ELECTRIC BICYCLE

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure may include an electric bicycle 100 comprising a foot pedal 110 and a motor 120 capable of driving the foot pedal 110. Embodiments may also include at least one torque sensor 130 for measuring the foot pedal torque. Embodiments may also include a control unit 140 that includes options for selecting the road inclination. Embodiments may also include a control unit 150, wherein the operation of the control unit 150 may include motor torque control based on inputs from the control unit and at least one torque sensor. Based on the selected road inclination, the operation of the control unit 150 may include determining the actual foot pedal torque x based on the input from the torque sensor and determining the selected foot pedal torque y based on the selected option when choosing the road inclination.By comparing the actual and the selected foot pedal torque x and y, a differential foot pedal torque z is determined, and the control unit 150 determines the motor torque and controls the motor torque to increase or decrease the determined differential foot pedal torque z.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to electric bicycles and in particular to the use of electric bicycles. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Recently, electric bicycles have become popular for both regular commuting and training purposes. These bicycles feature an electric motor coupled to a pedal shaft, and the rear wheel is connected to the pedal shaft via a chain or belt. It is known that the electric motor assists the rider's pedaling effort according to user requirements. For regular commuting, the motor torque can at least partially drive the pedals when the user selects the assistance mode. However, if the user wishes to use the electric bicycle for training purposes, the only option is to deactivate the assistance mode and propel the vehicle solely by mechanical pedaling. The present invention aims to improve the user experience for both regular commuting and training on roads and trails. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include an electric bicycle having a foot pedal. Embodiments may also include a motor capable of driving the foot pedal. Embodiments may also include at least one torque sensor for measuring the foot pedal torque. Embodiments may also include a control unit that provides options for selecting a road incline.

[0004] Embodiments may also include a control unit, wherein the operation of the control unit may include engine torque control based on inputs from the operating unit and at least one torque sensor. Embodiments may also include, characterized in that, based on the selected road gradient, the operation of the control unit may include determining the actual foot pedal torque x based on the input from the torque sensor. Embodiments may also include determining the selected foot pedal torque y based on the selected option when choosing the road gradient. Embodiments may also include determining the instantaneous actual engine torque.In some embodiments, a motor torque z can also be determined, where the motor torque z represents the difference between x and y and is to be supplied in addition to the current actual motor torque.

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure may also include the electric bicycle system according to claim 1. In some embodiments, the electric bicycle may be mounted on a stand in an off-road condition.

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure may also include the electric bicycle system according to claim 1. In some embodiments, the operating unit may be a human-machine interface in the form of buttons, controls, touch display panels, or mobile devices, wherein the operating unit receives input from the user, generates multiple commands, and transmits the commands wirelessly or via a wired connection to the control unit to control the motor torque.

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure may also include the electric bicycle system according to claim 1. In some embodiments, the road gradient may include the selection of a road gradient angle.

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure may also include the electric bicycle system according to claim 1. In some embodiments, a corresponding positive or negative differential foot pedal torque z can be determined by the control unit for the positive incline angle in order to control the motor.

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure may also include the electric bicycle system according to claim 1. In some embodiments, a corresponding positive or negative differential foot pedal torque z can be determined by the control unit for the negative incline angle in order to control the motor.

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure may also include the electric bicycle system according to claim 1. In some embodiments, the road gradient may include the selection of the road terrain, wherein a corresponding positive or negative differential foot pedal torque z can be determined by the control unit to control the motor.

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure may also include the electric bicycle system according to claim 1. In some embodiments, the road inclination may include the selection of the pedal torque, wherein a corresponding positive or negative differential foot pedal torque z can be determined by the control unit to control the motor.

[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure may also include a device comprising one or more processors configured for a foot pedal. Embodiments may also include a motor capable of driving the foot pedal. Embodiments may also include at least one torque sensor for measuring the foot pedal torque. Embodiments may also include a control unit that provides options for selecting a road gradient.

[0013] Embodiments may also include a control unit, wherein the operation of the control unit may involve motor torque control based on inputs from the operating unit and at least one torque sensor. Embodiments may also be characterized in that the operation of the control unit may involve the selection of the road gradient.

[0014] Embodiments may also include determining the actual foot pedal torque x based on the input from the torque sensor. Embodiments may also include determining the selected foot pedal torque y based on the selected option when choosing the road incline. Embodiments may also include determining the instantaneous actual engine torque. Embodiments may also determine an engine torque z, where the engine torque z represents the difference between x and y and is to be supplied in addition to the instantaneous actual engine torque.

[0015] Embodiments of the present disclosure may also include a system comprising one or more processors configured for one or more foot pedals. Embodiments may also include a motor capable of driving the foot pedal. Embodiments may also include at least one torque sensor for measuring the foot pedal torque. Embodiments may also include a control unit that provides options for selecting a road gradient.

[0016] Embodiments may also include a control unit, wherein the operation of the control unit may involve motor torque control based on inputs from the operating unit and at least one torque sensor. Embodiments may also be characterized in that the operation of the control unit may involve the selection of the road gradient.

[0017] Embodiments may also include determining the actual foot pedal torque x based on the input from the torque sensor. Embodiments may also include determining the selected foot pedal torque y based on the selected road incline option. Embodiments may also include determining a differential foot pedal torque z by comparing the actual and selected foot pedal torques x and y, and the control unit determining and controlling the engine torque to increase or decrease the determined differential foot pedal torque z.

[0018] Preferably, the method for operating an electric bicycle comprises the following steps: Step 1: The control unit is the user interface for entering the road gradient selected by the user. Step 2: The torque sensor determines the current foot pedal torque “x”. Step 3: The control unit converts the selected road incline into a torque value, which is the specific foot pedal torque “y”. Step 4: The control unit determines the differential foot pedal torque z: z = xy. Step 5: If the value of z is negative, or in other words, if y is greater than x, then the motor delivers a negative torque proportional to the value of z. In other words, the motor operates in forward braking mode or resistance mode. Step 6: If the value of z is positive, or in other words, if x is greater than y, then the motor delivers a positive torque proportional to the value of z. In other words, the motor operates in forward drive mode or in assist mode. Step 7: Check for a change in the instantaneous foot pedal torque. If a change in instantaneous torque is detected, steps 2 to 7 are repeated. The operating cycle then repeats. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electric bicycle according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 Flowchart of the functioning of one of the embodiments of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0019] The present invention relates to the use of an electric bicycle and is particularly concerned with the control of the motor torque to achieve pedal resistance based on the user's selection of the road surface.

[0020] An electric bicycle (“e-bike”) is an electrically assisted bicycle in which an integrated electric motor provides power to the rider's manually operated pedals. In one embodiment, the electric motor of an e-bike is a hub motor located at the hub of the e-bike wheel, and a front and / or rear wheel is / are connected to the pedal via a chain or belt. In another embodiment, the electric motor is coupled to a pedal, and a front and / or rear wheel is / are connected to the pedal via a chain or belt.

[0021] In each embodiment, the electric motor, as defined by the invention, is used to assist or resist the pedaling of the electric bicycle. The following description of some embodiments explains the operation of the electric motor in assist and resistance modes based on user input.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram describing an electric bicycle 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the electric bicycle 100 may include a foot pedal 110, a motor 120 capable of driving the foot pedal 110 (in which case an electric motor is coupled to a pedal and a rear wheel is connected to the pedal via a chain or belt), at least one torque sensor 130 for measuring the foot pedal torque, an operating unit 140, a control unit 150, the operation 160 of the control unit, the determination 170 of the actual foot pedal torque x based on the input from the torque sensor 130, and the determination 180 of the selected foot pedal torque y based on the selected option for choosing the road incline.In the operation of one of the embodiments, a force is transmitted to the rear wheels by the force exerted when mechanically pressing the foot pedal 110 and / or by a motor.

[0023] In one embodiment of the electric bicycle, based on the scope of the invention, pedal resistance or pedal assistance is generated by the motor.

[0024] In some embodiments, the control unit 140 can include options 142 for selecting a road gradient. The operation 160 can also include motor torque control 162 based on inputs from the control unit 140 and at least one torque sensor 130. Characterized in that, based on the selected road gradient, the operation 160 of the control unit, by comparing the actual and the selected foot pedal torque x and y, z, determines a specific motor torque, which is the difference between x and y. For example, if x is greater than y, then the z-value is positive; a corresponding positive torque operates the e-bike in support mode. In other words, the motor operates in forward drive mode. The support mode is the addition of the specific positive motor torque z to the instantaneous foot pedal torque x to achieve the selected foot pedal torque y.

[0025] In an example, if the y-value is greater than x, then the z-value is negative, and the corresponding negative torque operates the e-bike in resistance mode. In other words, the motor operates in forward braking mode. Resistance mode is the addition of the specified negative motor torque z to the instantaneous pedal torque x to achieve the selected pedal torque y.

[0026] The operating unit 140 is a human interface in the form of buttons, controls, touch display panels or mobile devices, and the operating unit receives input from the user, generates multiple commands and sends the commands wirelessly or wired to the control unit to control the motor torque.

[0027] According to the context of the invention, the following illustrates Fig. The flowchart shown in Figure 4 illustrates the operation of the control algorithm. The pre-programmed operating instructions in the control unit contribute to the control of the motor torque.

[0028] Step 1: The control unit is the user interface for entering the road gradient selected by the user.

[0029] Step 2: The torque sensor 130 determines the current foot pedal torque “x”.

[0030] Step 3: The control unit converts the selected road incline into a torque value, which is the specific foot pedal torque “y”.

[0031] Step 4: The control unit determines the differential foot pedal torque z: z = xy.

[0032] Step 5: If the value of z is negative, or in other words, if y is greater than x, then the motor delivers a negative torque proportional to the value of z. In other words, the motor operates in forward braking mode or resistance mode.

[0033] Step 6: If the value of z is positive, or in other words, if x is greater than y, then the motor delivers a positive torque proportional to the value of z. In other words, the motor operates in forward drive mode or in assist mode.

[0034] Step 7: Check for a change in the instantaneous foot pedal torque. If a change in instantaneous torque is detected, steps 2 through 7 are repeated. The operating cycle then repeats.

[0035] In some designs, the electric bicycle can be mounted on a stand in an uneven terrain. In this state, the drive wheel, which is connected to the pedal for propulsion, is out of contact with the ground; in other words, the drive wheel can rotate freely.

[0036] In one embodiment, the control unit displays options for selecting modes as i) off-road mode and ii) road mode. In both off-road and road modes, the operation of the bicycle follows steps 1 to 7.

[0037] In off-road mode, the e-bike is mounted on its stand, and the instantaneous pedal torque is very low, as very little force is required to drive the freewheel pedal. In off-road mode, the instantaneous pedal torque remains constant, so the motor delivers a constant torque z based on the selected road incline.

[0038] In road operating mode, the instantaneous pedal torque x can vary based on the road conditions and the effort required to apply the pedal force.

[0039] The electric bicycle system according to step 1 of the operation of the electric bicycle in some embodiments. The operating unit can be a human-machine interface in the form of buttons, controls, touch display panels or mobile devices, wherein the operating unit receives inputs from the user, generates several commands and sends the commands wirelessly or via cable to the control unit to control the motor torque.

[0040] The electric bicycle system according to step 2, in some embodiments, uses the torque sensor 130 to measure the instantaneous foot pedal torque at any given time and sends an input to the control unit. For example, the instantaneous foot pedal torque is the actual foot pedal torque at any given time. In one example, the instantaneous foot pedal torque is the result of the motor torque contribution and the user's foot pedal effort.

[0041] The electric bicycle system according to step 3, in some embodiments, determines the required foot pedal torque y based on the input parameter in the control unit. For example, the input parameter is the selection of the road gradient, specifically the selection of the road surface angle. In another example, the road gradient selection is the selection of the road terrain; the road terrain includes steep terrain, sloping terrain, and level terrain. In yet another example, the road gradient selection is the direct selection of the required torque. In a further example, the road gradient selection is the selection of a positive or negative road angle, where a positive road angle refers to uphill and a negative gradient angle refers to downhill.

[0042] The electric bicycle system according to step 4, in some embodiments, the control unit determines the specific motor torque z to be applied based on the user inputs, such as the selected road incline y in step 3, in order to obtain a selected foot pedal torque y. The specific motor torque is positive or negative based on the values ​​of x and y. If x is greater than y, then the specific motor torque z to be applied is positive, i.e., the motor operates as forward propulsion; in other words, the electric bicycle operates in assist mode. If y is greater than x, then the specific motor torque z to be applied is negative, i.e., the motor operates as forward braking; in other words, the electric bicycle operates in resistance mode.The support mode is the mode in which the motor provides torque support to the electric bicycle, and the resistance mode is the mode in which the motor provides negative torque; in other words, resistance is added to the e-bike.

[0043] In some embodiments, a corresponding positive or negative differential foot pedal torque z can be determined by the control unit to control the motor at the positive incline angle.

[0044] In some embodiments of the electric bicycle system, a corresponding positive or negative differential foot pedal torque z can be determined by the control unit for the negative incline angle in order to control the motor.

[0045] The electric bicycle system according to claim 1, in some embodiments. The road gradient can be the selection of the road terrain, and a corresponding positive or negative differential foot pedal torque z can be determined by the control unit to control the motor.

[0046] The electric bicycle system according to claim 1 in some embodiments. The road incline can be the selection of the pedal torque, and a corresponding positive or negative differential foot pedal torque z can be determined by the control unit to control the motor.

[0047] Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram describing a device 200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the device 200 may include one or more processors 210 configured for: a foot pedal 220, a motor 230 capable of driving the foot pedal 220, at least one torque sensor 240 for measuring the foot pedal torque, a control unit 250, the operation 260 of the control unit, the determination 270 of the actual foot pedal torque x based on the input from the torque sensor, and the determination 280 of the selected foot pedal torque y based on the selected option when choosing the road incline.

[0048] In some embodiments, the at least one torque sensor 240 can include a control unit 242. The control unit 242 can include options 244 for selecting the road inclination. The operation 260 can also include motor torque control 262 based on the inputs from the control unit and at least one torque sensor. Characterized in that, based on the selected road inclination, the operation 260 of the control unit determines a differential foot pedal torque z by comparing the actual and the selected foot pedal torque x and y. The control unit then determines the motor torque and controls the motor torque to increase or decrease the determined differential foot pedal torque z.

[0049] Fig. Figure 3 is a block diagram describing a system 302 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the system 302 may include one or more processors 304 configured for one or more processors 306, which are configured for: a foot pedal 310, a motor 308 capable of driving the foot pedal 310, at least one torque sensor 312 for measuring the foot pedal torque, an operating unit 314, a control unit 318, the operation 320 of the control unit, the determination 324 of the actual foot pedal torque x based on the input from the torque sensor, and the determination 326 of the selected foot pedal torque y based on the selected option when choosing the road inclination.

[0050] In some embodiments, the control unit 314 can include options 316 for selecting a road gradient. The operation 320 can also include motor torque control 322 based on inputs from the control unit and at least one torque sensor 312. Characterized in that, based on the selected road gradient, the operation 320 of the control unit determines a differential foot pedal torque z by comparing the actual and the selected foot pedal torque x and y. The control unit then determines and controls the motor torque to increase or decrease the determined differential foot pedal torque z.

[0051] Fig.Figure 4 is the flowchart of the operation of one of the possible embodiments within the scope of protection of the invention. Flowchart 401 is the start-up of the electric bicycle. Reference 402 represents the control unit options, that is, the selection of the road gradient; in some embodiments, the selection of the road gradient is the selection of the road angle, the selection of the road terrain, or the selection of the foot pedal torque. Reference 402 is the determination of the instantaneous foot pedal torque x using the torque sensor. Reference 403 is the determination of the selected foot pedal torque y based on the selection of the road gradient, taking into account the inputs from the control unit options 401 to calculate the corresponding torque value required to propel the electric bicycle.For example, if the road surface selection is the selection of the road angle or the road terrain, the controller determines the torque value y corresponding to the selected road angle. Reference 404 is the determination of the foot pedal torque z; that is, the value of z is the difference between the current foot pedal torque and the selected foot pedal torque y.

[0052] Reference 405 is the decision field that determines whether x is greater than y. If the decision is "Yes" (406), then the z-value according to reference 404 is negative, and a negative torque is applied to add resistance to the foot pedal operation. If the decision is "No" (407), then the z-value according to reference 404 is positive, and a positive torque is applied to assist the foot pedal operation. Reference 413 is the closed loop for checking the instantaneous foot pedal torque "x" (403) and for executing the other operations 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 411, 412, and 413. The z-value, negative torque (411) or positive torque (412), is applied to the instantaneous motor torque.

[0053] In one embodiment, predefined profiles exist for the terrain condition in which the electric bicycle 100 is mounted on a stand (not shown), and the resistance torque is determined according to the user's input when selecting the road gradient. During off-road operation, the electric bicycle 100 follows steps 1 to 7. As in step 2, since the electric bicycle is on a stand during off-road operation, the foot pedal torque 110 is negligible or very low; however, the value is measured for the other steps. In the state in which the electric bicycle 100 is on the stand, the wheel connected to the foot pedal drive can rotate freely without the resistance of the road surface.In other words, in the off-road state, the value determined in step 4, which is the differential foot pedal torque z, is approximately equal to the determined foot pedal torque y as defined in step 3, since the instantaneous foot pedal torque x is negligible in the state where the bicycle is on the stand.

Claims

[1] Electric bicycle, comprehensive: - a foot pedal, - a motor capable of driving the foot pedal, - at least one torque sensor for measuring the foot pedal torque, - a control unit that includes options for selecting the road gradient, - a control unit, wherein the operation of the control unit comprises motor torque control based on inputs from the operating unit and at least one torque sensor, characterized by , that the selection of the road gradient by the control unit includes the following: the determination of the actual foot pedal torque x based on the input from the torque sensor, the determination of the selected foot pedal torque y based on the selected option when choosing the road incline, the determination of the current actual engine torque, where a motor torque z is a difference between x and y, and z is to be supplied in addition to the current actual motor torque. [2] Electric bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the electric bicycle is mounted on a stand in an off-road condition. [3] Electric bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the operating unit is a human-machine interface in the form of buttons, controls, touch display panels or mobile devices and the operating unit receives inputs from the user, generates multiple commands and sends the commands wirelessly or via wired connections to the control unit to control the motor torque. [4] Electric bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the road inclination is the selection of the road inclination angle. [5] Electric bicycle according to claim 4, wherein for all positive or negative road gradient angles a corresponding positive or negative differential foot pedal torque z is determined based on the instantaneous foot pedal torque. [6] Electric bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the road gradient is the selection of road terrain and a corresponding positive or negative motor torque is determined by the control unit and controls the motor. [7] Electric bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the road incline is the selection of pedal torque and the corresponding positive or negative motor torque is determined by the control unit and controls the motor. [8] Device comprising: - a foot pedal, - a motor capable of driving the foot pedal, - at least one torque sensor for measuring the foot pedal torque, - a control unit that includes options for selecting the road gradient, - a control unit, wherein the operation of the control unit comprises motor torque control based on inputs from the operating unit and at least one torque sensor, characterized by , that the selection of the road gradient by the control unit includes the following: the determination of the actual foot pedal torque x based on the input from the torque sensor, the determination of the selected foot pedal torque y based on the selected option when choosing the road incline, the determination of the current actual engine torque, where a motor torque z is a difference between x and y, and z is to be supplied in addition to the current actual motor torque. [9] Method for operating an electric bicycle according to any of the preceding claims, comprising: Step 1: The control unit is the user interface for entering the road gradient selected by the user. Step 2: The torque sensor determines the current foot pedal torque “x”. Step 3: The control unit converts the selected road incline into a torque value, which is the specific foot pedal torque “y”. Step 4: The control unit determines the differential foot pedal torque z: z = xy. Step 5: If the value of z is negative, or in other words, if y is greater than x, then the motor delivers a negative torque proportional to the value of z. In other words, the motor operates in forward braking mode or resistance mode. Step 6: If the value of z is positive, or in other words, if x is greater than y, then the motor delivers a positive torque proportional to the value of z. In other words, the motor operates in forward drive mode or in assist mode. Step 7: Check for a change in the instantaneous foot pedal torque. If a change in instantaneous torque is detected, steps 2 to 7 are repeated. The operating cycle then repeats.

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