Bicycle and method for operating a bicycle

Abstract

The invention relates to a bicycle (100) comprising at least one first signal interface (10, 11) for receiving signal data from transmitters (20, 21) arranged in the vicinity of the bicycle (100), a data processing unit (3) which is connected to the at least one first signal interface (10, 11) in a signal-transmitting manner and is configured to evaluate the received signal data and to at least approximately determine the distance of the transmitters (20, 21) emitting the signal data, at least via a signal strength, a display device (5) which is connected to the data processing unit (3) in a signal-transmitting manner and is configured to output optical, acoustic and / or haptic signals in accordance with the data processing unit (3) in order to indicate to a user of the bicycle (100) the presence of at least one transmitter (20, 21) in the vicinity of the bicycle (100). The invention further relates to a method for operating the bicycle (100).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a bicycle with a data processing unit. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such a bicycle.

[0002] A bicycle is a vehicle that can be used by at least one user, particularly a rider. A bicycle includes not only a classic bicycle without a motor that is propelled exclusively by muscle power, but also a bicycle with a motor. Bicycles are generally known that can be powered by an electric motor in addition to the user's drive power; such bicycles are also referred to as electric bicycles, pedelecs, or e-bikes. The drive power of the user or rider is usually supported by the electric motor in accordance with the rider's wishes and the torque supplied by the rider. 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. In particular, the term "bicycle" also includes cargo bikes with multiple wheels, especially three or four wheels.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to improve a bicycle and a method for operating a bicycle. In particular, the functionality and safety of the bicycle are to be increased. This object is achieved by a bicycle according to claim 1 and by a method according to claim 7. Embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0004] A bicycle according to the invention comprises at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel, at least one first signal interface for receiving signal data from transmitters arranged in the vicinity of the bicycle, a data processing unit which is connected to the at least one signal interface in a signal-transmitting manner and is designed to evaluate the received signal data and to at least approximately determine the distance of the transmitters emitting the signal data using at least a signal strength, a display device which is connected to the data processing unit in a signal-transmitting manner and is designed to output optical, acoustic and / or haptic signals in accordance with the data processing unit in order to indicate to a user of the bicycle the presence of at least one transmitter in the vicinity of the bicycle.

[0005] In particular, this allows road users in the vicinity of the bicycle to be detected, especially when the road users themselves and / or the road users' vehicles have transmitters that emit signal data. For example, such transmitters can be installed in a smartphone or a sports watch, especially a smartwatch. Alternatively or additionally, such transmitters can be installed in devices on another bicycle or another vehicle. For example, the signal data is in the form of radio signals, especially Bluetooth signals or wireless local area network (WLAN) signals.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the at least one first signal interface, the data processing unit, and the display device are arranged on the bicycle, in particular on the handlebars or frame of the bicycle. Alternatively, at least one or all of these components are integrated into a mobile device that can be arranged on the bicycle or on the user. For example, the at least one first signal interface can be arranged on the bicycle, in particular on a device of the bicycle, or on a smartphone or sports watch of the user.

[0007] According to a method according to the invention, the at least one first signal interface receives signal data from transmitters arranged in the vicinity of the bicycle and transmits this signal data to the data processing unit for evaluation, wherein the data processing unit at least approximately determines, in particular estimates, the distance of the transmitters emitting the signal data at least via the signal strength and operates the display device in such a way that it generates optical, acoustic and / or haptic signals in order to indicate to the user of the bicycle the presence of at least one transmitter, in particular several transmitters, in the vicinity of the bicycle.

[0008] In other words, in a detection step, the data processing unit evaluates the signal data available in the bicycle's vicinity in order to detect any transmitters of signal data present in the bicycle's vicinity. The signal strength of the signal data is important because it can be used to estimate the distance to the transmitter. To improve the system, signals that should not be taken into account, for example signals from the bicycle's own devices, in particular devices that move with the bicycle and are located directly on the bicycle or on the user, are classified as known and not processed further. For example, only signal data from transmitters in the bicycle's vicinity that at least exceed a threshold for a minimum distance are taken into account.

[0009] The data processing unit associates the detection of an unknown signal with the presence of a road user; the stronger the signal received, the closer the road user is estimated to be. In a reaction step of the data processing unit, the user is informed of the presence of a detected road user via the display device. This increases safety for the user and other road users, particularly in poor visibility or at high speeds. Such driving situations include driving at night on poorly lit roads and driving downhill, particularly on winding paths with poor visibility of bends ahead. The user is informed via the display device, which generates a visual, acoustic and / or haptic signal. This in particular increases the user's attention.The attentive user will then look around or adjust his driving style, for example by changing his driving speed and steering behavior.

[0010] The data processing unit acts as a control unit or control device and is designed to evaluate received signal data and to operate, in particular to control and regulate, at least the display device and optionally also other devices on the bicycle that are connected to the data processing unit for signal transmission while riding. For example, the data processing unit processes the received signal data while riding in such a way that the change in the signal data over time is used to adjust the estimate of the distance from the transmitter. In particular, this can be used to determine whether a transmitter is approaching, i.e. the signal strength is increasing, or moving away, i.e. the signal strength is decreasing. If the transmitter is approaching, a collision, in particular a duration until a collision, can be predicted and displayed to the user. According to a user specification, signal data from the user's own, in particular known, transmitters is ignored.Furthermore, signal data from apparently static transmitters can also be ignored. If multiple transmitters are detected in the bicycle's vicinity, at least the transmitters closest to the bicycle are displayed. Alternatively or in addition, at least the transmitters approaching the bicycle, especially those approaching most quickly, are displayed.

[0011] 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 or is an integral 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 at least one signal interface is preferably configured to receive at least Bluetooth signal data from transmitters located in the vicinity of the bicycle.

[0012] In particular, the data processing unit at the signal interface receives data and information from the respective transmitter and, after evaluating this data and information, controls the display device and optionally at least one further device on the bicycle. For example, the display device is arranged on the handlebars of the bicycle and emits optical, haptic and / or acoustic signals in order to signal to the user at least the presence of a transmitter, optionally also the distance, and further optionally the position, in particular in front of or behind the bicycle. For example, the display device has vibration-generating means which can be arranged in the drive train, in particular on pedals, on the handlebars, in particular on the handlebar grips, or on the saddle of the bicycle in order to inform the user, for example through vibrations. For example, the display device has sound-generating means, in particular loudspeakers.For example, the display device is designed as a display and is part of the bicycle's on-board computer. For example, the display device is designed as a display and is part of an external device, in particular a smartphone. A display is understood to mean a screen.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the bicycle further comprises at least one second signal interface, which is connected to the data processing unit for transmitting signals, for receiving signal data from transmitters arranged in the vicinity of the bicycle. The data processing unit is configured to evaluate the received signal data from the at least two signal interfaces, i.e., the first and second signal interfaces, and to at least approximately determine, in particular estimate, the position of the transmitters emitting the signal data, at least based on a signal strength. For example, this can be used to determine whether a signal source, i.e., a transmitter, is in front of or behind the bicycle. Advantageously, one of the two signal interfaces is arranged in a front region of the bicycle, while the other of the two signal interfaces is arranged in the rear region of the bicycle.In particular, the two signal interfaces are arranged as far apart as possible on the bicycle. This improves the reliability of determining the position of the transmitters. Alternatively or additionally, one of the signal interfaces can be located on a mobile device, in particular a user's smartphone. For example, both signal interfaces are configured to receive Bluetooth signal data from transmitters located in the bicycle's vicinity. Thus, a stereo Bluetooth system for determining the position of transmitters in the bicycle's vicinity is created.

[0014] When the data processing unit evaluates the received signal data, the position of the respective transmitter is assigned either to the front or the rear of the bicycle, depending on the higher received signal strength of the respective signal interface. For example, a transmitter is detected by both signal interfaces, whereby the signal interface arranged on the bicycle handlebars receives a slightly higher signal strength from the transmitter than the signal interface arranged at the rear of the frame. According to this example, the data processing unit determines that this transmitter is in front of the bicycle. If the signal data from the transmitter is received by both signal interfaces with a similar signal strength, i.e. if the difference between them is so small that a predetermined threshold is not exceeded, the position of the transmitter is estimated to be to the side of the bicycle.For example, a transmitter placed to the side of the bicycle can be ignored if the distance from the bicycle is sufficient.

[0015] For example, the display device comprises at least a first light source and a second light source, wherein the first light source is configured to light up when the transmitter emitting the signal data is detected in front of the bicycle, wherein the second light source is configured to light up when the transmitter emitting the signal data is detected behind the bicycle. Alternatively or additionally, a display device designed as a display can light up at least partially when a transmitter emitting signal data is detected in the vicinity of the bicycle. For example, a display device designed as a display can light up at least in the upper or front area when the transmitter emitting the signal data is detected in front of the bicycle, wherein the display device can light up at least in the lower or rear area when the transmitter emitting the signal data is detected behind the bicycle.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the bicycle further comprises an electric machine designed as a drive motor for auxiliary drive and / or a braking device for braking the bicycle, wherein the data processing unit is configured to change an auxiliary drive power and / or a braking power when a threshold value for the distance from the transmitter emitting the signal data is reached. If the bicycle comprises a drive motor, it is designed as an e-bike. For example, the auxiliary drive power of the drive motor can be reduced or the drive motor can be switched off when a threshold value for the distance from the transmitter emitting the signal data is reached. For example, a braking process can be initiated or the braking power of the braking device can be increased when a threshold value for the distance from the transmitter emitting the signal data is reached.During a braking operation, the bicycle's braking device is actuated in such a way that the bicycle is decelerated. The braking device is thus designed to brake or decelerate at least one wheel of the bicycle. The braking device comprises a service brake, for example in the form of a disc brake or rim brake. The braking device is electromechanically actuated, in particular by an electric motor. Accordingly, a brake actuator comprises an electric motor whose drive power is transmitted either directly, i.e., immediately, or indirectly, for example, via a gear stage or the like, to actuate actuating elements, in particular friction partners, in order to actuate the braking device, i.e., to initiate a braking operation and thereby decelerate the bicycle.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, a steering angle, particularly the swivel angle of the handlebars and the front wheel, can also be recorded and evaluated, especially linked to other signal data. This allows a lane change or turning maneuver to be detected. If a threshold for the steering angle is exceeded and there are transmitters in the vicinity of the bicycle, an acoustic signal can be emitted, which can act as a kind of lane change assistant.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the bicycle further comprises means for determining state variables of 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 bicycle or the bicycle's surroundings, for example, a torque generated by the actuator and / or a driving speed and / or a temperature and / or a steering angle. The data processing unit is configured to control and regulate at least the display device depending on the determined state variables of the bicycle and / or the bicycle's surroundings.

[0019] 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 by manual input and, if necessary, make a selection, in particular select and configure threshold values ​​and display options, as well as activate and deactivate other devices on the bicycle. 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 or smartwatch 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. The data processing unit is configured to receive values ​​from the control element, evaluate them, and further process them, for example, to generate a control command.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the bicycle further comprises a data storage device for storing at least signal data received in the bicycle's surroundings. In particular, the data processing unit has a data storage device. For example, the transmitter data from the transmitters located in the bicycle's surroundings are stored continuously, preferably several times per minute, and optionally uploaded to an external server. This documentation allows for reconstruction in the event of an unfortunate event, in particular an accident. In particular, the respective threshold value is stored in a data storage device of the data processing unit, wherein the data processing unit compares the data and information received by the data processing unit with the threshold values ​​stored in the data storage device of the data processing unit during the ride in order to determine whether one of the threshold values ​​has been reached, exceeded, or undershot.

[0021] According to one embodiment, signal data from transmitters located in the vicinity of the bicycle is continuously recorded and stored over time, with a warning signal being issued when a threshold for the duration and presence of the same signal data, i.e., the same transmitter, is reached. This allows the user to be informed of a follower. In particular, the data processing unit cyclically documents the received transmitter data, including times and positions. This transmitter data is compared over time and, optionally, over the traveled distance. Starting at a shared distance of several kilometers or several minutes, a warning signal can be emitted to the user via the display device.

[0022] 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.

[0023] In Fig. 1 shows a bicycle 100 according to the invention in a highly simplified manner 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, a handlebar 1, and a saddle 106 are arranged. The front wheel 103 is connected to the handlebar 1 via a front wheel fork in a rotationally fixed manner and is pivotably mounted on the frame 104 of the bicycle 100 about a steering axis. The handlebar 1 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 also has a drive device 108 designed 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 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. The user can brake the bicycle 100 via a braking device 110 of the bicycle 100.

[0024] Furthermore, the bicycle 100 has a first signal interface 10 for receiving signal data from transmitters 20, 21 arranged in the vicinity of the bicycle 100, a data processing unit 3 which is connected to the first signal interface 10 in a signal-transmitting manner, and a display device 5 which is connected to the data processing unit 3 in a signal-transmitting manner.The first signal interface 10 receives signal data, in particular Bluetooth signal data, from transmitters 20, 21 arranged in the vicinity of the bicycle 100 and transmits this signal data to the data processing unit 3 for evaluation. The data processing unit 3 at least approximately determines, in particular estimates, the distance of the transmitters 20, 21 emitting the signal data based on the signal strength, and operates the display device 5 such that it generates optical, acoustic, and / or haptic signals to indicate to the user of the bicycle 100 the presence of at least one transmitter 20, 21 in the vicinity of the bicycle 100. An increase in the signal strength of the transmitters 20, 21 emitting the signal data is associated with an approach of the respective transmitter 20, 21. If multiple transmitters 20, 21 are detected in the vicinity of the bicycle 100, for example, at least the transmitters 20, 21 that are closest to the bicycle 100 are displayed.In particular, only the signal data from transmitters 20, 21 in the vicinity of the bicycle 100 that at least exceed a threshold for a minimum distance are taken into account. To improve the system, signals that are not to be taken into account, for example, signals from the user's own devices, in particular from devices that move along with the bicycle 100 and are located directly on the bicycle 100 or on the user, are classified as known and not further processed.

[0025] The data processing unit 3 comprises a data storage device 4 for storing at least signal data received in the vicinity of the bicycle 100. The data storage device 4 is integrated into the data processing unit 3. For example, signal data from transmitters 20, 21 arranged in the vicinity of the bicycle 100 are continuously recorded over time and stored in the data storage device 4. The data processing unit controls the display device 5 to output a warning signal when a threshold value for the duration and presence of the same signal data, i.e., the same transmitters 20, 21, is reached. In other words, the user is thereby alerted to pursuers.

[0026] The display device 5 comprises an operating element 2. In this case, the operating element 2 is integrated into the display device 5 and arranged on the handlebar 1. Using the operating element 2, the user can control the data processing unit 3 by manual input and make a selection, in particular selecting and configuring threshold values ​​and display options. In this case, the operating element 2 is designed as a touch-sensitive area on the display device 5.

[0027] 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.

[0028] According to Fig. 2, the bicycle 100 is designed as an e-bike and has an electric machine 105, which is designed as a drive motor and 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). 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 the pedal crankshaft 109 of the drive device via respective pedal cranks. The electric machine 105 is arranged here as a mid-engine in the region of the pedal crankshaft 109 and, depending on the user's requirements, can in turn also introduce drive power into the drive train of the bicycle 100 to assist the user while riding.To generate the drive power, the electric machine 105 draws electrical energy from an energy storage device (not shown here) that can be arranged on the frame 104.

[0029] Furthermore, the bicycle 100 has not only the first signal interface 10, but also a second signal interface 11, which is connected to the data processing unit 3 for transmitting signals and for receiving signal data from transmitters 20, 21 arranged in the vicinity of the bicycle 100. The two signal interfaces 10, 11 are arranged on the bicycle 100 at a maximum distance from one another, with the first signal interface 10 being arranged in a front region of the bicycle 100, in particular near the handlebars 1, and the second signal interface 11 being arranged in a rear region of the bicycle 100, in particular near the saddle 106. The data processing unit 3 is configured to evaluate the received signal data from the two signal interfaces 20, 21 and to at least approximately determine, in particular estimate, the position of the transmitters 20, 21 emitting the signal data, at least based on a signal strength.This makes it possible to determine whether the signal data is emitted by a transmitter 20, 21 arranged in front of or behind the bicycle 100, depending on which signal interfaces 10, 11 receives a higher signal strength from the respective transmitter 20, 21.

[0030] Furthermore, the display device 5 has a first light source 80 and a second light source 81, wherein the first light source 80 illuminates when the transmitter 20 emitting the signal data is detected in front of the bicycle 100, and the second light source 81 illuminates when the transmitter 21 emitting the signal data is detected behind the bicycle 100. Since, in the present example, a respective transmitter 20, 21 is arranged both in front of the bicycle 100 and behind the bicycle 100, both light sources 80, 81 illuminate to inform the user about the transmitters 20, 21 located in the vicinity of the bicycle 100.

[0031] The data processing unit 3 is further configured to change an auxiliary drive power of the electric machine 105 and / or a braking power of the braking device 110 when a threshold value for the distance of the transmitter 20 emitting the signal data, which is determined in front of the bicycle 100, is reached. For example, the auxiliary drive power of the drive motor can be reduced or the drive motor can be switched off completely when a threshold value for the distance of the transmitter 20 emitting the signal data, which is determined in front of the bicycle 100, is reached. For example, a braking process can be initiated or the braking power of the braking device 110 can be increased when a threshold value for the distance of the transmitter 20 emitting the signal data, which is determined in front of the bicycle 100, is reached. Otherwise, the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 2 the embodiment according to Fig. 1, to which reference is made. Reference symbol 1 handlebar 2 control element 3 Data processing unit 4 data storage 5 Display device 10 first signal interface 11 second signal interface 20 first stations 21 second transmitter 80 first light bulbs 81 second light source 100 bicycles 101 traction drive 102 rear wheel 103 front wheel 104 frames 105 electric machine 106 Saddle 107 pedals 108 Drive device 109 Pedal crankshaft 110 Braking device

Claims

[1] . Bicycle (100) having • at least one first signal interface (10, 11) for receiving signal data from transmitters (20, 21) arranged in the vicinity of the bicycle (100), • a data processing unit (3) which is connected to the at least one first signal interface (10, 11) in a signal-transmitting manner and is designed to evaluate the received signal data and to at least approximately determine the distance of the transmitters (20, 21) emitting the signal data, at least via a signal strength, • a display device (5) which is connected to the data processing unit (3) in a signal-transmitting manner and is designed to output optical, acoustic and / or haptic signals in accordance with the data processing unit (3) in order to indicate to a user of the bicycle (100) the presence of at least one transmitter (20, 21) in the surroundings of the bicycle (100). [2] Bicycle (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first signal interface (10, 11) is configured to receive at least Bluetooth signal data from transmitters (20, 21) arranged in the vicinity of the bicycle (100). [3] Bicycle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an electric machine (105) designed as a drive motor for auxiliary drive and / or a braking device (110) for braking the bicycle (100), wherein the data processing unit (3) is configured to change an auxiliary drive power and / or a braking power when a threshold value for the distance of the transmitter (20, 21) emitting the signal data is reached. [4] Bicycle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a data memory (4) at least for storing signal data received in the environment of the bicycle (100). [5] Bicycle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one second signal interface (11) connected to the data processing unit (3) in a signal-transmitting manner for receiving signal data from transmitters (20, 21) arranged in the surroundings of the bicycle (100), wherein the data processing unit (3) is configured to evaluate the received signal data of the at least two signal interfaces (20, 21) and to at least approximately determine the position of the transmitters (20, 21) emitting the signal data, at least via a signal strength. [6] Bicycle (100) according to claim 5, wherein the display device (5) comprises at least a first illuminating means (80) and a second illuminating means (81), wherein the first illuminating means (80) is configured to light up when the transmitter (20) emitting the signal data is detected in front of the bicycle (100), wherein the second illuminating means (81) is configured to light up when the transmitter (21) emitting the signal data is detected behind the bicycle (100). [7] Method for operating a bicycle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first signal interface (10, 11) receives signal data from transmitters (20, 21) arranged in the vicinity of the bicycle (100) and transmits this signal data to the data processing unit (3) for evaluation, wherein the data processing unit (3) at least approximately determines the distance of the transmitters (20, 21) emitting the signal data at least via the signal strength and operates the display device (5) in such a way that it generates optical, acoustic and / or haptic signals in order to indicate to the user of the bicycle (100) the presence of at least one transmitter (20, 21) in the vicinity of the bicycle (100). [8] Method according to claim 7, wherein signal data from transmitters (20, 21) arranged in the vicinity of the bicycle (100) are continuously recorded and stored over time, wherein a warning signal is emitted when a threshold value for the duration and presence of the same signal data is reached. [9] Method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein only the signal data from transmitters (20, 21) in the vicinity of the bicycle (100) are taken into account which exceed at least one threshold value for a minimum distance. [10] Method according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein if several transmitters (20, 21) are detected in the vicinity of the bicycle (100), at least the transmitters (20, 21) which are the shortest distance from the bicycle (100) are displayed.

Images