Sanctioning bicycle riding maneuvers

Abstract

A control unit (10) for an electric bicycle (3) with - an interface (1) to an electric drive of the electric bicycle; - an interface (4) to a sensor system (5) which is configured to detect whether a cyclist is controlling the electric bicycle with two hands or with fewer than two hands; wherein the control unit is configured to limit the assistance provided by the electric drive of the bicycle for propelling the bicycle when it has been detected that the bicycle is being controlled with one hand and / or hands-free; and a method for controlling an electric drive by means of the control unit.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a control unit for an electric bicycle and a method for controlling an electric drive of a bicycle. Accordingly, the following is planned:

[0002] A control unit for an electric bicycle with an interface to an electric drive of the electric bicycle; an interface to a sensor system configured to detect whether a cyclist is controlling the electric bicycle with two hands or with fewer than two hands; wherein the control unit is configured to limit the assistance provided by the electric drive of the bicycle for propelling the bicycle when it has been detected that the bicycle is being controlled with one hand and / or hands-free.

[0003] A method for controlling an electric drive of an electric bicycle by means of the control unit comprising the following steps: monitoring whether the bicycle is being controlled one-handed and / or hands-free; limiting the assistance provided by the electric drive of the bicycle for propelling the bicycle when it has been detected that the bicycle is being controlled one-handed and / or hands-free.

[0004] A sensor, also known as a detector, transducer, or probe, is a technical component that can qualitatively or quantitatively detect certain physical or chemical properties or conditions, such as temperature, humidity, pressure, speed, brightness, acceleration, pH value, ionic strength, electrochemical potential, and / or the material composition of its environment. These quantities are detected using physical or chemical effects and converted into a processable electrical signal as sensor data.

[0005] A sensor system comprises a sensor that is connected to an evaluation unit for evaluating sensor data.

[0006] Vehicle sensors are either mountable or already mounted on a vehicle. Vehicle sensors include optical sensors, such as cameras, lidar, radar, time-of-flight (TOF), and other sensor technologies, such as acoustic sensors.

[0007] Limiting support power means that support power is limited to a predetermined value, suspended, and / or the generation of support power is made subject to conditions, such as falling below a predetermined speed.

[0008] Computer program products typically comprise a sequence of instructions that, when the program is loaded, cause the hardware to perform a specific procedure that leads to a particular result.

[0009] This application addresses the problem of safely controlling an electric bicycle, particularly when the rider is steering the bicycle with one hand or hands-free. Specifically, the application offers improvements through the implementation of sensors capable of detecting whether the bicycle is being steered with two hands, one hand, or even hands-free. Based on this information, the control unit can limit the assistance provided by the bicycle's electric drive to ensure the rider's safety.

[0010] An electric bicycle control unit that adjusts the electric drive's assistance level based on the rider's handlebar control ensures increased rider safety. If the control unit detects that the bicycle is being steered with one hand or hands-free, the reduced assistance can help minimize the risk of accidents, as steering with one hand or hands-free is less stable. Another benefit is the promotion of responsible riding behavior. By limiting the assistance level, riders are encouraged to keep both hands on the handlebars, which improves control of the bicycle and reduces the likelihood of accidents.

[0011] The invention also includes a corresponding method for controlling an electric drive of a bicycle.

[0012] Another advantage lies in driving comfort. The control unit automatically adjusts the assistance level without the need for manual adjustments by the driver. This allows for a more intuitive and enjoyable driving experience.

[0013] Advantageous designs and further developments result from the further sub-claims as well as from the description with reference to the figures in the drawing.

[0014] Sensors that can detect whether a bicycle is being steered with two hands, one hand, or no hands at all can be based on several technological approaches. Pressure sensors along the handlebars could detect the pressure and position of the hands and determine whether both hands, only one hand, or no hands are on the handlebars by measuring the pressure and contact area.

[0015] Another option is capacitive touch sensors, which function similarly to touchscreens and can be installed along the handlebars to detect the presence or position of the hands.

[0016] Inertial sensors, including a gyroscope and an accelerometer, mounted on the handlebars could also detect movements and vibrations. When steering with both hands, the handlebar movements differ from those with one hand or no hands at all. By analyzing these movement patterns, the sensors can draw conclusions about the cyclist's control of the handlebars.

[0017] Alternatively, force sensors could be integrated into the handlebar grips to measure the applied force. When only one hand or no hand is on the handlebars, the forces and their distribution are different than when two hands are used.

[0018] Alternatively, it is conceivable to mount optical sensors or cameras above the handlebars or on the helmet to track the position of the hands.

[0019] Image processing algorithms can detect whether the hands are touching the handlebars and where they are located.

[0020] Alternatively, ultrasonic or infrared sensors could be used to measure the distance between the hands and the handlebars. When the hands leave the handlebars, the measured distance changes, indicating one-handed or hands-free steering.

[0021] A combination of these technologies can ensure robust detection. For example, pressure sensors and capacitive touch sensors could work together to achieve high accuracy. Supplemented by inertial sensors, the system could monitor not only hand position but also driving safety. Optical sensors could provide additional data to verify the system and minimize misinterpretations. The choice of specific technology depends on the requirements for precision, cost, and robustness.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the control unit has an interface to a signal transmitter, in particular a loudspeaker, a display, a vibration generator and / or the like, wherein the signal transmitter is configured to emit a signal when it has been detected that the bicycle is being controlled with one hand and / or hands-free.

[0023] Integrating a signal generator into the control unit ensures increased safety by immediately warning the rider if the bicycle is being steered one-handed or hands-free. This promotes responsible riding behavior and improves the bicycle's stability and control. Immediate feedback through acoustic, visual, or tactile signals allows the rider to react more quickly to unsafe riding practices, thus reducing the risk of accidents.

[0024] Examples of signaling devices include speakers that emit audible warnings, displays such as LEDs or screens that present visual signals like flashing lights or symbols, and vibration devices that provide haptic feedback in the form of vibrations. Other possible signaling devices include LED lights that illuminate in different colors or combined systems that use several of these signal types simultaneously to maximize driver attention.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is detected whether the bicycle is being steered with two hands, with one hand or with no hands.

[0026] By detecting whether the bicycle is being steered with two hands, one hand, or no hands, the system ensures a differentiated response. This allows the system to avoid penalizing one-handed maneuvers, which are legal and may be necessary for short periods, such as when turning, while reacting immediately to hands-free riding, which poses a higher risk of accidents. This differentiation guarantees practical and flexible handling that increases safety without unduly restricting the rider's necessary freedom of action.

[0027] For example, the abrupt limitation of assistance power when turning, especially on an incline, can pose a safety risk, which can thus be avoided.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the assistance power is limited after a one-handed and / or hands-free ride has been detected for a predetermined duration.

[0029] This ensures a balance between tolerating short-term and / or one-handed driving maneuvers and preventing prolonged periods of unsafe driving. Furthermore, it guarantees a multi-stage response, for example, by first waiting and / or first emitting a signal via the signal transmitter before limiting the assistance power.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support power is limited in such a way that the support power is reduced and / or suspended.

[0031] By limiting the level of assistance through reduction and / or suspension, flexible adaptation to different driving situations is ensured. This allows for a differentiated response to unsafe driving maneuvers, with reduced assistance in less critical situations used to gradually improve stability without abruptly affecting the driver. Suspending the assistance, on the other hand, represents a stronger intervention in particularly dangerous situations to force the driver to immediately regain control. This differentiated approach ensures an optimal balance between safety and driving comfort by adapting the assistance to the specific driving situation.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the limitation of the support power is made speed-dependent.

[0033] The speed-dependent limitation of the assistance level ensures situation-appropriate adaptation to the current riding conditions. This guarantees greater safety, as the assistance level is reduced more significantly at higher speeds to improve bike control. At the same time, adequate assistance is maintained at lower speeds, ensuring a comfortable and safe ride.

[0034] A computer program product according to a method of an embodiment of the invention performs the steps of a method according to the preceding description when the computer program product runs on a computer, in particular an in-vehicle computer. When the program in question is used on a computer, the computer program product produces an effect, namely the adjustment of a support power generated by an electric drive of a bicycle.

[0035] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the invention.

[0036] The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain the principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned will become apparent with reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale.

[0037] In the figures of the drawings, identical, functionally equivalent and equally effective elements, features and components - unless otherwise stated - are each provided with the same reference symbols.

[0038] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a procedure for controlling the electric drive of an electric bicycle, comprising steps S1 and S2. In step S1, it is monitored whether the bicycle is being steered with one hand and / or hands-free. In step S2, the assistance provided by the bicycle's electric drive for propulsion is limited if it is detected that the bicycle is being steered with one hand and / or hands-free.

[0039] Fig.Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a control unit 10 for an electric bicycle 3. The control unit has an interface 1 to an electric drive 2 of the electric bicycle 3, as well as an interface 4 to a sensor system 5, which is configured to detect whether a cyclist is controlling the electric bicycle 3 with two hands or with fewer than two hands; wherein the control unit 10 is configured to limit the assistance provided by the electric drive 2 of the bicycle 3 for propelling the bicycle when it has been detected that the bicycle is being controlled with one hand and / or hands-free. Reference sign S1-S2 process steps 1 interface 2 electric drive 3 electric bicycles 4 Interface 5 Sensors 10 Control unit

Claims

[1] Control unit (10) for an electric bicycle (3) with - an interface (1) to an electric drive of the electric bicycle; - an interface (4) to a sensor system (5) which is configured to detect whether a cyclist is controlling the electric bicycle with two hands or with fewer than two hands; wherein the control unit is configured to limit the assistance provided by the electric drive of the bicycle for propelling the bicycle when it has been detected that the bicycle is being controlled with one hand and / or hands-free. [2] Control unit according to claim 1, wherein the sensor technology comprises a capacitive sensor, in particular a capacitive sensor mat. [3] Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an interface to a signal transmitter, in particular a loudspeaker, a display, a vibration transmitter and / or the like, wherein the signal transmitter is configured to emit a signal when it has been detected that the bicycle is being controlled with one hand and / or hands-free. [4] Method for controlling an electric drive of an electric bicycle by means of a control unit according to one of the preceding claims comprising the following steps: - Monitor (S1) whether the bicycle is being steered with one hand and / or hands-free; - Limiting (S2) the assistance provided by the electric drive of the bicycle for moving the bicycle when it has been detected that the bicycle is being controlled with one hand and / or hands-free. [5] Method according to claim 4, wherein it is detected whether the bicycle is steered with two hands, with one hand or with no hand. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims 4 or 5, wherein the assistance power is limited after a one-handed and / or hands-free ride has been detected for a predetermined duration. [7] Method according to any one of claims 4 to 6 above, wherein the support power is limited such that the support power is reduced and / or suspended. [8] Method according to claim 7, wherein the limitation of the support power is speed-dependent. [9] Computer program product comprising instructions that cause a hardware component of a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 4 to 8 above when the computer program is loaded onto / from the hardware component or executed by it.

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