Main bicycle component for an electric bicycle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a main bicycle component (10) for an electric bicycle (100), wherein: the main bicycle component (10) is designed to transmit a first signal (12) which comprises a first time signature of the main bicycle component (10); the main bicycle component (10) is designed to receive confirmation information (14) which is provided by a secondary bicycle component (200) when the first signal (12) is received; the main bicycle component (10) is designed to determine, on the basis of the first signal (12) and the confirmation information (14), a time offset between the main bicycle component and the secondary bicycle component (200); the main bicycle component (10) is designed to transmit a second signal (16) to the secondary bicycle component (200), which second signal comprises the determined time offset.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title for an electric bicycle

[0003] State of the art

[0004] The present invention relates to a main bicycle component for an electric bicycle, a secondary bicycle component, a computer-implemented method for operating a first control unit, a computer-implemented method for operating a second control unit, a storage medium and an electric bicycle.

[0005] Currently, a variety of different solutions exist for communicating control signals in the field of electric bicycles. Due to the increasing number of components to be controlled, as well as the heightened transmission requirements, the need for innovative and robust data synchronization methods is constantly growing.

[0006] The steadily rising customer expectations for electric bicycles, as well as increasing competition, are creating cost pressure, leading to a greater demand for cheaper and more efficient vehicle components.

[0007] Disclosure of the invention

[0008] The main bicycle component according to the invention for an electric bicycle with the features of claim 1 has the advantage over known components that a plurality of bicycle components can be synchronized in time in order to perform time-synchronized actions in the millisecond range. Thus, the control signals, such as a gear change, can be specifically adapted by means of synchronization in order to further improve the efficiency of the respective control unit.According to the invention, this is achieved by the main bicycle component for an electric bicycle being configured to send a first signal which has a first time signature of the main bicycle component, wherein the main bicycle component is configured to receive confirmation information which is provided by an auxiliary bicycle component upon receipt of the first signal, wherein the main bicycle component is configured to determine a time offset between the main bicycle component and the auxiliary bicycle component based on the first signal and the confirmation information, and wherein the main bicycle component is configured to send a second signal to the auxiliary bicycle component which has the determined time offset.

[0009] In other words, the main bicycle component can be used to achieve time coordination between two components, which are, for example, a Bluetooth Low Energy central component and a Bluetooth Low Energy peripheral component. Preferably, other wireless communication technologies, such as Wi-Fi or similar, can also be used. The first time signature can, in particular, be a first local time counter of the main bicycle component. Preferably, the main bicycle component can receive the acknowledgment information generated by the peripheral bicycle component when it has received the first signal. Based on the first signal and the acknowledgment information, a time offset between the two components can be determined.Preferably, the main bicycle component can emit a second signal that has at least the determined time offset, so that the secondary bicycle component can take the time offset into account in its respective control processes. Preferably, the main bicycle component can be part of a computing unit of an electric light vehicle or similar device. Preferably, the main bicycle component can be designed as a separate control unit or similar device.

[0010] The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments of the invention. Preferably, the main bicycle component is configured to establish a wireless connection between the main bicycle component and the secondary bicycle component, wherein the main bicycle component is configured to send and / or receive the first signal, the confirmation information and / or the second signal by means of the wireless connection.

[0011] One advantage of this embodiment is that, unlike wired solutions, no cables need to be provided on the electric bicycle or similar to enable communication between the main bicycle component and the secondary bicycle component.

[0012] A wireless connection, specifically a Bluetooth connection, is still preferred.

[0013] One advantage of this design is that existing sequence protocols as well as slot sequences of the Bluetooth standard can be used to further improve the time synchronization between the two components.

[0014] Furthermore, the main bicycle component is preferably configured to send and / or receive the first signal, the confirmation information and / or the second signal at a predetermined time interval and is configured to determine the time offset at the predetermined time interval.

[0015] An advantage of this embodiment is that by retransmitting the signals and confirmation information, as well as by recalculating and / or determining the time interval, any potential drift between the main bicycle component and the auxiliary bicycle component can be prevented. In particular, a time offset can change due to various circumstances over the operating time of the main bicycle component, making a recalculation of the time offset useful.

[0016] Preferably, the main bicycle component is configured to receive and / or determine a switching signal that indicates a gear change of the e-bike, and the main bicycle component is configured to transmit the switching signal to the auxiliary bicycle component. An advantage of this embodiment is that the known time offset can be taken into account when controlling a gear shift, so that the optimal time for the respective shifting operation can be used. Preferably, a multitude of additional switching signals can also be exchanged between the main bicycle component and the auxiliary bicycle component, with the switching signals being simultaneously adjusted depending on the time offset.

[0017] The auxiliary bicycle component is further preferably configured to receive a switching signal, in particular from the main bicycle component, which is indicative of a gear change of the electric bicycle, wherein the auxiliary bicycle component is configured to adjust a time for the gear change based on the second signal and the switching signal.

[0018] One advantage of this embodiment is that the auxiliary bicycle component can coordinate the implementation of the gear change and thus, in particular, send time-based signals via the main bicycle component to the motor (e.g., torque reduction), or receive time-based motor information via the main bicycle component (e.g., load dead points) in order to optimize the shifting process.

[0019] Preferably, the main bicycle component is configured to establish a further connection with a portable terminal and / or a computer network structure, wherein the main bicycle component is configured to transmit the first signal, the confirmation information and / or the second signal to the portable terminal and / or the computer network structure via the further connection.

[0020] An advantage of this embodiment is that, with the aid of the portable device or the computer network infrastructure, such as a server or a cloud service, the time delay can be analyzed over a long period, thus enabling a better comparison of potential causes and measures based on statistical analysis. Preferably, the additional connection can be a Bluetooth connection. Preferably, the additional connection can be a wired connection, such as a USB connection, to connect a diagnostic device.Another aspect concerns an auxiliary bicycle component, in particular an electronic gear shift, wherein the auxiliary bicycle component is configured to send confirmation information to a main bicycle component, as described above and below, when the auxiliary bicycle component has received a first signal with a first time signature, wherein the bicycle component is configured to receive a second signal which has a time offset between the main bicycle component and the auxiliary bicycle component, wherein the auxiliary bicycle component is configured to receive a control signal from the main bicycle component, and wherein the auxiliary bicycle component is configured to control at least part of the auxiliary bicycle component based on the received control signal and based on the received second signal.

[0021] One advantage of this embodiment is that the auxiliary bicycle component has the information that, for example, a control signal should be implemented, as well as the corresponding time offset from the second signal, so that this received control signal can be executed at an optimized time using the time offset. For example, the auxiliary bicycle component could be an electronic gear shifter or similar device that can be connected to the control unit of an e-bike via a Bluetooth connection or similar. Thus, for example, the control unit of the electric light vehicle, based on an automatic transmission, can send a shift signal indicating a gear change. The auxiliary bicycle component can receive this control signal as well as the second signal, which contains a time offset or...The system incorporates a latency between the main bicycle component and the auxiliary bicycle component, thus enabling the optimization of the shifting time based on this latency or time offset. Preferably, the auxiliary bicycle component can be part of a processing unit of a gearshift or similar device. Preferably, the auxiliary bicycle component can be configured as a separate processing unit or similar device.

[0022] Another aspect concerns an auxiliary bicycle component, in particular an electronic gear shift, wherein the auxiliary bicycle component is configured to receive a first signal from a main bicycle component, which has a first time signature of the main bicycle component, wherein the auxiliary bicycle component is configured to send confirmation information based on the first time signature of the main bicycle component, wherein the auxiliary bicycle component is configured to receive a second signal from the main bicycle component, wherein the second signal describes a time offset between the main bicycle component.

[0023] Preferably, the time offset can be the latency of a wired and / or wireless connection between the main bicycle component and the auxiliary bicycle component. It is further preferred that the main bicycle component and / or the auxiliary bicycle component is configured to repeat the time offset at a predetermined interval. Preferably, the predetermined interval can be a fixed value or a variable value.

[0024] Preferably, the bicycle component is configured to adjust a time profile of the bicycle component using the received time offset.

[0025] One advantage of this design is that any future controls for the auxiliary bicycle component can be planned accordingly based on the passage of time.

[0026] Furthermore, the auxiliary bicycle component is preferably designed to adjust a switching point by means of the adapted time profile and the received control signal in order to reduce the load on a derailleur.

[0027] One advantage of this embodiment is that the service life of a switching device, in particular an electronic gearshift, can be increased, since the switching point can be optimized.

[0028] Preferably, the time course of the auxiliary bicycle component includes a deviation of a time and / or a delta on the time.

[0029] One advantage of this embodiment is that information can be collected in the auxiliary bicycle component, in particular about a time in the main bicycle component, about a time in the auxiliary bicycle component as well as a latency between both components, in order to be able to use this for a variety of measures.

[0030] Furthermore, the auxiliary bicycle component is set up to adjust the time course based on a time model using linear regression in order to minimize any deviation of time on the auxiliary bicycle component and the main bicycle component.

[0031] One advantage of this embodiment is that any uncertainty in determining the time offset on the main bicycle component can be further reduced by using linear regression on the secondary bicycle component.

[0032] Preferably, the secondary bicycle component is configured to store a large number of time signatures of the main bicycle component as T_P. Furthermore, the secondary bicycle component stores a large number of time signatures as T_C. Preferably, there should be at least 10 entries for both T_P and T_C. Each T_P value can be assigned to a T_C. Based on this list of T_P and T_C values, the accuracy of determining a time offset and / or time shift can be improved using a linear regression model. Preferably, the linear regression can be performed whenever a new time offset is determined. The following program can be used as an example:

[0033] N ... number of stored (T_P, T_C) pairs

[0034] T_P[i] ... i-th stored T_P value

[0035] T_C[i] ... i-th stored T_C value

[0036] / / initialize sumTP = 0 sumTP2 = 0 sumTC = 0 sumTPTC = 0 / / calculate required sum for i=1 to N: / / iterate through all pairs sumTP = sumTP + T_P[i] sumTP2 = sumTP2 + T_P[i] A 2 sumTC = sumTC + T_C[i] sumTPTC = sumTPTC + T_P[i] * T_Cp] Next i

[0037] / / calculate clock offset and skew skew = (N * sumTPTC - sumTP * sumTC) / (N * sumTP2 - sumTP * sumTP) offset = (sumTC - skew * sumTP) / N

[0038] Preferably, the auxiliary bicycle component is configured to transmit at least one control command to the main bicycle component based on the control signal and the second signal, wherein the control command is configured to change at least one parameter of the main bicycle component.

[0039] One advantage of this embodiment is that, for example, the torque reduction of an electric bicycle drive can be reduced for the duration of the shifting process by means of the control command to the main bicycle component, in order to reduce the load on the electric gear shift.

[0040] Furthermore, the auxiliary bicycle component is preferably configured to receive the second signal at predetermined time intervals.

[0041] One advantage of this embodiment is that any potential drift in the time offset over the operating time of both the main bicycle component and the auxiliary bicycle component can be minimized by retransmitting the second signal. For example, the second signal can be received every 5 or 30 seconds, or at similar intervals.

[0042] Furthermore, the auxiliary bicycle component is preferably configured to verify the validity of the second signal.

[0043] One advantage of this design is that any possible transmission errors or similar issues can be ruled out.

[0044] Another aspect of the invention relates to a computer-implemented method for operating a first control unit, comprising the steps of:

[0045] - Sending an initial signal, which contains an initial time signal from the first control unit, - Receiving confirmation information, which is provided by a second control unit upon receipt of the initial signal,

[0046] - Determining a time offset between the first control unit and the second control unit based on the first signal and the

[0047] Confirmation information,

[0048] - Sending a second signal to the second control unit, which has the time offset.

[0049] Preferably, the first control unit can be any wireless communication element or similar device.

[0050] Another aspect of the invention relates to a computer-implemented method for operating a second control unit, comprising the steps of:

[0051] - Sending confirmation information to a first control unit

[0052] - Receiving a second signal that has a time delay between the first control unit and the second control unit,

[0053] - Receiving a control signal from the first control unit,

[0054] - Control at least part of the second control unit based on the received control signal and based on the received second signal.

[0055] Preferably, the second control unit can be any wireless communication element or similar device.

[0056] Another aspect of the invention relates to a storage medium which stores a computer program which is configured to carry out the method for operating a first control unit as described above and below and / or to carry out the method for operating a second control unit as described above and below.

[0057] Another aspect of the invention relates to an electric bicycle which has a main bicycle component as described above and below and / or a secondary bicycle component as described above and below and / or a computing unit which is configured to carry out the method for operating a first control unit as described above and below and / or to carry out the method for operating a second control unit as described above and below.

[0058] Brief description of the drawings

[0059] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawing shows:

[0060] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating how the

[0061] Main bicycle component according to one embodiment,

[0062] Figure 2 shows an electric bicycle according to one embodiment,

[0063] Figure 3 shows a main bicycle component according to one embodiment,

[0064] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the procedure for operating a first control unit.

[0065] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the procedure for operating a second control unit.

[0066] Figure 6 shows a storage medium according to one embodiment,

[0067] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating how the

[0068] Side bicycle component according to one embodiment

[0069] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating how the

[0070] Main bicycle component according to one embodiment, and

[0071] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating how the

[0072] Main bicycle component according to one embodiment.

[0073] Embodiments of the invention

[0074] Preferably, all identical elements, units, and / or steps in all figures are designated with the same reference numerals. Figure 1 shows a diagram illustrating the operation of the main bicycle component 10 according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the main bicycle component 10 can be connected to an auxiliary bicycle component 200. Preferably, the main bicycle component 10 can transmit a first signal 12 at a first time 30, particularly to the auxiliary bicycle component 200. The auxiliary bicycle component 200 receives the first signal 12 at a second time 38 and sends confirmation information 14 to the main bicycle component 10. The main bicycle component 10 can receive the confirmation information at a third time 34. Based on the first time 30 and the third time 34, a duration 32 can be determined.Preferably, the main bicycle component 10, based on the first signal 12 and the confirmation information 14, can determine a time offset between the main bicycle component 10 and the auxiliary bicycle component 200. Preferably, at a fourth time 36, the main bicycle component 10 can transmit a second signal 16, in particular to the auxiliary bicycle component 200. Preferably, the second signal 16 can have the time offset between the main bicycle component 10 and the auxiliary bicycle component 200. Preferably, the auxiliary bicycle component 200 is configured to receive the second signal 16 at a fifth time 40. Based on the second signal 16, the auxiliary bicycle component 200 can adjust any control signals or similar accordingly.

[0075] Figure 2 shows an electric bicycle 100 according to one embodiment. The electric bicycle 100 preferably comprises a main bicycle component 10 and a secondary bicycle component 200. Preferably, the electric bicycle 100, in particular the main bicycle component 10, can have a computing unit 102, which preferably can carry out the computer-implemented method as described above and below, as well as establish a connection, for example, to a portable device or a computer network structure, in particular a server or a cloud structure. The computing unit 102 is preferably configured for controlling and / or regulating the electric bicycle 100. Preferably, the computing unit 102 is configured as the central computing unit 102 of the electric bicycle 100, which communicates wirelessly and / or via wired connections with the essential bicycle components for the exchange of data, in particular sensor information.Furthermore, the electric bicycle 100 may preferably have a derailleur 202, which is, for example, part of the auxiliary bicycle component 200.

[0076] Figure 3 shows a main bicycle component 10 according to one embodiment. The main bicycle component 10 is configured to establish a wireless connection 20 with the secondary bicycle component 200, wherein the main bicycle component 10 is configured to send and / or receive the first signal 12, the confirmation information 14, and / or the second signal 16 via the wireless connection 20. More preferably, the main bicycle component 10 is configured to establish a further wireless connection 22 with a portable terminal device 300 and / or a computer network structure 400, wherein the main bicycle component 10 is configured to transmit the first signal 12, the confirmation information 14, and / or the second signal 16 to the portable terminal device 300 and / or the computer network structure 400 via the further wireless connection 22.

[0077] Figure 4 shows a flowchart illustrating the steps of method 500 for operating a first control unit. Method 500 preferably comprises the following steps:

[0078] - Emitting S1 of a first signal 12, which has a first time signal of the first control unit 10,

[0079] - Receiving S2 a confirmation information 14, which is provided by a second control unit 200 upon receipt of the first signal 12,

[0080] - Determine S3 a time offset between the first control unit and the second control unit based on the first signal 12 and the confirmation information 14,

[0081] - Sending S4 a second signal 16 to the second control unit, which has the time offset.

[0082] Figure 5 shows a flowchart illustrating the steps of method 600 for operating a second control unit according to one embodiment. Method 600 preferably comprises the following steps:

[0083] - Sending S10 a confirmation message 14 to a first control unit

[0084] - Receiving S11 of a second signal 16, which has a time offset between the first control unit and the second control unit,

[0085] - S12 receives a control signal from the first control unit, S13 controls at least part of the second control unit based on the received control signal and based on the received second signal.

[0086] Figure 6 shows a storage medium 700 according to one embodiment. The storage medium 700 stores a computer program which is configured to carry out the method 500 for operating a first control unit, as described above and below, and / or to carry out the method 600 for operating a second control unit, as described above and below.

[0087] Figure 7 shows a diagram 800 illustrating the operation of the main bicycle component 10 according to one embodiment. The diagram 800 has a first axis 802 and a second axis 804. The first axis 802 preferably represents a torque. The second axis 804 preferably shows a time progression. The curve 806 represents a torque curve over time. At a first time point 808, a control signal can be received, which indicates a gear change.

[0088] However, the optimal torque range 812 is not present at the time the control signal is received. Therefore, the auxiliary bicycle component 200 can select time 810 in order to implement the control signal.

[0089] Figure 8 shows a diagram 900 illustrating the operation of the main bicycle component 100 according to one embodiment. The diagram 900 includes a central Bluetooth Low Energy component 902 and a peripheral Bluetooth Low Energy component 906. Preferably, the central component 902 can have a first reference time 908. More preferably, the peripheral component 906 can have a second reference time 910.

[0090] Preferably, the central component 902 and the peripheral component 906 can be configured to establish a Bluetooth connection 904 between them. More preferably, the peripheral component 906 can be configured to adjust the second reference time 910 based on the second signal 16, such that the second reference time 910 and the first reference time 908 are essentially the same. Figure 9 shows a diagram 950 illustrating the operation of the main bicycle component 10 according to one embodiment. Preferably, the diagram 950 includes a main component 952 and a secondary component 956. The main component 952 and the secondary component 956 can be connected to each other via a Bluetooth connection 954. Preferably, the main component 952 can have a first reference time 958. Preferably, the secondary component 956 has a second reference time 962.Preferably, a time offset between the first reference time 958 and the second reference time 962 can be transmitted periodically at predefined time intervals, in particular based on predetermined time intervals 960.

Claims

Claims 1. Main bicycle component (10) for an electric bicycle (100), wherein the main bicycle component (10) is configured to transmit a first signal (12) which has a first time signature of the main bicycle component (10), wherein the main bicycle component (10) is configured to receive an acknowledgment information (14) which is provided by an auxiliary bicycle component (200) upon receipt of the first signal (12), wherein the main bicycle component (10) is configured to determine a time offset between the main bicycle component and the auxiliary bicycle component (200) based on the first signal (12) and the acknowledgment information (14), wherein the main bicycle component (10) is configured to transmit a second signal (16) to the auxiliary bicycle component (200) which has the determined time offset.

2. Main bicycle component (10) according to claim 1, wherein the main bicycle component (10) is configured to form a wireless connection (20) between the main bicycle component (10) and the secondary bicycle component (200), wherein the main bicycle component (10) is configured to send and / or receive the first signal (12), the confirmation information (14) and / or the second signal (16) by means of the wireless connection (20).

3. Main bicycle component (10) according to claim 2, wherein the wireless connection (20) is a Bluetooth connection.

4. Main bicycle component (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the main bicycle component (10) is configured to send and / or receive the first signal (12), the confirmation information (14) and / or the second signal (16) at a predetermined time interval and is configured to determine the time offset at the predetermined time interval.

5. Main bicycle component (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the main bicycle component (10) is configured to receive and / or determine a switching signal which is indicative of a gear change of the electric bicycle (100), wherein the main bicycle component (10) is configured to transmit the switching signal to the secondary bicycle component (200).

6. Main bicycle component (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the main bicycle component (10) is configured to form a further connection (22) with a portable terminal (300) and / or a computer network structure (400), wherein the main bicycle component (10) is configured to transmit the first signal (12), the confirmation information (14) and / or the second signal (16) to the portable terminal (300) and / or the computer network structure (400) via the further wireless connection (22).

7. Auxiliary bicycle component (200), in particular an electronic gear shift, wherein the auxiliary bicycle component (200) is configured to send confirmation information (14) to a main bicycle component (10), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 6, when the auxiliary bicycle component has received a first signal with a first time signature, wherein the bicycle component (200) is configured to receive a second signal (16) which has a time offset between the main bicycle component (10) and the auxiliary bicycle component (200), wherein the auxiliary bicycle component (200) is configured to receive a control signal from the main bicycle component, wherein the auxiliary bicycle component (200) is configured to control at least a part of the auxiliary bicycle component (200) based on the received control signal and based on the received second signal.

8. Auxiliary bicycle component (200) according to claim 7, wherein the bicycle component (200) is configured to adjust a time profile of the bicycle component (200) by means of the received time offset.

9. Auxiliary bicycle component (200) according to claim 8, wherein the auxiliary bicycle component (200) is configured to adjust a switching point by means of the adapted time profile and the received control signal in order to reduce a load on a derailleur (202).

10. Auxiliary bicycle component (200) according to one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the auxiliary bicycle component (200) is configured to adjust the time profile based on a time model with a linear regression in order to minimize a deviation of a time on the auxiliary bicycle component (200) and the main bicycle component (10).

11. Auxiliary bicycle component (200) according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the auxiliary bicycle component (200) is configured to transmit at least one control command to the main bicycle component (10) based on the control signal and the second signal (16), wherein the control command is configured to determine at least one parameter of the main bicycle component (10) to change.

12. Auxiliary bicycle component (200) according to one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the auxiliary bicycle component (200) is configured to receive the second signal (16) at predetermined time intervals.

13. Computer-implemented method (500) for operating a first control unit, comprising the steps: - Emitting (S1) a first signal (12) which has a first time signal of the first control unit (10), - Receiving (S2) confirmation information (14), which is provided by a second control unit (200) upon receipt of the first signal (12), - Determining (S3) a time offset between the first control unit and the second control unit based on the first signal (12) and the confirmation information (14), - Sending (S4) a second signal (16) to the second control unit, which has the time offset.

14. Computer-implemented method (600) for operating a second control unit comprising the steps: - Sending (S10) a confirmation information (14) to a first control unit, - Receiving (S11) a second signal (16) which has a time offset between a first control unit and the second control unit, - Receiving (S12) a control signal from the first control unit, - Control (S13) at least part of the second control unit based on the received control signal and based on the received second signal.

15. Electric bicycle (100) comprising a main bicycle component (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6 and / or a secondary bicycle component (200) according to one of claims 7 to 12 and / or a computing unit (102) which is configured to perform the method (500) for operating a first control unit according to claim 13 and / or the method (600) for operating a second control unit according to claim 14.

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