Bicycle and method for operating a bicycle

Abstract

The invention relates to a bicycle (100) comprising a handlebar (1) connected to a wheel (101) via a handlebar fork (2), wherein the handlebar (1), the handlebar fork (2) and the wheel (101) are jointly pivotable about a steering axis (3), at least one return spring (4) connected at least indirectly to the handlebar (1) and / or the handlebar fork (2) and configured to center the wheel (101) about the steering axis (3), an actuator (5) connected at least indirectly to the at least one return spring (4) and configured to adjust the spring characteristic of the at least one return spring (4), and means for actuating the actuator (5) and adjusting the spring characteristic during operation of the bicycle (100).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a bicycle with at least two wheels and a drive train. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating the bicycle.

[0002] Bicycles are generally known that can be powered by an electric motor in addition to the user's drive power. Such bicycles are also known as electric bicycles, pedelecs, or e-bikes. The user's drive power is usually supported by the electric motor in accordance with the rider's wishes and a torque supplied by the user. The electric motor can be arranged as a mid-engine in the area of the pedal crankshaft or as a wheel drive directly on the respective drive wheel. Therefore, a bicycle does not only refer to a classic bicycle without a motor that is driven exclusively by muscle power, but also to a bicycle with a motor. In particular, the term "bicycle" also includes cargo bikes with multiple wheels, especially with three or four wheels. A bicycle is a vehicle that can be used by at least one user, especially a rider.

[0003] For example, DE 10 2021 006 507 A1 discloses a bicycle with a bicycle component for providing a restoring torque for a bicycle steering mechanism. The bicycle component comprises a bearing device for supporting the bicycle component on a bicycle frame, a coupling device for coupling the bicycle component to a fork stem, an energy storage device for storing a restoring force, and a force transmission device for transmitting a steering force to the energy storage device. The force transmission device has a force transmission point eccentric to a rotational axis of the coupling device. The energy storage device has at least one spring for storing tensioning energy.The bicycle component is designed to apply a preload to the spring in a neutral position, with which a stabilizing force for stabilizing the fork shaft can be transmitted to the coupling device via the force transmission device in the neutral position.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to improve a bicycle. In particular, the range of functions of the bicycle and the safety for the bicycle user are to be increased. Furthermore, the comfort and operability for the bicycle user are to be increased. This object is achieved by a bicycle according to claim 1 and by a method according to claim 10. Embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0005] A bicycle according to the invention comprises a handlebar which is connected to a wheel via a handlebar fork, wherein the handlebar, the handlebar fork and the wheel are jointly pivotable about a steering axis, at least one return spring which is at least indirectly connected to the handlebar and / or the handlebar fork and is designed to center the wheel about the steering axis, an actuator which is at least indirectly connected to the at least one return spring and is designed to adjust the spring characteristic of the at least one return spring, and means for actuating the actuator and adjusting the spring characteristic during operation of the bicycle.

[0006] A bicycle user can pivot the handlebars, handlebar fork, and wheel together around the steering axis to steer the bicycle. For example, several steerable wheels can also be arranged on the handlebar fork. Preferably, the bicycle comprises a drive train and at least two wheels, with at least one of the two wheels being steerable. For example, the bicycle comprises the usual components of a bicycle driven by human power. Optionally, the bicycle comprises an electric machine designed as a prime mover, which is integrated into the bicycle's drive train in order to reduce the strain on the user during locomotion or to increase their range, depending on the capacity of an associated energy storage device.

[0007] The at least one return spring is connected to the handlebar and / or the handlebar fork in such a way that a steering movement, i.e., pivoting of the wheel about the steering axis, counteracts the spring force of the at least one return spring. This results in the wheel being centered about the steering axis, i.e., the wheel, the handlebar fork, and the handlebar are returned to the neutral state. When the wheel is centered, it is in the neutral state for straight-ahead travel and exhibits essentially no steering angle, neither in one pivoting direction nor in the other. For example, a steerable wheel in the neutral state has the same orientation as a non-steerable wheel. Return springs of different sizes can exhibit different spring forces. For example, several return springs can be connected at least indirectly to the handlebar and / or the handlebar fork and configured to center the wheel about the steering axis.

[0008] An at least indirect connection is understood to mean that two components are either immediately, i.e. directly, connected to one another, or that further elements are arranged between two components, so that an indirect connection of the two components is made via further elements.

[0009] The actuator is to be understood as an adjusting device and serves to adjust the spring characteristics of the at least one return spring. The user therefore does not require any tools to adjust the spring characteristics of the at least one return spring. The actuator enables the spring characteristics to be adjusted while the bicycle is in operation, i.e. while the user is using the bicycle, in particular while riding. The spring characteristics can also be adjusted when the bicycle is stationary. To adjust the spring characteristics, a means for actuating the actuator is also provided. The means is connected to the actuator in a signal-transmitting manner and generates actuating commands for the actuator. The actuating commands of the means for actuating the actuator serve to control the actuator and thus to adjust the spring characteristics of the at least one return spring.

[0010] The means for actuating the actuator can be devices or elements that can be actuated by user input and generate corresponding control commands, as well as methods or algorithms that generate control commands according to a data processing unit from operating data of the bicycle or with the aid of additionally provided information about the bicycle's environment. Thus, the invention includes the technical teaching that the actuator for adjusting the spring characteristic is controlled by manual user input and / or is controlled automatically, in particular event-driven, by a data processing unit.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one return spring is designed as a spiral spring, wherein the actuator is configured to adjust a spring preload. A change in the spring preload leads to a change in the spring characteristics of the at least one return spring. For example, the at least one return spring is designed as a tension spring and is subjected to tensile forces during steering movements of the wheel. The tension spring counteracts an axial force which is directed towards extending the tension spring. In particular, the spring preload is changed by tensioning or relieving, i.e. lengthening or shortening, the at least one return spring by means of an actuator. In particular, the actuator axially displaces an end of the at least one return spring which is received thereon, in particular is fixed thereto.The higher the spring preload, the greater the stiffness of at least one return spring and the return force for centering the wheel.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one return spring is designed as a leaf spring, with the actuator configured to adjust a spring rate. For example, the spring rate is changed by shortening or lengthening the effective spring arm of the at least one return spring using an actuator. For this purpose, the actuator slidably engages a suspension point of the leaf spring. The shorter the effective spring arm, the greater the spring rate and the stiffness of the at least one return spring.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the means for actuating the actuator comprises at least one operating element that is connected to the actuator in a signal-transmitting manner. The user can control the actuator by manual input and make a selection via the at least one operating element. In particular, the operating element is designed as a mechanical knob or button and is arranged on the bicycle, for example on the handlebars, or on another device, in particular on a display of an on-board computer, or on an external device in the vicinity of the bicycle. The device in the vicinity of the bicycle can be designed as a smartphone, smartwatch, or smart ring and can be arranged in a piece of clothing or on the user themselves. Alternatively or additionally, the operating element is designed as a touch-sensitive area on an operating device.For example, at least one other device on the bicycle, such as a drive motor or a transmission, can also be controlled via the at least one control element.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the means for actuating the actuator comprises a data processing unit that is connected to the actuator for signal transmission. For example, the actuator is actuated according to the data processing unit, with data first being processed, in particular evaluated, in the data processing unit before actuating commands are transmitted to the actuator. The data processing unit can be arranged on the bicycle or on a device of the bicycle or on an external device located in the vicinity of the bicycle. For example, the data processing unit can be integrated into a device together with the at least one control element, so that the actuator can be actuated either manually or automatically. In particular, a current setting of the actuator can be displayed on a display on the handlebars of the bicycle or on an external device.

[0015] For example, the data processing unit is configured to adjust the spring characteristic of the at least one return spring depending on determined state variables of the bicycle and / or the surroundings. For example, the data processing unit comprises sensors for determining state variables of the bicycle and / or the surroundings of the bicycle. Alternatively, the data processing unit receives data and information relating to the bicycle or the surroundings of the bicycle at the signal interface from sensors and / or devices connected thereto for signal transmission.For example, a steering angle, a speed of the bicycle, a wheel contact force, in particular a weight on the steerable wheel, weather conditions, in particular an ambient temperature, a road surface condition, a slip on a wheel and / or other state variables relating to the bicycle or the surroundings of the bicycle are recorded and evaluated by the data processing unit to adjust the spring characteristic of the at least one return spring.

[0016] The data processing unit functions as a control unit or control device and is designed to evaluate data and, depending on this data, to generate signals for controlling the actuator and adjusting the spring characteristics of the at least one return spring. In particular, the data processing unit has a signal interface for a signal-transmitting connection. For example, the signal-transmitting connection can be wired, wireless, or optical. A signal-transmitting connection is a communicating connection in which data, in particular measurement data, and / or information is transmitted as a signal from a transmitter to a receiver. The signals can be, for example, switching, control, data transmission, or command signals. For example, the data processing unit can be a network of control units or control devices.For example, one of the control units can be part of a drive motor, a transmission, or another device of the bicycle. The data processing unit can be located on the handlebars, near the transmission, near the drive motor, or at another location on the bicycle, such as on the frame. Alternatively, the data processing unit can be located outside the bicycle.

[0017] A signal interface is a connection for exchanging data and signals between different components of the bicycle and other devices outside the bicycle. The respective signal interface enables at least two components or units to communicate with each other. The respective signal interface is integrated into the respective component or an integral part thereof and is used to receive and transmit signals. For example, the actuator has a signal interface that is connected to a signal interface on the data processing unit for signal transmission. For example, the control element has a signal interface that is connected to a signal interface on the data processing unit for signal transmission.For example, an external device located in the vicinity of the bicycle has a signal interface that is connected to a signal interface on the data processing unit for signal transmission. In particular, the data processing unit receives data and information relating to the bicycle and / or the bicycle's surroundings at the signal interface from sensors and / or devices connected thereto for signal transmission.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the data processing unit has a data memory for storing and retrieving user settings. User settings can be permanently stored in the data memory, for example, in user profiles. Thus, different users can save and retrieve different user settings, so that the optimal spring characteristic of the at least one return spring can be quickly and conveniently adjusted by the actuator for each user upon starting the journey. For example, the active user can be selected using a control element.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the bicycle can further comprise means for authenticating the user, which are connected to the data processing unit in a signal-transmitting manner, wherein the data processing unit is configured to automatically actuate the actuator and adjust the spring characteristic of the at least one return spring upon user authentication. The means for authenticating the user can be a radio transmitter which, when in the vicinity of the bicycle, transmits signals to the data processing unit in order to call up the user settings, in particular the user profile, for riding. Alternatively or additionally, the means for authenticating the user can be stored in an application on an external device, in particular a smartphone. It is also conceivable for the means for authenticating the user to be embodied as a camera or fingerprint sensor on an external device.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the actuator comprises an electric motor and a transmission. In particular, the actuator is designed as an electromechanical actuator and is indirectly connected to the at least one return spring via the transmission in order to adjust the spring characteristics of the at least one return spring, in particular to adjust the spring preload or the spring rate. Preferably, the transmission is designed to be self-locking, so that a change in the spring characteristics of the at least one return spring occurs only through the operation of the actuator.

[0021] In the method according to the invention for operating the bicycle according to the invention, i.e., a bicycle comprising a handlebar pivotably connected to a wheel via a handlebar fork, at least one return spring, an actuator, and means for actuating the actuator and adjusting the spring characteristic during operation of the bicycle, the spring characteristic of the at least one return spring is adjusted during operation of the bicycle via the actuator when the means for actuating the actuator actuates the actuator. Thus, the actuator always adjusts the spring characteristic of the at least one return spring when the means for actuating the actuator is triggered. For example, the means for actuating the actuator can be triggered manually by user input.Alternatively or additionally, the means for actuating the actuator can be automatically triggered by a data processing unit, in particular a method or algorithm that can be activated via it.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the spring characteristic of the at least one return spring is adjusted during operation of the bicycle when a user manually operates a control element connected to the actuator via a signal transmission. Thus, the user initiates the adjustment of the spring characteristic of the at least one return spring via the user input on the control element.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the spring characteristic of the at least one return spring is automatically adjusted during operation of the bicycle according to a data processing unit connected to the actuator for signal transmission. The data processing unit thus initializes the adjustment of the spring characteristic of the at least one return spring. The data processing unit preferably adjusts the spring preload of the at least one return spring depending on determined state variables of the bicycle and / or the bicycle's environment.

[0024] In particular, the user can configure the adjustment of the spring characteristics on the data processing unit via user input.

[0025] In the following, embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings, wherein identical or similar elements are provided with the same reference numerals. Fig. 1 a highly simplified schematic representation of a bicycle according to the invention according to a first embodiment, and Fig. 2 a highly simplified schematic representation of a bicycle according to the invention according to a second embodiment.

[0026] In Fig. 1 shows a bicycle 100 according to the invention in a highly simplified manner. The bicycle 100 has a frame 104 on which a steerable wheel 101 designed as a front wheel, a wheel 102 designed as a drive wheel or rear wheel, a handlebar 1 pivotably mounted on the frame 104 with handlebar grips arranged thereon, which the user can support and hold on to while riding, and a saddle 106 are arranged. The handlebar 1 is connected to the steerable wheel 101 via a handlebar fork 2, wherein the handlebar 1, the handlebar fork 2, and the wheel 101 are jointly pivotable about a steering axis 3. The wheel 101 is rotatably mounted on the handlebar fork 2.

[0027] Furthermore, the bicycle 100 has a drive device configured to drive the bicycle 100 at least with the muscle power of a user (not shown here). For this purpose, the user sits, for example, on the saddle 106 while riding and introduces drive power into the drive train of the bicycle 100 via respective pedals 107, which are connected to a pedal crankshaft 108 of the drive device via respective pedal cranks. The drive device further comprises an electric machine configured as a drive motor 105, which is arranged as a mid-engine in the region of the pedal crankshaft 108 and, in turn, can also introduce drive power into the drive train of the bicycle 100 to assist the user while riding. Thus, the bicycle 100 is configured as an e-bike. Alternatively, the drive motor 105 can be omitted, in which case the bicycle 100 would be configured as a conventional bicycle 100 without drive assistance.In this case, the drive power is transmitted to the drive wheel via a traction drive 103 with two sprockets and a chain.

[0028] The bicycle 100 further comprises a return spring 4, which in this case is connected to the handlebar fork 2 and is configured to center the wheel 101 around the steering axis 3, an actuator 5, which is connected to the return spring 4 and is configured to adjust the spring characteristic of the return spring 4, and means for actuating the actuator 5 and adjusting the spring characteristic during operation of the bicycle 100. The means for actuating the actuator 5 comprises an operating element 6, which is arranged on the handlebar 1 and is connected to the actuator 5 in a signal-transmitting manner. The actuator 5 comprises an electric machine 9 and a self-locking gear 10. The adjustment of the spring characteristic only occurs when the user manually actuates the operating element 6, which is designed as a button, wherein a control signal is then transmitted to the actuator 5 in order to change the spring preload by stretching or compressing the return spring 4, which is designed as a spiral spring.Adjusting the suspension characteristics is extremely convenient, as no tools are required, and the adjustment can be made directly via the control element 6 located on the handlebar, even while riding, without distracting the user. Furthermore, riding safety is increased because the user can adapt the handling of the bicycle 100, in particular the restoring force for centering the wheel 101, to the riding situation. For example, the user can set a higher restoring force for centering the wheel 101 for uphill riding than for downhill riding.

[0029] Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the bicycle 100. The bicycle 100 according to Fig. 2 additionally comprises a data processing unit 7, which is designed as a means for actuating the actuator 5 and is connected to the actuator 5 for signal transmission. The adjustment of the spring characteristic can thus take place automatically during operation of the bicycle 100 according to the data processing unit 7. For example, the data processing unit 7 can adjust the spring preload of the return spring 4 depending on determined state variables of the bicycle 100 and / or the environment of the bicycle 100. In particular, the data processing unit 7 evaluates sensor signals from a sensor system (not shown in detail) for this purpose. For example, the data processing unit 7 can set a higher restoring force for centering the wheel 101 for high travel speeds than for low travel speeds, thereby stabilizing the bicycle 100 and increasing riding safety.

[0030] In the present case, the data processing unit 7 has a data memory 8 for storing and retrieving user settings. The data processing unit 7 is connected to the operating element 6 in a signal-transmitting manner, so that the user can make user settings via the operating element 6 and save them on the data memory 8 of the data processing unit 7. Furthermore, means for authenticating the user are provided, which are connected to the data processing unit 7 in a signal-transmitting manner, wherein the data processing unit 7 is configured to automatically actuate the actuator 5 and adjust the spring characteristic of the at least one return spring 4 upon user authentication. The means for authenticating the user is embodied in the present case as a transmitter 11, in particular as a dedicated radio transmitter.The data processing unit 7 enables the adjustment of the suspension characteristics to be automated, thereby further increasing safety and operating comfort for the user. Otherwise, the bicycle 100 complies with . Fig. 2 essentially the bicycle 100 according to Fig. 1, to which reference is made. Reference symbol 1 handlebar 2 handlebar forks 3 steering axle 4 return spring 5 Actuator 6 Control element 7 Data processing unit 8 data storage 9 electric machine 10 gearboxes 11 channels 100 bicycles 101 steerable wheel 102 wheels 103 traction drive 104 frames 105 drive machine 106 Saddle 107 pedals 108 Crankshaft QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2021 006 507 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Bicycle (100) having • a handlebar (1) which is connected to a wheel (101) via a handlebar fork (2), wherein the handlebar (1), the handlebar fork (2) and the wheel (101) are jointly pivotable about a steering axis (3), • at least one return spring (4) which is connected at least indirectly to the handlebar (1) and / or the handlebar fork (2) and is designed to center the wheel (101) around the steering axis (3), • an actuator (5) which is at least indirectly connected to the at least one return spring (4) and is designed to adjust a spring characteristic of the at least one return spring (4), and • Means for actuating the actuator (5) and adjusting the spring characteristics during operation of the bicycle (100). [2] Bicycle (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one return spring (4) is designed as a spiral spring, wherein the actuator (5) is arranged to adjust a spring preload. [3] Bicycle (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one return spring (4) is designed as a leaf spring, wherein the actuator (5) is configured to adjust a spring rate. [4] Bicycle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for actuating the actuator (5) comprises at least one operating element (6) which is connected to the actuator (5) in a signal-transmitting manner. [5] Bicycle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for actuating the actuator (5) comprises a data processing unit (7) which is connected to the actuator (5) in a signal-transmitting manner. [6] Bicycle (100) according to claim 5, wherein the data processing unit (7) has a data memory (8) for storing and retrieving user settings. [7] Bicycle (100) according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising means for authenticating the user, which are connected to the data processing unit (7) in a signal-transmitting manner, wherein the data processing unit (7) is configured to automatically actuate the actuator (5) and adjust the spring characteristic of the at least one return spring (4) upon authentication of the user. [8] Bicycle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (5) comprises an electric machine (9) and a transmission (10). [9] Bicycle (100) according to claim 8, wherein the transmission (10) is self-locking. [10] Method for operating a bicycle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring characteristic of the at least one return spring (4) is adjusted during operation of the bicycle (100) via the actuator (5) when the means for actuating the actuator (5) actuates the actuator (5). [11] Method according to claim 10, wherein the spring characteristic of the at least one return spring (4) is adjusted during operation of the bicycle (100) when a user manually actuates an operating element (6) connected to the actuator (5) in a signal-transmitting manner. [12] Method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the spring characteristic of the at least one return spring (4) is automatically adjusted during operation of the bicycle (100) in accordance with a data processing unit (7) connected to the actuator (5) in a signal-transmitting manner. [13] Method according to claim 12, wherein the data processing unit (7) adjusts the spring preload of the at least one return spring (4) as a function of determined state variables of the bicycle (100) and / or the environment of the bicycle (100).

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