Electric bicycle transport device and method for using same

By designing an electric bicycle transport device, which utilizes a connecting boom and control module to achieve efficient transfer of multiple electric bicycles, the problem of high difficulty in transferring shared electric bicycles and low utilization rate has been solved, enabling on-demand delivery and improving user satisfaction.

WO2025260301A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-12-26CAO QINGHENG
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/CN2024/100243
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-06-20
Publication Date
2025-12-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing methods for transporting shared electric bicycles are time-consuming and labor-intensive, cannot be efficiently dispatched, and cannot be scheduled for delivery according to user needs, resulting in uneven distribution of vehicles and low utilization.

Method used

Design an electric bicycle transportation device, including a connecting arm, a connecting device, a control module, and a power unit. The connecting arm connects multiple electric bicycles, and the control module and power unit enable automatic or manual driving. The device plans the driving trajectory and steering angle according to road conditions and user needs. Combined with an information receiving module and a route planning module, it achieves efficient transportation and on-demand delivery.

Benefits of technology

It has enabled efficient transportation of shared electric bicycles, improved utilization, reduced idle time, and enhanced user satisfaction, enabling delivery to designated locations and times as needed.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Disclosed is an electric bicycle transport device, comprising a linkage arm (10), two or more connecting devices (11), a control module, and a power device. The linkage arm (10) is used for connecting two or more electric bicycles together; the connecting devices (11) are mounted on the linkage arm (10); each connecting device (11) is used for connecting one electric bicycle; and the control module is electrically connected to a motor (1111) of each connecting device (11), and is used for controlling the steering angle of a handlebar of each electric bicycle by controlling the rotation of each motor (1111). The transport device can achieve efficient transfer of shared bicycles or electric bicycles, improving the utilization rate of shared bicycles or electric bicycles, reducing idle time and improving use efficiency, and can also achieve reserved deliver of shared bicycles or electric bicycles in place according to the time and place required by users, improving user satisfaction. Further disclosed is a method for using the electric bicycle transport device.
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Description

An electric bicycle transport device and its usage method Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of transportation technology, and in particular to an electric bicycle transportation device and its method of use. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of technology and the improvement of people's living standards, shared electric bicycles have attracted more and more users, bringing people a more comfortable and convenient life experience. As a sustainable public transportation tool, shared electric bicycles have significant advantages: low noise, low emissions, flexible access, and seamless integration with other public transportation modes. These advantages have led to widespread recognition of their ability to alleviate urban traffic congestion, reduce environmental pollution, lower energy consumption, and solve the "last mile" problem in travel.

[0003] Shared electric bicycles are distributed in various public places such as schools and subway stations. However, with daily use, shared electric bicycles also face problems such as uneven distribution of vehicles and failure to meet user needs. In order to improve vehicle utilization, reduce vehicle idle time, improve vehicle usage efficiency, and enhance user satisfaction, it is necessary to dispatch and transfer shared electric bicycles.

[0004] Currently, there is no efficient dispatching and transfer system for shared electric bicycles. Most shared bicycles are manually transported to transfer vehicles, which then carry multiple bicycles for transport. This process is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive, but more importantly, shared electric bicycles are significantly heavier than regular shared bicycles, making them difficult to unload. Furthermore, manually loading shared bicycles onto transfer vehicles and then having multiple bicycles transported is also time-consuming, labor-intensive, and inefficient. Shared bicycles or shared electric bicycles also cannot be delivered to users' desired times and locations on a scheduled basis.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an electric bicycle transportation device and its usage method, which can realize the efficient transfer of shared electric bicycles, thereby reducing the difficulty of transferring shared electric bicycles, improving the utilization rate of shared electric bicycles, reducing idle time, improving usage efficiency, and also allowing users to schedule delivery of shared bicycles or electric bicycles to their desired time and location, thereby improving user satisfaction.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The main objective of this invention is to provide an electric bicycle transportation device and its usage method, which enables efficient transfer of shared electric bicycles, thereby reducing the difficulty of transferring shared electric bicycles, improving the utilization rate of shared electric bicycles, reducing idle time, improving usage efficiency, and allowing users to schedule delivery of shared bicycles or electric bicycles to their desired time and location, thus enhancing user satisfaction.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an electric bicycle transport device, which includes a connecting arm, two or more connecting devices, a control module, and a power unit.

[0009] The connecting arm is used to connect two or more electric bicycles together so that they can travel together during transportation;

[0010] The connecting device is mounted on the connecting arm. Each connecting device is used to connect one electric bicycle. The connecting device includes a base and a steering gear. The base is connected to the connecting arm, and the steering gear is connected to the base. The steering gear includes a steering shaft, a motor, a first connecting component, and a second connecting component. The steering shaft is connected to both ends of the electric bicycle handlebars through the first and second connecting components, respectively. The motor is used to drive the steering shaft to rotate, thereby causing the electric bicycle handlebars to rotate. The two ends of the first connecting component are respectively connected to one end of the steering shaft and one end of the electric bicycle handlebars, and the two ends of the second connecting component are respectively connected to the other end of the steering shaft and the other end of the electric bicycle handlebars. When the steering shaft rotates, the electric bicycle handlebars rotate with the steering shaft through the first and second connecting components.

[0011] The control module is connected to the motor of each connecting device via wired or wireless means. It controls the rotation angle of each steering shaft by controlling the rotation of each motor, thereby controlling the steering angle of each electric bicycle handlebar.

[0012] The power unit is used to provide power for the electric bicycle transport device and the electric bicycles connected to it.

[0013] As described above, in the electric bicycle transport device, a slide rail is provided on the connecting arm, and the base of the connecting device can slide on the slide rail. By sliding the base of the connecting device on the slide rail, the position of the connecting device on the connecting arm is adjusted, thereby adjusting the position of the electric bicycle connected to the connecting device.

[0014] As described above, in the electric bicycle transport device, the control module is also connected to the controller of the electric bicycle via wired or wireless connection. The control module can send instructions to the controller of the electric bicycle to control at least one of the following: the electric bicycle's speed, acceleration, start, stop, and lock.

[0015] The electric bicycle transport device described above further includes an automatic driving module, which includes an information acquisition device and an analysis module. The information acquisition device is used to acquire road condition information, and the analysis module analyzes a suitable driving trajectory based on the road condition information. Then, based on the driving trajectory, it analyzes the suitable steering angle and driving speed for each electric bicycle. The control module controls each electric bicycle according to the analysis results of the analysis module.

[0016] As described above, the electric bicycle transport device connects two or more electric bicycles. One of the electric bicycles is driven by a human. The analysis module analyzes the driving trajectory of the manually driven electric bicycle to determine the suitable driving trajectories for the other connected electric bicycles. Then, based on the driving trajectory, it analyzes the suitable steering angle and driving speed for each electric bicycle. The control module controls each electric bicycle according to the analysis results of the analysis module.

[0017] As described above, the electric bicycle transport device further includes an information receiving module and a route planning module. The information receiving module is used to receive user requests, including the user's required time and location. The route planning module is used to plan a suitable route based on the user's requests, so that the electric bicycle transport device can deliver the bicycle or electric bicycle to the required time and location.

[0018] The electric bicycle transport device described above further includes a rear wheel balance arm for connecting the rear wheels of two or more electric bicycles together. The rear wheel balance arm includes a connecting crossbar and two or more fixing devices. The connecting crossbar is segmented, with adjacent segments connected by ropes or chains. The length of each segment is extendable. The fixing devices are used to secure the ropes or chains between adjacent segments of the connecting crossbar to the rear of the electric bicycle.

[0019] The present invention also provides a multi-row electric bicycle transport device, the device comprising a multi-row linkage base and two or more electric bicycle transport devices as described above, the multi-row linkage base being provided with two or more fixing components, the fixing components being used to fix the electric bicycle transport devices on the multi-row linkage base, the multi-row linkage base being used to connect two or more electric bicycle transport devices together and arrange them in a front-to-back manner.

[0020] The present invention also provides an electric bicycle that can be used in conjunction with the electric bicycle transport device described above. The controller of the electric bicycle can receive instructions from the electric bicycle transport device and travel according to the instructions of the electric bicycle transport device.

[0021] The present invention also provides a method of using the electric bicycle transport device as described above, the method comprising:

[0022] Get traffic information;

[0023] Analyze suitable driving routes based on road condition information;

[0024] Based on the analysis of the driving trajectory, the appropriate steering angle and driving speed for each bicycle or electric bicycle are determined.

[0025] Control the movement of each bicycle or electric bicycle according to the analysis results.

[0026] The method of using the electric bicycle transport device as described above further includes:

[0027] Acquire user needs for using bicycles or electric bicycles, including the user's required time and location;

[0028] Plan suitable routes based on user needs;

[0029] The electric bicycle transport device delivers bicycles or electric bicycles to the user's desired time and location according to the planned route.

[0030] This invention discloses an electric bicycle transport device and its method of use. The transport device includes a connecting arm, two or more connecting devices, a control module, and a power unit. The connecting arm connects two or more electric bicycles together. The connecting devices are mounted on the connecting arm, and each connecting device connects one electric bicycle. The control module is electrically connected to the motor of each connecting device and controls the steering angle of each electric bicycle's handlebar by controlling the rotation of each motor. The method of using the electric bicycle transport device includes: acquiring road condition information; analyzing suitable driving trajectories based on the road condition information; analyzing suitable steering angles and driving speeds for each bicycle or electric bicycle based on the driving trajectory; and controlling the driving of each bicycle or electric bicycle according to the analysis results. This invention enables efficient transportation of shared bicycles or electric bicycles, thereby reducing the difficulty of transportation, increasing the utilization rate of shared bicycles or electric bicycles, reducing idle time, improving usage efficiency, and allowing users to schedule delivery of shared bicycles or electric bicycles to their desired time and location, thus improving user satisfaction. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the electric bicycle transport device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the connecting device.

[0033] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the steering gear.

[0034] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of turning a bicycle or electric bicycle.

[0035] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the multi-row electric bicycle transport device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6 is a flowchart of the method of using the electric bicycle transportation device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To further illustrate the technical means and effects of the present invention in achieving its intended purpose, the specific implementation methods of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0038] The first embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the electric bicycle transport device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the electric bicycle transport device of the present invention includes: a connecting arm 10, two or more connecting devices 11, a control module, and a power unit.

[0039] The boom 10 is used to connect two or more electric bicycles together so that they can travel together during transport.

[0040] A connecting device 11 is mounted on the connecting arm 10, and each connecting device 11 is used to connect one electric bicycle. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the connecting device. As shown, the connecting device 11 includes a base 110 and a steering mechanism 111. The base 110 is connected to the connecting arm 10, and the steering mechanism 111 is connected to the base 110. In this invention, the base 110 can be vertical, with its lower end connected to the connecting arm 10 and the steering mechanism 111 connected to its upper end; the base 110 can also be horizontal, with its forward end connected to the connecting arm 10 and the steering mechanism 111 connected to its rearward end. The base 110 can also be tilted at a certain angle, which is not limited in this invention.

[0041] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the steering mechanism. As shown, the steering mechanism 111 includes a steering shaft 1110, a motor 1111, a first connecting component 112, and a second connecting component 113. One end of the steering shaft 1110 is connected to the motor 1111, and the other end is connected to the first connecting component 112 and the second connecting component 113 respectively. The motor 1111 drives the steering shaft 1110 to rotate. The two ends of the first connecting component 112 are respectively connected to one end of the steering shaft 1110 and the handlebars of the electric bicycle, and the two ends of the second connecting component 113 are respectively connected to the other end of the steering shaft 1110 and the handlebars of the electric bicycle. Therefore, the steering shaft 1110 is connected to both ends of the handlebars of the electric bicycle through the first connecting component 112 and the second connecting component 113. When the steering shaft 1110 rotates, the handlebars of the electric bicycle rotate with the rotation of the steering shaft 1110 through the first connecting component 112 and the second connecting component 113. In this invention, the first connecting component 112 and the second connecting component 113 can be L-shaped connecting rods or other suitable connecting components; this invention is not limited to these. The connection angle between the first connecting component 112 and the second connecting component 113 and the handlebars of the electric bicycle can be upward, downward, horizontal or inclined, and the present invention does not impose any limitation.

[0042] The control module is connected to the motor 1111 of each connecting device 11 via wired or wireless means. It controls the rotation angle of each steering shaft 1110 by controlling the rotation of each motor 1111, thereby controlling the steering angle of each electric bicycle handlebar. During the transportation of electric bicycles, the handlebar angles of each electric bicycle may be the same or different. For example, when the electric bicycle transport device connects multiple electric bicycles, when moving forward, the handlebars of each electric bicycle point straight ahead at the same angle; when turning, in the same row of electric bicycles, the turning radius of the inner bicycles is smaller, and the turning radius of the outer bicycles is larger. Correspondingly, the steering angle of the inner bicycles should be greater than that of the outer bicycles. Therefore, the handlebar angles of each electric bicycle may be different.

[0043] In this invention, the control module can be a chip or chipset, located in the linkage arm 10 or other suitable position of the electric bicycle transport device, and connected to the motors 1111 of each connecting device 11 via wired or wireless means, and can control the rotation of each motor; or it can control the rotation of each motor via software. The control module can be a control program located on a network server or mobile phone, connected to each motor 1111 via a network, and controlling the rotation of each motor via network signals. This invention does not impose any limitations.

[0044] The power unit provides power for the electric bicycle transport device and the connected electric bicycles. This power can be provided by a towing vehicle, meaning the towing vehicle pulls the electric bicycle transport device and its connected electric bicycles. When the towing vehicle pulls the electric bicycle transport device, and subsequently pulls multiple electric bicycles connected to it, the electric bicycle transport device can be connected and fixed to the towing vehicle using various connecting tools, such as connecting cables / connecting rods / chain hooks / connecting locks / electromagnetic chucks / negative pressure suction cups, etc. These connecting tools can have a certain degree of flexibility in angle and length to ensure the stability of the connection between the towing vehicle and the electric bicycle transport device during operation. The connecting tools can be used in conjunction with the towing vehicle's existing tow hook, can be components that need to be installed / modified, or can be directly attached to the towing vehicle's body. For example, the towing vehicle includes a connecting steel cable with a fixed connector, and the electric bicycle transport device includes a connecting socket. The fixed connector of the towing vehicle's connecting steel cable is inserted into the connecting socket of the electric bicycle transport device to achieve connection.

[0045] In this invention, the power unit can also be the electric bicycle itself, allowing the transported electric bicycle to move using its own power. The electric bicycle transport device of this invention can transport both electric bicycles and bicycles. When the electric bicycle transport device transports electric bicycles, it can either use a tractor vehicle as the power unit to provide power for the electric bicycle transport device and the connected electric bicycles, or the electric bicycle itself can act as the power unit, with the electric bicycle transport device controlling the electric bicycle to move using its own power. When the electric bicycle transport device transports bicycles, it uses a tractor vehicle as the power unit to provide power for the electric bicycle transport device and the connected bicycles.

[0046] When the electric bicycle transport device relies on the electric bicycle itself as its power source, the control module of the electric bicycle transport device can be connected to the controller of the electric bicycle via wired or wireless connection. The control module can send commands to the controller of the electric bicycle to control the speed and acceleration of the electric bicycle. Upon receiving the commands from the control module of the electric bicycle transport device, the controller of the electric bicycle controls at least one of the following: speed, acceleration, start, stop, and lock. By controlling the speed and acceleration of the electric bicycle, it is possible to control its start, stop, acceleration, and deceleration.

[0047] In addition to controlling the electric bicycle's speed, acceleration, start, stop, and lock by sending commands to the electric bicycle's controller, the control module can also control these functions through other means. For example, the electric bicycle transport device may also include a robotic arm, which may be located on the side of the first connecting part 112 and the second connecting part 113 near the handlebars. When the first connecting part 112 and the second connecting part 113 are connected to the electric bicycle handlebars, the robotic arm can, under the control of the control module, operate the start, acceleration / deceleration, and other buttons or rotary buttons on the electric bicycle handlebars, including clicking the buttons and rotating the rotary buttons.

[0048] The electric bicycle transport device of the present invention can also lock and unlock the electric bicycle connected to it. The electric bicycle transport device also includes a sensor used to detect the connection status between the electric bicycle and the electric bicycle transport device, determining whether the electric bicycle is connected to the electric bicycle transport device. When the electric bicycle transport device is connected to the electric bicycle, the control module can send a command to the electric bicycle's controller to unlock the electric bicycle. When the electric bicycle transport device is disconnected from the electric bicycle, the control module sends a command to the electric bicycle's controller to lock the electric bicycle. In this invention, the sensor used to detect the connection status between the electric bicycle and the electric bicycle transport device can be a pressure sensor, installed on the first connecting part 112 or the second connecting part 113. When the first connecting part 112 or the second connecting part 113 is connected to the electric bicycle handlebars, the pressure sensor senses a pressure change, thereby determining that the electric bicycle is connected to the electric bicycle transport device. Of course, other methods and devices can also be used to detect the connection status between the electric bicycle and the electric bicycle transport device; this invention is not limited thereto.

[0049] The electric bicycle transport device of the present invention achieves efficient transfer of electric bicycles by connecting multiple electric bicycles together and controlling them to move together, thus avoiding manual loading and unloading. In this invention, the electric bicycles can move either by being controlled by the electric bicycle transport device and propelled by their own power, or by a tractor vehicle towing the electric bicycle transport device, thereby pulling multiple electric bicycles connected to the electric bicycle transport device to complete the transfer.

[0050] During the transportation of electric bicycles, the speeds of each electric bicycle may be the same or different. For example, when an electric bicycle transport device connects multiple electric bicycles, the speeds of each electric bicycle are the same when moving forward; however, when turning, the turning radius of the inner bicycles in the same row is smaller than that of the outer bicycles. Consequently, the speed of the inner bicycles should be less than that of the outer bicycles. Therefore, the speeds of each electric bicycle may also be different.

[0051] The electric bicycle transport device of the present invention, in addition to controlling the power provided by the electric bicycles themselves or by a tractor during the transfer process, also needs to be able to control the travel trajectory of each bicycle or electric bicycle in order to complete the transfer. In the present invention, the electric bicycle transport device achieves this by controlling the steering angle of the handlebars of each bicycle or electric bicycle through a control module.

[0052] The control module is electrically connected to the motor 1111 of each connection device 11, and is used to control the rotation angle of each steering shaft 1110 by controlling the rotation of each motor 1111, thereby controlling the steering angle of each electric bicycle handlebar.

[0053] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the steering of a bicycle or electric bicycle. As shown in the figure, the wheelbase of the electric bicycle is L, which is the distance between the center of the front wheel and the center of the rear wheel; the turning radius is R; the front wheel steering angle is a; tan(a)=L / R; a=arctan(L / R);

[0054] Therefore, when an electric bicycle transport device controls multiple bicycles or electric bicycles to turn together, the wheelbase of each bicycle or electric bicycle is known, and the turning radius can also be determined based on road conditions. Under these road conditions, controlling the turning of each bicycle or electric bicycle only requires controlling the front wheel steering angle of each bicycle or electric bicycle so that a = arctan(L / R). This allows the electric bicycle transport device to connect multiple electric bicycles and turn together.

[0055] The electric bicycle transport device of the present invention may further include an automatic driving module. The automatic driving module includes an information acquisition device and an analysis module. The information acquisition device acquires road condition information, and the analysis module analyzes a suitable driving trajectory based on the road condition information. Then, based on the driving trajectory, it analyzes the suitable steering angle and driving speed for each electric bicycle. The control module controls each electric bicycle according to the analysis results of the analysis module. The control module can control the steering angle of each electric bicycle by controlling the steering gear 111 of each connecting device 11, and control the driving speed of each electric bicycle by sending commands to the controller of each electric bicycle, thereby controlling each electric bicycle to drive according to the suitable trajectory analyzed by the analysis module based on the road condition information.

[0056] In this invention, the information acquisition device acquires road condition information either through an image acquisition device or by connecting to a traffic control system or a traffic server; this invention does not impose any limitations. Road condition information may include: bicycle lane width, intersections, radius of curvature, slope, road environment, road surface conditions, traffic flow, vehicle position, vehicle speed, vehicle acceleration, obstacle / pedestrian information, traffic light information, and road surface damage, etc.

[0057] In this invention, the electric bicycle transport device can be controlled by a control module based on a suitable driving trajectory analyzed by an analysis module, allowing the electric bicycle transport device and its connected electric bicycles to drive automatically. Alternatively, it can directly obtain autonomous driving instructions from a network server or cloud server and perform autonomous driving according to those instructions. The network server or cloud server can be a server belonging to a transportation system or an autonomous driving manufacturer, providing suitable autonomous driving instructions to vehicles with autonomous driving capabilities, including the electric bicycle transport device of this invention, thereby achieving autonomous driving functionality.

[0058] In the electric bicycle transport device of the present invention, a slide rail may also be provided on the connecting arm 10, and the base 110 of the connecting device 11 can slide on the slide rail. By sliding the base 110 of each connecting device 11 on the slide rail, the position of the connecting device 11 on the connecting arm 10 can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the position of the bicycle or electric bicycle connected to the connecting device 11. The slide rail also includes a drive device for driving the base 110 to move on the slide rail. The drive device can be electrically connected to the control module of the electric bicycle transport device, and the control module controls the direction, position, and speed of the drive device driving the base 110 to move on the slide rail.

[0059] At this time, the control module can not only control the steering angle, speed and acceleration of the electric bicycle, but also control the relative position and distance between each electric bicycle by controlling the position of the base 110 of each connecting device 11 on the slide rail, thereby better controlling the driving trajectory of each electric bicycle.

[0060] In this invention, the distance between two adjacent bicycles or electric bicycles connected to the electric bicycle transport device should not be too close to prevent them from rubbing against each other when turning. Since the handlebar lengths of each bicycle or electric bicycle may vary, the position of each adjacent connecting device 11 can be adjusted by setting a slide rail on the connecting arm 10, thereby avoiding the distance between two adjacent vehicles being too close and affecting driving.

[0061] Furthermore, since road obstacles or road damage may exist during the journey, affecting the transportation of electric bicycles, the use of sliding rails on the connecting arm 10 to adjust the positions of adjacent connecting devices 11 can effectively avoid the impact of changes in road conditions on transportation. For example, if there is a pothole in the road, the position of the connecting device 11 can be adjusted so that the electric bicycle can avoid the pothole during its journey, thus preventing disruption to transportation. Or, if the road suddenly narrows, the distance between the left and right sides of each electric bicycle can be appropriately reduced to allow the vehicles to pass through the road smoothly, and so on.

[0062] The electric bicycle transport device of the present invention can achieve automatic driving of the transport process by an automatic driving module, and can also be manually driven by a person riding an electric bicycle connected to the electric bicycle transport device. When the electric bicycle transport device is manually driven, one of the two or more electric bicycles connected to the electric bicycle transport device is driven by the person. At this time, the analysis module analyzes the driving trajectory of the manually driven electric bicycle to determine the suitable driving trajectory of the other connected electric bicycles, and then analyzes the suitable steering angle and driving speed of each electric bicycle based on the driving trajectory. The control module controls each electric bicycle according to the analysis results of the analysis module.

[0063] For example, when driving in a straight line, the speed of the manually driven electric bicycle can be obtained, and other electric bicycles can be controlled to travel at that speed. When turning, the turning radius R of the vehicle can be calculated based on the steering angle α and wheelbase L of the manually driven electric bicycle. Then, based on the position of the base of the connecting device 11 connected to the manually driven electric bicycle and the position of the base of the connecting device 11 connected to other electric bicycles, the distance between the manually driven electric bicycle and other electric bicycles can be calculated, thereby obtaining the turning radius of each of the other electric bicycles. Then, based on the wheelbase of the other electric bicycles, the suitable steering angle of each of the other electric bicycles can be calculated. Thus, the control module can control the other electric bicycles according to the above analysis results, so that they travel at their respective suitable steering angles and speeds.

[0064] The electric bicycle transport device of the present invention can also analyze the current driving status of the manually driven electric bicycle after various operations performed by the driver, such as acceleration, deceleration, and steering, including driving speed, steering angle, etc., and then analyze the suitable driving status of other electric bicycles based on their relative positions to the manually driven electric bicycle, including driving speed, steering angle, etc. The control module controls each electric bicycle to drive at its own suitable steering angle and driving speed according to the analysis results of the analysis module.

[0065] The electric bicycle transport device of the present invention is highly suitable for the transfer of shared bicycles or shared electric bicycles. To further facilitate user access to shared bicycles or shared electric bicycles, the electric bicycle transport device may also include an information receiving module and a route planning module. The information receiving module receives user requests for using shared bicycles or shared electric bicycles, including the user's desired time and location. The route planning module plans a suitable route based on the user's requests, enabling the electric bicycle transport device to deliver the bicycles or electric bicycles to the requested time and location.

[0066] Once the electric bicycle transport device is equipped with an information receiving module and a route planning module, when a user needs to use a shared bicycle or shared electric bicycle but there are no available vehicles at the location, the user can submit their request for using a shared bicycle or shared electric bicycle through a mobile app, mini-program, or webpage, including the desired time and location. After receiving the user's request through the information receiving module, the electric bicycle transport device plans a suitable route based on the user's needs through the route planning module. This allows the device to deliver the bicycle or electric bicycle to the user's requested time and location, facilitating convenient use. Once delivered according to the user's request, the shared bicycle or shared electric bicycle can only be unlocked and used by the designated user within a certain time frame, such as from the time of delivery to the designated location plus 10 minutes, to prevent the vehicle from being ridden away by other users after delivery, thus ensuring the user who requested the vehicle cannot use it.

[0067] The electric bicycle transport device of the present invention may further include a battery, which may be a solar cell or other type of battery. The battery can be used to power the electric bicycle transport device or to charge the electric bicycle connected to the electric bicycle transport device.

[0068] The electric bicycle transport device of the present invention may further include a charging module for charging the electric bicycles. Alternatively, a tractor connected to the electric bicycle transport device may have a charging module for charging the electric bicycles. Furthermore, when the electric bicycle transport device controls the electric bicycles to move under their own power, if some electric bicycles have sufficient power and others have insufficient power, the electric bicycle transport device can, based on the actual power levels of each electric bicycle, control the electric bicycles with sufficient power to move, while controlling the electric bicycles with insufficient power not to start moving. Instead, the electric bicycles with sufficient power will act as the power source, and the electric bicycle transport device will drive the electric bicycles with insufficient power together to complete the transport.

[0069] In this invention, when the electric bicycle transport device controls the electric bicycles to move under their own power, some of the multiple electric bicycles connected to the transport device can move under their own power and provide power to the transport device and the connected electric bicycles, while others can move without starting and be propelled by other electric bicycles. Whether these vehicles start or not is determined based on their respective battery levels and the impact of their positions on the overall balance. Similarly, when braking is required, the control module of the electric bicycle transport device can also determine which electric bicycle controllers to send deceleration and braking commands to, taking into account the positions of each electric bicycle.

[0070] The electric bicycle transport device of the present invention may further include a rear wheel balance arm, which is used to connect the rear wheels of two or more bicycles or electric bicycles together. The rear wheel balance arm includes a connecting crossbar and two or more fixing devices. The connecting crossbar is segmented, with adjacent segments connected by ropes or chains. The length of each segment is extendable. The fixing devices are used to secure the ropes or chains between adjacent segments of the connecting crossbar to the rear of the electric bicycle, such as to the rear wheel bracket, rear wheel, or rear seat. The electric bicycle transport device of the present invention connects the rear wheels of bicycles or electric bicycles together via the rear wheel balance arm, enabling multiple bicycles or electric bicycles to move and turn together more effectively when transporting them together, and facilitating the maintenance of balance among the bicycles or electric bicycles.

[0071] The electric bicycle transport device of the present invention connects the two ends of the bicycle or electric bicycle handlebars via a first connecting component 112 and a second connecting component 113, which already enables the bicycle or electric bicycle to maintain balance during operation. Further connecting the rear wheels via the rear wheel balance arm enhances the balance during operation. Simultaneously, because the connecting crossbar of the rear wheel balance arm has a segmented structure, and each segment is telescopic, with adjacent segments connected by a flexible rope or chain, each segment of the entire connecting crossbar is telescopic and steerable. This allows the rear wheels of each bicycle or electric bicycle to be connected together without restricting their individual positions. Thus, it achieves both increased balance during operation and allows for unrestricted travel paths for each bicycle or electric bicycle.

[0072] The electric bicycle transport device of the present invention can connect multiple bicycles or electric bicycles together in a row and multiple columns, which facilitates transportation. If there are too many vehicles to transport in a single row, multiple bicycles or electric bicycles can also be transported in multiple rows and multiple columns.

[0073] The second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 5. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the multi-row electric bicycle transport device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the multi-row electric bicycle transport device includes a multi-row linkage base 2 and two or more electric bicycle transport devices 1. The multi-row linkage base 2 is provided with two or more fixing components 3, which are used to fix the electric bicycle transport devices 1 to the multi-row linkage base 2. The multi-row linkage base 2 is used to connect two or more electric bicycle transport devices 1 together and arrange them in a front-to-back manner.

[0074] In this invention, since the electric bicycle transport device 1 can connect multiple bicycles or electric bicycles together and transport them in a row, the connecting arm 10 of the electric bicycle transport device 1 is horizontal. Therefore, since the multi-row connecting base 2 is used to connect two or more electric bicycle transport devices 1 together and arrange them front-to-back, the multi-row connecting base 2 can be a forward-backward connecting arm. Of course, the multi-row connecting base 2 can also be a component of other shapes, as long as it can connect two or more electric bicycle transport devices 1 together and arrange them front-to-back through two or more fixing components 3 provided thereon.

[0075] In this invention, the fixing component 3 can be a fixing buckle, fixing screw, fixing collar, fixing lock, electronic suction cup, etc., and this invention does not impose any limitations. The multi-row linkage base component 2 is made of a flexible material, and when turning, it can bend at an appropriate angle according to the overall trajectory of the multi-row electric bicycle transport device to smoothly pass through the turn.

[0076] The third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart of the method of using the electric bicycle transport device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the method of using the electric bicycle transport device of the present invention includes:

[0077] S1: Obtain traffic information;

[0078] S2: Analyze suitable driving trajectories based on road condition information;

[0079] S3: Analyze the appropriate steering angle and speed for each bicycle or electric bicycle based on its driving trajectory;

[0080] S4: Control the movement of each bicycle or electric bicycle according to the analysis results.

[0081] The method of using the electric bicycle transport device of the present invention may further include:

[0082] Acquire user needs for using bicycles or electric bicycles, including the user's required time and location;

[0083] Plan suitable routes based on user needs;

[0084] The electric bicycle transport device delivers bicycles or electric bicycles to the user's desired time and location according to the planned route.

[0085] The method of using the electric bicycle transport device of the present invention corresponds one-to-one with the technical features of the electric bicycle transport device of the present invention. It can be referred to the description of the electric bicycle transport device mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0086] The present invention also provides an electric bicycle that can be used in conjunction with the electric bicycle transport device described above. The controller of the electric bicycle can receive instructions from the electric bicycle transport device and drive according to the instructions of the electric bicycle transport device, including at least one of starting / accelerating / decelerating / braking / stopping / locking.

[0087] The technical features of the electric bicycle of the present invention correspond one-to-one with those of the electric bicycle transport device of the present invention. Please refer to the description of the electric bicycle transport device mentioned above, which will not be repeated here.

[0088] In summary, the present invention provides an electric bicycle transport device and its method of use. The transport device includes a connecting arm, two or more connecting devices, a control module, and a power unit. The connecting arm is used to connect two or more electric bicycles together. The connecting devices are mounted on the connecting arm, and each connecting device is used to connect one electric bicycle. The control module is electrically connected to the motor of each connecting device and is used to control the steering angle of each electric bicycle's handlebar by controlling the rotation of each motor. The method of using the electric bicycle transport device includes: acquiring road condition information; analyzing suitable driving trajectories based on the road condition information; analyzing suitable steering angles and driving speeds for each bicycle or electric bicycle based on the driving trajectory; and controlling the driving of each bicycle or electric bicycle according to the analysis results. Through the electric bicycle transport device and its method of use of the present invention, efficient transportation of shared bicycles or electric bicycles can be achieved, thereby reducing the difficulty of transportation, increasing the utilization rate of shared bicycles or electric bicycles, reducing idle time, improving usage efficiency, and allowing users to schedule delivery of shared bicycles or electric bicycles to their desired time and location, thus improving user satisfaction.

[0089] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the present invention. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electric bicycle transport device, characterized in that: The electric bicycle transport device includes a connecting arm, two or more connecting devices, a control module, and a power unit. The connecting arm is used to connect two or more electric bicycles together so that they can travel together during transportation; The connecting device is mounted on the connecting arm. Each connecting device is used to connect one electric bicycle. The connecting device includes a base and a steering gear. The base is connected to the connecting arm, and the steering gear is connected to the base. The steering gear includes a steering shaft, a motor, a first connecting component, and a second connecting component. The steering shaft is connected to both ends of the electric bicycle handlebars through the first and second connecting components, respectively. The motor is used to drive the steering shaft to rotate, thereby causing the electric bicycle handlebars to rotate. The two ends of the first connecting component are respectively connected to one end of the steering shaft and one end of the electric bicycle handlebars, and the two ends of the second connecting component are respectively connected to the other end of the steering shaft and the other end of the electric bicycle handlebars. When the steering shaft rotates, the electric bicycle handlebars rotate with the steering shaft through the first and second connecting components. The control module is connected to the motor of each connecting device via wired or wireless means. It controls the rotation angle of each steering shaft by controlling the rotation of each motor, thereby controlling the steering angle of each electric bicycle handlebar. The power unit is used to provide power for the electric bicycle transport device and the electric bicycles connected to it.

2. The electric bicycle transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting arm is provided with a slide rail, and the base of the connecting device can slide on the slide rail. By sliding the base of the connecting device on the slide rail, the position of the connecting device on the connecting arm can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the position of the electric bicycle connected to the connecting device.

3. The electric bicycle transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control module is also connected to the controller of the electric bicycle via wired or wireless means. The control module can send commands to the controller of the electric bicycle to control at least one of the following: the electric bicycle's speed, acceleration, start, stop, and lock.

4. The electric bicycle transport device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The electric bicycle transport device also includes an automatic driving module, which includes an information acquisition device and an analysis module. The information acquisition device is used to acquire road condition information, and the analysis module analyzes a suitable driving trajectory based on the road condition information. Then, based on the driving trajectory, it analyzes the suitable steering angle and driving speed for each electric bicycle. The control module controls each electric bicycle according to the analysis results of the analysis module.

5. The electric bicycle transport device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The electric bicycle transport device connects two or more electric bicycles. One of the electric bicycles is driven by a human. The analysis module analyzes the driving trajectory of the manually driven electric bicycle to determine the suitable driving trajectories for the other connected electric bicycles. Then, based on the driving trajectory, it analyzes the suitable steering angle and driving speed for each electric bicycle. The control module controls each electric bicycle according to the analysis results of the analysis module.

6. The electric bicycle transport device according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that: The electric bicycle transport device also includes an information receiving module and a route planning module. The information receiving module is used to receive user requests, including the user's required time and location. The route planning module is used to plan a suitable route according to the user's requests, so that the electric bicycle transport device can deliver the bicycle or electric bicycle to the user's required time and location.

7. The electric bicycle transport device according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that: The electric bicycle transport device also includes a rear wheel balance arm, which is used to connect the rear wheels of two or more electric bicycles together. The rear wheel balance arm includes a connecting crossbar and two or more fixing devices. The connecting crossbar is segmented, and adjacent crossbar segments are connected by ropes or chains. The length of each crossbar segment is telescopic. The fixing devices are used to fix the ropes or chains between adjacent crossbar segments to the rear of the electric bicycle.

8. A multi-row electric bicycle transport device, characterized in that: The device includes a multi-row linkage base and two or more electric bicycle transport devices as described in any one of claims 1-8. The multi-row linkage base is provided with two or more fixing components, which are used to fix the electric bicycle transport devices on the multi-row linkage base. The multi-row linkage base is used to connect two or more electric bicycle transport devices together and arrange them in a front-to-back manner.

9. An electric bicycle, characterized in that: The electric bicycle can be used in conjunction with the electric bicycle transport device as described in any one of claims 1-7, and the controller of the electric bicycle can receive instructions from the electric bicycle transport device and drive according to the instructions of the electric bicycle transport device.

10. A method of using the electric bicycle transport device as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The method includes: Get traffic information; Analyze suitable driving routes based on road condition information; Based on the analysis of the driving trajectory, the appropriate steering angle and driving speed for each bicycle or electric bicycle are determined. Control the movement of each bicycle or electric bicycle according to the analysis results.

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