DE102015216186B4 - Remote control unit and electric bicycle - Google Patents

Abstract

Remote control unit (26) for the display unit (24) of an electric bicycle (1), wherein the remote control unit (26) is located in the region of a handlebar grip (28) remote from the display unit (24) and support selection buttons (30, 32) for the selection of the assistance level and at least one input device (34) for menu navigation and selection of menu items displayed on the display unit (24), characterized in that the input device (34) and the support selection buttons (30, 32) extend in relation to the handlebar grip (28) a convex arcuate common line (60) are arranged.

Description

The present invention relates to a remote control unit according to the preamble of claim 1 and to an electric bicycle according to the preamble of claim 12.

Electric bicycles, such as pedelecs or e-bikes, enjoy great popularity as an easy-to-handle, emission-free means of transportation. Particularly suitable types of bicycles are available for different fields of application. These include, for example, for recreational use or the way to work on the road or in the light terrain optimized bicycles (for example, city bikes or touring bikes) and developed for use in terrain and especially mountainous terrain E-MTB in different versions. Electric bicycles offer the possibility to increase the operating radius without overstraining the driver and to increase the average driving speed.

Electric bicycles are known from the prior art, which in addition to a drive unit and a battery unit also have a display unit and a remote control unit (English: Remote) for the display unit. The remote control unit is located in the region of a handlebar grip remote from the display unit and provided with support selection buttons for the choice of the support level of the electric drive. Furthermore, the remote control unit has an input device for menu navigation and selection of menu items shown on the display unit. A disadvantage of such remote control units is that the frequently used support selection buttons and the input device are arranged side by side and therefore not ergonomically operated by the thumb of the driver. Often, a safety-critical embrace of the driver to operate the input device is necessary.

The publication DE 20 2013 002 491 U1 concerns a bicycle handle system.

The publication US 2008/0 180 233 A1 relates to a human-bicycle interaction device.

The publication EP 2 868 563 A1 concerns an electrically assisted bicycle.

The publication DE 20 2012 007 991 U1 relates to a bicycle handle system.

The publication DE 10 2012 200 597 A1 relates to a device for signaling information to the driver of a bicycle.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a novel remote control unit, which brings a safe electrically assisted mobility with the demands of sporty and lifestyle-oriented cyclists in accordance.

This object is achieved by a remote control unit with the feature combination of claim 1 and by an electric bicycle according to claim 12.

A remote control unit according to the invention for the display unit of an electric bicycle is located in the region of a handlebar remote from the display unit and has support selection buttons for the choice of the support level and at least one input device for menu navigation and selection of menu items shown on the display unit. According to the invention, the input device and support selection buttons are arranged along a common line. The common line can be ergonomically arcuate multidimensional curved. The input device and the keys are preferably arranged with each other such that they are ergonomically operated with the thumb of the driver. A safety-critical embrace of the driver is not required for operation of support selection buttons and input device.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the input device is designed as a joystick. The menu navigation and selection of menu items shown on the display unit can be done intuitively and ergonomically preferably with the thumb of the driver.

The joystick is movable in all four directions (up and down, left and right), selecting / selecting menu items by pressing the joystick (print function). The menu navigation and selection of the menu items is done with the multi-functional joystick, so that no further controls are required. The remote control unit is characterized extremely compact and aesthetically pleasing. The joystick may have a backlit symbol, in particular a rectangle with rounded corners.

It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the support selection keys are arranged inclined to each other. The choice of the support level can be done ergonomically with the thumb of the driver. The assist selection keys preferably form a concave portion. The thumb can rest between the keys arranged one above the other, so that the operation is intuitive, with the support selection button to increase the support level preferably in the front and the front Assistance button for reducing the assistance level is arranged in the rear direction.

Further, it is preferable that the assist selection keys are inclined in the direction of the driver's hand. The operation can ergonomically preferably be done with the thumb of the driver.

The assistance selection key for increasing the assistance level is preferably marked with a plus symbol and the assistance selection key for reducing the assistance stage is marked with a minus symbol. The symbols are preferably backlit and thus recognizable even in poor visibility.

As manufacturing technology and for the operation advantageous, it has been proven that the support selection buttons have a free, the driver's hand facing the operating portion and an elastically formed end portion.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a light switch is laterally offset in the area between the support selection buttons. Preferably, the light switch is located in the direction away from the driver's hand next to the assistance selection buttons. It has proved to be particularly ergonomic when the light switch is arranged laterally offset in the middle between the support selection buttons.

The light switch preferably has three functions, which are activated sequentially each time by pressing a button: keep button pressed (> 2 s) light on / off; Push-button dipped beam, second push-button light will light up. Advantage therefore a button for Light On / Low / High / Off. The light switch may have a backlit light symbol.

In electric bicycles with an electronic circuit of the engine transmission, the remote control unit preferably has a centrally mounted along a pivot axis rocker switch for gear selection. It is advantageous in accordance with the invention if the switching rocker has two actuating surfaces, wherein a first actuating surface is arranged on a side facing the hand of the driver and a second actuating surface is arranged on a side facing away from the driver's hand. Input device, support selection buttons and rocker switch are preferably arranged along a common line. The keys are preferably arranged with each other such that they are ergonomically operated with the thumb of the driver. A safety-critical embrace of the driver is not required to operate support selection buttons, input device and rocker switch.

In a preferred embodiment of the remote control unit, this has an upper part and a modular exchangeable lower part, wherein the switching rocker is associated with the lower part. The remote control unit is therefore modular to bicycles with and without electric motor gear customizable. For this purpose, either designed as a clamp half lower part is mounted with or without rocker switch. A fixing portion of the upper part and the lower part preferably surrounds each half of the handlebar. The upper part and lower part are preferably connected electrically by means of a flexible band.

The rocker switch preferably has an approximately centrally located automatic button. The automatic button preferably does not rock and activates automatic gear selection. For example, the first or second gear of the engine gearbox.

When viewed in the direction of the handlebar grip axis, the input device, support selection buttons and rocker switch preferably run along a convexly arcuate common line, the curvature of which is adapted ergonomically to the movement region of the driver's thumb.

The remote control unit preferably has a vibration motor. For example, by means of a short vibration, the achievement of the highest level of support can be signaled. Furthermore, a switching operation can be proposed by means of a short vibration. Preferably, a gear proposal is made on the display unit, for example, up arrow to turn up display as a suggestion, the vibration makes the driver aware that the display unit shows a new information.

An electric bicycle according to the invention has a remote control unit for the display unit of the electric bicycle, wherein the remote control unit can be located remotely from the display unit in the region of a handlebar grip and support selection buttons for the choice of support level and at least one input device for menu navigation and selection of displayed on the display unit menu items , According to the invention, the input device and support selection buttons are arranged along a common line. This allows a particularly ergonomic and safe operation by the driver.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, an electronic control unit, a drive unit and a battery unit are further provided. It has proved to be particularly advantageous if the electronic control unit is arranged in the seat tube of the bicycle frame. This creates a highly integrated interaction between the frame and the built-in elements reached. The construction of the particular arranged in the down tube of the bicycle frame battery unit is not limited and there is more space for the battery cells and thus a long range available. Due to the thermal decoupling of battery unit and electronic control unit a high efficiency is achieved. Special battery cases with mounting options for the control unit are not required. Overall, a compact, homogeneous frame shape highest strength is achieved in this variant. The concept according to the invention therefore also meets the demands of a lifestyle-conscious, sporty-ambitious driver.

It has proved to be particularly advantageous if the electronic control unit is arranged in the lower region of the seat tube adjacent to the drive unit. As a result, the electrical line length is reduced to a minimum. The electric bicycle thus has an optimized frame cross-section with constructively and aesthetically best properties with optimized space requirements.

In a preferred embodiment, the electronic control unit is attached to the frame-side drive carrier (motor bracket) of the drive unit. As a result, no further fasteners are needed. A weight reduction can be achieved.

The electronic control unit is preferably provided with line connections only on an end section facing the drive unit, so that the construction is simplified and the line lengths are minimal. All lines are preferably led out in the frame below.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one stop, in particular a fastening element of the bottle holder, for example a bottle holder bush, for the seat post is arranged above the electronic control unit. This prevents the electronic control unit from being damaged by a long seatpost.

Preferably, at least one signal line of the remote control unit with the display unit and at least one electrical line of the display unit are connected to the electronic control unit. It has proved to be particularly advantageous if only one collecting line is provided between the remote control unit and the display unit. Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if only one collecting line is provided between the display unit and the electronic control unit. The number of cables to be laid and thus weight and assembly costs are therefore minimized.

It is particularly advantageous if the brake signal lines are connected directly to the display unit. As a result, only an electrical line between the electronic control unit and the display unit is required. The number of lines is reduced. When the brake is applied, the brake light is activated.

Accordingly, it is preferable that the remote control unit is connected to the display unit with a single bus cable including a plurality of signal lines.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, sensor lines are each directly connected to the electronic control unit. The number of lines is also reduced here. In particular, the following may be provided: sensor of the side stand (safety deactivation when the stand is folded down), sensor of the transmission, acceleration sensors (3D gyro and accelerometer), sensor for detecting a bicycle folding in folding wheels, pressure sensors and temperature sensors.

The communication preferably takes place by means of the CAN bus method, particularly preferably the CANopen method. A CAN translator is provided for customization requirements.

The invention can be realized universally in all types of bicycles, especially in mountain bikes (both in hardtail or full-suspension design), but also in other bicycles, such as road bike frame and thus ultimately a touring, city or cross Wheel or other modern bicycle types result.

Due to its compact, attractive design, it enables the construction of wheels that largely combine the advantages of a classic bicycle and an electric bicycle.

Further preferred embodiments are subject of the dependent claims.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show in detail:

1 a side view of an electric bicycle according to the invention,

2 a detailed view of the electric bicycle 1 in the area of the bicycle handlebar,

3 a detailed view of the remote control unit on the handlebar,

4 a side view of the remote control unit on the handlebar,

5 a further detail of the remote control unit and

6 a further detail of the remote control unit.

1 shows a side view of an electric bicycle according to the invention 1 with a trained as a diamond frame bicycle frame 2 with a down tube 4 a top tube 6 , a seat tube 8th , a head tube 10 , a drive carrier 12 for a drive unit 14 as well as saddle struts 16 and under-striving 18 and a battery unit 20 ,

In particular 2 it can be seen which a detailed representation of the electric bicycle 1 out 1 in the area of the bicycle handlebar 22 shows is one centered on the handlebars 22 arranged display unit 24 and a remote control unit 26 intended. The remote control unit 26 is in the range of a left handlebar grip 28 away from the display unit 24 arranged and has two support selection buttons 30 . 32 for selecting the motor assist level and an input device designed as a joystick 34 for menu navigation and selection on the display unit 24 displayed menu items.

According to 3 , which is a detail of the remote control unit 26 on the handlebar 22 shows are input device 34 and support dial buttons 30 . 32 along a common line 60 arranged. The joystick and the buttons 30 . 32 are arranged with each other such that they are ergonomically operated with the thumb of the driver. A safety-critical embrace of the driver is to operate support selection buttons 30 . 32 and joystick not required.

The joystick is squared with mushroom-shaped rounded edges and is movable in all four directions (up and down, left and right), with selection / selection of menu items by pressing the joystick (print function). The menu navigation and selection of the menu items is done with the multi-functional joystick, so that no further controls are required. The remote control unit 26 This makes it extremely compact and aesthetically pleasing. The joystick has a frame-like backlit symbol 36 , especially a rectangle with rounded corners.

In particular 4 to see which is a side view of the remote control unit 26 on the handlebar 22 shows are the support option buttons 30 . 32 each other at an angle α in the range of about 120 ° to 170 °, preferably inclined by about 155 °. The choice of the support level can be done ergonomically with the thumb of the driver. The support option buttons 30 . 32 form a concave section. The thumb can be between the keys arranged one above the other 30 . 32 rest, so that the operation is intuitive, with the support selection button 30 to increase the support level in the direction of travel at the top front and the assistance selection button 32 arranged to reduce the support level in the direction of travel behind and below. Further, the support dial buttons are 30 . 32 arranged sloping inclined in the direction of the driver's hand. The operation can ergonomically preferably be done with the thumb of the driver.

The support option button 30 to increase the support level is with a plus symbol and the support selector button 32 marked with a minus symbol to reduce the level of assistance (see 3 ). The symbols are backlit and therefore recognizable even in poor visibility.

As manufacturing technology and for the operation advantageous it has been proven when the support selection buttons 30 . 32 the remote control unit 26 a free, the hand of the driver facing the operating section 38 and an elastically formed common end portion 40 exhibit.

The remote control unit 26 also has a wide rectangular light switch 42 in the area between the backup option buttons 30 . 32 centered, laterally offset. The light switch 42 is off the driver's hand next to the backup option buttons 30 . 32 in the area of these end sections 40 arranged.

The light switch 42 has preferably three functions, which are activated sequentially each time by pressing a button: keep button pressed (> 2 s) light on / off; Push-button dipped beam, second push-button light will light up. Advantage therefore a button for Light On / Low / High / Off. The light switch has a backlit light symbol.

In particular 5 can be seen, which is a further detail of the remote control unit 26 shows, the illustrated electric bicycle is provided with an electronic circuit of the engine transmission, wherein the remote control unit 26 a center along a pivot axis 44 mounted rocker switch 46 to the gear selection.

The rocker switch 44 has according to 3 two actuating surfaces 48 . 50 , wherein a first actuating surface 48 on a hand of the driver facing side and a second actuating surface 50 is arranged on a side facing away from the driver's hand. Joystick, support selection buttons 30 . 32 and rocker switch 46 are along a common line 60 arranged. The keys are arranged among each other so that they are ergonomically operated with the thumb of the driver. A safety-critical embrace of the driver is to operate support selection buttons 30 . 32 , Joystick and rocker switch 46 not mandatory.

As in particular in the 4 and 5 is shown, has the remote control unit 26 a shell 52 and a modular interchangeable lower part 54 , where the rocker switch 46 an arcuately curved in the direction of the driver's hand extending arm 56 of the lower part 54 assigned. The remote control unit 26 is therefore modular to bicycles with and without electric motor gear customizable. For this purpose, designed as a clamp half lower part is mounted with or without rocker switch. The version without rocker is not shown. This also eliminates the support arm. top 52 and lower part 54 are electrically connected by means of an internal flex band (not shown).

In particular 6 can be seen, which is a further detail of the remote control unit 26 shows, has the rocker switch 46 a roughly centered, square automatic button 58 , The automatic button 58 does not rock with the seesaw 46 and activates automatic gear selection.

Looking towards the handlebar grip axis, joystick, support selection buttons run 30 . 32 and rocker switch 46 along a convex arcuate common line 60 (dashed line in 3 ), whose curvature is ergonomically adapted to the range of motion of the driver's thumb.

The invention can be realized universally in all types of bicycles, especially in mountain bikes (both in hardtail or full-suspension design), but also in other bicycles, such as road bike frame and thus ultimately a touring, city or cross Wheel or other modern bicycle types result. Due to its compact, attractive design, it enables the construction of wheels that largely combine the advantages of a classic bicycle and an electric bicycle.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

electric bicycle

2

bicycle frame

4

down tube

6

top tube

8th

seat tube

10

head tube

12

drive carrier

14

drive unit

16

seat stay

18

under strut

20

battery unit

22

handlebars

24

display unit

26

remote Control unit

28

left handlebar grip

30

Support Option key

32

Support Option key

34

input device

36

symbol

38

actuating section

40

end

42

light switch

44

swivel axis

46

rocker

48

actuating surface

50

actuating surface

52

top

54

lower part

56

Beam

58

Automatic button

60

line

Claims (12)

Remote control unit ( 26 ) for the display unit ( 24 ) of an electric bicycle ( 1 ), whereby the remote control unit ( 26 ) in the region of a handlebar grip ( 28 ) away from the display unit ( 24 ) and support selection buttons ( 30 . 32 ) for the choice of the support level and at least one input device ( 34 ) for menu navigation and selection on the display unit ( 24 ), characterized in that the input device ( 34 ) and the support selection buttons ( 30 . 32 ) with respect to the handlebar grip ( 28 ) along a convex arcuate common line ( 60 ) are arranged. Remote control unit ( 26 ) according to claim 1, wherein the input device ( 34 ) is designed as a joystick. Remote control unit ( 26 ) according to claim 2, wherein the joystick is movable in four directions and the selection / selection of menu items by means of pressure on the joystick ( 34 ) he follows. Remote control unit ( 26 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support selection buttons ( 30 . 32 ) are arranged inclined to each other. Remote control unit ( 26 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support selection buttons ( 30 . 32 ) a free operating section ( 38 ) and an elastically formed end portion ( 40 ) exhibit. Remote control unit ( 26 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a light switch ( 42 ) in the area between the support selection buttons ( 30 . 32 ) is arranged laterally offset. Remote control unit ( 26 ) according to claim 6, wherein the light switch ( 42 ) has multiple functions, which are activated sequentially by pressing a button. Remote control unit ( 26 ) according to one of the preceding claims, with a center along a pivot axis ( 44 ) mounted rocker switch ( 46 ) for gear selection. Remote control unit ( 26 ) according to claim 8, with an upper part ( 52 ) and a modular interchangeable lower part ( 54 ), wherein the rocker switch ( 46 ) the lower part ( 54 ) assigned. Remote control unit ( 26 ) according to one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the switching rocker ( 46 ) an approximately centrally arranged automatic button ( 58 ) having. Remote control unit ( 26 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the remote control unit ( 26 ) has a vibration motor. Electric bicycle ( 1 ) with a remote control unit ( 26 ) for the display unit ( 24 ) of the electric bicycle ( 1 ), whereby the remote control unit ( 26 ) in the region of a handlebar grip ( 28 ) away from the display unit ( 24 ) and support selection buttons ( 30 . 32 ) for the choice of the support level and at least one input device ( 34 ) for menu navigation and selection on the display unit ( 24 ), characterized in that the input device ( 34 ) and the support selection buttons ( 30 . 32 ) with respect to the handlebar grip ( 28 ) along a convex arcuate common line ( 60 ) are arranged.

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