ELECTRIC BICYCLE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric bicycle according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Electric bicycles, such as pedelecs or e-bikes, are enjoying great popularity as easy-to-use, emission-free means of transportation. Specially suited bicycle types are available for a variety of applications. These include bicycles optimized for leisure use or commuting on the road or on light terrain (e.g., city bikes or touring bikes), and various models of e-mountain bikes (e-MTBs) developed for off-road use, especially in mountainous terrain. Electric bicycles offer the possibility of extending the range and increasing the average speed without overtaxing the rider.

[0003] Electric bicycles are known from the prior art which, in addition to a drive unit and a battery unit, also have a display unit and a remote control unit for the display unit. The remote control unit is arranged in the area of ​​a handlebar grip, away from the display unit, and is equipped with assistance selection buttons for selecting the assistance level of the electric drive. The remote control unit also has an input device for menu navigation and selection of menu items shown on the display unit. A disadvantage of such remote control units is that the frequently used assistance selection buttons and the input device are arranged next to one another and therefore cannot be operated ergonomically with the rider's thumb. Often, the rider must change his or her grip to operate the input device, which is critical for safety.Such display units and remote control units are described, for example, in US 2012 / 049483 A1 and US 6 204 752 B1. Document US 6 204 752 B1 discloses the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a novel electric bicycle that combines electrically assisted mobility with the requirements of sporty and lifestyle-oriented cyclists.

[0005] This object is achieved by an electric bicycle according to claim 1.

[0006] An electric bicycle according to the invention with a remote control unit for the display unit of the electric bicycle is arranged in the area of ​​a handlebar grip remotely from the display unit and has assistance selection buttons for selecting the assistance level, a rocker switch for gear selection, and at least one input device for menu navigation and selection of menu items shown on the display unit. According to the invention, viewed in the direction of the handlebar grip axis, the input device, assistance selection buttons, and rocker switch preferably run along a convex, curved common line, the curvature of which is ergonomically adapted to the range of motion of the rider's thumb. The input device and the buttons are preferably arranged one below the other in such a way that they can be ergonomically operated with the rider's thumb. A safety-critical change of grip by the rider is not necessary to operate the assistance selection buttons and input device.

[0007] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the input device is designed as a joystick. Menu navigation and selection of menu items displayed on the display unit can thus be performed intuitively and ergonomically, preferably with the driver's thumb.

[0008] The joystick is preferably movable in all four directions (up and down; left and right), with menu items being selected by pressing the joystick (push function). Menu navigation and menu item selection are performed using the multifunctional joystick, so no additional controls are required. This makes the remote control unit extremely compact and aesthetically pleasing. The joystick can have a backlit symbol, particularly a rectangle with rounded corners.

[0009] According to the invention, the assistance selection buttons are arranged at an angle to each other. The selection of the assistance level can be ergonomically performed with the rider's thumb. The assistance selection buttons preferably form a concave section. The thumb can rest between the buttons arranged one above the other, allowing intuitive operation. The assistance selection button for increasing the assistance level is preferably arranged at the front in the direction of travel, and the assistance selection button for decreasing the assistance level is preferably arranged at the rear in the direction of travel.

[0010] Furthermore, it is preferred that the assistance selection buttons be angled toward the rider's hand. Operation is ergonomically preferred with the rider's thumb.

[0011] The assistance selection button for increasing the assistance level is preferably marked with a plus symbol, and the assistance selection button for decreasing the assistance level is preferably marked with a minus symbol. The symbols are preferably backlit and therefore visible even in poor visibility conditions.

[0012] It has proven to be advantageous in terms of manufacturing technology and operation if the free operating section is arranged facing the driver's hand.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a light switch is arranged laterally offset in the area between the assistance selection buttons. The light switch is preferably arranged next to the assistance selection buttons, away from the rider's hand. It has proven particularly ergonomic if the light switch is arranged laterally offset centrally between the assistance selection buttons.

[0014] The light switch preferably has three functions, each activated sequentially by pressing a button: Hold the button down (>2 seconds) to turn the light on / off; press the button to turn the low beam on, and press the button again to turn the light on. Therefore, it's advantageous to have one button for light on / low / high / off. The light switch can have a backlit light symbol.

[0015] In electric bicycles with electronic motor gearshifts, the remote control unit preferably has a gear selector mounted centrally along a pivot axis. According to the invention, it is advantageous if the gear selector has two actuating surfaces, with a first actuating surface located on a side facing the rider's hand and a second actuating surface located on a side facing away from the rider's hand. The input device, assistance selection buttons, and gear selector are preferably arranged along a common line. The buttons are preferably arranged one below the other in such a way that they can be ergonomically operated with the rider's thumb. A safety-critical change of grip by the rider is not required to operate the assistance selection buttons, input device, and gear selector.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the remote control unit, it has an upper part and a modular, replaceable lower part, with the rocker switch assigned to the lower part. The remote control unit is therefore modularly adaptable to bicycles with and without electric motor transmissions. For this purpose, a lower part designed as a clamp half is optionally mounted, with or without a rocker switch. A fastening section of the upper part and the lower part preferably each surrounds half of the handlebar. The upper and lower parts are preferably electrically connected by means of a flexible cable.

[0017] The shift paddle preferably has an automatic button positioned approximately centrally. The automatic button preferably doesn't rock and activates automatic gear selection, for example, first or second gear in the engine's transmission.

[0018] Viewed in the direction of the handlebar grip axis, the input device, support selection buttons and shift rocker preferably run along a convex, curved common line, the curvature of which is ergonomically adapted to the range of motion of the driver's thumb.

[0019] The remote control unit preferably has a vibration motor. For example, a short vibration can signal the reaching of the highest assistance level. Furthermore, a short vibration can be used to suggest a gear change. A gear suggestion is preferably shown on the display unit, e.g., an up arrow on the display suggests upshifting. The vibration alerts the rider that the display unit is showing new information.

[0020] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, an electronic control unit, a drive unit, and a battery unit are also provided. It has proven particularly advantageous if the electronic control unit is arranged in the seat tube of the bicycle frame. This achieves highly integrated interaction between the frame and the installed elements. The design of the battery unit, which is arranged in particular in the down tube of the bicycle frame, is not restricted, and more space is available for the battery cells and thus a long range. Due to the thermal decoupling of the battery unit and electronic control unit, a high level of efficiency is achieved. Special battery housings with attachment options for the control unit are not required. Overall, this variant achieves a compact, homogeneous frame shape with the highest strength.The inventive concept therefore also meets the demands of a lifestyle-conscious, sporty driver.

[0021] It has proven particularly advantageous to position the electronic control unit in the lower section of the seat tube, adjacent to the drive unit. This minimizes the length of the electrical cables. The electric bike thus has an optimized frame cross-section with the best structural and aesthetic qualities while optimizing the space required.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the electronic control unit is attached to the frame-side drive support (motor bracket) of the drive unit. This eliminates the need for additional fastening elements, allowing a weight reduction.

[0023] The electronic control unit is preferably provided with cable connections only at one end section facing the drive unit, thus simplifying the design and keeping cable lengths to a minimum. All cables are preferably routed out of the frame at the bottom.

[0024] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one stop, in particular a fastening element of the bottle holder, e.g., a bottle holder bushing, for the seat post is arranged above the electronic control unit. This prevents the electronic control unit from being damaged by a long seat post.

[0025] Preferably, at least one signal line of the remote control unit is connected to the display unit, and at least one electrical line of the display unit is connected to the electronic control unit. It has proven particularly advantageous if only one bus line is provided between the remote control unit and the display unit. Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if only one bus line is provided between the display unit and the electronic control unit. The number of lines to be laid, and thus the weight and assembly effort, are thus minimized.

[0026] It is particularly advantageous if the brake signal lines are connected directly to the display unit. This requires only one electrical line between the electronic control unit and the display unit. The number of lines is reduced. The brake light is activated when the brake is applied.

[0027] Accordingly, it is preferred if the remote control unit is connected to the display unit with a single collective cable containing several signal lines.

[0028] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, sensor lines are each directly connected to the electronic control unit. The number of lines is also reduced. In particular, the following can be provided: a side stand sensor (safety deactivation when the stand is folded down), a transmission sensor, acceleration sensors (3D gyro and accelerometer), a sensor for detecting bicycle folding on folding bikes, pressure sensors, and temperature sensors.

[0029] Communication is preferably carried out via CAN bus, particularly preferably CAN Open. A CAN translator is provided for adaptation requirements.

[0030] The invention can be universally implemented on all types of bicycles, especially mountain bikes (both hardtail and full-suspension), but also on other bicycles, such as road bike frames, ultimately resulting in a touring, city, or cross bike, or other modern bicycle types. Due to its compact, elegant design, it enables the construction of bicycles that largely combine the advantages of a classic bicycle and an electric bicycle.

[0031] Further preferred embodiments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0032] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show in detail: Figure 1 a side view of an electric bicycle according to the invention, Figure 2 a detailed view of the electric bike from Figure 1in the area of ​​the bicycle handlebars, Figure 3 a detailed view of the remote control unit on the handlebar, Figure 4 a side view of the remote control unit on the handlebar, Figure 5 a further detailed view of the remote control unit and Figure 6 another detailed view of the remote control unit.

[0033] Figure 1 shows a side view of an electric bicycle 1 according to the invention with a bicycle frame 2 designed as a diamond frame, with a down tube 4, a top tube 6, a seat tube 8, a head tube 10, a drive carrier 12 for a drive unit 14 as well as seat stays 16 and lower stays 18 and a battery unit 20.

[0034] As in particular Figure 2 which shows a detailed view of the electric bicycle 1 from Figure 1In the area of ​​the bicycle handlebar 22, a display unit 24 arranged centrally on the handlebar 22 and a remote control unit 26 are provided. The remote control unit 26 is arranged in the area of ​​a left handlebar grip 28, away from the display unit 24, and has two assistance selection buttons 30, 32 for selecting the motor assistance level, as well as an input device designed as a joystick 34 for menu navigation and selection of menu items displayed on the display unit 24.

[0035] According to Figure 3, which shows a detailed view of the remote control unit 26 on the handlebar 22, the input device 34 and the assistance selection buttons 30, 32 are arranged along a common line 60. The joystick 34 and the buttons 30, 32 are arranged one below the other in such a way that they can be ergonomically operated with the rider's thumb. A safety-critical change of grip by the rider is not required to operate the assistance selection buttons 30, 32 and the joystick 34.

[0036] The joystick 34 is square with mushroom-shaped, rounded edges and is movable in all four directions (up and down; left and right). Menu items are selected by pressing the joystick 34 (push function). Menu navigation and menu item selection are performed using the multifunctional joystick 34, so no additional controls are required. The remote control unit 26 is therefore extremely compact and aesthetically pleasing. The joystick 34 has a frame-like, backlit symbol 36, in particular a rectangle with rounded corners.

[0037] As in particular Figure 4, which shows a side view of the remote control unit 26 on the handlebar 22, the support selection buttons 30, 32 are arranged at an angle α in the range of approximately 120° to 170°, preferably approximately 155°. The selection of the support level can be made ergonomically with the rider's thumb. The support selection buttons 30, 32 form a concave section. The thumb can rest between the buttons 30, 32 arranged one above the other, so that operation is intuitive, with the support selection button 30 for increasing the support level being arranged at the top in the direction of travel and the support selection button 32 for decreasing the support level being arranged at the rear and below in the direction of travel. Furthermore, the support selection buttons 30, 32 are arranged at an angle sloping downwards towards the rider's hand. Operation can preferably be carried out ergonomically with the rider's thumb.

[0038] The support selection button 30 for increasing the support level is marked with a plus symbol and the support selection button 32 for decreasing the support level is marked with a minus symbol (see Figure 3 The symbols are backlit and therefore visible even in poor visibility conditions.

[0039] It has proven to be advantageous in terms of manufacturing technology and operation if the support selection buttons 30, 32 of the remote control unit 26 have a free actuating section 38 facing the driver's hand and an elastically designed common end section 40.

[0040] The remote control unit 26 further includes a wide, rectangular light switch 42, which is arranged centrally and laterally offset in the area between the assistance selection buttons 30, 32. The light switch 42 is arranged next to the assistance selection buttons 30, 32 in the area of ​​their end sections 40, away from the rider's hand.

[0041] The light switch 42 preferably has three functions, each of which is activated sequentially by pressing a button: Hold the button down (>2 seconds) to turn the light on / off; press the button to turn on the low beam; press the button a second time to turn on the high beam. Therefore, it is advantageous to have one button for light on / low / high / off. The light switch has a backlit light symbol.

[0042] As in particular Figure 5which shows a further detailed illustration of the remote control unit 26, the electric bicycle shown is provided with an electronic circuit of the motor transmission, wherein the remote control unit 26 has a rocker switch 46 for gear selection, which is mounted centrally along a pivot axis 44.

[0043] The rocker switch 44 has Figure 3 two actuating surfaces 48, 50, with a first actuating surface 48 located on a side facing the driver's hand and a second actuating surface 50 located on a side facing away from the driver's hand. Joystick 36, assistance selection buttons 30, 32, and rocker switch 46 are arranged along a common line 60. The buttons are arranged one below the other in such a way that they can be ergonomically operated with the driver's thumb. A safety-critical repositioning of the driver's hand is not required to operate the assistance selection buttons 30, 32, joystick 36, and rocker switch 46.

[0044] As particularly in the Figures 4 and 5 As shown, the remote control unit 26 has an upper part 52 and a modular, replaceable lower part 54, wherein the rocker switch 46 is assigned to a support arm 56 of the lower part 54 that extends in an arc-shaped manner towards the rider's hand. The remote control unit 26 is therefore modularly adaptable to bicycles with and without electric motor transmission. For this purpose, a lower part designed as a clamp half is mounted with or without a rocker switch. The version without a rocker switch is not shown. In this case, the support arm is also omitted. The upper part 52 and lower part 54 are electrically connected by means of an internal flexible band (not shown).

[0045] As in particular Figure 6which shows a further detailed illustration of the remote control unit 26, the rocker switch 46 has a square automatic button 58 arranged approximately in the middle. The automatic button 58 does not rock with the rocker switch 46 and activates the automatic gear selection.

[0046] Viewed in the direction of the handlebar grip axis, the joystick 34, support selection buttons 30, 32 and rocker switch 46 run along a convex arc-shaped common line 60 (dashed line in Figure 5 ), the curvature of which is ergonomically adapted to the range of motion of the driver's thumb.

[0047] The invention can be universally implemented on all types of bicycles, especially mountain bikes (both hardtail and full-suspension), but also on other bicycles, such as road bike frames, ultimately resulting in a touring, city, or cross bike, or other modern bicycle types. Due to its compact, elegant design, it enables the construction of bicycles that largely combine the advantages of a classic bicycle and an electric bicycle.

[0048] The embodiment of the invention is not limited to the examples shown in the figures and explained above, but is also possible in a variety of modifications by a person skilled in the art.

[0049] Disclosed is a remote control unit 26 for the display unit 24 of an electric bicycle 1. The remote control unit 26 is arranged in the region of a handlebar grip 28, remote from the display unit 24, and has assistance selection buttons 30, 32 for selecting the assistance level, as well as at least one input device 34 for menu navigation and selecting menu items displayed on the display unit 24. According to the invention, the input device 34 and the assistance selection buttons 30, 32 are arranged along a common line 60. Furthermore, an electric bicycle 1 with such a remote control unit 26 is disclosed. List of reference symbols

[0050] 1 Electric bicycle 2 Bicycle frame 4 Down tube 6 Top tube 8 Seat tube 10 Head tube 12 Drive carrier 14 Drive unit 16 Seat stay 18 Lower stay 20 Battery unit 22 Handlebar 24 Display unit 26 Remote control unit 28 Left handlebar grip 30 Assistance selection button 32 Assistance selection button 34 Joystick 36 Symbol 38 Operating section 40 End section 42 Light switch 44 Pivot axis 46 Shift lever 48 Operating surface 50 Operating surface 52 Upper section 54 Lower section 56 Support arm 58 Automatic button 60 Line

Claims

1. Electric bicycle having a remote control unit for the display unit (24) of the electric bicycle (1), wherein the remote control unit (26) is arranged in the region of a handlebar grip (28) at a distance from the display unit (24) and comprises assistance selection buttons (30, 32) for selecting the assistance level, a rocker switch (46) for gear selection and at least one input device (34) for menu navigation and selection of menu items that are displayed on the display unit (24), characterised in that, when viewed in the direction of the handlebar grip axis, the input device (34), the assistance selection buttons (30, 32) and the rocker switch (46) run along a convexly curved common line (60), the curvature of which is ergonomically adapted to the range of movement of the rider's thumb, and in that the assistance selection buttons (30, 32) are arranged at an angle to one another and form a concave section for ergonomic operation by the thumb of a rider.

2. Electric bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the input device is embodied as a joystick (34).

3. Electric bicycle according to claim 2, wherein the joystick (34) is movable in four directions and the selection of menu items is performed by means of pressing the joystick (34) .

4. Electric bicycle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the assistance selection buttons (30, 32) comprise a free actuating section (38) and an end section (40) that is embodied in an elastic manner.

5. Electric bicycle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a light switch (42) is arranged laterally offset in the region between the assistance selection buttons (30, 32) .

6. Electric bicycle according to claim 5, wherein the light switch (42) comprises a plurality of functions which are activated sequentially by pressing a button.

7. Electric bicycle according to one of the preceding claims, having a rocker switch (46), which is mounted centrally along a pivot axis (44), for gear selection.

8. Electric bicycle according to claim 7, having an upper part (52) and a lower part (54) that can be exchanged in a modular manner, wherein the rocker switch (46) is allocated to the lower part (54).

9. Electric bicycle according to one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the rocker switch (46) comprises an approximately centrally arranged automatic button (58).

10. Electric bicycle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the remote control unit (26) comprises a vibration motor.