Bicycle and method for operating the bicycle

Abstract

The invention relates to a bicycle (100) comprising means for determining a heart rate of a user and generating corresponding actual data and a data processing unit (1) which is connected to the means for determining the heart rate in a signal-transmitting manner and is designed to compare the actual data with corresponding target data on a data memory (2) and to determine a state of health of the user therefrom, wherein the data processing unit (1) is further designed to adjust at least one device of the bicycle (100) which is connected to the data processing unit (1) in a signal-transmitting manner when at least a first threshold value for a state of health of the user is reached.According to a method according to the invention, the means for determining the heart rate first determine the heart rate of the user and generate corresponding actual data, wherein this actual data is transmitted to the data processing unit (1), wherein the data processing unit (1) compares this actual data with corresponding target data and determines therefrom a state of health of the user, wherein the data processing unit (1) adjusts at least one device of the bicycle (100) connected thereto in a signal-transmitting manner when a first threshold value for a state of health of the user is reached.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a bicycle. 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 the 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 propelled 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] The object of the present invention is to improve a bicycle. In particular, the functionality of the bicycle is to be expanded and the comfort and safety 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 8. Embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0004] A bicycle according to the invention comprises means for determining a user's heart rate and generating corresponding actual data, a data processing unit that is signal-transmittingly connected to the means for determining the heart rate and configured to compare the actual data with corresponding target data on a data storage device and to determine the user's state of health therefrom. The data processing unit is further configured to adjust at least one device of the bicycle that is signal-transmittingly connected to the data processing unit when at least a first threshold value for a user's state of health is reached. By determining the user's state of health, the bicycle according to the invention can protect the user from health-endangering overload.The user's state of health may be impaired due to illness and / or other physical impairments, which may result in excessive strain on the user during the ride, particularly in the temporal progression of their heart rate. For example, an irregular heartbeat may occur. Alternatively, or in addition, the number of heartbeats may be too high during a certain time interval.

[0005] The means for determining a user's heart rate can be either devices or elements, in particular sensors, which record, in particular sense, further measurement data from the user in addition to the user's heart rate, or methods, in particular algorithms, which at least indirectly determine, in particular calculate, a user's heart rate from various data and with the aid of additionally provided information about the user. Thus, the invention includes the technical teaching that the user's heart rate can be determined directly by sensing or indirectly calculated from further information. The recorded actual data are compared with stored target data for the user's heart rate. From this comparison and optionally with the aid of further data and information, the data processing unit can determine the user's current state of health.At least one first threshold value is provided for the user's health status. When the at least one first threshold value for the user's health status is reached, the data processing unit adjusts at least one device of the bicycle to relieve the user. For example, the first threshold value can be set by the data processing unit depending on various status data, in particular health data, of the user. The first threshold value is preferably stored in a data memory of the data processing unit.

[0006] For example, the determination of a temporal profile of a quantity characteristic of the heartbeat, in particular structure-borne sound, electrical cardiac voltage, and / or light absorption on the skin, is carried out using a chest strap, an upper arm cuff, a wristband, a finger clip, an earlobe clip, and / or sensors on the bicycle. The means for determining the user's heart rate comprises, for example, at least one sensor for sensing a pulse and can be arranged on the bicycle, for example in the grips on the handlebars of the bicycle, or on the user. For example, the means for determining the user's heart rate can be designed as a sports watch with at least one optical pulse sensor or as a waist belt with electrodes.Alternatively or additionally, the means for determining a user's heart rate may be based on a method that processes data from different sensors and thereby at least indirectly determines the user's heart rate.

[0007] According to the method according to the invention, the user's heart rate is determined for determining the user's state of health. For this purpose, the means for determining the heart rate first determine the user's heart rate and generate corresponding actual data, which are then transmitted to the data processing unit. The data processing unit compares the received actual data with corresponding target data and uses this to determine the user's state of health. The determined state of health must be within a permissible range that does not pose a danger to the user while riding. If a first threshold value for a user's state of health is reached, the user's health is at risk during current operation of the bicycle, so that the data processing unit adjusts at least one device on the bicycle that is connected to it by transmitting signals to protect the user's health.According to one embodiment, to protect the user's health, the data processing unit adjusts at least one additional device of the bicycle that is connected to it by transmitting signals when a second threshold for a user's health status is reached. The second threshold is selected such that the risk to the user's health is greater than when the first threshold is reached. Therefore, when the second threshold is reached, at least one additional device of the bicycle is adjusted to protect the user's health. For example, the data processing unit can adjust a display device and / or a transmission device and / or a drive motor.

[0008] The data processing unit acts as a control unit or control device and is designed to determine the health status of the user and to adjust the at least one device on the bicycle when a first threshold value for the health status of the user is reached. To this end, the data processing unit processes signal data provided by the means for determining the user's heart rate while riding. In particular, the data processing unit and the means and devices connected thereto for signal transmission have signal interfaces for a signal-transmitting connection. A signal interface is a connection for exchanging data and signals between different components of the bicycle. The respective signal interface enables at least two components to communicate with each other. The respective signal interface is integrated into the respective component orintegral part thereof and serves to receive and transmit signals. 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 devices can be part of a device on the bicycle. The data processing unit can be arranged on the bicycle, in particular on the handlebars, in the area of ​​the drive motor, or at another location on the bicycle, preferably on the frame.

[0009] For example, the means for determining a user's heart rate comprise a signal interface that is connected to a signal interface on the data processing unit for signal transmission. For example, the at least one device on the bicycle comprises 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 at least data and information relating to the user's heart rate at the signal interface and, after evaluating this data and information, i.e., after evaluating the user's state of health and reaching at least the first threshold value, controls the at least one device on the bicycle via a control signal in order to adjust it and not endanger the user's state of health.

[0010] According to one embodiment, when a first threshold is reached, the data processing unit adjusts a display device to indicate to the user that the first threshold has been reached and thus a health risk. If the user does not respond and the second threshold is subsequently reached, the data processing unit further adjusts a transmission device and / or a drive motor to protect the user's health, specifically in such a way that the load on the user is reduced.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the bicycle further comprises a display device that is connected to the data processing unit in a signal-transmitting manner and is configured to generate optical, acoustic, and / or haptic signals for the user in accordance with the data processing unit. For example, the display device is arranged on the handlebars of the bicycle and emits optical, haptic, and / or acoustic signals to signal the user's state of health while riding, in particular to warn them when a threshold value is reached. Alternatively or additionally, the display device comprises vibration-generating means that can be arranged in the drive train, in particular on pedals, on the handlebars, or on the saddle of the bicycle, in order to signal a safety-threatening health condition through vibrations. For example, the display device is designed as a display and is part of an on-board computer of the bicycle.For example, the display device is designed as a display and is part of an external device, in particular an external processing unit, a smartwatch, or a smartphone. A display is a screen for displaying graphic elements.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the bicycle further comprises a transmission device arranged in the drive train of the bicycle, which is connected to the data processing unit for signal transmission and is configured to change a transmission ratio, at least for the user, in accordance with the data processing unit. In particular, the transmission ratio is changed without user intervention, i.e., automatically, in such a way that the load on the user during the ride is reduced. The transmission device can, for example, be a transmission with at least two transmission stages or gears. For example, the transmission can be a continuously variable transmission. Preferably, the drive shaft is connected at least indirectly or directly, in particular in a rotationally fixed manner, to a pedal crankshaft. Furthermore, the output shaft is preferably connected at least indirectly or directly, in particular in a rotationally fixed manner, to a drive hub or a drive wheel of the bicycle.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the bicycle further comprises a drive motor arranged in the drive train of the bicycle, which is connected to the data processing unit for signal transmission and is configured to introduce auxiliary drive power into the drive train or to increase the auxiliary drive power according to the data processing unit. Thus, the bicycle is designed as an e-bike. The user's drive power is supported by a drive power of the drive motor, in particular according to a level of assistance and a torque supplied by the user. The drive motor can be arranged as a mid-drive motor in the area of ​​the pedal crankshaft or as a wheel drive directly on the drive wheel.In particular, when the first threshold for the user's health status is reached, the data processing unit automatically adjusts the auxiliary drive power supply without user intervention in such a way that the user's workload is reduced during the ride. If the first threshold is exceeded and the drive motor is switched off, the drive motor is initially switched on to reduce the user's workload. If the first threshold is exceeded and the drive motor is already switched on, the auxiliary drive power is increased to reduce the user's workload. The drive motor is preferably designed as an electric machine.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the bicycle further comprises means for determining further state variables of the user, the bicycle, and / or the bicycle's surroundings and generating corresponding data for the data processing unit. The data processing unit is configured to receive further determined variables of the user, the bicycle, or the bicycle's surroundings, for example, the user's age, the user's gender, a riding speed, a drive power, a gear ratio, a slope gradient, and a temperature. The data processing unit is configured to control devices on the bicycle depending on the determined state variables of the bicycle and / or the bicycle's surroundings.In particular, the at least one device on the bicycle, for example the display device and / or the transmission device and / or the drive motor, is adjusted depending on the user's state variables, the bicycle's state variables, the surroundings' state variables, and / or the riding situation. Preferably, the user can adjust the state variables via a control element.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the bicycle further comprises a control element that is connected to the data processing unit in a signal-transmitting manner. Using the control element, the user can control the data processing unit and / or other devices on the bicycle through manual input, in particular making a selection, adjusting values ​​and thresholds for the state of health, or activating and deactivating the means for determining heart rate. In particular, the control element 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 embodied 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 control element is designed as a touch-sensitive area on an operating device.For example, the control element can also be used to control at least one other device on the bicycle, such as a drive motor or a transmission. The data processing unit is configured to receive values ​​from the control element, evaluate them, and further process them to generate a control command.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the bicycle further comprises a data memory for storing and retrieving data from the data processing unit. In particular, the data processing unit has a data memory for storing and retrieving data. User settings can be permanently stored on the data memory, for example in user profiles. Furthermore, predetermined settings regarding permissible heart rates and the user's state of health can be stored on the data memory. In particular, different users can save and retrieve different user settings. For example, the active user can be selected using a control element. Alternatively or additionally, the active user can be selected using a radio transmitter, which is connected to the data processing unit for signal transmission, at least when the active user is in the vicinity of the data processing unit.The radio transmitter can be worn directly on the user's body and can be designed, for example, as a bracelet, necklace, or ring. Alternatively, an application on a mobile phone or smartwatch can be used to identify the user.

[0017] 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 with a drive train according to a first embodiment and Fig. 2 a highly simplified schematic representation of a bicycle according to the invention with a drive train according to a second embodiment.

[0018] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a highly simplified representation of a bicycle 100 according to the invention according to a first embodiment. The bicycle 100 has a frame 104 on which a rear wheel 102 designed as a drive wheel, a front wheel 103 pivotable via a handlebar assembly 105, and a saddle 106 are arranged.

[0019] The handlebar assembly 105 comprises a handlebar and handlebar grips. During riding, a user (not shown in detail) sits, for example, on the saddle 106 and supports themselves on the handlebar grips. The bicycle 100 further comprises a drive device 108 configured to propel the bicycle 100 using the user's muscle power. To this end, the user applies drive power to the drive train of the bicycle 100 via respective pedals 107, which are connected via respective pedal cranks to a pedal crankshaft 109 of the drive device 108. The drive power is transmitted to the drive wheel via a traction drive 101 with two sprockets and a chain. Thus, the bicycle 100 is designed as a classic bicycle, driven exclusively by muscle power, without a motor.

[0020] The bicycle 100 further comprises a display device 4 arranged on the handlebar, means for determining the user's heart rate, which are integrated into the handlebar grips, and a data processing unit 1 with integrated data storage 2, wherein the data processing unit 1 is connected to the display device 4 and the means for determining the heart rate in a signal-transmitting manner. The display device 4 is embodied as a display and generates optical signals for the user in accordance with the data processing unit 1. An operating element 7 is arranged on the display device 4 and is connected to the data processing unit 1 in a signal-transmitting manner. The user can control the data processing unit 1 and the display on the display device 4 via the operating element 7.

[0021] The means for determining the user's heart rate comprise several sensors 3 for sensing the user's pulse. They determine the user's heart rate while riding, i.e., while the user is leaning on the handlebar grips, and generate corresponding actual data. This actual data is transmitted to the data processing unit 1. The data processing unit 1 compares the received actual data of the user's heart rate with corresponding target data for the user's heart rate and uses this to determine the user's state of health. Several threshold values ​​for the user's state of health are stored in the data memory 2 of the data processing unit.

[0022] If a first threshold value for the user's health status is reached—that is, if the evaluated actual data forms a value for the user's current health status that corresponds to a threshold value for the user's target health status—the data processing unit 1 adjusts the display device 4 to indicate a health threat to the user. For example, the display device 4 instructs the user to reduce their drive power and / or change a gear ratio in order to reduce their strain while driving, as the current strain is too high for their current health status and could cause health damage.

[0023] In Fig. 2 shows a bicycle 100 according to the invention in a highly simplified manner according to a second embodiment. The embodiment according to Fig. 2 essentially corresponds to the embodiment according to Fig. 1, to which reference is made. The differences between these two embodiments are explained below. According to Fig. 2, the bicycle 100 is designed as an e-bike and has a drive motor 6 designed as an electric machine, which is integrated into the drive device 108 of the bicycle 100. The drive device 108 of the bicycle 100 is configured to drive the bicycle 100 at least with the muscle power of a user (not shown here). To this end, 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 the pedal crankshaft 109 of the drive device 108 via respective pedal cranks. The drive motor 6 is arranged here as a mid-engine in the region of the pedal crankshaft 109 and, depending on the user's requirements, can introduce auxiliary drive power into the drive train of the bicycle 100 in order to assist the user while riding, in particular to relieve the load.To generate the drive power, the drive motor 6 draws electrical energy from an energy storage device (not shown here), which can be arranged on the frame 104. Furthermore, the bicycle 100 has a transmission device 5 arranged in the drive train, which is connected to the data processing unit 1 for signal transmission. The transmission device 5 is arranged as a gear in the area of ​​the pedal crankshaft 109 and is designed to change the transmission ratio between the pedal crankshaft 109 and an output shaft.

[0024] If a first threshold value for the user's health status is reached, the data processing unit 1 adjusts the display device 4 to indicate to the user a threat to their health. In particular, the user is instructed to reduce their drive power. If the user does not respond and a second threshold value for the user's health status is reached, the data processing unit 1 adjusts the drive motor 6 and the transmission device 5 such that the load on the user during travel is reduced. In particular, the drive power of the drive motor 6 is increased and the transmission ratio is changed such that the user can input less drive power into the drive train.Thus, by adjusting the drive motor 6 and the transmission device 5, the data processing unit 1 changes the ratio of the user's drive power to the drive power of the drive motor 6, while the total drive power in the drive train remains unchanged. This reduces the user's load during the ride until the load falls below the first threshold again.

[0025] Furthermore, the bicycle 100 can have means for determining further state variables of the bicycle 100, the user and / or the environment of the bicycle 100, wherein these means can comprise a plurality of sensors and / or input means provided for generating corresponding data for the data processing unit 1. For example, an ambient temperature and / or a slope and / or an age and / or a gender of the user and / or a training status and / or a training frequency and / or a training intensity can then be additionally recorded. The data processing unit 1 then adjusts devices on the bicycle 100 depending on further determined state variables of the bicycle 100, the user and / or the environment of the bicycle 100. This can increase the functionality of the bicycle 100 and the comfort for the user. Otherwise, the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 2 the embodiment according to Fig. 1 to which reference is made. Reference symbol 1 data processing unit 2 data storage 3 Sensor 4 Display device 5 Translation device 6 Drive motor 7 Control element 100 bicycles 101 traction drive 102 rear wheel 103 front wheel 104 frames 105 Handlebar arrangement 106 Saddle 107 pedals 108 Drive device 109 Crankshaft

Claims

[1] Bicycle (100) comprising means for determining a heart rate of a user and generating corresponding actual data and a data processing unit (1) which is connected to the means for determining the heart rate in a signal-transmitting manner and is designed to compare the actual data with corresponding target data on a data memory (2) and to determine a state of health of the user therefrom, wherein the data processing unit (1) is further designed to adjust at least one device of the bicycle (100) which is connected to the data processing unit (1) in a signal-transmitting manner when at least a first threshold value for a state of health of the user is reached. [2] Bicycle (100) according to claim 1, wherein the means for determining a heart rate of the user comprises at least one sensor (3) for sensing a pulse of the user. [3] Bicycle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a display device (4) which is connected to the data processing unit (1) in a signal-transmitting manner and is designed to generate optical, acoustic and / or haptic signals for the user in accordance with the data processing unit (1). [4] Bicycle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a transmission device (5) arranged in the drive train of the bicycle (100), which is connected to the data processing unit (1) in a signal-transmitting manner and is designed to change a transmission ratio at least for the user in accordance with the data processing unit (1). [5] Bicycle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a drive motor (6) arranged in the drive train of the bicycle (100), which drive motor is connected to the data processing unit (1) in a signal-transmitting manner and is designed to introduce or increase an auxiliary drive power into the drive train in accordance with the data processing unit (1). [6] Bicycle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising means for determining further state variables of the user, the bicycle (100) and / or the environment of the bicycle (100) and generating corresponding data for the data processing unit (1). [7] Bicycle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an operating element (7) which is connected to the data processing unit (1) in a signal-transmitting manner. [8] Method for operating a bicycle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, • wherein the means for determining the heart rate first determine the user’s heart rate and generate corresponding actual data, • whereby these actual data are transmitted to the data processing unit (1), • wherein the data processing unit (1) compares these actual data with corresponding target data and determines the user’s state of health therefrom, • wherein the data processing unit (1) adjusts at least one device of the bicycle (100) connected thereto in a signal-transmitting manner when a first threshold value for a state of health of the user is reached. [9] Method according to claim 8, wherein the data processing unit (1) adjusts at least one further device of the bicycle (100) connected thereto in a signal-transmitting manner when a second threshold value for a state of health of the user is reached. [10] Method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the data processing unit (1) adjusts a display device (4) and / or a translation device (5) and / or a drive motor (6).

Images