BE1026191B1 - Frame or frame component of a vehicle with a battery integrated in it and surrounded by a jacket - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to a frame (F) or frame component (1) of a vehicle, such as a bicycle, with a battery space (3) surrounded by frame walls (1) in which a removable battery (4) is provided, wherein a a wall (1a) a passage (2) is formed, the battery (4) being encased by a casing (5) which is manufactured as a flexible unit and is detachably attached to the battery (4), and wherein at least one part (7a) of the jacket (5) is located in said passage (2) and covers the passage (2) in an aesthetic manner. The invention also relates to a vehicle with such a frame (F).

Description

This invention relates on the one hand to a frame or a frame component of a vehicle, in which a removable battery is integrated in a battery space surrounded by one or more frame walls, wherein a passage is formed in a frame wall along which the battery space is accessible.

This invention more particularly relates to a frame or a frame component of a vehicle which is provided with an electric drive motor, wherein the battery is inter alia provided to act as a power source for the drive motor. This invention relates in particular to a frame or a frame part of an electric bicycle.

On the other hand, this invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a frame or a frame component, a number of wheels connected to the frame, and drive means comprising a battery integrated in the frame or the frame component in a battery space for supplying electrical energy for the drive or for assisting the drive of the vehicle, wherein the battery space is surrounded by one or more frame walls and wherein a passage 20 is formed in a frame wall along which the battery space is accessible.

In particular, this invention relates to a vehicle, the drive means of which comprise both mechanical means for driving the vehicle by means of muscle power, and electrical means for driving the vehicle by means of one or more electric drive motors. The electrical means 25 may be provided for driving the vehicle alone or may be provided for driving the vehicle together with the muscle-power drive. In the latter case, the electrical means assist the muscle-power drive, such as, for example, in an electric bicycle with pedal assistance.

The term "frame" becomes a part of a vehicle with a visible surface. For example, the frame of an electric bicycle or an electric moped, the bodywork of an electric quad or an electric motorcycle or a

BE2018 / 5230 electric car. A frame component is any component that is provided to form part of the frame in a mounted condition.

It is known to integrate a battery in a frame of an electric bicycle and to provide for that purpose in the frame a battery space which is surrounded by one or more frame walls and which is accessible via a passage in a frame wall. The battery is usually removable, which means that the battery space must be provided in an easily accessible, and therefore clearly visible, location of the frame. In order to prevent the presence of the battery compartment from disturbing the view of the frame and the entire bicycle, one tries to hide the battery compartment as well as possible. It is known to cover the battery space by means of a cover with such a shape and appearance that the frame at the location of the covered battery space retains as much as possible the shape and appearance of the frame without battery space. However, the presence of a cover makes it difficult to remove the battery and increases the production cost of the frame.

A bicycle frame with associated battery and cover is described in DE 20 2017 000 144 UI. The battery and the cover cannot possibly be combined with a bicycle frame with a different shape and / or dimensions. The slightest difference makes the combination impossible.

A first object of the present invention is to provide a frame or a frame component with a battery compartment and a battery integrated therein, the battery compartment not being covered by a cover, and wherein the shape and appearance of the frame or frame component very little is disturbed by the presence of the battery compartment.

From international patent application WO 2015/039785, it is known to provide a battery room in a bicycle frame with an outer surface that is flat on one side. The battery space is accessible through an opening provided in the flat side of the frame and the battery has a top that is largely flat. When the battery is received in the battery space, the flat portion of the top of the battery and the flat outer surface of the frame are contiguous in the same plane. This covers the battery compartment. On the

BE2018 / 5230 At the top of the battery, a deeper part is provided to which a handle is attached to allow the battery to be taken out of the battery compartment.

This combination of a frame with associated battery renders a cover for the battery space superfluous, but has the disadvantage that the transverse profile of the frame and the transverse profile of the top of the battery must be matched to each other. An additional disadvantage is that the handle is clearly visible on the top of the battery and thereby determines the appearance of the frame.

In the patent application US 2013/0241169 A1 a bicycle frame with a battery space and a corresponding battery is described. Only a battery with specific dimensions and shape can be integrated into the frame to fit its shape.

In the international patent application WO 2017/148483 another known embodiment of a frame element of an electric bicycle is described. A battery compartment for a corresponding battery is provided in the frame element. This battery is formed such that it has a part protruding from the battery space with a transverse profile which, together with the transverse profile of the frame at that location, forms a total transverse profile corresponding to the transverse profile of the frame without battery space.

The battery compartment is covered by the protruding part of the battery, so that no cover is needed. The transverse profiles of the frame and of the battery must also be coordinated here.

The frames with battery space known from these patent applications can only be combined with a battery with a transverse profile adapted to the frame. With a battery with a different cross section, the total cross section of the frame together with the visible part of the battery would clearly deviate from the cross section of the frame in a place where no battery space is provided. This would make the battery a disturbing element in the frame's appearance.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a frame or a frame component in which, regardless of the transverse profile of the frame or frame component, batteries with different transverse profiles can be integrated,

BE2018 / 5230 without disturbing the view of the frame or frame component. This should result in the design of a frame being less limited in its design, and also that different standard batteries available on the market can be easily integrated into the same frame.

The objects stated above are effectively achieved according to the present invention by providing a frame or frame component of a vehicle, having the features indicated in the first paragraph of this description, wherein, according to the present invention, the battery is at least partially enveloped is by a casing made as a separately pliable whole from a compressible material and detachably secured around the battery, at least a portion of the casing being in said passage, and the casing comprising a first casing portion that is is located in the battery space between the battery and the walls of the battery space, and a second casing part comprises a protruding part which is located in said passage.

The above-mentioned objectives have also been achieved by providing, according to the present invention, a vehicle with the features indicated in the third paragraph of this description, wherein, according to the present invention, the battery is at least partially encased by a casing that is flexible as a separate is entirely made of a compressible material, and which is detachably secured around the battery, wherein at least a portion of the casing is in said passage, and wherein the casing comprises a first casing portion located in the battery space between the battery and the walls of the battery compartment, and a second jacket portion which includes a protruding portion that is located in said passage.

The said one or more frame walls that surround the battery space are preferably substantially closed walls.

The passage can be created by removing a portion of a frame wall. The frame or frame member preferably comprises a cavity surrounded by frame walls. The battery space is provided, for example, in an internal cavity within the frame or the frame member. The passage is at

BE2018 / 5230 is preferably formed by removing a portion of a frame wall that defines a cavity. The battery space is preferably provided in an elongate profiled portion that is hollow.

The 'passage' must be considered in the sense of the free space that would have been occupied by the material of the frame wall if the frame or frame part had the shape and dimensions it has in a place where there is no battery space is provided. The passage is therefore a free space within the edges of the passage that has the shape and dimensions of the part of the frame wall that is missing in the frame wall and thus forms the passage. The fact that the protruding part of the second casing part is in the passage means that this protruding part is within the free space indicated above.

According to the present invention, the battery is encased in a separately manufactured jacket. Depending on the shape and dimensions of the battery, the casing can be designed in such a way (eg with varying thickness) that the overall profile of the battery encased in the casing is ideal for at least partially reducing the passage in the frame or frame component. to fill and thereby cover the battery space and also give the frame or frame component an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Because the material of the casing is compressible, the casing can adapt to the available space in the battery space between the battery and the frame walls. The thickness of the jacket is changed locally by compression. This allows the same casing to be combined with batteries with different shapes and / or dimensions and yet to be integrated in a frame to fit the shape. In a preferred embodiment, the compression of the casing is elastic, so that after the removal of the battery from the battery space, the casing resumes its original thickness.

For different types of batteries with different shapes and dimensions, jackets with adapted shapes and dimensions can also be developed. Each battery can then be converted by fitting its matching sheath to an element with the shape and dimensions that are ideal to be combined with a particular frame or frame component. This allows, for example, batteries that

BE2018 / 5230 have various transverse profiles integrated into the same frame or frame component, while the part of the casing located in the passage provides an aesthetic coverage of the battery compartment and makes a cover unnecessary. To change the appearance of the battery that is visibly integrated into the frame, it can very easily be provided with a different jacket. The sheath is preferably produced as a sheet of flexible material that can be laid on a flat surface in a stretched state. The jacket is preferably made of plastic. Preferably it is a material with a fairly high insulation value.

Furthermore, preferably the material of the casing is also a fairly soft material, so that you have a good grip on the material when you hold the battery by hand to remove it from the battery compartment or to put it back in again. In the frame or frame component of the present invention, the jacket preferably encloses a relatively large outer surface of the battery, thereby protecting and insulating the battery. Such a casing can even cover the outer surface of the battery almost completely, transforming the battery into a beautifully finished aesthetic object whose technical-looking aspects are almost completely hidden.

In a preferred embodiment, the casing is designed such that the portion of the casing located in the passage substantially fills the passage. The passage is preferably filled almost completely.

Preferably, the portion of the casing located in the passage has at least the same thickness as the wall thickness of the frame wall in which the passage is provided.

The second casing portion preferably has an average thickness that is greater than the average thickness of the first casing portion.

In an even more advantageous embodiment, the first casing part changes into the second casing part via a stepwise increase in the thickness of the casing.

In addition, it is furthermore preferred that the outer surface of the portion located in the passage connects to the edges of the recess, or to the

BE2018 / 5230 outer surface of the frame wall in which the passage is formed, or protrudes above the outer surface of the frame wall in which the passage is formed.

The upper surface of the protruding portion of the casing preferably protrudes 10 mm at the most from the outer surface of the frame wall in which the passage is formed. In a more preferred embodiment this is at most mm. In a highly preferred embodiment, the jacket extends at most 2 mm above the outer surface of the frame wall in which the passage is formed.

In a first special embodiment, the battery space is provided with an elongated profiled frame part which extends beyond the passage and has a frame cross section (P1) on the side of the passage, and the profile (P3) comes from a cross section of the portion of the casing located in the passage on the outside substantially corresponds to the said frame cross section (P1).

The term profile in this patent application refers to the line that follows the outline of a drawn element. In other words, a profile has a certain shape and dimensions. The term cross-section is used in this patent application in the sense of the cross-sectional profile.

In this patent application, when we refer to "the frame cross-section (PI) on the side of the passage", we refer to the shape and dimensions of the portion of the cross-section of the frame that is located on the side of the passage 20 is located. This part of the cross section then has, for example, the shape of a circular arc, a horizontal straight line, an ellipse arc, or the shape of a part of a polygon or of any other geometric figure, or of a combination of curved and straight lines.

When we talk about the profile (P3) of a cross-section of the outer part of the casing 'on the outside', we mean the shape and dimensions of the line that follows the outer surface of the second casing part on that cross section.

BE2018 / 5230

When we talk about the shape of a certain profile, the geometric shape is meant, regardless of its dimensions, such as the shape of a circle, an ellipse, a hexagon or of a part of these figures.

In a second particular embodiment, the outer surface of the battery opposite the passage has a cross section (P2) with a shape (F2) that differs from the shape (F1) of the frame cross section (P1), the casing closes against said frame. on the outer surface of the battery and has a varying thickness so that the portion of the casing located in the passage has a profile (P3) with a shape (F3) that substantially corresponds to the said shape of the frame cross-section (P 1) on the side of the passage.

The transverse profile (P2) of the outer surface of the battery opposite the passage refers to the shape and dimensions of the line that said outer surface follows that cross-section. The expression "the shape (F2) of this cross section (P2)" therefore only refers to the shape of that line. For example, if that shape (F2) is the shape of the upper half of a hexagon, while the shape (F1) of the frame cross section (P1) has the shape of a circular arc, then these two shapes (F1) and ( F2) clearly apart. The second casing portion then has a varying thickness whereby, in the enveloping state, it complements the battery cross section (P2) with its hexagon shape (F2) such that the whole of the battery with the casing takes on the frame cross section (P1) with the arc shape.

In general, therefore, the second casing portion has a varying thickness so that, in the enclosing state where it abuts the battery, it complements the battery cross profile (P2) with a first shape (F2) such that the whole of the battery with the casing - takes cross-section profile (P1) with a second form (F1), wherein the first (F2) and second form (F1) are mutually different.

In other words, the second casing portion is complementary to the battery profile so that the whole of the battery with the enveloping casing has the frame cross profile (PI).

BE2018 / 5230

In a very advantageous embodiment, the jacket has a hardness of at most 90 Shore 00, preferably between 30 and 80 Shore 00. In a most preferred embodiment, the jacket has a hardness that is between 30 and 60 Shore 00.

With such a material, the material is locally pressed in when it is hand-held, so that a good grip is obtained and no handle is needed to hold the battery. The hard battery is transformed by such a jacket into a soft and pleasant feeling element.

The density of the jacket material is preferably greater than or equal to 20 kg / m ³ and less than or equal to 240 kg / m ³ .

In a more preferred embodiment, the density of the material of the jacket is greater than or equal to 20 kg / m ³ and less than or equal to 150 kg / m ³ . In a particular embodiment, this density is greater than or equal to 20 kg / m ³ and less than or equal to 100 kg / m ³ .

The most preferred material of the casing has a density that is greater than or equal to 30 kg / m ³ and less than or equal to 70 kg / m ³ , such as, for example, 50 kg / m ³ .

If the available space in the battery space is smaller than the volume of the battery encased in the casing, the casing must be compressed during insertion into the battery space. This is very easy if the material 20 of the jacket has a density within the limits indicated in the previous paragraph.

The jacket preferably consists essentially of a foamed plastic.

A foamed plastic is a plastic that comprises a cellular structure. These can be open or closed cells. Foamed plastic is produced with, among other things, a foaming agent and / or a chemical reaction that leads to gasification.

Preferably the foamed plastic has a closed cell structure. A foamed plastic material is easy to manufacture, and moreover is also light and well insulating, while it has a relatively high strength and is very flexible.

BE2018 / 5230

In a very preferred embodiment, the jacket is mainly made of a foamed polyolefin, such as polyethylene. Polyolefins are polymers based on carbon and hydrogen. The most important polyolefins are polyethylene or polyethylene (PE), polypropylene or polypropylene (PP), polybutylene or poly (1-butene) (PB) and polyisobutylene or polyisobutylene (PIB). Foamed polyolefins are flexible and not water-permeable, making them very suitable for producing the jacket. Preferably the foamed polyolefin is foamed polyethylene. This can be, for example, expanded polyethylene (EPE). This is a non-cross-linked, closed-cell foam made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The polyolefins also include copolymers such as, for example, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). The jacket can for instance also be manufactured primarily from polyurethane (PU). The jacket can also be made from a combination of two or more of the plastics mentioned in this section.

The sheath is preferably formed by applying known production techniques such as, for example, injection molding or extrusion.

In another very advantageous embodiment, the first casing portion is mainly in the compressed state between the battery and the walls of the battery space.

In another advantageous embodiment, the first casing portion is at least partially permanently compressed.

This can be done by subjecting the material of the jacket to a thermoforming process. This process can be applied to plastics and foam materials that are deformable at a temperature higher than their glass transition temperature. A number of thermoplastic plastics that can be used for this are polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, polystyrene, polycarbonate, methyl polymethacrylate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). Foamed polyolefins, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, can also be thermally coated

BE2018 / 5230 can be compressed. Due to thermocompression, folding lines can also be applied in the material of the jacket.

The casing is preferably made of a foamed plastic, the surface of which, at least on the outside of the casing, is at least partially covered by a covering layer.

Preferably, the cover layer is a layer that is laminated to the surface of the foamed plastic. It can also be a coating applied to the surface of the foamed plastic. As a result, the cover layer forms a surface layer that is integral with the foamed plastic. This surface layer is preferably a substantially closed surface. The cover layer is preferably a plastic layer. Lamination can be done by means of an adhesive or by melting the foamed plastic and / or the material of the cover layer. The cover layer acts primarily as a protective layer and also provides an aesthetic finish to the material of the jacket.

The cover layer is preferably made from a material with a high stretchability. This makes the jacket a very flexible unit that can be wrapped around a battery quickly and easily from a stretched condition.

In a preferred embodiment, the material from which the cover layer is made has a longitudinal elongation elongation that is higher than 50% and / or a transverse elongation elongation that is higher than 150%. This break elongation can, for example, be determined according to ISO 1421. The break elongation indicates that this material will only break after a certain percentage elongation. This means that the cover layer is not damaged as long as the percentage elongation remains below the upper limit determined by the elongation at break. Even more preferably, the elongation at break in the longitudinal direction is higher than 60%, and even higher than 70%. Even more preferably, the elongation at break in the transverse direction is higher than 160%, even higher than 170%. In a specific embodiment, the elongation elongation in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the elongation elongation in the transverse direction.

BE2018 / 5230

The material from which the cover layer is made preferably has, when applying a force of 50 N in the longitudinal direction, an elongation of more than 5% and / or, when applying a force of 50 N in the transverse direction, a elongation of more than 10%. This can for instance be determined according to ISO 1421. The material from which the cover layer is made further preferably has an elongation of more than 8% when applying a force of 50 N in the longitudinal direction. The material from which the cover layer is made further preferably has an elongation of more than 13% when applying a force of 50 N in the transverse direction.

Preferably the material from which the cover layer is made has a tensile strength in the longitudinal direction that is greater than 200 N / 5 cm and / or a tensile strength in the transverse direction that is greater than 150 N / 5 cm. This tensile strength can for example be determined by ISO 1421. Even more preferably, the tensile strength in the longitudinal direction is greater than 250 N / 5 cm and in an even more preferred embodiment greater than 300 N / 5 cm. Also more preferably, the tensile strength in the transverse direction is greater than 200 N / 5 cm. In a specific embodiment, the tensile strength in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the tensile strength in the transverse direction.

This makes the cover very resistant to damage (scratches and the like), as a result of which the jacket retains its aesthetic appearance for a long time. This is of importance because the casing of the battery integrated into the frame is a visible element of the frame which thereby also determines the appearance of the frame.

The thickness of the cover layer is preferably at least 0.1 mm and at most 3 mm. In a very preferred embodiment, the thickness of the cover layer is between 0.5 mm and

1.5 mm, more preferably between 0.5 mm and 1 mm, such as, for example, 0.7 mm. With these thicknesses, the cover layer is sufficiently strong and impervious. Further preferred

In a preferred embodiment, the cover layer is made of a water-repellent material. This water-repellent material is further preferably also a material that is not water-permeable. That way the jacket is also weatherproof.

Preferably, the cover layer is mainly made of a plastic material with a composition comprising at least 85% polyvinyl chloride. Other possible

BE2018 / 5230 compositions are: 88-94% polyvinyl chloride, 0.1-2% polyurethane and 4-10% polyamide or 91-97% polyvinyl chloride and 3-9% polyamide. Such plastic materials are sufficiently stretchable, strong and water-repellent and form a very suitable material for the cover layer. They can also be supplied in different colors and motifs. Other useful plastic materials include polyurethane, synthetic rubber, etc.

In an alternative embodiment, the cover layer is mainly made of a stretchable material that is not a plastic material. Such a material is then preferably a watertight and / or water-repellent material or a material which is provided with a coating which makes it watertight and / or water-repellent.

The casing preferably also comprises fastening means for retaining the casing in a state surrounding the battery.

These fastening means are, for example, hook means provided on the edges of the casing which cooperate with corresponding hook-in spaces or hook-in edges on the outer surface of the battery. Other known releasable fastening means, such as for example velcro, one or more snap fasteners or a zipper, are of course also possible.

In a most preferred embodiment, it is a frame or frame component of a motorized bicycle, such as an electric bicycle.

In order to illustrate the invention more clearly and to indicate further features and advantages thereof, a more detailed description of a preferred embodiment of an electric bicycle with a frame according to the present invention now follows.

It is to be understood that this preferred embodiment is only one of the numerous possible embodiments within the scope of the patent protection defined in the appended claims, and that nothing in the following description should be regarded as limiting this scope.

BE2018 / 5230

Reference is made in this description to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 represents an electric bicycle in perspective, Figure 2 represents a part of the frame of the bicycle of Figure 1, wherein the frame comprises a battery space in which a battery is included, Figure 3 represents the fame section of Figure 2, a battery with a casing according to the invention is located in the battery space, Figure 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the frame portion shown in Figure 2, without battery in the battery space, Figure 5 is a plan view of the frame shown in Figure 4 section, Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along a transverse plane through the axis AA of the frame portion shown in Figure 4, Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along a transverse plane through the axis BB of the frame portion shown in Figure 4, while in the battery compartment a battery without a casing has been placed, figure 8 represents the cross-section of figure 7, the battery shown in figure 7 being shown by a man Figure 1 is encapsulated, Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along a cross-section through the axis BB of the frame portion shown in Figure 4, while another battery encased in a casing is placed in the battery space Figure 10 is a perspective view of the casing 9, in a stretched state, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along a transverse plane through the axis CC of the jacket shown in FIG. 10.

The bicycle shown in Figure 1 is an electric bicycle with pedal assistance. The bicycle comprises a frame (F) supported by two wheels (17) on which a saddle (16) is mounted and a handlebar (12) in connection with the front wheel (17). The frame (F) comprises

BE2018 / 5230 a hollow tubular section (1) that extends obliquely upwards from a lowest point of the frame (F) in the vicinity of the pedals (13) in the direction of the handlebar (12). In this tubular part (1) a battery space (3) is provided, which is best visible in figures 4 and 7 to 9. In this battery space (3) a battery (4) is placed which is supported by a separately produced jacket ( 5) is enveloped. The casing (5) is detachably mounted around the battery (4) as will be explained below.

The battery compartment (3) is provided in the hollow interior of the tubular section (1). This battery space (3) is accessible via a passage (2) formed in a wall (1a) of the frame part (1) by removing a part (20) - see Figure 4 - from the wall (1a). We emphasize that the removed part (20) is no longer part of the frame (F) according to the present invention, and is only presented in Figure 4 with the intention of clarifying what is meant by the term "passage" in this patent application. The passage (2) must in fact be seen in the sense of the free space occupied by the removed part (20). The passage is therefore a free space that has the shape and dimensions of the removed part (20). The fact that the jacket (5) is located in the passage (2) therefore means that it is located within the free space indicated above.

A battery holder is provided in the battery compartment (3) which comprises the necessary holding means and electrical connectors (not shown in the figures) to hold the battery (4) in a fixed position in the battery compartment (3) while the battery contacts are connected are with electrical conductors provided in the frame (F). These conductors (also not shown in the figures) connect the battery contacts with an electric motor (not shown in the figures) to assist the drive that the cyclist himself produces via the pedals (13). The conductors run, for example, through the hollow tubular portions (1) of the frame (F). The electric motor is built into the frame (F) in a housing at the height of the bottom bracket (14) connected to the pedals (13) and can exert a driving torque on the bottom bracket (14). The battery (4) can also function as a power source for other electrical components installed on the bicycle, such as for example the lighting, and is therefore connected to these components via the necessary conductors.

BE2018 / 5230

In the battery compartment (3) a closing mechanism is provided (not shown in the figures) with a blocking means which can be brought into known and mechanical positions with a blocking position and a non-blocking position by turning a lock provided in the wall ( la) of the frame portion (1). The lock can only be turned by means of a suitable key (15). The key (15) can be placed in the lock from the outside of the frame (F), after which the lock can be turned. When the blocking means has been brought into a blocking position, the battery (4) cannot leave its position in the battery chamber (3). In this way it is possible to prevent the battery (4) from falling out of the battery compartment (3) or being stolen.

When the blocking means is in the non-blocking position, the battery (4) can be taken out of the battery compartment (3) manually.

The battery (4) is encased in a casing (5) which is made as a separate flexible and flexible unit from foamed polyethylene (PE) with a density of 50 kg / m ³ . On the entire surface of the foamed polyethylene, on the outside of the jacket, a cover layer (11) of PVC is laminated with a thickness of approximately 0.7 mm. The sheath (5) thus formed has a hardness of about 50 Shore 00. The sheath (5) is shown separately in extended form in Figures 10 and II.

The sheath (5), when stretched, has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view and consists of a central part (7) and two equal wings (6) extending on opposite sides of the central part (7), respectively. In the embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 11, the two wings (6) have the same thickness (d1) of approximately 2.5 mm everywhere, while the central part (7) has a greater thickness (d2), so that the central portion (7) forms an upwardly projecting portion (7a) relative to the upper surface of the wings (6). The thickness (d2) of the central portion (7) is not the same everywhere, as can be seen most clearly in figures 8 and 11, and varies between a minimum of approximately 5 mm and a maximum of approximately 8 mm. However, the average thickness of the central portion (7) is greater than the thickness (d1) of the wings (6) and is approximately 6.5 mm.

BE2018 / 5230

The protruding part (7a) of the casing (5) has an upper surface which is substantially rectangular in plan view and which merges stepwise into the upper surface of the wings (6) via vertical or obliquely inclined flanks (9).

The transverse profile (PI) of the top - the side of the passage (2) - of the tubular frame portion (1) - see Figure 6 - has a symmetrical shape (F1) with two parallel vertical lines connected to each other by a line that runs at both ends - from the vertical lines - first along an arc of a circle and changes into a horizontal straight line in a central zone.

The battery shown in Figures 2 and 9 has an outer surface (4a) opposite the passage (2) with a transverse profile (P2) whose shape (F2) is symmetrical and comprises two parallel vertical lines that merge into sloping straight lines which run towards each other and are connected to each other via a central part that runs practically in a circular arc. This can be seen most clearly on the cross-section shown in Figure 9. This shape (F2) clearly differs from the shape (F1) of the cross section (P1) as can be seen on figure 6 and is indicated in dotted line on figure 7.

When the battery (4) is encased in the sheath (5), the bottom of the central portion (7) of the sheath (5) connects to the outer surface (4a) of the battery (4) that faces the passage ( 2). The casing (5) is dimensioned such that the protruding part (7a) is located in the passage (2) and fills it almost completely, so that the upper surface of the protruding part (7a) at the edges (8) connects to, or a few mm protrudes above, the top surface of the wall (1a) of the frame portion (1) in which the passage (2) is formed. The flanks (9) of the projecting part (7a) are then opposite the edges (2a) of the passage (2) with a very small spacing or close to these edges (2a), so that the passage (2) is well is covered by the protruding part (7a). The upper surface of the protruding portion (7a) of the casing (5) then has a transverse profile (P3) that is substantially identical to the transverse profile (P1) of the top 30 of the tubular frame portion (1). This can best be seen by turning it on

BE2018 / 5230 figure 9 of the cross section (P3) of the casing (5) compared to the cross section (P1) of the frame section (1) indicated on figure 6.

In order to obtain this transverse profile (P3), the central part (7) of the casing (5) must have a suitable thickness at all places over its entire width. Since the shape (F2) of the cross section (P2) of the battery (4) differs from the shape (F1) of the cross section (P 1) of the frame portion (1), the required thickness (d2) is not at every place the same. Figure 11 clearly shows how the thickness (d2) varies between a minimum (d2min) and a maximum (d2max) for the jacket of figure 9.

The battery (4) located in the battery space (3) on figures 7 and 8 has a top side with a different cross section (P2) than the battery (4) shown on figures 2 and 9. The outer surface (4a) of this battery (4), which is opposite the passage (2), has a transverse profile (P2) that has the shape (F2) of two vertical lines that merge into a horizontal line via rounded corners. This shape (F2) also clearly differs from the shape (F1) of the transverse profile (P1) that can be seen on figure 6 and on figure 7 (in broken line).

If this other battery (4) is encased in the sheath (5) shown in Figure 8, the bottom of the central portion (7) of the sheath (5) connects to the outer surface (4a) of the battery (4) opposite the passage (2). This jacket (5) is now dimensioned differently than the jacket shown in Figures 9 to 11. More specifically, the varying thickness (d2) of the central portion (7) of the casing (5) is now different because the battery (4) has a different cross section (P2). This thickness (d2) is such that the projecting part (7a) is located in the passage (2) and fills it almost completely, so that the upper surface of the projecting part (7a) at the edges (8) connects to, or a few mm protrudes above, the top surface of the wall (1a) of the frame portion (1) in which the passage (2) is formed. The flanks (9) of the projecting part (7a) are then again opposite the edges (2a) of the passage (2) with a very small spacing or close to these edges (2a), so that the passage (2) is well is covered by the protruding part (7a).

BE2018 / 5230

Moreover, the varying thickness (d2) of the central portion (7) of this sheath (5) is also such that the upper surface of the protruding portion (7a) of the sheath (5) has a transverse profile (P3) that is substantially identical at the transverse profile (PI) of the top of the tubular frame portion (1). This can best be seen by comparing the transverse profile (P3) of the casing (5) indicated in Figure 8 with the transverse profile (PI) of the frame section (1) indicated in Figure 6 and in Figure 7 (in broken line).

The casing (5) and the battery (4) further include complementary fastening means (10a), (10b) for detachably securing the casing in the state in which the 10 o battery (4) encloses the battery (4) (see 8 to 11).

To this end, the jacket (5) comprises more specifically hook-in strips (10a) with a hook-shaped profile on the underside of the wings (6), in the vicinity of the side edges of these wings (6). These hook-in strips (10a) extend over substantially the entire length of the side edges of the wings (6).

In the lower part of the outer surface of the battery (4) two hook-in grooves (10b) are provided with such a shape and length that the hook-in strips (10a) can hook into these hook-in grooves (10b) and remain in their hooked-in condition. The position of the two hook-in grooves (10b) on the battery surface is also such that, when the casing (5) encloses the battery (4) and is brought into a state connecting to the battery, each hook-in strip (10a) is then in a respective hook-in groove (10b) can be hooked in, whereby the sheath (5) is attached to the battery (4) in its enveloping state.

On the outer surface of the battery (4) a push button (19) is provided with which the battery (4) can be switched on or off (see figure 2),

In the protruding part (7a) of the casing (5) a circular zone (18) is provided (see figures 3 and 10), the upper surface of which is deeper than the surrounding upper surface of the protruding part (7a) of the casing (5) while the material of the jacket (5) in this zone (18) also has a smaller thickness than the surrounding material.

BE2018 / 5230

The location of this zone (18) on the casing (5) is chosen such that when the battery (4) is encased in the casing (5), the zone (18) is then exactly above the push button (19). This push button (19) can thus be operated by pressing the finger on the deeper circular zone (18) of the jacket. As a result, the battery (4) can be easily operated without removing the casing (5) and no opening has to be provided in the casing (5) along which the push button (19) can be reached. The casing (5) remains on That way a fully waterproof protective cover of the battery (4).

In another embodiment according to the present invention the casing can also be designed such that it only extends over the part (4a) of the outer surface of the battery (4) that is opposite the passage (2), so that there are no casing parts are located in the battery compartment (3) between the battery (4) and the walls (1a) of the battery compartment (3). Such a jacket then, for example, has a rectangular shape in plan view which has the same thickness everywhere or has a varying thickness. The jacket is located in the passage (2), and preferably fills this passage (2) almost completely. In cross-section, the portion (7a) located in the passage (2) has a profile (P3) which on the outside substantially corresponds to the frame transverse profile (P1).

The above can be clarified by means of an example which is described with reference to figures 9 and 10. In its other embodiment, the casing of figures 9 and 10 is designed without the wings (6) and only consists of the central part (7) which connects to the outer surface (4a) of the battery (4) which is located above the edges ( 2a) of the battery compartment (3).

This casing (5) can then be releasably attached to the battery (4) with fastening means, for example by means of hooks which engage in the T-shaped grooves which are in the outer surface (4a) of the top of the battery (4) to provide. It goes without saying that other fasteners can also be provided.

Claims (18)

A frame (F) or a frame component (1) of a vehicle, in which a removable battery (4) is integrated in a battery space (3) surrounded by one or more frame walls 5 (1a), wherein in a frame wall (la) a passage ( 2) is formed along which the battery space (3) is accessible, characterized in that the battery (4) is at least partially encased by a jacket (5) which is manufactured as a separate flexible unit from a compressible material, and which is detachably around the battery (4) is attached, wherein at least a portion 10 (7a) of the sheath (5) is in said passage (2), and that the sheath (5) comprises: a first sheath portion (6) located in the battery space (3) is located between the battery (4) and the walls (1a) of the battery space (3), and a second casing part (7) with a protruding part (7a) located in said passage (2). 2. A frame (F) or a frame component (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the portion (7a) of the casing (5) located in the passage (2) substantially fills the passage (2) . A frame (F) or a frame component (1) according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the second jacket portion (7) has an average thickness (d2) that 20 is greater than the average thickness (d1) of the first jacket portion (6). A frame (F) or a frame component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first casing part (6) changes into the second casing part via a stepwise increase in the thickness of the casing (5) (7). 5. A frame (F) or a frame component (1) according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the outer surface of the portion (7a) of the casing (5) located in the passage (2), at the edges (8) of the recess, (2) or adjoins the outer surface of the frame wall (1) in which the BE2018 / 5230 passage (2) is formed, or protrudes above the outer surface of the frame wall (1) in which the passage (2) is formed. A frame (F) or a frame component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the battery compartment (3) is provided in an elongated 5 profiled frame part (1) which extends beyond the passage (2) and has a frame transverse profile (P1) on the side of the passage (2), and that the profile (P3) of a transverse mandrel (B) of the part in the passage ( 7a) of the casing (5) on the outside substantially corresponds to the said frame cross section (PI). 7. A frame (F) or a frame component (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the outer surface (4a) of the battery (4) opposite the passage (2) has a transverse profile (P2) with a shape (F2) that differs from the shape (F1) of the frame cross section (P1), and that the sheath (5) abuts against said outer surface (4a) and has a varying thickness (d) so that it is in The portion (7a) of the casing (5) located in the passage has a profile (P3) with a shape (F3) that substantially corresponds to the said shape (F1) of the frame transverse profile (P1) on the side of the passage (2). A frame (F) or a frame component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the casing (5) is made of a material with 20 a hardness of at most 90 Shore 00, preferably between 30 and 80 Shore 00. A frame (F) or a frame component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the casing (5) is made of a material with a density that is greater than or equal to 20 kg / m ³ and less than or equal to 240 kg / m ³ . 25 A frame (F) or a frame component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the casing (5) consists essentially of a foamed plastic. BE2018 / 5230 A frame (F) or a frame component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first casing portion (6) is substantially compressed between the battery (4) and the walls (1a) of the battery compartment (3). A frame (F) or a frame component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first casing portion (6) is at least partially permanently compressed. A frame (F) or a frame component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the casing is made of a foamed plastic, the surface of which is at least partially covered at least on the outside of the casing by a coating. A frame (F) or a frame component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the casing (5) comprises fastening means (10a, 10b) around the casing (5) in a battery (4) ) to retain the enveloping state. A frame (F) or a frame component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is a frame (F) or a frame component (1) of a motorized bicycle, such as an electric bicycle bicycle. 16. A vehicle comprising a frame (F) or a frame component (1), a number of wheels connected to the frame (F) ( 17), and drive means comprising a battery (4) integrated into the frame (F) or frame component (1) in a battery space (3) for supplying electrical energy for the drive or for assisting the drive of the vehicle, wherein the battery space is surrounded by one or more frame walls (1a) and wherein a passage (2) is formed in a frame wall (1a) along which the battery space is accessible, characterized in that the battery (4) is at least is partially encased by a sheath (5) which is manufactured as a separately flexible whole from a compressible material, and which is detachably secured around the battery (4), with at least a portion (7a) of the sheath (5) being located in the said passage (2), and that the jacket BE2018 / 5230 (5) comprises: a first casing portion (6) located in the battery space (3) between the battery (4) and the walls (1a) of the battery space (3), and a second casing portion (7) with a protruding part (7a) which is located in the said passage (2). 17. Vehicle according to claim 16, characterized in that it comprises a frame (F) or a frame part (1) according to one of claims 2 to 15. A vehicle according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that it is a motorized bicycle, such as an electric bicycle.