METHOD FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF AN ELECTRIC BICYCLE

Description

State of the art

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for maintaining an electric bicycle.

[0002] Document WO 2014 / 111186 A1 discloses a generic method for the maintenance of a bicycle.

[0003] Electric bicycles are known to have electric motors that assist the rider's manual pedaling power by generating torque. Maintenance of such electric bicycles, for example, lubricating the chain or adjusting the gears, often involves manual operation of the relevant components by a person. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] In contrast, the method according to the invention with the features of claim 1 is characterized by the fact that particularly simple and time-efficient maintenance of an electric bicycle can be carried out. In particular, motor assistance can be actively used to facilitate maintenance steps. This is achieved according to the invention by a method for maintaining an electric bicycle, which comprises the following steps: activating a maintenance mode of a drive unit of the electric bicycle in response to an activation signal, and operating the drive unit in the maintenance mode in response to a one-time user input via an input unit. During the maintenance mode, the electric bicycle is stationary relative to its surroundings.

[0005] In particular, the drive unit is designed as an electric motor and is preferably configured to assist the manual pedaling force of a rider of the e-bike by providing motor torque during operation of the e-bike. Specifically, the drive unit is configured to generate the motor torque during operation of the e-bike only when the rider applies manual pedal force. Preferably, propulsion of the e-bike by the drive unit alone is prevented.

[0006] In this process, in addition to a driving mode for the drive unit, a maintenance mode is provided, which simplifies maintenance of the e-bike. The maintenance mode of the drive unit can only be active when the e-bike is stationary.

[0007] Preferably, the standstill of the e-bike relative to its surroundings can be actively detected, for example, by means of a sensor system on the e-bike. Preferably, the maintenance mode can only be activated by the activation signal in response to a detected standstill of the e-bike. Alternatively, preferably, the operation of the drive unit in maintenance mode can only be carried out in such a way that no movement of the e-bike is possible, for example, by means of a low output torque.

[0008] By operating the drive unit in maintenance mode, the motor torque generated by the drive unit can be actively used, particularly to facilitate maintenance work. For example, operating the drive unit can actively move parts of an e-bike's drivetrain to simplify the corresponding maintenance tasks.

[0009] Because the drive unit is operated in response to a single user input via the input unit, initiating motor-assisted maintenance is particularly easy for the user. A single user input is defined as a brief activation, similar to pressing a button.

[0010] This means that no continuous operation, such as holding down a button or the like, is required.

[0011] The input unit can take many forms. For example, it can be integrated into the e-bike's on-board computer. Alternatively, it can be a switch on the e-bike itself. Another alternative is that the input unit can be a user device, with the activation signal being transmitted to the e-bike via radio transmission, for example, when the user activates the device using an application.

[0012] The dependent claims contain preferred further developments of the invention.

[0013] Preferably, the drive unit is operated in maintenance mode in a first operating mode such that the bicycle chain of the e-bike is moved. In particular, the drive unit generates an output torque which moves the bicycle chain, especially via a chainring connected to the drive unit. This makes maintenance of the bicycle chain and / or the e-bike's gear system particularly easy and convenient. For example, an operator can lubricate the bicycle chain with particular ease.

[0014] Preferably, the operation of the drive unit is stopped when the bicycle chain has completed a predefined chain path. Chain path is defined as the distance traveled by a predefined point on the bicycle chain, for example, a chain link, during the chain's movement. Preferably, the operation of the drive unit is stopped when the bicycle chain has completed a chain path equal to the total length of the bicycle chain. This means that the operation of the chain preferably results in exactly one complete revolution of the bicycle chain. This makes maintenance of the bicycle chain, for example, for cleaning and / or lubrication, particularly easy and convenient. Preferably, the chain path traveled is related to the rotation of an output shaft of the drive unit via a transmission between the drive unit and the bicycle chain, for example, via a chainring.For example, this allows the output shaft to be rotated by a predefined number of revolutions in order to move the bicycle chain by the predefined chain path.

[0015] Preferably, the method generates an output signal, in particular an acoustic and / or optical and / or haptic signal, when the bicycle chain has traversed a predefined path. Preferably, the output signal is generated when the bicycle chain has traversed a path corresponding to its total length. This means that, for example, after exactly one complete cycle of the bicycle chain, the operator can easily identify, based on the output signal, what portion of the bicycle chain has passed a specific point.

[0016] Preferably, the drive unit is operated with a predetermined maintenance torque, which is a maximum of 20%, in particular a maximum of 10%, and preferably a maximum of 5% of the drive unit's maximum torque. In particular, the maintenance torque is a maximum of 5 Nm, and preferably a maximum of 2 Nm. This passively prevents, for example, hazards to the operator and / or unintentional movement of the e-bike during maintenance mode.

[0017] Preferably, the drive unit is operated at a predetermined maintenance speed, which is a maximum of 20%, in particular a maximum of 10%, preferably a maximum of 5% of the drive unit's maximum speed. This allows, similar to the preceding paragraph, a simple passive prevention of hazards and / or unintentional movement of the e-bike.

[0018] The procedure preferably also includes the following steps: Detecting a blockage in the drivetrain of the electric bicycle, and stopping the operation of the drive unit in response to a detected blockage in the drivetrain.

[0019] For example, blockage detection can be based on a change in torque and / or rotational speed of the drive unit. Stopping the vehicle can prevent damage to the e-bike and, for example, also endanger the operator. The drivetrain is defined as all components of the e-bike that enable torque generation and transmission to drive the rear wheel.

[0020] Particularly preferred is the rotation of a rear wheel of the e-bike by moving the bicycle chain. The method further comprises one or more of the following steps: Automatic diagnosis of an electric bicycle's speed sensor during rear wheel rotation, wherein the speed sensor is configured to detect the rear wheel's rotational speed; automatic diagnosis of an electric bicycle's anti-lock braking system by actuating the anti-lock braking system during rear wheel rotation, in particular wherein the actuating of the anti-lock braking system is achieved by actuating a rear wheel brake; automatic diagnosis of an electric bicycle's gear shift by actuating the gear shift during rear wheel rotation; automatic adjustment of the electric bicycle's gear shift by actuating the gear shift during rear wheel rotation.

[0021] Automatic diagnostics involves a self-check of the e-bike's functionality, for example, via its control unit. This can involve recording sensor data and comparing it to calibration sensor data that reflects a functioning state. A deviation can then indicate a defect.

[0022] Preferably, the drive unit comprises a rotor and a stator, and in maintenance mode, the drive unit is operated in a second operating mode such that the rotor is rotated without generating an output torque. For example, a freewheel between the rotor and the output shaft and / or chainring can be activated. This allows other operating functions of the drive unit to be easily checked and / or adjusted.

[0023] Particularly preferably, the drive unit is operated in maintenance mode in a third operating mode by actuating the drive unit with a predetermined diagnostic current without generating an output torque. For example, the drive unit can be supplied with a diagnostic current in such a way that the rotor does not rotate. In particular, this allows for an automatic check of the drive unit's power supply.

[0024] Preferably the method further comprises the following steps: Detecting the current consumption of the drive unit during operation of the drive unit, especially in the second or third operating mode, and detecting a defect of the drive unit based on the detected current consumption.

[0025] For example, a defect can be detected by comparing the measured current consumption with a target current consumption. This allows for automatic diagnosis of the drive unit in a particularly simple and user-friendly manner.

[0026] Preferably, the activation signal can be generated by user input via the input unit. For example, the operator can activate the maintenance mode by pressing a button or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the activation signal is generated, particularly automatically, in response to sensor-based detection of a maintenance situation. For example, the maintenance situation can be detected in response to predefined accelerations and / or orientations of the e-bike. Alternatively or additionally, the activation signal is generated in response to a connection between the e-bike, particularly a control unit and / or the drive unit of the e-bike, and a maintenance device.The maintenance device can preferably be a computer, which can be used, for example, to read sensor data from the electric bicycle and / or to configure the electric bicycle.

[0027] Preferably, the maintenance situation is detected by a sensor-based overhead detection of the e-bike, for example, based on the e-bike's accelerometers and / or position sensors. That is, if it is detected that the e-bike is in an upside-down orientation, the maintenance mode is automatically activated.

[0028] Preferably, the procedure also includes the following steps: Detecting movement of the e-bike relative to its surroundings and preventing the drive unit from operating if movement is detected while maintenance mode is active. In particular, this easily prevents the drive unit's torque from being used unintentionally to propel the bike. This can also prevent damage or hazards.

[0029] Preferably, the detection of the electric bicycle's movement is based on the rotational speed of a non-driven wheel, for example a front wheel, of the electric bicycle, and / or based on location data and / or based on movement data from a sensor system of the electric bicycle. Brief description of the drawings

[0030] The invention is described below with reference to exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the figures. In the figures, functionally identical components are identified by the same reference numerals. The figures show: Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic view of a method for maintaining an electric bicycle according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Preferred embodiment of the invention

[0031] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a highly simplified schematic view of a method for maintaining an electric bicycle 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0032] The electric bicycle 1 comprises a drive unit 3, which is located in the area of ​​a bottom bracket 15. The drive unit 3 is an electric motor designed to provide motor-assisted assistance to the manual pedaling force of the rider of the electric bicycle 1 by means of a drive torque. During operation of the electric bicycle 1, the drive torque of the drive unit 3 is only provided when the rider is pedaling, which can be detected, for example, by means of a pedal sensor.

[0033] The electric bicycle 1 also includes a chainring 14, which can be driven by the drive unit 3, a bicycle chain 4 and a gear 8. A rear wheel 12 of the electric bicycle 1 is driven via the bicycle chain 4 and the gear 8.

[0034] Furthermore, the electric bicycle 1 includes an anti-lock braking system 7, which comprises an anti-lock unit 71 and a rear brake caliper 72. For example, the anti-lock braking system 7 is part of a hydraulic braking system of the electric bicycle 1. The anti-lock unit 71 is configured to modulate fluid pressure at the rear brake caliper 72 in anti-lock mode to prevent the rear wheel 12 from locking up during braking.

[0035] To enable simple and convenient maintenance of the electric bicycle 1, the method according to the invention is provided.

[0036] In this process, a maintenance mode of the drive unit 3 is first activated in response to an activation signal.

[0037] The activation signal can be generated in various ways. For example, the activation signal can be generated, as in the Figure 1As shown, an input unit 2, which could be, for example, an on-board computer, is connected to a maintenance unit 9. The maintenance unit 9 could, for example, include diagnostic software for diagnosing the electric bicycle 1 or its components.

[0038] Furthermore, the activation signal can be generated automatically when a maintenance situation is detected by sensors on the electric bicycle 1. For example, a position sensor can detect when the electric bicycle 1 is in an upside-down position, as in the Figure 1 The overhead position is characterized by the fact that the electric bicycle 1 is oriented in reverse to its surroundings 50 and the direction of gravity of the Earth's gravitational field compared to a riding position.

[0039] Furthermore, the activation signal can be generated by user input. For example, user input can be provided via input unit 2.

[0040] Alternatively to the one in Figure 1 In the configuration shown, where the input unit 2 is attached to the electric bicycle 1, the input unit 2 can also be part of a user device, such as a smartphone. A user device can transmit the activation signal to the electric bicycle 1, for example, via radio transmission.

[0041] When maintenance mode is activated, the drive unit 3 can be initiated to operate upon a single user input via input unit 2. This means that, for example, after pressing a button once, the drive unit 3 will operate, preferably until the button is pressed again or until a condition occurs that terminates the operation of the drive unit 3.

[0042] The drive unit 3 can be operated in various operating modes. In a first operating mode, the drive unit 3 is operated in such a way that the bicycle chain 4 is moved.

[0043] The movement of the bicycle chain 4 can be achieved in such a way that the rear wheel 12 is rotated. Various steps can be performed during the rotation of the rear wheel 12. In particular, automatic diagnostics, i.e., functional tests, of various components of the electric bicycle 1 can be carried out.

[0044] Preferably, an automatic diagnosis of a speed sensor 6, which is configured to detect the rotational speed of the rear wheel 12, is performed. For example, this can be done by simply validating a rotational speed value. Alternatively or additionally, a predefined rotational speed of the rear wheel 12 can be set by predefined actuation of the drive unit 3 and the switching unit 8, and the measured rotational speed value of the speed sensor 6 can be compared with a target rotational speed value.

[0045] Furthermore, a diagnosis of the anti-lock braking system 7 can be performed. For example, the function of the anti-lock braking system 7 can be tested by actuating the rear brake caliper 72 while the rear wheel 12 is rotating and determining any resulting deceleration of the rear wheel 12's rotation.

[0046] Additionally, an automatic diagnosis of the circuit 8 of the electric bicycle 1 can be performed. Advantageously, the circuit 8 is an electronic circuit, which can be operated, in particular, by a control unit of the electric bicycle 1. For example, a predetermined gear ratio can be automatically set for the diagnosis of the circuit 8, and a deviation from the expected speed at the predetermined gear ratio can be checked based on a detected rotational speed of the rear wheel 12.

[0047] Furthermore, an automatic adjustment, i.e., setting, of the circuit 8 can be carried out. For example, the adjustment can be made by adjusting a shifting mechanism controlled by a control unit of the electric bicycle 1 in order to optimize a shifting function.

[0048] Furthermore, in the first operating mode, the drive unit 3 can be operated in such a way that operation stops when the bicycle chain 4 has completed a predefined chain path. For example, the drive unit 3 can stop operating when the bicycle chain 4 has completed exactly one revolution. This makes maintenance of the bicycle chain 4, such as cleaning or oiling, particularly easy and convenient for the operator.

[0049] Alternatively, instead of stopping the operation of the drive unit 3, an output signal can be generated when the bicycle chain 4 has completed a predefined chain path, for example, exactly one revolution. Such an output signal could be, for example, an acoustic and / or visual and / or haptic output signal.

[0050] Furthermore, the drive unit 3 can be operated in a second operating mode during maintenance. In this second operating mode, the drive unit 3 is operated in such a way that a rotor of the drive unit 3 is rotated without generating any output torque. This allows, for example, verification of the correct functioning of the electromechanical operation of the drive unit 3.

[0051] In the second operating mode, a defect in the drive unit 3 can also be detected by recording the current consumption of the drive unit during operation, based on this recorded current consumption.

[0052] Furthermore, the drive unit 3 can be operated in a third operating mode within the maintenance mode. In this third operating mode, the drive unit 3 is actuated with a predetermined diagnostic current without generating any output torque, and in particular, without setting the rotor in rotation. In this third operating mode, a defect in the drive unit 3 can also be detected by monitoring the current draw.

[0053] While the maintenance mode of drive unit 3 is active, the maximum output torque of drive unit 3 is limited to a predetermined maintenance torque. This maintenance torque is limited to a maximum of 20% of the maximum torque of drive unit 3 during normal operation. This prevents unintentional movement of the e-bike 1 and also minimizes the likelihood of hazards to the operator from the operation of drive unit 3.

[0054] Similarly, the maximum speed of the drive unit 3 during maintenance mode is limited to a maintenance speed, which is a maximum of 20% of the maximum speed of the drive unit 3 in normal driving operation.

[0055] Maintenance mode can be deactivated in various ways. For example, this can be initiated by a deactivation signal, which, like the activation signal, can preferably be generated by user input.

[0056] Alternatively, the maintenance mode can be automatically deactivated or prevented from activating in certain situations. For example, if it is detected that the electric bicycle 1 is moving relative to its surroundings 50, such automatic deactivation or prevention can occur. This movement of the electric bicycle 1 can be detected, for example, based on the rotational speed of a non-driven front wheel 11 of the electric bicycle 1. Alternatively or additionally, movement can be detected based on location data and / or motion data from sensors on the electric bicycle 1.

Claims

1. Method for maintaining an electric bicycle (1), comprising the steps of: - activating a maintenance mode of a drive unit (3) of the electric bicycle (1) in response to an activation signal, - wherein the electric bicycle (1) is stationary relative to an environment (50) during the maintenance mode, characterized by the step of: - operating the drive unit (3) in the maintenance mode in response to a single user input by means of an input unit (2).

2. Method according to Claim 1, wherein operation of the drive unit (3) in a first operating mode is performed in such a way as to move a bicycle chain (4) of the electric bicycle (1).

3. Method according to Claim 2, wherein operation of the drive unit (3) is stopped when the bicycle chain (4) has passed through a predefined chain path.

4. Method according to either of Claims 2 and 3, further comprising the step of: - generating an, in particular acoustic and / or optical and / or haptic, output signal when the bicycle chain (4) has passed through a predefined chain path.

5. Method according to any of Claims 2 to 4, wherein operation of the drive unit (3) is performed with a predetermined maintenance torque, which is at most 20%, in particular at most 10%, preferably at most 5%, a maximum torque of the drive unit (3).

6. Method according to any of Claims 2 to 5, wherein operation of the drive unit (3) is performed at a predetermined maintenance speed, which is at most 20%, in particular at most 10%, preferably at most 5%, a maximum speed of the drive unit (3).

7. Method according to any of Claims 2 to 6, further comprising the steps of: - identifying a blockage in a drive train of the electric bicycle (1), and - stopping operation of the drive unit (3) in response to an identified blockage in the drive train.

8. Method according to any of Claims 2 to 7, wherein a rear wheel (12) of the electric bicycle (1) is rotated by moving the bicycle chain (4), and wherein the method further comprises one or more of the following steps: - automatically diagnosing a speed sensor (6) of the electric bicycle (1) while the rear wheel (12) is rotating, wherein the speed sensor (6) is configured to detect a speed of the rear wheel (12), - automatically diagnosing an anti-lock braking system (7) of the electric bicycle (1) by actuating the anti-lock braking system (7) while the rear wheel (12) is rotating, - automatically diagnosing a gearing system (8) of the electric bicycle (1) by actuating the gearing system (8) while the drive unit (3) is driving, - automatically adjusting the gearing system (8) of the electric bicycle (1) by actuating the gearing system (8) while the drive unit (3) is driving.

9. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the drive unit (3) has a rotor and a stator, and wherein operation of the drive unit (3) in a second operating mode is performed in such a way as to rotate the rotor without an output torque being generated by the drive unit (3).

10. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein operation of the drive unit (3) in a third operating mode is performed by actuating the drive unit (3) with a predetermined diagnostic current without an output torque being generated by the drive unit (3).

11. Method according to either of Claims 9 and 10, further comprising the step of: - detecting a current consumption by the drive unit (3) while the drive unit (3) is operating, and - identifying a defect in the drive unit (3) based on the current consumption detected.

12. Method according to any of the preceding claims, - wherein the activation signal can be generated by means of a user input by means of the input unit (2), and / or - wherein the activation signal is generated in response to sensor-based identification of a maintenance situation, and / or - wherein the activation signal is generated in response to a connection between the electric bicycle (1) and a maintenance device (9).

13. Method according to Claim 12, wherein the maintenance situation is identified in response to sensor-based overhead identification of the electric bicycle (1).

14. Method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising the steps of: - identifying movement of the electric bicycle (1) relative to the environment (50), and - preventing operation of the drive unit (3) when movement of the electric bicycle (1) has been identified while the maintenance mode is active.

15. Method according to Claim 14, wherein identification of the movement of the electric bicycle (1) is performed based on detection of a speed of a nondriven wheel (11) of the electric bicycle (1) and / or based on location and / or movement data from a sensor system of the electric bicycle (1).