BICYCLE SERVICE SYSTEM AND BICYCLE SERVICE PROCEDURES

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a bicycle service system and a bicycle service method.

[0002] Bicycles, especially those subject to heavy use, require regular maintenance, such as changing brake pads, replacing the chain, lubricating bearings, etc. This is especially necessary for bicycles used for sports. It is desirable for the user to ensure that no major maintenance is required, especially during competitions and longer tours.

[0003] The prior art relating to the present invention is described, for example, in US 2014 / 209400 A1, WO 2010 / 092356 A1, DE 10 2013 002 655 A1 and WO 2013 / 013325 A1.

[0004] The object of the invention is to create a bicycle service system with which, in particular, the performance of maintenance can be easily determined. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to create a corresponding bicycle service system.

[0005] The problem is solved by the features of claim 1 relating to a bicycle service system and the features of claim 6 relating to a bicycle service method.

[0006] Independent of, or in addition to, the requirement to simplify maintenance and service is to increase safety. Another independent task is to easily provide riders with trip data, training data, and the like.

[0007] The present invention is defined in claims 1 and 6.

[0008] The bicycle service system according to the invention comprises at least one bicycle with a battery-powered electric drive and a transmitting and receiving device arranged on the bicycle. Furthermore, a bicycle data processing device is arranged on the bicycle, in particular directly on the bicycle frame. This is connected to the transmitting and receiving device. The transmitting and receiving device initially serves to send data to a stationary data processing device. The data is sent via mobile data transmission, so that the stationary data processing device can be a stationary data processing device with computers, etc., that is independent of the bicycle, for example, one that is centrally arranged. The stationary data processing device serves to process the data received by the transmitting and receiving device. The bicycle data processing device is in particular a so-called on-board unit.This is used to process and process data, which is then transmitted via the transmitting and receiving devices to the stationary data processing device. The data processed by the bicycle data processing device can be sensor data, data acquired by a bicycle computer, tour data, rider-specific data, etc.

[0009] According to the invention, the data processed by the stationary data processing device are in turn transmitted via mobile data transmission in a preferred embodiment of the invention to a data output device, in particular a mobile phone, a tablet, or the like. The correspondingly processed data transmitted by the data processing device is output at the data output device.

[0010] Alternatively or in addition to transmitting the processed data to a data output device, the data can also be transmitted, particularly via the Internet, to another computer or server. Such an additional data processing device could be, for example, a data processing device of a service provider. For example, it could be a map provider that uses the data collected by the bicycle service system to improve the quality of the data, etc.

[0011] For reliable data transmission, the transmitting and receiving device preferably comprises a modem, in particular a GSM modem. The data is preferably transmitted to the data processing device, although in a preferred embodiment, at least some of the data can also be transmitted directly to the data output device. The transmitting and receiving device preferably comprises a power source. This can be a rechargeable battery, which is connected, for example, to a plug-in contact for connecting a charger. The rechargeable battery could also be charged, for example, via solar cells or via a generator connected, for example, to the pedal crank.

[0012] Furthermore, it is preferred that the transmitting and receiving device has a GPS module or is connected to a GPS module. In particular, the connection to a GPS module makes it possible to receive or determine a large amount of data. The GPS data can be transmitted to the data processing device via mobile data transmission at long intervals or continuously. The data processing device can determine, among other things, the speed, the distance traveled, the track, the elevation profile, etc. from the GPS data. This data can then be transmitted to the data output device with the aid of the system according to the invention. With the aid of the data output device, which is in particular a mobile phone, the driver can easily retrieve the corresponding data.

[0013] Even when a GPS module is provided, it is possible for the data processing device to determine maintenance cycles. These may, for example, be dependent solely on a certain mileage. In addition, appropriate algorithms can also take into account the altitude covered and possibly even the gradient. With an appropriate algorithm, for example, it could be taken into account that the chain and brake pads may be subjected to greater stress depending on the altitude covered and the gradient, so that service or maintenance is recommended even after a lower mileage. Furthermore, it is particularly preferred that maintenance cycles are determined independently of data input by the user. The determination of maintenance cycles or similar information is preferably carried out exclusively on the basis of data automatically determined by the system.

[0014] Especially when transmitting maintenance recommendations, it is possible to transmit additional data, for example, regarding the bike-specific brake pads, the existing chain, etc. This is possible provided the corresponding information has been entered by the user or already at the factory. Furthermore, it is possible to redirect the rider directly to a website where the spare parts required for maintenance can be ordered. In addition, assembly or maintenance instructions, for example, can be made available to the rider online.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment of the bicycle service system, sensors are arranged on the bicycle. These serve in particular to determine bicycle-specific data. This can be a sensor arranged on the front or rear wheel for determining speed, a reed sensor for determining pedal crank movement, gradient sensors, and the like. The corresponding bicycle-specific data is transmitted from the sensors to the bicycle data processing device, which may process or edit it if necessary, and then forwarded to the transmitting or receiving device. From there, the data is transmitted to the stationary data processing device for further processing. Furthermore, rider-specific data, such as heart rate, can be determined wirelessly and also forwarded to the data processing device. For example, an acceleration sensor can be provided.This allows the surface on which the bike is being ridden to be determined. By installing a magnetic field sensor, it is possible to determine, for example, whether the bike is being ridden on concrete or a bridge.

[0016] In particular, it is possible to install a sensor on the bicycle to detect a fall. This could, for example, be a sensor that detects vibration. This can significantly increase safety, especially when a cyclist is riding alone. When a fall is detected, an emergency call can be made immediately. This can be done via the stationary data processing device or directly via a mobile phone carried on board, or the transmitting and receiving device itself. In this case, it is preferable that GPS data is also immediately transmitted to the appropriate emergency call center. Furthermore, the emergency call center could automatically activate a callback to contact the rider and initiate any necessary rescue measures.

[0017] A bicycle service method, which in a preferred embodiment is carried out with the bicycle service system described above, first records bicycle- and / or rider-specific data. Data is recorded, in particular, as described above with reference to the bicycle service system, via sensors arranged on the bicycle or the rider, a GPS module, and the like. The recorded data is then initially transmitted to the bicycle data processing device arranged on the bicycle. This device processes or processes the data. The data is then transmitted to a stationary data processing device via mobile data transmission for further processing. The further processed data is then transmitted to a data output device, again via mobile data transmission, and output via the data output device.Alternatively, or in addition to outputting data to a data output device, the data is forwarded from the stationary data processing device to another data processing device, for example, a service provider's server. This server then further processes the data, and this data can also be transmitted, if necessary, to the user's or cyclist's data output device. This occurs, in particular, as described above using the bicycle service system. The method is used to transmit, in particular, geodata, standard speedometer data such as speed, gradient, etc., as well as pedal crank data relating to the crank movement.

[0018] Based on the transmitted data and, if applicable, additional data stored in the bicycle data processing device and / or the stationary data processing device, data regarding maintenance to be performed and the like are transmitted to the data output device and / or the additional data processing device. The usual speedometer data, statistics, trekking data, etc. are preferably transmitted to these. Furthermore, data for the direct ordering of spare parts, assembly and maintenance instructions, and the like can be made available via the data output device, especially the mobile one.

[0019] It is particularly preferred that data acquisition and / or data processing and / or data transmission start automatically as soon as the bicycle is moved. The existing sensors can easily detect that the bicycle is moving. This can be done with the help of the GPS module, the REED sensor, the speed sensor, and the like.

[0020] Furthermore, it is preferred that fall data is recorded using the bicycle service method as described above with reference to the system and that an emergency call is made immediately.

[0021] According to the bicycle service system according to the invention and the bicycle service method according to the invention, the bicycle data processing device is configured to take into account and transmit the charge state of the battery and general status data of the battery, so that a decrease in the charge capacity of the battery due to its age can be detected and a timely replacement of the battery can be suggested to the user.

[0022] According to the bicycle service system and the bicycle service method according to the invention, the transmitting and receiving device is arranged in the top tube and / or the seat post of the bicycle and / or a corresponding connecting element between these two frame elements. This has the advantage that the transmitting and receiving device is easily accessible. In this respect, it is possible to provide a connector for connecting a charging cable for an integrated battery, a USB connector, and the like in this area. It is also possible to connect the transmitting and receiving device to the corresponding sensors via cables laid, in particular, in the frame.

[0023] A key aspect of the invention is that it enables automatic recording and monitoring of service intervals. In particular, the user does not have to specify service intervals manually; rather, the determination is based on pre-entered data, installed components, and known data from subsequently purchased parts or spare parts. This results in automatic, bike-specific determination of service intervals, which, as described above, can also be made depending on the type of use of the bike. The user can be notified not only via a data output device such as a smartphone or the like, but also, for example, by sending an email, transmitting the data to a bike computer, or the like.

[0024] A further key aspect of the invention is that, in a preferred embodiment, parts and components of the bicycle are automatically monitored by means of sensors on or in the wheel, and the recorded data is automatically transmitted to the bicycle data processing device, in particular the on-board unit. The data is then evaluated, if necessary, at least partially in the on-board unit or subsequently in the stationary or additional data processing device. User intervention is preferably not required. In addition to the sensors described above, tire pressure sensors, sensors in the gearshift, measuring strips in the frame, etc. are also possible.

[0025] Another possible use of the invention is to use it as an anti-theft device. For this purpose, it is possible, for example, for the owner of the bicycle to be authorized before using it. This can be done, for example, using a smartphone, a PIN, and the like. If such authorization is not performed, the bicycle would send corresponding anti-theft signals upon receiving a theft signal, for example, when it is moved. This can, in particular, involve transmitting position data, enabling tracking, etc.

[0026] The bicycle data processing device, especially the on-board unit, can also be used as a standalone unit, although this is an independent invention. Such a bicycle data processing device is connected to multiple sensors and processes the received data directly. The stored data can then be read out, for example, via an interface or Wi-Fi. The data can then be evaluated on a personal PC or transferred to stationary data processing devices such as internet servers.

[0027] The bicycle service system according to the invention relates to e-bikes or bicycles with electric drives. The transmitting and receiving device arranged on the bicycle is connected to the bicycle data processing device, which also takes the battery status into account. This takes into account and transmits not only the battery charge level but also general battery status data. If the battery's charge capacity decreases due to age, this can be detected, and a timely battery replacement can be suggested to the user. Since modern electric drives are controlled by software, a further significant advantage of the invention is that this software can be easily updated. This can be done via the transmitting and receiving device connected to the bicycle.In particular, it is therefore not necessary to visit the workshop or bicycle dealer or to establish a wired connection to the Internet to update the software.

[0028] Another advantageous application of the bicycle service system according to the invention is in fleet management. For example, bicycle rental companies can query the data required, especially for service intervals, at any time. Suitable software could then ensure that the bicycles in the entire fleet are serviced on time. A variety of measured data, such as distance traveled, etc., can be taken into account.

[0029] Such fleet management is particularly beneficial for electric bicycles. For example, in larger fleets, the batteries of such e-bikes are now replaced at regular intervals, say every 1.5 years. This is a precautionary measure, but it does not take the actual condition of the battery into account. By collecting relevant battery data, for example, the aging of a battery can be individually checked. This ensures that the battery is only replaced when necessary.

[0030] In general, in addition to recording usage times and distances, route optimization can also be performed. This is advantageous for mail delivery services, for example.

[0031] In addition to using the bicycle service system for the direct sale of bicycles, the system is also advantageous for dealers, as it can promote two-tier distribution. This can significantly improve communication between dealer and customer. If the relevant data recorded by the bicycle service system is transmitted to the dealer, the dealer can, for example, provide the customer with automatic maintenance instructions. A dealer can also provide faster assistance in the event of a breakdown, for example. Furthermore, bonus programs can be set up. Customers can also be provided with precise information about the actual use of the bicycle. This is particularly important for city bikes, as customers are often unaware of the actual use of a bicycle and usually underestimate it. This leads to the chain, brake pads, and the like often being replaced too late, which can lead to consequential damage.

[0032] The invention is explained in more detail below using a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] They show: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the bicycle service system and Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a possible arrangement of the transmitting and receiving unit in the bicycle frame.

[0034] The bicycle service system according to the invention comprises a transmitting and receiving device 10, which is integrated, for example, in a bicycle frame 12. The receiving device 10 is connected to a bicycle data processing device 8. The transmitting and receiving device 10 transmits data via mobile data transmission, as indicated by an arrow 14, to a stationary data processing device 16. The non-mobile, in particular local, data processing device also comprises transmitting and receiving devices as well as processing devices such as computers and the like. Optionally, data transmission from the data processing device 16 to the transmitting and receiving device 10 is also possible.

[0035] The bicycle data processing device 8 is connected, for example, via electrical lines 42, 44 to various sensors arranged on the bicycle and / or the rider. The corresponding connection can also be wireless.

[0036] First, in a preferred embodiment, the data recorded by the sensors are processed or processed with the aid of the bicycle data processing device 8. The processed or processed data are then transmitted from the transmitting or receiving device 10 to the data processing device 16 or an Internet server.

[0037] Typically, the processed or processed data is transmitted from the data processing device 16 to a data output device 18, such as a mobile phone. The data is transmitted via mobile data transmissions, as indicated by arrow 20, whereby it is optionally possible for data to also be transmitted from the data output device 18 to the data processing device 16. This can, for example, be data entered by the user or data confirming proper reception of the transmitted data, etc.

[0038] The data displayed on the mobile phone 18 includes, for example, trekking data, route data, average speed, maximum speed, average maximum gradients, etc., as well as any statistics or overviews derived from these. The displays can, of course, also be in the form of maps, elevation profiles, curves, graphs, etc.

[0039] In particular, the data processing device determines maintenance data, preferably based on stored bicycle-specific data. This includes, for example, the brake pads installed on the respective bicycle, the installed chain, the type of bicycle (racing bike, mountain bike, trekking bike, etc.), and the like. Using the mobile phone 18 or a corresponding data output device, a connection to the internet 16 can be established as usual via mobile data transmission or a connection to the internet 16. This has the advantage that, for example, direct links to an ordering module, service and assembly instructions, and the like can be realized.

[0040] The data processing device 16, such as a server of the bicycle manufacturer or the like, can transmit the received and, if necessary, further processed data to another data processing device 24. This can be a service provider that uses the corresponding data for this purpose.

[0041] Furthermore, it is possible for the transmitting and receiving device 10 to receive GPS data (arrow 26) and transmit it to the data processing device.

[0042] In particular, further data can be recorded via sensors provided on the bicycle and transmitted to the data processing device via the transmitting and receiving device. A special feature of the invention is that at least one sensor can be provided that detects a fall. The sensor can, for example, detect a strong shock. In the event of a fall, an emergency call is then immediately made. This can be made directly to an emergency call center 28, as shown by arrow 30. Of course, the emergency call can also be made via the data processing device 16 (arrow 33) and / or the mobile phone 18 (arrow 32). In the case of an emergency call, direct communication can also take place between the transmitting and receiving device 10 and the mobile phone 18.

[0043] According to the invention, the transmitting and receiving device 10 is integrated into the bicycle frame 12. The arrangement in a top tube 34 or a seat post 36 ( Figure 2). Since the transmitting and receiving device may require somewhat more space, the transmitting and receiving device 10 can also be arranged in a connecting element 38 between the top tube 34 and the seat post tube 36. In this area, it is also easily possible to provide, for example, a plug contact 40 for connecting a charger or a USB connector and the like. The transmitting and receiving device 10 is connected to sensors, for example, via electrical lines 42, 44. A connection to an antenna can also be provided via a corresponding line in order to arrange this in a corresponding area of ​​the bicycle frame for the most error-free data transmission possible. The transmitting and receiving device 10 can also be connected via corresponding lines to a power generator, for example, arranged in the bottom bracket.

Claims

1. A bicycle servicing system for bicycles having an electric drive powered by a battery, comprising - at least one bicycle (12) having an electric drive powered by a battery, - a transceiver device (10) arranged on the bicycle (12), - a bicycle data processing device (8) arranged on the bicycle (12) and connected with the transceiver device (10), - a stationary data processing device (16) for processing in particular bicycle- and / or cyclist-specific data received from the transceiver device (10), the data processing device being adapted to be connected with the transceiver device (10) by mobile data transmission (14), and - a data output device (18) for outputting data transmitted from the data processing device (16), said data output device being adapted to be connected with the data processing device (16) by mobile data transmission (20), and / or - a further data processing device (24) for a further processing of the data transmitted from the data processing device (16), said further data processing device being adapted to be connected with the data processing device (16) by data transmission, characterized in that - the bicycle data processing device (8) is configured to consider and transmit the charging state of the battery and general status data of the battery, so that a decrease in the charging capacity of the battery due to its age can be detected and a timely replacement of the battery can be suggested to the user, and - the transceiver device (10) is arranged in a top tube (34) and / or a seat tube (36) of the bicycle (12) and / or a connecting element (38) connecting the top tube (34) and the seat tube (36), and thus is integrated in the bicycle frame of the bicycle (12).

2. The bicycle servicing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the transceiver device (10) comprises a modem, in particular a GSM modem, for transmitting and receiving data to and from the stationary data processing device (16).

3. The bicycle servicing system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transceiver device (10) and the bicycle data processing device (8) comprise a power source.

4. The bicycle servicing system according to any one of claims 1 - 3, characterized in that the transceiver device comprises a GPS module or is connected with a GPS module.

5. The bicycle servicing system according to any one of claims 1 - 4, characterized in that the bicycle data processing device (8) is connected with sensors to be arranged on the bicycle for obtaining bicycle-specific data and is optionally adapted to be connected to sensors be arranged on the cyclist for obtaining cyclist-specific data.

6. The bicycle servicing method for bicycles having an electric drive powered by a battery, comprising the following steps: - obtaining bicycle- specific and / or cyclist-specific data, in particular by means of sensors arranged on the bicycle frame and / or the cyclist, - transmitting the data to a bicycle data processing device (8) arranged on a bicycle (12) having an electric drive powered by a battery, - transmitting the data by means of a transceiver device (10) by mobile data transmission (14) to a stationary data processing device (16), the transceiver device being connected with the bicycle data processing device (8), - transmitting the data processed by the stationary data processing device (16) to a data output device (18) by mobile data transmission (20) and / or to the further data processing device (24) by data transmission (22), and - outputting the data by means of the data output device (18) or processing the data further by the further data processing device (24), characterized in that - the bicycle data processing device (8) is configured to consider and transmit the charging state of the battery and general status data of the battery, so that a decrease in the charging capacity of the battery due to its age can be detected and a timely replacement of the battery can be suggested to the user, and - the transceiver device (10) is arranged in a top tube (34) and / or a seat tube (36) of the bicycle (12) and / or a connecting element (38) connecting the top tube (34) and the seat tube (36), and thus is integrated in the bicycle frame of the bicycle (12).

7. The bicycle servicing method according to claim 6, wherein the data transmitted by the transceiver device (10) to the stationary data processing device (16) include geo data, speed data and / or pedal crank data.

8. The bicycle servicing method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the data acquisition and / or the data processing and / or the data transmission are started automatically when the bicycle is moved.

9. The bicycle servicing method according to any one of claims 6 - 8, wherein an emergency call is issued as soon as data related to a fall are detected in particular by the bicycle data processing device (8).