Method for controlling a vehicle frame lock

Abstract

The invention 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, wherein the frame lock has a locking bar that can be manually moved by a user from an open position to a closed position and an electrically actuated locking element that locks the locking bar in both the open and closed positions and that can be moved by an electrical actuator of the frame lock into an unlocking position releasing the locking bar, wherein the actuator of the frame lock is connected to the control unit and receives an unlocking signal from the control unit to move the locking element into the unlocking position releasing the locking bar when the control unit is switched on or off.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for controlling a frame lock of a vehicle, which comprises an electric drive motor, a control unit for controlling the drive motor and a frame lock attached to a frame of the vehicle, wherein the frame lock has a locking bracket that can be moved manually by a user from an open position to a closed position and an electrically actuated locking element that locks the locking bracket both in the open position and in the closed position and that can be moved by an electrical actuator of the frame lock into an unlocking position that releases the locking bracket.

[0002] Such a frame lock is generally known and is typically used on bicycles. It is also referred to as a semi-automatic frame lock because, while the locking bar is released automatically, especially electrically, the locking bar itself must be manually moved from the open to the closed position by the user. Conventionally, such a semi-automatic frame lock can be directly connected to a smartphone and then controlled via an app installed on the smartphone.

[0003] The invention is based on the object of creating a more user-friendly method for controlling a frame lock.

[0004] The object is achieved by a method for controlling a frame lock of a vehicle with the features of claim 1 and in particular in that the actuator of the frame lock is connected to the control unit and receives an unlocking signal from the control unit for moving the locking element into the unlocking position releasing the striker when the control unit is switched on or off.

[0005] In this context, a vehicle is understood to mean, for example, an electric bicycle, in particular an e-bike or pedelec, an electric tricycle, an electric wheelchair, an electric quad or the like.

[0006] The inventive concept is to no longer connect the frame lock directly to a user's smartphone, but instead to connect it to the vehicle's control unit and control it by turning the control unit on or off. This eliminates the need to connect the frame lock to a user's smartphone and control the frame lock via an app installed on the smartphone, significantly increasing the ease of use of the frame lock and thus the vehicle as a whole.

[0007] According to the invention, the control unit is the control unit that serves to control the drive motor, i.e., the central control unit of the vehicle, often also referred to as the on-board computer. The control unit can be mounted on the handlebar of the vehicle so that the control unit is easily operable by the vehicle user while driving and / or a display of the control unit is clearly visible while driving.

[0008] Advantageous further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the description and the drawing.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the control unit can perform user authentication upon power-up and only send an unlocking signal to the frame lock actuator if the user has been positively authenticated. This helps prevent unauthorized opening of the frame lock and thus improves theft protection.

[0010] In principle, it is conceivable to connect the frame lock actuator to the control unit via a short-range wireless communication link. However, it is more cost-effective and secure if the frame lock actuator is connected to the control unit via a wired connection.

[0011] According to a further embodiment, the control unit can authenticate the frame lock actuator after switching on or off and (a) send the unlocking signal to the frame lock actuator if authentication is positive and / or (b) issue an error message to the user if authentication is negative and, if the control unit is switched off, then shut down. Authentication of the frame lock actuator by the control unit ensures that the frame lock actuator can only be controlled by a control unit assigned to it, i.e., a legitimate control unit. This prevents the frame lock actuator from being unauthorizedly moved into the unlocking position that releases the locking bracket by a third-party control unit, and further improves theft protection.

[0012] To prevent the frame lock from closing while the vehicle's wheels are turning, the control unit can check the vehicle's state of motion when the control unit is switched off and only send the unlocking signal to the frame lock actuator when the vehicle is stationary.

[0013] For even greater ease of use, the actuator of the frame lock can, after receiving the unlocking signal, move the locking element into the unlocking position releasing the locking bracket for a first predetermined period of time, for example for a period of up to several tens of seconds, in particular 10 s to 60 s and preferably 10 s to 30 s. In other words, the first predetermined period of time defines a time window during which the user can move the locking bracket from the open position to the closed position after switching off the control unit or, if applicable, from the closed position to the open position after switching on the control unit.

[0014] According to a further embodiment, the control unit can be connected to a sensor for detecting the open and closed positions of the locking bar and (a) confirming to the user that the frame lock has been closed and then shutting down if the locking bar has been moved from the open position to the closed position within the first predetermined time period, or (b) issuing an error message to the user and then shutting down if the locking bar has not been moved from the open position to the closed position within the first predetermined time period. The sensor can be, for example, a magnetic sensor.

[0015] Accordingly, the control unit can (a) confirm to the user that the frame lock has been opened if the striker has been moved from the closed position to the open position within the first predetermined time period, or (b) issue an error message to the user if the striker has not been moved from the closed position to the open position within the first predetermined time period.

[0016] To further increase ease of use, the locking bar can be moved from the open position to the closed position against the force of a return spring. The return spring causes the frame lock to spring open automatically, i.e., the locking bar assumes its open position as soon as the frame lock actuator receives an unlocking signal from the control unit and releases the locking bar. Manual operation of the locking bar by the user is therefore only required to close the frame lock.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, the control unit can be connected, in particular by wiring, to an electric actuator of a battery compartment lock of the vehicle, by which the battery compartment lock can be unlocked to enable removal of a battery accommodated in the battery compartment. This battery can, in particular, be the battery intended to supply the drive motor with electrical energy, which is also referred to here as the main battery. The battery is preferably rechargeable.

[0018] If the user wishes to remove the battery from the battery compartment while the control unit is switched on, the control unit can send an unlocking signal to the battery compartment lock actuator in response to a manual user input on the control unit.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, if the control unit is switched off, the control unit can automatically send an unlocking signal to the actuator of the battery compartment lock if the locking bracket of the frame lock has previously been moved from the open position to the closed position. If the frame lock has been locked, the user still has the option of removing the battery even if the control unit is switched off. If the frame lock is supplied with electrical energy exclusively by this battery, i.e. the main battery, querying the position of the locking bracket ensures that the user closes the frame lock before removing the battery. It is also conceivable, however, that in addition to the main battery, a separate frame lock battery is provided, which enables the frame lock to be operated independently of the main battery.

[0020] Similar to the control of the frame lock, in order to prevent unauthorized removal of the battery, the control unit can authenticate the actuator of the battery compartment lock and (a) in case of positive authentication, send the unlocking signal to the actuator of the battery compartment lock and / or (b) in case of negative authentication, issue an error message to the user and, if the control unit is switched off, then shut down.

[0021] Furthermore, similar to the actuator of the frame lock, the actuator of the battery compartment lock can also unlock the battery compartment lock for a second predetermined period of time after receiving the unlocking signal, for example for a period of up to several tens of seconds, in particular 10 s to 60 s and preferably 10 s to 30 s. The first and second predetermined periods of time can be the same or different.

[0022] Accordingly, the actuator of the battery compartment lock can automatically lock the battery compartment lock again after the second predetermined time period has elapsed and the battery is not removed and shut down the control unit if the control unit is switched off.

[0023] Another subject of the invention is a vehicle with 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 locking bar that can be moved manually by a user from an open position to a closed position and an electrically actuated locking element that locks the locking bar both in the open position and in the closed position and that can be moved by an electrical actuator of the frame lock into an unlocking position that releases the locking bar, 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 it sends an unlocking signal to the actuator of the frame lock for moving the locking element into the unlocking position that releases the locking bar.This vehicle allows the advantages mentioned above to be achieved accordingly.

[0024] The invention is described below purely by way of example using possible embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a bicycle with a drive motor, a control unit, a frame lock and a battery compartment lock; Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B schematic representations of the frame lock with different positions of a locking bracket of the frame lock; Fig. 3 a flow chart of opening the frame lock; Fig. 4 a flow diagram of closing the frame lock; Fig. 5 a flow chart of closing the frame lock and opening the battery compartment lock.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle, more specifically an electric bicycle, such as an e-bike or a pedelec, equipped with an electric drive motor 10. In the present embodiment, the drive motor 10 is arranged in the area of ​​a bottom bracket of the bicycle. However, it is also possible to mount the drive motor 10 on a front wheel hub or a rear wheel hub of the vehicle.

[0026] A control unit 12 with a display is provided to control the drive motor 10. At least the display, or alternatively the entire control unit 12, is mounted in the area of ​​a handlebar 14 of the bicycle and can be removed by a bicycle user when leaving the bicycle.

[0027] The bicycle also has a frame lock 16 mounted on the rear wheel stays of the bicycle, which is also controlled by the control unit 12, as described in more detail below.

[0028] The structure of the frame lock 16 is in Fig. 2A is shown schematically. The frame lock 16 has a locking bracket 11 designed as a round bracket for gripping the rear wheel. The locking bracket 11 has an open position engagement recess 13 and a closed position engagement recess 15, and is urged by a tension spring 17 in the direction of a Fig. 2A. As long as the locking bracket 11 is not locked, it can be rotated by means of a handle 19 against the preload along a closing direction 21 toward a closed position.

[0029] A locking element 23 cooperates with the locking bracket 11, according to this embodiment in the form of a bolt 23, which is urged by a compression spring 25 in the direction of a Fig. 2A. The latch 23 has a central recess 27. A shaft 29 engages in this recess, which has an unlocking cam 31 in the area of ​​the latch 23. At 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 lug 35. This interacts with a blocking spring 37, as will be explained below.

[0030] An electric actuator 39, hereinafter referred to as the first actuator 39, is provided as the drive device for the shaft 29. In the present exemplary embodiment, this is an electric motor, which preferably has an integrated or attached gear for a slow-speed transmission (not shown). A controller 41 is assigned to the first actuator 39, which is connected on the input side to a contact switch 43 that interacts with the switching cam 33 of the shaft 29. Furthermore, the controller 41 is wired to the control unit 12 via an electrical line 45, wherein the electrical line 45 serves not only to supply the first actuator 39 and controller 41 with electrical energy but also to transmit control signals.

[0031] The Fig. The frame lock 16 shown in Figure 2A serves to secure the bicycle against unauthorized use. For this purpose, the locking bar 11 can be manually moved by the bicycle user from the open position shown into a closed position, in which the locking bar 11 engages in a space between two adjacent spokes of the rear wheel, thereby locking the rear wheel. The controller 41 is connected to a sensor (not shown), e.g., a magnetic sensor, which can be used to detect whether the locking bar 11 is in its open or closed position.

[0032] The locking bracket 11 can be locked both in the open position shown and in the closed position mentioned by means of the bolt 23. For this purpose, the compression spring 25 urges the bolt 23 towards the locking bracket 11. As long as the shaft 29 with the unlocking cam 31 releases the bolt 23 for this purpose, the bolt 23 rests against the upper side of the locking bracket 11 or engages in one of the two engagement recesses 13, 15 if these are located at the level of the bolt 23. When the bolt 23 engages in the open position engagement recess 13, the locking bracket 11 is secured in the open position, as shown in Fig. 2A. If, however, the bolt 23 engages in the closed position engagement recess 15, this corresponds to the aforementioned closed position of the striker 11.

[0033] By rotating the shaft 29, the bolt 23 can be briefly moved into an unlocking position by means of the unlocking cam 31 along an unlocking direction 49 against the pretension by the compression spring 25. In this unlocking position, the locking bracket 11 is released for a rotational movement. In particular, the user can, starting from the open position according to Fig. 2A move the locking bracket 11 by means of the handle 19 along the closing direction 21 in order to ultimately transfer the locking bracket 11 into the closed position already explained. Fig. 2B shows the frame lock during such a movement of the locking bracket 11 in the closing direction 21. If at this time the unlocking cam 31 of the shaft 29 already releases the bolt 23 and the compression spring 25 thus pushes the bolt 23 again in the direction of the locking bracket 11, this does not affect the further closing movement of the locking bracket 11. As in Fig. 2B, the bolt 23 rests against the upper side of the striker 11 only until the closed position engagement recess 15 is at the level of the bolt 23. The bolt 23 can then snap into the closed position engagement recess 15 to secure the striker 11 in the thus achieved closed position.

[0034] Out of Fig. 2B also shows the following property of the frame lock 16 shown: If the user does not complete the locking operation during the closing movement of the locking bracket 11 - i.e. while the bolt 23 is located between the open position engagement recess 13 and the closed position engagement recess 15 - and the bolt 23 therefore does not engage with the closed position engagement recess 15, the tension spring 17 pulls the locking bracket 11 back into the Fig. 2A, whereby the bolt 23 then snaps into the open position engagement recess 13 due to its pre-tension (cf. Fig. 2A). The locking bracket 11 is thereby secured against unauthorized or unintentional subsequent locking. The same applies in the event that Fig. 2A, the bolt 23 is briefly unlocked as a result of a closing command received from the control unit 12, but the bolt 11 is not rotated at all in the closing direction 21 during this time interval. In this case, the bolt 11 remains in the open position, and the bolt 23 immediately re-engages in the open position engagement recess 13 as soon as the bolt 23 has been released for this purpose due to a corresponding rotational movement of the shaft 29.

[0035] Another special feature of the frame lock 16 shown is the blocking spring 37. As long as the bolt 23 is - as in Fig. 1A - is in the locking position, the blocking spring 37 engages behind the bolt 23. This applies to both the Fig. 2A as well as for the described closed position of the locking bracket 11. As long as the blocking spring 37 engages behind the bolt 23 in this way, the bolt is secured against unauthorized unlocking movement according to the so-called "hammer blow method." In order to release the bolt 23 for an (authorized) movement in the unlocking direction 49, the blocking spring 37 is briefly pushed back against the preload exerted by it in order to disengage the free end of the blocking spring 37 from the bolt 23 (see FIG. Fig. 2B). For this purpose, the release lug 35 of the shaft 29 engages a positive guide surface of the blocking spring 37, which surrounds a blocking recess of the blocking spring 37 (not shown). However, as soon as the release lug 35 engages in the blocking recess 53, the blocking spring 37 can engage behind the bolt 23 in the manner explained due to its pretension (cf. Fig. 2A).

[0036] To supply electrical energy to the drive motor 10, the control unit 12, and the frame lock 16, a rechargeable battery 18 is provided, which is housed in a battery compartment 20 formed on a seat tube 21 of a frame 22 of the vehicle. Alternatively, it is possible to integrate the battery 18 and the battery compartment 20 into a luggage rack 23 of the vehicle.

[0037] The battery 18 has a power connector (not shown) that allows charging of the battery 18 directly on the bicycle. Furthermore, the battery 18 can be removed from the battery compartment 20 for maintenance or replacement purposes, or for charging away from the bicycle.

[0038] To prevent unauthorized removal and accidental falling out of the battery 18 from the battery compartment 20, a battery lock 24 is provided, which secures the battery 18 in the battery compartment 20. In the present exemplary embodiment, the battery lock 24 is integrated into the battery compartment 20 and designed such that it automatically assumes a locked state as soon as the battery 18 is inserted into the battery compartment 20, for example by a latch (not shown) preloaded by a spring engaging a locking recess in the battery 18 or a battery housing or blocking a lever pivoted upon insertion of the battery 18. In this way, the battery 18 accommodated in the battery compartment 20 is normally secured by the locked battery lock 24.

[0039] The battery lock 24 is unlocked electrically and is also controlled by the control unit 12, as described in more detail below.

[0040] For this purpose, the battery lock 24 comprises an electrical actuator, hereinafter referred to as the second actuator, which is wired to the control unit 11 via an electrical line (not shown). This actuator can be used to move the bolt of the battery lock 24, at least temporarily, against the restoring force of the spring, into an unlocked position that releases the battery 18. For example, the second actuator can comprise an electric motor and an eccentric connected between the electric motor and the bolt. Alternatively, the second actuator can comprise an electromagnetic actuator; for example, the bolt can be made of a magnetic material and form an armature surrounded by a coil.

[0041] Based on Fig. 3, the process of unlocking the frame lock 16 is explained in more detail. The initial situation 100 is a locked frame lock 16 and a switched-off control unit 12.

[0042] To start up the bicycle and open the frame lock 16, the user switches on the control unit 12 (110). After switching on, the control unit 12 verifies the user's identity (120), for example, using a code entered by the user or by authenticating a mobile device of the user, e.g., their smartphone. Alternatively, authentication can also be performed via a remote control or a removable part of the control unit 12, e.g., via the display of the control unit 12.

[0043] If the user is not positively authenticated, the control unit 12 generates an error message (130), which can be displayed, for example, on the display of the control unit 12 (140). In this case, opening of the frame lock 16 is not permitted, and the bicycle's drive motor 10 is also not activated.

[0044] If the user's authentication is positive, the control unit 12 next authenticates the frame lock 16 (150), more specifically, 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 the display of the control unit 12 (140). In this case, opening the frame lock 16 is not permitted, and the bicycle's drive motor 10 is also not activated.

[0045] If the frame lock 16 is authenticated positively, the control unit 12 sends an unlocking signal to the first actuator 39 (160), and the first actuator 39 moves the bolt 23 into the unlocking position releasing the locking bracket 11 (cf. Fig. 2B).

[0046] The tension spring 17 then moves the locking bracket 11 into the Fig. 2A is pulled (170) 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 (190), e.g., by displaying a corresponding message on the display of the control unit 12.

[0047] However, if the locking bracket 11 does not reach its open position, for example because the user holds the locking bracket 11 in the closed position or because a movement of the locking bracket 11 is blocked for another reason, e.g. a mechanical defect, the control unit 12 generates an error message (140), which can be displayed, for example, on the display of the control unit 12, and the drive motor 10 of the bicycle is not activated.

[0048] Based on Fig. 4, the basic process of locking the frame lock 16 is explained in more detail. The initial situation (200) is an open frame lock 16 and a switched-on control unit 12.

[0049] To securely park and leave the bicycle and lock the frame lock 16, the user switches off the control unit 12 (210). Before shutting down, the control unit 12 first checks whether the bicycle is still moving, for example, based on the speed of at least one wheel (220).

[0050] If the control unit 12 detects that the bicycle is not stationary, the control unit 12 generates an error message (230), which can be displayed, for example, on the display of the control unit 12. The control unit 12 then lowers without the frame lock 16 being locked (240).

[0051] If, however, the bicycle's stationary state is verified, the control unit 12 next authenticates the frame lock 16, more specifically 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 the display of the control unit 12. The control unit 12 then shuts down without the frame lock 16 being locked (240).

[0052] Upon 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 bolt 23 into the unlocking position (270) releasing the locking bracket for a first predetermined period of time, for example for a period of up to several tens of seconds, in particular 10 s to 60 s and preferably 10 s to 30 s (cf. Fig. 2B). During this first predetermined period, the user can move the locking bar 11 of the frame lock 16 into the closed position, i.e., close the frame lock 16.

[0053] During the first predetermined period of time, the control unit 12 checks the closed state of the frame lock 16 (280) using the sensor connected to the controller 41.

[0054] If the first predetermined time period elapses (290) without the locking bracket 11 being moved into the closed position, the locking bracket 11 is relocked by the first actuator 39 (295), and the control unit 12 generates an error message, which can be displayed, for example, on the display of the control unit 12 (240). The control unit 12 then lowers without the frame lock 16 being closed.

[0055] However, if the locking bracket 11 reaches its closed position before the expiry of the predetermined time period, the control unit 12 confirms to the user that the frame lock 16 has been closed, e.g. by outputting a corresponding message on the display of the control unit 12. The control unit 12 then moves down (300).

[0056] Based on Fig. 5, the process of locking the frame lock 16 is explained in more detail in the event that the control unit 12 is connected to the Fig. 1 also controls the battery compartment lock 24. Initial situation 200 is again a switched-on control unit 12, an open frame lock 16, and a locked battery compartment lock 24.

[0057] In principle, when the control unit 12 is switched on and the bicycle is stationary, the user can unlock the battery compartment lock 24 at any time by entering a corresponding unlocking command into the control unit 12 (310), e.g. via the display or a designated switch of the control unit 12.

[0058] Upon receiving such a command, the control unit 12 authenticates the battery compartment lock 24 (320), more precisely the actuator of the battery compartment lock 24 (second actuator) (not shown). If the second actuator is not positively authenticated, the control unit 12 generates an error message (330), which can be displayed, for example, on the display of the control unit 12 (340). The control unit 12 then shuts down without the battery compartment lock 24 being unlocked.

[0059] Upon positive authentication of the battery compartment lock 24, the control unit 12 sends an unlocking signal to the second actuator (350), and the second actuator unlocks the battery compartment lock 24 for a second predetermined period of time (360), for example for a period of up to several tens of seconds, in particular 10 s to 60 s and preferably 10 s to 30 s. During this second predetermined period of time, the user can remove the battery from the battery compartment.

[0060] If the user removes the battery from the battery compartment (370), the control unit 12 loses its power supply and goes out without the frame lock 16 being closed (380).

[0061] If the second predetermined time period elapses (390) 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 moves down without the frame lock 16 being closed (410).

[0062] If the user switches 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) before shutting down, for example based on the speed of at least one wheel.

[0063] If the control unit 12 detects that the bicycle is not stationary, the control unit 12 generates an error message (230), which can be displayed, for example, on the display of the control unit 12 (240). The control unit 12 then lowers without the frame lock 16 being closed.

[0064] If, however, the bicycle's standstill is verified, the control unit 12 next authenticates the frame lock 16 (250), more specifically, 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 the display of the control unit 12 (240). The control unit 12 then shuts down without the frame lock 16 being closed.

[0065] Upon 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 bolt 23 into the unlocking position (270) releasing the locking bracket for a first predetermined period of time, for example for a period of up to several tens of seconds, in particular 10 s to 60 s and preferably 10 s to 30 s (cf. Fig.2B). During this first predetermined period of time, the user can move the locking bar 11 of the frame lock 16 into the closed position, i.e., close the frame lock 16.

[0066] During the first predetermined period of time, the control unit 12 checks the locking state of the frame lock 16 using the sensor connected to the controller 41.

[0067] If the first predetermined time period elapses (290) without the locking bracket 11 being moved into the closed position, the locking bracket 11 is relocked by the first actuator 39 (295), and the control unit 12 generates an error message, which can be displayed, for example, on the display of the control unit 12 (240). The control unit 12 then lowers without the frame lock 16 being closed.

[0068] However, if the locking bar 11 reaches its closed position before the predetermined time period has elapsed, i.e., the frame lock 16 is closed in time, the control unit 12 authenticates the battery compartment lock 24 (320), more precisely the actuator of the battery compartment lock 24 (second actuator), 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 the display of the control unit 12 (340). The control unit 12 then shuts down without the battery compartment lock 24 being unlocked, while the frame lock 16 remains closed.

[0069] Upon positive authentication of the battery compartment lock 24, the control unit 12 sends an unlocking signal to the second actuator (350), and the second actuator unlocks the battery compartment lock 24 for a second predetermined period of time (360), for example for a period of up to several tens of seconds, in particular 10 s to 60 s and preferably 10 s to 30 s. During this second predetermined period of time, the user can remove the battery from the battery compartment.

[0070] If the user removes the battery from the battery compartment (370), the control unit 12 loses its power supply and switches off, while the frame lock 16 is closed (380).

[0071] If the second predetermined time period elapses 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 moves down while the frame lock 16 is closed (410).

[0072] Finally, it should be noted that the verification of the bicycle's standstill (220) is an optional process step that can also be omitted. In this case, the control unit 12 would directly perform step 250 upon power off, i.e., authenticate the actuator 39 of the frame lock 16.

Claims

[1] Method for controlling a frame lock (16) of a vehicle, which comprises 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) has a locking bracket (11) that can be moved manually by a user from an open position to a closed position and an electrically actuated locking element (23) that locks the locking bracket (11) both in the open position and in the closed position and that can be moved by a first electrical actuator (39) into an unlocking position that releases the locking bracket (11), characterized bythat 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) into the unlocking position releasing the locking bracket (11) when the control unit (12) is switched on or off. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the control unit (12) carries out an authentication of 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] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the control unit (12) authenticates the actuator (39) of the frame lock (16) after switching on or off and (a) sends the unlocking signal to the actuator (39) of the frame lock (16) in case of positive authentication and / or (b) outputs an error message to the user in case of negative authentication and, in the event of the control unit (12) being switched off, then shuts down. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control unit (12) checks the state of movement of the vehicle in the event of the control unit (12) being switched off and sends the unlocking signal to the actuator (39) of the frame lock only when the vehicle is stationary. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the actuator (39) of the frame lock (16), after receiving the unlocking signal, moves the locking element (23) into the unlocking position releasing the locking bracket (11) for a first predetermined period of time, for example for a period of up to several tens of seconds, in particular 10 s to 60 s and preferably 10 s to 30 s. [6] Method according to claim 5, characterized bythat the control unit (12) is connected to a sensor for detecting the open position and closed position of the locking bracket (11) and the control unit (a) confirms to the user that the frame lock (16) has been closed and then shuts down if the locking bracket (11) has been moved from the open position to the closed position within the first predetermined period of time, or (b) issues an error message to the user and then shuts down if the locking bracket (11) has not been moved from the open position to the closed position within the first predetermined period of time. [7] Method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized bythat the control unit (12) is connected to a sensor for detecting the open position and closed position of the locking bracket (11) and the control unit (12) (a) confirms to the user an opening of the frame lock (16) if the locking bracket (11) has been moved from the closed position to the open position within the first predetermined period of time, or (b) issues an error message to the user if the locking bracket (11) has not been moved from the closed position to the open position within the first predetermined period of time. [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking bracket (11) can be brought from the open position into the closed position against the spring force of a return spring (17). [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the control unit (12) is connected, in particular connected by wire, to an electrical actuator of a battery compartment lock (24), by means of which the battery compartment lock (24) can be unlocked in order to enable removal of a battery (18) accommodated in the battery compartment (20). [10] Method according to claim 9, characterized by that the control unit (12) sends an unlocking signal to the actuator of the battery compartment lock (24) in response to a manual user input on the control unit (12). [11] Method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by that the control unit (12) automatically sends an unlocking signal to the actuator of the battery compartment lock (24) in the event of the control unit (12) being switched off, if the locking bracket (11) of the frame lock (16) has previously been moved from the open position to the closed position. [12] Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by that the control unit (12) authenticates the actuator of the battery compartment lock (24) and (a) in case of positive authentication sends the unlocking signal to the actuator of the battery compartment lock (24) and / or (b) in case of negative authentication issues an error message to the user and, in case of switching off the control unit (12), then shuts down. [13] Method according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized by that the actuator of the battery compartment lock (24) unlocks the battery compartment lock (24) after receiving the unlocking signal for a second predetermined period of time, for example for a period of up to several tens of seconds, in particular 10 s to 60 s and preferably 10 s to 30 s. [14] Method according to claim 13, characterized bythat the actuator of the battery compartment lock (24) locks the battery compartment lock (24) again after the second predetermined time period has elapsed and the battery (18) has not been removed and the control unit (12) shuts down if the control unit (12) is switched off. [15] Vehicle with 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) has a locking bar (11) that can be manually moved by a user from an open position to a closed position and an electrically actuated locking element (23) that locks the locking bar (11) both in the open position and in the closed position and that can be moved by an electrical actuator (39) of the frame lock (16) into an unlocking position that releases the locking bar (11), characterized bythat the actuator of the frame lock (16) is connected to the control unit (12) and that the control unit (12) is configured such that when switched on and off it sends an unlocking signal to the actuator (39) of the frame lock (16) for moving the locking element (23) into the unlocking position releasing the locking bracket (11).

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