DE102020204201A1 - Control device for an electric bicycle - Google Patents

Abstract

Control device for an electric bicycle with an electric motor for motor support of a pedaling power of a driver, characterized in that the driver can select one of three driving profiles, the driving profiles each having several, in particular four, support levels, the support levels being characterized by increasing maximum motor power or motor torque differentiate, whereby the maximum motor power of the highest support level of the second driving profile ("Balance") is greater than the maximum motor power of the highest support level of the first driving profile ("Range"), and the maximum motor power of the highest support level of the third driving profile ("Power") ) is greater than the maximum engine power of the highest support level of the second driving profile. A preferred control device has an automatic mode.

Description

The present invention relates to a control device for an electric bicycle.

A known control device for an electric bike is used in particular to control the amount of additional motor power provided by an electric motor of the electric bike (motor assistance) depending on the mechanical pedal power output by the driver of the electric bike on his crank. For this purpose, the control device has a control program which implements the motor support. This additional motor power can be less than the pedal effort, but can also be a multiple of the pedal effort.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved control device.

This object is achieved with the control device of claim 1 (first aspect) and also with a method for operating the control device (second aspect). An existing control device of an electric bicycle can be upgraded by installing or loading software (third aspect). An automatic mode of the control device is the subject of claim 7 (fourth aspect).

The control device according to the invention is intended for an electric bicycle with an electric motor. The control device enables motor assistance for a stepping power of a driver. The control device is designed in such a way that the driver can select one of three driving profiles. The driving profiles each have several, in particular four, assistance levels, the assistance levels differing in terms of increasing maximum engine power or engine torque. The maximum engine output of the highest support level of the second driving profile (“Balance”) is greater than the maximum motor output of the highest support level of the first driving profile (“Range”). The maximum motor output of the highest support level of the third driving profile ("Power") is greater than the maximum motor output of the highest support level of the second driving profile.

In particular, depending on the regional conditions, his state of health and fitness, a driver may find engine support unsuitable. The driver can use the control device to select one of three driving profiles with several support levels. With one of the driving profiles Range, Balance, he can increase the operating time of the electric bike, which depends in particular on the power consumption of the electric motor and the charging capacity of a battery of the electric bike. He can also choose a driving profile (balance, power) that is adapted to larger inclines or stronger headwinds.

For the purposes of the invention, pedaling power, that is the mechanical power delivered by the driver to a crank of the electric bike, and the motor power, which is added by the electric motor proportionally to the pedaling power (motor support), add to the propulsive power.

In the context of the invention, a control program is to be understood as a series of regulations which can control the amount of additional motor power provided by an electric motor of the electric bicycle, in particular depending on the mechanical pedal power output by the driver of the electric bicycle. The additional motor power can be less than the pedal effort, but can also be a multiple of the pedal effort.

According to the invention, a drive train of the electric bicycle includes at least one chain or belt drive, in particular with gear shifting, a (rear) wheel to be driven by the chain or belt drive, the crank and the electric motor, which in particular is the crank, the chain or belt drive or can act directly on the (rear) wheel to be driven.

Preferred embodiments of the control device are explained below, which can be advantageously combined with one another without any indication to the contrary.

According to one embodiment, the maximum motor power of the highest support level of the first driving profile is approximately 70% of the pedaling power. The maximum motor power of the highest support level of the second driving profile is about 90% of the pedaling power, and the maximum motor power of the highest supporting level of the third driving profile is about 100% of the pedaling power.

1. a) für die erste Unterstützungsstufe des ersten Fahrprofils etwa 25% der Trittleistung, für die zweite Unterstützungsstufe des ersten Fahrprofils etwa 40% der Trittleistung, für die dritte Unterstützungsstufe des ersten Fahrprofils etwa 55% der Trittleistung, und für die vierte Unterstützungsstufe des ersten Fahrprofils etwa 70% der Trittleistung,
2. b) für die erste Unterstützungsstufe des zweiten Fahrprofils etwa 30% der Trittleistung, für die zweite Unterstützungsstufe des zweiten Fahrprofils etwa 50% der Trittleistung, für die dritte Unterstützungsstufe des zweiten Fahrprofils etwa 70% der Trittleistung, und für die vierte Unterstützungsstufe des zweiten Fahrprofils etwa 90% der Trittleistung,
3. c) für die erste Unterstützungsstufe des dritten Fahrprofils etwa 55% der Trittleistung, für die zweite Unterstützungsstufe des dritten Fahrprofils etwa 70% der Trittleistung, für die dritte Unterstützungsstufe des dritten Fahrprofils etwa 85% der Trittleistung, und für die vierte Unterstützungsstufe des dritten Fahrprofils etwa 100% der Trittleistung.

In a further embodiment, the maximum motor power depending on the pedaling power is:

1. a) for the first support level of the first driving profile about 25% of the step performance, for the second support level of the first driving profile about 40% of the step performance, for the third support level of the first driving profile about 55% of the step performance, and for the fourth support level of the first driving profile about 70% of the pedaling effort,
2. b) for the first support level of the second driving profile about 30% of the step performance, for the second support level of the second driving profile about 50% of the step performance, for the third support level of the second driving profile about 70% of the step performance, and for the fourth support level of the second driving profile about 90% of the step performance,
3. c) for the first support level of the third driving profile about 55% of the step performance, for the second support level of the third driving profile about 70% of the step performance, for the third support level of the third driving profile about 85% of the step performance, and for the fourth support level of the third driving profile about 100% of the performance.

Another embodiment is characterized in that the power development of the electric motor, in particular the change in power over time (dP / dt), is less in the second driving profile than in the third driving profile and greater than in the first driving profile.

In one embodiment, the driving profile can be selected manually via a display and menu, a smartphone APP or a key combination, in particular without a display.

According to another embodiment, depending on the driving profile and a system status of an accumulator of the electric bike, in particular when the operating voltage or charge status of the accumulator is low, or in an error state, various consumers of the electric bike can be switched on and off.

One embodiment (fourth aspect) has an automatic mode in which, depending on input variables of the driver, such as pedaling power, pedaling force or torque and / or based on sensor signals, such as engine torque, crank speed, driving speed, acceleration, yaw rate, position detection, ambient temperature , Humidity, remaining battery charge, battery temperature etc., various parameters of the electric bike can be set, such as the permissible power consumption of the electric motor or another electrical consumer of the electric bike, cadence, switching speed or switching frequency, in particular for greater range, smoother or more powerful starting, or driving stability.

This automatic mode can be activated in one or more of the driving profiles, but it can also form an additional or fourth driving profile that can be selected by the user instead of the driving profiles “Range”, “Balance” and “Power”.

• F_1: erfasste Trittleistung des Fahrers
• F_2: erfasste Trittfrequenz des Fahrers
• F_3: Fahrprofil_Power
• F_4: Fahrprofil Range
• F_5: Fahrprofil_Balance, entspricht einem Komfortmodus
• F_Temp: erfasste Umgebungstemperatur
• F_Feuchtigkeit: erfasste Luftfeuchtigkeit
• P: Motorleistung
• P_ges = Motorleistung + Lichtleistung + Displayleistung
• P_i: aufgenommene elektrische Leistung der Verbraucher i von 1 bis n
• F_n_front wheel: Drehzahl des (rollenden) vorderen Rades
• F_n_rear_wheel: Drehzahl des (angetriebenen) hinteren Rades
• F_s: Schlupf, definiert als relative Drehzahldifferenz des angetriebenen Rades im Vergleich zu einem rollenden (Vorder-)Rad
• F_x: Beschleunigung in x - Richtung (Fahrtrichtung)
• F_y: Beschleunigung in y - Richtung (quer zur Fahrtrichtung, parallel zur Fahrbahn)
• F_z: Beschleunigung in z -Richtung (senkrecht zur Fahrbahn).

The following variables are used for the following explanations of the automatic mode:

• F_1: recorded pedal effort by the driver
• F_2: recorded cadence of the rider
• F_3: Driving profile_Power
• F_4: Range driving profile
• F_5: Fahrprofil_Balance, corresponds to a comfort mode
• F_Temp: recorded ambient temperature
• F_Humidity: recorded air humidity
• P: engine power
• P_ges = motor output + light output + display output
• P_i: electrical power consumed by consumers i from 1 to n
• F_n_front wheel: speed of the (rolling) front wheel
• F_n_rear_wheel: speed of the (driven) rear wheel
• F_s: Slip, defined as the relative speed difference of the driven wheel compared to a rolling (front) wheel
• F_x: acceleration in x - direction (direction of travel)
• F_y: Acceleration in y - direction (transverse to the direction of travel, parallel to the road)
• F_z: Acceleration in the z direction (perpendicular to the roadway).

• • Reduzieren der Motorleistung bei zu hohem Schlupf in Abhängigkeit der Trittleistung oder zu hoher Querbeschleunigung in Kurven: $$\text{dP}/\text{dt}=\text{f}(\text{F}\_\mathrm{1,}\text{F}\_\mathrm{2,}\text{F}\_\text{s},\text{F}\_\text{y}$$
  
• • Abschalten zusätzlicher Verbraucher, wie Heizgriffe, beheizbarer Sattel etc, bei Anforderung max. Motorleistung durch Leistungsbilanzierung, z.B. im Fahrprofil „Power“ in Abhängigkeit von Eingangsgrößen: $$\text{P\_el\_out}=\text{P\_ges-P\_i}=\text{f}\left(\text{F}\_\mathrm{1,}\text{F}\_\mathrm{2,}\text{F}\_3\right)$$
  
• • Abschalten der Heizgriffe, des beheizbaren Sattels und von Komfortfunktionen im Fahrprofil „Range“: $$\text{P\_el\_out}=\text{P\_ges}-\text{P\_Heizgriffe}-\text{P\_Heinzattel}\text{, in Abh}\text{ngigkeit von F\_4}$$
  
• • Abschalten aller elektrischen Verbraucher bei bestimmter Feuchtigkeit: $$\text{P\_el\_out}=\mathrm{0,}\text{F\_Feuchtigkeit}$$
  
• • Abschalten oder Einschalten aller Verbraucher, die Wärme erzeugen, abhängig von parametrierbarer Temperatur F_Temp und Fahrprofil „Range“: $$\text{P\_el\_out}=\text{P\_ges}-\text{P\_Heizgriffe}-\text{P\_Heinzattel}$$
  
• • Begrenzen der elektrischen Leistungsaufnahme des Elektromotors, wenn die Umgebungstemperatur F_Temp < etwa 3°C: dP/dt = f(F_Temp, ...), Glatteis ist möglich und zu hohe Motorleistung könnte zu einem Wegrutschen führen (Sicherheitsfunktion), weiter kann die Reichweite erhöht werden, da eine Batterie bei Kälte weniger leistungsfähig ist
• • Begrenzen der elektrischen Leistungsaufnahme des Elektromotors bei erhöhter Motortemperatur oder erhöhter Umgebungstemperatur, insbesondere um einer weiteren Erhöhung der Motortemperatur bzw. dessen Oberflächentemperatur zu begegnen
• • Begrenzen der elektrischen Leistungsaufnahme des Elektromotors wenn der Reifendruck F Reifendruck < etwa 1 bar: dP/dt = f(F_Reifendruck) ein Reifen könnte bei zu hoher Motorleistung von einer Felge rutschen (Sicherheitsfunktion)
• • Begrenzen der elektrischen Leistungsaufnahme des Elektromotors wenn ein Lagesensor ein Gefälle von mehr als etwa 5% erkannt hat: $$\text{dP}/\text{dt}=\text{f}\left(\text{F}\_\text{Lagesensor}\right),$$
  
  für erhöhte Reichweite durch Reduzierung der Leistung bei Bergabfahrten, bei steilen Bergabfahrten im Mountainbike- oder Downhillbereich (z.B. Trail) steht der Fahrer auf den Pedalen und bewegt diese in einigen Streckenabschnitten, hierbei darf der Elektromotor nicht mit zu hoher Leistung unterstützen, da das E-Bike ansonsten unkontrollierbar werden könnte (Sicherheitsfunktion),
• • Begrenzen der elektrischen Leistungsaufnahme des Elektromotors abhängig von der erfassten Umgebungstemperatur, Reifendruck und Gefälle: $$\text{dP}/\text{dt}=\text{f}\left(\text{F\_Temp}\text{,F\_Reifendruck}\text{,F}\_\text{Lagesensor}\right)$$
  
• • Erhöhen der Trittfrequenz durch Wahl eines „leichteren Ganges“ in Verbindung mit einem Schaltaktuator und in Verbindung mit Lagesensordaten und ggfs. Höhenprofildaten + Lastregelung: $$\text{dTrirrfrequens}/\text{dt}=\text{f}\left(\text{F}\_\text{Lagesensor},\text{F\_H}\text{henprofil}\text{,F}\_\mathrm{1,}\text{F}\_2\right)$$
  
• • Anpassen des Schaltverhaltens an eine der folgenden Regelarten:
  1. a) Effizienzregelung des Elektromotors -> Optimierung des Wirkungsgrads
  2. b) Leistungsregelung des Elektromotors -> Optimierung / Erhöhung der zur Verfügung stehenden Leistung des E-Motors
  3. c) Drehmomentregelung des Elektromotors -> Optimierung / Erhöhung des zur Verfügung stehenden Drehmoments des E-Motors
  4. d) Fahrereingangsleistungsregelung -> Regelung auf eine vom Fahrer definierte, bevorzugte Leistung
• • Reduzieren von Schaltvorgängen abhängig vom Fahrprofil und effizienzabhängig oder Aktivieren einer der Regelungsarten a)-d), durch Anpassung des Nachregelverhaltens, um Reichweite zu erhöhen
• • Erhöhen der Schaltgeschwindigkeit anhand Fahrereingangsgrößen, Fahrprofil, Beschleunigung in Fahrtrichtung und Bergauf- und -abfahrten: $$\text{ds}/\text{dt}=\text{f}\left(\text{F}\_\mathrm{1,}\text{F}\_\mathrm{2,}\text{F}\_\mathrm{3,}\text{F}\_\text{x}\text{,F}\_\text{Lagesensor}\right)$$
  
• • Reduzieren der Schaltgeschwindigkeit anhand von Fahrereingangsgrößen, Fahrprofil und Beschleunigung in Fahrtrichtung und Fahrt in der Ebene: $$\text{ds}/\text{dt}=\text{f}\left(\text{F}\_\mathrm{1,}\text{F}\_\mathrm{2,}\text{F}\_\mathrm{4,}\text{F}\_\text{x}\text{,F}\_\text{Lagesensor}\right).$$
  

The automatic mode can have one or more of the following functions:

• • Reduction of the engine power in the event of too high a slip depending on the pedaling power or too high lateral acceleration in curves: $$\text{dP}/\text{German}=\text{f}(\text{F.}\_\mathrm{1,}\text{F.}\_\mathrm{2,}\text{F.}\_\text{s},\text{F.}\_\text{y}$$
  
• • Switching off additional consumers, such as heated grips, heated saddles, etc., when max. Motor power is required through power balancing, eg in the "Power" driving profile depending on input variables: $$\text{P\_el\_out}=\text{P\_ges-P\_i}=\text{f}\left(\text{F.}\_\mathrm{1,}\text{F.}\_\mathrm{2,}\text{F.}\_3\right)$$
  
• • Switching off the heated grips, the heated saddle and comfort functions in the "Range" driving profile: $$\text{P\_el\_out}=\text{P\_ges}-\text{P\_Heating handles}-\text{P\_Heinzattel}\text{, depending on}\text{of F\_4}$$
  
• • Switching off all electrical consumers at a certain humidity: $$\text{P\_el\_out}=\mathrm{0,}\text{F\_humidity}$$
  
• • Switching off or switching on all consumers that generate heat, depending on the parameterizable temperature F_Temp and "Range" travel profile: $$\text{P\_el\_out}=\text{P\_ges}-\text{P\_Heating handles}-\text{P\_Heinzattel}$$
  
• • Limiting the electrical power consumption of the electric motor if the ambient temperature F_Temp <approx. 3 ° C: dP / dt = f (F_Temp, ...), black ice is possible and excessive motor power could lead to slipping (safety function) Range can be increased because a battery is less efficient in the cold
• • Limiting the electrical power consumption of the electric motor in the event of increased motor temperature or increased ambient temperature, in particular to counter a further increase in the motor temperature or its surface temperature
• • Limiting the electrical power consumption of the electric motor if the tire pressure F tire pressure <approx. 1 bar: dP / dt = f (F_tire pressure) a tire could slip off a rim if the engine output is too high (safety function)
• • Limiting the electrical power consumption of the electric motor when a position sensor has detected a slope of more than about 5%: $$\text{dP}/\text{German}=\text{f}\left(\text{F.}\_\text{Position sensor}\right),$$
  
  For increased range by reducing the power when driving downhill, when driving steeply downhill in the mountain bike or downhill area (e.g. trail), the driver stands on the pedals and moves them in some sections of the route, the electric motor must not support too much power here, as the electric Otherwise the bike could become uncontrollable (safety function),
• • Limiting the electrical power consumption of the electric motor depending on the recorded ambient temperature, tire pressure and gradient: $$\text{dP}/\text{German}=\text{f}\left(\text{F\_Temp}\text{, F\_tire pressure}\text{, F}\_\text{Position sensor}\right)$$
  
• • Increase the cadence by choosing a "lighter gear" in connection with a shift actuator and in connection with position sensor data and, if necessary, height profile data + load control: $$\text{dTrirrfrequens}/\text{German}=\text{f}\left(\text{F.}\_\text{Position sensor},\text{F\_H}\text{hen profile}\text{, F}\_\mathrm{1,}\text{F.}\_2\right)$$
  
• • Adapting the switching behavior to one of the following control types:
  1. a) Efficiency control of the electric motor -> optimization of the efficiency
  2. b) Power control of the electric motor -> optimization / increase of the available power of the electric motor
  3. c) Torque control of the electric motor -> optimization / increase of the available torque of the electric motor
  4. d) Driver input power control -> control to a preferred power defined by the driver
• • Reduction of switching processes depending on the driving profile and depending on efficiency or activation of one of the control types a) -d), by adapting the readjustment behavior in order to increase the range
• • Increasing the switching speed based on driver input variables, driving profile, acceleration in the direction of travel and uphill and downhill driving: $$\text{ds}/\text{German}=\text{f}\left(\text{F.}\_\mathrm{1,}\text{F.}\_\mathrm{2,}\text{F.}\_\mathrm{3,}\text{F.}\_\text{x}\text{, F}\_\text{Position sensor}\right)$$
  
• • Reducing the switching speed based on driver input variables, travel profile and acceleration in the direction of travel and travel on level ground: $$\text{ds}/\text{German}=\text{f}\left(\text{F.}\_\mathrm{1,}\text{F.}\_\mathrm{2,}\text{F.}\_\mathrm{4,}\text{F.}\_\text{x}\text{, F}\_\text{Position sensor}\right).$$
  

In one embodiment, the driving profiles can have different controls: the driving profile “Range” the aforementioned efficiency control a), the driving profile “Balance” the driver input power control d) or the cadence control e), and the driving profile “Power” the power control of the electric motor b) or the Torque control of the electric motor c).

• • vom Systemzustand, insbesondere wenn die Restladung des Akkumulators einen Wert unterschreitet und/oder bei einer Abweichung des Stromverbrauchs von einem definierten Sollwert, dann wird die vorgenannte Effizienzregelung a) aktiviert, Schaltvorgänge und die Regelgeschwindigkeit werden reduziert,
• • von Eingangsgrößen, insbesondere abhängig von der Trittleistung des Fahrers/Fahrereingangsleistung (Trittfrequenz und Fahrerdrehmoment), von einem Signal des Lagesensors und/oder vom Höhenprofil wird die Effizienzregelung a) aktiviert und die Trittfrequenz erhöht,
• • von Eingangsgrößen, insbesondere abhängig von der Trittleistung des Fahrers/Fahrereingangsleistung (Trittfrequenz und Fahrerdrehmoment), von einem Signal des Lagesensors, vom Höhenprofil und/oder von der Beschleunigung wird eine der Regelarten b), c), d) aktiviert, ferner wird die Schaltgeschwindigkeit erhöht oder reduziert.
• •  

Bei einer weiteren Ausführungsform kann der Fahrer für eines der Fahrprofile oder für eine der Unterstützungsstufen eine zulässige Leistungsaufnahme Pzul des Elektromotors und/oder einen zulässigen Leistungsanstieg dP/dt des Elektromotors ändern und abspeichern, insbesondere in einem Einrichtungszustand der Steuervorrichtung.In a further development of the automatic mode, the control device can be configured to activate one of the control types a) to e) for at least one of the driving profiles, depending on

• • the system status, in particular if the remaining charge of the accumulator falls below a value and / or if the power consumption deviates from a defined target value, then the aforementioned efficiency control a) is activated, switching processes and the control speed are reduced,
• • The efficiency control a) is activated and the cadence increased by input variables, in particular depending on the driver's pedaling power / driver input power (cadence and driver torque), a signal from the position sensor and / or the altitude profile,
• • one of the control types b), c), d) is activated on input variables, in particular depending on the pedaling power of the driver / driver input performance (pedaling frequency and driver torque), on a signal from the position sensor, on the altitude profile and / or on the acceleration Switching speed increased or reduced.
• •

In a further embodiment, the driver can change and save a permissible power consumption Pzul of the electric motor and / or a permissible power increase dP / dt of the electric motor for one of the driving profiles or for one of the support levels, in particular in a device state of the control device.

In particular, depending on the regional conditions, his state of health and fitness, it can happen that a driver does not find any of the stored control programs to be suitable. It is possible that there are too little or too much difference between engine support maps given by two of the control programs, or they are neither adapted to the fitness of the driver nor to the weather conditions to which the driver is exposed. A driver may be interested in the fact that the motor support decreases proportionally when he gives more pedaling power himself, for example to improve his fitness. An older driver can use the absolute power of the electric motor or the sudden increase in speed to be overwhelmed. It has been observed that older drivers, in particular, cannot keep an intended trajectory with certain motor assistance.

So far, the driver himself has no influence on the maps, but has been dependent on the assistance of his dealer or the manufacturer of the electric bike.

In this embodiment, maps can be adapted by the driver himself. He can also influence the acceleration of the electric bike, which he would like to restrict, for example, for cornering or road conditions with less traction. The control programs can also be adapted by the driver in such a way that acceleration is greater (dP / dt ↑) or, in particular, less (dP / dt ↓) on a smoother road when moving off.

One embodiment enables the driver to activate or deactivate a conditional switching function for one of the driving profiles or for one of the support levels, in particular when the control device is in a set-up state, the switching function being able to switch an electrical first consumer of the electric bike on or off, in particular depending on a residual charge an accumulator of the electric bicycle. The consumer can be a lighting system, heated grips, a heated saddle of the electric bike or an independent navigation device to be supplied. This embodiment can offer the advantage that the energy or power drawn from the accumulator can be limited. An electrical consumer desired by the driver can also be switched on when the remaining charge of the accumulator or power reserve is sufficient.

This embodiment can offer the advantage that the driver can adapt one of the stored control programs to driving in the dark and in the cold, for example. For this purpose, the driver can activate a first switching function in such a way that the heated grips or the heated saddle are switched off when the battery remains charged by W%. The motor support or power consumption of the electric motor can be halved with a second switching function with a residual charge of X% ≤ W% and halved again with Y% <X% or switched off. The lighting system can be fully supplied until the end or at least for passive safety it can only be dimmed with a third switching function at Z% ≤ Y%.

If another driver, ignorant of the route, would like to have a navigation system supplied by the bicycle's accumulator, then he can activate a first switching function for one of the stored control programs, which reduces the motor assistance or power consumption of the electric motor with a residual charge of X% in favor of the navigation or switch off. The navigation could even be more important to him than the lighting system and he could dim the lighting system with a second switching function with a remaining charge of Y% <X%.

With an activated first switching function, with a residual charge of W%, a driver could switch off all consumers in favor of the engine support, in particular with the exception of the lighting system. The motor support or power consumption of the electric motor can be reduced or switched off with a second switching function with a residual charge of X% <W%. He could only dim the lighting system with a second switching function with a remaining charge of Y% <X%.

With an activated first switching function, a driver could switch off the engine support and all consumers with the exception of the lighting system with a remaining charge of W%. The lighting system can be fully supplied until the end or at least for passive safety it can be dimmed with a third switching function when the remaining charge is X% <W%.

For one of the driving profiles with a conditional switching function, the driver can set that a consumer, for example the heated grips, is switched off, in particular when there is a remaining charge R%. For a second of the driving profiles, the driver can set that the same consumer remains active, in particular also below the same residual charge R%. By switching between the two driving profiles, the driver can switch on the consumer for more comfort and switch it off for greater range.

Another embodiment has an operating unit which is designed as a fitting on the electric bicycle, in particular as a handlebar fitting, as a touch-sensitive display unit or with a mobile phone, the operating unit being designed to select one of the driving profiles. A so-called app can be installed on the mobile phone, which simplifies changing the control program. With an operating unit configured in this way, the driver can easily adapt the control program to be changed.

Another embodiment includes a display unit which is designed to indicate the current power consumption of the electric motor, the current pedaling power and / or the remaining charge of the accumulator.

One embodiment is characterized by at least one sensor element which can detect the speed of a pedal crank [n / min] (cadence) of the electric bike, the pedaling power provided by the driver and / or the pedaling force exerted by the driver on the pedal crank. A sensor element can be designed to detect the ambient temperature, the humidity, the speed of the front wheel or the speed of the driven rear wheel. The sensor element can be taken from the following group, which includes a force sensor, speed sensor, current sensor, voltage sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, tire pressure sensor, brightness sensor, inclination sensor, yaw sensor and a dynamic pressure sensor. In particular if the control device has a temperature sensor, the driver can activate a switching function for one of the control programs, which reduces the increase in power dP / dt in cold weather or on slippery roads for safer driving behavior.

In one embodiment, the control device is designed in the set-up state in such a way that one of the stored control programs can be changed by means of a menu. This can simplify the adaptation of the control program.

In another embodiment, one or more of the driving profiles have a switching function for a gear shift of the electric bicycle. The control device can have a sensor element for the pedaling power of the driver and a sensor element for the speed of the pedal crank. This shift function is used to relieve the driver of having to operate the gear shift, in particular via a shift actuator of the electric bicycle. Through the switching function, the control device can be configured to control the gear shift in such a way that the speed of the pedal crank increases with higher pedaling power (uphill driving, stronger headwind, higher driving speed) (cadence increase), in particular depending on a signal from a position sensor, on the selected driving profile, from the recorded cadence and / or from the recorded current cadence. As a result, the joints and muscles of the driver involved in operating the crank can be spared. As an alternative or in addition, the control device can be designed by a switching function in such a way that the cadence is lowered in particular when driving downhill (cadence lowering).

A preferred electric bicycle has one of the aforementioned control devices, the electric motor, the accumulator and the pedal crank. The electric bicycle can each have a sensor element for the pedaling power / pedaling force and the speed of the pedal crank, a gear shift and a shift actuator which can operate the gear shift. The switching actuator can be controlled by the control device.

• S1 Überführen der Steuervorrichtung in einen Einrichtungszustand,
• S2 Wählen des zu ändernden Fahrprofils oder der zu ändernden Unterstützungsstufe,
• S3 Ändern einer zulässigen Leistungsaufnahme Pzul des Elektromotors und/oder eines zulässigen Leistungsanstiegs dP/dt, insbesondere mittels der Bedieneinheit, insbesondere aufweisend: Ein- oder Ausschalten des Automatikmodus (S5).

The method according to the second aspect is used to operate one of the aforementioned control devices and has the following steps:

• S1 transferring the control device to a device state,
• S2 Select the driving profile to be changed or the assistance level to be changed,
• S3 changing a permissible power consumption Pzul of the electric motor and / or a permissible power increase dP / dt, in particular by means of the operating unit, in particular comprising: switching the automatic mode on or off (S5).

The method according to the third aspect is used to upgrade an existing control device of an electric bicycle, having the step S4 loading a software with which the control device is configured according to one of claims 1-12.

In the description of the following variant of the control device, the terms “driving mode” and “drive mode” have the same meaning as the aforementioned term “driving profile”.

An e-bike parameter setting can currently only be changed via the support levels or via a smartphone or PC connection. An individualization of a support level group by the customer to certain wishes, such as range optimization, balanced behavior, powerful, sporty driving behavior, is not possible.

Parameter settings are currently changed via the update and parameterization using the service software, which can only be used with dealers, OEM or Continental access. In the future there is a change and Individualization of the settings via an APP or an end customer access is conceivable and possible in order to be able to respond even further to customer requests.

Several specific parameter settings that affect the driving behavior can be selected directly via the menu setting of the display instead of just changing the support factors. Adapted groups of different parameters are optimized for a specific purpose, such as optimized range, balance, power, global disconnection or connection of certain consumers, depending on the selected mode.

Various driving modes can be selected manually via the display menu. Selecting a certain drive mode changes the settings of the system. An example table is attached, see 1 .

A selection of the drive modes via the display is also not absolutely necessary. In perspective, this can also be done via a smartphone APP or a key combination via a remote without a display.

An automated selection of the settings can be made via an automatic mode.

In addition, various parameters are set using an automatic mode, depending on the driver's input variables, such as power, torque, but also by evaluating sensors such as torque, speed, speed, acceleration, yaw rate, position detection, temperature, etc. that optimize for certain driving situations or wishes, such as range or powerful starting.

In addition, depending on the mode and system status, such as a low operating voltage or charge status of the battery or in the event of an error, various consumers should be able to be switched on and off, such as heated grips.

New comprehensive firmware package offers a multitude of new functions for the Conti eBike system. The most important novelty are the new drive modes "Range, Balance, Power", which can be selected by the driver. In addition to the support levels (1-4 / Boost), the Drive Modes conceal different presettings, with the help of which the eBike system can be adapted even better to the driving behavior.

The Drive Modes enable the rider to use his bike in a variety of ways in different situations. Be it a long weekend trip, daily commuting through the city or on vacation in the mountains.

• • RANGE - reichweitenoptimiert & effizient, sanfte Unterstützung, hohe Reichweite, Drehmoment und Unterstützungsleitung sind reduziert,
• • BALANCE - ausgewogen & komfortabel, Ausgewogene Kraftentfaltung, komfortable Fahreigenschaften, bedarfsgerechte Unterstützung,
• • POWER - kräftig & direkt, Sportliche Abstimmung, direktes, kraftvolles Ansprechverhalten und schnelle Leistungsentfaltung, für ein agiles Fahren.

Depending on the drive mode, the intensity of the motor support, the response behavior and the efficiency of the eBike system are changed:

• • RANGE - range-optimized & efficient, gentle support, long range, torque and support power are reduced,
• • BALANCE - balanced & comfortable, balanced power development, comfortable driving characteristics, needs-based support,
• • POWER - powerful & direct, sporty set-up, direct, powerful response and rapid power delivery, for agile driving.

In the “Range” and “Balance” modes, the driver selects the support levels 1-4 ; In "Power" mode, the highest level is named "Boost" and clearly marked with "B" in the display.

In the "Power" drive mode, the motor provides more power for a short time after the update than was previously the case. The rated continuous output of the motor (250 watts) remains unaffected. As a result of the higher possible power output, more heat is developed in the motor, which is dissipated via the housing. Therefore, in some driving situations, the surface temperature of the housing can be higher.

• 1 zeigt eine Tabelle mit Eigenschaften beispielhafter Fahrprofile „Range“, „Balance“ und „Power“ der Steuervorrichtung, welche Fahrprofile jeweils vier Unterstützungsstufen aufweisen.

Further details and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following exemplary embodiments.

• 1 shows a table with properties of exemplary driving profiles “Range”, “Balance” and “Power” of the control device, which driving profiles each have four support levels.

1 shows the respective motor support in% of the pedaling effort for a total of twelve control programs of the control device. The control programs are grouped as I, II, III and mean different driving profiles. The control programs are also grouped under 1-4 and correspondingly different levels of support.

The motor power of the control programs I1 and II1 is only 40% of the pedal power. The motor power or motor support can, however, also be a multiple of the pedal power. The control programs of groups II and III show increasing amounts dP / dt, so that acceleration is greater when starting or a larger total mass can be accelerated. The driver can adapt each of these control programs to his needs, skills or environmental conditions.

For driving in the dark and cold, he can activate a first switching function for one of the stored control programs in such a way that the handle heating is switched off when the battery is still charged by W%. The motor support or power consumption of the electric motor can be halved with a second switching function with a residual charge of X% ≤ W% and halved again with Y% <X%. The lighting system can be fully supplied until the end or at least for passive safety it can be dimmed with a third switching function at Z% ≤ Y%.

If another driver, ignorant of the route, would like to have a navigation system supplied by the bicycle's accumulator, then he can activate a first switching function for one of the stored control programs, which reduces the motor assistance or power consumption of the electric motor with a residual charge of X% in favor of the navigation . The navigation could even be more important to him than the lighting system and he could dim the lighting system with a second switching function with a remaining charge of Y% <X%.

With an activated first switching function, a driver could switch off all consumers in favor of engine support with a remaining charge of W%. The motor support or power consumption of the electric motor can be reduced with a second switching function with a residual charge of X% <W%.

With an activated first switching function, a driver could switch off the engine support and all consumers with the exception of the lighting system with a remaining charge of W%. The lighting system can be fully supplied until the end or at least for passive safety it can be dimmed with a third switching function at Z% ≤ Y%. He could dim the lighting system with a second switching function when the remaining charge is Y% <X%.

Another control device has a temperature sensor. The driver can activate a switching function for one of the control programs, which reduces the increase in power dP / dt in cold weather or on slippery roads for safer driving behavior.

Each of the in 2 The columns shown represent a separate control program, which can also have different conditional switching functions.

3 shows schematically an embodiment of a control device 1 which falls under the invention. The control device is mounted on an independent electric bicycle. The electric bike has an electric motor 11 , an accumulator 12th and a crank 13th to which the driver can hand over his pedaling performance. The electric motor can act on the bottom bracket shaft, on the chain or belt drive or directly on the rear wheel.

The control device comprises the control unit 2 , the control unit 3 , the display unit 4th and several sensor elements 5a-5c on. A speed sensor 5a records the speed of the crank 13th , a force sensor 5b the pedaling force exerted by the driver and a current sensor 5a detects the amperage from the electric motor 11 electric current consumed by the independent electric bike. The control unit 2 is designed to evaluate the signals from the speed sensor and the force sensor for the pedaling power output by the driver. Several control programs are stored in the control unit.

The driver can activate or deactivate at least one conditional switching function for at least one of the stored control programs, the switching function switching an electrical first consumer of the electric bike on or off, in particular depending on a residual charge of a battery of the electric bike. This first consumer can be the lighting system, heated grips or an independent navigation device.

Claims (15)

Control device for an electric bicycle with an electric motor for motor support of a pedaling power of a driver, characterized in that the driver can select one of three driving profiles, the driving profiles each having several, in particular four, support levels, the support levels being characterized by increasing maximum motor power or motor torque differentiate, whereby the maximum motor output of the highest support level of the second driving profile ("Balance") is greater than the maximum motor output of the highest support level of the first driving profile ("Range"), and the maximum motor output of the highest support level of the third driving profile ("Power") ) is greater than the maximum engine power of the highest support level of the second driving profile. Control device according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the maximum motor power of the highest support level of the first driving profile is 70% of the step power, the maximum motor power of the highest support level of the second driving profile is 90% of the step power, and the maximum motor power of the highest support level of the third driving profile is 100% of the Step performance is. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maximum motor output depending on the step output: a) for the first support level of the first driving profile is 25% of the step output, for the second support level of the first driving profile 40% of the step output, for the third support level of the first driving profile 55% of the step performance, and for the fourth support level of the first driving profile 70% of the step performance, b) for the first support level of the second driving profile 30% of the step performance, for the second support level of the second driving profile 50% of the step performance, for the third support level of the second driving profile 70% of the step performance, and for the fourth support level of the second driving profile 90% of the step performance, c) for the first support level of the third driving profile 55% of the step performance, for the second support level of the third driving profile 70% of the step performance, for di e third support level of the third driving profile is 85% of the pedaling power, and for the fourth support level of the third driving profile is 100% of the pedaling power. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power development of the electric motor, in particular the change in power over time (dP / dt), is less in the second driving profile than in the third driving profile and greater than in the first driving profile. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the driving profile can be selected manually via a display and menu, a smartphone APP or a key combination, in particular without a display. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that depending on the driving profile and a system status, in particular when the operating voltage or charge status of a battery of the electric bike is low or in a fault condition, various consumers of the electric bike can be switched on and off. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an automatic mode in which, depending on input variables of the driver, such as pedaling power, pedaling force or torque and / or based on sensor signals, such as engine torque, crank speed, driving speed, acceleration, yaw rate, position detection, Ambient temperature, humidity, residual charge of the battery, battery temperature, etc., various parameters of the electric bike can be set, such as the permissible power consumption of the electric motor or another electrical consumer of the electric bike, cadence, switching speed or switching frequency, especially for longer range, smoother or more powerful starting , or driving stability. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the driver can change and save a permissible power consumption Pzul of the electric motor and / or a permissible power increase dP / dt of the electric motor for one of the driving profiles or for one of the support levels, in particular in a device state of the control device . Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the driver can activate or deactivate a conditional switching function for one of the driving profiles or for one of the support levels, wherein the conditional switching function can switch an electrical first consumer of the electric bike on or off, in particular depending on one Remaining charge of an electric bike's battery. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an operating unit which is designed as a fitting on the electric bicycle, in particular as a handlebar fitting, as a touch-sensitive display unit or with a mobile phone, the operating unit being designed to select one of the driving profiles. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a display unit which is designed to indicate the current power consumption of the electric motor, the current pedaling power and / or the remaining charge of the accumulator. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one sensor element (5) which can detect the speed of a pedal crank of the electric bicycle, the pedaling power provided by the driver and / or the pedaling force exerted by the driver on the pedal crank. Electric bicycle with a control device according to one of the preceding claims. Method for operating the control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the following steps: S1 transferring the control device to a device state, S2 selecting the driving profile to be changed or the support level to be changed, S3 changing a permissible power consumption Pzul of the electric motor and / or a permissible increase in power dP / dt, in particular by means of the operating unit (3), in particular S5, switching the automatic mode on or off. A method for upgrading an existing control device of an electric bicycle, comprising the step S4 loading a software with which the control device according to one of the Claims 1 - 12th is designed.

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