One-handed control unit for electric bicycles

Abstract

The proposed solution relates to an operating unit for an electric bicycle (F), and more particularly to an operating unit for controlling the drive system (A) of the electric bicycle (F). The operating unit (1) is configured to be mounted on the handlebars (L) of the electric bicycle (F) and may include at least one first operating element (B) for the driver to select the level of assistance provided by the drive system (A). Furthermore, the operating unit (1) includes at least one second operating element (103, 104) that is operable by the driver and is positioned adjacent to the side of at least one first operating element (B). The operating unit (1) has at least one first operating element (B) and at least one second operating element (103, 104), and both at least one first operating element (B) and at least one second operating element (103, 104) are operable by the thumb of the driver's hand gripping the handlebars (L), thus enabling one-handed operation of the electric bicycle (F) by the driver.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The proposed solution relates to an operating unit for an electric bicycle, particularly an operating unit for controlling the drive system of an electric bicycle.

Background Art

[0002] An electric bicycle equipped with an electric motor drive system enables the provision of assist torque generated by external power to drive the electric bicycle, thereby assisting (supporting) the driving force applied manually via a pedal connected to the bottom bracket shaft of the drive system with a motor. To enable the driver of the electric bicycle to control the drive system, an operating unit is usually provided that is attached to the handlebar of the electric bicycle. Such an operating unit can be used, for example, to control the assist level provided by at least one electric motor of the drive system. With the operating unit, the driver of the electric bicycle can select from several (at least two) different assist levels that differ in terms of the maximum assist torque provided. If the operating unit has a display, information such as the currently selected assist level is displayed. Usually, additional information such as the travel distance and the current charge state of the battery of the drive system is also displayed on the display.

[0003] Currently available control units for electric bicycle drive systems have at least one control element for the electric bicycle rider to select the assist level located on the side of the display unit. However, this can make it difficult to quickly change the assist level, especially if the rider wants to position the display unit in the center of the handlebars for better viewing of the display. In that case, it is usually impossible for the rider to select the assist level while riding the electric bicycle without taking their hands off the handlebars. Therefore, a solution is already known in which the control element for selecting the assist level of the drive system is mounted within easy reach of the electric bicycle's handlebars, allowing the electric bicycle rider to operate the control element with their thumb while keeping their hand on the handlebars, thereby changing the assist level. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] However, there is still a need for electric bicycle control units that have different control elements ergonomically arranged and that can be operated intuitively by the electric bicycle rider. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The proposed solution provides an improvement to this.

[0006] According to a first embodiment, an operating unit for controlling the drive system of an electric bicycle is proposed. This operating unit comprises at least one first operating element for the electric bicycle driver to select the assist level of the drive system, in addition to at least one second operating element that is operable by the driver and is positioned laterally adjacent to at least one first operating element. This operating unit is configured for one-handed operation by the electric bicycle driver, and both the at least one first operating element and the at least one second operating element are operable by the thumb of the driver's hand gripping the handlebars.

[0007] Therefore, the proposed operating unit in this regard is based on the fundamental idea that at least one further second operating element is positioned laterally to a first operating element configured for selecting the assist level, thereby allowing the rider of the electric bicycle to operate it independently of the first operating element without removing their hands from the handlebars (or the grip area thereof). With respect to the extension direction of the handlebars when the operating unit is mounted on the handlebars, at least one second operating element is positioned close to the first operating element for selecting the assist level, thereby saving space while also providing ergonomic advantages. At least one further second operating element may be provided to control, for example, the functions of the electric bicycle, in particular the functions of the drive system independent of the assist level selection, and / or the functions of the operating unit itself. For example, at least one further second operating element may function to control the lighting elements of the electric bicycle, or to invoke the menu of the operating unit and / or to navigate within such a menu, and / or to operate the gear shift, in particular the automatic gear shift of the drive system.

[0008] For example, at least one first operating element and at least one second operating element are located within the operating area of ​​the operating unit, and their external dimensions are defined by the operable operating elements. The operating area of ​​the operating unit may also be defined by only a number of operable operating elements, and as a result, the operating area extends to the area of ​​the operating unit whose edges are defined by the edges of the operating elements. As a result, several different operating elements, particularly the first and second operating elements, can be accommodated in a very small space for one-handed operation.

[0009] In one embodiment, at least one first operating element comprises at least one operating recess for the driver's thumb, which is bordered by a protruding edge portion toward a second operating element adjacent to it laterally. The dimensions of the at least one operating recess can be adapted to the thumb area (ergonomically), for example, the thumb area in the 95th, 90th, 85th, or 80th percentile range for men. Thus, the operating recess is only too small for, for example, just 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% of men, and as a result, the thumb of a male driver of an electric bicycle does not fully touch the inner wall of the operating recess. The fact that at least one operating recess of the first operating element is bordered by a protruding edge portion toward a second operating element adjacent to it laterally (relative to the operating recess) forms a tactilely perceptible lateral boundary of the first operating element. This makes it easy for the electric bicycle driver to position their thumb on the first operating element so that only the first operating element is operated, even when the first and second operating elements are arranged laterally adjacent to each other in the proposed operating unit. Therefore, the protruding edge portion of the first operating element also forms a tactilely perceptible barrier in the direction of the second operating element.

[0010] In one embodiment, the operating surface of at least one second operating element is adjacent to the protruding edge portion of at least one first operating element and separated from the protruding edge portion of at least one first operating element only by a separation gap. The separation gap has, for example, a maximum gap width of 1.5 mm or 1 mm and is therefore relatively narrow. In this way, the operating surface of at least one further second operating element is directly adjacent laterally to the protruding edge portion of the first operating element, and the electric bicycle driver can also operate it with their thumb to control the functions of the electric bicycle, in particular the functions of the drive system or the operating unit.

[0011] In this case, for example, the operating surface of at least one second operating element may be provided to be flush with the edge portion of at least one first operating element. Thus, the protruding edge portion transitions laterally to the operating surface of at least one second operating element. In other words, there is little to no height difference between the protruding edge portion of the first operating element and the operating surface of the second operating element adjacent to it and separated from the first operating element only by a separation gap. A slight height difference is understood to mean a height difference of up to 5 mm, and especially up to 3 mm or 2 mm. Such a relatively smooth transition between different operating elements of operating units adjacent to each other laterally not only makes it easier for the electric bicycle rider to operate the first and second operating elements with one thumb without taking their hands off the electric bicycle's handlebars, but also makes it easier for the rider to tactilely distinguish between different operating elements that may be related to different functions of the electric bicycle and / or operating unit.

[0012] In possible further developments, the operating surface of at least one second operating element is bordered by a raised edge section that extends away from the operating surface in the direction away from the first operating element. In a variation based on this, at least one second operating element is consequently also bordered laterally by a raised edge section. Similar to the protruding edge portion of the first operating element, the driver of an electric bicycle fitted with the proposed embodiment of the operating unit can perceive purely tactilely where at least one second operating element ends. The raised edge section is adjacent to the operating surface in the direction away from the first operating element and in the direction within the operating surface. If necessary, a concave curve may be provided in the transition between the operating surface and the raised edge section to provide a comfortable and smooth transition between the operating surface and the raised edge section for the driver's thumb. Furthermore, the second operating element can be operated by the pressing force applied to the raised edge section, and as a result, the raised edge section designates the operating direction of the second operating element that the driver can intuitively and tactilely perceive.

[0013] This can be further supported in one embodiment by the fact that the raised edge portion of at least one second operating element protrudes further in a direction perpendicular to the operating surface than the protruding edge portion of at least one first operating element. Thus, in the operating area of ​​an operating unit including the first and second operating elements, the lateral edge portion of at least one second operating element protrudes further than the protruding edge portion of at least one first operating element that protrudes in the same extending direction. In this way, the operating area is tactilely responsive to the operator of the electric bicycle, and the operating recess of the first operating element, which may optionally open toward the opposite side of the operating area, is recessed both toward the protruding edge portion of the first operating element and toward the operating surface of the laterally adjacent second operating element, and is therefore perceptibly "deeper".

[0014] In one embodiment, as briefly described above, at least one second operating element is provided to control the functions of the electric bicycle, in particular the functions of the drive system or operating unit, which are independent of the selection of the assist level. For example, at least one second operating element may be provided for turning the lights of the electric bicycle or operating unit on and / or off, switching between different illumination states of the display of the operating unit, or calling up and / or navigating within a menu displayed on the display. A menu called up via the second operating element may be used, for example, to control and / or adjust one or more functions of the operating unit.

[0015] In one embodiment, at least one second operating element is designed as a button that can be pressed by the thumb of the electric bicycle driver, particularly as a rocker switch that can be tilted laterally outward. In an alternative embodiment, at least one second operating element may be designed as an operating element that can be operated on at least two spatial axes perpendicular to each other, and therefore an operating element that can be moved, for example, like a joystick.

[0016] Alternatively, or in addition, at least one first operating element may be designed with a rocker switch that can be tilted from an initial position in two opposite switching directions around a (first) rocker axis to switch the assist level of the drive system. The rocker switch of at least one first operating element comprises, for example, two operating sections positioned vertically relative to the operating unit mounted on the electric bicycle as intended, so that the rocker switch tilts in one or the other switching direction depending on which of the operating sections is pressed. Thus, the driver can press one or the other operating section with their thumb, depending on whether they want to increase or decrease the assist level, thereby (temporarily) tilting the rocker switch in one or the other switching direction. After the operation, when sufficient pressure is no longer applied to each operating section, the rocker switch returns to its initial position.

[0017] In one embodiment, the operating unit comprises at least two first operating elements, one of which is operable to increase the assist level and the other operable to decrease the assist level. This includes variations such as the need to press a first button on the first operating element to increase the assist level and to press a second button on another first operating element located below it to decrease the assist level. Here, as with the design of a rocker switch, a pressure point (click sensation) that is clearly perceptible to the electric bicycle rider may be advantageous for intuitive operation.

[0018] Another aspect of the proposed solution, which can be readily combined with embodiments of the first aspect, provides an operating unit for an electric bicycle, comprising first and second operating elements for operation by the electric bicycle driver. It is assumed that at least one first operating element of the operating unit is designed with a first rocker switch that can be tilted about a first rocker axis. Furthermore, at least one second operating element is positioned adjacent to the first operating element and is designed with a second rocker switch, the second rocker switch can be tilted about a second rocker axis that extends perpendicularly to the first rocker axis.

[0019] By providing two rocker switches that can be tilted around different rocker axes, which may be provided to control different functions of the electric bicycle and / or operating unit, the operating unit can provide an intuitive operating area for the electric bicycle rider. For example, the electric bicycle rider must tilt the first rocker switch up or down to control a first function, while tilting the second rocker switch right or left to control a second function. Referring to embodiments of the first aspect described above, it may be provided that the assist level of the drive system is selectable via the first rocker switch, while functions of the electric bicycle and / or operating unit independent of the assist level selection are controllable via the second rocker switch.

[0020] Regardless of whether the operating unit is designed according to the first and / or second embodiments, the operating unit may, in principle, be configured and provided for mounting on the handlebars of an electric bicycle. For this purpose, the operating unit may include, for example, a handlebar mounting ring that is open on one side and can be fastened to the outer circumference of the handlebars using screws.

[0021] In principle, an operating unit may also be provided comprising two second operating elements. This includes, in particular, the provision of two second operating elements adjacent to different operating sections of a first operating element designed with a first rocker switch. For example, one second operating element adjacent to a first operating section of the first rocker switch, while the other second operating element adjacent to a second operating section of the same first rocker switch. Conversely, if two first operating elements are provided, one second operating element adjacent to one of the first operating elements, and the other second operating element adjacent to the other first operating element.

[0022] The control unit may generally include a display. In particular, such a display may be permanently or detachably connected to the handlebar mounting ring of the control unit.

[0023] Alternatively, or in addition, the operating unit may be equipped with an interface for wireless signal transmission. In particular, the interface may be configured for bidirectional signal transmission, and therefore for wireless transmission and reception of signals. Through the wireless interface, the operating unit can communicate with, for example, a display unit for the drive system of an electric bicycle located separately from the operating unit, and / or a mobile device located separately from the operating unit, such as a mobile phone. In one embodiment, the operating unit is equipped with a Bluetooth interface.

[0024] The proposed solution also relates to electric bicycles equipped with the proposed operating unit embodiment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0025] The attached drawings illustrate examples of possible embodiments of the proposed solution. [Figure 1]An electric bicycle equipped with an electric motor drive system is shown, where a first embodiment of the proposed operation unit is attached to the handlebar of the electric bicycle and can wirelessly communicate with a different display unit that can be attached at a location remote from the operation unit. [Figure 2] Fig. 3 shows an enlarged perspective view of the operation unit of Fig. 1. [Figure 3] Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the proposed operation unit from the same perspective as Fig. 2. This incorporates a display, unlike the embodiment of Fig. 2, but the operation area with different operation elements is designed identically. [Figure 4A] Fig. 4 shows the operation unit according to the second embodiment of Fig. 3 when attached to the handlebar, in a front view. [Figure 4B] Fig. 5 shows the operation unit according to the second embodiment of Fig. 3 when attached to the handlebar, in a rear view. [Figure 5A] Figs. 3, 4A and 4B show the operation unit in a side view showing the left side of the operation unit. [Figure 5B] Figs. 3, 4A and 4B show the operation unit in a side view showing the right side of the operation unit.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an electric bicycle F, which includes a drive system A having at least one electric motor at the intersection of the down tube R1 and the seat tube R2 of the bicycle frame of the electric bicycle F in order to drive the electric bicycle A. At least one electric motor of the drive system A can be used to generate an assist torque by external power to assist the driver of the electric bicycle F when driving the electric bicycle F. The assist torque and the corresponding assist power of the drive system A can be adjusted at different assist levels. In particular, an operation unit 1 attached to the handlebar L of the electric bicycle F is provided to select such an assist level and thus electronically control the drive system A.

[0027] The control unit 1 is located in the left handlebar area of ​​the handlebar L in the electric bicycle F shown in Figure 1. The control unit 1 has, for example, an operating area 10 for one-handed operation with the left hand. The operating area 10 is designed so that the driver of the electric bicycle F can operate the operating elements of the control unit 1 located in the operating area 10 with the thumb of the left hand without taking their left hand off the handlebar L.

[0028] To transmit control signals and input signals, the operating unit 1 is connected to the drive system A, for example, via at least one cable. In the illustrated embodiment, the operating unit 1 also 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.

[0029] Each display unit D1 or D2 has a display that shows the driver of the electric bicycle F information regarding the operating status of the drive system A, such as the currently selected assist level and the battery range of the drive system A. Furthermore, speed information and / or distance traveled can be provided via the display of display unit D1 or D2. Due to the spatial separation between the operation unit 2 and the display units D1 and D2, the display units D1 or D2 can be mounted, for example, on the top tube R3, or at a different position on the handlebar L than the position of the operation unit 2. Thus, the information provided by each display can be better and more quickly understood by the driver of the electric bicycle F. At the same time, the operation unit 1, which has an operating area 10 for one-handed operation, can still be positioned very close to the grip area of ​​the handlebar L.

[0030] Figure 2 shows an enlarged perspective view of the operating unit 1 of Figure 1. The operating area 10 defined by the operating unit 1 is, in this case, connected to a handlebar mounting ring 11, through which the operating unit 1 can be clamped to the handlebar L. Furthermore, the operating unit 1 has an upper part 12. This upper part 12 forms a housing for the electronics of the operating unit 1. For example, the upper part 12 protectively houses the operating elements provided in the operating area 10 and at least one printed circuit board coupled to the Bluetooth interface.

[0031] The operating area 10 of the operating unit 1, located on the front of the operating unit 1, is defined in this case only by a few (in this case, three) operating elements B, 103, and 104. Therefore, the external dimensions of the operating area 10 are determined solely by these operating elements B, 103, and 104. There are no other protruding sections or components on the operating area 10.

[0032] In this case, the first operating element B, located on the left side, is provided for selecting the assist level of the drive system A. For this purpose, operating element B is designed as a rocker switch comprising two operating sections 101 and 102 arranged vertically. The operating sections 101 and 102 are spatially separated from each other by a connecting section that defines a first rocker axis S1. When the driver of the electric bicycle F presses the upper first operating section 101 with their thumb (with sufficient pressure), the rocker switch of operating element B can tilt in a first switching direction around the first rocker axis S1 to increase the assist level of the drive system A. When the lower second operating section 102 is pressed, the rocker switch of operating element B tilts in the opposite switching direction around the first rocker axis S1 to decrease the assist level.

[0033] To support the intuitive operation of operating element B, each operating section 101, 102 is designed with an operating recess 101A or 102A that is open on one side (in this case, the left side). This allows the driver of the electric bicycle F to easily operate each operating section 101 or 102 with their left thumb while continuing to grip the handlebar L, using the operating unit 1 located on the left side of the handlebar L. To make it easier for the driver to feel the lateral boundary of the operating recess 101A or 102A, each operating recess 101A, 102A is bordered by a projecting edge portion 101B or 102B that projects (forward). The projecting edge portion 101B or 102B is positioned in the direction of the second operating element 103 or 104 adjacent to the first operating element B in the area of ​​the first or second operating section 101 or 102.

[0034] The second operating element 103 or 104 is adjacent to the protruding edge portion 101B or 102B of operating element B, separated only by a narrow separation gap g. Each of the two second operating elements 103, 104, positioned vertically, is designed in a wing shape. Each of the second operating elements 103, 104 has an operating surface 103A or 104A that is flush with the respective associated protruding edge portion 101B or 102B of the respective operating section 101 or 102 located on the left side.

[0035] On the side (in this case, the right side), each operating surface 103A or 104A of the second operating element 103 or 104 is bordered by a raised edge section 103B or 104B that protrudes (similarly forward). Thus, the raised edge section 103B or 104B tactilely demarcates each operating surface 103A or 104A of the second operating element 103 or 104, which is laterally connected to the operating element B provided for controlling the assist level, via the thumb of the driver of the electric bicycle F. The raised edge section 103B or 104B of the second operating element 103 or 104 protrudes more than the protruding edge portion 101B or 102B of the first operating element B. Thus, the operating recesses 101A and 102A of the first operating element B are clearly deeper to the driver of the electric bicycle F than the operating surfaces 103A and 104A of the two operating elements 103 and 104, which are positioned side by side and vertically.

[0036] In the operating unit 1 shown here, all second operating elements 103 and 104 are also designed as rocker switches. The rocker switch of the upper second operating element 103 can be tilted outward around a second rocker axis S2 that extends perpendicularly to the first rocker axis S1 of the first operating element B. Similarly, the third rocker axis S3 of the other lower second operating element 104 extends perpendicularly to the first rocker axis S1. In this case, the second and third rocker axes S2 and S3 extend at an angle to each other for ergonomic reasons. Of course, the second and third rocker axes of the second operating elements 103 and 104 can also be aligned with each other.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, two wing-shaped operating elements 103 and 104 adjacent to operating element B for controlling the assist level are used to control functions other than specifying the assist level of the drive system A. For example, the upper operating element 103 can be used to access the menu of the operating unit 1 and to navigate items within such menus displayed on the respective display units D1 or D2. Alternatively, or in addition to that, the display mode of the respective display unit D1 or D2 can be selected via the operating element 103. The other lower operating element 104 functions, for example, to turn on and / or off the lighting elements of the electric bicycle F, or to set the brightness of the display on the respective display unit D1 or D2.

[0038] In contrast to the embodiment of the operating unit 1 in Figure 2, further embodiments shown in Figures 3, 4A-4B, and 5A-5B provide a separate display 120 on the upper part 12. The display 120 may be permanently integrated or detachably mounted. The design of the operating area 10, which includes a first operating element B for controlling the assist level and two second operating elements 103 and 104 connected to its side for one-handed operation with the thumb by the driver of the electric bicycle F, remains unchanged from the embodiment shown in Figure 2.

[0039] The front view of Figure 4A again shows the mounting of the operating unit 1 to the left portion of the handlebar 11 via the handlebar mounting ring 11, so that the driver of the electric bicycle F can conveniently operate the individual operating elements B, 103 and 104 of the operating unit 1 without taking their left hand off the grip area of ​​the handlebar 11. Figure 4A also shows the cable K connecting the operating unit 1 to the drive system A, in addition to the representations in Figures 2 and 3. Thus, the cable K can be used to transmit control signals for selecting the assist level. Furthermore, signals from the drive system A, in particular from sensors provided therein, can also be transmitted to the operating unit 1 via the cable K.

[0040] The rear view in Figure 4B shows the on / off switch 121 on the upper part 12 below the display 120. This on / off switch 121 can be used to switch the operation unit 1 on and off. Below the on / off switch 121, a connection socket 122 with a cover is also provided on the rear of the operation unit 1. For example, a charging cable can be connected to the operation unit 1 via this connection socket 121. Alternatively, or in addition to that, a cable can be connected to the connection socket 122 so that information stored in the memory of the operation unit 1 can be read while riding the electric bicycle F. For example, the connection socket 122 can integrate a USB interface that can be used for both the charging function and signal transmission described above.

[0041] The side views of Figures 5A and 5B again illustrate the compact and ergonomic design of the operating area 10 of the operating unit 1, particularly its three operating elements B, 103, and 104, which are designed as rocker switches that can be tilted along different rocker axes S1, S2, and S3. In particular, the left side view of Figure 5A again illustrates how the right-side raised edge sections 103B and 104B of the two operating elements 103 and 104 most prominently protrude along the extending direction Z3 or Z4 (perpendicular to the respective operating surfaces 103A or 104A), respectively, with respect to the operating sections 101 and 102, particularly their respective upwardly partitioned operating surfaces 103A or 104A and their respective operating recesses 101A or 102A.

[0042] The design of the operating area 10 is relatively small and slim, especially in width. By integrating several different operating elements B, 103, and 104 into the operating area 10, which can be reached and covered by the thumb, the housing of electronics in the upper part 12 is also simplified. This makes it possible to omit additional operating elements from the upper part 12. This, in turn, makes the design of the circuit board housed in the upper part 12 easier and more cost-effective.

[0043] Regardless of the embodiments shown in Figures 1-5B, it is also possible, of course, that one operating element B for selecting the assist level is connected on one side to only one second operating element that is operable for another function. Similarly, a number n greater than n > 2 second operating elements may be provided adjacent to the first operating element, at least on one side or both sides. Furthermore, one or more of the lateral second operating elements 103 and 104 may be designed solely as buttons that can be pressed outwards. Alternatively, or in addition to that, instead of selecting the assist level via a rocker switch formed by a single operating element B, it may also be provided that separate first operating elements are operable at the locations of operating sections 101 and 102 for increasing and decreasing the assist level. In other words, two first operating elements may be provided for selecting between assist levels of the drive system A. Each of these first operating elements may be implemented, for example, as a single button. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0044] 1. Operating Unit 10 Operation area 101,102 Operation Section 101A, 102A Operating recess (one side is open) 101B,102B Projecting edge part 103,104 Second operating element 103A,104A Operation surface 103B, 104B Uplifted edge section 11 Handlebar mounting rings 12. Upper part with enclosure for electronic equipment (including printed circuit board) 120 displays 121 On / Off Switch 122 Covered connection sockets A Drive System B. First operating element for controlling the assist level. D1, D2 Display Unit F Bicycle g separation gap K Cable L Handlebar R1 Downtube R2 seat tube R3 Top Tube S1 First rocker axis S2 Second rocker axis S3 Third rocker axis Z3,Z4 extension direction

Claims

1. An operating unit for controlling the drive system (A) of an electric bicycle (F), The drive system (A) can provide assist torque generated by an external power source for driving the electric bicycle (F) at several different assist levels. The operating unit (1) is configured to be attached to the handlebar (L) of the electric bicycle (F) and has at least one first operating element (B) for the driver of the electric bicycle (F) to select the assist level, The operating unit (1) is operable by the driver and has at least one second operating element (103, 104) positioned laterally adjacent to the at least one first operating element (B), The operating unit (1) is configured for one-handed operation of the electric bicycle (F) by the driver, wherein the operating unit (1) has at least one first operating element (B) and at least one second operating element (103, 104), and both the at least one first operating element (B) and the at least one second operating element (103, 104) are operable by the thumb of the driver's hand holding the handlebar (L).

2. The operating unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one first operating element (B) and the at least one second operating element (103, 104) are arranged within the operating area (10) of the operating unit (1), and the external dimensions of the operating area are defined by the operable operating elements (101-104).

3. The operating unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one first operating element (B) has at least one operating recess (101A, 102A) for the thumb, which is bordered by a protruding edge portion (101B, 102B) on the side of the laterally adjacent second operating element (103, 104).

4. The operating unit according to claim 3, characterized in that the protruding edge portions (101B, 102B) of the at least one first operating element (B) are adjacent to the operating surfaces (103A, 104A) of the at least one second operating element (103, 104), separated only by a separation gap (g) from the edge portions (101B, 102B) of the at least one first operating element (B).

5. The operating unit according to claim 4, characterized in that the operating surfaces (103A, 104A) of the at least one second operating element (103, 104) are flush with the edge portions (101B, 102B) of the at least one first operating element (B).

6. The operating unit according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the operating surfaces (103A, 104A) of at least one second operating element (103, 104) are bordered by edge sections (103B, 104B) that are raised relative to the operating surfaces (103A, 104A) in a direction away from the first operating element (B).

7. The operating unit according to claim 6, characterized in that the raised edge portions (103B, 104B) of the at least one second operating element (103, 104) protrude further than the protruding edge portions (101B, 102B) of the at least one first operating element (B) in the extending direction (Z3, Z4) perpendicular to the operating surface (103A, 104A).

8. The operating unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one second operating element (103, 104) is provided for controlling the functions of the electric bicycle (F), in particular the functions of the drive system (A) or the operating unit (1), independently of the selection of the assist level.

9. The operating unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one second operating element (103, 104) is designed to be a button that can be operated by pressing the thumb, in particular a rocker switch that can be tilted laterally outward, or an operating element that can be operated on at least two spatial axes perpendicular to each other.

10. The operating unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first operating element (B) is designed with a rocker switch that can be tilted from an initial position in two opposite switching directions about a first rocker axis (S1) to switch between the assist levels up and down.

11. The operating unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating unit (1) has at least two first operating elements, one of which is operable to increase the assist level and the other is operable to decrease the assist level.

12. The operating unit (1) has at least one first operating element (B) for operation by the driver of the electric bicycle (F), and at least one second operating element (103, 104) for operation by the driver of the electric bicycle (F), The at least one first operating element (B) is designed using a first rocker switch that can be tilted about a first rocker shaft (S1), The at least one second operating element (103, 104) is positioned adjacent to the first operating element (B) and is designed using a second rocker switch. The operating unit for an electric bicycle (F) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the second rocker switch can be tilted about a second rocker shaft (S2, S3) that extends perpendicularly to the first rocker shaft (S1).

13. The operation unit (1) is characterized by having two second operation elements (103, 104), as described in any one of the preceding claims.

14. The operation unit (1) is characterized in that it has at least one of a display (120) and a wireless signal transmission interface, according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. An electric bicycle equipped with the operating unit (1) described in any one of the preceding claims.

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