Method for operating a pedal-driven vehicle, pedal-driven vehicle, and system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for operating a pedal-driven vehicle (200), comprising a gear-shifting system (201), a control unit (202), and a detection unit (203), wherein the gear-shifting system (201) is designed to automatically trigger gear-changing operations depending on at least one riding parameter, and wherein the gear-shifting system (201) further comprises at least one user interface (204) for manually initiating gear-changing operations, the method (100) comprising: - detecting (110) manual initiation of a gear-changing operation, in particular by means of the control unit (202), - detecting (120) at least one riding parameter, in particular by means of the detection unit (203), - classifying (130) the manually initiated gear-changing operation as a predictive or non-predictive gear-changing operation depending on the at least one riding parameter, in particular by means of the control unit (202), and - adjusting (140) at least one operating parameter of the gear-shifting system (201) if the manually initiated gear-changing operation has been classified as a non-predictive gear-changing operation.

Description

[0001] R.416552

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Description

[0004] title

[0005] Method for operating a pedal-powered vehicle, pedal-powered vehicle and system

[0006] State of the art

[0007] Pedal-powered vehicles, especially bicycles, e-bikes, or pedelecs, are typically equipped with gears. Gears allow the rider to adjust the gear ratio in the vehicle's drivetrain to suit the current riding situation. This makes propulsion more comfortable for the rider when going uphill, downhill, or on level ground.

[0008] It is generally known that gearshifts can be operated as automatic or semi-automatic gearshifts to automatically trigger or execute gear changes depending on a specific driving situation. In automatic mode, gear changes can be triggered based on one or more driving parameters of the pedal-driven vehicle, such as the rider's pedaling frequency and / or the vehicle's speed.

[0009] Gearboxes may also have one or more user interfaces through which a driver of the pedal-driven vehicle can manually initiate gear changes, independent of automatic operation. In this regard, a distinction must be made between predictive and non-predictive gear changes. Predictive gear changes are those performed by the driver in preparation for a foreseeable change in the driving situation. This could, for example, involve an anticipated approach to an incline. Non-predictive gear changes, on the other hand, are usually characterized by the driver shifting gears manually. R.416552

[0010] - 2 - even though the driving situation does not change or does not change significantly. Such a non-predictive shifting process indicates a general dissatisfaction on the part of the driver with the automatic gear selection of the transmission based on the stored shift characteristics.

[0011] In this regard, the disadvantage has been that while manually initiated gear changes can temporarily suspend the automatic operation of a transmission (manual override), they do not have a lasting effect on the actual shifting characteristics. A driver of a pedal-powered vehicle who is dissatisfied with the transmission's shifting characteristics is therefore repeatedly forced to manually initiate gear changes, which can reduce the user comfort of the pedal-powered vehicle and the driver's concentration on the road.

[0012] Disclosure of the invention

[0013] The present invention relates to a method for operating a pedal-driven vehicle, a pedal-driven vehicle, a system, a computer program product, a computer-readable medium and a data carrier signal.

[0014] Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the method according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the pedal-driven vehicle according to the invention, and / or in connection with the system according to the invention, and / or in connection with the computer program product according to the invention, and / or in connection with the computer-readable medium according to the invention, and / or in connection with the data carrier signal according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosure regarding the individual aspects of the invention always refers to, or can refer to, each other. R.416552

[0015] - 3 -

[0016] The invention presented here serves in particular to provide an improved operation of a, in particular automatic or semi-automated, gearshift of a pedal-driven vehicle with regard to improved user comfort and / or increased safety of the pedal-driven vehicle.

[0017] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for operating a pedal-driven vehicle, comprising a gearshift for providing a variable gear ratio, a control unit and a detection unit, wherein the gearshift is configured to automatically trigger or perform shifting operations depending on at least one driving parameter and wherein the gearshift further comprises at least one user interface for manually triggering or performing shifting operations, the method comprising:

[0018] Detecting a manual triggering of at least one switching operation, in particular by the control unit, wherein in particular the switching operation comprises a gear change from an initial gear to a subsequent gear,

[0019] Recording at least one driving parameter, in particular by the recording unit,

[0020] Classifying the manually triggered shifting process as a predictive shifting process or a non-predictive shifting process depending on at least one driving parameter, in particular by the control unit,

[0021] Adjusting the shift characteristics of the gearshift when the manually triggered shifting operation has been classified as a non-predictive shifting operation.

[0022] It is preferably intended that the aforementioned process steps are executed in the specified order. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that at least individual process steps are executed repeatedly, particularly in a loop, and / or, at least partially, simultaneously. Additionally or alternatively, the method can be implemented as a computer-implemented method. R.416552

[0023] - 4 -

[0024] In other words, a method for operating a pedal-driven vehicle is proposed. The pedal-driven vehicle comprises a gearshift for providing a variable gear ratio, particularly in a drivetrain of the pedal-driven vehicle, a control unit, and a sensor unit. The sensor unit can preferably be configured to detect at least one driving parameter of the pedal-driven vehicle, in particular continuously or discretely over time.

[0025] The transmission is an automatic or at least semi-automatic transmission designed to trigger gear changes (i.e., upshifting or downshifting), particularly according to a predefined shift pattern, depending on at least one driving parameter of the pedal-driven vehicle. A driving parameter that triggers gear changes can preferably be the speed of the pedal-driven vehicle and / or the pedaling cadence of the rider of the pedal-driven vehicle. Furthermore, the transmission includes at least one user interface for manually triggering gear changes. Such a user interface can, for example, be designed as a gearshift lever. In particular, at least one user interface for upshifting and at least one user interface for downshifting can be provided.

[0026] According to the invention, a manual triggering of at least one shifting operation, particularly at at least one user interface of the gearshift, is preferably detected by the control unit and / or gearshift. For this purpose, the control unit can be in signal communication with the gearshift, and the gearshift can transmit a corresponding signal to the control unit. It can be provided that a switch and / or, in particular, a pressure-sensitive or touch-sensitive sensor for detecting a user action at the user interface is arranged or provided at at least one user interface.

[0027] In particular, a gear change characterizes or encompasses a change from an initial gear to a subsequent gear. The initial gear is to be understood here as the gear from which the transmission is shifted out, and R.416552

[0028] - 5 -

[0029] The term "following gear" should be understood as the gear into which one shifts.

[0030] Furthermore, it is provided that at least one driving parameter is recorded, particularly by the recording unit. A driving parameter of the pedal-driven vehicle can be, in particular, the vehicle's speed, the rider's pedaling frequency (especially at a crank mechanism), the vehicle's inclination, the rider's torque (especially at the crank mechanism), and / or the rider's power output. The recording of at least one driving parameter can be performed repeatedly, especially at equidistant intervals. This allows the temporal profile of the driving parameter to be recorded and evaluated.

[0031] Depending on at least one recorded driving parameter, the manually triggered shifting process is classified, distinguishing between a predictive and a non-predictive shifting process. For classification, the value of at least one driving parameter at the time of manual initiation of the shifting process, as well as subsequently recorded values ​​of that at least one driving parameter, can be used.

[0032] A predictive shift is defined here as a shift performed by the rider of a pedal-powered vehicle in preparation for and with knowledge of an imminent change in the driving situation. For example, if the rider notices that they are about to enter an uphill section, they will usually select a lower gear ratio, i.e., downshift, even before a significant change in the gradient. This can temporarily increase the rider's cadence. However, this will decrease again after entering the uphill section and typically settle back within a target cadence range. At the very least, a significant change in at least one driving parameter, such as the speed or incline of the pedal-powered vehicle, within a time window after the manual initiation of the shift indicates a predictive shift. R.416552

[0033] - 6 -

[0034] A non-predictive shift, on the other hand, should be understood as a shift that indicates the driver's dissatisfaction with the automatic gear selection by the transmission. This is particularly the case when the driver has initiated a manual shift, but no significant change in the driving situation, such as the speed or incline of the pedal-driven vehicle, can be detected, and / or the driver's cadence changes and no longer returns to a predetermined target cadence or within a predetermined target cadence band.

[0035] If the manually triggered shifting process is classified as a non-predictive shifting process, the shifting characteristics of the gearshift are adjusted.

[0036] The method according to the invention offers the advantage that the shifting characteristics of the gearshift are specifically adapted based on a non-predictive shifting action by the driver. This allows the shifting characteristics to be gradually approximated to the driver's preferences or specifically tailored to the driver's needs, so that manual initiation of shifting operations is required in increasingly fewer situations, or, if at all, only in exceptional circumstances. The method according to the invention thus allows the operating behavior of the gearshift to be adapted simply and intuitively to the individual needs of the driver. This results in increased user comfort for the driver of the pedal-driven vehicle and reduced driver distraction from the traffic situation.

[0037] The shifting characteristics of the gear system can be represented, in particular, by at least one target cadence or target cadence band. Thus, when an upper limit of the target cadence band (upper cadence limit) is reached or exceeded, a shift operation can be performed to increase the gear ratio (upshifting), and when a lower limit of the target cadence band (lower cadence limit) is reached or fallen below, a shift operation can be performed to reduce the gear ratio. R.416552

[0038] - 7 - ses (upshifting) can be triggered. A target cadence or target cadence band can vary for different gears, riding situations, or other influencing factors.

[0039] The shifting characteristics can also be represented by a cadence model, where the cadence model represents a functional relationship between at least one input variable and a target cadence or target cadence band as output variable(s). Possible input variables can be, for example, at least one riding parameter and / or a specific riding situation and / or a specific gear. In this way, improved adaptation of the gear shifting behavior to different riding scenarios can be achieved. Such a cadence model can preferably be stored in a data memory of the control unit or the gear shifting system.

[0040] In particular, the cadence model can be implemented as a neural network. Specifically, adjusting the switching characteristics can therefore involve training the neural network.

[0041] With regard to the present invention, it may be provided that the detection of a manual triggering of a switching operation comprises the following: detecting a user action at a user interface of the gearshift for manually triggering switching operations.

[0042] For this purpose, at least one detection element, preferably a switch and / or a sensor, in particular pressure-sensitive or touch-sensitive, for detecting a user action at the user interface can be included at at least one user interface. For example, a switch can be actuated as a detection element when a user interface of the gearshift, in particular a gearshift lever, is deflected in a defined manner. At least one detection element can be in signal communication with the control unit and / or the gearshift to communicate the triggering of a manual shifting operation accordingly. R.416552

[0043] - 8 -

[0044] Additionally or alternatively, the invention may provide that the acquisition of at least one driving parameter includes at least one of the following:

[0045] Detecting the speed of a pedal-driven vehicle, in particular by means of a speed sensor,

[0046] Detecting a rider's cadence, especially by means of a speed sensor,

[0047] Detecting the tilt of the pedal-driven vehicle, in particular by means of a tilt sensor,

[0048] Detecting driver torque, in particular by means of a torque sensor and / or

[0049] Determining rider performance, especially in relation to rider torque and rider cadence.

[0050] In other words, a driving parameter can be, for example, the speed of the pedal-driven vehicle, the rider's cadence, the inclination of the pedal-driven vehicle, the rider's torque, or the rider's power output. These driving parameters, individually or in combination, have proven particularly advantageous for classifying a gear shift and / or a driving situation. The rider's power output can preferably be determined as the product of the rider's torque and the rider's cadence.

[0051] The inclination of a pedal-driven vehicle can be determined, in particular, in such a way that it can be deduced from the inclination whether the pedal-driven vehicle is moving on a level surface or uphill or downhill. The inclination of the pedal-driven vehicle can preferably be detected by measuring a pitch angle. The pitch angle is to be distinguished from a roll angle, which changes when the driver leans into a curve, for example.

[0052] At least one value of at least one driving parameter and / or at least one time-dependent profile of at least one driving parameter can be stored, at least temporarily, in a data storage device, in particular the control unit or acquisition unit. R.416552

[0053] - 9 -

[0054] A rider's cadence and / or torque can be detected, in particular, at the crank mechanism of the pedal-driven vehicle. The rider's cadence preferably corresponds to the rotational speed of the crank mechanism.

[0055] With regard to the present invention, it may be provided that the manually triggered switching operation is classified as a predictive switching operation,

[0056] - if, after a predetermined time period from the manual initiation of the shifting process or after the completion of the manually initiated shifting process, a rider's cadence corresponds to a target cadence or lies within a target cadence band and / or

[0057] - if the change of at least one driving parameter within a predetermined time period from the manual initiation of the shifting process or after the completion of the manually initiated shifting process reaches or exceeds a change limit value.

[0058] In other words, it may preferably be provided that a predictive shifting process is assumed to have occurred if, within a predetermined time window after the manual initiation or completion of the shifting process, the rider's cadence at a crank mechanism of the pedal-driven vehicle corresponds to a target cadence, particularly for the next gear, or lies within a target cadence band, particularly for the next gear. Maintaining a cadence within the target cadence band or returning to such a cadence indicates a shifting process carried out in preparation for a changed driving situation, which, however, should not affect the shifting characteristics of the gearshift itself.

[0059] Additionally or alternatively, it may be provided that a predictive shifting process occurs if, after a change in at least one driving parameter within a predetermined time window following the manual initiation or completion of the shifting process, a driver pedaling frequency reaches or exceeds a predetermined change threshold. The change, particularly its magnitude, is preferably considered at the time or essentially at the time when the driver reaches or exceeds a predetermined change threshold. R.416552

[0060] - 10 - The automatic triggering of the shifting process was detected. In particular, a comparatively large change in the inclination and / or speed of the pedal-driven vehicle or a change in driver performance can indicate a predictive shifting process.

[0061] A target cadence is understood as the rider's cadence, or the cadence that a rider of a pedal-powered vehicle achieves, particularly in a given gear, without an automatic gear change by the transmission. The target cadence can, for example, be a cadence perceived as comfortable by a rider, especially in a specific gear and / or riding situation. If, however, the target cadence is exceeded by a certain amount, i.e., an upper cadence limit is reached or exceeded, a gear change to a higher gear, i.e., a gear with a higher gear ratio, can occur, particularly automatically, to reduce the cadence to the target cadence.Conversely, a gear change to a lower gear, i.e. a gear with a lower gear ratio, can occur automatically, in particular, if the cadence falls below the target cadence by a certain cadence difference, i.e., reaches or falls below a lower cadence threshold in order to increase the cadence to the target cadence.

[0062] An upper cadence limit is to be understood here as a cadence at which, upon reaching or exceeding this limit, a gear change is triggered or carried out, in particular automatically, to increase a gear ratio provided by the gear system. An upper cadence limit can preferably be higher than a target cadence and a lower cadence limit.

[0063] A lower cadence limit is understood here to be a cadence at which, or below which, a gear change is triggered or carried out, in particular automatically, to reduce a gear ratio provided by the gear system. A lower cadence limit can preferably be lower than a target cadence and an upper cadence limit. R.416552

[0064] - 11 -

[0065] In particular, the lower cadence limit, in conjunction with the upper cadence limit and a target cadence located, especially midway between the upper and lower cadence limits, forms a target cadence band, particularly specific to a given gear. Within this target cadence band, a rider can pedal without triggering a gear shift, especially automatically. If, however, the rider's cadence leaves this band, a corresponding upshift or downshift is triggered. The gear shifts are thus triggered hysterically, depending on cadence limits positioned on either side of the target cadence.

[0066] Adjusting the shifting characteristics of the gear system can therefore include, in particular, setting a target cadence and / or an upper cadence limit and / or a lower cadence limit or a target cadence band. This adjustment can be global, i.e., for all gears and / or riding parameters and / or riding situations equally, or specific to at least one influencing factor, such as a specific gear, at least one riding parameter, and / or a specific riding situation.

[0067] With regard to the present invention, it can be provided that, if the manually initiated shifting operation is classified as a predictive shifting operation, automatic triggering of shifting operations is suspended or deactivated, at least temporarily. This allows the driver to retain full control over gear selection in this situation. Automatic triggering of shifting operations can, for example, be reactivated after a predetermined period of time. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that automatic triggering of shifting operations is reactivated when at least one driving parameter has returned to, or substantially returned to, a reference value of the driving parameter that was present at the time the manual shifting operation was initiated.

[0068] Preferably, the manually triggered switching operation may be classified as a non-predictive switching operation, R.416552

[0069] - 12 -

[0070] - if, after a predetermined time period following the manual triggering of the shifting process, the rider's cadence is outside a target cadence band and / or

[0071] - if the change of each driving parameter within a predetermined time period from the manual triggering of the shifting process does not reach or exceed a change limit value.

[0072] In other words, it may be preferably provided that a non-predictive shifting process occurs if, within a predetermined time window after the manual initiation or completion of the shifting process, the rider's cadence at a crank mechanism of the pedal-driven vehicle deviates from a target cadence, particularly for the initial gear, or lies outside a target cadence band, particularly for the initial gear. This allows the conclusion that the rider intended to adjust the cadence deliberately and permanently and therefore performed a corresponding non-predictive gear change.

[0073] Additionally or alternatively, it may be stipulated that a non-predictive shifting operation occurs if, due to a change in at least one, in particular each, detected driving parameter within a predetermined time window after the manual initiation or completion of the shifting operation, the driver's pedaling frequency does not reach or exceed a predetermined change threshold. The change, particularly its magnitude, is preferably considered at the time, or essentially at the time, when the manual initiation of the shifting operation was detected. No or only minor changes to one or more driving parameters indicate that the driving situation has not changed significantly and that the shifting operation was therefore not performed in preparation for such a change in the driving situation.

[0074] Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the manually triggered switching operation is classified as a non-predictive switching operation, R.416552

[0075] - 13 -

[0076] - if a user action characteristic of the classification of the shifting process as a non-predicative shifting process was detected at at least one user interface of the gearshift.

[0077] Such a characteristic user action can be, in particular, at least one of the following:

[0078] Multiple, especially successive, activation of the user interface, especially the same one, and / or activation, especially pressure activation or touching, of the user interface for a predetermined minimum period of time.

[0079] The predetermined minimum time period can differ significantly from the time typically required to operate the user interface, thus eliminating any possibility of misunderstanding this user action. A characteristic user action allows for a direct conclusion that a non-predictive switching operation has occurred, as the driver must consciously perform this action. This represents a particularly reliable and intuitive classification method for the driver, since the system always acts in accordance with the driver's intent.

[0080] It may be particularly preferred that the adjustment of the shifting characteristics of the gearshift includes or consists of the following:

[0081] Adjusting a target cadence and / or target cadence band, especially depending on the current rider cadence.

[0082] It may be preferable to have the target cadence and / or target cadence band adjusted globally. This means that the adjustment applies to all gears and regardless of any differentiation between various riding situations.

[0083] Adjusting the target cadence band can involve a uniform shift of the entire target cadence band to other cadences or an adjustment of the edges of the target cadence band. For example, only a lower or upper cadence limit can be shifted, thereby adjusting an upper or lower switching threshold. R.416552

[0084] - 14 -

[0085] If, for example, the rider is pedaling at a cadence within the predefined target cadence band and then manually shifts to a higher gear, the upper shift threshold, i.e., the upper cadence limit, can be preferentially shifted to lower cadences. This will then trigger an automatic shift to a higher gear even at lower cadences, adapting the user's manually set shifting behavior to the automatic operation of the gearshift. The same applies to a manual shift to a lower gear with the lower cadence value, which is preferentially shifted to higher cadences.

[0086] When adjusting a target cadence, the upper and lower cadence limits, i.e., the edges of the target cadence band, can preferably be shifted equally or adjusted uniformly with the target cadence. Uniform adjustment means that the upper and lower cadence limits, i.e., the edges of the target cadence band, are shifted by the same amount as the target cadence. This allows the predefined switching hysteresis to be maintained, either at the same level or at a different cadence.

[0087] The target cadence or target cadence band can preferably be adjusted based on the rider's current cadence. For this purpose, the rider's cadence can be detected, particularly continuously or quasi-continuously, preferably by a speed sensor. Specifically, a previous target cadence can be changed to the current rider's cadence. The current rider's cadence can preferably also be determined as a time-averaged value of the rider's cadence over a predetermined period from the detection of the manual initiation of the shifting process. This reduces the influence of any peaks in the rider's cadence.

[0088] Preferably, within the scope of the invention, the adjustment of the shifting characteristics can be gear-specific, in particular for the initial gear and / or subsequent gear, preferably using a cadence model. This approach allows the rider's desired behavior with regard to R.416552 to be achieved.

[0089] - 15 - the shifting characteristics of the gearshift can be mapped in more detail. For example, a rider may prefer a higher target cadence in lower gears than in higher gears, or vice versa. These preferences can be accommodated by adjusting the shifting characteristics for each gear.

[0090] Such a dependency can preferably be represented by a cadence model, where the cadence model represents a functional relationship between a gear as an input variable and a target cadence or target cadence band as output variable(s). In particular, adjusting the shifting characteristic can include or consist of storing a current cadence as the new target cadence in the cadence model for the original gear and / or the subsequent gear.

[0091] It may preferably be provided that the following is also included:

[0092] Classifying a driving situation at the time of manual initiation of the shifting process depending on at least one driving parameter, in particular by the control unit or a central server, wherein the adjustment of the shifting characteristic is specific to the driving situation, in particular using a cadence model.

[0093] Classifying the driving situation may include, in particular, classification as one of the following driving situations:

[0094] Approach on level ground,

[0095] Approach via the mountain,

[0096] Drive uphill,

[0097] Driving downhill and / or driving on a level surface.

[0098] With regard to at least some of the driving situations mentioned, a further distinction can be made, for example, between low load, normal load, and high load, resulting in three different driving situations for uphill driving, for instance. R.416552

[0099] - 16 -

[0100] Preferably, the driving situation can be classified at least depending on driver performance and / or the incline and / or the speed of the pedal-driven vehicle.

[0101] Whether a journey is uphill, downhill, or on level ground can preferably be determined by the inclination of the pedal-driven vehicle. If the inclination reaches or exceeds a certain threshold, particularly for a predetermined period, the journey is assumed to be uphill or downhill, respectively; otherwise, it is assumed to be on level ground.

[0102] Different load conditions can preferably be classified based on driver power output. If this reaches or exceeds an upper power limit, particularly for a predetermined period, a high load is assumed. If it reaches or falls below a lower power limit, particularly for a predetermined period, a low load is assumed. If the power output lies between the upper and lower power limits, a normal load can be assumed.

[0103] The classification of whether an approach is on level ground or uphill can preferably be made based on the speed of the pedal-powered vehicle. If the speed reaches or falls below a predetermined speed limit, it is assumed that the approach involves the pedal-powered vehicle accelerating from a standstill or low speeds.

[0104] The dependence of the shifting characteristic on a riding situation can preferably be represented by a cadence model, wherein the cadence model represents a functional relationship between a riding situation as an input variable and a target cadence or target cadence band as an output variable^). In particular, adapting the shifting characteristic can include or consist of storing a current cadence as the new target cadence in the cadence model for a current riding situation. R.416552

[0105] - 17 -

[0106] A cadence model can represent a multidimensional dependency, so that several input variables, in particular at least one gear and one driving situation, can be taken into account simultaneously.

[0107] It may be possible for the classification of a driving situation to be performed by a central server. This central server can be a cloud system and / or comprise one or more computing units. Classifying driving situations can be computationally intensive, which is why it can be advantageous to centralize this classification or outsource it to the central server, thus avoiding the need to maintain corresponding computing capacity in every pedal-powered vehicle.

[0108] In this context, it is conceivable that at least one driving parameter or a temporal profile of at least one driving parameter is transmitted from the pedal-driven vehicle to the central server. This can preferably be done by the control unit, which may have at least one communication interface for this purpose, in particular a mobile communication interface.

[0109] Furthermore, it can be provided that the central server performs a classification of the driving situation depending on at least one driving parameter and that, preferably, a driving situation report is transmitted from the central server to the pedal-driven vehicle, in particular the control unit, wherein the driving situation report is characteristic of a specific driving situation. Based on the driving situation determined in this way, the shift characteristics can then preferably be adapted, in particular by the pedal-driven vehicle, in the manner described.

[0110] The classification of the driving situation can preferably be carried out, particularly with the central server or the pedal-driven vehicle, using a driving situation model, wherein the driving situation model represents a functional relationship between at least one driving parameter as an input variable and a driving situation as an output variable. The driving situation model can preferably be implemented as a neural network. R.416552

[0111] - 18 -

[0112] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a pedal-driven vehicle comprising a gearshift for providing a variable gear ratio, a control unit, and a detection unit, wherein the gearshift is configured to automatically trigger shifting operations depending on at least one driving parameter, and wherein the gearshift further comprises at least one user interface for manually triggering shifting operations. The pedal-driven vehicle is preferably configured to be operated according to a method according to the invention, in particular according to a method according to the first aspect of the invention. Preferably, the pedal-driven vehicle can be configured as a bicycle, preferably an electric bicycle or pedelec. With regard to a pedal-driven vehicle, the same advantages arise as those described with regard to a method according to the invention.The pedal-driven vehicle may preferably comprise two wheels, in particular a front wheel and a rear wheel.

[0113] The pedal-driven vehicle preferably comprises at least one drive for providing drive torque to propel the vehicle. At least one drive can preferably be an electric motor and / or be positioned in a central motor arrangement on the pedal-driven vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the pedal-driven vehicle may include several drives, particularly of the same type or identical.

[0114] In particular, the gearshift may be designed to provide a variable gear ratio, especially in the drivetrain of a pedal-driven vehicle. The gear ratio may be characteristic of the number of revolutions of a drive wheel of the pedal-driven vehicle per revolution of the vehicle's crank mechanism. A high gear ratio, or a high gear, thus characterizes a comparatively high number of revolutions of the drive wheel for each revolution of the crank mechanism. Conversely, a low gear ratio, or a low gear, characterizes a comparatively low number of revolutions of the drive wheel for each revolution of the crank mechanism. R.416552

[0115] - 19 -

[0116] The pedal-driven vehicle may preferably include a crank mechanism. In particular, the crank mechanism may allow the driver to apply torque or power to propel the vehicle, especially via pedals of the crank mechanism.

[0117] The gear system can be designed as a derailleur system or a hub gear system. Additionally or alternatively, the gear system can be designed as an automatic or at least semi-automatic system. In particular, it can be designed so that gear changes do not have to be manually initiated by the driver of the vehicle, but can be initiated and / or carried out automatically based on one or more driving parameters. A driving parameter can be, for example, the speed of the pedal-driven vehicle, the cadence of the driver of the pedal-driven vehicle, and / or the torque or power input from the driver of the pedal-driven vehicle for propulsion.

[0118] It may be provided that an automatic or at least semi-automated gearshift includes at least one user interface, in particular at least one gearshift lever, for manually initiating a gearshift operation.

[0119] Within the scope of the invention, it may be provided that at least one detection unit comprises at least one sensor.

[0120] Preferably, the detection unit can include at least one tilt sensor for detecting the tilt of the pedal-driven vehicle. At least one tilt sensor can preferably be designed as an inertial measurement unit (IMU).

[0121] Additionally or alternatively, the detection unit can include at least one speed sensor for detecting the speed of the pedal-driven R.416552

[0122] - 20 -

[0123] The vehicle's components may include at least one speed sensor, which can be configured to measure the speed of a pedal-driven vehicle, for example, by measuring the rotational speed of a wheel and the wheel's outer circumference. For this purpose, the speed sensor can be designed as a rotational speed sensor, allowing the speed to be determined from a given wheel circumference.

[0124] Additionally or alternatively, the detection unit can include at least one speed sensor for detecting the rider's cadence, particularly at a crank mechanism of the pedal-driven vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the detection unit can include at least one torque sensor for detecting the rider's torque, particularly at a crank mechanism of the pedal-driven vehicle. Furthermore, rider power output can be determined as the product of rider cadence and rider torque.

[0125] At least one control unit can preferably be brought into communication and / or signal connection with a gearshift, in particular at least one user interface of the gearshift, and / or a detection unit, at least temporarily. This allows data and / or control signals to be exchanged between the units.

[0126] At least one control unit and at least one acquisition unit can be designed as a single, combined unit.

[0127] Within the scope of the invention, it may be provided that at least one gearshift and / or control unit and / or detection unit and / or at least one central server comprises data processing means. The data processing means may include at least one processor and / or main memory and / or non-volatile data storage.

[0128] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a system comprising at least one pedal-driven vehicle and a central server. The pedal-driven vehicle can, in particular, be a pedal-driven vehicle according to the second aspect of the present invention, or the system can be configured according to a method according to the first R.416552.

[0129] - 21 -

[0130] aspect of the present invention. In particular, it can preferably be provided that the central server is configured to perform a classification of a driving situation depending on at least one driving parameter.

[0131] The central server can, in particular, establish at least a temporary communication link with at least one pedal-powered vehicle. This allows driving parameters to be transmitted from a pedal-powered vehicle to the central server and driving situation information to be transmitted from the central server to the pedal-powered vehicle.

[0132] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program product comprising instructions that cause a pedal-driven vehicle according to the second aspect of the present invention to perform a method according to the first aspect of the present invention. With respect to a computer program product according to the invention, the same advantages arise as those already described with respect to a method and / or a pedal-driven vehicle according to the invention.

[0133] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer-readable medium, in particular a storage medium, wherein a computer program product according to the third aspect of the present invention is stored on the computer-readable medium. With respect to a computer-readable medium according to the invention, the same advantages arise as those already described with respect to a method and / or a pedal-driven vehicle and / or a computer program product according to the invention.

[0134] According to a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to a data carrier signal which transmits a computer program product according to the third aspect of the present invention. With regard to a data carrier signal according to the invention, the same advantages arise as already seen with regard to a method and / or a pe- R.416552 according to the invention.

[0135] - 22 - a dal-driven vehicle and / or a computer program product according to the invention and / or a computer-readable medium according to the invention were described.

[0136] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination.

[0137] Each schematically illustrates:

[0138] Figure 1 shows a view of a process,

[0139] Figure 2 shows a view of a pedal-powered vehicle and

[0140] Figure 3 shows a view of a system.

[0141] Fig. 1 shows a method 100 for operating a pedal-driven vehicle 200, comprising a gearshift 201 for providing a variable gear ratio, a control unit 202 and a detection unit 203, wherein the gearshift 201 is configured to automatically trigger shifting operations depending on at least one driving parameter and wherein the gearshift 201 further comprises at least one user interface 204 for manually triggering shifting operations, the method 100 comprising:

[0142] Detect 110 a manual triggering of at least one switching operation, in particular by the control unit 202, wherein the switching operation includes a gear change,

[0143] Capture 120 at least one driving parameter, in particular by the capture unit 203,

[0144] Classify 130 of the manually triggered shifting operation as a predictive shifting operation or a non-predictive shifting operation depending on at least one driving parameter, in particular by the control unit 202, and R.416552

[0145] - 23 -

[0146] Adapt 140 a shift characteristic of the gearshift 201 if the manually triggered shifting operation was classified as a non-predictive shifting operation.

[0147] Fig. 2 further shows a pedal-driven vehicle 200 comprising a gearshift 201 for providing a variable gear ratio, a control unit 202, and a detection unit 203, wherein the gearshift 201 is configured to automatically trigger shifting operations depending on at least one driving parameter, and wherein the gearshift 201 further comprises at least one user interface 204 for manually triggering shifting operations. The pedal-driven vehicle 200 is configured to be operated according to a method according to the first aspect of the present invention. In the present case, the control unit 202 and the detection unit 203 are configured as a single unit.

[0148] Fig. 3 further shows a system 300 comprising at least one pedal-driven vehicle 200 according to the second aspect of the present invention and a central server 301, wherein the central server 301 is configured to classify a driving situation depending on at least one driving parameter. In particular, such a system allows the classification of the driving situation to be outsourced to the central server in order to save computing resources in the pedal-driven vehicle.

[0149] The preceding explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention solely by way of examples. Naturally, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided this is technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

R.416552 - 24 - Claims 1. Method (100) for operating a pedal-driven vehicle (200), comprising a gearshift (201) for providing a variable gear ratio, a control unit (202) and a detection unit (203), wherein the gearshift (201) is configured to automatically trigger shifting operations depending on at least one driving parameter and wherein the gearshift (201) further comprises at least one user interface (204) for manually triggering shifting operations, the method (100) comprising: Detecting (110) a manual triggering of at least one switching operation, in particular by the control unit (202), wherein the switching operation comprises a gear change, Acquisition (120) of at least one driving parameter, in particular by the acquisition unit (203), Classifying (130) the manually triggered shifting operation as a predictive shifting operation or a non-predictive shifting operation depending on at least one driving parameter, in particular by the control unit (202), and Adapting (140) a shift characteristic of the gearshift (201) when the manually triggered shifting operation has been classified as a non-predictive shifting operation.

2. Method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection (100) of a manual triggering of a switching operation comprises the following: Detecting a user action at a user interface (204) of the gearshift (201) for manual triggering of gearshift operations. R.416552 - 25 - 3. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the acquisition (120) of at least one driving parameter comprises at least one of the following: Detecting the speed of the pedal-driven vehicle (200), in particular by means of a speed sensor; detecting the rider's cadence, in particular by means of a speed sensor; Detecting the tilt of the pedal-driven vehicle, in particular by means of a tilt sensor, Detecting driver torque, in particular by means of a torque sensor and / or Determining rider performance, especially in relation to rider torque and rider cadence.

4. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the manually triggered switching operation is classified as a predictive switching operation, - if, after a predetermined time period from the manual triggering of the shifting process, a rider's cadence corresponds to a target cadence or lies within a target cadence band and / or - if the change of at least one driving parameter within a predetermined time period from the manual triggering of the shifting process reaches or exceeds a change limit value.

5. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, if the manually triggered switching operation has been classified as a predictive switching operation, automatic triggering of switching operations is suspended, at least temporarily.

6. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that R.416552 - 26 - that the manually triggered switching operation is classified as a non-predictive switching operation, - if, after a predetermined time period following the manual triggering of the shifting process, the rider's cadence is outside a target cadence band and / or - if the change of at least one driving parameter within a predetermined time period from the manual triggering of the shifting process does not reach or exceed a change limit value.

7. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the manually triggered switching operation is classified as a non-predictive switching operation, - if a user action characteristic for classifying the shifting operation as a non-predictive shifting operation was detected at at least one user interface (204) of the gearshift (201).

8. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment (140) of the shifting characteristics of the gearshift (201) comprises the following: Adjusting a target cadence and / or target cadence band, especially depending on the current rider cadence.

9. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment (140) of the switching characteristic is gear-specific, in particular for the initial gear and / or subsequent gear.

10. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that further comprising: R.416552 - 27 - Classifying a driving situation at the time of manual initiation of the shifting process depending on at least one driving parameter, wherein the adjustment (140) of the shifting characteristic is specific to the driving situation.

11. Pedal-driven vehicle (200) comprising a gearshift (201) for providing a variable gear ratio, a control unit (202) and a detection unit (203), wherein the gearshift (201) is configured to automatically trigger shifting operations depending on at least one driving parameter and wherein the gearshift (201) further comprises at least one user interface (204) for manually triggering shifting operations, wherein the pedal-driven vehicle (200) is configured to be operated according to a method (100) according to one of the preceding claims.

12. System (300) comprising at least one pedal-driven vehicle (200) according to the preceding claim and a central server (301), wherein the central server (301) is configured to classify a driving situation depending on at least one driving parameter, wherein in particular the system (300) is configured to be operated according to a method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10.

13. Computer program product comprising commands that cause a pedal-driven vehicle (200) according to the preceding claim to execute a method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

14. Computer-readable medium on which a computer program product according to the preceding claim is stored.

15. Data carrier signal transmitted by a computer program product according to claim 13.

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