Electric bicycle assembly with a drive system for setting the gear ratio based on a target pedal rotation speed.

Abstract

The electric bicycle (F) assembly comprises a drive system (A) having a control device (2), a gear shift (3) adjustable for setting the gear ratio, and an electric drive motor (4) for providing electric assist torque in the gear shift (3), wherein the control device (2) sets a target value for pedal rotation speed (T SW , T SW The control unit (2) is designed to set the gear ratio of the transmission (3) based on '). The control unit (2) also sets the pedal rotation target value (T) based on at least one driving condition parameter (FS) indicating the driving condition. SW , T SW It is designed to change ').

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric bicycle assembly as described in the premise portion of claim 1. [Background technology]

[0002] Such an assembly comprises a drive system having a control unit, a transmission adjustable for setting the gear ratio, and an electric drive motor for providing electric motor-driven assist torque in the transmission. The control unit is configured to set the gear ratio of the transmission based on a target pedal rotation speed.

[0003] Electric bicycles equipped with an electric motor drive system are made capable of providing assist torque generated by an external power source to drive the electric bicycle, thereby allowing the motor to assist the driving force applied by human action via pedals connected to the pedal shaft of the drive system. For the user of the electric bicycle to control the drive system, control components are usually provided, which are typically mounted on the handlebars of the electric bicycle. Such control components make it possible, for example, to control how high the assist from at least one of the electric motors of the drive system should be. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] Such control components allow the user of an electric bicycle to specify, for example, a target pedal rotation speed, and based on this, the control unit adjusts so that the user's pedal rotation speed for driving the electric bicycle remains substantially constant during use. Because the adjustment is made relative to the target pedal rotation speed, the setting of the gear ratio of the transmission can be done as automatically as possible in the manner adjusted by the control unit. The user specifies the target pedal rotation speed, for example, via the electric bicycle's control unit, and the transmission is then controlled by the control unit to set the gear ratio. Therefore, the user only needs to specify the target pedal rotation speed, and the shifting of the transmission to set the gear ratio is then automatically controlled by the control unit, thus reducing the number of control commands the user needs to perform. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The objective of this invention is to further simplify user operability in the assembly of an electric bicycle.

[0006] This objective is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1.

[0007] According to this, the control device is configured to change the target pedal rotation speed value based on at least one driving condition parameter that indicates the driving conditions.

[0008] The control unit is configured to set the gear ratio of the transmission based on a target pedal rotation speed. During operation, the number of pedal rotations the user makes to propel the electric bicycle is controlled based on the target pedal rotation speed, resulting in a pedal rotation speed that is at least approximately equal to the target value.

[0009] In this case, the control device is configured to automatically change the target pedal rotation speed if it determines that a change is necessary based on at least one driving condition parameter indicating the driving conditions. Such driving condition parameters may be, for example, the speed of the electric bicycle, the acceleration of the electric bicycle, the weight of the electric bicycle, or the user's pedaling force. One or more driving condition parameters are evaluated by the control device to identify, based on the evaluation, whether an adjustment to the target pedal rotation speed is necessary. Depending on one or more driving condition parameters, the target pedal rotation speed is thus automatically adjusted by the control device, and after the adjustment, the pedal rotation speed is further adjusted to the newly adjusted target pedal rotation speed.

[0010] In one embodiment, the assembly has a first sensor device for acquiring the current pedal rotation value. The first sensor device can be mounted, for example, in the area of ​​the pedal bearing and may have, for example, one or more Hall sensors, which can detect the rotational motion of the pedals of the electric bicycle operated by the user. The control device is configured to adjust the gear ratio of the transmission based on the current pedal rotation value and the target pedal rotation speed so that a pedal rotation speed approximately corresponding to the target pedal rotation speed is obtained.

[0011] For example, if the first sensor device detects that the current pedal rotation speed is higher than the target pedal rotation speed, the gear ratio can be increased, resulting in increased pedal resistance and the user pedaling more slowly. Conversely, if the first sensor device detects that the current pedal rotation speed is lower than the target pedal rotation speed, the gear ratio can be decreased, resulting in reduced pedal resistance and therefore the user pedaling faster.

[0012] In one embodiment, the transmission is continuously adjustable. Therefore, the gear ratio can be set continuously.

[0013] The riding condition parameters may be a speed value indicating the speed of the electric bicycle, an acceleration value indicating the acceleration of the electric bicycle, a weight value indicating the weight of the electric bicycle, a pedaling force value indicating the user's pedaling force, or a gradient value indicating a positive or negative gradient. Here, the control device may be configured to evaluate the riding condition parameters or a combination of multiple riding condition parameters in order to adjust the target pedal rotation speed. One or more riding condition parameters may define a specific riding condition that can be identified by evaluating the riding condition parameters, and as a result, the target pedal rotation speed may be set and adjusted based on the identified riding condition.

[0014] If the driving condition parameter is driving speed, and the control device is pre-configured to set a predetermined pedal rotation speed target value (e.g., 80 rpm) for a driving condition defined by a specific driving speed (e.g., in the range of 20 km / h to 25 km / h), then when that driving condition is detected, the pedal rotation speed target value, which serves as the adjustment criterion for pedal rotation speed, will be automatically set to the value associated with that condition (e.g., 80 rpm).

[0015] Furthermore, or alternatively, the acceleration of the bicycle can be taken into account, for example, to determine whether the bicycle is accelerating or traveling at a nearly constant speed within a range of riding conditions.

[0016] Furthermore, the weight of the bicycle (with the user seated) can be taken into account. For example, the target pedal rotation speed may be set differently depending on whether the weight is heavier or lighter.

[0017] In one embodiment, the assembly includes a sensor device for acquiring velocity and / or acceleration values. Such a sensor device can be placed, for example, in the area of ​​the wheels of an electric bicycle and can detect the rotational speed of the wheels. In another embodiment, such a sensor device can be configured, for example, by a GPS system, which can acquire the speed and acceleration of the bicycle.

[0018] In one embodiment, the assembly has a sensor device for acquiring a weight value. By this sensor device, the weight value of the bicycle when the user is seated can be measured. The sensor device can be constituted by, for example, a force sensor disposed in a region of the frame, such as a bumper region.

[0019] In one embodiment, the assembly has a sensor device for acquiring a pedaling force value. Such a sensor device can be disposed, for example, in a region of the pedal of an electric bicycle and can measure the pedaling force applied by the user.

[0020] The control device can determine the presence or absence of a predetermined driving situation by evaluating the output values of various sensor devices and adjust the target value of the pedal rotation speed based on the identified driving situation.

[0021] In one embodiment, the assembly has an operating component that can be operated by the user of the electric bicycle and enables manual setting of the target value of the pedal rotation speed by the user. Such an operating component can be disposed, for example, on the handlebar of the electric bicycle and can be manually operated by the user to set the target value of the pedal rotation speed. Based on the manually set target value of the pedal rotation speed, the control device can control the transmission so that the pedal rotation speed is adjusted to the target value of the pedal rotation speed manually set by the user.

[0022] The target value of the pedal rotation speed manually set by the user can be maintained, for example, unless there is a (substantial) change in the driving situation. When it is detected by the control device based on one or more driving situation parameters that there is another driving situation, the target value of the pedal rotation speed can be automatically set and adjusted by the control device.

[0023] In one embodiment, the control device is configured to execute a learning algorithm, which is set to store the setting of the pedal rotation target value performed by the user in association with a driving situation characterized by at least one driving situation parameter. Thus, within the framework of the learning algorithm, the control device learns specific driving situations, which are accumulated and stored in the control device. For example, if the control device detects that the user normally sets the pedal rotation target value to a specific value at a driving speed of 20-25 km / h, this can be stored in the control device so that in subsequent automatic operations when the corresponding driving situation is detected, the pedal rotation target value is automatically set to the stored value.

[0024] A riding situation may arise that is defined by one or more riding condition parameters. For example, if, through the execution of a learning algorithm, it is determined that a user has set a specific pedal rotation target value at a particular bicycle weight and riding speed, these can be associated and saved, so that when the same riding situation is detected, the associated pedal rotation target value can be automatically set. For example, if a user typically pedals at a lower rotation speed when the bicycle is heavy (e.g., because a child is sitting in a child seat) than when it is light (when a child is not sitting in a child seat), the corresponding riding situation can be saved along with the corresponding pedal rotation target value so that when the same riding situation is detected during subsequent actions, the associated pedal rotation target value can be automatically set.

[0025] In one embodiment, the control device is configured to obtain whether the user changes the pedal rotation speed in order to adjust the pedal rotation speed target value based on such changes. Thus, the control device can detect when the user changes the pedal rotation speed by their own pedal behavior. This can be interpreted as a setting request for a changed (increased or decreased) pedal rotation speed target value, and as a result, the control device automatically adjusts the pedal rotation speed target value and adjusts it to the adjusted pedal rotation speed target value during further operation.

[0026] Since the pedal rotation target value can be automatically set and adjusted by the control unit after the execution of a learning algorithm, if appropriate, the number of control commands that need to be entered by the user can be further reduced compared to control based on a pedal rotation target value set by the user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0027] The fundamental concept of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. The following is shown: [Figure 1] This shows a schematic diagram of an electric bicycle with its drive system installed. [Figure 2] This shows a schematic diagram of the drive system for powering an electric bicycle. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows how to set a target pedal rotation speed for adjusting the pedal rotation speed of an electric bicycle. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an electric bicycle F, specifically an e-bike or pederec, which includes a drive system A comprising at least one electric motor for driving the electric bicycle F at the intersection of the down tube R1 and the seat tube R2 of the bicycle frame of the electric bicycle F. At least one electric motor of the drive system A can generate an assist torque from an external power source, which assists the user of the electric bicycle F when driving the electric bicycle F. In this case, the assist torque of the drive system A and the corresponding assist power may be adjustable in steps at different assist levels. For example, for the selection of such assist levels, and therefore for the electronic control of the drive system A, an operating component 1 is provided, which is assembled on the handlebar L of the electric bicycle F.

[0029] In the electric bicycle F shown in Figure 1, this operating component 1 is located in the left grip area of ​​the handlebar L. Here, the operating component 1 has, for example, an operating area 10 for one-handed operation with the left hand. Therefore, the operating area 10 is configured so that the user of the electric bicycle F can operate the operating elements of the operating component 1 located in the operating area 10 with their left thumb without releasing their left hand from the handlebar L.

[0030] To transmit control signals and input signals, the operating component 1 is connected to the drive system A, for example, via at least one cable. In the illustrated embodiment, the operating component 1 further includes a wireless signal transmission interface, for example, in the form of a Bluetooth interface, which is coupled to one or more display units D1, D2. Typically, only one of the display units D1, D2 is provided on the electric bicycle.

[0031] Each display unit D1 or D2 has a display that shows the user of the electric bicycle F information regarding the operating status of the drive system A, such as the currently selected assist level and the remaining battery range for the drive system A. Furthermore, speed information can be displayed on display unit D1 or D2 via the display, and information regarding the distance traveled can also be provided. Due to the spatial separation between the operating component 1 and the display units D1 and D2, the display units D1 or D2 can be mounted, for example, on the top tube R3, or on the handlebar L at a different position from the operating component 1. Therefore, the information provided by each display may be more easily and quickly grasped by the user of the electric bicycle F. At the same time, the operating component 1, which has an operating area 10 for one-handed operation, can remain positioned very close to the grip area of ​​the handlebar L.

[0032] Figure 2 shows a schematic principle diagram of the drive system A of the electric bicycle F, which has a control device 2, a transmission 3, and a drive motor 4. The drive motor 4 is operably connected to the transmission 3, which is further operably connected to the rear wheel H of the electric bicycle F. As a result, the electric assist torque generated by the drive motor 4 is provided in the transmission 3 and transmitted to the rear wheel H via the transmission 3 to assist the pedaling force applied by the user.

[0033] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the drive system A is configured to perform control such that the pedal rotation speed of the bicycle F is adjusted based on a target pedal rotation speed, i.e., the user operates the bicycle F at a pedal rotation speed that corresponds at least approximately to the target pedal rotation speed. The transmission 3 is shiftable, preferably continuously shiftable, to set the gear ratio, and as a result, the gear ratio of the transmission 3 is variable under the control of the control device 2 and can therefore be adjusted to affect the pedal rotation speed.

[0034] In the case of the electric bicycle F, the pedal rotation speed is adjusted accordingly to the target value, and as a result, the pedal rotation speed at which the user operates the bicycle F is obtained, which corresponds to at least approximately the target value of pedal rotation speed. As schematically shown in Figure 1, the electric bicycle F has a sensor device 5 for this purpose, which is configured to detect the current value of pedal rotation speed while the electric bicycle F is running in order to perform adjustments to the gear ratio of the transmission 3 based on the current value of pedal rotation speed and the set target value of pedal rotation speed.

[0035] For example, if the pedal rotation speed decreases, the gear ratio can be reduced based on the deviation of the current pedal rotation speed from the target pedal rotation speed. As a result, the user is encouraged to pedal faster, and thus the pedal rotation speed is brought closer to the target pedal rotation speed again. Conversely, if the pedal rotation speed increases, the gear ratio can be increased based on the deviation of the current pedal rotation speed from the target pedal rotation speed. As a result, pedal resistance increases, and the user is encouraged to pedal slower, and consequently, the pedal rotation speed is brought closer to the target pedal rotation speed.

[0036] Typically, such control can be performed based on a target pedal rotation speed value input by the user, for example, via the operating component 1. Thus, the target pedal rotation speed value can be manually specified by the user, and during operation, for example during uniform riding over longer distances, the gear ratio of the transmission 3 is adjusted based on the set target pedal rotation speed value, so that the pedal rotation speed is kept at least approximately the same during riding.

[0037] Since the control is performed based on a predefined target pedal rotation speed, the frequency of control commands that the user needs to input can be reduced. During operation, the user only needs to predefine the target pedal rotation speed, and the gear ratio in the transmission is automatically set by the control device 2, regardless of any further user activity.

[0038] To further reduce the frequency of control commands that must be entered by the user, in this drive system A, the control device 2 is configured to change the newly set pedal rotation speed target value according to specific driving conditions and thus adjust it automatically, independently of user actions. If a change in driving behavior is detected based on an evaluation of specific driving condition parameters, and a new driving condition arises accordingly, the pedal rotation speed target value can be adjusted based on the detection of the driving condition so that the pedal rotation speed is adjusted to a value associated with the new driving condition.

[0039] Driving condition parameters may include, for example, the speed of the electric bicycle F, the acceleration of the electric bicycle F, the weight of the electric bicycle F, the pedaling force currently applied by the user, or driving posture information, particularly the gradient on the electric bicycle F's route.

[0040] To obtain these driving condition parameters, different sensor devices 6, 7, and 8 can be installed on the bicycle F, as schematically shown in Figure 1.

[0041] For example, the speed of bicycle F can be measured via a sensor 6 located on the front wheel of bicycle F. Alternatively, the speed of bicycle F can be measured via a GPS unit which is part of display unit D2 or display unit D1, for example.

[0042] Another sensor device 7 may be configured to measure, for example, the weight of the bicycle F, i.e., the weight of the bicycle F including the user. Such a sensor device 7 may be placed, for example, on the frame section of the bicycle F and configured as a force sensor, so that conclusions about the forces acting on the frame section can be drawn, for example, based on the deformation of the frame section. Such a sensor device 7 may be placed, for example, on the bumper of the bicycle F, so that the weight value on the bicycle F can be estimated based on the load on the bumper, indicated by the displacement distance on the bumper.

[0043] Further sensor devices 8 can be placed, for example, in the area of ​​the pedals of a bicycle F and can be configured as force sensors to measure the pedaling force applied by the user.

[0044] Further sensor devices, such as a tilt sensor for measuring the incline of bicycle F, can be provided.

[0045] During operation, the riding conditions can be identified based on one or more riding condition parameters, such as riding speed and / or acceleration and / or the weight value of the bicycle F. If the riding speed is within a predetermined range, the acceleration is below a predetermined limit, and the bicycle weight (including the user) is within a predetermined range, the corresponding riding condition can be identified, and the pedal rotation target value can be set to the value associated with this riding condition.

[0046] Other driving conditions can correspond to acceleration processes (e.g., acceleration from a standstill, e.g., when a traffic light changes), in which case the target pedal rotation speed can be increased, for example, based on a predefined target value map.

[0047] For example, if the riding conditions change due to a change in speed, or if the bicycle weight falls within a different range, the system can identify these different riding conditions and set the target pedal rotation value accordingly to the value associated with these different riding conditions.

[0048] Therefore, the target pedal rotation speed can be automatically and variably predefined by the control device 2 and the evaluation of driving condition parameters by the control device 2, without requiring control commands from the user.

[0049] Driving conditions can be predefined in the control device 2 through programming. However, it is also conceivable and possible for the control device 2 to be configured to execute a learning algorithm and thus automatically learn driving conditions as a function of the user's behavior.

[0050] Next, referring to FIG. 3, in the control algorithm implemented in the control device 2, for example, a set target value T for the pedal rotation speed SW can be initially assumed (step S1). The gear ratio of the transmission 3 is based on the set target value T for the pedal rotation speed SW and is adjusted such that the pedal rotation speed when the user drives the bicycle F is kept at least approximately constant during running.

[0051] In the framework of the control algorithm, for example, it is checked whether an operation command for changing the target value T for the pedal rotation speed SW is input by the user through the operation unit 1 (step S2). If there is such a manual input by the user, the target value T for the pedal rotation speed SW is adjusted and set to a new value T SW ' based on the user input (step S6). Thereafter, the gear ratio of the transmission 3 is adjusted based on this new target value T for the pedal rotation speed SW ' predefined by the user.

[0052] If such a manual adjustment of the target value T for the pedal rotation speed by the user is detected, this is evaluated by the learning algorithm LA (step S3). In the framework of the learning algorithm LA, the change content of the target value T for the pedal rotation speed by the user and the running situation parameters FS measured by, for example, the sensor devices 6, 7, 8 at the time of the change are evaluated and associated with each other, whereby the running situation is defined based on the association between the newly set changed target value T for the pedal rotation speed SW ' by the user and one or more running situation parameters FS. Such an evaluation within the framework of the learning algorithm LA can be executed during the operation of the electric bicycle F whenever the just-set target value T for the pedal rotation speed SW is changed by the user and set to a new target value T for the pedal rotation speed SW '. As a result, during operation, the target values T for the pedal rotation speed SW and T SW ', T SW and T SWUser behavior for setting ' is continuously analyzed.'

[0053] In the determination by step S2, during the operation of bicycle F, the target value of pedal rotations T SW If it is determined that there are no operation commands to change the value, the control algorithm checks whether there has been a change in driving conditions, such as a significant change in speed, acceleration, pedal force, or gradient, based on the currently detected driving condition parameters FS, if appropriate. If another driving condition previously learned by the learning algorithm LA is identified, the operation variable AB can be generated in step S4, which is the pedal rotation target value T SW It is added to (step S5), and based on that, the pedal rotation target value T SW The pedal rotation speed target value T is changed. Next, in step S6, SW This is adjusted, and therefore the target pedal rotation speed T SW The new value T SW It is readjusted to ', and the gear ratio of transmission 3 is newly adjusted based on that.

[0054] Within the framework of the learning algorithm LA, it is possible, in principle, to learn any driving conditions, and even any number of driving conditions, and store them in the control device 2. In particular, the pedal rotation speed target value T SW Each manual operation process, which encompasses a framework in which the user manually modifies the system (for example, via operation commands on operation unit 1), can be evaluated by the learning algorithm LA.

[0055] In this way, the frequency of necessary operation commands entered by the user is further reduced, and the pedal rotation speed target value T is achieved. SW Since the control can proceed at least partially automatically, user comfort is improved.

[0056] The fundamental concept of the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, and can be realized in other ways.

[0057] Other parameters not described here, such as ambient temperature and wind speed, can also be evaluated as driving condition parameters. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 1. Operating parts 10 Operation area 2 Control device 3. Transmission 4. Drive motor 5-8 Sensor device A Drive System AB Instrumental variable (deviation) D1, D2 display units F Bicycle FS Driving Status Parameters H rear wheel L Handlebar LA Learning Algorithm R1 Downtube R2 seat tube R3 Top Tube S1-S6 Steps T SW , T SW 'Target pedal rotation speed

Claims

1. An assembly of an electric bicycle (F), The drive system (A) includes a control device (2), a transmission (3) adjustable for setting the gear ratio, and an electric drive motor (4) for providing electric assist torque in the transmission (3), wherein the control device (2) sets a target value for pedal rotation speed (T ＳＷ , T ＳＷ The gear ratio of the transmission (3) is set based on '), The control device (2) determines the pedal rotation speed target value (T) based on at least one driving condition parameter (FS) indicating the driving condition. ＳＷ , T ＳＷ An assembly characterized by being configured to modify ').

2. The control device (2) has a first sensor device (5) for acquiring the current pedal rotation value, and the control device (2) has the current pedal rotation value and the pedal rotation target value (T ＳＷ , T ＳＷ The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it is configured to adjust the gear ratio of the transmission (3) based on ').

3. The assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transmission (3) is continuously adjustable to set the gear ratio.

4. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one driving condition parameter (FS) is a speed value indicating the driving speed of the electric bicycle (F), an acceleration value indicating the acceleration of the electric bicycle (F), a weight value indicating the weight of the electric bicycle (F), a pedaling force value indicating the pedaling force of the user, or a gradient value indicating a positive or negative gradient.

5. The assembly according to claim 4, further comprising a second sensor device (6) for acquiring at least one of the velocity value and the acceleration value.

6. The assembly according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by having a third sensor device (7) for obtaining the weight value.

7. The assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized by having a fourth sensor device (8) for acquiring the pedal force value.

8. The electric bicycle (F) is operable by the user, and the user can set the target value of pedal rotations (T). ＳＷ , T ＳＷ The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by having an operating component (1) that enables the setting of ').

9. The control device (2) is configured to execute a learning algorithm (LA), and the learning algorithm associates and stores the setting of the pedal rotation number target value (T ＳＷ , T ＳＷ ’) executed by the user with a driving situation characterized by at least one driving situation parameter. The assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that it is set to do so.

10. The control device (2) identifies the driving conditions stored when the learning algorithm (LA) was executed based on at least one driving condition parameter, and sets the pedal rotation target value (T) based on the identified driving conditions. ＳＷ , T ＳＷ The assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that it is configured to adjust ').

11. An electric bicycle (F) having the assembly described in any one of the preceding claims.

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