Interface system for a bicycle

Abstract

The present invention relates to an interface system for a bicycle (100), comprising a first user interface (1) and a control unit (3), wherein: the first user interface is designed to be fastened to the bicycle; the first user interface and the control unit are configured to communicate with one another by means of a wireless connection (4); and the control unit is configured to ascertain a relative arrangement between the first user interface and the control unit on the basis of the wireless connection and to assign a specified configuration to the first user interface on the basis of the ascertained relative arrangement.

Description

[0001] R.414083

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Description

[0004] title

[0005] Interface system for a bicycle

[0006] State of the art

[0007] The present invention relates to an interface system for a bicycle, a bicycle, and a method for operating such an interface system. Bicycle interface systems comprising one or more user interfaces are known. The user interfaces can be arranged on the bicycle at various locations. Typically, each user interface has predetermined functions and properties. These are usually assigned before the bicycle is put into operation, often manually or during the manufacturing of the user interface.

[0008] Disclosure of the invention

[0009] In contrast, the interface system according to the invention with the features of claim 1 is characterized by the fact that, with a simple and cost-effective design of the interface system, particularly flexible and simple individual configuration of user interfaces is possible. This is achieved according to the invention by an interface system for a bicycle, comprising at least one first user interface and a control unit. The first user interface is designed for attachment to the bicycle. The first user interface and the control unit are each configured to communicate with each other via a wireless connection. The control unit is configured to determine a relative arrangement of the first user interface and the control unit to each other based on the wireless connection.Furthermore, the control unit is configured to assign a predetermined configuration to the first user interface based on the relative arrangement thus determined. R.414083.

[0010] - 2 -

[0011] In particular, a user interface is defined as a device of the interface system designed for interaction with a user of the bicycle. For example, the user interface may include an electronic device configured to process electronic data.

[0012] Preferably, the user interface and the control unit can exchange information, especially data, with each other via the wireless connection.

[0013] Preferably, the control unit can analyze current properties of the wireless connection in order to determine the relative arrangement of the first user interface and the control unit based on this.

[0014] A predetermined user interface configuration is understood to be, in particular, a predetermined property and / or function to be assigned to the user interface, which can preferably be provided purely through measures for electronic data processing.

[0015] In other words, an interface system is provided which includes at least a user interface and a control unit that can communicate with each other wirelessly, and in particular, can be connected to each other wirelessly. The user interface, and preferably also the control unit, can be mounted on the bicycle. Preferably, the user interface and control unit can be mounted on the bicycle in a fixed position relative to each other, or alternatively, movable relative to each other, preferably based on the mobility of bicycle components, such as a handlebar that is rotatably mounted relative to a bicycle frame.Based on the wireless connection between the user interface and the control unit, the control unit can determine the current relative arrangement, in particular the relative position and / or orientation, of the two devices to each other. R.414083.

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[0017] The interface system offers the advantage that, with a simple and cost-effective design using few components, and especially based on the inherent properties of the assembled components of the interface system, the relative arrangement of the user interface and the control unit can be determined, and based on this, a specific configuration can be automatically assigned to the user interface. For example, this eliminates the need to manually assign the configuration to the user interface during assembly of the interface system or during initial commissioning. Instead, the configuration assignment can be determined automatically by the control unit and the relative arrangements determined based on the wireless connection.

[0018] Preferably, the assignment of the predetermined configuration can be achieved by selecting exactly one predetermined configuration from several, for example, stored configurations and assigning it to the user interface. Advantageously, exactly one predetermined configuration can be stored in a table for each specific relative arrangement. This allows for the automatic assignment of the predetermined configuration to the user interface in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner.

[0019] The dependent claims contain preferred further developments of the invention.

[0020] Preferably, the interface system further comprises at least one second user interface, which is configured for attachment to the bicycle. The second user interface is configured to communicate wirelessly with the first user interface and / or with the control unit. The control unit is further configured to determine a relative arrangement between the first and second user interfaces based on the wireless connection, and to assign a predetermined configuration to the second user interface based on this determined relative arrangement. That is, the interface system can comprise at least two user interfaces that can communicate wirelessly with each other. The control unit can separately assign a predetermined configuration to each of the user interfaces individually. (R.414083)

[0021] - 4 - according to the relative arrangement. Thus, in a system with multiple user interfaces, each user interface can be assigned an individual, predetermined configuration in a particularly simple and efficient manner. This allows an interface system with various flexible configurations to be provided automatically and in a particularly simple way.

[0022] It is particularly advantageous for both user interfaces to be identical in design. Specifically, the two user interfaces can be structurally identical. This allows for a particularly simple and cost-effective design of the interface system. For example, regardless of its later function, each user interface can be attached to a designated mounting location on the bicycle, with the configuration being automatically assigned only after installation. This makes the assembly and provision of the bicycle particularly simple and time-efficient.

[0023] Preferably, the control unit and at least the first user interface, and preferably also the second user interface, are configured to initially establish the wireless connection via a coupling process. Preferably, the control unit is configured to determine the relative arrangement of the first user interface and the control unit, and preferably the second user interface and the control unit, to each other during or based on the coupling process of the wireless connection. That is, during the initial commissioning of the interface system, the wireless connection between the user interface and the control unit is established via the coupling process. Preferably, data such as individual identifiers of the user interface and the control unit can be exchanged during this process.This allows, for example, a particularly simple and time-efficient connection to be established when the interface system is recommissioned after the initial coupling process.

[0024] The control unit is particularly preferably configured to assign a predetermined operating function to at least the first user interface as a predetermined configuration. An operating function is understood to be, in particular, a function that individually characterizes the operation of the user interface. That is, through the predetermined configuration assigned to the user interface R.414083

[0025] - 5 - The user interface then has a specific operating function, which is based, for example, at least partially on electronic data processing. For instance, the operating function can also include additional functions besides electronic data processing. This allows for particularly flexible and user-friendly operation of the interface system.

[0026] Preferably, the predetermined operating function involves the actuation of a bicycle's shifting system. The shifting system can preferably be designed as an electronically actuated system. Particularly preferably, the user interface, configured with the shifting actuation as its operating function, can generate switching signals, especially in response to manual actuation by the bicycle user, whereby the switching signal can initiate controlled actuation of the shifting system. That is, in this case, the user interface can be configured as a switching unit by means of which the user can trigger shifting operations.

[0027] Preferably, the predetermined operating function includes an information output, in particular by means of an output element. Preferably, the output element can be an integral part of the user interface. In other words, the user interface can be configured to output this information to the user. For example, the output element can be configured to provide acoustic, visual, and / or haptic output of information.

[0028] Preferably, the predetermined operating function includes user input, in particular by means of an input element. Preferably, the input element can be an integral part of the user interface. For example, the input element can include a button and / or a touchscreen or the like. In other words, the user interface can be configured to receive user input. For example, the user can use this to select and adjust functions or settings of the bicycle via user input on the user interface. R.414083

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[0030] Preferably, the predetermined operating function includes motor assistance activation, in particular of a drive unit of the e-bike. The user interface preferably includes an input element. Specifically, the user can initiate the generation of a motor assistance signal via the user interface using this input element, thereby preferably allowing the motor assistance level of the drive unit to be specifically adjusted.

[0031] Preferably, the predetermined operating function includes a lighting control, in particular for the bicycle's lighting system. Most preferably, the user interface includes an input element. In particular, the user can use this input element to activate, deactivate, or adjust the lighting system.

[0032] Preferably, the control unit is configured to determine the distance between the first user interface and the control unit based on the wireless connection. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit is configured to determine the relative orientation of the first user interface and the control unit based on the wireless connection. This allows for a particularly simple and cost-effective determination of the relative arrangement. Furthermore, based on the distance and / or relative orientation of the user interface and the control unit, a mounting location for the user interface can be determined particularly easily, precisely, and efficiently. This allows for a particularly simple and reliable assignment of a desired configuration to the user interface.

[0033] Particularly preferably, the first user interface and / or the second user interface has at least one input element and / or at least one output element. The input element can preferably be a button and / or a touchscreen or the like. The output element can be, for example, a screen and / or a light element and / or a speaker or the like. This allows for simple and convenient interaction between the user and the interface system. R.414083

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[0035] Preferably, the wireless connection is configured as a short-range wireless connection. This means that the wireless connection is specifically designed for communication between devices at short distances. For example, the short-range wireless connection is intended for use in ranges up to 10 m, preferably a maximum of 50 m. Preferably, the wireless connection is a Bluetooth connection, and particularly preferably a Bluetooth Low Energy connection. This allows the interface system to be provided in a particularly simple, cost-effective, and energy-efficient manner.

[0036] Preferably, the control unit is configured to determine the relative arrangement of the first user interface and the control unit based on an angle-of-incidence function and / or an angle-of-emission function of the wireless connection, in particular the Bluetooth low-energy connection. In particular, such an angle-of-incidence function and / or angle-of-emission function can be an inherent part of the Bluetooth low-energy connection. The angle-of-incidence function can be, in particular, an angle-off-arrival function. The angle-of-emission function can, in particular, be an angle-off-departure function of the wireless connection. This allows, in particular, an angle measurement between the user interface and the control unit to be provided. This enables a precise determination of the relative orientation of the two devices to each other using particularly simple and cost-effective means.

[0037] Preferably, the control unit is configured to determine the relative arrangement of the first and second user interfaces based on a channel-sounding function of the wireless connection, in particular the Bluetooth low-energy connection. In particular, such a channel-sounding function can be an inherent component of a Bluetooth low-energy connection, preferably version 5.4 or later. The channel-sounding function, as an inherent component of the wireless connection between the user interface and the control unit, can provide information about the instantaneous distance between these two devices when they are paired via the wireless connection. This allows the distance between these two devices to be precisely determined using particularly simple and cost-effective means. R.414083

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[0039] Preferably, the control unit is integrated into the first or second user interface. For example, the corresponding user interface can be designed without controls and / or without display elements. Preferably, each user interface can also have a separate control unit. Alternatively, or more preferably, the control unit can be designed as a separate device, such as a user device, for example, a smartphone. This allows for a simple and flexible design of the interface system.

[0040] Furthermore, the invention leads to a bicycle, in particular an electric bicycle, comprising the described interface system.

[0041] Preferably, the control unit is configured to determine the mounting location of the first user interface on the bicycle based on the determined relative arrangement between the first user interface and the control unit. Preferably, the control unit is configured to determine the mounting location with respect to a direction of travel and / or a longitudinal and / or a transverse direction of the bicycle. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to assign the predetermined configuration to the first user interface based on the determined mounting location. That is, the assignment of the predetermined configuration to the user interface is based on an automatically controlled determination of the current mounting location of the user interface on the bicycle.For example, if the user interface is automatically detected on the left side of the handlebars, a predetermined first operating function can be assigned, and if the user interface is automatically detected on the right side of the handlebars, a predetermined second operating function can be assigned. This allows for a particularly simple and flexible automatic assignment of the operating functions of the bicycle's user interfaces, especially without the need for manual configuration.

[0042] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating the described interface system or the described bicycle. The method comprises the steps of: determining a relative arrangement of the first user interface R.414083

[0043] - 9 - and control unit to each other based on the wireless connection, and assigning a predetermined configuration to the user interface based on the determined relative arrangement.

[0044] Preferably, the procedure can be carried out by the control unit of the interface system.

[0045] Brief description of the drawings

[0046] An embodiment of the invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawing shows:

[0047] Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic view of an electric bicycle with an interface system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, and

[0048] Figure 2 is a highly simplified schematic partial view of the interface system of the electric bicycle of Figure 1.

[0049] Embodiments of the invention

[0050] Preferably, all identical components, elements and / or units in all figures are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0051] Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic view of an electric bicycle 100 with an interface system 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 shows a more detailed, highly simplified schematic view of the interface system 10.

[0052] The electric bicycle 100 has a drive unit 110, which can be located, for example, in the area of ​​the bottom bracket of the electric bicycle 100. The drive unit 110 has a motor, which can be, for example, an electric motor. The motor of the drive unit 110 can be supplied with electrical energy by means of an electrical energy storage device 109 of the electric bicycle 100. By means of motor torque generated by the motor, the pedaling force generated by the rider of the electric bicycle 100 can be motor-assisted. R.414083

[0053] - 10 -

[0054] The interface system 10 according to the invention comprises several user interfaces 1 , 2, 7 which are attached to the electric bicycle 100.

[0055] The user interfaces 1, 2, 7 are attached to different mounting locations on the electric bicycle 100. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, a first user interface 1 is located on the handlebar 101 and is positioned on the left side with respect to the direction of travel A. A second user interface 2 is located on the top tube of a bicycle frame 102 of the electric bicycle 100. A third user interface 7 is also located on the handlebar 101, on the right side with respect to the direction of travel A.

[0056] Furthermore, the interface system 10 comprises several control units 3. Each control unit 3 is integrated into one of the user interfaces 1, 2, 7. Alternatively, preferably, only a single control unit 3 may be provided, which may be integrated into one of the user interfaces 1, 2, 7, or alternatively, may be provided separately, for example, as part of a separate device, such as a user device.

[0057] All user interfaces 1, 2, 7 and control units 3 can communicate with each other via a wireless connection 4. The wireless connection 4 is a Bluetooth low-energy connection.

[0058] The control units 3 are configured to determine a relative arrangement of the user interfaces 1, 2, 7 to each other based on the wireless connection 4 between the user interfaces 1, 2, 7 and / or the control units 3.

[0059] The determination of the relative arrangement is based on the properties of the wireless connection 4. Specifically, an angle of incidence function and / or an angle of emission function of the Bluetooth low-energy connection is used to determine the instantaneous relative orientation of the user interfaces 1, 2, 7 to each other. For example, an angle 25° at which the user interfaces 1, 2, 7 are arranged relative to each other can be determined. R.414083

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[0061] Additionally, a channel sounding function of the Bluetooth low-energy connection can be used to determine an instantaneous distance 20 between the user interfaces 1, 2, 7. Based on the determined distances 20 and the relative orientations of the user interfaces 1, 2, 7, the control units 3 can further estimate the respective relative and / or absolute mounting locations of the user interfaces 1, 2, 7.

[0062] The control units 3 are further configured to assign each of the user interfaces 1 , 2 , 7 a predetermined individual configuration based on the determined relative arrangements, and in particular based on the respective determined mounting location.

[0063] In detail, each user interface 1 , 2 , 7 is assigned at least one predetermined operating function as a predetermined configuration.

[0064] The operating functions can be executed using input elements 11 and output elements 12. In the illustrated embodiment, each user interface 1, 2, 7 has one input element 11 and one output element 12. Alternatively, and preferably, each user interface 1, 2, 7 can also have only one input element 11 or only one output element 12. More preferably, each user interface 1, 2, 7 can, for example, be configured exclusively as either an input element 11 or an output element 12.

[0065] The input elements 11 can, for example, include buttons and / or touchscreens. Furthermore, the output elements 12 can include acoustic and / or visual and / or haptic output elements. Preferably, the output elements 12 can include indicator lights and / or displays.

[0066] Exemplary specific operating functions assigned to user interfaces 1, 2, 7 of the preferred embodiment shown are described in detail below.

[0067] The third user interface 7, located on the right side of the handlebar 101, is preferably assigned a switching function by means of which a switching system 60 of the electric bicycle 100 can be operated. In particular, the user can switch gears via the input element 11.

[0068] - 12 - activate. For example, the user can also be shown the current gear of the shifting system 60 via output element 12.

[0069] The first user interface 1, located on the left side of the handlebar 101, can preferably be assigned an information output function, a user input function, and a motor support activation function. The motor support activation allows, in particular by actuating the input element 11, the instantaneous level of motor support of the drive unit 110 of the electric bicycle 100 to be changed.

[0070] Furthermore, additional user input can be made via user input, preferably via input element 11, which can be used to control various functions of the electric bicycle 100.

[0071] Furthermore, the information output can display various pieces of information to the user of the electric bicycle 100. For example, current system states of the electric bicycle 100 can be displayed. Specifically, the current level of motor assistance can be shown.

[0072] Furthermore, the second user interface 2, located on the top tube of the bicycle frame 102, can be assigned the following operating functions: lighting operation and information output via an output element 12. For example, the current charge level of the electronic energy storage device 109 can be displayed via the display element 12.

[0073] The lighting control allows, in particular by pressing the input element 11, the activation and deactivation of the lighting system of the electric bicycle 100.

[0074] The interface system 10 thus allows, by means of a particularly simple and cost-effective design, the automatic configuration of all functions of the user interfaces 1, 2, 7 installed on the electric bicycle 100. The assignment of the respective configurations can be carried out, for example, during an initial pairing process, through which the wireless connection 4 is established, and subsequently saved. R.414083

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[0076] The interface system 10 also allows, for example, the use of at least partially identical user interfaces 1, 2, 7. For example, at least partially identical devices can be used as user interfaces 1, 2, 7, whereby these are configured during the initial commissioning of the

[0077] The interface system 10 automatically assigns the respective configuration based on the respective mounting locations recognized by the interface system 10 itself.

Claims

R.414083 - 14 - Claims 1. Interface system for a bicycle (100), comprising: a first user interface (1), and a control unit (3), wherein the first user interface (1) is configured for attachment to the bicycle (100), wherein the first user interface (1) and the control unit (3) are configured to communicate with each other via a wireless connection (4), and wherein the control unit (3) is configured to determine a relative arrangement of the first user interface (1) and the control unit (3) to each other based on the wireless connection (4), and to assign a predetermined configuration to the first user interface (1) based on the determined relative arrangement.

2. Interface system according to claim 1, further comprising at least a second user interface (2) which is configured for attachment to the bicycle (100), wherein the second user interface (2) is configured to communicate with the first user interface (1) and / or with the control unit (3) via the wireless connection (4), and wherein the control unit (3) is configured to determine a relative arrangement of the first user interface (1) and the second user interface (3) to each other based on the wireless connection (4), and to assign a predetermined configuration to the second user interface (2) based on the determined relative arrangement.

3. Interface system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the first user interface (1) and the control unit (3) are configured to initially establish the wireless connection (4) via a coupling process. R.414083 - 15 - 4. Interface system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (3) is configured to assign a predetermined operating function to at least the first user interface (1) as a predetermined configuration.

5. Interface system according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined operating function comprises a switching actuation, in particular of a switching system (60) of the bicycle (100).

6. Interface system according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the predetermined operating function comprises an information output, in particular by means of an output element (12).

7. Interface system according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the predetermined operating function comprises a user input, in particular by means of an input element (11).

8. Interface system according to one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the predetermined operating function comprises a motor support actuation, in particular of a drive unit (101) of the bicycle (100).

9. Interface system according to one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the predetermined operating function comprises a lighting actuation, in particular of a lighting system (80).

10. Interface system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (3) is configured to determine a distance (20) between first user interface (1) and control unit (3) and / or a relative orientation of first user interface (1) and control unit (3) based on the wireless connection (4).

11. Interface system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless connection (4) is designed as a short-range wireless connection. R.414083 - 16 - 12. Interface system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (3) is configured to determine the relative arrangement of first user interface (1) and control unit (3) to each other based on an angle of incidence function and / or an angle of emission function of the wireless connection (4).

13. Interface system according to one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the control unit (3) is integrated into the first user interface (1) or into the second user interface (2).

14. Bicycle, in particular an electric bicycle, comprising an interface system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular wherein the control unit (3) is configured to determine a mounting location of the first user interface (1) on the bicycle (100) based on the relative arrangement of the first user interface (1) and the control unit (3), and to additionally assign a predetermined configuration to the first user interface (1) based on the determined mounting location.

15. Method for operating an interface system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13 or a bicycle (100) claim 14, comprising the steps: Determining a relative arrangement of the first user interface (1) and the control unit (3) to each other based on the wireless connection (4), and assigning a predetermined configuration of the user interface (1) based on the determined relative arrangement.

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