Multi-mode drive circuit

Abstract

To provide a multi-mode driving circuit that can avoid excessive fatigue and extend the range while satisfying the needs of human-powered cycling. [Solution] The multi-mode driving circuit includes a control module and a torque sensor. The front and rear wheels of the electric bicycle are each equipped with a motor-generator, both connected to the control module. The control module can control the motor-generators on the front and rear wheels to generate electric power to achieve a pure electric mode, or the control module can control the motor-generator on the rear wheel to generate electric power based on a pedaling force signal detected by the torque sensor, thereby achieving a cycling-assisted mode by combining pedaling with human power to provide cycling power, and controls the motor-generator on the front wheel to generate electricity. In the pure cycling mode, the control module controls the motor-generators on both the front and rear wheels to generate electricity. In particular, in the cycling-assisted mode, a certain level of assistance can be provided to human-powered cycling according to the cycling needs.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electric vehicles, and more particularly to a multi-mode driving circuit and an electric bicycle employing the multi-mode driving circuit. [Background technology]

[0002] Current electric bicycles are generally single-mode, meaning they are powered only by a battery and the pedals are merely foot rests, without the ability to provide power for cycling by actual pedaling. However, there are also dual-mode models, meaning the cyclist can switch between human-powered and electric riding by pedaling.

[0003] However, riding solely on electric power is subject to terrain restrictions and consumes power quickly, while pure cycling makes riders feel fatigued and prevents them from enjoying the pleasure of cycling for long periods of time.

[0004] Therefore, conventional electric bicycles are in urgent need of improvement to give them better terrain adaptability, extend their range, and improve the enjoyment of cycling. Summary of the Invention

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to provide an electric bicycle that employs a multi-mode driving circuit.

[0006] An electric bicycle employing a multi-mode drive circuit includes a control module and a torque sensor, wherein the front and rear wheels of the electric bicycle are each equipped with a motor-generator, and the motor-generators are both connected to the control module. The control module can control the motor-generators on both the front and rear wheels to generate electric power, thereby realizing a pure electric mode; or the control module can control the motor-generator on the rear wheel to generate electric power based on a pedaling force signal detected by the torque sensor, thereby realizing a cycling-assisted mode in which the motor-generator and human pedaling jointly supply power for cycling, and control the motor-generator on the front wheel to generate electricity; and when in pure cycling mode, the control module controls the motor-generator on both the front and rear wheels to generate electricity.

[0007] This invention provides three driving modes for the electric bicycle, which, compared to conventional electric bicycles, is more adaptable to all terrains and road conditions, offers greater freedom, and is also suitable for fitness cycling. In particular, the cycling assist mode can provide a certain level of assistance to human-powered cycling according to the cycling needs, thereby satisfying the needs of human-powered cycling while avoiding excessive fatigue, providing a good user experience, and allowing the user to enjoy cycling for a long time. In addition, the built-in motor-generator can generate electricity in the corresponding mode, further saving energy and extending the distance and time of the electric bicycle's range. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a specific embodiment of an electric bicycle. [Figure 2] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a battery. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of a multi-mode driving circuit. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart of a multi-mode driving method for an electric bicycle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be described in more detail below based on the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0010] 1 and 2, the electric bicycle includes a frame 1, and a front fork 40 to which a front wheel 4 is attached and a rear fork 2 to which a rear wheel 5 is attached are connected to the front and rear of the frame 1, with a steering assembly 3 attached to the upper front of the frame 1. Pedals are provided at the lower rear end of the frame 1, but a variable speed drive gear may also be provided together with the pedals, such as the pedals and variable speed drive gear 7 shown in the figures, and a variable speed driven gear 8 may be provided at the rear axle of the rear wheel 5 to make it a variable speed bicycle, or it may be a non-variable speed bicycle.

[0011] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the multi-mode driving circuit includes a control module, a torque sensor, an accelerator operation unit, a motor generator for the front wheels, and a motor generator for the rear wheels, and the control module includes a power supply system detection unit and a power supply switching unit.

[0012] When a cyclist pedals, a torque sensor detects a pedaling force signal (specifically, in this embodiment, the torque sensor may be provided on the pedal and the variable-speed drive gear 7 shown in FIG. 2), and this signal can be reflected as the power needed for riding. In addition, both the front wheel 4 and rear wheel 5 of the electric bicycle are equipped with motor generators, meaning that they can supply driving force using electricity and can also rotate to generate electricity.

[0013] The electric bicycle has three driving modes:

[0014] 1. Pure electric mode

[0015] The control module 1004 controls the motor generators provided on both the front wheel 4 and the rear wheel 5 to provide electric drive, and at that time the electric bicycle can run without human power.

[0016] 2. Cycling Assist Mode

[0017] In this mode, manual pedaling and electric drive coexist. When the cyclist is pedaling, a pedaling force signal is detected by a torque sensor, and the power required for riding at that time is determined based on that signal. The control module 1004 calculates and allocates the power, controlling the motor generator attached to the rear wheel 5 to drive the vehicle electrically. In other words, the power for the entire vehicle at that time is supplied jointly by manual power and the motor generator on the rear wheel 5. In cycling assist mode, the motor generator on the front wheel 4 does not supply power, but it can generate electricity by rotating.

[0018] 3. Pure cycling mode

[0019] In this mode, the vehicle is driven solely by human pedaling, and the motor generators attached to the front wheel 4 and rear wheel 5 no longer supply power. At this time, the front wheel 4 and rear wheel 5 are rotated by human pedaling, which in turn rotates the motor generators attached to both wheels, generating electricity.

[0020] The above solution provides three driving modes for the electric bicycle, making it more adaptable to all terrains and road conditions than conventional electric bicycles, offering greater freedom and fitness. In particular, the cycling assistance mode can provide a certain level of assistance to human-powered cycling according to the rider's needs, thereby satisfying the rider's needs for human-powered cycling while avoiding excessive fatigue, providing a good user experience, and allowing the rider to enjoy cycling for extended periods of time. Furthermore, the built-in motor-generator can generate power in the corresponding mode, further saving energy and extending the electric bicycle's range. The three driving modes can be selected by the rider themselves, either by a physical button on the electric bicycle or a virtual app button.

[0021] Further optimizations can be made to the pure electric mode, which can include an automatic sensing cruise control, meaning that after the cyclist moves the accelerator with his or her finger, the electric bicycle can continue to drive using the accelerator power, thereby avoiding complicated operations, eliminating the need for the cyclist to hold the current accelerator, and preventing the inconvenience of the accelerator suddenly cutting off, especially when going uphill, which can cause the vehicle to roll over.

[0022] Specifically, the control module 1004 can be configured to set a minimum cruise speed. When the cyclist moves their finger on the accelerator pedal, if the control module 1004 detects that the speed value corresponding to the accelerator exceeds the minimum cruise speed (e.g., 5 km / h), the adaptive cruise control is activated, allowing the cyclist to maintain the controlled speed after releasing the accelerator pedal. This mode is configured for smart acceleration, and once the vehicle brakes, the adaptive cruise control is deactivated and the speed is reduced, enhancing cycling safety. When the vehicle accelerates again, the adaptive cruise control can be activated again after accelerating beyond the minimum cruise speed, and this mode is suitable for long-distance riding.

[0023] The accelerator control signal may be one sent from the accelerator operation unit, or one that is sensed and converted from pedaling. If both of these are considered to be accelerator signals, the stronger one is used to control the motor generator to supply appropriate power.

[0024] In an optimized solution, the torque sensor continues to detect pedal force even in pure electric mode. Similar to the cycling assist mode, the pedal force signal detected by the torque sensor reflects the cyclist's power needs for the electric bicycle, and can be converted into a signal indicating the actual accelerator pressure in pure electric mode.

[0025] At this time, the control module 1004 receives the actual accelerator signal detected and converted by the torque sensor and the accelerator control signal transmitted by the accelerator operation unit, compares the two signals, selects the stronger signal, and controls the rotation of the motor generator.

[0026] In pure electric mode, due to the driving method of that mode, most cyclists do not pedal. However, when climbing slopes, the motor-generator's rotation speed decreases and a large torsional moment is required. When the cyclist pedals, it can offset some of the torsional moment of the motor-generator and protect the motor-generator. When controlling the accelerator while climbing, for example, moving the accelerator pedal with a finger does not necessarily meet the power needs for climbing, but when pedaling with the foot, the riding status of the electric bicycle when climbing can be more directly fed back to the foot. Therefore, in pure electric mode, especially when climbing slopes, the power supply of the motor-generator can be more accurately controlled by taking into account feedback from the torque sensor, thereby allowing the bicycle to traverse uphill sections or other types of sections more smoothly.

[0027] This solution also implements a speed limit process for the electric bicycle in pure electric mode. In pure electric mode, power is supplied by the motor-generator, allowing the bicycle to reach a relatively high speed. However, local traffic regulations generally require a speed limit for this type of vehicle, typically between 20 and 35 km / h. The speed limit prevents the bicycle from exceeding the speed limit set forth in the regulations. Furthermore, in pure electric mode, cyclists tend to unconsciously increase their speed due to reduced awareness of road and vehicle reactions, increasing the risk of danger. Therefore, setting a speed limit can improve cycling safety. In cycling assist mode and pure cycling mode, speed limiting is not implemented, and the maximum speed is determined by the parameters of the control module 1004 and the motor-generator itself.

[0028] In each of the above-described embodiments, since the motor generator can generate electricity, the use of the generated electricity may be considered in the design.

[0029] The electric bicycle includes a main battery 1001 as a power source, a spare battery 1003 as a backup power source, and an attached battery 1002 that supplies power to on-board equipment. The on-board equipment may be, for example, a display, a lamp, a charging port, etc.

[0030] In order to detect the charge levels of the three types of batteries, the control module 1004 is provided with a power supply system detection unit, which acquires information on the charge levels of each type of battery and, based on that information, identifies the battery that currently needs charging (a battery that is short of power or a battery that is not fully charged), and controls the identified motor generator to charge the corresponding battery. The control module 1004 may further be provided with a power supply switching unit, and when there are two or more types of batteries that need charging, that is, when at least both of the main battery 1001, spare battery 1003, and attached battery 1002 need charging, the control module 1004 controls the power supply switching module to charge the batteries in the following order of priority: spare battery 1003, attached battery 1002, and main battery 1001.

[0031] A power supply switching module may be provided within the control module 1004. For example, if none of the three batteries require charging (when they are not fully charged), the motor generator first charges the spare battery 1003. After charging is complete, the power supply switching module switches the charging mode to the attached battery 1002, and finally to the main battery 1001. Since the main battery 1001 is always in a power supply state as the primary power source, the spare battery 1003 as a spare power source is charged first, and then the attached battery 1002 is charged. However, the main battery 1001 is only charged if the main battery 1001 is running low on electricity and the spare battery 1003 is installed as a power source. If all three batteries have sufficient electricity, charging is not performed. It should be noted that, based on the battery operating principle, if a battery is in a power consumption state, charging is not performed for any of the batteries. The above-mentioned priority order is assigned on the assumption that the batteries are chargeable.

[0032] 2, the frame 1 includes a frame upper pipe 101, a frame center pillar 102, and a frame lower pipe 103, forming a roughly triangular frame body structure. In this solution, the main battery 1001 is mounted on the frame lower pipe 103. Specifically, an upwardly opening mounting groove is provided in the frame lower pipe 103, allowing the main battery 1001 to be quickly removed and portable for charging; that is, it can be easily removed and charged using a charging stand. Meanwhile, the spare battery 1003 and the additional battery 1002 are mounted on the frame center pillar 102 and the frame upper pipe 101, respectively, and are mounted, for example, by pulling them out from within the pipes. However, even if a mounting groove is used, it is clear that the main battery 1001 can be easily inserted and removed from the frame lower pipe 103. Therefore, the spare battery 1003 and the additional battery 1002, which are inconvenient to insert and remove, are charged first while driving.

[0033] In addition, if the main battery 1001, spare battery 1003, and accessory battery 1002 all become low on power due to a long cycling period, and charging in pure cycling mode cannot meet the cycling needs, quick charging can be performed using an external cable-type charging stand or a wireless charging stand, and the charging order will be the same as the order described above.

[0034] In addition, in the above embodiment, a temperature difference power generation sheet can be attached to the outer surface of the main battery 1001 and / or control module 1004. The main battery 1001 and control module 1004 are components that generate a relatively large amount of heat, and the temperature difference between the surface temperature of the main battery 1001 and control module 1004 and the external temperature can be used to generate electricity using the temperature difference power generation sheet. The control module 1004 can then control the temperature difference power generation sheet to supply power to the on-board equipment. Although the amount of power generated by the temperature difference power generation sheet is limited, it can meet the certain power supply needs of the on-board equipment, thereby making full use of the energy of the electric bicycle itself. This achieves the goals of efficient energy conservation and extended driving range.

[0035] It should be noted that the above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art may further make some improvements and refinements without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and refinements should also be considered to fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-mode drive circuit, comprising: a control module, a torque sensor, a motor generator for a front wheel, and a motor generator for a rear wheel; The control module can control the motor-generators for the front wheels and the motor-generators for the rear wheels to perform electric drive to achieve a pure electric mode, or the control module controls the motor generator of the rear wheel to perform electric driving based on the pedaling force signal detected by the torque sensor, realizes a cycling assist mode by supplying power for cycling jointly through the motor generator and human pedaling, and controls the motor generator of the front wheel to generate electricity; The multi-mode driving circuit is characterized in that, when in a pure cycling mode, the control module controls the motor-generators on the front wheels and the motor-generators on the rear wheels to generate electricity.

2. Further including an accelerator operation unit, The accelerator operation unit can send an accelerator control signal to the control module in response to an operation by a cyclist, 2. The multi-mode drive circuit according to claim 1, wherein the control module controls a motor generator to supply power based on the pedal force signal detected by the torque sensor and the accelerator control signal.

3. 2. The multi-mode drive circuit according to claim 1, wherein the control module includes: a power supply system detection unit that acquires an electric charge of an external battery; and a power supply switching unit that controls the motor generator based on an electric charge signal of the power supply system detection unit to charge the corresponding battery.

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