Monitoring device and method for monitoring

Abstract

The invention relates to a monitoring device (9) of a vehicle (1) for monitoring the driver of the vehicle (1), said vehicle comprising: a steering device (5) for steering the vehicle (1); a handle (6) enabling the driver to hold the steering device (5) of the vehicle (1) with one hand; a brake (7) for braking the vehicle (1); and a brake-actuating element (8) for actuating the brake (7) of the vehicle (1), wherein a monitoring sensor (10), which monitors whether the handle (6) is gripped by a hand, is provided in or on the brake-actuating element (8). The invention also relates to a vehicle (1) and to a method for operating a monitoring device (9) of a vehicle (1).

Description

[0001] Monitoring device and monitoring procedures

[0002] The invention relates to a monitoring device, a vehicle with a monitoring device and a method for monitoring.

[0003] Vehicles are known in the state of the art, for example, two-wheelers, in particular bicycles, electrically assisted bicycles, electrically powered bicycles, also known as electric bicycles, e-bikes, pedelecs, or S-pedelecs, etc., in which the rider sits on the vehicle while riding. In the event of an accident, the rider typically leaves the vehicle, such as in the case of a fall. In some cases, the fall may have significant consequences for the health of the rider or any passenger, so an automated emergency call would certainly be desirable in some accident situations.

[0004] DE 10 2006 040 389 B4 discloses an impact detection sensor for a motorcycle that detects an impact during an accident and, based on the detected impact of the motorcycle, triggers an airbag to protect the motorcycle rider. These impact detection sensors are arranged on both sides of the rear of the front wheel fork and, as acceleration sensors, detect the acceleration during an impact. A control device then evaluates the impact signal and determines whether the generated impact signal originates from a collision or not. Such a system is relatively costly and also relatively unsuitable for a bicycle because the impacts that occur when riding a bicycle, especially when riding off-road, can be relatively strong, making it difficult to distinguish them from an accident.

[0005] DE 102016 225 489 B4 discloses a pedelec comprising an acceleration sensor and a radar sensor. The radar sensor monitors the distance to an object, and the acceleration sensor monitors any acceleration acting on the pedelec, so that a dangerous situation or an accident is detected when the distance to an object is exceeded by a certain amount and the acceleration exceeds the specified amount. The use of a radar sensor is considered expensive and requires a lot of maintenance over time, and the reliability of the radar signal for accident detection also leaves much to be desired.

[0006] DE 10 202 201 221 1 discloses a method for checking the plausibility of an accident situation in a two-wheeler or electric bicycle, in which a sensor value of a first sensor, by which an accident situation is detected, is checked against a sensor value of a second sensor. In this case, the output of an accident situation is suppressed depending on the sensor value of the second sensor. In this case, the second sensor value which monitors the movement, operation or condition of the two-wheeler or electric bicycle is recorded, wherein the second sensor value is only determined when the accident information is available from the first sensor. As a result, attention is essentially only paid to data relating to the two-wheeler which is used to trigger an automated emergency call, which can also lead to incorrect conclusions. The object is to create a monitoring device, a vehicle with a monitoring device and a monitoring method, whichwhich is improved over the state of the art and allows a more reliable generation of an automated emergency call signal.

[0007] The problem of the monitoring device is solved with the features of claim 1.

[0008] One embodiment of the invention relates to a monitoring device of a vehicle for monitoring the driver of the vehicle, having a steering device for steering the vehicle, having a handle for holding the steering device of the vehicle with one hand of the driver, having a brake for braking the vehicle, and having a brake actuating element for actuating the brake of the vehicle, wherein a monitoring sensor is provided in or on the brake actuating element, which monitors whether the handle is grasped by a hand. The vehicle is preferably a two-wheeler, a three-wheeler, or a four-wheeler, in particular a bicycle, an electric bicycle, a pedelec, an S-pedelec, an e-bike, etc. Monitoring is preferably carried out in such a way that it is assumed that the driver basically holds the handle in their hand constantly, or with brief exceptions, in order to hold on to it and to steer and brake.Often, gear shifting and / or additional functions are also performed on or near the handle. This monitors whether the hand is on the handle, so it can be assumed that normal operating conditions exist. However, if the hand is not on the handle for an extended period of time and additional information and / or sensor signals are available, an accident or fall can be assumed, allowing an emergency signal to be generated and transmitted.

[0009] In a further embodiment, it is expedient for the monitoring sensor to generate a sensor signal representing whether or not the handle is being grasped by a hand. This is done, for example, by the sensor comparing data recorded with a hand on the handle and data recorded with the handle without a hand, or by the sensor being able to directly detect the handle without a hand and a hand on the handle based on a 3-dimensional resolution. For example, a measurement of the handle without a hand can be taken for calibration, which can be done, for example, when installing the handle or when replacing the handle.

[0010] It is also advantageous if the monitoring sensor is an optical sensor, especially one based on the time-of-flight principle. The optical sensor can be used, for example, to capture images that can be compared with a reference image. The time-of-flight sensor can generate a 3D image that allows the hand on the handle, or just the handle, to be recognized directly or by comparison with a reference image.

[0011] It is also particularly advantageous if the steering device is a handlebar and the brake actuating element is a brake lever. This allows, for example, use on a bicycle. The object of the vehicle is achieved with the features of claim 5.

[0012] One embodiment of the invention relates to a vehicle with at least two wheels, a steering device for steering the vehicle, at least one handle for holding the steering device of the vehicle with one of the driver's hands, at least one brake for braking the vehicle, and at least one brake actuating element for actuating the brake of the vehicle. At least one monitoring device according to the invention is provided for monitoring the driver of the vehicle. This allows the driver to be monitored reliably.

[0013] It is particularly advantageous if two handles are provided for holding the vehicle's steering mechanism, each with one of the driver's hands, and at least two brake actuation elements are provided for actuating at least one brake of the vehicle. At least one monitoring device, preferably two monitoring devices, is or are provided for monitoring the driver of the vehicle. This can result in greater monitoring reliability.

[0014] It is also useful if the vehicle is a two-wheeler, a three-wheeler or a four-wheeler, in particular a bicycle, an electric bicycle, a pedelec, an S-pedelec, an e-bike, etc. The monitoring of the driver can therefore be carried out in a wide variety of ways.

[0015] The object of the method is achieved with the features of claim 8. One embodiment of the invention relates to a method for operating a monitoring device according to the invention in a vehicle according to the invention, wherein the sensor signal of the at least one monitoring sensor is repeatedly queried or checked, in particular periodically, in order to monitor whether at least one of the driver's hands is on the handle. This ensures that the driver's presence is present in an operating situation that can be described as normal. If this is the case, the generation and transmission of an emergency signal can be dispensed with.

[0016] In a further embodiment, it is also expedient to send an emergency signal if at least one or none of the driver's hands are no longer detected on the handle. If the driver cannot be detected on the handle according to the handle monitoring, an emergency signal can be generated and sent.

[0017] It is advantageous if the emergency signal is only transmitted if a predefined waiting time has elapsed and / or another sensor signal from another sensor has detected an accident and / or fall, and if the emergency signal has not been manually deactivated. This can prevent unintentional or unwanted transmission of an emergency signal.

[0018] The invention will now be explained in detail using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention, in particular a bicycle with electric drive assistance, and

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a steering device with handle and brake actuating element with monitoring sensor.

[0020] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 is represented as a two-wheeler with two wheels 2. However, it can also be designed in another way, for example as a three-wheeler, a quadricycle, etc., whereby the number of wheels 2, their size, etc., are not important in the embodiment according to the invention.

[0021] Vehicle 1 is depicted as a bicycle, which, for example, also has an electric drive assistance system with an electric motor s and an electrical energy storage device 4, such as a battery. The bicycle can therefore be an electric bicycle, a pedelec, an S-pedelec, an e-bike, etc. The bicycle can also be designed without such an electric drive assistance system.

[0022] The illustrated vehicle 1 has at least two wheels 2. It further comprises a steering device 5 for steering the vehicle 1. The steering device 5 is designed with at least one handle 6, preferably with two handles 6, for holding the steering device 5 of the vehicle 1 with one hand of the driver of the vehicle. Furthermore, the vehicle 1 is designed with at least one brake 7 for braking the vehicle 1, wherein at least one brake actuating element 8 is provided for actuating the brake 7 of the vehicle 1. The brake actuating element 8 is preferably a brake lever, as can be seen in Figure 2.

[0023] Furthermore, at least one monitoring device 9 with a monitoring sensor 10 is provided for monitoring the driver of the vehicle 1.

[0024] Advantageously, at least one monitoring device 9, preferably two monitoring devices 9, is provided, so that, for example, one monitoring sensor 10 or two or more monitoring sensors are provided. Preferably, one monitoring sensor 10 is provided per brake actuation element 8, or one monitoring sensor 10 per brake actuation element 8 per handle 6.

[0025] In the vehicle 1 shown in Figure 1, two handles 6 are preferably provided for holding the steering device 5 of the vehicle 1, in order to be able to grip the two handles 6 with one hand each, i.e. the steering device 5 with both hands of the driver.

[0026] Preferably, at least two brake actuation elements 8 are also provided for actuating at least one brake 7 of the vehicle 1. The monitoring device 9 serves to monitor the driver of the vehicle 1. It has a monitoring sensor 10, which monitors whether the handle 6 is grasped by a hand.

[0027] The monitoring sensor 10 generates a sensor signal that represents whether or not the handle 6 is grasped by a hand. This sensor signal is generated and forwarded to indicate a possible emergency situation.

[0028] The monitoring sensor 10 is an optical sensor. The monitoring sensor 10 is preferably an optical sensor based on the time-of-flight principle. Such an optical sensor based on the time-of-flight principle emits light, for example infrared light. The emitted light strikes an object, is reflected there, and returns to the monitoring sensor 10. The time it takes to return is measured and evaluated. This allows a three-dimensional structure of the reflecting object to be determined. When used as a monitoring sensor 10, either the empty handle 6 or a handle 6 with a grasping hand can be detected, so that the presence of the driver can be inferred.

[0029] The method for operating a monitoring device 9 in a vehicle 1 provides, for example, that the sensor signal of at least one monitoring sensor 10 is repeatedly queried or checked, in particular periodically, in order to monitor whether at least one of the driver's hands is on the handle 6. This also makes it possible to detect that the hand is only briefly absent from the handle 6, for example, in order to avoid false signals. Accordingly, in the event that at least one or both of the driver's hands are no longer detected on the handle 6, an emergency signal can be sent.

[0030] The emergency signal can, for example, only be sent if a predefined waiting time has elapsed and / or another sensor signal from another sensor has detected an accident and / or fall and there is also no manual deactivation of the emergency signal.

[0031] Accordingly, if an emergency signal is sent inadvertently, the transmission of the emergency signal can be prevented, for example, by pressing a button. Otherwise, an emergency signal would be sent if the necessary conditions were met, for example, via radio or telecommunications.

Claims

Patent claims Monitoring device (9) of a vehicle (1) for monitoring the driver of the vehicle (1), with a steering device (5) for steering the vehicle (1), with a handle (6) for holding the steering device (5) of the vehicle (1) with a hand of the driver, with a brake (7) for braking the vehicle (1), with a brake actuating element (8) for actuating the brake (7) of the vehicle (1), wherein a monitoring sensor (10) is provided in or on the brake actuating element (8), which monitors whether the handle (6) is grasped by a hand. Monitoring device (9) according to claim 1, characterized in that the monitoring sensor (10) generates a sensor signal which represents whether the handle (6) is grasped by a hand or not. Monitoring device (9) according to claim 1, characterized in that the monitoring sensor (10) is an optical sensor, in particular an optical sensor according to the time-of-flight principle.Monitoring device (9) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the steering device (5) is a handlebar and the brake actuating element (8) is a brake lever. Vehicle (1) with at least two wheels (2), with a steering device (5) for steering the vehicle (1), with at least one handle (6) for holding the steering device (5) of the vehicle (1) with one hand of the driver, with at least one brake (7) for braking the vehicle (1), with at least. a brake actuating element (8) for actuating the brake (7) of the vehicle (1), wherein at least one monitoring device (9) according to one of the preceding claims is provided for monitoring the driver of the vehicle (1). Vehicle (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that two handles (6) are provided for holding the steering device (5) of the vehicle (1), each with one of the driver's hands, and that at least two brake actuating elements (8) are provided for actuating at least one brake (7) of the vehicle (1), wherein at least one monitoring device (9), preferably two monitoring devices (9), according to one of the preceding claims is or are provided for monitoring the driver of the vehicle (1). Vehicle (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the vehicle (1) is a two-wheeler, a three-wheeler, or a four-wheeler, in particular a bicycle, an electric bicycle, a pedelec, an S-pedelec, an e-bike, etc.Method for operating a monitoring device (9) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4 in a vehicle (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the sensor signal of the at least one monitoring sensor (10) is repeatedly, in particular periodically repeatedly queried or checked in order to monitor whether at least one hand of the driver is on the handle (6). Method according to claim 8, characterized in that if at least one of the driver's hands or none of the driver's hands is no longer detected on the handle (6), an emergency signal is transmitted. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the emergency signal is only transmitted if, in addition, a predeterminable waiting time has elapsed and / or a further sensor signal from a further sensor has detected an accident and / or fall, and, in addition, there is no manual deactivation of the emergency signal.

Images