Method for controlling a frame lock of a vehicle

Abstract

The present application relates to a method for controlling a frame lock of a vehicle comprising an electric drive motor, a control unit for controlling the drive motor, and a frame lock attached to a frame of the vehicle, in which the frame lock has a closing hoop which can be brought manually by a user from an open position into a closed position, and an electrically actuatable locking element which can be moved manually by the user from the open position into the closed position. An electrically actuatable locking element locks both the closing hoops in an open position and a closed position and is movable by an electric actuator of the frame lock to an unlocked position that releases the closing hoops, where the actuator of the frame lock is connected to the control unit and receives an unlocking signal from the control unit for unlocking the closing hoops when the control unit is turned on or off. The locking element is moved to an unlocked position, thereby releasing the closed hoop.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a method for controlling a frame lock of a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] A frame lock for a vehicle comprises an electric drive motor, a control unit for controlling the drive motor and a frame lock attached to the frame of the vehicle, wherein the frame lock has a closing hoop and an electrically actuatable locking element, which can be brought manually from an open position into a closed position by a user, the electrically actuatable locking element locking the closing hoop in both the open position and the closed position and can be moved by an electric actuator of the frame lock into an unlocked position, thereby releasing the closing hoop.

[0003] Such a frame lock is generally known and is usually used for bicycles. It is also called a semi-automatic frame lock, because the release of the closing hoop is indeed automatic, in particular electrically, but the closing hoop itself must be brought manually from the open position into the closed position by the user. Conventionally, such a semi-automatic frame lock can be directly connected to a smartphone and can then be controlled by an app installed on the smartphone. Summary of the invention

[0004] The basic purpose of the present application is to provide a more user-friendly method for controlling a frame lock.

[0005] This object is achieved by a method for controlling a frame lock of a vehicle having the features of claim 1 and in particular wherein an actuator of the frame lock is connected to a control unit and receives an unlocking signal from the control unit for moving a locking element into an unlocking position when the control unit is opened or closed, thereby releasing the closing hoop.

[0006] In this context, a vehicle is understood to mean, for example, an electric two-wheeled vehicle, in particular an electric bicycle (e-bike), or a bicycle, an electric three-wheeled vehicle, an electric wheelchair, an electric four-wheeled vehicle, etc.

[0007] The idea according to the present application is to no longer directly connect the frame lock to the user's smartphone, but to connect the frame lock to the control unit of the vehicle, and control the frame lock by switching the control unit on or off. Therefore, it is possible to omit connecting the frame lock to the user's smartphone and controlling the frame lock via an application installed on the smartphone, thereby significantly increasing the convenience of using the frame lock, and thus significantly increasing the overall convenience of using the vehicle.

[0008] According to the present application, the control unit is a control unit for controlling the drive motor, i.e. the central control unit of the vehicle, which is also often referred to as an on-board computer. The control unit may be mounted on a handlebar of the vehicle so that the control unit can be easily operated by a user of the vehicle during travel and / or a display of the control unit is clearly visible during travel.

[0009] Advantageous further developments of the application can be seen from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the control unit can perform authentication of the user when switched on, and can only send an unlocking signal to the actuator of the frame lock if the user has been positively authenticated. This helps prevent unauthorized opening of the frame lock and thus improves anti-theft.

[0011] It is usually conceivable to connect the actuator of the frame lock to the control unit via a short-range wireless communication link. However, it is more economical and safer if the actuator of the frame lock is connected to the control unit in a wired manner.

[0012] According to another embodiment, the control unit can authenticate the actuator of the frame lock after switching on or off, and (a) can send an unlocking signal to the actuator of the frame lock in the case of a positive authentication, and / or (b) can output an error message to the user in the case of a negative authentication and in the case of the control unit disconnection, and can then be turned off. Due to the authentication of the actuator of the frame lock by the control unit, it is ensured that the actuator of the frame lock can only be controlled by the control unit associated with the frame lock, that is, only by the legitimate control unit. In this way, the actuator of the frame lock is prevented from being moved to the unlocking position to release the closed hoop in an unauthorized manner by a third-party control unit, and the anti-theft is further improved.

[0013] Therefore, the frame lock cannot be closed when the wheels of the vehicle are turning, the control unit may check the motion state of the vehicle with the control unit closed, and may send an unlocking signal to the actuator of the frame lock only when the vehicle is stationary.

[0014] For easier use, after receiving the unlocking signal, the actuator of the frame lock can move the locking element to the unlocking position, thereby releasing the closing hoop for a first predetermined time period, for example for a period of several tens of seconds, in particular 10 to 60 seconds, and preferably 10 to 30 seconds. In other words, the first predetermined time period defines a time window during which the user can move the closing hoop from the open position to the closed position after the control unit is switched off, or, if applicable, after the control unit is switched on, from the closed position to the open position.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the control unit can be connected to a sensor for detecting the open position and the closed position of the closing hoop, and (a) if the closing hoop is brought from the open position to the closed position within a first predetermined time period, the control unit can confirm the locking of the frame lock to the user and can then close, or (b) if the closing hoop is not brought from the open position to the closed position within the first predetermined time period, the control unit can output an error message to the user and can then close. The sensor can be, for example, a magnetic sensor.

[0016] Thus, the control unit may (a) confirm the opening of the frame lock to the user if the closing hoop is brought from the closed position into the open position within the first predetermined time period, or (b) output an error message to the user if the closing hoop is not brought from the closed position into the open position within the first predetermined time period.

[0017] To further increase the ease of use, the closing collar can be brought from the open position into the closed position against the spring force of the return spring. The return spring thus causes the frame lock to automatically spring open, i.e. the closing collar is in its open position as soon as the actuator of the frame lock receives an unlocking signal from the control unit and releases the closing collar. Therefore, only locking the frame lock requires the user to manually actuate the closing collar.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the control unit can be connected in particular in a wired manner to an electric actuator of a battery compartment lock of the vehicle, by means of which the battery compartment lock can be unlocked to enable the removal of a battery accommodated in the battery compartment. The battery can in particular be a battery for supplying electrical energy to the drive motor and is also referred to herein as a main battery. The battery is preferably rechargeable.

[0019] If a user wants to remove the battery from the battery compartment when the control unit is switched on, the control unit may, in response to a manual user input at the control unit, send an unlock signal to an actuator of the battery compartment lock for unlocking the battery compartment lock.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, in the case of switching off the control unit, the control unit can then automatically send an unlocking signal to the actuator of the battery compartment lock if the closing collar of the frame lock has previously been brought from the open position into the closed position. Thus, if the frame lock is already locked, it is also possible for the user to remove the battery when the control unit is disconnected. If the frame lock is supplied with electrical energy only via this battery, i.e. via the main battery, then by querying the position of the closing collar it is confirmed that the user has locked the frame lock before he can remove the battery. However, it is also conceivable that, in addition to the main battery, a separate lock frame battery is provided and that the lock frame can be actuated independently of the main battery.

[0021] Similar to the control of the frame lock, in order to avoid unauthorized removal of the battery, the control unit can authenticate the actuator of the battery chamber lock, and (a) in the case of positive authentication, can send an unlocking signal to the actuator of the battery chamber lock, and / or (b) in the case of negative authentication, and when the control unit is disconnected, can output an error message to the user and can then be shut down.

[0022] In addition, similar to the actuator of the frame lock, after receiving the unlocking signal, the actuator of the battery compartment lock can also unlock the battery compartment lock in a second predetermined time period, and the second predetermined time period is, for example, a time period of several tens of seconds, in particular, 10s to 60s, and preferably 10s to 30s. The first predetermined time period and the second predetermined time period may have the same length or different lengths.

[0023] Thus, the actuator of the battery compartment lock may automatically lock the battery compartment lock again after the second predetermined time period has passed and the battery has not been removed, and in the event that the control unit is disconnected, the control unit may be switched off.

[0024] Another object of the present application is to provide a vehicle comprising an electric drive motor, a control unit for controlling the drive motor, a frame and a frame lock attached to the frame, wherein the frame lock has a closing hoop and an electrically actuatable locking element, the closing hoop being manually brought from an open position into a closed position by a user, the electrically actuatable locking element locking the closing hoop in both the open position and the closed position, and being movable to an unlocked position by an electric actuator of the frame lock, thereby releasing the closing hoop, wherein the actuator of the frame lock is connected to the control unit, and wherein the control unit is configured such that, when switched on and off, the control unit sends corresponding unlocking signals to the actuator of the frame lock for moving the locking element to the unlocked position, thereby releasing the closing hoop. The above advantages can be achieved accordingly by means of the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The present application will be described below by way of example with reference to possible implementations and the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic representation of a bicycle with a drive motor, a control unit, a frame lock and a battery compartment lock is shown;

[0027] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Schematic representation of a frame lock showing different positions of the closed hoop with the frame lock;

[0028] Figure 3 A flow chart showing frame lock opening;

[0029] Figure 4 A flowchart showing frame lock locking; and

[0030] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A flow chart showing locking of the frame lock and opening of the battery compartment lock is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Figure 1 A bicycle is shown, more precisely an electric two-wheeled vehicle or cycle, such as an e-bike, which is equipped with an electric drive motor 10. In the present embodiment, the drive motor 10 is arranged in the region of the bottom bracket of the bicycle. However, it is also possible to attach the drive motor 10 to the front or rear wheel hub of the vehicle.

[0032] A control unit 12 including a display is provided for controlling the drive motor 10. At least the display, alternatively the entire control unit 12, is attached in the region of the handlebars 14 of the bicycle and can be removed by the user of the bicycle when leaving the bicycle.

[0033] The bicycle also has a frame lock 16 which is mounted at the rear wheel spoke of the bicycle and which is also controlled by the control unit 12 as described in more detail below.

[0034] Figure 2A The design of the frame lock 16 is schematically shown in FIG. The frame lock 16 has a closed hoop 11 configured as a circular hoop for engaging around the rear wheel. The closed hoop 11 has an open position engaging recess 13 and a closed position engaging recess 15, and a tension spring 17 that is directed toward the rear wheel. Figure 2A As long as the closing ring 11 is not locked, the closing ring 11 can be rotated toward the closed position in the closing direction 21 by the handle 19 against the preload.

[0035] According to this embodiment, a locking element 23 in the form of a latch 23 cooperates with the closing hoop 11 and is directed toward the closing hoop 11 by a compression spring 25. Figure 2A . The latch 23 has a central recess 27. In the region of the latch 23, a shaft 29 with an unlocking cam 31 engages in the central recess 27. In another longitudinal section, the shaft 29 has a switching cam 33. The front side of the shaft 29 is designed as an eccentrically arranged inclined surface in the form of a release nose 35. The release nose 35 cooperates with a blocking spring 37, which will be explained below.

[0036] An electric actuator 39 is provided as a drive device for the shaft 29, hereinafter referred to as the first actuator 39, in the present embodiment an electric motor, which preferably has an integrated or mounted gear (not shown) for speed reduction. A controller 41 is associated with the first actuator 39 and is connected on the input side to a contact switch 43, which cooperates with the switching cam 33 of the shaft 29. In addition, the controller 41 is connected to the control unit 12 in a wired manner via an electric wire 45, wherein the electric wire 45 is used not only to supply electric energy to the first actuator 39 and the controller 41, but also to send control signals.

[0037] Figure 2A The frame lock 16 shown is used to protect the bicycle against unauthorized use. For this purpose, the closing hoop 11 can be brought manually by the user of the bicycle, starting from the open position shown, into a closed position in which it engages in the intermediate space between two adjacent spokes of the rear wheel and thereby locks the rear wheel. The controller 41 is connected to a sensor, not shown, for example a magnetic sensor, which can be used to detect whether the closing hoop 11 is in its open position or in its closed position.

[0038] The closing collar 11 can be locked both in the open position shown and in the closed position described by means of the latch 23. For this purpose, the compression spring 25 pushes the latch 23 towards the closing collar 11. As soon as the shaft 29 together with the unlocking cam 31 releases the latch 23 for this purpose, the latch 23 thus contacts the upper side of the closing collar 11 or, if the two engagement recesses 13, 15 are at the level of the latch 23, the latch 23 engages in one of the two engagement recesses 13, 15. Figure 2A As shown, if the latch 23 is engaged in the open position engagement recess 13, the closing hoop 11 is fixed in the open position. However, if the latch 23 is engaged in the closed position engagement recess 15, this corresponds to the closed position of the closing hoop 11.

[0039] By rotating the axis 29, the latch 23 can be brought briefly into the unlocked position by the unlocking cam 31 in the unlocking direction 49 against the preload of the compression spring 25. In this unlocked position, the closing hoop 11 is freed for the rotational movement. Figure 2A Starting from the open position of the closure ring 11 , the user can move the closure ring 11 in the closing direction 21 by means of the handle 19 in order to finally move the closure ring 11 into the closed position already described. Figure 2B The frame lock is shown during such a movement of the closing ring 11 in the closing direction 21. If at this point in time the unlocking cam 31 of the shaft 29 has already released the latch 23 again and the compression spring 25 has thus pushed the latch 23 toward the closing ring 11 again, this has no effect on the further closing movement of the closing ring 11. Figure 2BAs shown, the latch 23 is only in contact with the upper side of the closing hoop 11 until the closed position engagement recess 15 is at the level of the latch 23. The latch 23 can then snap into the closed position engagement recess 15 to secure the closing hoop 11 in the closed position thus reached.

[0040] from Figure 2B The following characteristics of the frame lock 16 shown can also be seen in the figure: if the user does not complete the closing actuation during the closing movement of the closing hoop 11, that is, when the latch 23 is located between the open position engagement recess 13 and the closed position engagement recess 15, and the latch 23 does not thus enter into engagement with the closed position engagement recess 15, the tension spring 17 pulls the closing hoop 11 back into position. Figure 2A , wherein the latch 23 then snaps into the open position engagement recess 13 due to its preload (see Figure 2A ). The closing ring 11 is thereby secured against unauthorized or unintentional subsequent closing actuation. This also applies in the following cases: Figure 2A In the open position of the closing collar 11 shown, the latch 23 is briefly unlocked due to the closing command received from the control unit 12, but during this time interval the closing collar 11 is not rotated at all in the closing direction 21. In this case, the closing collar 11 is therefore held in the open position and the latch 23 immediately reengages in the open position engagement recess 13 as soon as it is released due to a corresponding rotational movement of the shaft 29.

[0041] Another feature of the frame lock 16 shown is the blocking spring 37. Figure 2A In the locked position shown, the blocking spring 37 engages behind the latch 23. This applies both to Figure 2A The open position shown also applies to the explained closed position of the closing ring 11. As long as the blocking spring 37 engages in this way behind the latch 23, the latch 23 is secured against unauthorized unlocking movements according to the so-called "hammering method". In order to release the latch 23 for an (authorized) movement in the unlocking direction 49, the blocking spring 37 is briefly pushed back against the preload exerted by it, so that the free end of the blocking spring 37 is disengaged from the latch 23 (see Figure 2B ). For this purpose, the release nose 35 of the shaft 29 engages at a forced guide surface of the blocking spring 37, which surrounds a blocking recess (not shown) of the blocking spring 37. However, once the release nose 35 engages in the blocking recess 53, the blocking spring 37, due to its preload, can engage behind the latch 23 in the manner explained (see Figure 2A ).

[0042] A rechargeable battery 18 is housed in a battery compartment 20 and formed at a seat tube 21 of a frame 22 of the vehicle, and is configured to provide power to the drive motor 10, the control unit 12, and the frame lock 16. Alternatively, the battery 18 and the battery compartment 20 may be integrated into a luggage rack 23 of the vehicle.

[0043] The battery 18 has a not shown power connection which enables the battery 18 to be charged directly on the bicycle. The battery 18 can also be removed from the battery compartment 20 for maintenance purposes or replacement purposes, or for charging away from the bicycle.

[0044] In order to prevent the battery 18 from being removed unauthorizedly and accidentally dropped from the battery chamber 20, a battery lock 24 is provided to secure the battery 18 in the battery chamber 20. In the present embodiment, the battery lock 24 is integrated into the battery chamber 20 and is configured such that once the battery 18 is inserted into the battery chamber 20, it automatically assumes a locked state, for example, wherein a latch (not shown) preloaded by a spring is latched into a latch recess of the battery 18 or the battery housing, or blocks a lever pivoted on the insertion of the battery 18. In this way, the battery 18 accommodated in the battery chamber 20 is normally secured by the locked battery lock 24.

[0045] Unlocking of the battery lock 24 is performed electrically and is likewise controlled by the control unit 12 , as described in more detail below.

[0046] For this purpose, the battery lock 24 comprises an electric actuator, not shown, and is wired to the control unit 11 via an electric wire, not shown, which is referred to below as the second actuator, by which the latch of the battery lock 24 can be at least temporarily brought into an unlocked position, thereby overcoming the restoring force of the spring to release the battery 18. For example, the second actuator can include an electric motor and an eccentric element connected between the electric motor and the latch. Alternatively, the second actuator can include an electromagnetic actuator; for example, the latch can be formed of a magnetic material and can form an armature surrounded by a coil.

[0047] Now refer to Figure 3 The process of unlocking the frame lock 16 is explained in detail. The initial state 100 herein is a locked frame lock 16 and a disconnected control unit 12.

[0048] In order to start the bicycle and open the frame lock 16, the user switches on the control unit 12 (110). After switching on, the control unit 12 checks the identity of the user (120), for example by a code entered by the user or by authenticating the user's mobile terminal device (e.g., the user's smartphone). Alternatively, the authentication can also be performed by remote control or by a removable part of the control unit 12, for example, by a display of the control unit 12.

[0049] If the user is not positively authenticated, the control unit 12 generates an error message (130), which can be displayed, for example, on a display (140) of the control unit 12. In this case, the frame lock 16 is not allowed to be opened, and the drive motor 10 of the bicycle is not started.

[0050] In the case of a positive authentication by the user, the control unit 12 then authenticates the frame lock 16 (150), more precisely the first actuator 39 of the frame lock 16. If the first actuator 39 is not positively authenticated, the control unit 12 generates an error message (130), which can be displayed, for example, on a display (140) of the control unit 12. In this case, opening of the frame lock 16 is not allowed, and the drive motor 10 of the bicycle is not started.

[0051] In case of positive authentication of the frame lock 16, the control unit 12 sends an unlocking signal to the first actuator 39 (160), and the first actuator 39 moves the latch 23 to the unlocking position, thereby releasing the closing hoop 11 (see Figure 2B ).

[0052] Then, the closed hoop 11 is pulled by the tension spring 17 to Figure 2A The open position (170) is shown, and the frame lock 16 is opened (180). The opening of the frame lock 16 is confirmed to the user by the control unit 12, for example, by outputting a corresponding message on a display of the control unit 12 (190).

[0053] If, on the other hand, the closing hoop 11 does not reach its open position, for example because the user holds the closing hoop 11 in the closed position or because the movement of the closing hoop 11 is blocked for another reason, such as a mechanical defect, the control unit 12 generates an error message (140), which can be displayed on a display of the control unit 12, for example, and the drive motor 10 of the bicycle is not started.

[0054] Now refer to Figure 4 The basic process of locking the frame lock 16 is explained in more detail. The initial state (200) herein is an open frame lock 16 and a control unit 12 switched on.

[0055] To safely park and leave the bicycle and lock the frame lock 16, the user disconnects the control unit 12 (210). Before shutting down, the control unit 12 first checks whether the bicycle is still moving (220), for example based on the rotation speed of at least one wheel.

[0056] If the control unit 12 detects that the bicycle is not stationary, the control unit 12 generates an error message (230), which may be displayed, for example, on a display of the control unit 12. The control unit 12 then closes without locking the frame lock 16 (240).

[0057] On the other hand, if the immobility of the bicycle is verified, the control unit 12 then authenticates the frame lock 16, more precisely the first actuator 39 of the frame lock 16 (250). If the first actuator 39 is not positively authenticated, the control unit 12 generates an error message (230), which can be displayed, for example, on a display of the control unit 12. The control unit 12 then closes without locking the frame lock 16 (240).

[0058] In case of a positive authentication of the frame lock 16, the control unit 12 sends an unlocking signal to the first actuator 39 (260), and the first actuator 39 moves the latch 23 to the unlocking position (270), thereby releasing the closed hoop for a first predetermined time period, for example for a period of several tens of seconds, in particular between 10 and 60 seconds, and preferably between 10 and 30 seconds (see Figure 2B During this first predetermined time period, the user can bring the closing ring 11 of the frame lock 16 into the closed position, ie lock the frame lock 16 .

[0059] During the first predetermined time period, the control unit 12 checks the closed state of the frame lock 16 through a sensor connected to the controller 41 ( 280 ).

[0060] If the first predetermined time period (290) has elapsed without the closing collar 11 being brought into the closed position, the closing collar 11 is locked again by the first actuator 39 (295) and the control unit 12 generates an error message, which can be displayed, for example, on a display (240) of the control unit 12. The control unit 12 then closes without locking the frame lock 16.

[0061] However, if the closing hoop 11 reaches its closed position before the predetermined time period has elapsed, the control unit 12 confirms the locking of the frame lock 16 to the user, for example by outputting a corresponding message on a display of the control unit 12. The control unit 12 is then closed (300).

[0062] Reference Figure 5A and Figure 5B , the control unit 12 also controls the battery compartment lock 24, such as in combination Figure 1 The situation described, the process of locking the frame lock 16 is now explained in more detail. The initial state 200 is again with the control unit 12 switched on, the frame lock 16 opened and the battery compartment lock 24 locked.

[0063] When the control unit 12 is turned on and the bicycle is stationary, the user can typically unlock the battery compartment lock 24 at any time by inputting a corresponding unlock command to the control unit 12, such as via a display of the control unit 12 or a designated switch (310).

[0064] Upon receiving such a command, the control unit 12 authenticates the battery compartment lock 24 (320), more precisely an actuator (second actuator) not shown of the battery compartment lock 24. If the second actuator is not positively authenticated, the control unit 12 generates an error message (330), which can be displayed, for example, on a display of the control unit 12 (340). The control unit 12 is then turned off without the battery compartment lock 24 being unlocked.

[0065] In the case of positive authentication of the battery compartment lock 24, the control unit 12 sends an unlocking signal (350) to the second actuator, and the second actuator unlocks the battery compartment lock 24 (360) for a second predetermined time period, for example, within a period of several tens of seconds, in particular between 10 seconds and 60 seconds, and preferably between 10 seconds and 30 seconds. During this second predetermined time period, the user can remove the battery from the battery compartment.

[0066] If the user removes the battery from the battery compartment (370), the control unit 12 loses its power supply and shuts down, while the frame lock 16 is not locked (380).

[0067] If the second predetermined time period passes (390) without the battery being removed from the battery compartment, the battery compartment lock 24 is again locked by the second actuator (400), and the control unit 12 is turned off without the frame lock 16 being locked (410).

[0068] If the user turns off the control unit 12 (210) to safely park and leave the bicycle, the control unit 12 first checks whether the bicycle is still moving (220), for example based on the rotation speed of at least one wheel, before turning off.

[0069] If the control unit 12 detects that the bicycle is not stationary, the control unit 12 generates an error message (230), which may be displayed, for example, on a display of the control unit 12 (240). The control unit 12 then closes without locking the frame lock 16.

[0070] On the other hand, if the immobility of the bicycle is verified, the control unit 12 then authenticates the frame lock 16 (250), more precisely the first actuator 39 of the frame lock 16. If the first actuator 39 is not positively authenticated, the control unit 12 generates an error message (230), which can be displayed, for example, on a display of the control unit 12 (240). The control unit 12 then closes the frame lock 16 without locking it.

[0071] In case of a positive authentication of the frame lock 16, the control unit 12 sends an unlocking signal to the first actuator 39 (260), and the first actuator 39 moves the latch 23 to the unlocking position (270), thereby releasing the closed hoop for a first predetermined time period, for example for a period of several tens of seconds, in particular between 10 and 60 seconds, and preferably between 10 and 30 seconds (see Figure 2B During this first predetermined time period, the user can bring the closing ring 11 of the frame lock 16 into the closed position, ie lock the frame lock 16 .

[0072] During the first predetermined time period, the control unit 12 checks the closed state of the frame lock 16 through a sensor connected to the controller 41 .

[0073] If the first predetermined time period (290) has elapsed without the closing collar 11 being brought into the closed position, the closing collar 11 is locked again by the first actuator 39 (295) and the control unit 12 generates an error message, which can be displayed, for example, on a display (240) of the control unit 12. The control unit 12 then closes without locking the frame lock 16.

[0074] On the other hand, if the closing ring 11 reaches its closed position before the predetermined time period has elapsed, i.e., if the frame lock 16 is closed in time, the control unit 12 authenticates the battery compartment lock 24 (320), more precisely the actuator (second actuator) of the battery compartment lock 24, as described above. If the second actuator is not positively authenticated, the control unit 12 generates an error message (330), which can be displayed, for example, on a display of the control unit 12 (340). The control unit 12 is then closed without the battery compartment lock 24 being unlocked, while the frame lock 16 is locked.

[0075] In the case of positive authentication of the battery compartment lock 24, the control unit 12 sends an unlocking signal (350) to the second actuator, and the second actuator unlocks the battery compartment lock 24 (360) within a second predetermined time period, for example within a period of several tens of seconds, in particular between 10 seconds and 60 seconds, and preferably between 10 seconds and 30 seconds. During this second predetermined time period, the user can remove the battery from the battery compartment.

[0076] If the user removes the battery from the battery compartment (370), the control unit 12 loses its energy supply and shuts down, while the frame lock 16 is locked (380).

[0077] If the second predetermined time period passes without the battery being removed from the battery compartment, the battery compartment lock 24 is locked again by the second actuator (400), and the control unit 12 is turned off while the frame lock 16 is locked (410).

[0078] Finally, it should be noted that the authentication of the stationary state of the bicycle (220) is an optional method step and can also be omitted. In this case, the control unit 12 will therefore directly execute step 250 when disconnected, i.e. authenticate the actuator 39 of the frame lock 16.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a frame lock (16) of a vehicle, the vehicle comprising an electric drive motor (10), a control unit (12) for controlling the drive motor (10) and a frame lock (16) attached to a frame (22) of the vehicle, wherein: The frame lock (16) comprises a closing ring (11) and an electrically actuatable locking element (23), the closing ring (11) being manually movable from an open position into a closed position by a user, the electrically actuatable locking element (23) locking the closing ring (11) in both the open position and the closed position and being movable to an unlocking position by a first electric actuator (39) so as to release the closing ring (11), It is characterized in that The actuator (39) of the frame lock (16) is connected to the control unit (12) and receives an unlocking signal from the control unit (12) for moving the locking element (23) to the unlocking position when the control unit (12) is turned on or off, thereby releasing the closed hoop (11).

2. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The control unit (12) performs authentication on the user when switched on and only sends an unlocking signal to the actuator (39) of the frame lock (16) if the user has been positively authenticated.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The control unit (12) authenticates the actuator (39) of the frame lock (16) after being switched on or off, and (a) in the case of positive authentication, sends the unlocking signal to the actuator (39) of the frame lock (16), and / or (b) in the case of negative authentication and when the control unit (12) is disconnected, outputs an error message to the user and then shuts down.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that In case the control unit (12) is disconnected, the control unit (12) checks the motion state of the vehicle and sends the unlocking signal to the actuator (39) of the frame lock only when the vehicle is stationary.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that After receiving the unlocking signal, the actuator (39) of the frame lock (16) moves the locking element (23) to the unlocking position, thereby releasing the closed hoop (11) for a first predetermined time period, for example, a period of several tens of seconds, in particular 10 to 60 seconds, and preferably 10 to 30 seconds.

6. The method according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The control unit (12) is connected to a sensor for detecting the open position and the closed position of the closing hoop (11), and the control unit (a) confirms the locking of the frame lock (16) to the user and then closes if the closing hoop (11) is brought from the open position to the closed position within the first predetermined time period, or (b) outputs an error message to the user and then closes if the closing hoop (11) is not brought from the open position to the closed position within the first predetermined time period.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, It is characterized in that The control unit (12) is connected to a sensor for detecting the open position and the closed position of the closing hoop (11), and (a) if the closing hoop (11) is brought from the closed position to the open position within the first predetermined time period, the control unit (12) confirms the opening of the frame lock (16) to the user, or (b) if the closing hoop (11) is not brought from the closed position to the open position within the first predetermined time period, the control unit (12) outputs an error message to the user.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The closing hoop (11) can be brought from the open position into the closed position against the spring force of a return spring (17).

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The control unit (12) is in particular connected in a wired manner to an electric actuator of a battery compartment lock (24), by means of which the battery compartment lock (24) can be unlocked to enable the removal of the battery (18) accommodated in the battery compartment (20).

10. The method according to claim 9, It is characterized in that The control unit (12) sends an unlock signal to the actuator of the battery compartment lock (24) for unlocking the battery compartment lock (24) in response to a manual user input at the control unit (12).

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, It is characterized in that In the event that the control unit (12) is disconnected, the control unit (12) automatically sends an unlocking signal to the actuator of the battery compartment lock (24) if the closing ring (11) of the frame lock (16) has previously been brought from the open position into the closed position.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, It is characterized in that The control unit (12) authenticates the actuator of the battery compartment lock (24) and (a) in the case of positive authentication, sends the unlocking signal to the actuator of the battery compartment lock (24), and / or (b) in the case of negative authentication and when the control unit (12) is disconnected, outputs an error message to the user and then shuts down.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, It is characterized in that After receiving the unlocking signal, the actuator of the battery compartment lock (24) unlocks the battery compartment lock (24) for a second predetermined time period, for example, a period of several tens of seconds, in particular 10s to 60s, and preferably 10s to 30s.

14. The method according to claim 13, It is characterized in that The actuator of the battery compartment lock (24) locks the battery compartment lock (24) again after the second predetermined time period has passed and the battery (18) has not been removed, and the control unit (12) is turned off when the control unit (12) is disconnected.

15. A vehicle comprising an electric drive motor (10), a control unit (12) for controlling the drive motor (10), a frame (22) and a frame lock (16) attached to the frame (22), wherein: The frame lock (16) comprises a closing ring (11) and an electrically actuatable locking element (23), the closing ring (11) being manually movable from an open position into a closed position by a user, the electrically actuatable locking element (23) locking the closing ring (11) in both the open position and the closed position and being movable to an unlocking position by an electric actuator (39) of the frame lock (16) so as to release the closing ring (11), It is characterized in that The actuator (39) of the frame lock (16) is connected to the control unit (12), and wherein the control unit (12) is configured such that when switched on and off, the control unit (12) sends a corresponding unlocking signal to the actuator (39) of the frame lock (16) for moving the locking element (23) to the unlocking position, thereby releasing the closed hoop (11).

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