METHOD FOR INFLUENCED IN THE DETERMINATION OF A BICYCLE'S SPEED

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for influencing a determination of a speed of a bicycle with at least two wheels, in particular a pedelec.

[0002] The invention further relates to a system for influencing a determination of a speed of a bicycle with at least two wheels, in particular a pedelec.

[0003] The invention further relates to an influencing device for influencing a determination of a speed of a bicycle with at least two wheels, in particular a pedelec, in particular for fixing to the bicycle.

[0004] The invention further relates to a bicycle with an influencing device. State of the art

[0005] Although generally applicable to any bicycles, in particular with two or three wheels, the present invention is described with reference to bicycles in the form of pedelecs.

[0006] It has become common practice for pedelecs to use a pulse-based sensor, or pulse sensor for short, on the rear wheel to measure speed. This sensor delivers a pulse per wheel revolution, which can be used to calculate speed using the wheel circumference. The speed can then be calculated from the mathematical relationship between the time interval between two consecutive pulses and the tire circumference. This signal is used in the usual way, among other things, to reduce rider assistance above a certain speed, for example, 25 km / h. To check the pedelec's functions, for example after a repair or similar, it may be necessary to temporarily adjust the speed of the pedelec - depending on or independently of the actual riding speed.To achieve this, it has become known to temporarily adapt the software for speed determination or the pedelec-independent unit for adapting the heart rate sensor's input signals in a complex manner. It has also become known to place an electronic circuit between the sensor output and the pedelec drive unit, or even directly on top of the sensor.

[0007] DE 10 2017 212903 A1 describes the monitoring of the movement behavior of a bicycle, wherein at least one permanent magnet is arranged on one of the wheels, which generates a time-varying magnetic field, which is analyzed by an evaluation device to determine the speed.

[0008] US 2013 / 249535 A1 discloses a sensor arrangement for determining the rotational speed of a shaft, e.g., of a conveyor system, and for monitoring speed fluctuations or overspeeding. The magnetic field of a magnetic coil can be temporarily altered such that the evaluation circuit, based on the sensor signals, outputs a lower or higher speed than the actual speed. This is achieved, in particular, by masking or making invisible pulses generated by the rotating object and replacing them with artificially generated pulses at a predetermined frequency. Disclosure of the invention

[0009] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for influencing a determination of a speed of a bicycle with at least two wheels, in particular a pedelec, according to claim 1. In particular, wherein at least the field generating unit is mounted on a movable, in particular rotating, component of the bicycle, preferably a wheel

[0010] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides an influencing device for influencing a determination of a speed of a bicycle with at least two wheels, in particular a pedelec according to claim 9.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a bicycle according to claim 10.

[0012] In other words, embodiments of the invention enable an adaptation of a measured signal on the physical path of action with regard to the speed specification independent of the actual driving speed of the bicycle, in particular of the pedelec.

[0013] One of the advantages achieved is that even when measuring continuous values ​​from a sensor - in contrast to the previously known reed sensor with reed signal, which only has the values ​​0 and 1 - a correspondingly measured signal can be influenced to determine the speed.

[0014] Further features, advantages and further embodiments of the invention are described below or will become apparent thereby.

[0015] The field generation unit is arranged on a movable, particularly rotating, component of the bicycle. By arranging it on a particularly rotating component, it is sufficient to generate a one-dimensional electric and / or magnetic field to enable accurate speed determination based on a signal from the detected field.

[0016] According to a further development of the invention, the speed of the bicycle is at least indirectly represented by the mobility, in particular the rotation, of the component. The advantage is a reliable determination of the bicycle's speed.

[0017] According to a further development of the invention, the field generation unit controls the at least one field generation element in such a way that a temporally constant magnetic field, in particular that of a permanent magnet, is provided at least temporarily, in particular regularly. The advantage of this is a simple emulation of a magnetic field generated, for example, by a permanent magnet.

[0018] According to a further development of the invention, the field generation unit is provided with at least two field generation elements, which are arranged in particular on the movable, particularly rotating, component of the bicycle. The advantage of this is that the determination of the speed can be influenced in a particularly flexible manner.

[0019] According to a further development of the invention, a field-generating element is controlled such that a determined speed is lower than that determined when a time-invariant magnetic field is provided by the field-generating element. This allows the determined speed to be reduced in a cost-effective manner.

[0020] According to a further development of the invention, a plurality of field-generating elements are arranged and controlled in such a way that a determined speed is higher than that determined when a time-invariant magnetic field is provided by only one of the plurality of field-generating elements. Thus, the determined speed can be easily increased by means of the field-generating unit.

[0021] According to a further development of the invention, the plurality of field-generating elements are arranged in a regular manner on a movable, in particular rotating, component of the bicycle. The advantage of this is the reliable and particularly simple provision of a signal for emulating a constant speed of the bicycle.

[0022] According to a further development of the invention, the field generation unit controls the at least one field generation element in such a way that a change in the field occurs at a time provided by the at least one field generation element outside the range of the at least one sensor. This enables a particularly reliable emulation of a speed and prevents incorrect measurements by the at least one sensor.

[0023] According to a further development of the invention, a measuring device is arranged to determine the time, in particular an inertial measuring unit, a geomagnetic field measuring unit, a reed switch with a magnet arranged on a rigid component of the bicycle, and / or a GPS unit. This enables automatic and reliable adjustment of the respective time(s).

[0024] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures with reference to the drawings.

[0025] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0026] Preferred embodiments and embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical components or elements. Short description of the drawings

[0027] It shows in schematic form Fig. 1 shows steps of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 shows a bicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of parts of a method and a device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Embodiments of the invention

[0028] Figure 1 shows in schematic form steps of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] In detail, Figure 1Steps of a method for influencing a determination of a speed of a bicycle with at least two wheels, in particular a pedelec.

[0030] The procedure includes the following steps: Providing S1 a temporally and / or spatially varying electric and / or magnetic field by a field generating unit at at least one detection position on a rigid component of the bicycle to determine the speed of the bicycle, wherein the field generating unit has at least one field generating element whose provided electric and / or magnetic field is variable, detecting S2 the electric and / or magnetic field varying at least in one spatial direction at the at least one detection position by means of a detection device on the bicycle, and determining S3 the speed of the bicycle based at least on the detected field.

[0031] Figure 2 shows in schematic form a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] In detail, Figure 2 in schematic form a system 100 for influencing a determination of a speed of a bicycle with at least two wheels, in particular a pedelec.

[0033] The System 100 includes a field generation unit 101 which is designed to provide a temporally and / or spatially varying electric and / or magnetic field at at least one detection position on a rigid component of the bicycle for determining the speed of the bicycle, wherein the field generation unit 101 has at least one field generation element whose provided electric and / or magnetic field is variable and controllable such that a speed deviating from the actual speed of the bicycle is determined, a detection device 102 which is designed to detect a changing electric and / or magnetic field at the at least one detection position by means of at least one sensor on the bicycle, and a determination device 103 which is designed to determine the speed of the bicycle based at least on the detected field.

[0034] At least the field generating unit 101 can be arranged on a movable, in particular rotating, component of the bicycle 1, preferably on a wheel 2, 7.

[0035] Figure 3 shows in schematic form a bicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention and Figure 4 a schematic diagram of parts of a method and a device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] In detail, Figure 3a bicycle 1 with a rear wheel 2 and a front wheel 7. The rear wheel 2 can be driven via a chain 9 by means of a drive unit 3, which is arranged on the frame 6 of the bicycle 1 and can provide both motor assistance and a pedal unit with pedals 5 for manual drive. A field generation unit 101 with at least one field generation element 101' is arranged in the rear wheel 2. Furthermore, a detection device 102 in the form of at least one sensor is arranged on the frame 6 in the area between the drive unit 3 and the rear wheel 2. The sensor can measure the magnetic field changing at the location of the sensor due to the rotation of the rear wheel 2 by the field generation unit 101 at least one-dimensionally, preferably two- or three-dimensionally. The bicycle 1 also comprises a determination device 103, which is designed to determine the speed of the bicycle.For this purpose, it is connected to the detection device 102 and determines the corresponding speed of the bicycle 1 from the signals of the detected magnetic field received by the detection device 102.

[0037] Figure 4 shows schematically in the upper half a rear wheel 2 of a pedelec, which rotates about an axis 2a. On the rear wheel 2, in the area of ​​the radial outer side, a field generating element 101' is arranged, which is controlled by a field generating unit 101 (not shown here). By means of a detection device 102 in the drive unit 3 of the pedelec, the generated field, here a magnetic field 200, can be measured. In the lower half of the Figure 4Two diagrams 300, 400 are shown, wherein diagram 300 represents the field strength 301, 302 of the magnetic field 200 measured over time by the detection device 102. Diagram 400 shows the control signal 401 of the field generation unit 101 for the field generation element 101' for generating the magnetic field 200 with curve 302 over time.

[0038] The system 100, which can be viewed as a speed emulator for the bicycle 1, can have different installation positions with respect to its individual components, detection device 102 and determination device 103, for example, on the bicycle frame 6, on the dropout, on the drive unit 3, in particular under a cover so that the system 100 is at least partially invisible from the outside, between the drive unit 3 and the rear wheel 2, or the like. The field generation unit 101 of the system can have different installation positions on a rotating component of the bicycle 1, for example, on or in a rim, on a spoke, on a hub of a wheel, or the like.

[0039] However, the principle or function of the field generation unit 101 is essentially the same for the different installation positions: Magnetic field generating elements or generally field generating elements 101', such as one or more coils, one or more current-carrying conductors, one or more two-dimensionally acting coils, one or more three-dimensionally acting coils, one or more rotating magnets, an electric motor, etc. emulate and provide magnetic fields which are similar to one or more previously known permanent magnets rotating in the wheel of the bicycle 1.

[0040] The field generation unit 101, arranged in particular on a wheel of the bicycle 1, generates, for example, a magnetic field by means of one or more field generation elements 101', which is measured by a sensor arranged in the drive unit 3 of the bicycle 1, for example a magnetic field sensor of a detection device 102. During the rotation of the wheel, the magnetic field measured by the sensor changes, since the distance of the at least one field generation element 101' from the sensor of the detection device 102 and the direction of the magnetic field change during and due to the wheel rotation.

[0041] The field generation unit 101 is configured to control the at least one field generation element 101' such that the magnetic field generated thereby resembles as closely as possible that of a previously known permanent magnet. For the sensor of the detection device 102, arranged here in the drive unit 3 of the bicycle 1, the signal measured during one wheel rotation, which may be measured in two or three spatial axes, is therefore indistinguishable from that of the rotating, previously known and used permanent magnet.

[0042] Typically, the range of the detection device 102, in particular of the magnetic field sensor, is limited. In particular, the field strength of the magnet and / or the measurement sensitivity of the detection device 102 are insufficient to detect the magnetic field 200 of each field-generating element 101' during a complete wheel rotation. In other words, the sensor detects the magnetic field of the field-generating element 101' only when it approaches the drive unit 3 and can no longer detect its magnetic field after it has passed the sensor in the drive unit 3.

[0043] In order to be able to change the determined speed, for example for testing purposes, the field generating element 101' is controlled in the following ways: A permanent, similar control via a signal 301 can result in the actual driving speed being recorded. Activating or providing the magnetic field 200, more precisely at every second wheel revolution (signal 302) via a control signal 401, results in the measured speed being reduced by a factor of 2. By activating the magnetic field every nth wheel revolution, the measured speed can therefore be reduced by a factor of n.

[0044] If a speed higher than the actual speed is to be emulated for testing purposes, two or more magnetic field-generating elements or the field-generating element 101' are arranged on the impeller. These can be arranged at regular intervals, in particular, in order to emulate a constant speed during constant travel.

[0045] The control of one or more field-generating elements 101' can be achieved using control logic. In order to emulate the speed, the switching on and off time of the field-generating element 101' can be suitably controlled. The switching times are particularly in the range in which the respective field-generating element 101' is not "visible" to the sensor. These times depend in particular on the wheel position and / or wheel speed and can be determined by suitable sensors. Suitable sensors include, for example, an inertial sensor system, comprising an acceleration sensor for measuring the gravitational vector or centrifugal acceleration and a gyroscope for measuring the rotational speed, a magnetic field sensor system for measuring the rotating earth's magnetic field, a reed switch, for example with a magnet mounted on the bicycle frame, or a GPS unit or the like.

[0046] Overall, all devices and / or units of the system 100 can have their own power supply or can be connected jointly and / or individually to a power supply of the bicycle 1.

[0047] In summary, at least one embodiment of the present invention can provide at least one of the following advantages and / or at least one of the following features: Provision of a speed emulator arranged on a moving component. Elements that temporarily generate magnetic fields, for example, controllable coils. A power supply, in particular a dedicated power supply for the units and / or devices or a power supply for the units and / or devices provided by the bicycle. Preferably, a dedicated speed measurement system for the system. Speed ​​setting for a bicycle that is independent of the actual riding speed in the form of emulated, continuous, and temporarily emitted magnetic fields. High flexibility. Easier testing of bicycle functions. Adaptation of the signal on the physical action path with regard to the speed setting, independent of the actual riding speed of the bicycle.Influencing a measured signal to determine the speed even when measuring continuous values ​​from a sensor - in contrast to the previously known reed sensor with reed signal, which only has the values ​​0 and 1.

[0048] Although the present invention has been described using preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto but can be modified in many ways.

Claims

1. Method for influencing a determination of a speed of a bicycle (1) having at least two wheels (2, 7), in particular a pedelec, wherein an electrical and / or magnetic field that varies in time and / or space is provided (S1) by a field generation unit (101) at at least one detection position on a rigid component of the bicycle (1) for the purpose of determining the speed of the bicycle (1), the field generation unit (101) having at least one field generation element (101') whose provided electrical and / or magnetic field is altered in such a way by control of the field generation unit (101) that a speed that differs from the actual speed of the bicycle (1) is determined, the field generation unit (101) being arranged on a mobile, in particular rotating, component of the bicycle (1), wherein a lower speed is emulated by controlling the at least one field generation element (101') such that it is activated only on every n-th revolution and / or wherein a higher speed is emulated by temporarily activating at least one further field generation element.

2. Method according to Claim 1, wherein the speed of the bicycle (1) is at least indirectly represented by the movement, in particular the rotation, of the component.

3. Method according to Claim 2, wherein the field generation unit (101) controls the at least one field generation element (101') in such a way that a temporally invariable magnetic field, in particular that of a permanent magnet, is temporarily, in particular regularly, provided.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the field generation unit (101) is provided with at least two field generation elements (101'), which are in particular arranged on the mobile, in particular rotating, component of the bicycle (1).

5. Method according to one of Claims 1-4, wherein the at least one field generation element (101') is controlled in such a way that a determined speed is lower than that which is determined when a field of a temporally invariable magnetic field is provided by the field generation element (101').

6. Method according to one of Claims 1-5, wherein multiple field generation elements (101') are arranged and said field generation elements are controlled in such a way that a determined speed is higher than that which is determined when a field of a temporally invariable magnetic field is provided by only one of the multiple field generation elements (101').

7. Method according to Claim 6, wherein the multiple field generation elements (101') are arranged on a mobile, in particular rotating, component of the bicycle (1) in a regular manner.

8. Method according to one of Claims 1-7, wherein the field generation unit (101) controls the at least one field generation element (101') in such a way that a change in the field at one time, provided by the at least one field generation element (101'), takes place outside the range of the at least one sensor, wherein a measuring device for determining the time is arranged, in particular an inertial measurement unit, an Earth's magnetic field measurement unit, a reed switch with magnets arranged on a rigid component of the bicycle (1), and / or a GPS unit.

9. Influencing device for influencing a determination of a speed of a bicycle (1) having at least two wheels (2, 7), in particular a pedelec, comprising a field generation unit (101) that is designed to provide an electrical and / or magnetic field that varies in time and / or space at at least one detection position on a rigid component of the bicycle (1) for the purpose of determining the speed of the bicycle (1), the field generation unit (101) having at least one field generation element (101') whose provided electrical and / or magnetic field is alterable by control of the field generation unit (101) and controllable such that a speed that differs from the actual speed of the bicycle is determined, the field generation unit (101) being designed to be arrangeable on a mobile, in particular rotating, component of the bicycle (1), wherein a lower speed is emulated by controlling the at least one field generation element (101') such that it is activated only on every n-th revolution and / or wherein a higher speed is emulated by temporarily activating at least one further field generation element.

10. Bicycle (1) having an influencing device according to the preceding claim, the influencing device in particular being arranged on a mobile, in particular rotating, component of the bicycle (1), preferably on a wheel (2, 7) of the bicycle (1).