom bracket shell 2c and / or onto an intermediate frame section 2h -if any-), assembly of the battery structure S to the frame 2 leads to the covering of the motor controller C.

In the present example, however, the motor controller C has been advantageously integrated with and in the removable battery structure S. Thus, the battery structure S not only covers the motor controller C (when viewed from an environment of the bicycle and after mounting / assembly), it also provides removability to the motor controller C. As a result, improved motor controller access can be achieved.

In the example, walls of a battery holder bottom section 4L surround a relatively large interior space, which — in this example — substantially accommodates or covers the motor controller C after mounting. As follows from e.g. 2, part of the motor controller C may protrude from a space that is enclosed between side walls of the battery holder bottom section 4L, particularly to reach into an adjoining space that is covered by a frame member (eg by the intermediate frame section 2h) after mounting.

The removable battery structure Such as has a particular advantageous configuration, in that the removable battery structure S includes a battery 3 and a battery holder 4. The battery 3 is such as configured for malfunctioning electric energy and is (most preferably) rechargeable.

The battery holder 4 is configured to removably hold the battery 3. Also, the battery holder 4 as such is detachably connected to the frame 2. An assembled state of battery 3 and battery holder 4 is shown in Figures 6-8, Figures 9 -12 show the battery holder 4 after the battery 3 has been removed therefrom.

Also, as in the present version, the removable battery holder 4 can include a locking device 9 for locking the battery 3 to the holder 4. The locking device 9 as can be configured in various ways, for example, it can include a cylinder lock that is integrated in the holder 4, the lock being manually operable by a key, operation of the lock can move a battery locking element 9a between a battery locking and battery releasing state. The battery 4 may e.g. include a engagement section, to be engaged by such a battery locking element 9a. In this example, the lock 9 is part of a top section 4T or the battery holder 4.

The present battery holder 4 is configured for allowing removal of the battery 3 along a virtual plane that extends in parallel with respect to a bottom bracket axis X or the bicycle, when the battery holder is connected to the frame. A respective battery removal path, which is curved in this embodiment, is schematically indicated in Figure 8 with arrow R. In this case, it involves rotating the battery away from a chain wheel 45 (see Fig.

1).

The battery holder 4 can be fixed to the bicycle frame 2 using detachable connecting means (not shown), for example mounting screws or bolts having outer screw thread. To that aim, a top wall 5 of the lower down tube section 2bL may include several (eg two or three) bores or apertures 8 having an internal screw thread (see Fig. 5), a mounting part 4M or the battery holder may include opening 18, aligned with said threaded bores / apertures 8 when the mounting part 4M is in its mounting position on the lower down tube section 2bL for receiving the detachable connecting means. The detachable connecting means are covered by the battery 3 after assembly (see Figure 1), thus the installed battery 3 prevent access to those connecting means, avoid preventing unauthorized removal or the battery holder 4.

In an embodiment having a detachable motor controller C integrated with the battery structure S, the battery structure S and bicycle frame 2 may include disconnectable power and control signal terminals (not shown), for passing power and / or signals between the motor controller C and other components of the bicycle, eg the motor M, one or more ride monitoring sensors (not shown) and user interface UI, as will be clear to the skilled person. For example, the terminals may be such that during placement of the battery holder 4, such power and control signal terminals may automatically engage one for transmission of power and signals; in case of removal of the battery holder 4 from the bicycle frame, these terminals automatically disengage. Alternatively, for example said disconnectable power and control signal terminals may include one or more wired plug-sockets connections that can be manually engaged and disengaged by a user during assembly and disassembly.

Referring to the drawings, in the present edition, the detachable battery holder 4 includes a top section 4T and an opposite bottom section 4L for removably holding the battery 3 there-between. The top section 4T and bottom section 4L are both mounted on a mounting structure 4M.

In this example, the battery 3 and battery holder 4 are configured to allow removal of the battery 3 by rotational battery movement (see Fig. 8), for example rotation about the bottom section 4L or the battery holder. A transversal wall 20 of the bottom section 4L of the battery holder, which faces an opposite transversal wall of the battery after assembly, may eg include a pivot guiding structure 21 (such as a protruding notch) configured to cooperate with a matching pivot guiding structure (such as a matching aperture or indent)) or the opposite transversal wall of the battery 3 to guide and properly position the battery 3 into the holder 4 during mounting. Also, the holder top section 4T may include a curved guiding structure 40 for sliding engagement with a top of the battery 3 during battery mounting to the holder 4 and removal from the holder 4. In the present example, the curved guiding structure 40 is asymmetrically placed, with a lateral first edge 40a being located slightly further away from the opposite holder bottom section 4L than a lateral second edge 40b (see Fig. 11). It follows that the battery 3 can only be placed / rotated into the holder 4 via one lateral holder side.

Further, the holder 4 and battery 3 may include respective disconnectable terminals, for passing power and / or signals between the battery and other components of the bicycle, particularly the motor controller C when the battery 3 is in its mounted position (see Fig. 6 ). The battery terminals 10 or the holder 4 are visible in Figures 9, 10. In the present example, these terminals 1- are configured to automatically engage respective terminals or the battery 3 when the battery 3 is placed in its mounting position in the holder 4 (as in Figures 6-8), and to automatically disengage when the battery 3 is being removed from the holder 4.

According to an elaboration, the removable battery structure can include an elongated mounting structure 4M, as in the present example. In the example, the top and bottom sections of the battery holder 4 are fixed on an upper side of the elongated mounting structure 4M. In this example, the holder top section 4T protrudes forwardly from the elongated mounting structure 4M, and also protrudes in two lateral directions (see Fig. 9 and Fig. 11). Similarly, in this example, the opposite bottom top section 4L protrudes (slightly) rearwards from the elongated mounting structure 4M, and also protrudes in two lateral directions (see Fig. 9 and Fig. 11). In this example, the lateral widths of both the top section 4T and bottom section 4L of the battery holder 4 are equal to the width of the bicycle frame downtube 2b, whereas the lateral width of the respective elongated mounting structure 4M is narrower, to be embedded within the bicycle frame downtube 2b.

For receiving (embedding) the elongated mounting structure 4M, the present bicycle frame 2 (particularly the lower section of the down tube 2b) include an elongated mounting space, defined along the top wall 5 and between upstanding side ridges 6 or the lower down tube section 2bL. The elongated mounting space may have the same length as the elongated mounting structure 4M to be received, or it may be longer.

The elongated mounting structure 4M may be a rigid mounting element, preferably having a number of the bores 8 for receiving bicycle frame connection means. Optionally, the rigid mounting element 4M can be configured for strengthening the bicycle frame after mounting. To that aim, the rigid mounting element 4M may be held in a substantial form-closed manner within the respective receiving opening of the frame 2. Also, the rigid mounting element 4M may be made of eg steel or aluminum, or another study material . Also or alternatively, the rigid mounting element 4M may be fixed with a relatively high mounting force to the lower section of the down tube, via respective connecting means.

In this example, a thickness Ql or the upper section 2bU or the down tube 2b is larger than a thickness Q2 or the lower section 2bL or the down tube 2b, measured in a direction that is normal to a lateral width. Respective tube section thicknesses are indicated with double arrows Q1, Q2 in Figure 4. Figures 4, 5 also show that the upper side of the upper down tube section 2bU includes a flat supporting surface area 7 that extends along a virtual plane that is in line with upper edges or the lower down tube section 2bL, for supporting a flat bottom surface 17 or the front holder part 4T after mounting.

A further advantageous aspect of the present version concerns the positioning or part of the battery structure below the seat tube 2a (and along the chain wheel 45). In particular, in this example, the seat tube does not terminate on the bottom bracket shell 2c (as in a conventional bicycle). To the contrary, in the present structure, an intermediate frame section 2h is provided, linking to a lower end of the seat tube 2a to the bottom bracket shell 2c. The intermediate frame section 2h is configured to provide a gap between the seat tube 2a and bottom bracket shell 2c for receiving a lower part 4L of the battery structure. In particular, after assembly of the entire structure, the motor controller C may be partly or substantially located in this gap below the seat tube 2a.

To provide sufficient strength and rigidity, the intermediate frame section 2h may have a U-shaped cross-section, and may particularly include a rear base section 2i that is attached to the bottom bracket shell 2a (as well as to the chain stays 2g) , an upwardly extending spacer section 2j and a head section 2k that is attached to a lower end of the seat tube 2a. For example, in a side view (see Fig. 4), a center line of the head section 2k may particularly extend in a direction that includes an angle in the range of about 100-170 degrees with a center line of the spacer section 2j .

In the present example, a lower side of the head section 2k or the intermediate frame section 2h extends in-line with an opposite upper section 2bU or the down tube. An opposite upper side of the head section 2k, that e.g. carries (i.e. is fixed to) a lower end seat tube 2a may e.g. extend in a different direction than the a lower side of the head section 2k. In the present example, said upper side of the head section 2k extended substantially in line with the top side of the upper section 2U or the down tube 2b (and substantially in line with a top side T of the battery structure S after mounting, see Fig. 1).

As follows from Figures 1-3, after mounting, a lower part of the battery structure S (in this case the bottom section 4L or the battery holder) extends into the space between the intermediate frame section 2h, bottom bracket shell 2c and downtube 2b after mounting, and contacts opposite edges or sides of these frame parts. According to a further embodiment, the lower part of the battery structure. Can be at least partly made of a rigid material, for example steel or a rigid aluminum, to locally stick the frame after mounting.

Further, as indicated by an arrow W in Figure 2, the configuration can be such, that placement of the battery structure S (or at least its battery holder 4) can involve sliding the structure (or holder 4) in a linear direction W along the lower down tube section 2bL towards the bottom bracket shell 2c. In that case, in particular, the elongated mounting space in the down tube is sufficiently longer the length of the elongated mounting structure, allowing sufficient linear maneuvering space to slide the lower part 4L of the battery structure S in the gap between the seat tube 2a and bottom bracket shell 2c. As follows from

Figure 1, after mounting, outer sides of the battery structure Snuggingly fit within and onto the bicycle frame.

It will be clear to the skilled person that the invention is not limited to the exemplary exponent described. Various modifications are possible within the framework of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

For example, according to another aspect of the invention, it is not essential that the battery structure is removably connected to the frame, nor that the motor controller is integrated in the removable battery structure.

Particularly, according to one aspect there is provided 5 bicycle, including a frame as well as an auxiliary motor, including the frame is provided with a battery structure, including the battery structure is optionally removably connected to the frame, including the frame includes a seat tube, a bottom bracket shell and an intermediate frame section linking a lower end of the seat tube to the bottom bracket shell, an intermediate frame section is configured to provide a gap between the seat tube and a bottom bracket shell for receiving part of the battery structure.

In this way a relatively low bicycle center or gravity can be achieved, continuously improving bicycle performance and comfort to the user.

Also, in this manner, the bicycle can provide relatively much space for battery mounting, e.g., for receiving a relatively large battery structure.

In yet another aspect of this invention there is provided a bicycle, including a frame as well as an auxiliary motor, including the frame is provided with a battery structure, including the battery structure includes a battery and a battery holder that removably holds the battery, if the battery holder is configured for allowing removal of the battery along a virtual plane that extends in parallel with respect to a bottom bracket axis of the bicycle, when the battery holder is connected to the frame.

In this way, a user can remove the battery simply by retracting the battery in lateral direction from the bicycle frame, continuously rotating the battery out of the respective holder (eg after having unlocked the battery in case a locking device is present, as is described above). Replacing the battery in the frame can be achieved in reverse rotational movement.

Also, in another aspect of the invention, the motor controller can be separate from the battery structure. For example, the motor controller can be connected to the bicycle frame, such as in the gap that is located below the seat tube. More particularly, there can be provided a bicycle, including a frame as well as an auxiliary motor, the frame being provided with a battery structure and a motor controller, the battery structure is removably connected to the frame, the motor controller is covered by the removable battery structure, for example between part of the removable battery structure on one hand and the bicycle frame on the other hand.

In this way, the removable battery structure can function as a cover of the motor controller. Thus, access to the motor controller can be achieved in a straight-forward manner, by removing the battery structure from the frame. In particular, in that embodiment, the battery structure may be configured substantially the same as the battery structure described above,

e.g. including a battery holder (docking) that removably holds the battery.

Claims (16)

Conclusions A bicycle, provided with a frame and an auxiliary motor, wherein the frame is provided with a battery structure and a motor controller, the battery structure being detachably connected to the frame, the motor controller being covered by the detachable battery structure. 5 A bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the detachable battery structure comprises a battery and a battery holder which holds the battery detachably, the battery holder being detachably connected to the frame. A bicycle according to claim 2, wherein the battery holder is configured to allow removal of the battery along one 10, a virtual plane extending parallel to a bottom bracket axis of the bicycle when the battery holder is coupled to the bicycle. A bicycle as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the battery holder is fixed to the bicycle frame using releasable connecting means, for example screw or bolt means. 5. A bicycle according to claim 4, wherein the releasable connecting means are covered by the battery after assembly. A bicycle according to any of claims 2-5, wherein the releasable battery holder comprises an upper part and an opposite bottom part for detachably holding the battery between them, the battery 20 and battery holder are preferably configured to allow removal of the battery only via a rotational movement of the battery, for example rotation about the bottom part of the battery holder. A bicycle according to claim 6, wherein the bottom part of the releasable battery holder covers the motor controller, for example. 8. A bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame comprises a seat tube and bottom bracket housing and an intermediate frame part connecting a lower end of the seat tube to the bottom bracket housing, wherein the intermediate frame member is configured to provide an opening between the seat tube and bottom bracket housing to receive a part of the battery structure. 9. A bicycle according to claim 8, wherein the intermediate frame part has a U-shaped cross-section, and in particular comprises a rear base part connected to the bottom bracket housing, an upwardly extending spacer part and a head part connected to a lower end of the seat tube, with the head part in particular 10 extends in a direction that includes an angle in the range of about 100-170 degrees with a center line of the spacer member. A bicycle according to claim 8 or 9 in combination with claim 6 or 7, wherein the bottom part of the releasable battery holder is located in the opening under the seat tube. 15 A bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame comprises a lower housing with an upper part and a lower part, with axes of the upper and lower part extending at an angle relative to each other, the battery structure being mounted on the lower part of the lower housing, with an upper wall of the The battery structure remote from the lower part of the lower housing extends substantially in a line with the upper part of the lower housing. A bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detachable battery structure comprises an elongated mounting structure, The frame including an elongated mounting opening for receiving the elongated mounting structure. A bicycle according to claim 12, wherein the elongated mounting structure comprises a rigid mounting element, preferably with a plurality of bores for receiving bicycle frame connecting means, wherein the rigid mounting structure is preferably configured to reinforce the frame after mounting. A bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the 5 removable battery structure includes a locking device for locking the battery to the holder. A bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery structure and the bicycle frame comprise releasable control signal terminals, for passage of electric current and / or signals between the 10 motor controller and one or more other components of the bicycle. A bicycle, comprising a frame and an auxiliary motor, for example a bicycle according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the frame is provided with a battery structure, wherein the battery structure is preferably detachably connected to the frame, Wherein the frame comprises a seat tube, bottom bracket housing, and intermediate frame member that connects a lower end of the seat tube to the bottom bracket housing, the intermediate frame member configured to provide a gap between the seat tube and the bottom bracket housing to receive a portion of the battery structure. 20 A bicycle, comprising a frame and an auxiliary motor, for example a bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame is provided with a battery structure, wherein the battery structure comprises a battery and battery holder which keeps the battery detachable, Wherein the battery holder is configured to allow removal of the battery along a virtual plane extending parallel to a bottom bracket axis of the bicycle when the battery holder is connected to the frame. A bicycle, comprising a frame and an auxiliary motor, for example a bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame is provided with a battery structure and a motor controller, wherein the battery structure is detachable on the frame 5, the motor controller being part of the detachable battery structure. A set of parts comprising a battery 3 and a respective battery holder 4 for forming a battery structure of a bicycle according to at least one of claims 2-7, wherein the battery is detachable 10 is held by the battery holder, the battery holder preferably comprising a motor controller for controlling a bicycle assist motor. A bicycle frame, for example a frame for assembling a bicycle according to any one of claims 1-18, The frame comprising a seat tube, a bottom bracket housing and intermediate frame member connecting a lower end of the seat tube to the bottom bracket housing, the intermediate frame member being configured to provide an opening between the seat tube and the bottom bracket housing, in particular an opening for receiving another bicycle part, for example 20 a part of a battery structure and / or motor controller. 1/5