Communication device for an electric bicycle, and electric bicycle

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication device for an electric bicycle for participating in communication with road users, in particular a V2X device. According to the invention, the communication device can be connected to a power supply of the electric bicycle and can be operated with the power supplied by the power supply.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title:

[0003] Communication device for an electric bicycle, electric bicycle

[0004] The present invention relates to a communication device for an electric bicycle, in particular a V2X device, for participating in V2X communication with other road users. The invention further relates to an electric bicycle.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] V2X technology, also known as Vehicle-to-Everything, enables wireless communication between vehicles and their environment. This technology aims to ensure and improve traffic safety and flow in the face of increasing traffic density and a growing number of different road users. V2X technology facilitates data exchange between road users and infrastructure elements, such as traffic control systems or dynamic traffic signs, as well as between road users themselves. In 2017, the first commercial vehicles in the European Union were equipped with V2X systems as standard.

[0007] V2X technology is a wireless data transfer between two or more compatible communication devices. The transferred data typically includes information about position, speed, acceleration, and the like, but can also include infrastructure data from the surroundings, such as information about speed limits or road obstacles. Data received by a vehicle is processed and usually displayed to the driver in a human-readable format on a screen. Furthermore, it can also be converted into acoustic warning signals, for example, if a vehicle ahead brakes sharply, even if there are other vehicles between the braking vehicle and the vehicle emitting the acoustic warning signal.

[0008] The effectiveness of V2X technology as a safety measure in road traffic depends significantly on its widespread adoption among road users. The more road users are equipped to use it and actually use it, the more effective the technology becomes. E-bikes are particularly relevant in this context. Many are already equipped with communication devices for V2X communication. However, a problem arises because these communication devices, due to the sensors they contain and the necessary power supply in the form of a battery, tend to be bulky and heavy, which complicates their installation on e-bikes. Furthermore, high technical complexity also translates into high acquisition costs, which discourages users from upgrading their own e-bikes and thus hinders the widespread adoption of the technology.

[0009] The invention therefore addresses the problem of proposing a communication device for an electric bicycle for participating in communication with other road users, which has the lowest possible weight and requires minimal installation space. To solve this problem, a communication device according to claim 1 is proposed. Preferred embodiments can be found in the dependent claims. Furthermore, an electric bicycle is proposed.

[0010] Disclosure of the invention

[0011] A communication device for an electric bicycle is proposed for participating in communication with other road users, in particular a V2X device. According to the invention, the communication device can be connected to the electric bicycle's power supply and operated using the energy supplied by the power supply. Preferably, the communication device does not have its own power supply. By utilizing the electric bicycle's power supply, the communication device does not require its own battery. This reduces its weight and the required installation space. Since the communication device is only operated when the electric bicycle is switched on and therefore only requires power at that time, there is no need for an on / off switch or a mounting device for easy attachment and removal of the communication device, which would be necessary if it had a battery that required regular external charging.

[0012] Furthermore, it is proposed that the communication device be connectable to a receiver integrated into the e-bike for connection to a satellite-based navigation system. Connecting to a satellite-based navigation system receiver enables the continuous transmission of position, movement, and speed data to the communication device. Using this data for communication with other road users is a necessary prerequisite for the proper functioning of the communication device. By connecting to a satellite-based navigation system, the required data is permanently available in real time. Moreover, this eliminates the need for a separate receiver for a satellite-based navigation system on the communication device, thereby reducing its weight and the required installation space.Data transmission between the communication device and an external component, for example the receiver for a satellite-based navigation system, can be wired, for example via CAN bus, powerline, USB or Ethernet, or wireless, for example via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or ZigBee.

[0013] Signal transmission from a satellite-based navigation device can be disrupted during normal traffic, for example in tunnels or between tall buildings. Therefore, it is proposed that the communication device be connectable to an electrical speed sensor mounted on the e-bike, preferably a wheel-tick system. This provides the communication device with speed data to continue updating position and movement data even if a satellite-based position signal fails. Connecting to an electrical speed sensor allows for a more accurate position estimate compared to extrapolating a speed last known from satellite data (so-called dead reckoning). This increases the usable signal reception downtime.Furthermore, the otherwise necessary inertial sensor technology in the communication device is eliminated, thereby reducing the weight and required installation space of the communication device.

[0014] Furthermore, it is proposed that the communication device be connectable to inertial sensors installed on the e-bike. This would allow additional data, such as information about riding behavior, the e-bike's lean angle, or acceleration, to be processed and used by the communication device for communication with other road users. Additionally, data provided by the inertial sensors can be used for dead reckoning navigation, which on the one hand enables plausibility checks for satellite-based positioning and on the other hand can be used to bridge a navigational gap in the event of a signal failure from a satellite-based navigation system.

[0015] It is further proposed that the communication device be connectable to a mobile communication interface. Some safety functions require exceptionally high data accuracy, which is unattainable with conventional satellite-based navigation system receivers. This limitation can be overcome with a real-time kinematic positioning (RTK) correction signal. By connecting to a mobile communication interface, the device can utilize RTK correction services, thereby increasing the accuracy of position data. Furthermore, the mobile communication interface allows for the provision and updating of necessary security certificates for reliable communication with other road users. It also enables updates to the device's operating software.The communication device can be connected to the mobile communication interface via a wired connection, for example via CAN bus, powerline, USB or Ethernet, or wirelessly, for example via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or ZigBee.

[0016] In a further development of the invention, it is proposed that the mobile communication interface be implemented as a mobile communication modem and installed on board the electric bicycle. This preferred embodiment allows the advantages of a large mobile communication interface with high transmit and receive power to be exploited for better signal transmission over greater distances. The energy required for operating the mobile communication modem is supplied via the electric bicycle's power supply.

[0017] Alternatively, it is proposed that the mobile communication interface be implemented as a mobile device independent of the e-bike and carried separately by the e-bike rider. This preferred embodiment takes advantage of the fact that the penetration of mobile devices in the general population is significantly higher than the penetration of e-bikes with mobile communication capabilities in the e-bike market. This makes the advantages of a mobile communication device connection, such as the availability of RTK correction signals or the transmission of security certificates, available even to e-bikes that are not equipped with their own mobile modem.

[0018] It is further proposed that the communication device have at least two different operating modes, selected from a group of operating modes including full operation, full operation with dynamic traffic estimation, digital visibility, and reduced digital visibility. With different operating modes that have varying energy requirements, an energy reserve can be configured in case the e-bike's power supply is no longer sufficient for motor assistance, but the e-bike is still in traffic and operation of the communication device is therefore desired. Utilizing different operating modes makes it possible to estimate the energy requirements of the communication device while the e-bike is in operation and to provide a corresponding energy reserve. Preferably, four different operating modes are provided:

[0019] In this application, "full mode" refers to an operating mode in which all received messages are processed by the communication device, with the energy reserve calculation based on the maximum technically possible number of transmit and receive operations. "Full operation with dynamic traffic estimation" refers to an operating mode in which traffic volume is dynamically estimated, for example, using route data from a navigation system. Unlike "full mode," in this case, the number of expected transmit and receive operations is predicted based on the dynamically estimated traffic volume, and the required energy reserve is determined accordingly. "Digital visibility" refers to an operating mode in which the communication device's receive operations are discontinued, and operation is switched to transmit only.In this case, the e-bike remains visible in traffic via digital communication. However, the rider will no longer receive warnings, for example. In this case, the energy reserve is calculated based on the communication device's maximum technically possible transmission frequency. Reduced digital visibility, as defined in this application, refers to an operating mode in which, as with full digital visibility, only the communication device's transmission is maintained, but at a lower than the maximum technically possible transmission frequency and / or power. This reduces the communication device's energy consumption, allowing it to bridge a longer period with a smaller energy reserve. This comes at the cost of a shorter communication range.

[0020] It is further proposed that the operating modes of the communication device be manually adjustable by the e-bike rider. This would allow the rider to decide independently in each individual case how long the communication device should continue operating.

[0021] Furthermore, it is proposed that technical data collected by the e-bike, such as data from a pedal sensor, brake or tire pressure, or light status, be transmitted to the communication device. This additional technical data can be processed for communication with other road users, thus increasing road safety. For example, if a light malfunctions on the e-bike, the communication device can send a corresponding warning message to nearby road users.

[0022] Furthermore, an electric bicycle is proposed, comprising a communication device according to the invention. The proposed electric bicycle has the advantages described above. It is further proposed that the electric bicycle has a power supply for powering a drive unit of the electric bicycle, a lighting unit of the electric bicycle, and the communication device. A power supply can, for example, be a replaceable battery pack. Since the power supply typically accounts for a considerable weight in relation to the total weight of the electric bicycle, it is advantageous to supply other components, such as the lighting unit in particular, from this power supply because this ensures that all essential power-consuming components are functionally available when the electric bicycle is in use. The lighting unit includes, in particular, a front light.

[0023] Furthermore, it is proposed that the e-bike has a control unit designed to disconnect the drive unit from the power supply when the power supply is depleted down to a predetermined energy reserve. This reserve is predetermined and may, for example, result from external constraints. One such requirement is the legal obligation that the e-bike's lighting unit must be able to continue operating for two hours after a battery-related drive system failure. This legally mandated energy reserve, which the e-bike must maintain, is often also referred to as the lighting reserve.

[0024] The energy reserve can also be set indirectly by the operator of the control unit. In an exemplary preferred embodiment, the operator sets a time on the control unit for which the e-bike must remain roadworthy. Based on this requirement, a battery charge level is calculated, and when this level is reached, the drive unit is disconnected from the power supply to fulfill the operator's request. This preferred embodiment is advantageous because it ensures that sufficient energy is always available in the power supply to guarantee road safety in accordance with legal requirements and, where applicable, operator-specific requirements.

[0025] Furthermore, it is proposed that the predefined energy reserve be dynamically increased when the communication device draws power from the power supply. This preferred embodiment is advantageous because it ensures that even if the communication device is subsequently switched on, sufficient energy is available in the power supply to guarantee road safety in accordance with legal requirements and, where applicable, operator-specific requirements. Dynamically increasing means that a predicted energy demand of the communication device is added to the predefined energy reserve. Predicting the energy demand of the communication device is preferably done by using one of the previously described operating modes provided in a preferred embodiment of the communication device.

[0026] Furthermore, it is proposed that when the power supply is depleted down to the energy reserve, the communication device operates in a mode in which its energy consumption is reduced. This preferred embodiment increases the remaining operating time of the e-bike, which is dependent on the state of charge of the power supply.

[0027] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to a figure. It shows a schematic representation of an exemplary electric bicycle equipped with a communication device according to the invention.

[0028] Character description

[0029] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an electric bicycle 2. The electric bicycle 2 is equipped with a communication device 1, which is connected to a power supply 3 of the electric bicycle 2. The communication device 1 is powered via the power supply 3. During operation, the communication device 1 exchanges data with other infrastructure elements equipped for communication, for example, traffic signs 9 or structures 11, as well as with road users 10. In the communication process, the communication unit 1 transmits position and speed data, as well as technical data such as the status of lights. Conversely, it receives information about other road users, road obstacles, road closures, and the like. The electric bicycle 2 preferably has a receiver 4 for a satellite-based navigation system 7.In a preferred embodiment, the communication device 1 is connected to this receiver 4. This allows it to reliably receive current position data, which is then integrated into the communication. Speed ​​data is also preferably received from an electronic receiver.

[0030] The e-bike 2 is supplied with a speed sensor 5, preferably a wheel-tick system. This sensor is used, among other things, to estimate a position via dead reckoning in the event of satellite signal interference, for example, due to passing through a tunnel or near tall buildings, in order to bridge the signal loss caused by the interference. Furthermore, the e-bike 2 preferably has a mobile communication interface 6, for example, a mobile communication modem. In a preferred embodiment, the communication device 1 is connected to the mobile communication interface 6. This provides it with access to a local mobile network 8, through which, for example, security certificates for secure, encrypted communication, RTK correction signals for improving position data obtained from the satellite-based navigation system, and, if applicable, software updates are transmitted.

Claims

Claims 1. Communication device (1) for an electric bicycle (2) for participating in communication with road users (11), in particular a V2X device, characterized in that the communication device (1) can be connected to a power supply (3) of the electric bicycle (1) and can be operated with the energy supplied by the power supply (3).

2. Communication device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication device (1) is connectable to a receiver (4) installed on the electric bicycle (2) for connection to a satellite-based navigation system (7).

3. Communication device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication device (1) can be connected to an electric speed sensor (5) installed on the electric bicycle (2), preferably a wheel tick system.

4. Communication device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication device (1) can be connected to an inertial sensor system installed on the electric bicycle (2).

5. Communication device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication device (1) is connectable to a mobile communication interface (6).

6. Communication device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the mobile communication interface (6) is designed as a mobile communication modem and is installed on board the electric bicycle (2).

7. Communication device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the mobile communication interface (6) is designed as a mobile communication device independent of the electric bicycle (2), which is carried independently by a rider of the electric bicycle (2).

8. Communication device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication device (1) has at least two different operating modes, selected from a group of operating modes comprising full operation, full operation with dynamic traffic estimation, digital visibility and reduced digital visibility.

9. Communication device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the operating modes of the communication device (1) can be manually adjusted by a rider of the electric bicycle (2).

10. Communication device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that technical data acquired by the electric bicycle (2), for example data from a pedal sensor, data on brake or tire pressure, or data on light status, can be transmitted to the communication device (1).

11. Electric bicycle (2) comprising a communication device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

12. Electric bicycle (2) according to claim 11 , characterized in that the electric bicycle (2) has a power supply (3) for supplying a drive unit of the electric bicycle, a lighting unit of the electric bicycle (2) and the communication device (1).

13. Electric bicycle (2) according to claim 12, characterized in that the electric bicycle (2) has a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to decouple the drive unit from the power supply (3) when the power supply (3) is exhausted down to a predetermined energy reserve.

14. Electric bicycle (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that the predetermined energy reserve can be dynamically increased when the communication device (1) draws energy from the power supply (3).

15. Electric bicycle according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, when the power supply (3) is depleted down to the energy reserve, the communication device (1) can be operated in an operating mode in which the energy requirement of the communication device (1) is reduced.

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