Operating part with one-handed operation for an electric bicycle

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating part for an electric bicycle (F), in particular for controlling a drive system (A) on an electric bicycle (F). According to the invention, the operating part (1) is provided for attachment to a handlebar (L) of the electric bicycle (F) and comprises at least a first operating element (B) for the selection of an assistance level provided by the drive system (A) by a rider of the electric bicycle (F). The operating part (1) also comprises at least one second operating element (103, 104) which can be actuated by the rider and which is arranged laterally adjacent to the at least one first operating element (B). The operating part (1) is provided with the at least one first operating element (B) and the at least one second operating element (103, 104) for one-handed operation by the rider of the electric bicycle (F), in that both the at least one first operating element (B) and the at least one second operating element (103, 104) can be actuated by a thumb of a hand of the rider gripping the handlebars (L).

Description

[0001] Control unit with one-hand operation for an electric bicycle

[0002] Description

[0003] The proposed solution relates to a control unit for an electric bicycle, in particular a control unit for controlling a drive system on an electric bicycle.

[0004] Electric bicycles with an electric motor drive system enable the provision of an externally powered assistance torque to drive the electric bicycle, so that a drive force applied by muscle power via pedals connected to a bottom bracket shaft of the drive system can be motor-assisted. A control unit is provided for controlling the drive system by an electric bicycle rider, which is typically attached to the handlebars of the electric bicycle. Such a control unit can be used, for example, to control the level of assistance provided by at least one electric motor of the drive system. Using the control unit, an electric bicycle rider can thus choose between several (at least two) different assistance levels, which differ from one another in terms of the maximum assistance torque provided.If the control unit has a display, it will provide information about the currently selected support fund, for example. Typically, the display also shows other information, such as the distance traveled or the current charge level of a drive system battery.

[0005] In the control units for electric bicycle drive systems currently commonly available on the market, at least one control element for selecting a support level is located on the side of a display unit. This can make it difficult to quickly change the support level, especially if a rider wants to position the display unit centrally on the handlebars for a better view of the display. Selecting a support level while riding an electric bicycle is then typically not possible without the rider having to take a hand off the handlebars.Therefore, solutions are already known in which a control element for selecting a support level of the drive system is mounted close to the handlebars of the electric bicycle, so that a rider of the electric bicycle can operate a control element with the thumb of a hand that continues to grip the handlebars, which can be used to change a support level.

[0006] However, there is still a need for a control unit for an electric bicycle in which different control elements are arranged ergonomically and can be operated intuitively by a rider of the electric bicycle.

[0007] The proposed solution provides a remedy here.

[0008] According to a first aspect, a control unit for controlling a drive system on an electric bicycle is proposed, which control unit comprises, in addition to at least one first control element for selecting a support level of the drive system by a rider of the electric bicycle, at least one second control element operable by the rider, which is arranged laterally adjacent to the at least one first control element. The control unit, with the at least one first control element and the at least one second control element, is configured for one-handed operation by the rider of the electric bicycle, in that both the at least one first control element and the at least one second control element can be actuated by a thumb of a hand of the rider gripping the handlebar.

[0009] A control element proposed in this regard is therefore based on the basic idea of ​​arranging at least one further, second control element to the side of a first control element provided for selecting a support level, so that this second control element can also be operated by a rider of the electric bicycle - independently of the first control element - without the rider having to release their hand from the handlebars (in a grip area). Relative to a direction of extension of the handlebars when the control element is mounted on the handlebars, the at least one second control element is thus arranged in close proximity to the first control element for selecting a support level and is thus space-saving and at the same time ergonomically advantageous.The at least one further, second control element can be provided, for example, for controlling a function of the electric bicycle, in particular a function of the drive system that is independent of the selection of a support level, and / or for controlling a function of the control unit itself. For example, the at least one further, second control element serves to control a lighting element on the electric bicycle or to call up a menu of the control unit and / or to navigate within such a menu and / or to operate a transmission, in particular an automatic transmission of the drive system.

[0010] For example, the at least one first operating element and the at least one second operating element are arranged within an operating area of ​​the operating part, the outer dimensions of which are defined by operable operating elements. An operating area of ​​the operating element can also be defined exclusively by a plurality of operable operating elements, so that the operating area spans an area on the operating part whose edges are defined by the edges of the operating elements. Consequently, several different, in particular first and second, operating elements for one-handed operation can be accommodated in a very small space.

[0011] In one embodiment, the at least one first operating element comprises at least one operating recess for the rider's thumb, which is bordered by a projecting edge piece towards the laterally adjacent second operating element. The dimensions of the at least one operating recess can be (ergonomically) adapted to the thumb surface, for example, to the thumb surface that lies in the 95th, 90th, 85th, or 80th percentile range for a man. Accordingly, the operating recess is only too small for, for example, only 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% of men, so that the thumb of a male rider of the electric bicycle would not fully rest against the inner walls of the operating recess. By bordering the at least one operating recess of the first operating element with a projecting edge piece (relative to the operating recess) towards the laterally adjacent second operating element, a haptically perceptible lateral limitation of the first operating element is provided.This makes it easier for the electric bicycle rider to position their thumb on the first control element so that only the first control element is activated, even if the first and second control elements are arranged laterally adjacent to each other in a proposed control unit. The protruding edge of the first control element thus also forms a tactile barrier towards the second control element.

[0012] In one embodiment, an operating surface of the at least one second operating element adjoins the projecting edge piece of the at least one first operating element, which operating surface is separated from the projecting edge piece of the at least one first operating element only by a separating gap. The separating gap has, for example, a maximum gap width of 1.5 mm or 1 mm and is thus comparatively narrow. In this way, the operating surface of the at least one further, second operating element adjoins the projecting edge piece of the first operating element directly on the side, which the rider of the electric bicycle can also act on with his thumb in order to control a function on the electric bicycle, in particular on the drive system or the operating part.

[0013] In this case, it can also be provided, for example, that the operating surface of the at least one second operating element is flush with the edge piece of the at least one first operating element. The projecting edge piece thus merges laterally into the operating surface of the at least one second operating element. In other words, there is no or at most a slight height offset at this point between the projecting edge piece of the first operating element and the adjoining operating surface of the second operating element, which is separated from the first operating element only by a separating gap.A minimal height offset is understood here to mean a height offset of a maximum of 5 mm, in particular a maximum of 3 mm or 2 mm. Such a comparatively smooth transition between the various laterally adjacent control elements of the control unit not only makes it easier for an electric bicycle rider to operate the first and second control elements with a single thumb without having to remove their hand from the electric bicycle's handlebars. The different control elements, which can affect different functions on the electric bicycle and / or the control unit, are also easier for the rider to distinguish haptically.

[0014] In a possible further development, the operating surface of the at least one second operating element is bordered in a direction pointing away from the first operating element by an edge section that protrudes relative to the operating surface. In a variant design based on this, the at least one second operating element is consequently (also) bordered laterally by a protruding edge section. As with the protruding edge piece of the first operating element, a rider of the electric bicycle on which a variant design of a proposed operating part is mounted can thus experience purely haptically where the at least one second operating element ends. The protruding edge section adjoins the operating surface in a direction pointing away from the first operating element and lying in the operating surface.If necessary, a concave curve can be provided in the transition between the operating surface and the protruding edge section to provide a smooth, pleasant transition for the driver's thumb between the operating surface and the protruding edge section. Furthermore, the second operating element can be actuated by a pressure force applied to the protruding edge section, so that the protruding edge section specifies an actuation direction of the second operating element, which the driver can intuitively perceive haptically.

[0015] In one embodiment, this can be further supported by the protruding edge portion of the at least one second operating element protruding further in a direction of extension perpendicular to the operating surface than the protruding edge piece of the at least one first operating element. Consequently, in an operating area of ​​the operating part comprising the first and second operating elements, a laterally provided edge portion of the at least one second operating element protrudes more than the edge piece of the at least one first operating element protruding in the same direction of extension.The operating area is thus haptically bordered on one side by the protruding edge section of the at least one second operating element and an operating recess of the first operating element - possibly open to the other side of the operating area - is set back both from the protruding edge section of the first operating element and from the laterally adjacent operating surface of the second operating element and is thus noticeably "lower" for the rider of the electric bicycle.

[0016] In one embodiment, the at least one second control element, as already briefly mentioned above, is provided for controlling a function of the electric bicycle, in particular of the drive system or the control unit, that is independent of the selection of a support level. For example, the at least one second control element can be provided for activating and / or deactivating lighting on the electric bicycle or the control unit, for switching between different lighting states of a display of the control unit, or for calling up a menu shown on a display and / or navigating within such a menu. For example, one or more functions of the control unit can be controlled and / or adjusted via a menu called up via a second control element.

[0017] In one embodiment, the at least one second control element is designed with a button that can be actuated by the thumb of the electric bicycle rider by pressing it, in particular a rocker switch that can be tilted outward to the side. In an alternative embodiment, the at least one second control element can be designed with a control element that can be actuated along at least two mutually perpendicular spatial axes, and thus, for example, with a control element that can be displaced in the manner of a joystick.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one first control element can be designed with a rocker switch that can be tilted from an initial position in two mutually opposite switching directions about a (first) rocker axis in order to switch between the support levels of the drive system. A rocker switch of the at least one first control element can, for example, comprise two operating sections arranged one above the other - based on a state of the control element as intended when mounted on the electric bicycle - wherein the rocker switch tilts in one or the other switching direction depending on which of the operating sections is pressed. A rider can thus press one or the other operating section with their thumb, depending on whether a support level is to be increased or decreased, and thus (temporarily) tilt the rocker switch in one or the other switching direction.After an operation and insufficient pressure is applied to the respective operating section, the rocker switch tilts back to its original position.

[0019] In one variant, the control unit comprises at least two first control elements, one of which can be operated to increase the support level and the other to decrease the support level. This includes, for example, a variant in which a first button of a first control element must be pressed to increase the support level, and a second button below it of the other first control element must be pressed to decrease the support level. Here—as with a design using a rocker switch—a pressure point that is clearly noticeable to the driver of the electric vehicle can be advantageous for intuitive operation.

[0020] A further 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 actuation by a rider of the electric bicycle. It is provided 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 arranged adjacent to the first operating element and is designed with a second rocker switch, wherein the second rocker switch can be tilted about a second rocker axis running perpendicular to the first rocker axis.

[0021] By providing two rocker switches that can be tilted about different rocker axes, which are optionally intended for controlling different functions on the electric bicycle and / or the control unit, an intuitive operating area for the electric bicycle rider can be provided by a control unit. For example, the electric bicycle rider must tilt the first rocker switch up or down to control a first function, while to control a second function the second rocker switch must be tilted right or left, for example. With reference to the embodiments of the first aspect explained above, it can be provided in particular that the support levels of the drive system can be selected via the first rocker switch, while the second rocker switch can be used to control functions of the electric bicycle and / or the control unit that are independent of the selection of a support level.

[0022] Regardless of whether the control unit is designed according to the first and / or second aspect, the control unit can generally be configured and intended for attachment to the handlebars of an electric bicycle. For this purpose, the control unit comprises, for example, a handlebar mounting ring that is open on one side and can be clamped to an outer circumference of the handlebar via a screw.

[0023] In principle, it can also be provided for the control unit to comprise two second control elements. This includes, in particular, two second control elements being provided adjacent to different control sections of a first control element formed with a first rocker switch. For example, a second control element is then adjacent to a first control section of the first rocker switch, while another, second control element is laterally adjacent to the second control section of the same first rocker switch. If, in turn, two first control elements are provided, one of the second control elements is adjacent to one of the first control elements, and the other second control element is adjacent to the other, first control element.

[0024] The control unit can generally comprise a display. In particular, such a display can be permanently or detachably connected to a handlebar mounting ring of the control unit. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit comprises an interface for wireless signal transmission. In particular, the interface can be configured for bidirectional signal transmission and thus for wireless transmission and reception of signals. Via a wireless interface, the control unit can communicate, for example, with a display unit for the drive system of the electric bicycle provided remotely from the control unit and / or with a mobile device, such as a mobile phone, provided remotely from the control unit. In one embodiment, the control unit comprises a Bluetooth interface.

[0025] The proposed solution further relates to an electric bicycle with a variant of a proposed control unit.

[0026] The attached figures illustrate possible embodiments of the proposed solution.

[0027] Here we show:

[0028] Figure 1 shows an electric bicycle with an electric motor drive system, wherein a first embodiment of a proposed control unit is mounted on a handlebar of the electric bicycle, which control unit can communicate wirelessly with different display units that can be mounted spatially spaced from the control unit;

[0029] Figure 2 shows, on an enlarged scale and in perspective, the control panel of Figure 1;

[0030] Figure 3 shows a second view corresponding to Figure 2

[0031] Design variant of a proposed control unit which, in contrast to the variant in Figure 2, integrates a display, but in which an operating area with different operating elements is designed identically;

[0032] Figures 4A-4B show the control unit according to the second embodiment of Figure 3 in a state mounted on a handlebar in a front view (Figure 4) and a rear view (Figure 4B); Figures 5A-5B show the control unit of Figures 3 and 4A-4B in two side views, looking at a left side (Figure 5A) and a right side (Figure 5B) of the control unit.

[0033] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an electric bicycle F which, at an intersection point of a down tube R1 and a seat tube R2 of a bicycle frame of the electric bicycle F, comprises a drive system A with at least one electric motor for driving the electric bicycle A. Via the at least one electric motor of the drive system A, an assistance torque can be generated by external power, which assists a rider of the electric bicycle F in driving the electric bicycle F. The assistance torque and a corresponding assistance power of the drive system A can be adjusted in height at different assistance levels. In particular for selecting such an assistance level and thus for the electronic control of the drive system A, a control unit 1 is provided, which is mounted on a handlebar L of the electric bicycle F.

[0034] This control unit 1 is provided in the electric bicycle F shown in Figure 1 in the area of ​​a left grip area of ​​the handlebar L. The control unit 1 here has, as an example, an operating area 10 for one-handed operation with a left hand. Accordingly, the operating area 10 is designed such that a rider of the electric bicycle F can operate the control elements of the control unit 1 provided in the operating area 10 with the thumb of their left hand without having to release their left hand from the handlebar L.

[0035] For transmitting control and input signals, the control unit 1 is connected to the drive system A, for example, via at least one cable. In the illustrated embodiment, the control unit 1 is further equipped with an interface for wireless signal transmission, for example in the form of a Bluetooth interface, and 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.

[0036] The respective display unit D1 or D2 has a display via which a rider of the electric bicycle F is shown information about the operating status of the drive system A, such as a currently selected support level or the range of a battery for the drive system A. In addition, speed information and / or information about a distance traveled can be made available via a display of the display unit D1 or D2. Due to the spatial separation between the control unit 2 and a display unit D1 and D2, the display unit D1 or D2 can be attached, for example, to a top tube R3 or to a position on the handlebar L that is different from the position of the control unit 2. The information provided by the respective display can thus be better and faster grasped by a rider of the electric bicycle F.At the same time, the control unit 1 with its operating area 10 can still be arranged in the immediate vicinity of a grip area of ​​the handlebar L for one-handed operation.

[0037] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the control unit 1 of Figure 1 on an enlarged scale. The control area 10 defined by the control unit 1 is connected in this case to a handlebar mounting ring 11, via which the control unit 1 can be clamped to the handlebar L. Furthermore, the control unit 1 has an upper part 12. This upper part 12 forms a housing for the electronics of the control unit 1. For example, at least one circuit board is protectively housed in the upper part 12, which is coupled to the control elements provided on the control area 10 and the Bluetooth interface.

[0038] The operating area 10 of the control unit 1, which is provided on a front side of the control unit 1, is defined exclusively by several—in this case, three—control elements B, 103, and 104. The external dimensions of the operating area 10 are accordingly determined exclusively by these control elements B, 103, and 104. There are no further protruding sections or components on the operating area 10.

[0039] A first control element B, arranged here on the left, is provided for selecting a support level of the drive system A. For this purpose, the control element B is designed with a rocker switch which comprises two control sections 101 and 102 arranged one above the other. The control sections 101 and 102 are spatially separated from one another by a connecting section which defines a first rocker axis S1. If a rider of the electric bicycle F presses the upper, first control section 101 with his thumb (with sufficient pressure), the rocker switch of the control element B can tilt in a first switching direction about the first rocker axis S1 in order to increase a support level of the drive system A. If the lower, second control section 102 is pressed, the rocker switch of the control element B in turn tilts in an opposite switching direction about the first rocker axis S1 in order to decrease a support level.To support the intuitive operation of the control element B, each control section 101, 102 is designed with a control recess 101A or 102A that is open on one side, in this case on the left side. In this way, a rider of the electric bicycle F, with the control element 1 arranged on the left side of the handlebar L, can easily influence the respective control section 101 or 102 with their left thumb - while still grasping the grip area of ​​the handlebar L. To make a lateral boundary of the control recess 101A or 102A more easily perceptible for the rider, each control recess 101A, 102A is bordered by a (forwardly) projecting edge piece 101B or 102B. A projecting edge piece 101B or 102B lies in the direction of a second operating element 103 or 104, which is adjacent to the first operating element B in the region of a first or second operating section 101 or 102.

[0040] The second operating element 103 or 104 adjoins a projecting edge piece 101B or 102B of the operating element B, separated only by a narrow gap g. Each of the two superimposed second operating elements 103, 104 is wing-shaped. The second operating elements 103, 104 each have an operating surface 103A or 104A, which is flush with the associated left-hand projecting edge piece 101B or 102B of the respective operating section 101 or 102.

[0041] Laterally, in this case on the right side, each operating surface 103A or 104A of a second operating element 103 or 104 is bordered by a (likewise forwardly) projecting edge portion 103B or 104B. A projecting edge portion 103B or 104B thus haptically delimits a respective operating surface 103A or 104A of a second operating element 103 or 104, which is laterally adjoined to the operating element B provided for controlling the support levels, via a thumb of the rider of the electric bicycle F. The protruding edge section 103B or 104B of a second operating element 103 or 104 protrudes more than a protruding edge piece 101B or 102B of the first operating element B. The operating recesses 101A and 102A of the first operating element B are thus noticeably lower for a rider of the electric bicycle F than the operating surfaces 103A and 104A of the two laterally adjacent and superimposed operating elements 103 and 104.

[0042] In the illustrated control unit 1, each second operating element 103, 104 is also designed with a rocker switch. The rocker switch of the upper, second operating element 103 can be tilted outward about a second rocker axis S2, which runs perpendicular to the first rocker axis S1 of the first operating element B. Likewise, a third rocker axis S3 of the other, lower, second operating element 104 runs perpendicular to the first rocker axis S1. In the present case, the second and third rocker axes S2 and S3 run at an angle to one another for ergonomic reasons. The second and third rocker axes of the second operating elements 103, 104 can, of course, also be aligned with one another.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the two wing-like control elements 103 and 104, which are laterally adjacent to the control element B for controlling the support levels, are used to control functions that are different from specifying a support level of the drive system A. For example, the one upper control element 103 can be used to call up a menu for the control unit 1 and to navigate within such a menu, which is displayed on the respective display unit D1 or D2. Alternatively or additionally, a display mode on the respective display unit D1 or D2 can be selected via a control element 103. The other, lower control element 104 is used, for example, to activate and / or deactivate a lighting element on the electric bicycle F or to adjust the brightness of a display on the respective display unit D1 or D2.

[0044] In contrast to the embodiment of the control unit 1 in Figure 2, a further embodiment according to Figures 3, 4A-4B, and 5A-5B provides for a separate display 120 on the upper part 12. The display 120 can be permanently integrated or detachably attached. The design of the control panel 10 with the first control element B for controlling the assistance levels and the two second control elements 103 and 104 laterally adjoining it for one-handed operation with a thumb by a rider of the electric bicycle F is unchanged from the embodiment of Figure 2.

[0045] The front view of Figure 4A once again illustrates the attachment of the control unit 1 via the handlebar mounting ring 11 to a left part of the handlebar 11, so that a rider of the electric bicycle F can comfortably operate the individual control elements B, 103, and 104 of the control unit 1 without having to release their left hand from a grip area of ​​the handlebar 11. In addition to the illustration in Figures 2 and 3, Figure 4A also shows a cable K via which the control unit 1 is connected to the drive system A. Control signals for selecting the assistance levels can thus be transmitted via the cable K. Furthermore, signals from the drive system A and, in particular, the sensors provided therein can also be transmitted to the control unit 1 via the cable K. The rear view of Figure 4B shows an on / off switch 121 below the display 120 on the upper part 12.The control unit 1 can be switched on and off via this on / off switch 121. A connection socket 122 with a cover is provided below the on / off switch 121 on the rear of the control unit 1. A charging cable, for example, can be connected to the control unit 1 via this connection socket 121. Alternatively or additionally, a cable can be connected to the connection socket 122 in order to read information stored in a memory of the control unit 1 while riding the electric bicycle F. For example, the connection socket 122 can integrate a USB interface, which can be used both for the charging function mentioned above and for signal transmission.

[0046] The side views of Figures 5A and 5B once again illustrate the compact and ergonomic design of the control unit 1, particularly in its control area 10 with the three control elements B, 103, and 104, which are designed with rocker switches that can be tilted along different rocker axes S1, S2, and S3. In particular, the left-side side view of Figure 5A once again shows how the right-hand protruding edge sections 103B and 104B of the two control elements 103 and 104 each protrude most prominently along an extension direction Z3 or Z4 (perpendicular to the respective control surface 103A or 104A), particularly relative to the respective control surface 103A or 104A bounded thereby, as well as the control sections 101 and 102 with their respective control recesses 101A or 102A.

[0047] The design of the control panel 10 is comparatively small and slim, especially in width. The integration of the several different control elements B, 103, 104 in the control area 10, which can be reached with a thumb and covered, also simplifies the placement of the electronics in the upper part 12. This allows for the omission of additional control elements on the upper part 12. This, in turn, can lead to a simpler and more cost-effective design of a circuit board to be housed in the upper part 12.

[0048] Deviating from the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5B, it is of course also possible for only a single second control element to be laterally connected to the one control element B for selecting the assistance levels, which can be actuated for a different function. Likewise, a larger number n, with n > 2, of second control elements can be provided, adjacent to the first control element on at least one or both sides. Furthermore, it is possible for one or more of the lateral second control elements 103 and 104 to be designed only as a button that can be pressed outwards. Alternatively or additionally, instead of a rocker switch for selecting the assistance levels via a single control element B, it can also be provided that an independent first control element can be provided on the control sections 101 and 102 for increasing and decreasing an assistance level.In other words, two first control elements can be provided to select between the support levels of the drive system A. Each of these first control elements can then be implemented, for example, with a single button.

[0049] List of reference symbols

[0050] 1 operator 10 operating area

[0051] 101 , 102 Operating section

[0052] IOI A, 102A control panel (open on one side)

[0053] IOI B, 102B Projecting edge piece 103, 104 Second operating element 103A, 104A Operating surface 103B, 104B Projecting edge section 11 Handlebar fastening ring

[0054] 12 Upper part with housing for electronics, including circuit board

[0055] 120 Display 121 On / Off switch

[0056] 122 Connection socket with cover A Drive system

[0057] B First control element for controlling the

[0058] Support levels

[0059] D1, D2 display unit

[0060] F Bicycle g Separation gap K Cable

[0061] L handlebar

[0062] R1 down tube

[0063] R2 saddle raw R3 top tube

[0064] S1 First rocker axle

[0065] S2 Second rocker axle

[0066] S3 Third rocker axle

[0067] Z3, Z4 extension direction

Claims

Claims 1. A control unit for controlling a drive system (A) on an electric bicycle (F), wherein an externally powered assistance torque for driving the electric bicycle (F) in several different assistance levels can be provided via the drive system (A), and the control unit (1) is provided for attachment to a handlebar (L) of the electric bicycle (F) and comprises at least one first control element (B) for the selection of an assistance level by a rider of the electric bicycle (F), characterized in that the control unit (1) comprises at least one second control element (103, 104) operable by the rider, which is arranged laterally adjacent to the at least one first control element (B), and the control unit (1) with the at least one first control element (B) and the at least one second control element (103, 104) is configured for one-handed operation by the rider of the electric bicycle (F),in that both the at least one first control element (B) and the at least one second control element (103, 104) can be actuated by a thumb of a driver's hand grasping the handlebar (L).

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

3. Operating part according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one first operating element (B) comprises at least one operating recess (101A, 102A) for the thumb, which is bordered by a projecting edge piece (101B, 102B) towards the laterally adjacent second operating element (103, 104).

4. Operating part according to claim 3, characterized in that an operating surface (103A, 104A) of the at least one second operating element (103, 104) adjoins the projecting edge piece (101B, 102B) of the at least one first operating element (B), which is separated from the edge piece (101B, 102B) of the at least one first operating element (B) only by a separating gap (g).

5. Control unit according to claim 4, characterized in that the control surface (103A, 104A) of the at least one second control element (103, 104) is flush with the edge piece (101B, 102B) of the at least first control element (B).

6. Operating part according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the operating surface (103A, 104A) of the at least one second operating element (103, 104) is bordered in a direction pointing away from the first operating element (B) by an edge portion (103B, 104B) which projects relative to the operating surface (103A, 104A).

7. Operating part according to claim 6, characterized in that the projecting edge section (103B, 104B) of the at least one second operating element (103, 104) projects further in an extension direction (Z3, Z4) running perpendicular to the operating surface (103A, 104A) than the projecting edge piece (101B, 102B) of the at least one first operating element (B).

8. Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one second control element (103, 104) is provided for controlling a function of the electric bicycle (F), in particular of the drive system (A) or of the control unit (1), which is independent of the selection of the support levels.

9. Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one second control element (103, 104) is designed with a button that can be actuated by pressure with the thumb, in particular a rocker switch that can be tilted laterally outwards or with a control element that can be actuated in at least two mutually perpendicular spatial axes.

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

11. Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (1) comprises at least two first control elements, one of which can be actuated to increase the support level and another of which can be actuated to decrease the support level.

12. Control unit for an electric bicycle (F), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control unit (1) comprises at least a first control element (B) for actuation by a rider of the electric bicycle (F) and at least one second control element (103, 104) for confirmation by the rider of the electric bicycle (F), characterized in that the at least one first control element (B) is designed with a first rocker switch which can be tilted about a first rocker axis (S1), and the at least one second control element (103, 104) is arranged adjacent to the first control element (B) and is designed with a second rocker switch, wherein the second rocker switch can be tilted about a second rocker axis (S2, S3) running perpendicular to the first rocker axis (S1).

13. Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (1) comprises two second control elements (103, 104).

14. Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (1) comprises a display (120) and / or an interface for wireless signal transmission.

15. Electric bicycle with a control unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images