DE102011082086A1 - Electrically assisted bicycle and method for adjusting power and / or torque during operation of a bicycle - Google Patents

Abstract

It is an electrically assisted bicycle (100) disclosed. The bicycle (100) comprises at least one supporting electric motor (10) and a plurality of sensors (14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24) mounted on the bicycle (100). In particular, a control unit (12) is provided which receives the signals from the plurality of sensors (14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24), wherein the plurality of sensors (14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24) are designed for the determination of roadway properties. Thus, depending on the roadway characteristics, the drive power and / or drive torque provided by the at least one electric motor (10) can be adjusted with the control / regulating unit (12). Further, a method of adjusting power and / or torque in operation of a bicycle (100) having at least one assistive electric motor (10) is disclosed.

Description

The present invention relates to an electrically assisted bicycle comprising at least one assistive electric motor. The bicycle also has a plurality of sensors mounted. In particular, a control unit is provided which receives the signals from the plurality of sensors. The present invention further relates to a method of adjusting power and / or torque in the operation of a bicycle having at least one assistive electric motor.

Background of the invention

Bicycles of the type described above are well known and commonly used in the art. It is to distinguish between two different types of bicycles with at least one electric motor, namely the e-bikes and pedelecs.

An e-bike has two independent drive systems. You can ride both by pedaling and by pure engine power by bike. But it is also possible a mixed operation. The power assistance is similar to, for example, in a motorcycle or the like via a rotary handle on the steering wheel.

In Pedelec, however, also called Electrically Power-Assisted Cycle (EPAC), the electric motor has only a supporting function and turns on only when pedaling. How strong this support should be, can be set via manual as well as automatic circuits. Precisely because of these switches, throttle handles and possibly other attached to the bikes displays that need to be set during cycling, this can lead to accidents by incorrect operation or by turning away from the driving.

Thus, the German Offenlegungsschrift discloses DE 10 2009 054 756 A1 an electric bicycle with a rechargeable energy storage and a control unit with an integrated tilt and speed sensor. The control unit is connected to the power supply as well as the electric motor to the energy storage. The inclination sensor detects inclinations, which are directed to a side of the electric bicycle, ie inclinations of the bicycle to the left or right to the direction of travel. Based on the values of the detected inclination and values of the speed sensor, the control unit controls the electric motor. Thus, upon exceeding a predetermined lateral tilt angle setpoint stored in the control unit, the control unit may either reduce the drive power of the electric motor or shut off the electric motor or switch the electric motor to a generator such that the electric motor provides a braking power.

Furthermore, the German Utility Model describes DE 20 2010 010 875 U1 a fully automatic controlled electric motor, which is characterized in that a variety of sensors are mounted on a bicycle, such as a Hall sensor controlled Threshold, a slope detection sensor, a headwind detection sensor, a fall detection sensor, an automatic battery pack shutdown derived from the pedal arm and a Kittstärknachachführung. Due to this large number of sensors, a wide variety of driving situations and routes can be identified. They are connected via a control / regulating unit to the electric motor, so that the drive power of the electric motor is adjustable in dependence on the detected data by the sensors.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide an electrically assisted bicycle that allows adapted to the road characteristics and / or the route cycling.

The object is achieved by an electrically assisted bicycle comprising the features of claim 1.

A further object of the invention is also to provide a method for adjusting a power and / or a torque during operation of a bicycle with at least one supporting electric motor, with which cycling is made possible adapted to the road characteristics and / or the route.

The object is achieved by a method for adjusting a performance in the operation of a bicycle, which comprises the features of claim 9.

The electrically assisted bicycle according to the invention comprises at least one supporting electric motor, so that the invention is intended for bicycles, which are mobile both by treading force and with the at least one electric motor. In this case, the at least one electric motor is mechanically coupled to at least one drive wheel of the bicycle and drives it. It is also conceivable that the at least one electric motor acts as a generator and thus can charge an energy storage of the bicycle. The at least one electric motor can drive either the front or rear wheel. It is also conceivable that two electrical Engines are provided, ie an electric motor drives the front wheel and an electric motor drives the rear wheel.

At the electrically assisted bicycle according to the invention a plurality of sensors is mounted. Further, a control unit is provided which receives the signals from the plurality of sensors and converts them into corresponding control signals for the at least one electric motor or generator.

According to the invention, the multiplicity of sensors are designed for the determination of roadway characteristics. As a result of the detection of the roadway characteristics, the drive power and / or drive torque provided by the at least one electric motor can be adjusted with the control unit as a function of the roadway characteristics, so that a variable proportion of electrical drive power is added to the engine or with the generator from the mechanical energy electrical energy is gained. In particular, a first sensor detects a ground condition of a road, a second sensor a humidity on the road, a third sensor speeds in the front wheel and a fourth sensor speeds in the rear wheel. The speeds determined with the third and fourth sensors are provided for determining a slip.

Preferably, an acceleration sensor is used for the first sensor for detecting a ground condition of a road, since it measures shocks or the like on the bicycle. Very low shocks suggest a very good road lane. For gravel roads or cobblestones shaking can be measured in order to draw conclusions in the future. The first sensor may be mounted in the front wheel, in the rear wheel, in the center of gravity or even in a bottom bracket of the bicycle. In addition to the pure detection of the soil conditions by the first sensor, it is also possible to actively compensate for bumps.

The second sensor for detecting the moisture on the road is arranged on the bicycle so that it can detect splashing water from the road lane. Here it is crucial that not the current precipitation is measured, but the water located on the roadway. Since a wet or wet road significantly reduces the static friction of the bicycle to the road, it is particularly advantageous to have such a sensor on the bicycle, which detects the lane property and with the control unit, the speed of the bicycle is reduced in a wet road so that accidents due to wet roads can be avoided. Likewise, the third and fourth sensor for determining the slip can prevent accidents, since very low slip on a roadway with very high grip can conclude, while a high slip on a soft ground, such as sand or a smooth road surface such. As ice, can close. In a sandy or icy road, the speed of the bicycle can thus be reduced by a lower driving power. In addition, a lower force is transmitted to the road through a set upper limit for the drive torque of the engine, so that it is particularly advantageous in the invention to adjust the torque of the at least one electric motor variable at a poor surface of the road can.

In a first embodiment, furthermore, a fifth sensor detects a steering angle of the bicycle transversely to the direction of travel and / or at least a sixth sensor detects an inclination of the bicycle transversely to the direction of travel. Likewise, by detecting the steering angle and the inclination with the control unit in dependence on the steering angle and / or the inclination of the bicycle transversely to the direction of travel, the drive power and / or drive torque provided by the at least one electric motor can also be adjusted that also with this embodiment, the electrical power supplied to the at least one motor is varied according to the external conditions.

With the solution according to the invention, the adaptation of the power and / or the torque to a detected route course and the detected road properties can be achieved in an advantageous manner. In addition to a safe and user-friendly, it also enables energy-efficient cycling.

Another advantage of the invention is that a secure and user-friendly cycling is ensured by the detection of example sandy or wet roads and winding roadways and adapted to the road characteristics and the route course speed through the at least one electric motor. In particular, energy can also be saved by reducing a speed, so that the invention also provides an energy-efficient bicycle. For this purpose, it is advantageous if at least one of the motors can also be operated as a generator so that electrical energy can be recovered from the mechanical energy (eg during braking) by means of recuperation.

In particular, the third sensor and fourth sensor for detecting the speeds together with the fifth sensor for detecting the steering angle of the bicycle transversely to the direction of travel and the at least one sixth sensor for detecting the inclination of the bicycle transversely to the direction of travel also provided to determine a curve slip.

In particular, the control unit is connected to the plurality of sensors, such that from at least one detected value of at least one of the plurality of sensors, the drive power and / or drive torque of the at least one electric motor is changed as a function of the speed of the bicycle. In this case, the control unit is set such that the drive power and / or the drive torque from the at least one electric motor to reduce or turn off the at least one electric motor when at least one of the plurality of sensors detects a value, which a predefined threshold.

In a further embodiment, the at least one electric motor is operable with an electrical energy generated by a generator and / or the electrical energy which is taken from a rechargeable energy store. The control / regulating unit is designed such that, depending on the data supplied by the sensor, the energy distribution between the generator, the motor and the rechargeable energy store is regulated accordingly.

The inventive method for adjusting a power or a torque when operating a bicycle with at least one supporting electric motor comprises the following steps: It is a ground condition of a roadway with a first sensor, a moisture on the road with a second sensor, speeds in the front wheel a third sensor and detected in the rear wheel by a fourth sensor, a steering angle of the bicycle transversely to the direction of travel with a fifth sensor and an inclination of the bicycle transversely to the direction of travel with at least one sixth sensor. Then, a slip is detected from the rotational speeds determined by the third sensor and the fourth sensor and a cam slip from the rotational speeds of the third sensor and the fourth sensor together with the fifth sensor for detecting the steering angle of the bicycle transversely to the direction of travel and the at least one sixth sensor for detecting the inclination of the bicycle is determined transversely to the direction of travel, so that then then in dependence on the detected and determined values of at least one of the plurality of sensors, the drive power and / or drive torque of the at least one electric motor is controlled by a control / regulating unit.

The performance of the bicycle with the at least one supporting electric motor according to this method is adaptable to curvy routes as well as to different roadway characteristics, such as sandy or wet roads. As a result, the method according to the invention ensures safe, user-friendly and energy-efficient cycling.

In the following, the invention and its advantages will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

1 a schematic view of the invention electrically assisted bicycle with a supporting electric motor; and

2 a schematic representation of a steering angle and an inclination of the bicycle transversely to the direction of travel (direction of travel is directed out of the plane), the one to the invention electrically assisted bicycle after 1 attached fifth sensor and / or at least a sixth sensor detected.

In the figures, identical reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures, which are required for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of how the electrically assisted bicycle of the invention and the inventive method for adjusting power and / or torque may be configured in the operation of a bicycle, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive limitation. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the actual size ratios, since some shapes are simplified and other shapes are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

1 shows a schematic view of the electrically assisted bicycle according to the invention 100 with at least one supporting electric motor 10 in the embodiment shown here with a rear wheel 34 is mechanically coupled and this drives. A control unit 12 can the electric motor 10 turn that off of the rear wheel 34 is driven and thus as a generator 44 acts, so that during a recuperation (braking of the bicycle) a rechargeable energy storage 46 the recovered electrical energy can be supplied, ie the control unit 12 is responsible for the energy management and also regulates whether the engine 10 as an electric motor or as a generator 44 is operable.

On the bike 100 is a variety of sensors according to the invention 14 . 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 . 24 attached, which are designed for the determination of road characteristics. A first sensor detects 14 , here at the rear wheel 34 arranged, a ground condition of a carriageway 30 , a second sensor 16 a moisture on the road 30 , a third sensor 18 Speeds in the front wheel 32 and a fourth sensor 20 Speeds in the rear wheel 34 , It can be determined from the data of the third sensor 18 and the fourth sensor 20 Furthermore, a slip can be calculated. A fifth sensor 22 detects a steering angle 36 of the bicycle 100 , as in 2 shown, transverse to the direction of travel 38 and / or at least a sixth sensor 24 a tilt 40 of the bicycle 10 , also in 2 represented, transverse to the direction of travel 38 , so that a slip in curves can be determined.

Further, the control unit 12 according to the invention with the plurality of sensors 14 . 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 . 24 connected, so that, depending on the specific road characteristics of the electric motor 10 provided drive power and / or drive torque adjustable or the drive power and / or drive torque of the electric motor 10 is changeable depending on the speed of the bicycle. Here is the control unit 12 set such that the drive power and / or drive torque from the electric motor 10 to reduce or the electric motor 10 is off if at least one of the plurality of sensors 14 . 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 . 24 detects a value which is above a predefined threshold, so that a safe and user-friendly cycling is guaranteed.

Worth mentioning at this point is that the in 1 illustrated positions of attachment of the sensors 14 . 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 . 24 , the control unit 12 and the energy storage 46 should not be construed as binding, as any other position on the bike 100 is conceivable.

2 shows a schematic representation of a steering angle 36 and a tilt 40 of the bicycle 100 transverse to the direction of travel 38 (out of the drawing plane), ie the position of a steering wheel 48 (see also 1 ) at a impact or the inclination of a bicycle 100 when cornering, the one on the invention electrically assisted bicycle 100 to 1 mounted fifth sensor 22 or a sixth sensor 24 determined.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the following claims. The embodiments discussed above are merely for the purpose of describing the claimed teaching, but do not limit it to the embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

engine

12

Control / regulation unit

14

first sensor

16

second sensor

18

third sensor

20

fourth sensor

22

fifth sensor

24

sixth sensor

30

roadway

32

front

34

rear wheel

36

steering angle

38

direction of travel

40

Tilt

42

bottom bracket

44

generator

46

energy storage

48

steering wheel

100

bicycle

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102009054756 A1 [0005]
• DE 202010010875 U1 [0006]

Claims (9)

Electrically assisted bicycle ( 100 ), which has at least one supporting electric motor ( 10 ), wherein a plurality of sensors ( 14 . 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 . 24 ) on the bike ( 100 ) and a control unit ( 12 ) is provided, the signals from the plurality of sensors ( 14 . 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 . 24 ), characterized in that the plurality of sensors ( 14 . 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 . 24 ) are designed for the determination of road characteristics and that with the control unit ( 12 ) depending on the road characteristics of the at least one electric motor ( 10 ) provided drive power and / or drive torque is adjustable. Electrically assisted bicycle ( 100 ) according to claim 1, wherein a first sensor ( 14 ) a ground condition of a roadway ( 30 ), a second sensor ( 16 ) a moisture on the road ( 30 ), a third sensor ( 18 ) Speeds in the front wheel ( 32 ) and a fourth sensor ( 20 ) Speeds in the rear wheel ( 34 ), wherein from the detected rotational speeds of the third sensor ( 18 ) and the fourth sensor ( 20 ) a slip can be determined. Electrically assisted bicycle ( 100 ) according to claim 2, wherein the first sensor ( 14 ) in the front wheel ( 32 ) or in the rear wheel ( 34 ) or in the bicycle center or in a bottom bracket of the bicycle ( 100 ) is attached. Electrically assisted bicycle ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a fifth sensor ( 22 ) a steering angle ( 36 ) of the bicycle ( 100 ) transverse to the direction of travel ( 38 ) and / or at least one sixth sensor ( 24 ) an inclination ( 40 ) of the bicycle ( 100 ) transverse to the direction of travel ( 38 ) and that with the control unit ( 12 ) depending on the steering angle ( 36 ) and / or inclination ( 40 ) of the bicycle ( 100 ) transverse to the direction of travel ( 38 ) in addition that of the at least one electric motor ( 10 ) provided drive power and / or drive torque is adjustable. Electrically assisted bicycle ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the third sensor ( 18 ) and fourth sensor ( 20 ) for detecting the rotational speeds together with the fifth sensor ( 22 ) for detecting the steering angle ( 36 ) of the bicycle ( 100 ) transverse to the direction of travel ( 38 ) and the at least one sixth sensor ( 24 ) for detecting the inclination ( 40 ) of the bicycle ( 100 ) transverse to the direction of travel ( 38 ) are provided for determining a Kurvenschlupfes. Electrically assisted bicycle ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit ( 12 ) with the plurality of sensors ( 14 . 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 . 24 ), such that from at least one detected value of at least one of the plurality of sensors ( 14 . 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 . 24 ) the drive power and / or drive torque of the at least one electric motor ( 10 ) depending on the speed of the bicycle ( 100 ) is changeable. Electrically assisted bicycle ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit ( 12 ) is set such that the drive power and / or drive torque from the at least one electric motor ( 10 ) or the at least one electric motor ( 10 ) is disconnected if at least one of the plurality of sensors ( 14 . 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 . 24 ) detects a value which is above a predefined threshold. Electrically assisted bicycle ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one electric motor ( 10 ), a generator ( 44 ) and a rechargeable energy storage ( 46 ) in such a way with the control unit ( 12 ), that the at least one electric motor ( 10 ) with the through the energy storage ( 46 ) or directly by the generator ( 44 ) generated electrical energy is operable. Method for setting a power and / or a torque during operation of a bicycle ( 100 ) with at least one supporting electric motor ( 10 ), characterized by the steps: • detecting a ground condition of a roadway ( 30 ) with a first sensor ( 14 ), Detecting a moisture on the road ( 30 ) with a second sensor ( 16 ), Detecting speeds in the front wheel ( 32 ) by a third sensor ( 18 ) and in the rear wheel ( 34 ) by a fourth sensor ( 20 ), Detecting a steering angle ( 36 ) of the bicycle ( 100 ) transverse to the direction of travel ( 38 ) with a fifth sensor ( 22 ) and detecting an inclination ( 40 ) of the bicycle ( 100 ) transverse to the direction of travel ( 38 ) with at least one sixth sensor ( 24 ); Determining a slip from that of the third sensor ( 18 ) and fourth sensor ( 20 ) and determining a cam slip from the rotational speeds of the third sensor ( 18 ) and fourth sensor ( 20 ) together with the fifth sensor ( 22 ) for detecting the steering angle ( 36 ) of the bicycle ( 100 ) transverse to the direction of travel ( 38 ) and the at least one sixth sensor ( 24 ) Acquisition of the inclination ( 40 ) of the bicycle ( 100 ) transverse to the direction of travel ( 38 ); and controlling a drive power and / or drive torque of the at least one electric motor ( 10 ) with a control unit ( 12 ) depending on the recorded and determined values of at least one of the plurality of sensors ( 14 . 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 . 24 ).

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