Bicycle coupling, electric bicycle and cargo trailer drive system, and control method

Abstract

The proposed solution relates in particular to a bicycle coupling comprising an electric bicycle (1) and a cargo trailer (3) mechanically and detachably coupled to the electric bicycle. The electric bicycle (1) has a first drive system (A1) comprising at least one first motor (16) that supplies externally powered drive torque to drive the wheels (12) of the electric bicycle (1). The cargo trailer (3) has a second drive system (A2) comprising at least one second motor (33) that supplies externally powered drive torque to drive the wheels (31) of the cargo trailer (3). The first drive system (A1) has a first interface (17) configured to generate control signals (s) for controlling the second drive system (A2) and capable of transmitting the control signals (s) to a second interface (36) of the second drive system (A2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The proposed solution relates in particular to a bicycle combination consisting of an electric bicycle and a cargo trailer mechanically detachably connected thereto.

Background Art

[0002] Electric bicycles (also called E-bikes or pedelecs) have become widely recognized. Similarly, cargo bikes also have at least one motor drive device. A cargo bike equipped with a motor drive device usually has a permanently provided transport device such as a transport box. Such cargo bikes are relatively large and usually cannot be used without the transport device.

[0003] Electric cargo trailers for bicycles are also already known and are used especially for transporting relatively bulky and / or heavy loads and also people. These cargo trailers have a dedicated drive system with at least one motor for driving the wheels. This drive system only goes as far as being controlled by its own sensor technology and is often considered to be too slow in operation. For this reason, cargo trailers equipped with a motor drive device often react slowly to changes in driving conditions and are accompanied by a time delay, making control extremely difficult.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] From such a background, the proposed solution aims to provide an improved option regarding the use of cargo trailers equipped with their own motor drive device.

[0005] This object is achieved in particular by the bicycle combination according to claim 1.

[0006] A bicycle coupling is a combination of an electric bicycle and a cargo trailer mechanically and detachably coupled to it. The electric bicycle has a first drive system comprising at least one first motor (e.g., an electric motor), which supplies external power driving torque to drive the wheels of the electric bicycle. The cargo trailer further has a second drive system comprising at least one second motor (e.g., an electric motor), which supplies external power driving torque to drive the wheels of the cargo trailer. The first drive system is configured to generate control signals to control the second drive system. Furthermore, the first drive system of the electric bicycle has a first (communication) interface capable of transmitting control signals to a second (communication) interface of the second drive system of the cargo trailer.

[0007] Therefore, the proposed solution is based on the fundamental concept of using the drive system of the electric bicycle to control the drive system of a cargo trailer mechanically connected to the electric bicycle. Since the electric bicycle can be used independently of the cargo trailer, greater flexibility is achieved compared to a cargo bike with an integrated transport device. By controlling the electric assist of the cargo trailer with a control signal from the electric bicycle's drive system, it is possible to synchronize the electric assist of the cargo trailer and the electric assist of the electric bicycle. The time delay between the supply of auxiliary power to the cargo trailer and its adjustment to the current running state of the electric bicycle and / or the operating state of the first drive system on the electric bicycle is perceived as bothersome by the electric bicycle user, but this can be almost completely eliminated. For example, the proposed solution makes it easy to ensure that electric assist is immediately and continuously available in the cargo trailer when an incline is expected, especially when starting to climb an incline. In dangerous traffic situations, it is possible to reduce or stop the electric assist of the cargo trailer at an early stage, thus preventing the cargo trailer from pushing the electric bicycle forward during braking. Alternatively, the first drive system of the electric bicycle can directly control the second drive system of the cargo trailer in an appropriate manner, depending on the driving and / or operating conditions.

[0008] Therefore, the proposed solution enables improved driving safety and ride comfort when using a cargo trailer equipped with an electric assist function. The time delay in the activation and deactivation of the cargo trailer's electric assist function can be eliminated by controlling it via the first drive system of the electric bicycle. Furthermore, the drive torque of the cargo trailer can be more appropriately adjusted based on the motor output of the electric bicycle.

[0009] The first and second interfaces may be configured and provided for wired or wireless transmission of control signals. In the case of wired transmission, a connecting cable for transmitting control signals may be provided, for example, on the coupling bar or towing bar of a cargo trailer. Such a connecting cable has socket or plug-type connectors at its ends and can provide a wired signal transmission path by plugging into the corresponding connector on the electric bicycle. Alternatively or additionally, the first and second interfaces may each be configured as air interfaces.

[0010] The control signals of the first drive system can be used, for example, to control the amount of drive torque supplied by at least one second motor of the second drive system. This means that the current motor output in the cargo trailer is controllable, and as a result, the degree of electric assist to the drive of the cargo trailer is controllable. This includes, for example, that the drive torque supplied by at least one second motor of the cargo trailer is controllable in proportion to the drive torque supplied by at least one first motor of the first drive system for the electric bicycle. Thus, the current electric assist to the electric bicycle directly determines the electric assist of the cargo trailer, which is adjusted using the transmitted control signals.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, the drive torque supplied to the cargo trailer by at least one second motor of the second drive system can be controlled by a control signal based on at least one sensor signal from at least one sensor provided on the electric bicycle. The corresponding sensor may be provided on or coupled to the first drive system. At least one sensor may be independent of the first drive system, i.e., its sensor signal may not be considered in the control of the first drive system. This is for example, if at least one parameter value indicated by this sensor signal is not directly related to the driving of the electric bicycle but is only related to the control of the cargo trailer. Thus, the first drive system can be configured to process the sensor signal from at least one sensor provided on the electric bicycle to generate a control signal for the second drive system of the cargo trailer, and such a sensor signal does not necessarily have to be used to control the first drive system. Therefore, the sensor signal used to control the second drive system of the cargo trailer may, but does not necessarily, affect the supply of drive torque to the electric bicycle by the first drive system.

[0012] For example, at least one sensor is configured and provided to detect the following: • Electric bicycle speed • Acceleration of electric bicycles • Driving torque acting on an electric bicycle (for example, driving torque acting on a power transmission medium such as a bicycle chain or bicycle belt, or on a driving member of the first drive system connected to the bottom bracket shaft) • The weight of the electric bicycle and / or the load capacity of the electric bicycle, and / or • Activation of at least one brake on the electric bicycle

[0013] Therefore, at least one sensor signal processed by the first drive system to generate a control signal can represent the following: • Electric bicycle speed • Acceleration of electric bicycles • Drive torque of electric bicycles • The weight of the electric bicycle and / or the load capacity of the electric bicycle, and / or • Activation of at least one brake on the electric bicycle

[0014] For example, the operation of at least one motor brake and / or mechanically actuated brake (such as a rim brake, disc brake, or drum brake) on an electric bicycle may be evaluated for braking the electric bicycle. Depending on this evaluation, the motor output of the cargo trailer's second drive system may be reduced, at least one second motor may be stopped, and / or the cargo trailer's electronically controllable braking system may be activated.

[0015] Naturally, one or more sensors for detecting the various parameters mentioned above may be provided in the electric bicycle, particularly in the first drive system.

[0016] In one modified example, the second drive system of the cargo trailer may include a braking device for braking the cargo trailer. This braking device may be controlled by a control signal of the first drive system, in addition to at least one second motor of the second drive system.

[0017] In one modification, the first drive system comprises control electronics for controlling at least one first motor, which may also be configured and provided to generate control signals for controlling a second drive system. In this modification, the control electronics, which are also provided for controlling the motor output of the first drive system, are consequently responsible for generating control signals for controlling the second drive system in the cargo trailer.

[0018] In one modified example, a coupling sensor system is provided that can generate at least one coupling signal when a cargo trailer is (properly) mechanically coupled to an electric bicycle. This at least one coupling signal can then be used to indicate that the cargo trailer is mechanically coupled to the electric bicycle in a predetermined state. The first drive system of the electric bicycle may be configured to transmit a control signal depending on the presence or absence of the at least one coupling signal. This prevents the transmission (and even the generation) of a control signal to the second drive system of the cargo trailer from occurring if it has not been previously detected that the cargo trailer is coupled to the electric bicycle in a predetermined state.

[0019] In one modified example, the first interface is further configured to transmit input signals generated by the user of the electric bicycle to the second interface via a control member. The control member is connected to the first drive system by wire or wireless and can transmit input signals to the first interface. For example, the control member is provided to be mounted on the handlebars, downtube, or crosstube of the electric bicycle. The input signals can be used to control, for example, at least one lighting element on a cargo trailer and / or at least one other electronically functional component on a cargo trailer, in particular to activate and / or deactivate it. For example, the lights on the cargo trailer can be turned on and off by the control member.

[0020] The proposed solution further relates to a (first) electric drive system for an electric bicycle. This drive system includes at least one first motor that supplies externally powered drive torque to drive the wheels of the electric bicycle. Furthermore, the drive system is configured to generate control signals for controlling an additional drive system for a cargo trailer having at least a second motor, and also includes a (communication) interface from which these control signals can be transmitted to a second (communication) interface of the additional drive system.

[0021] Therefore, the proposed (first) drive system of the electric bicycle is particularly suitable for a modified example of the proposed bicycle linkage. Therefore, the advantages and features of the modified examples of the bicycle linkage described above and below are also applicable to the modified examples of the drive system of the electric bicycle, and vice versa.

[0022] For example, the drive system of the electric bicycle may include a multi-stage speed change device including at least one planetary gear device. Such a gear device can provide a plurality of different gear ratios in order to transmit driving torque to the driven member of the drive system. This gear device typically connects the drive shaft of the drive system (in the form of a bottom bracket shaft) and the driven member provided with at least one first motor. Driving force generated by human power can be input to this drive shaft.

[0023] An electric bicycle equipped with a modified example of the proposed (first) drive system is also included in the proposed solution means.

[0024] The proposed solution means also includes a (second) drive system for a cargo trailer that is mechanically detachably connected to the electric bicycle. The proposed drive system includes at least one second motor that supplies driving torque by external power for driving the wheels of the cargo trailer. Further, the (second) drive system is configured to receive a control signal for controlling at least the second motor, and also includes a second (communication) interface capable of receiving the control signal from the first (communication) interface of the drive system of the electric bicycle.

[0025] It is also a fact that the proposed modified example of the (second) drive system of the cargo trailer can be particularly utilized to realize the proposed modified example of the bicycle linkage. Therefore, the features and advantages described above and below with respect to the proposed modified example of the bicycle linkage are also applicable to the modified example of the (second) drive system of the cargo trailer, and vice versa. <�

[0026] Furthermore, a cargo trailer with a proposed (second) variant of the drive system is included in the proposed solution means.

[0027] Furthermore, a method for electronically controlling the second drive system of a cargo trailer is proposed. It is envisaged that the first drive system of an electric bicycle to which the cargo trailer is mechanically detachably connected generates a control signal for controlling the second drive system and transmits the control signal via a first (communication) interface of the first drive system to a second (communication) interface of the second drive system. The control signal is transmitted to the second drive system, particularly for controlling the motor output of a second motor of the second drive system on the cargo trailer side. This can be done based on the driving state of the electric bicycle and / or the operating state of the first drive system, particularly the motor output of the first drive system.

[0028] A variant of the proposed control method can be implemented particularly by a variant of the proposed bicycle connection. Thus, the features and advantages of the variants of the proposed bicycle connection described above and below also apply to variants of the proposed control method, and vice versa.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] The accompanying drawings show a variant of a possible embodiment of the proposed solution means.

[0030] [Figure 1] It is a side view showing a variant of the proposed bicycle connection, in which a control signal from the first drive system of an electric bicycle is transmitted, either wired or wirelessly, to control the second drive system of a cargo trailer. [Figure 2] It is a flowchart of a control method for controlling the second drive system of the cargo trailer of the bicycle connection shown in FIG. 1.

[0031] Figure 1 shows a bicycle assembly including an electric bicycle 1 and a cargo trailer 3 connected to it. The cargo trailer 3 is mechanically and detachably connected to the electric bicycle 1 via a connecting bar 32.

[0032] The electric bicycle 1 includes a first drive system A1 that is at least partially mounted to the frame 10 of the electric bicycle 1. For example, at least one housing that houses the motor drive unit of the first drive system A1 is mounted to the frame 10. Part of the first drive system A1 includes control electronics SE and a sensor device 15. The sensor device 15 includes, for example, a torque sensor and / or a position sensor to detect the torque introduced by human power to the drive shaft that functions as the bottom bracket shaft of the first drive system A1. The sensor device 15 may optionally or additionally include a speed sensor for detecting the rotational speed of the bottom bracket shaft. A driven member of the first drive system A1, such as a hollow output shaft mounted coaxially with the bottom bracket shaft, is connected to the rear wheel 12 of the electric bicycle 1 via a belt or chain 13, which is a power transmission member, to drive the electric bicycle 1. In Figure 1, a wheel sensor 14 for detecting the running speed and / or acceleration of the electric bicycle 1 is provided on the rear wheel 12 as an example. Alternatively, the wheel sensor 14 may be provided on the front wheel 11 of the electric bicycle 1.

[0033] The first drive system A1 of the electric bicycle 1 further includes a control member 2. In Figure 1, this control member 2 is mounted, for example, in the handlebar area of ​​the electric bicycle 1 and connected to control electronics SE. User input can be recorded via the control member 2 and used to control the first motor 16. For example, the control member 2 includes at least one display for informing the user of the electric bicycle 1 about the current operating status of the first drive system A1 (e.g., the currently set assist level, the charge status of the battery supplying energy to the first drive system A1, and / or the gear that defines the gear ratio at which the drive torque introduced to the drive shaft by human power is transmitted to the drive member).

[0034] To supply drive torque from an external power source to drive the electric bicycle 1, the first drive system A1 includes at least one first motor 16 whose motor output can be controlled by control electronics SE. Furthermore, the first drive system A1 includes an interface 17 to which control signals s can be transmitted.

[0035] Interface 17 includes, for example, at least one connector provided on the housing of the first drive system A1, which houses at least the motor 16, for wired transmission of control signals s. Alternatively or additionally, interface 17 may be configured to wirelessly transmit the control signals s. In this case, the control signals s can be transmitted via (communication) interface 17 to a second (communication) interface 36 of the second drive system A2, thereby enabling the cargo trailer 3 in the illustrated bicycle coupling to be driven with electric assist.

[0036] The second drive system A2 of the cargo trailer 3 includes an electronic control unit 35 connected to a second interface 36. This control unit 35 electrically controls at least one second motor 33 of the second drive system A2, and optionally a braking device 34. The wheels 31 of the cargo trailer 3 are driveable by at least one second motor 33 of the second drive system A2. The wheels 31 can be selectively braked by the braking device 34.

[0037] The first drive system A1 of the electric bicycle 1 can function as the main drive system through the electronic coupling of the first and second drive systems A1 and A2 via the first and second interfaces 17 and 36, and can specify the electric assist force to be applied to the second drive system A2 of the cargo trailer 3 and, if necessary, activate the brakes 34 of the trailer 3. The second drive system A2 can be controlled using control signals s in accordance with the results of sensor detection of the running state of the electric bicycle 1 (for example, based on sensor signals from the wheel sensor 14 and / or sensor device 15) and / or in accordance with the operation of the first motor 16 of the electric bicycle 1.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, the control signals sent to the second drive system A2 may take into account the current weight of the electric bicycle 1, the load weight on the electric bicycle 1, and / or the operating state of at least one brake of the electric bicycle 1. These and / or the above sensor detection parameters and the criteria defined thereby can be used for electric assist control provided by the second motor 33 and optionally the braking device 34 of the second drive system A2.

[0039] At least one feedback signal f can also be sent from the second drive system A2 to the first interface 17 of the first drive system A1 via the second interface 36 of the second drive system A2. Such a feedback signal f can be used, for example, to confirm that the control signals s have been transmitted without error and / or to confirm that the control commands to the second drive system A2 indicated by the control signals s have been executed. Alternatively or additionally, the feedback signal f can be used to transmit sensor signals from sensors provided on the cargo trailer 3. Such sensor signals can indicate, for example, the current output of the second motor 33 of the cargo trailer 3, the (gross) weight of the cargo trailer 3, and / or the load capacity of the cargo trailer 3.

[0040] The feedback signal f can be evaluated by the control electronics SE of the first drive system A1. In particular, additional control signals s for the second drive system A2 can be generated based on the feedback signal f, or alternatively or additionally, other parameters detected by the electric bicycle 1. For example, the control electronics SE is configured to first determine whether a change in the output of the second motor 33 of the cargo trailer 3 is actually necessary with respect to the current driving state of the cargo trailer 3 and / or the electric bicycle 1, and then generate and transmit control signals s for controlling the second drive system A2.

[0041] In the bicycle coupling shown in Figure 1, the electric bicycle 1 is further equipped with a coupling sensor system K. This coupling sensor system K can electronically detect whether the coupling bar 32 is mechanically coupled to the electric bicycle 1 in a predetermined state. For example, the coupling sensor system K can detect whether one end of the coupling bar 32 is properly coupled and locked to the electric bicycle 1. In this case, a coupling signal k from the coupling sensor system K is transmitted to the control electronics SE, which can notify that the cargo trailer 3 is properly mechanically coupled to the electric bicycle 1. Only when a coupling signal k indicating this state exists, the control electronics SE generates control signals s that are transmitted to the second drive system A2 of the cargo trailer 3.

[0042] In one modified example, the first interface 17 is further configured to transmit input signals generated by the user of the electric bicycle 1 via the control member 2 to the second interface 36. The user can easily control, for example, at least one lighting element on the cargo trailer 3 and / or at least one other electronic functional component on the cargo trailer 3 using the input signals. For example, the lights on the cargo trailer 3 can be turned on and off using the control member 2.

[0043] Figure 2 shows a series of steps in the control method implemented by the bicycle coupling shown in Figure 1.

[0044] In this control method, in the first step S1, the system initially detects a change in the driving state of the electric bicycle 1 and / or the presence of a control signal for controlling the first motor 16 of the first drive system A1 in the electric bicycle 1. This can change the output of the first motor 16 and alter the operating state of the first drive system A1. In response, in the second step S2 in Figure 2, the control electronics SE checks whether this will cause a change in the electric assist of the cargo trailer 3 and / or whether braking of the cargo trailer 3 will be necessary. Based on the provided parameters and, if necessary, the sensor signals, the control electronics SE determines how much the second drive system A2 needs to be activated. In this case, in the third step S3 in Figure 2, at least one control signal s is generated to activate the second drive system A2 of the cargo trailer 3 and transmitted from the first interface 17 of the electric bicycle 1 to the second interface 36 of the cargo trailer 3. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0045] 1. Electric bicycle 10 frames 11 Front Wheel 12 Rear wheels 13. Chains / Belts (Power Transmission Components) 14 Wheel Sensors 15 Sensor device 16 First Motor 17. First Interface 2 Control Member 3 Cargo Trailers 31 wheels 32 connecting bars 33. Second motor 34 Braking device 35 Control Unit 36. Second Interface A1 First drive system A2 Second drive system f Feedback signal K Linked Sensor System k concatenated signal SE Control Electronics s control signal

Claims

1. A bicycle coupling comprising an electric bicycle (1) and a cargo trailer (3) mechanically detachably connected to the electric bicycle (1), The electric bicycle (1) has a first drive system (A1) which includes at least one first motor (16) that supplies external power driving torque to drive the wheels (12) of the electric bicycle (1), The cargo trailer (3) has a second drive system (A2) which includes at least one second motor (33) that supplies external power driving torque to drive the wheels (31) of the cargo trailer (3), A bicycle coupling characterized in that the first drive system (A1) generates a control signal (s) for controlling the second drive system (A2) and includes a first interface (17) capable of transmitting the control signal (s) to a second interface (36) of the second drive system (A2).

2. The bicycle coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the first interface (17) and the second interface (36) are configured to transmit the control signal (s) by wire or wireless means.

3. The bicycle coupling according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control signal (s) from the first drive system (A1) can be used to control the amount of drive torque supplied by the at least one second motor (33) of the second drive system (A2).

4. The bicycle coupling according to claim 3, characterized in that the control signal (s) from the first drive system (A1) can control the amount of drive torque supplied by the at least one second motor (33) of the second drive system (A2) based on the drive torque supplied by the at least one first motor (16) of the first drive system (A1).

5. The bicycle coupling according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the control signal (s) from the first drive system (A1) can control the amount of drive torque supplied by the at least one second motor (33) of the second drive system (A2) based on at least one sensor signal from at least one sensor (14, 15) provided on the electric bicycle (1).

6. The at least one of the sensors (14, 15) The electric bicycle (1) and / or The acceleration and / or of the electric bicycle (1) The driving torque and / or of the electric bicycle (1) The weight of the electric bicycle (1) and / or the load capacity of the electric bicycle (1) and / or Actuation of at least one brake of the electric bicycle (1) The bicycle connector according to claim 5, characterized in that it is configured to detect [something].

7. A bicycle coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the second drive system (A2) of the cargo trailer (3) comprises a braking device (34) for braking the cargo trailer which is controllable by the control signal (s).

8. The first drive system (A1) includes control electronics (SE) for controlling the at least one first motor (16), The bicycle coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the control electronics (SE) are also configured to generate the control signal (s) for controlling the second drive system (A2).

9. A coupling sensor system (K) is provided that can generate at least one coupling signal (k) when the cargo trailer (3) is mechanically coupled to the electric bicycle (1). The bicycle coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first drive system (A1) is configured to transmit a control signal (s) in response to the at least one coupling signal (k).

10. The bicycle coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first interface (17) is configured to transmit an input signal generated by the user of the electric bicycle (1) via a control member (2) to the second interface (36).

11. The bicycle coupling according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one lighting member on the cargo trailer (3) and / or at least one other electronic functional component on the cargo trailer (3) can be controlled by the input signal, in particular by being activated and / or deactivated.

12. A drive system for an electric bicycle (1), comprising at least one first motor (16) that supplies drive torque by external power to drive the wheels (12) of the electric bicycle (1), The drive system (A1) is configured to generate control signals (s) for controlling other drive systems (A2) of a cargo trailer (3) which has at least one second motor (33), and includes a first interface (17), A drive system characterized in that it is possible to transmit the control signal (s) to the second interface (36) of the other drive system (A2) via the first interface (17).

13. An electric bicycle equipped with the drive system (A1) described in claim 12.

14. A drive system for a cargo trailer (3), comprising at least one second motor (33) that supplies external power driving torque for driving the wheels (31) of the cargo trailer (3), The drive system (A2) is configured to receive a control signal (s) for controlling the at least one second motor (33), and includes a second interface (36), A drive system characterized in that it is possible to receive the control signal (s) from the first interface (17) of the drive system (A1) of the electric bicycle (1) via the second interface (36).

15. A cargo trailer comprising the drive system (A2) described in claim 14.

16. A method for electronically controlling the second drive system (A2) of a cargo trailer (3), The electric bicycle (1) has a first drive system (A1) which includes at least one first motor (16) that supplies external power driving torque to drive the wheels (12) of the electric bicycle (1), The second drive system (A2) of the cargo trailer (3) includes at least one second motor (33) that supplies external power driving torque to drive the wheels (31) of the cargo trailer (3), A method characterized in that the first drive system (A1) generates a control signal (s) for controlling the second drive system (A2), and transmits the control signal (s) to the second interface (36) of the second drive system (A2) via the first interface (17) of the first drive system (A1).

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