Signal generator for determining vehicle speed and vehicle with a signal generator

Description

Disclosure of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to at least one, in particular precisely one, signal generator for determining a vehicle speed, in particular a bicycle speed, comprising a field generating unit designed to generate a signal in the form of a temporally and / or spatially varying magnetic field, wherein the signal generator has electronics for controlling or regulating the field generating unit. It is proposed that the signal have a signal duration that lies in a range between 5 ms and 40 ms, in particular between 8 and 25 ms, preferably between 10 and 18 ms, and that the signal have a signal strength that varies during the signal duration, wherein the signal strength is preferably designed as an amplitude of the signal. Advantageously, a targeted and / or precise vehicle speed signal can be provided by means of the signal generator.

[0002] The vehicle can be designed as a motorized or non-motorized vehicle. The vehicle preferably has a drive unit in the form of an electric motor. The vehicle can be single-track, double-track, or multi-track. The vehicle is preferably designed as an electric bicycle. In the context of this application, an electric bicycle is to be understood in particular as a bicycle that has a drive unit for assisting the rider. The electric bicycle is preferably designed as an e-bike, a pedelec, a cargo bike, a folding bike, or the like. A drive unit of the electric bicycle has a motor, which can be designed, for example, as a mid-engine or a hub motor. The motor is preferably designed as an electric motor. The drive unit is connected to a power supply device for supplying the drive unit with power.The power supply unit is preferably designed as a battery pack and has a battery housing, which is preferably detachably connected to a frame of the bicycle. The electric bicycle comprises electronics with a control unit for controlling or regulating the electric bicycle. The electronics preferably comprise a sensor unit, which can comprise, for example, motion sensors, torque sensors, speed sensors, GNSS receivers, magnetic sensors, or the like. Furthermore, the electronics preferably comprise a communication interface for wirelessly connecting the electric bicycle to a control device and / or a server.

[0003] The signal transmitter is in particular part of a system that includes the signal transmitter and a signal receiver. The signal receiver is designed to detect the signal from the signal transmitter and to determine a vehicle speed based on the signal from the signal transmitter. The vehicle speed can be an actual vehicle speed or a virtual vehicle speed. Whether the determined vehicle speed is an actual or virtual vehicle speed is based on the signal provided by the signal transmitter. The signal receiver is preferably integrated in the vehicle, in particular in the electric bicycle. The signal receiver is preferably assigned to electronics of the vehicle that are provided for controlling or regulating the vehicle, in particular based on the vehicle speed.

[0004] The signal generator is designed in particular as an accessory that can be detachably connected to the vehicle, preferably without tools. The signal generator can comprise one or more components that are connected to one another wirelessly or by wire, with each component having a housing. Preferably, the field generating unit and the electronics of the signal generator are arranged in a single or shared housing. The field generating unit can be designed, for example, as an electromagnet.

[0005] The signal generator preferably comprises at least one power supply unit for supplying power to the field generation unit and / or the electronics. The power supply unit can be rechargeable, for example, a Li-ion battery. The power supply unit can be arranged replaceably in the housing of the signal generator, for example, in a separate compartment protected from dust, moisture, and splash water by a cover.

[0006] The signal duration can be defined as the time during which the signal generator outputs or transmits a signal. Alternatively, the signal duration can also be understood as a half-width of the signal, for example, a half-width of a Gaussian signal. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable for the signal to vary in the generated magnetic field strength and have a minimum and a maximum strength, with the signal duration corresponding to the distance between the extreme points.

[0007] The signal generator preferably comprises a communication interface for the wireless and / or wired exchange of information and / or data between the signal generator and the vehicle and / or an external control device. The external control device can be embodied, for example, as a smartphone, a smartwatch, a computer, or the like. The external control device preferably has application software (APP) for configuring the signal generator. The APP is preferably configured to configure the signal of the signal generator.

[0008] Furthermore, it is proposed that a speed can be determined from the signal, in particular from a signal shape or a distance between two signals. This can advantageously ensure a precise determination of the speed. The signal shape can, for example, be a specific profile of a section of the signal, in particular the profile of a signal edge.

[0009] It is further proposed that the signal generator have a speed detection unit for detecting a speed parameter. This can advantageously optimize the control of the signal. For example, it is conceivable that a speed or a speed parameter is provided to the signal generator via an external control device. It is also conceivable that the vehicle provides the speed parameter to the signal generator in the form of a GPS signal and / or in the form of a speed determined by the vehicle. It is also conceivable that the vehicle has a magnetic element on a component that rotates during travel, such as a wheel, wherein the magnetic element of the vehicle provides the speed parameter in the form of a magnetic field.In particular, the speed parameter, in contrast to the signal from the signal generator, is designed in such a way that an actual vehicle speed can always be determined based on the speed parameter.

[0010] It is also proposed that the speed detection unit have at least one sensor configured to detect a speed signal. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the speed detection unit to have no sensor and for the speed signal to be transmitted as a data signal by the vehicle or the external control device. The sensor can be configured, for example, as a magnetic sensor, in particular a Hall sensor, or as a GNSS sensor.

[0011] Furthermore, it is proposed that the signal duration of the signal be greater than the signal duration of the speed signal. Furthermore, it is proposed that the field generation unit be configured to vary the signal duration of the signal. In particular, the field generation unit is configured to adapt the signal duration of the signal based on the speed characteristic. This advantageously allows the speed to be adjusted and / or corrected.

[0012] It is also proposed that the signal generator comprise a housing, wherein the housing has a mechanical interface for a particularly detachable connection to the bicycle. The housing can be rigid, for example, made of a hard plastic, or flexible, for example, as a shrink tube. The signal generator can be arranged in the area of ​​a front wheel of the bicycle, for example, on a suspension fork, or in the area of ​​a rear wheel of the bicycle.

[0013] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a bicycle, with a signal generator as described above. The signal generator is preferably positioned such that a ratio between a magnetic field strength of the generated signal at a sensor position of the vehicle and a distance of the signal generator from a signal receiver of the bicycle lies in a range between 4 / 10 µT / mm and 200 µT / mm. This advantageously enables reliable determination of the speed. In the context of this application, a magnetic field strength of the generated signal at a sensor position of the vehicle is to be understood in particular as a maximum measurable magnetic field strength of the signal from the field generation unit by a signal receiver of the vehicle.The distance between the signal transmitter and the signal receiver is preferably constant during normal use, with the step of the signal transmitter being adjustable through different mounting positions. The lower limit is in particular designed such that a ratio between the magnetic field strength and the distance corresponds to at least 0.5 µT / mm, preferably at least 2 / 3 µT / mm, more preferably at least 10 µT / mm, particularly preferably at least 4 / 3 µT / mm. The upper limit is in particular designed such that the ratio between the magnetic field strength and the distance corresponds to at most 125 µT / mm, preferably at most 100 µT / mm, preferably at most 75 µT / mm, particularly preferably at most 60 µT / mm.

[0014] From DE 694 12 564 T2 a device for measuring the state of motion of a vehicle by detecting the rotation of a wheel of the vehicle is known Drawings

[0015] Further advantages emerge from the following description of the drawings. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into further meaningful combinations. Features of alternative embodiments are identified by the same reference numerals throughout the description, with an additional letter identifying the embodiment.

[0016] They show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an electric bicycle with a signal generator; Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a signal generator; Fig. 3 shows a flowchart with a method for determining a bicycle speed; Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of an electric bicycle with a signal generator; Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the signal generator; Fig. 6 shows a flowchart with a further method for determining the bicycle speed. Description of the embodiments

[0017] In Fig. 1 A system 10 comprising a bicycle 14 with a first signal generator 44 and a second signal generator 100 for the bicycle 14 is described. The bicycle 14 is embodied, for example, as an electric bicycle 16. The electric bicycle 16 can be embodied, for example, as a pedelec or as an e-bike.

[0018] The electric bicycle 16 has a housing in the form of a frame 20 or a bicycle frame. Two wheels 22 are connected to the frame 20. In addition, the electric bicycle 16 has a power supply unit 24 in the form of a battery pack 25, which is arranged in the frame 20 of the electric bicycle 16 and can be removed by the rider. The electric bicycle 16 also has a drive unit 26, which comprises an electric motor or an auxiliary motor. The electric motor is preferably designed as a permanent magnet, brushless DC motor. The electric motor is designed, for example, as a mid-mounted motor, although a hub motor or the like is also conceivable. The electric bicycle 16, in particular the drive unit 26 of the electric bicycle 16, is supplied with power via the power supply unit 24. The power supply unit 24 can be fastened to the frame 20 from the outside or, as shown by way of example, can be integrated into the frame 20.

[0019] The drive unit 26 comprises an electronic system including a control unit (not shown) designed to control or regulate the electric bicycle 16, in particular the electric motor. The electric bicycle 16 has a pedal crank 28. The pedal crank 28 has a pedal crankshaft (not shown).

[0020] The electronics and the drive unit 26 with the electric motor and the pedal crankshaft are arranged in a drive housing 29 connected to the frame 20. The drive movement of the electric motor is preferably transmitted to the pedal crankshaft via a gear (not shown), wherein the level of assistance provided by the drive unit 26 is controlled or regulated by the electronics. The electronics are designed to control the drive unit such that the rider of the electric bicycle 16 is assisted while pedaling. The drive unit 26 is controlled at least partially based on a bicycle speed determined by the electric bicycle 16. The control unit is preferably designed to be operable by the rider so that the rider can adjust the level of assistance.

[0021] The electronics include a communication interface (not shown) designed to wirelessly connect the electric bicycle 16 to an external device 200, for example, a smartphone 202. The communication interface is embodied, for example, as a short-range communication interface, in particular a Bluetooth interface. The electric bicycle 16 also includes a second communication interface in the form of a long-range communication interface, in particular an LTE interface. In contrast to the short-range communication interface, the long-range communication interface enables a direct data connection to servers, which, for example, have a connection to the Internet.

[0022] The external device 200, for example, has an operating system configured to execute application software (app). The external device 200 can have a bicycle app configured to display operating information of the electric bicycle 16 and / or to control the electric bicycle 16. The bicycle app comprises a plurality of functions, some of which are selectable by the user or rider. Furthermore, the external device 200 preferably has a signal generator app configured to control or adjust the second signal generator 100.

[0023] In addition, the electric bicycle 16, in particular the electronics of the electric bicycle 16, comprises a sensor unit. The sensor unit includes, for example, a magnetic sensor, at least one motion sensor, a GNSS receiver for detecting a location parameter, and a torque sensor.

[0024] In addition, the electric bicycle 16 comprises an operating unit (not shown) for operating the electric bicycle 16. The operating unit is arranged, for example, detachably on a handlebar 30 of the electric bicycle 16. The operating unit has, for example, an on / off switch (not shown in detail), wherein the electric bicycle 16, in particular the drive unit 26, is designed to be activated by actuating the switch. In addition, the electronics are designed to be controllable by means of the operating unit; for example, a selection of an assistance mode of the electric bicycle 16 is possible by operating the operating unit. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable for the operating unit to be designed to control the second signal generator 100.

[0025] The electric bicycle 16 further comprises a speed determination unit 40, which is designed to determine the vehicle speed or the bicycle speed. The speed determination unit 40 comprises at least one signal receiver 42, wherein the signal receiver 42 is designed to detect at least one speed signal and / or one signal.

[0026] The signal receiver 42 is preferably integrated into the electric bicycle 16. For example, the signal receiver 42 is arranged in the drive housing 29 of the drive unit 26 of the electric bicycle 16. The signal receiver 42 comprises, for example, a sensor element associated with the sensor unit of the electric bicycle 16. The sensor element is designed, for example, as a Hall sensor for detecting a magnetic field. The Hall sensor is arranged on a circuit board (not shown) of the electronics of the electric bicycle 16 in the drive housing 29. Alternatively or additionally, other sensor elements are also conceivable, such as the GNSS receiver of the sensor unit of the electric bicycle 16.

[0027] In addition, the speed determination unit 40 includes the first signal transmitter 44. The first signal transmitter 44 is designed as a passive signal transmitter 46. The first signal transmitter 44 is designed, for example, as a magnetic element 48. The magnetic element 48 is attached to a rotating component of the electric bicycle 16, for example the front wheel 22 of the electric bicycle 16. The magnetic element 48 is releasably attached, for example, to a spoke 50 of the front wheel 22. The magnetic element 48 is designed, for example, such that, regardless of the position of the front wheel 22 relative to the signal receiver 42, the field strength of the magnetic element 48 is too low for the signal receiver 42 to detect a speed signal. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the field strength to be large enough to derive a speed signal. The field strength can be adjusted by selecting the type and size of the magnetic element 48 as well as the positioning of the magnetic element 48.For example, positioning the magnetic element 48 on or within a wheel rim 52 of the front wheel 22 is also conceivable, whereby the field strength at the position of the signal receiver 42 can be increased during the rotation of the first signal transmitter 44. Depending on the position of the magnetic element 48 and the sensitivity of the signal receiver 42, detection of a speed characteristic by the signal receiver 42 is thus possible or conceivable.

[0028] The second signal generator 100 is in Figure 2shown in a perspective view. The second signal generator 100 has a housing 102, which is made, for example, from a hard plastic. The housing 102 comprises a mechanical interface 104, which is designed for the attachment of the second signal generator 100 to or in the electric bicycle 16, in particular to or in the frame 20 of the electric bicycle 16, in a manner that can be released without tools. By way of example, the mechanical interface 104 is designed for the attachment of the second signal generator 100 to a bicycle fork 54, in particular to a suspension fork, of the electric bicycle 16. For this purpose, the mechanical interface 104 has, for example, a receptacle 105 for partially receiving the bicycle fork 54. The receptacle 105 is designed, for example, to be elastic such that the housing 102 of the second signal generator 100 can be clamped to the bicycle fork 54 for a force-locking and form-locking connection.The mechanical interface 104 is preferably designed such that the second signal transmitter 100 can be connected to different bicycle forks 54 and / or at different positions on the bicycle fork 54 or another component of the electric bicycle 16. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable for the second signal transmitter 100 to be arranged on the rear wheel. This advantageously allows one housing 102 to be used for different electric bicycles 16, and moreover, the field strength detectable by the signal receiver 42 can be adjusted by positioning the second signal transmitter 100. Alternatively, the housing 102 of the second signal transmitter 100 can also be connected to another component of the electric bicycle 16, in particular another part of the frame 20 or the drive housing 29.Alternatively or additionally, other types of connection are also conceivable, such as a screw connection, a Velcro fastener or the like.

[0029] The second signal generator 100 further comprises a field generating unit 106, which is designed to generate a signal in the form of a temporally and / or spatially varying magnetic field. The field generating unit 106 is embodied, for example, as an electromagnet 108, in particular as a coil 110. Furthermore, the second signal generator 100 comprises electronics 112 for controlling or regulating the field generating unit 106. In particular, the electronics 112 are designed to control the field generating unit 106 to adjust the field strength and / or shape of the emitted magnetic field. For example, the second signal generator 100 further comprises a power supply 114, which is embodied, for example, in the form of a Li-ion round cell. The power supply 114, the electronics 112, and the field generating unit 106 are electrically connected to one another.Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the second signal generator 100 is electrically connected to the electric bicycle 16, in particular the battery pack 25 of the electric bicycle 16.

[0030] The second signal generator 100 is preferably configured such that a ratio between a magnetic field strength of the generated signal at a sensor position of the electric bicycle 16 and a distance D of the second signal generator 100 from the signal receiver 42 of the electric bicycle 16 lies in a range between 4 / 10 µT / mm and 200 µT / mm. The sensor position is, for example, the position of the signal receiver 42 of the electric bicycle 16.

[0031] In addition, the second signal generator 100 optionally has a speed detection unit 116. The speed detection unit 116 is designed to detect a speed signal based on the first signal generator 44 of the electric bicycle 16. The speed detection unit 116 is assigned to the electronics 112 of the second signal generator 100. The speed detection unit 116 comprises, for example, a sensor in the form of a reed switch. In addition, the speed detection unit 116 is designed to determine a speed characteristic based on the speed signal. The determined speed characteristic is used to control the field generation unit 106, wherein the speed characteristic can be designed such that an actual or a virtual speed can be determined based on the speed characteristic of the second signal generator 100.The virtual speed may be higher or lower than the actual speed.

[0032] In addition, the second signal generator 100 includes a communication interface 117. The communication interface 117 is embodied, for example, as a wireless communication interface, preferably as a Bluetooth interface. The communication interface 117 of the second signal generator 100 is preferably configured such that information can be exchanged between the second signal generator 100 and the electric bicycle 16 and / or the external device 200.

[0033] In Figure 3 A flowchart with an exemplary method for determining a bicycle speed is shown.

[0034] In a first step 300, the electric bicycle 16 is moved such that the front wheel 22 rotates with the first signal generator 44 and is periodically moved past the second signal generator 100.

[0035] In a second step 302, the first signal transmitter 44 is periodically detected once with each rotation by the second signal transmitter 100, in particular by the speed detection unit 116 of the second signal transmitter 100. The detection of the presence of the first signal transmitter 44, in particular the time interval between the detections, corresponds to a speed signal from which a bicycle speed can be determined. A size of the rim and / or the wheel 22 can be stored on the electronics 112, in particular a data memory (not shown) of the electronics 112, of the second signal transmitter 100, or on the electronics of the electric bicycle 16. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the size of the rim and / or the wheel 22 is provided by the external device 200. This can be done, for example, automatically or by an input from a user and / or rider.

[0036] In a third step 304, the field generation unit 106 of the second signal generator 100 is controlled based on the information acquired by the speed detection unit 116. The speed detection unit 116 detects a speed signal, and the actual speed of the electric bicycle 16 can be determined based on the speed signal. The field generation unit 106 then emits a signal in the form of a temporally and / or spatially varying magnetic field. The signal has a signal duration in a range between 5 ms and 40 ms, for example 10 ms. In addition, the signal strength of the signal is varied during the signal duration, for example such that the signal strength is maximum in the middle of the signal. Between two signals, the signal strength is essentially zero.

[0037] In a fourth step 306, the signal of the second signal generator 100 is detected by the signal receiver 42 of the electric bicycle 16.

[0038] In a fifth step 308, the bicycle speed is determined by the speed determination unit 40 of the electric bicycle 16 based on the signal from the second signal generator 100.

[0039] The second signal generator 100 can thus be used to optimally and precisely determine the bicycle speed. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that a signal is provided to the system for system testing purposes, based on which a virtual bicycle speed, in particular one that is too low or too high, is determined.

[0040] In Fig. 4 is a second embodiment of an electric bicycle 16a with a second signal generator 100a (see Fig. 5 ) is shown in a perspective view.

[0041] The electric bicycle 16a differs from the previously described electric bicycle 16 in particular in that the speed determination unit 40a of the electric bicycle 16a does not have a first signal generator and thus no magnet is attached to the wheels 22a.

[0042] The second signal generator 100a differs from the previously described second signal generator 100 in particular in that the second signal generator 100a does not have a speed detection unit with a reed switch as previously described.

[0043] In this embodiment, the speed is determined without a signal generator attached to a movable bicycle component.

[0044] In Figure 6 is a method for determining a bicycle speed based on the system according to Figure 3 shown.

[0045] In a first step 400, a speed characteristic is provided to the second signal generator 100a by means of the external device 200a. The speed characteristic can be an actual speed characteristic, by means of which an actual speed of the electric bicycle 16a can be determined, or a virtual speed characteristic, by means of which the actual speed of the electric bicycle 16a cannot be determined.

[0046] In a second step 402, the field generation unit 106a of the second signal generator 100a is controlled based on the detected speed characteristic and a signal is generated.

[0047] In a third step 404, the signal from the second signal transmitter 100a is detected by the speed determination unit 40a of the electric bicycle 16a, in particular the signal receiver 42a of the electric bicycle 16a. In a fourth step 406, the electric bicycle 16a, in particular the drive unit 26a of the electric bicycle 16a, is controlled based on the signal from the second signal transmitter 100a. Alternatively or additionally, a speed of the electric bicycle 16a can also be displayed on the electric bicycle 16a based on the signal from the second signal transmitter 100a.

Claims

1. Signal transmitter for determining a vehicle speed, in particular a bicycle speed, having a field generation unit (106) designed to generate a signal in the form of a magnetic field that varies in time and / or space, wherein the signal transmitter (100) has electronics (112) for open-loop or closed-loop control of the field generation unit (106), characterized in that the signal has a signal duration in a range between 5 ms and 40 ms and in that the signal has a signal strength that varies over the signal duration.

2. Signal transmitter according to Claim 1, characterized in that a speed can be determined by means of the signal, in particular by means of a shape of the signal or by means of a spacing between two signals.

3. Signal transmitter according to either one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal transmitter (100) has a speed detection unit (116) for determining a speed characteristic variable.

4. Signal transmitter according to Claim 3, characterized in that the speed detection unit (116) has a sensor designed for detecting a speed signal.

5. Signal transmitter according to Claim 4, characterized in that the signal duration of the signal is formed to be greater than a signal duration of the speed signal.

6. Signal transmitter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the field generation unit (106) is designed to vary the signal duration of the signal.

7. Signal transmitter according to any one of Claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the field generation unit (106) is designed to adapt the signal duration of the signal based on the speed characteristic variable.

8. Signal transmitter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal transmitter (100) has a housing (102), wherein the housing (102) has a mechanical interface (104) for the, in particular releasable, connection to a bicycle.

9. Signal transmitter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal transmitter (100) has a communication interface for the wireless and / or wired exchange of information and / or data between the signal transmitter (100) and a smartphone.

10. Signal transmitter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal transmitter (100) has a housing (102) designed to be connectable to a drive housing (29).

11. Vehicle, in particular bicycle, having a signal transmitter (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. Vehicle, in particular electric bicycle (16), according to Claim 11, wherein the signal transmitter (100) is positioned in such a way, that a ratio between a magnetic field strength of the generated signal at a sensor position of the electric bicycle (16) and a distance between the signal transmitter (100) and a signal receiver (42) of the electric bicycle (16) is in a range between 4 / 10 µT / mm and 200 µT / mm.