NL2031513B1

NL2031513B1 - Electric bicycle with control device and communicating external charger device

Info

Publication number: NL2031513B1
Application number: NL2031513A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Jonan Midas Carlier Ties; Hendrik Stehmann Job; Niellissen Jean-Paul
Original assignee: Vanmoof Bv
Priority date: 2022-04-05
Filing date: 2022-04-05
Publication date: 2023-10-25

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electric bicycle with a central controlling computer, such as a central board computer, for controlling at least one controllable 5 subsystem of the bicycle, such at least one light, a sound system, at least one drive motor, at least one drive battery, a gear shifting device and/or a security system, the security system preferably comprising a power on/off or an ignition function, the bicycle further comprising: ° a control device, to perform at least one control function in place of the 10 central controlling computer, the control device comprising: 0 at least one processor for performing processing functions, such as for controlling of the at least one controllable subsystem, 0 at least one communication interface, configured to communicate via a communication system, such as comprising a data network, such 15 as comprising a data bus, such as a communication transceiver, comprising an primary communication interface configured to perform communications with the central controlling computer and at least one of the at least one controllable subsystem, wherein the control device is controllable by the central controlling computer to 20 perform the processing functions, the at least one control function comprising power distribution, sensor data processing and/or communication functions.

Description

Electric bicycle with control device and communicating external charger device

Invention relates to an electric bicycle with a central controlling computer, such as a central board computer, for controlling at least one controllable subsystems of the bicycle, such at least one light, a sound system, at least one drive motor, at least one drive battery, at and/or a security system, such as comprising a power on/off or an ignition function, the bicycle further comprising a control device for performing control functions. Furthermore, the invention relates to an external charger with data communication functions to perform communications with a control device of a bicycle, the respective battery management system of a battery and/or a central controlling computer of the bicycle.

Bicycles have become electrified in the sense that bicycles have been provided with a drive motor and a drive battery in the general prior art. The present inventor has previously embodied such bicycle with a number of subsystems controlled by a central controlling computer, such as a central board computer. In such bicycle, functions such as the power supply from an external charger, the power supply to such subsystems, power distribution and sensor data processing and/or communication functions performed by the central controlling computer. With the advent of an increasing number of such functions, it became apparent that this was increasingly complex to integrate all in the central controlling computer.

It is a first object of the present invention to provide communication to subsystems, preferably all subsystems, via a communication system, such as a data network, such as a data bus, preferably wherein each of the subsystems comprises a suitable communications interface. it is a further object of the present invention to provide protection of such communication system and coupled central controlling computer and other subsystems while still providing communication with subsystems that are connected to connectors that may be exposed to an electrical or data connection from outside the bicycle. Otherwise, it is also preferable to protect such communication system against communication errors or overloads of sourced in subsystems such as subsystems of which behaviour is not fully predictable.

it is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved bicycle wherein power distribution to respective power consuming subsystems with respective power parameters, such as a predefined voltage, is provided at a location away from the central controlling computer. it is a further object of the present invention to provide sensor monitoring, sensor data processing and/or sensor data distribution to respective subsystems, preferably in addition and/or in parallel to central controlling computer control of such subsystems.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a connection detection of a device that is intended to be connected with a connector of the bicycle that is exposed outside of the bicycle.

At least one of these objects can be met by providing an electric bicycle with a central controlling computer, such as a central board computer, for controlling at least one controllable subsystem of the bicycle, such at least one light, a sound system, at least one drive motor, at least one drive battery, a gear shifting device and/or a security system, the security system preferably comprising a power on/off or an ignition function, the bicycle further comprising: e a control device, to perform functions in place of the central controlling computer, the control device comprising: o at least one processor for performing processing functions, such as for controlling of the at least one controllable subsystem, o at least one communication interface, configured to communicate via a communication system, such as comprising a data network, such as comprising a data bus, such as a communication transceiver, comprising an primary communication interface configured to perform communications with the central controlling computer and at least one of the at least one controllable subsystem, wherein the control device is controllable by the central controlling computer to perform the processing functions, the processing functions comprising power distribution, sensor data processing and/or communication functions.

it is an advantage of such an electric bicycle that processing functions, such as the power distribution, sensor data processing and/or communication functions may be performed by the control device distinct from the central controlling computer of the bicycle while preferably still in the control of this central controlling computer. A further advantageous example relates to communication functions. it is preferably conceived that the control device is configured to perform communication functions with regard to controllable subsystems. With this, it is achieved that the central controlling computer controls functions of the bicycle while such functions may efficiently and effectively be performed in parallel or consecutively to functions of the central controlling computer by the control device. Such functions performed by the control device may be directly instructed by the central controlling computer or may be performed in a way that outputs of the control device function within operating parameters of the central controlling computer or expectations thereof.

An example thereof is that when the control device monitors a sensor providing sensor data, the control device is configured to provide results from the sensor data to a relevant subsystem. An example thereof is when the control device provides instruction to the gear shifting device based on such sensor data and interpretation thereof within a timeframe of relevance of for instance a shifting instruction from the central controlling computer to the gear shifting device.

Another advantageous example relates to power distribution, charging the at least one drive battery and/or providing power to the central controlling computer and/or the at least one controllable subsystem. In previous bicycles of the present inventor, such power distribution function was performed directly by the central controlling computer in a housing thereof. The increasing complexity of such power distribution function, which was caused by the growing number of subsystems led to inventive work directed at conceiving the inclusion of the control device according to the present invention. With this, it is now achieved to provide such power distribution functions by the control device, preferably in the control of the at least one processor, further preferably while still being in the control of the central controlling computer. With the use of a bicycle charging connector, preferably also displaced away from the central controlling computer and the housing thereof, the control device according to the present invention provides the advantage of performing such power distribution function of the bicycle from its location.

Advantageously, the control device according to the present invention is placeable at a location of the bicycle that may be reached with a power and data connector from the bicycle charging connector, preferably directly or at least bypassing the central control computer. Further preferably, the control device according to the present invention is placeable at the location of the bicycle from which subsystems that are provided with power from the control device are conveniently reachable with at least a power connection and preferably also with a data connection.

According to a first preferred embodiment, the bicycle comprises at least one bridging configuration comprising a primary side and a secondary side wherein a part of the at least one controllable subsystems indicated as at least one primary subsystem of the bicycle is controlled at the primary side of the bridging configuration, and/or wherein a further part of the at least one controllable subsystems indicated as at least one secondary subsystem of the bicycle is controlled at the secondary side of the bridging configuration. With such bridging configurations it is advantageously achieved that communications at the primary site and communications at the second reside can function independently such that a disturbance or deviation from regular functionality at one side does not inhibit functioning of the other side. It is also preferably achieved that data traffic is separated and as such, heavy data traffic, that would overly burden one side of the bridging configuration is kept to decide it is directed at. Only traffic that is passed on by the bridging configuration can reach the other side.

This is preferably embodied as the primary subsystem and the secondary subsystem each comprising a data network, such as a data bus. The primary subsystem at the primary side of the bridging configuration operates a certain, preferably predetermined, set of the controllable subsystems and is directly attached to the central controlling computer. It is preferred that all controllable subsystems at the primary side of the bridging configuration fall under configuration control of the bicycle manufacturer. A rationale behind this is that subsystems that are connected to this primary side of the bridging configurations and directly connected with the central controlling computer should optimally be prevented to cause a disturbance at the primary side. Alternatively, a rationale behind this is that connectors that are exposed to the outside of the bicycle, such as the bicycle charging connector and/or a battery connector, such as the secondary battery connector should be protected from tampering. One feature to protect from tampering that is achieved with such bridging configuration is that electrical wiring and data wiring of such connectors is not connected to the primary side of the bridging configuration and therefore the primary side of the bridging configuration cannot be reached and/or tempered with directly from such connectors. 5

According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one processor comprises a first processor configured to perform processing at the at least one primary subsystem. With this, separate processing of the first processor is provided, and it is provided such that processing may be kept to the at least one primary subsystem. Further preferably, it is provided that the at least one processor comprises a second processor configured to perform processing at the at least one secondary subsystem. With this, also separate processing of the second processor is provided such that processing might be kept to the at least one secondary subsystem. Such separation may also be performed with one processor that is configured to separate such processing or with one processor having separate subprocessors for configured to separate such processing. Further preferably, the at least one primary subsystem comprises at least one subsystem from the group comprising a torque sensor, and RPM sensor, and electric shifting device, an electrical lock, a light, such as a rear light and/or front light, the central controlling computer, and a further control device of the bicycle. With this, such system devices are directly coupled with the central controlling computer at the primary side of the bridging configuration or as part of the primary subsystem. With this, most safe operation of such systems independent from secondary side initiated disturbances are achieved. Further preferably, the at least one secondary subsystem comprises at least one subsystem from the group comprising a first battery, a second battery, a first battery management system, a second battery management system, and electric grid connectable external battery charger. With this, operation of such subsystems while being coupled to the system is maintained, while it is also preferably achieved that disturbances caused by either of such subsystems do not influence directly the operation of the primary subsystem connected devices.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the control device is configured to control charging of the at least one drive battery, such as a primary drive battery and/or a secondary drive battery. It is advantageous that controlling of charging may be performed while using communications from a communication interface from such systems while the subsystems of the batteries are connected to the at least one communication interface, and still any potential disturbances from such battery systems will leave operation of other subsystems at the primary side unaffected. Further preferably, the control device comprises at least one electric switching device for providing a charge current towards at least one of the at least one drive battery. With this, it is maintained that the central control computer of the bicycle can determine whether a primary or secondary battery or any further battery is charged by such at least one switching device. In preferred embodiments, independent or distinct switching devices in combined configurations or a crossbar switch are proposed in the description below. Further preferably, the control device is configured to control charging of a first of the at least one drive battery from a second of the at least one drive battery. With this, it may advantageously be achieved that the secondary battery is always ready for disconnecting and receiving an external charge while maintaining the primary battery at a maximum charge level by discharging the secondary battery to this end. This may be advantageous in case a rider is more likely to be able to charge the secondary battery at a charging location, such as home or office then the primary battery in case of a primary battery being mounted inside of the frame of a bicycle and the secondary battery being releasable for taking to a wall socket or into home or office.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one communication interface is configured to provide a data link, such as a data bus, between the control device and at least one subsystem of the at least one controllable subsystems, such as a networking link, wherein the networking link is preferably embodied as a CAN bus implementation. Such preferred embodiment provides flexible data communications between any of the central controlling computer or any of the at least one controllable subsystem as well as the control device. With all such devices being able to continuously communicate, operation of all subsystems may be optimized for all kinds of use case scenarios desired by the rider.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the electric bicycle comprises at least one power interface configured to exchange power with at least one of the at least one controllable subsystems. With this, it is possible to provide distinct controllable subsystems with power with distinct power parameters, such as to provide a low- power power supply, a medium power power supply and a high or drive power power supply. Distinct ranges of voltages for such parameters are described in this document. The preferably, at least one of the at least one power interface is combined with the at least one communication interface, such as for providing a combined connection with data and power. With this, it is possible to provide each controllable subsystem with a respective at least one communication interface and/or processing device and to have these all operate on power provided with the communication interface. A preferred embodiment thereof that is described as a preferred entity is a can bus with power wires.

Another preferred embodiment provides that at least one of the at least one power interface is configured to provide drive power to at least one of the at least one drive motor, preferably via the central controlling computer, to this end comprising a power control module configured to control electric power to the drive motor, and/or via a direct connection such as a wire to the drive motor. This preferred power interface preferably operates at drive power of drive motor and/or drive power level of the drive battery.

According to a further preferred embodiment, at least one of the at least one power interface is configured to provide switching power or shifting power to respective instances of the at least one controllable subsystems, such as an electric gear shifter of the bicycle or an electrical lock of the bicycle. With the application of such preferred embodiment, such controllable subsystems requiring an intermediate power level can be directly supplied with the same. It is especially advantageous when such converter can be integrated into a control device according to the present invention.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the electric bicycle comprises at least one secondary connector, preferably configured to be a bicycle charging connector that is connectable with the external charger. With the application of such secondary connector, it is preferably achieved that the secondary connector may be directly connected to the control device such that the control device may directly switch suitable power to the correct one of the at least one drive battery under all circumstances, preferably in the direction of instructions or a scenario of instructions from the central controlling computer to the control device.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one communication interface comprises a primary communication interface, preferably arranged at the primary side of the bridging configuration, connected with at least one, preferably only, primary controllable subsystems of the bicycle of the at least one controllable subsystems of the bicycle. With such a primary communication interface, the direct communication between the central controlling computer and the primary side of the at least one bridging configuration is advantageously achievable. Further preferably, the at least one communication interface comprises a secondary communication interface, preferably arranged at the secondary side of the bridging configuration, connected with, preferably only, at least one secondary connector or secondary controllable subsystem that is connectable with a respective at least one of the at least one secondary subsystem. With such a secondary communication interface, the indirect communication between the central controlling computers and the secondary side of the at least one bridging configuration is advantageously achievable. Further preferably, a separation between the primary communication interface and the secondary communication interface is provided.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the electric bicycle comprises a detection module for detecting of connecting of at least one of the at least one controllable subsystems to the control device, preferably to the secondary communication interface, such as the at least one secondary connector. With such detection module, preferred scenarios of charging and discharging of the battery may be performed automatically. Further preferably, the detection module is configured to communicate with the second processor to provide a confirmation of connection of the at least one of the at least one controllable subsystems to the control device and/or comprising a connection to the at least one secondary connector.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the bridging configuration and/or the second processor thereof is configured to provide a safety off switching of the at least one secondary connector, such as providing a disconnect between the at least one secondary connector and parts of the control device comprising the external communication interface and/or the at least one processor, in particular the second processor. With this, external tampering or providing of shortcuts or overvoltage may be prevented or at least effects of such actions may be negated.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the electric bicycle comprises at least one electric switching module configured to be controlled by the at least one control device or processor thereof to switch electric power to and/or from at least one of the at least one controllable subsystems, preferably wherein the power conforms to charger power parameters, drive power parameters. An advantage of such at least one electric switching module is that charging or discharging of batteries may be performed according to predefined user settings or scenarios based on charging parameters or discharging parameters. Also, certain subsystems may be switched of under certain conditions, such as overly high temperatures of certain components..

According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one electric switching module is configured to switch power from the external charging device to the at least one drive battery, preferably to the internal drive battery and/or the external drive battery, preferably with charger power parameters. With this, power may be switched from the correct power supply device to the correct power usage device. It is preferable that this is all under control of the central controlling computer or in distribution thereof being performed by the control device. Further preferably, the at least one electric switching module is configured to switch power from the one drive battery to the other drive battery, preferably from the second battery to the first battery, further preferably for the external battery to the internal battery, preferably with charger power parameters. With this, one drive battery can charge another drive battery, preferably the second battery to the first battery. Preferably, the charging drive battery comprises upscaling circuitry to provide a charge voltage for the benefit of the battery that is being charged, such as wherein the charger power parameters of the switched power is provided from a transformer arranged at the second battery or external battery. Further preferably, the at least one electric switching module is configured to switch power, preferably at a drive power voltage, the central controlling computer and/or drive power circuitry towards the at least one drive motor thereof. Any of the above described embodiments or combinations thereof regarding the switching of power provides advantages that power from any source may be powered to any controllable subsystem in a very flexible manner while applying such switching devices, preferably as part of the control device.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the bicycle comprises a power converter module for converting drive power to central controlling computer power, preferably comprising a second power converter for converting drive power or controlling computer power to processor power. Preferably, such power converter module is arranged in the control unit. With this, it is advantageously achieved that several power levels may be provided to several controllable subsystems. Further preferably, the electric bicycle comprises at least one power converter configured to convert electric power, preferably configured to convert electric power from drive battery parameters to subsystem and/or processor parameters. With this, several voltage levels can be used by several components or controllable subsystems in the bicycle. Further preferably, at least one of the at least one of subsystems is configured to function at a predetermined intermediate power level and wherein at least one of the at least one power converter is configured to convert power to parameters adapted to that intermediate power level, such as preferably at a 12 to 36 V level, further preferably at an 18 to 30 V level, such as preferably at a 24 V level. Further preferably, at least one of the at least one power converter is configured to convert power to parameters adapted to operate the at least one processor, preferably the first and/or second processor.

According to a further preferred embodiment, of the electric bicycle the control device, a respective battery management system of a battery and/or the central control computer is configured to communicate battery parameter information with the external battery charger, preferably via the at least one communication interface, preferably via the secondary communication interface. With this, it is preferably achieved that any battery may be charged at maximum speed with accurate current battery parameters, such as age, number of charge cycles, temperature and current state of charge (SOC) of the battery. Preferably, the external battery charger comprises charging circuitry that is configured to adapt charging power parameters based on the battery parameter information. Further preferably, charging power may be switched to one of the at least one drive battery to adapt or optimize charging power parameters based on the battery parameter information of the switched to at least one drive battery.

According to a further preferred embodiment, at least one of the at least one drive battery comprises charging circuitry to charge another one of the at least one drive battery. With this, it is possible to use to batteries while only needing to recharge one, or to use a fixed internal battery with a disconnect able external one.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the bicycle comprises an external charger, preferably at least when it is connected to a secondary charging port of the bicycle providing both power connections and data connections.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the bicycle or the control device thereof comprises at least one temperature sensor to measure the temperature of at least one heat generating component, preferably arranged at a heat generating component of the control unit, for providing temperature input to adapt control parameters for controlling the respective at least one heat generating component.

A further preferred embodiment according to the present invention relates to a bicycle wherein the bicycle comprises at least one wheels connected to said bicycle frame, the at least one electric motor configured to drive at least one wheel, and the at least one rechargeable battery attached to and/or accommodated within the bicycle frame, wherein said battery is connected, directly or indirect, to said motor and to at least one bicycle control unit, such as the central controlling computer, configured to control the power supply from the at least one battery to at least one wheel, and wherein the bicycle preferably comprises a charging device electrically connected, directly or indirectly, to at least one battery and to at least one bicycle control unit, wherein the charging device comprises at least one charging port configured to co-act with the external battery charger to transfer electric energy from said external battery charger via the charging device to at least one battery, preferably wherein the charging device is comprised by the external battery charger. Further preferably, the bicycle comprises foot pedals, wherein said pedals are, directly or indirectly, connected to a crank set of the bicycle for propelling the bicycle. Further preferably, the bicycle is a pedal operable electric bicycle. Further preferably, the bicycle comprises at least one electromotor, preferably as the at least one drive motor, to drive at least one wheel of the bicycle. Further preferably, the bicycle comprises a pedal-operated manpower driven system and an electromotor driven system in parallel to each other, wherein at least one bicycle control unit is configured to control the output of the electromotor driven in response to a pedal depressing force of the manpower driven system.

A further aspect according to the present invention relates to an external charger for charging of at least one drive battery of an electric bicycle, the external charger comprising: * transformer circuitry configured to transform electric power from grid parameters to drive battery charging parameters, * charging circuitry to adapt charging parameters during charging to battery parameters, such as temperature of the battery, age of the battery and/or current charge level of the battery, e at least one communication interface, such as a communication transceiver configured to perform communications with a control device of the bicycle, a respective battery management system of a battery and/or a central control computer of the bicycle.

it is an advantage of such an external charger that a bicycle battery may be charged at maximum speed with accurate current battery parameters, such as age, number of charge cycles, temperature and current state of charge (SOC) of the battery. Preferably, the external battery charger comprises charging circuitry that is configured to adapt charging power parameters based on the battery parameter information. Further preferably, charging power may be switched to one of the at least one drive battery to adapt or optimize charging power parameters based on the battery parameter information of the switched to at least one drive battery.

A preferred embodiment according to this aspect provides an external charger, wherein the at least one communication interface is configured to provide a data link between the control device and at least one subsystem of the at least one controllable subsystems, such as a networking link, wherein the networking link is preferably embodied as a CAN bus implementation. Further preferably, the external charger comprises a connector comprising both circuitry for charging power and circuitry for the communication interface.

Further advantages, features and details of the present invention will be further elucidated on the basis of a description of one or more preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. Similar yet not necessarily identical parts of different preferred embodiments may be indicated with the same reference numerals.

Fig. 1 shows a generally side view of an electric bicycle according to a preferred embodiment according to the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a detail of the preferred embodiment according to Fig. 1 in partially exploded view.

Fig. 3 shows a further detail of the preferred embodiment according to Fig. 1 in further partially exploded view.

Fig. 4 shows a further detail of the preferred embodiment according to Fig. 1 in further partially exploded view.

Fig. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of a detail of a further preferred embodiment according to the present invention.

Fig. 6 shows a graphic representation of a system overview of a detail of a preferred embodiment according to the present invention.

Fig. 7 shows 2 graphic representations of a system overview of a detail of 2 further preferred embodiments according to the present invention.

Fig. 8 shows 2 graphic representations of a system overview of a detail of 2 further preferred embodiments according to the present invention.

Fig. 9 shows 5 graphic representations of a system overview with schematic functional representations according to a further preferred embodiments according tothe present invention.

Fig. 10 shows a flow diagram of an operating method according to a further preferred embodiment.

Fig. 11 shows two flow diagrams of respective operating methods according to a further preferred embodiment.

Fig. 12 shows a schematic representation of an operating method according to a further preferred embodiment.

Fig. 13 shows a schematic representation of a system overview of a preferred embodiment according to the present invention.

Fig. 14 shows a flow diagram of an operating method according to a further preferred embodiment.

Fig. 15 shows a schematic representation of an operating method according to a further preferred embodiment.

Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of an electric bicycle 1 according to a the present invention or a preferred embodiments thereof. Generally, the electric bicycle comprises a frame 2 comprising a seat tube 6, a top tube 7 and a down tube 8. The frame is extended with a front fork holding a front wheel wherein the front wheel comprises a hub motor 13 according to this embodiment. A handlebar 9 is provided for the rider to affect steering of the bicycle and to provide to the provider operating means, such as electric buttons for providing input to a central computer 14 that is residing in the top tube. The central controlling computer 14 is configured to control a number of controllable subsystems of the bicycle. The controlling of the number of controllable subsystems of the bicycle by the central controlling computer 14 of the bicycle is performed via a communication system 24, such as comprising a data network, which is further preferably embodied as comprising a data bus. To this end, each of the controllable subsystems comprises at least one communication interface configured to communicate via this communication system. Such will be indicated by examples in greater detail below.

In order to drive the drive motor 13, the bicycle is provided with an exemplary to drive batteries, an internal drive battery 17 that is arranged in the down tube 8 and an additional external battery 17’ that is arranged outside the frame between the seat tube 6 and the down tube 8. In order to charge the respective drive batteries 17, 17’, the bicycle is provided with a charge connector 5 that is arranged at the upper locations of the seat tube and two rear upper stays, generally at the location those are fastened to the seat tube 6. Two other controllable subsystems that are comprised by the bicycle, and controlled from the central controlling computer 14 comprise a bicycle lock 4 and a bicycle electric shifting device 3. The bicycle lock serves the purpose of looking the bicycle by blocking a rear wheel. The electric shifter 3 serves the purpose of electrically shifting a bicycle hub gear that is present inthe rear hub. Besides the already cited subsystems, the bicycle comprises further subsystems, such as a rear light unit comprising a number of independently controllable LED’s and a front light unit comprising a number of independently controllable LED's. These light units also preferably comprise such a communication interface with a processing device for controlling of the LED’s such that the central controlling computer can provide instructions for the respective light module to perform. This concludes a general description of an electric bike with regard to components such bicycle according to the invention may or may not have.

Inthe bicycle according to Fig. 1 also comprises a control device 16 that is generally arranged in an enclosure that is arranged about the bottom location of generally the seat tube 6 and the down tube 8 and/or that is generally arranged about the location of the crankshaft of the bicycle. To this end, reference is also made to Fig. 5 showing an exploded view of a an embodiment of cabling that is preferred in this bicycle. This control device 16 is controllable by the central controlling computer to perform the processing functions, the at least one control function comprising power distribution, sensor data processing and/or communication functions. To this end, the control device 16 is connected to the charge connector 5 by means of a preferably wired connection 24, 23. The wired connection 24, 23 comprises two kinds of wires, data wires 24 for the purpose of the communication system of the bicycle and power wires 23 for providing power to the bicycle for charging of the drive batteries, and preferably for powering the bicycle when drive battery power is not available, the latter in a stationary setting.

it is a purpose of the control device 16 to perform at least a part of the processing functions of the central controlling computer of the bicycle with regard to power distribution. This end, the control device 16 preferably comprises at least one power converter for converting electric power of main power parameters to supporting power parameters. A main power parameters are preferably defined as the power parameters of at least one of the drive battery, such as having about 48V. Other parameters, such as any relevant voltage, such as between 20-72 V, such as between 30-60 V, such as between 36-60 V, such as between 40-60 V, such as between 42-54 V are also conceivable. Supporting power parameters comprise electric power with for example voltages between 3 and 9 V for low powered controllable subsystems of the bicycle, such as preferably between 3 and 6 V, such as preferably about 4 to 5 V, or for example voltages between one and 4 fold for powering a processing device, such as a microprocessor, such as for example between generally 2 and 4 V, such as preferably around 3.3 V, or for example voltages between 12 and 30 fold for relatively high-powered controllable subsystems, such as comprising mechanical devices such as the said lock or shifting device, such as preferably around 18-30 V, such as generally about 24 V.

All such indicated voltages may be within or without the these specifically cited ranges depending on specifically chosen components for such controllable subsystems of a bicycle.

Additionally, the purpose of the control device 16 to perform at least a part of the processing functions of the central controlling computer of the bicycle with regard to communication. To this end, the control device comprises a micro control unit 25, and that may be distributed over a first micro control unit 25 and a second micro control unit 25’, depending on a preferred embodiment. The purpose of the micro control unit 25 is to receive instructions from the central controlling computer 14 in order to process such instructions and to forward instructions to controllable subsystems. To this end, the control device 16 preferably comprises a bridging device comprising a primary side and a secondary side wherein a part of the at least one controllable subsystems indicated as at least one primary subsystem of the bicycle is controlled at the primary side of the bridging configuration, and/or wherein a further part of the at least one controllable subsystems indicated as at least one secondary subsystem of the bicycle is controlled at the secondary side of the bridging configuration. The micro control unit 25 may function as the bridging device and in case of a distributed micro control unit, the first micro control unit 25 and the second micro control unit 25’ together function as a bridging device. Both the primary side and the secondary side of the bridging device are connected with a communication interface configured to communicate via the communication system, such as the data network, such as comprising the data bus, comprising a communication transceiver preferably a can module for performing can communications over a can bus. In this way, the primary can bus that is connected to the central controlling computer and a part of the controllable subsystems can be kept safely separate from the secondary can bus that is connected for instance the at least one drive battery and the bicycle charging connector 5. This provides the advantage that communication bursts that might arise from such can bus connected devices are prevented to influence or affect the primary can bus also, it is conceived that the secondary can bus is connectable to external connectors that are open to public tampering when the bicycle is left alone. Separating this secondary can bus provides safety against such public tampering.

Additionally, it is the purpose of the control device to provide sensor monitoring as a control function of the bicycle. To this end, it is preferred that the micro control unit 25, preferably at the internal side of the bridging configuration is connected to such sensor for preferably directly receiving sensor data. The micro control unit 25 is configured to interpret such data and to provide the same to either the central! controlling computer or directly to a controllable subsystem of the bicycle in a usable format, such as an operating instruction to this controllable subsystem, such as by means of a message 115, as indicated in relation to the below example. As such, general purpose and utility of the control device 16 are described by means of general example. Details are provided below.

The control device 16 is arranged at a preferred location at the underside of the dam tube 8, the seat tube 6 and in the bottom bracket 27 area of the bicycle. Such location provides several advantages. From this location, the drive batteries are readily reachable via a cable connection. Furthermore, it is an advantage to monitor a bottom bracket sensor at the location adjacent to the bottom bracket or in the bottom bracket area. Furthermore, certain power requirements of mechanical controllable subsystems of the bicycle can conveniently be met by our relatively direct cable connection from this location, especially in the case that advantageous embodiments of both an electric shifting device and an electric lock of the bicycle arrangeable at a respective change day of the bicycle.

The control device 16 is arranged in a housing that is formed by a combination of shielding elements. In this sense, the housing is formed by a shielding cover 62 that covers an area under the bottom bracket. Behind the shielding cover 62, there is a shielding element 61 forming a further part of the housing of the control device.

Also a housing or support 79 of the bottom bracket itself provides part of the housing of the control device 16, a rear side of the housing of the control device is formed by a generally plate member 63. This plate member 63 is also considered advantageous to function as a heat sink for he generating parts of the control device 16, such as a processor, such as the at least one processor of the control device or a power converter, such as power converter 86 or 87.

Internally, the control device comprises a printed circuit board 69 comprising the at least one processor 25 or 25’ or the at least one communication interface 26, 26’.

Furthermore, switches or converters are arranged at the PCB 69. To this end, the site of the PCB facing the generally plate member 63 is provided with each guiding elements, such as heat guiding pads or heat guiding paste to guide the to plate member 63 such that it can function as heatsink.

A connector 76 connects its respective cables to the main controlling computer 14 that is arranged in the top tube. The main controlling computer is provided with both a can bus as well as electric power at the main level of the drive batteries as indicated in the above. The main controlling computer 14 is comprised on a mainboard 100 in a central controlling device that is arranged in the top tube 7 of the bicycle. Also a power converter 101 and a battery charger 102 for charging of a main controlling computer battery 103 of the bicycle is arranged here. From the converter, the can bus of the bicycle is provided with power for the power wires of the can bus, preferably at an operating voltage of 5 V. A further connector 75 provides power

The power wire 23 provides power from the external charger towards an incoming power connector of the control device 16. From the control device, a connector 75 provides the incoming power towards the batteries 17, 17’, or the respective BMS thereof. The BMS of the battery controls incoming and outgoing currents with respect to battery cells or groups of battery cells. An particular aspect of the present invention is that the external charging device is configured to communicate via a network in connection with the central controlling computer, control device and/or respective battery management system. With this, it has been made possible to enable an external battery charger of a bicycle as if it were an internal battery charger cooperating with the BMS. Previously, batteries were charged based on general parameters that were safe to any battery that could be available in the bicycle, of any agent of any temperature. According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible that such battery parameters are communicated to the external battery charger such that charge power parameters as voltage or available amperage may be set based upon constantly updated current battery parameters.

A connector 77 of the control device provides power cabling towards a connector for a secondary battery 17° via cable 83 to connector 83’. A respective connector 68’ and 67’ provide the mechanical control power and data communication towards the locking device 4 via respective cable 68 and the shifting device 3 via respective cable 67. Further connecting functions of control device 16 are described in further detail relative to schematic representations of fig. 6-9. The relations of control device 16 relative to the central controlling computer 14 are further shown in fig. 5 relative to a representation of cabling between the same. The central controlling computer 14 connects to a rear light connector 91 to provide a rear light with a data signal for controlling its LEDs and power for lighting the LEDs. The central controlling computer is further coupled via a campus 24 and a power line 72 with the control device 16. The control device 16 is connected via power lines 65 and 83 to its respective primary and secondary drive battery. The central control computer 14 is furthermore coupled to the drive motor 13 via a power line 74 and a can bus 24. Controllable subsystems of the bicycle that may be powered with the powerline generally available with the can, such as 5V, are powered via the powerline of the can bus. Systems that require a higher voltage, such as 24 V are provided with 24

V via a separate powerline. Also controlling devices of the locking device for and electric shifter 3 receive respective power from the can bus powerline, such as the proposed 5V. This is also the case when the mechanical parts of such devices required the higher 24 V. Processor state require the indicated processor footage,

such as the 3.3 fold, are provided with this voltage via a local converter, such as the converter 87.

The controllable subsystems of the bicycle are those connected via a can bus providing both electric power and data to such controllable subsystem. For general controllable subsystems, the can bus provides data wires and power wires wherein the data wires provide the data the power wires provide a general 5 V of electric power. This power is preferably generated in in a converter module arranged in the central controlling computer.

Fig. 6 provides a graphic representation of a system overview of a detail of a preferred embodiment according to the present invention. A control unit is shown with a communication connection by means of a can bus 4 to a central controlling computer 14 of the bicycle. This can bus 4 extends to other controllable subsystems of the bicycle including an electric shifter 3, an electrical lock 4 and a rear light 94 of the bicycle. A second can bus 104 is provided to connect a primary battery 17, a secondary battery 17° and a smart charger 18. A bridging configuration is provided to enable communication between the primary can bus and the secondary can bus. To this end, a communication interface or can transceiver of the first campus is connected to a first processor 25 which in turn is bridged to a second processor 25°. This bridging configuration is configured to exchange messages but to prevent exchanging of disturbances. With this, it is made possible that the central controlling computer 14 can communicate with either the battery management system of the primary battery 17, the battery management system of the secondary battery 17’ and the external charging device 18. A further function of the bridging device is controlling of the switches 81, 82, 83 and controlling of a detection device 19 that is configured to detect connection of either battery or charger to its respective connector. A further function of the bridging device is controlling of a switching device 85 for providing the torque sensor 15 with power. Sensing signals of the torque sensor 15 are processed by the primary processor 25 as the sensory signals 15 are input to this processor. A converter 87 converts a 5V power level of a can bus power to a 3.3 V power level of the processors 25, 25’ of the bridging device. A switch 87 switches power to a rear light 94’ under control of the central controlling computer 14 via the can bus. These signals are received by the processor 25 party can bus and subsequently used to control the switch 87.

Fig. 7 also provides a representation of a preferred embodiment of a bicycle with a control unit 16. This embodiment comprises the control unit 16 comprising a primary CAN module 4’, a secondary CAN module 4” as well as a micro control unit 25. In the above representation “a”, the micro control unit 25 is distributed over a primary process for 25 and a secondary processor 25. A primary can bus 4 connects the primary CAN module for’ with a drive motor 13, the main controlling computer 14, a light unit 69 with a microcontroller, the locking device 3 with a microcontroller, and/or the electric shifting device for with a microcontroller. The secondary CAN module 4”is connectable via a secondary can bus 104 to an external charger 18 of the bicycle, a secondary drive battery 17’ and a primary battery 17. Advantageously, and insert detection device 19 is arranged in the control unit 16. When a battery is inserted, a detection signal of an inserted battery is provided to the secondary processor 25’. When the bicycle is switched on, a control message indicating the same is sent to the respective battery or charger. In the above, Fig. 7 provides information relative to these components as to communication lines between the components via the respective can bus.

Fig. 8 provides five mostly similar representations of electricity distribution of the components of Fig. 7. Fig. 8 a indicates how a charge current is coming from smart charger 18. Discharge current may be used to directly power the bike system via optional lead 94. The further explanations of fig. 8 are without this optional lead 94 enabled. The external charger 18 may be switched on or off by means of switch 91.

Switch 92 switches the power of the charging device either to the primary battery or the secondary battery or switches the battery from the secondary battery to power the bicycle. With this, either the primary battery or secondary battery may be charged. If the charge status or charge requirement of both batteries do so allow, both batteries may be charged simultaneously. Switch 93 provides the battery power from either the primary battery or the secondary battery to power the bicycle.

A converter 86 uses the battery power for converting to the intermediate voltage of preferably 24 V to power mechanical devices of the electric clock for and of the electric gear shifter 3. From the controller 25, the power is switched towards the central controlling computer of the bicycle and a converter thereof to provide a5 V power for the central controlling computer and for the canvas arrangement of the bicycle. Also, a separate backup battery 103 for the central controlling computer is provided with a charger 102 to charge this backup battery 103. In the arrangement of fig. 8 B, switching arrangement of the switches 91, 92, 93 is replaced by a switching arrangement comprising a crossbar switch 87. The results for the functioning of the bicycle are substantially similar.

Fig. 9 provides five alternatives for power switching with the components of fig. 8 A.

In fig. 9 A, power is switched from the external charger 18 via switches C respectively be to provide a charging power to the primary battery. In fig. 9 B, the secondary battery 17’ discharged from the external charger 18 via respectively switch C and switch B. In fig. 9 C, the primary battery is charged from the secondary battery via switch B. While this is performed, it is shown that the external charger 18 is not connected to provide power via switch C. In fig. 9 D, it is shown that the bicycle motor 13 is powered from secondary battery 17° via switch B, switch A and the power controller 25 respectively. During periods that bike power usage is relatively low, part of the power of battery 17’ is switched to primary battery 17 to charge primary battery 17. In fig. 9 E, it is shown that the smart charger is powering the bike system via switch C, switch B respectively switch a and the power controller 25. It might be quite obvious that this use case is primarily for stationary use of the bicycle, such as during repairs.

Fig. 10 provides a general flow diagram of an operating method for operating parts of the bicycle. The flow diagram starts in step 200 with a state in which the charger is plugged in. In step 201, the bicycle system detects insertion of the charger, preferably by means of detection circuit 19 as indicated above. In step 202, the charger provides a predetermined start voltage, such as 32 V, which is sufficient for an initial charge when the batteries are fully empty and/or which is sufficient for the bicycle system to power up when either battery is fully depleted. In step 203, it is determined whether the primary or secondary battery insert detection is positive. In case it is determined that the primary battery is connected, in step 204, the primary battery is being charged. In step 205, the primary battery is monitored until fully charged. Until the primary battery is fully charged, the charging will continue. In case the primary battery is fully charged, in step 2086, the charging will be stopped.

In step 207, a relevant feedback message will be sent to the main controlling computer.

In case it is determined, in step 203, that both primary and secondary battery are connected to the bicycle, the central controlling computer decides further proceeding with charging off either battery in step 209, based on input of relevant settings, such as from store 208, such as charging settings, information with respect to the state of charge of either battery, preferences of users with respect to whether either battery is to be more or less used or is to be kept at the relatively high or relatively low charge. With this, it is for example relevant to whether a rider can charge the primary battery with relative ease. In case the rider has the possibility of charging the primary battery often, there is less need to keep the primary battery full. In case the rider does not have the possibility to connect the bicycle to a charging device to charge the primary battery, a setting may be to always deplete the secondary battery first such that the secondary battery may be taken to a charger by the rider and the primary battery may always be kept as full as possible or even be charged from the secondary battery at any time there is charge in the secondary battery. In case the central controlling computer determines charging of the primary battery in step 209, the method continues in step 204. In case the central controlling computer determines in step 209 that the secondary battery is to be charged, the method continues in step 210 with charging of the secondary battery. In case it is determined in step 211 that the secondary battery is fully charged, the method stops in step 212. In step 207, a relevant message is sent to the central controlling computer.

Fig. 11 A provides two general flow diagrams of an operating method for operating parts of the bicycle. The flow diagram starts in step 220 with a state in which the bicycle is switched on. In step 221, it is detected whether the external charger is inserted into the charge connector 5 of the bicycle. In case it is determined that the external charger is connected, the method returns to state 200 of fig. 9. In case it is determined in step 221 that the charger is not connected, the method continues in step 222 with determining whether the primary or secondary battery is inserted. In case it is determined that only the primary battery is inserted, the method continues in step 227 with switching on of the electrical system of the bicycle from the primary battery. A message to this effect is sent to the central controlling computer of the bicycle via a can bus message in step 224.

In case it is determined in step 222 that both batteries are connected to the bicycle, the central controlling computer decides further proceeding based on input of relevant settings, such as from store 225, such as charge settings, information is directed to the state of the charge of either battery, pedal torque and rotations per minute of the pedals and/or of the drive motor of the bicycle. In case the central controlling computer decides in step 226 that main power is to be taken from the secondary battery, the method proceeds in step 233 with drawing power from the secondary battery, following by sending a message to hundred and 24 to the central controlling computer. In case in step 226 it is determined that main power is not to be taken from the secondary battery, producing continues in step 228. In step 228, it is determined whether the primary battery requires charging. In case step 228 determines negatively, processing continues in step 227 with drawing power from the primary battery, and sending a subsequent message to the central controlling computer in step 224. In case it is determined in step 228 that the primary drive battery requires charging, the method proceeds in step 229 with charging the primary battery from the secondary battery. Thereafter, the system continues with step 230 drawing power from the primary battery and providing a message to the central processing unit in step 224.

Fig. 11 B provides an alternative operating flow diagram for operating of parts of the bicycle. The flow diagram starts in step 240 with a state in which the bicycle is switched on. In step 241, it is detected whether the external charger is inserted into the charge connector 5 of the bicycle. In case it is determined that the external charger is connected, the method returns to state 200 of fig. 9. In case it is determined in step 241 that the charger is not connected, the method continues in step 242 with determining whether the primary or secondary battery is inserted. In case itis determined that only the primary battery is inserted, the method continues in step during the 47 with switching on of the electric system of the bicycle from the primary battery. A message to this effect is sent to the central controlling computer of the bicycle via a can bus message in step 244.

In case it is determined in step 242 that both batteries are connected to the bicycle, the central controlling computer decides further proceeding based on input of relevant settings, such as from store 245, such as charge settings, information directed to the state of charge of either battery, pedal torque and rotations per minute of the pedals and/or the of the drive motor of the bicycle. In case the central controlling computer decides in step 246 that main power is to be taken from the secondary battery, the method proceeds in step 250 with drawing power from the secondary battery. In case the method determines in step 246 that main power is not to be taken from the secondary battery, proceeding continues in step 248. In step 248, it is determined whether the primary battery requires charging. In case it is negatively determined in step 248, there is that the battery does not require charging, processing proceeds in step 247 with drawing power from the primary battery. A subsequent message is sent to the central controlling computer in step 244. In case it is determined in step 248 that the primary battery requires charging, the method proceeds in step 249 with charging of the primary battery from the secondary battery. Upon completion of such charging either by filling the primary battery or by emptying the secondary battery, the method proceeds in step 247 with drawing power from the primary battery after which the method sends a respective message to the central controlling computer in step 244.

Fig. 12 provides a schematic representation of an operating method according to a further preferred simplified embodiment comprising an external charger 18, a control unit 16 and a battery 17, such as including a battery controlling management system. The method starts with state 401 in which the charger is disconnected, an output voltage is off, the detection pin is inactive and the can bus is switched off. In step 402, a plug of the external charger is inserted and detected and notified to the central controlling computer 14. In step 406, a can bus message is sent to the battery 17 instructing the battery to enter a charging mode. In step 408, the battery receives the can bus message to go into charge mode. During charging, a continuous exchange of messages with regard to a required charging voltage and current, such as maximum charging voltage and maximum current are sent to the control unit in step 414. In step 418, the control unit sends a message comprising an instruction to the charger to go into charger mode, preferably including requests regarding voltage to the charger to comply with the internal voltage of the battery. In step 420, the charger is powering the bicycle system with the charge current, preferably based on receiving the message from the control unit to go into charger mode with voltage output value and output current to match the battery. In step 424, the control unit closes a respective switch to switch charger voltage on battery charger. In step 426, the control unit sends can bus messages with the maximum charging voltage and current that | received from the battery to the external charger. Optionally, additional voltage offset, such as a higher voltage, is included in the charging voltage setting to compensate for system energy use during charging, such as by cables and transistors,. In step 428, the charger continues to receive respective messages requesting charging voltage and charging current. In step 430, the battery reaches a CV mode and sends a message requesting no further charge current and to keep the maximum charge voltage. In step 431, the control unit 16 receives the zero current request from the battery and the request to adjust the voltage 40 charger. In step 432, this message is forwarded to the external charger that receives the respective request, and adjusts the output of the external charger. In step 442, the charge is completed and the respective message requesting a zero charging current and voltage along with a charge complete indication is sent from the battery to the control unit. In step 443, the message is received and in step 444, the message is forwarded to the external charger for the purpose of the external charger to go into standby mode. With this, the charging is ended and the battery has been charged throughout the charging cycle at optimum charging parameters such as was sent to the external charger throughout charging. This provides minimum deterioration of the battery and a maximum charging speed with that.

Fig. 14 shows a general basic flow of an embodiment as to determining the basics of a primary shifting instruction and the basics of a secondary shifting instruction in combination. This flow is performed as long as the bike is in a status or scenario for regular riding. Performing of this flow is listed when the bike changes from the status or scenario for regular riding to another status or scenario. It is expressly clarified here that although this embodiment expresses a combination of primary and secondary shifting instructions, it is presently preferred that these instructions are provided by different processors of the bicycle based on different inputs, such as input from censors or input from settings, provided by the bicycle. The flow starts in step 41. In step 42, it is determined whether the speed of the bike exceeds a predetermined threshold relating to the gear the bicycle gear is presently in. This determination is a basic determination that is relevant for the indicated primary shifting instruction. In case it is determined in step 42 that the speed of the bike exceeds a predetermined threshold relating to the gear the bicycle gear is in, the method continues in step 43 with a determination as to whether the pedal torque is lower than a certain predetermined threshold value. In case it is determined in step 43 that the pedal torque is lower than the certain predetermined threshold value, a shifting instruction is assembled in step 46, the shifting instruction to be transferred to the shifting control unit 33 of the bicycle shifting device 3.

However, in case it is determined in step 43 death the pedal torque threshold is above the predetermined threshold value, the method returns to step 42.

In case it is determined in step 42 that the bike speed is slower than the threshold value relating to the gear the bicycle gear is in, the flow continues in step 44. In step 44, it is determined whether the bike speed is slower than a predetermined threshold value for the shifting relating to the gear the bicycle gear is in. lf it is determined in step 44 that the bike speed is not lower than the predetermined threshold value for the shifting relating to the gear the bicycle is in, the method returns to start or step 42.

In case it is determined in step 44 that the bike speed is lower than the predetermined threshold value relating to the gear the bicycle is in, the method continues in step 45. In step 45, it is determined, similarly to step 43, whether the pedal torque is below a certain predetermined threshold value. If this is not the case, the method returns to step 44 and shifting is omitted. If in step 45 it is determined that the pedal torque is below the predetermined threshold value, a shifting instruction to shift down is assembled in step 47, the shifting instruction to be transferred to the shifting control unit 33 of the bicycle shifting device 3.

As indicated in the above, the combination of steps 42 and 43 respectively 44 and 45 is indicated in this flow to provide an overview over the combination of primary and secondary shifting instructions. It is however preferred that a shifting instruction is assembled based on step 42 respectively step 44 alone, after which the primary shifting instruction is assembled by the respective processor, preferably the central controlling computer 14 of the bicycle.

Next to this assembling of the primary shifting instruction being assembled by the preferred processor of the bicycle, the secondary shifting restriction is determined and assembled by information obtained by monitoring of the torque sensor 15 of the bicycle. The torque sensor 15 of the bicycle is preferably arranged at the crank set or crank axle thereof of the bicycle. Measurements or signaling information from this torque sensor 15 are taken up by a processor that is arranged in a processing unit 16 that is arranged adjacent to the crank set of the bicycle. Processing of the signals from the torque sensor 15 by this processor in this further processing unit 16 is made on practical considerations that in this bicycle design such processing capacity is practically available at that location. Based on these considerations, it is advantageous to directly provide the secondary shifting instruction from this location such as from this processor.

In such embodiments, the primary shifting instruction and the secondary shifting instruction, from different sources. It is preferred that the primary shifting instruction is sent and received before the secondary shifting instruction is sent and received as the pedalling force can increase momentarily when the rider starts pedalling after having paused pedalling. However, as a preferred exception, if the rider has been pedalling steadily, a timing prognosis based on the cyclic nature of such study pedalling may be used in such a way that the shifting control unit can assume a pedalling force at a certain time interval based on a secondary shifting instruction that is sent and received before the primary shifting instruction. Such preferred exception may be valid for a time duration of for instance less than one cycle or for instance less than half a cycle of pedalling.

A further preferred consideration is that the electrical energy that is used as the source of electrical energy for the bicycle shifting device is formatted in this further processing unit 16. It is preferred that the shifting motor is provided with electrical power having a third voltage between a first voltage for the central controlling computer and connected subsystems and a second voltage for the drive motor.

This second voltage is preferably anywhere between 12 and 36 V, preferably about 24 V. Also an electric lock of the bicycle that is arranged at the other side of the wheel is provided from this electricity source with this voltage. Such intermediate voltage provides advantages of providing enough power for such bicycle shifting device and/or lock with a relatively low current.

Fig. 13 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of bicycle components and/or subsystems that are functional in the shifting of the gear of the bicycle. Of the bicycle shifting device 3, the shifting control unit 33, the shifting motor 2 and a first hall sensor 31 and a second hall sensor 32, both preferably 2D arranged, are shown.

Measuring signals of the first hall sensor 31 and the second hall sensor 32 are provided to the shifting control unit 33 for processing thereof for the purpose of providing input for assembling a control signal to control the shifting motor. The shifting module comprises a wired input 4 that is connected to a power in the data communication bus 4’ of the bicycle. This data communication bus is preferably embodied according to a CAN bus configuration and/or specification. In the shifting control unit 33 receives shifting instructions from out-side the bicycle shifting device that are embodied as primary shifting instructions and/or secondary shifting instructions. As indicated elsewhere in this description, the primary shifting restrictions may be received separately from the secondary shifting instructions.

The bicycle is controlled by a central controlling computer or central board computer controlling basically the whole of the operations of the bicycle that are con-trolled electronically. The bicycle comprises a bicycle motor with a bicycle motor control that is in communication with the central board computer in order to control the bicycle motor. As part of these communications, the bicycle motor 13 provides a continuous stream 51 com-prising bicycle speed information to the central controlling computer 14. Based on this bicycle speed information, and additional parameters such as comprising shifting conditions, the bicycle computer assembles shifting instructions 52 that are sent through this data communication bus 4’ to the shifting control unit 33 of the bicycle shifting device 3. In this embodiment, these instructions 52 are primary shifting instructions basically instructing the bicycle shifting device to perform shifting or shifting down of the gear of the bicycle. Such shifting instruction may comprise a double shifting instruction or a triple shifting instruction in case of very fast speed changes. Depending on torque signal relating considerations, and shifting speed of performing such shifting, the shifting control unit may perform such double or triple shifting instructions in one shifting operation or in separate shifting operations. An example thereof is that when a rider performs hard braking or a full stop, also pedalling stops and the pedalling force is not a consideration to perform for example a shifting from the highest gear to the lowest gear. Another example thereof is that when a rider starts a steep descent from a hill, the speed rises so quickly that an immediate double shifting up may be performed if the speed for a respective gear is reached momentarily.

The bicycle also comprises a further control unit 16 that is preferably used for providing a secondary shifting instruction according to this preferred embodiments.

To this end, the further control unit 16 is in communication with a torque sensor 15 that measures torque at the location of the crank axis of the bicycle. A continuous stream of torque signals is processed by a processor of the further control unit 16, which processor also assembles a secondary shifting instruction 53 that is sent to the shifting control unit 33 of the bicycle shifting device. The further control unit, as indicated elsewhere in this disclosure, also formats a power supply to the shifting control unit 33. To this end, the further control unit is connected to a main drive battery 19 of the bicycle to obtain its exemplary 48 V power supply and transform this to a 24 V power supply for the bicycle shifting device.

Fig. 15 provides an alternative embodiment for explaining preferred details of shifting of the bicycle gear. The central controlling computer 14 monitors 111 the speed of the bicycle by receiving speed information from the bicycle motor 13.

Furthermore, the main controlling computer 14 functions with information as to parameters relating to shifting decisions. Such information is preferably stored in a data store that is accessible by the central controlling computer such as a memory thereof. Such information has been indicated elsewhere in this document as input information determining at what speeds shifting towards what gears is to be determined. The communications between the several subsystems of the bicycle are performed via the otherwise indicated data communication bus, such as a can bus.

In step 112, it is determined at the central controlling computer 14 that the speed is higher than a threshold speed for the current gear. Based on this determination, a message 113 that the gear is to be shifted up one gear is sent to the shifting control unit 33 of the bicycle shifting device 3. Based on receipt of this message 113, the shifting control unit performs the determination that shifting upward by one gear is to be performed. The shifting control unit also performs the determination that this was the primary shifting instruction and that the secondary shifting instruction is not present, if this is the case. In parallel to the determination that a shifting is to be performed by the central controlling computer, the further processing unit 16 performs the determination whether the pedal torque is suitable for performing a shifting operation or the further processing unit performs the determination at what future timing the pedal torque will be suitable for shifting based on the nature of the cycle of the pedal torque as exerted to the pedal by the rider. The further processing unit 16 subsequently to such determination sends a respective message 115 to shifting control unit 33 via the data bus. This message serves the purpose of the secondary shifting instruction according to this embodiment.

Subsequent to receiving the message 115 by the shifting control unit 33 the shifting control unit per-forms the determination 116 that a shifting is to be performed as the pedal torque value is below the threshold value. As also the shifting instruction of message 113 had been received, the shifting control unit per-forms controlling 117 of the shifting motor by starting to provided with power. In parallel, the location sensor that is preferably embodied by the combination of 2 hall sensors monitors the displacement of the gear actuator, such as the rotation thereof in this embodiment. The location sensor 31, 32 provides its sensory data to the shifting control unit 33. Based on this sensory data it makes the determination in step 120 that providing power to the shifting motor is to be stopped at the appropriate time or displacement of the gear actuator. In step 121, the actuation of the shifting motor is stopped. In step 122, a message is sent via the data bus of the bicycle to the central controlling computer that the shifting is be performed and that the bicycle is in the gear that was indicated in the instruction message 113.

The above-described inventive concepts are illustrated by several illustrative embodiments. It is conceivable that individual inventive concepts, including inventive details, may be applied without, in so doing, also applying other details of the described example. It is not necessary to elaborate on examples of all conceivable combinations of the above-described inventive concepts, as a person skilled in the art will understand numerous inventive concepts can be (recombined in order to arrive at a specific application and/or alternative embodiment.

The ordinal numbers used in this document, like “first”, “second”, and “third” are used only for identification purposes. Hence, the use of expressions like a “second” component, does therefore not necessarily require the copresence of a “first” component. By "complementary" components is meant that these components are configured to co-act with each other. However, to this end, these components do not necessarily have to have complementary forms. The verb “comprise” and conjugations thereof used in this patent publication are understood to mean not only “comprise”, but are also understood to mean the phrases “contain”, “substantially consist of”, “formed by” and conjugations thereof. it will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the working examples shown and described herein, but that numerous variants are possible within the scope of the attached claims that will be obvious to a person skilled in the art.

The aesthetical appearance and de-sign of the working examples or details thereof, in particular as shown in the appended figures, is not technically determined, unless indicated otherwise, and is merely incorporate to demonstrate and clarify the inventive concept(s) described herein.

Hence, the aesthetical appearance of the depicted embodiments are matters of design choice and can be varied or eliminated as de-sired.

The owner of this patent document does moreover not disclaim any other rights that may be lawfully associated with the information disclosed in this document, including but not limited to, copyrights and designs as- sociated with, based upon, and/or derived from the appended figures.

Claims

Conclusions

1. Electric bicycle with a central control computer, such as a central on-board computer, for controlling at least one controllable subsystem of the bicycle, such as at least one light, a sound system, at least one drive motor, at least one drive battery, a gear device and/ or a security system, the security system preferably comprising a power on/off or an ignition function, the bicycle further comprising: o a control device, to perform at least one control function instead of the central control computer, the control device comprising: o at least one processor for performing processing functions, such as for controlling the at least one controllable subsystem, o at least one communications interface, configured to communicate via a communications system, such as comprising a data network, such as comprising a data bus, such as a communications transceiver comprising a primary communications interface configured to perform communications with the central control computer and at least one of the at least one controllable subsystem, the control device being controllable by the central control computer to perform the processing functions, the at least one control function including power distribution, sensor data processing and/or communication functions.

An electric bicycle according to claim 1 comprising at least one bridging configuration comprising a primary side and a secondary side, wherein part of the at least one controllable subsystem, indicated as at least one primary subsystem of the bicycle, is controlled on the primary side of the bridging configuration, and/or wherein a further part of the at least one controllable subsystem, referred to as at least one secondary subsystem of the bicycle, is controlled on the secondary side of the bridging configuration.

The electric bicycle of claim 1 or 2 wherein the at least one processor comprises a first processor configured to perform processing in the at least one primary subsystem.

An electric bicycle according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one processor comprises a second processor configured to perform processing in the at least one secondary subsystem.

5. Electric bicycle according to one or more of claims 2-4, wherein the at least one primary subsystem comprises at least one subsystem from the group comprising a torque sensor, an RPM sensor, an electrical switching device, an electric lock, a light, such as a rear light and/or front light, the central control computer, and a further control device of the bicycle.

6. Electric bicycle according to one or more of claims 2-5, wherein the at least one secondary subsystem comprises at least one subsystem from the group comprising a first battery, a second battery, a first battery management system, a second battery management system, and a mains connected external battery charger.

Electric bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device is configured to control the charging of the at least one drive battery, such as a primary drive battery and/or a secondary drive battery.

Electric bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device comprises at least one electric switching device for supplying a charging current to at least one of the at least one drive battery.

An electric bicycle according to any preceding claim wherein the control device is configured to control charging of a first of the at least one drive battery from a second of the at least one drive battery.

An electric bicycle according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one communication interface is configured to provide a data link, such as a data bus, between the control device and at least one subsystem of the at least one controllable subsystem, such as a network link, wherein the network link is preferably implemented as a CAN bus implementation.

Electric bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one power interface configured to exchange power with at least one of the at least one controllable subsystem.

An electric bicycle according to claim 11 wherein at least one of the at least one power interface is combined with the at least one communication interface, such as to provide a combined data and power connection.

13. Electric bicycle according to claim 11 or 12, wherein at least one of the at least one power interface is configured to provide drive power to at least one of the at least one drive motor, preferably via the central control computer, comprising for this purpose a power control module that is configured to control electrical power to the drive motor, and/or through a direct connection such as a wire to the drive motor.

The electric bicycle of claim 11, 12 or 13, wherein at least one of the at least one power interface is configured to provide switching power or shifting power to respective instances of the at least one controllable subsystem, such as an electric bicycle gear or a electric bicycle lock.

15. Electric bicycle according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising at least one secondary connector, preferably configured as a bicycle charging connector that can be connected to the external charger.

16. Electric bicycle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one communication interface comprises a primary communication interface, preferably arranged on the primary side of the bridging configuration, connected to at least one, preferably only, primary controllable subsystems of the bicycle of the at least one controllable subsystem of the bicycle.

17. Electric bicycle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one communication interface comprises a secondary communication interface, preferably arranged on the secondary side of the bridging configuration, connected to, preferably alone, at least one secondary connector or secondary controllable subsystem that is connectable to a respective at least one of the at least one secondary subsystem.

18. Electric bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims 2-17, wherein the bridging configuration provides a separation between the primary communication interface and the secondary communication interface.

19. Electric bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a detection module for detecting or connecting at least one of the at least one controllable subsystems to the control device, preferably to the secondary communication interface, such as the at least one secondary connector .

20. Electric bicycle according to claim 19, wherein the detection module is configured to communicate with the second processor to provide confirmation of connection of the at least one of the at least two controllable subsystems to the control device and/or a connection to the at least one least one secondary connector.

An electric bicycle according to any one of claims 2 to 20, wherein the bridging configuration and/or the second processor thereof is configured to provide a safety disconnection of the at least one secondary connector, such as providing a disconnection between the at least one secondary connector and parts of the control device comprising the external communication interface and/or the at least one processor, in particular the second processor.

An electric bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one electrical switching module configured to be controlled by the at least one control device or processor thereof to switch electrical power to and/or from at least one of the at least one controllable subsystem, preferably where the power corresponds to the power parameters of the charger, drive power parameters.

23. Electric bicycle according to claim 22, wherein the at least one electric switching module is configured to switch power from the external charging device to the at least one drive battery, preferably to the internal drive battery and/or the external drive battery, preferably with power parameters of the charger.

24. Electric bicycle according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the at least one electric switching module is configured to switch power from one drive battery to the other drive battery, preferably from the second battery to the first battery, further preferably for the external battery to the internal battery, preferably with charger power parameters.

An electric bicycle according to claim 24, wherein the power parameters of the switched power charger are provided by a transformer arranged on the second battery or external battery.

26. Electric bicycle according to claim 22, 23, 24 or 25, wherein the at least one electric switching module is configured to switch power, preferably at a drive power voltage, the central control computer and/or drive power circuits to the at least one drive motor thereof.

27. Electric bicycle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the central control computer comprises a power converter module for converting drive power to centrally controlling computer power, preferably comprising a second power converter for converting drive power or controlling computer power to processor power.

An electric bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one power converter configured to convert electrical power, preferably configured to convert electrical power from drive battery parameters to subsystem and/or processor parameters.

An electric bicycle according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one of the at least one subsystem is configured to operate at a predetermined intermediate power level and at least one of the at least one power converter is configured to convert power to parameters adapted to that intermediate power level, such as preferably at a level of 12 to 36 V, further preferably at a level of 18 to 30 V, such as preferably at a level of 24 V.

30. Electric bicycle according to the preceding claims 27-29, wherein at least one of the at least one power converter is configured to convert power to parameters adapted to the at least one processor, preferably the first and/or second processor , to serve.

31. Electric bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device, a respective battery management system of a battery and/or the central control computer is configured to communicate battery parameter information with the external battery charger, preferably via the at least one communication interface, at preferably via the secondary communication interface.

The electric bicycle of claim 31, wherein the external battery charger includes charging circuitry configured to adjust charging power parameters based on the battery parameter information.

An electric bicycle according to claim 31 or 32, wherein charge power can be switched to one of the at least one drive battery to adjust or optimize charge power parameters based on the battery parameter information of the switched to at least one drive battery.

An electric bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the at least one drive battery comprises charging circuits for charging another of the at least one drive battery.

An electric bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an external charger, preferably at least when connected to a secondary charging port of the bicycle that provides both power connections and data connections.

36. Electric bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of at least one heat-generating part, preferably arranged on a heat-generating part of the control unit, for providing temperature input for adjusting control parameters for controlling the respective at least one heat generating component.

The bicycle of any preceding claim, wherein the bicycle includes at least one wheel connected to the bicycle frame, the at least one electric motor configured to drive at least one wheel, and the at least one rechargeable battery is attached to and/or housed within the bicycle frame, the battery being connected directly or indirectly to the motor and to at least one bicycle control unit, such as the central control computer, configured to control power from the at least one battery to at least one wheel and wherein the bicycle preferably comprises a charging device electrically connected directly or indirectly to at least one battery and to at least one bicycle control unit, wherein the charging device comprises at least one charging port configured to cooperate with the external battery charger to transfer electrical energy from the external battery charger via the charging device to at least one battery, preferably wherein the charging device is formed by the external battery charger.

38. Bicycle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bicycle comprises foot pedals, wherein the pedals are directly or indirectly connected to a crankset of the bicycle for propelling the bicycle.

39. Bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bicycle is an electric bicycle that can be operated with a pedal.

40. Bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bicycle comprises at least one electric motor, preferably as the at least one drive motor, to drive at least one wheel of the bicycle.

A bicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bicycle comprises a pedal-operated man-powered system and an electric motor-driven system in parallel with at least one bicycle control unit configured to control the output of the electric motor which is actuated in response to a pedal pressing force from the man-powered system.

42. External charger for charging at least one propulsion battery of an electric bicycle, the external charger comprising: » transformer circuits configured to convert electrical power from mains parameters to propulsion battery charging parameters, + charging circuits to adapt charging parameters to battery parameters during charging, such as battery temperature, battery age, and/or current battery charge level, + at least one communications interface, such as a communications transceiver configured to communicate with a bicycle control device, a respective battery management system battery and/or a central control computer of the bicycle.

An external charger for charging at least one bicycle drive battery according to claim 42, wherein the at least one communication interface is configured to provide a data connection between the control device and at least one subsystem of the at least one controllable subsystem, such as a network connection, wherein the network connection is preferably designed as a CAN bus implementation.

An external charger according to claim 42 or 43, comprising a connector that includes both charging power circuits and communication interface circuits.