Method for operating a lock system for a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for operating a lock system (50) for a vehicle (100), in particular for a bicycle, preferably for an electric bicycle, - wherein the lock system (50) comprises a vehicle system (10), - wherein the vehicle system (10) is part of the vehicle (100) and has a control unit (1) and a digital key component (13), - wherein the digital key component (13) is designed to lock and / or unlock a bicycle component, in particular a battery (109) and / or a drive unit (105), - wherein the digital key component (13) is designed to be connectable to the vehicle system (10), - wherein the lock system (50) further comprises at least one first mechanical lock (21) formed separately from the vehicle (100), and - wherein the method (30) comprises the steps of: - determining (33) a connection state of the digital key component (13) to the vehicle system (10), and - actuating (34) the first mechanical lock (21) and unlocking the bicycle component on the basis of a transmission of key information depending on the connection state of the digital key component (13).

Description

[0001] R.414222

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Description

[0004] title

[0005] Method for operating a locking system for a vehicle

[0006] State of the art

[0007] The present invention relates to a method for operating a locking system for a vehicle, a locking system for a vehicle, and a vehicle.

[0008] Locking systems for vehicles, such as bicycles, are well-known and can include various types of locks. For example, mechanical locks, such as frame locks, can be used to secure the bicycle's wheels or to lock the bicycle to infrastructure or similar structures. Furthermore, electronic locks are common, particularly on e-bikes, which prevent the operation of the e-bike's electrical components. For instance, this can prevent the e-bike's drive unit from operating when locked. Typically, all locks are operated separately.

[0009] Disclosure of the invention

[0010] The method according to the invention, with the features of claim 1, is characterized in that a locking system for a vehicle can be operated in a particularly simple and efficient manner. In particular, a wide variety of locks can be operated together, thus offering a particularly high level of user convenience. It is especially advantageous that a wide variety of locks can be combined, such as, in particular, vehicle-specific locks and third-party locks. This is achieved according to the invention by a method for operating a locking system for a vehicle, in particular for a bicycle, preferably for an e-bike. The locking system comprises R.414222

[0011] - 2 -

[0012] A vehicle system, which is part of the vehicle and includes a control unit and a digital key component. The digital key component is designed to lock and / or unlock a bicycle component, in particular a battery and / or a drive unit. The digital key component is designed to be connectable to the vehicle system, in particular electrically and / or mechanically. The locking system further comprises at least one first mechanical lock designed separately from the vehicle. The method comprises the following steps:

[0013] - Determining the connection status of the digital key component with the vehicle system, and

[0014] - Actuation of the first mechanical lock and, preferably simultaneously, unlocking of the bicycle component based on a transmission of key information depending on the connection status of the digital key component.

[0015] A digital key component can preferably be a device that can be detachably connected to the vehicle, such as preferably a user interface, in particular a bicycle display. The digital key component can be designed to be replaceable and / or detachable from the vehicle. Alternatively, and preferably, a user device belonging to a user of the vehicle can be considered the digital key component, which can preferably be mechanically and / or electrically connected to the vehicle. Alternatively, and preferably, a wireless connection to the locking system or the vehicle can be established.

[0016] In other words, a method is provided that can simultaneously actuate at least two different types of locks within the locking system. Actuation occurs depending on the connection status of a digital key component with the vehicle system. Specifically, one of the various locks can be considered a digital lock, which is, in particular, part of the digital key component. The digital lock can lock and / or unlock a bicycle component, preferably a battery and / or a drive unit. Preferably, when the battery or drive unit is locked, operation of this bicycle component is specifically prevented. This means, for example, that the supply of electrical current via the battery is specifically prevented.In particular, in the case of the drive unit, an electrical power supply and / or the generation of motor torque is specifically prevented. R.414222.

[0017] - 3 -

[0018] The process involves determining the connection status of the digital key component with the vehicle system. This is done, for example, based on the detection of the status of an electrical and / or mechanical connection and / or a wireless connection. Locking and unlocking the first mechanical lock and the bicycle component by the digital key component then occurs depending on the determined connection status.

[0019] This method offers the advantage that automatic locking and unlocking of bicycle components, or even the entire vehicle, can be achieved with a single, singular action. For example, locking a mechanical lock and bicycle component can be accomplished by removing the digital key component from the vehicle system. Unlocking can be achieved by connecting the digital key component to the vehicle system. This makes locking and unlocking particularly simple and efficient. In particular, it eliminates the need for multiple separate keys for different locks, as only the digital key component is required. Furthermore, the locking system can be easily and efficiently expanded to include additional locks, each of which can be operated with the single locking or unlocking action.In particular, this allows third-party locks to be integrated into the lock system to a particularly advantageous degree, enabling simple and efficient operation with a particularly high level of user comfort.

[0020] The dependent claims contain preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0021] Preferably, the procedure also includes the following steps:

[0022] - Exchange of identification information between the control unit and the first mechanical lock during the initial commissioning of the locking system, and

[0023] - Generating the key information based on the exchanged identification information.

[0024] Preferably, the key information is generated using an external provider system, in particular a cloud. Preferably, the external provider system is connectable to the locking system via an internet connection. R.414222

[0025] - 4 -

[0026] Preferably, after the key information is generated, it is stored in the digital key component. In other words, during the initial commissioning of the locking system, a connection is established between the first mechanical lock and the control unit to exchange identification information. Preferably, this identification information comprises a unique, individual identifier for the lock and / or control unit. Based on this, the key information is generated, enabling locking and unlocking. This allows for the integration of various locks, especially third-party locks, into the locking system in a particularly simple and efficient manner. Furthermore, it enables highly secure key information generation and secure operation of the locking system.For example, the key information can also be stored on the external provider's system in order to be able to regenerate and / or save it in the event of later loss or defect of components of the lock system.

[0027] Preferably, determining the connection status includes detecting a disconnected state of the digital component from the vehicle system, for example, based on an electrical and / or mechanical connection and / or a wireless connection. Actuating the first mechanical lock includes locking the first mechanical lock upon detection of the disconnected state. In particular, the bicycle component is also locked upon detection of the disconnected state. That is, if, preferably by means of the control unit, it is detected that the digital key component is disconnected or removed from the vehicle system, the first mechanical lock and the bicycle component are automatically locked. This allows the locking process of the locking system to be carried out in a particularly simple and reliable manner.For example, the blocking process is fully automatic, without requiring any user input.

[0028] Preferably, determining the connection state includes detecting a connected state of the digital key component with the vehicle system, particularly based on an electrical and / or mechanical connection and / or a wireless connection. Actuating the first mechanical lock includes releasing, i.e., unlocking. R.414222

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[0030] The first mechanical lock is activated upon detecting its disconnected state. In particular, this also results in the release, or unlocking, of the bicycle component. This means that when it is detected, for example by the control unit, that the digital key component is connected to the vehicle system, all locks are automatically unlocked. This enables particularly simple and efficient operation of the locking system with a high level of user convenience.

[0031] Preferably, the connection status of the digital key component is determined each time the vehicle system is activated, and preferably also each time it is deactivated. This means that the connection status is checked every time the vehicle system is started up, for example, from a switched-off state. Preferably, the connection status of the digital key component is also checked during, and especially immediately before, the deactivation (i.e., switching off) of the vehicle system. If necessary, the corresponding action is then taken, i.e., locking or unlocking the locks. This ensures with particular reliability that all locks are automatically unlocked immediately upon starting the vehicle system, provided the digital key component is connected.In addition, the connection status is checked when switching off, so that, for example, if a key component is removed, all locks are reliably locked.

[0032] The operation of the first mechanical lock, i.e., locking and / or unlocking, is particularly preferred, achieved by transmitting the key information via the control unit and / or the digital key component. This means the key information acts directly as a key capable of locking and unlocking the first mechanical lock. This is accomplished by the control unit and / or the digital key component. This enables a particularly simple and efficient operation of the locking system.

[0033] It is further preferred that the connection status of the digital key component be determined based on the state of a mechanical and / or electrical interface and / or a wireless connection between the digital key component and the vehicle system. AlsR.414222

[0034] - 6 -

[0035] The system specifically detects whether the system is connected or disconnected. This allows for a particularly simple and effective verification of the connection status as a criterion for locking or unlocking.

[0036] Preferably, the vehicle system further comprises at least one second lock. The second lock is preferably designed as a mechanical lock. Alternatively or additionally preferably, the second lock is designed as an electronic lock. The second lock is configured to lock at least one component of the vehicle and / or to secure the vehicle to an infrastructure element and / or to secure a component of the vehicle to an infrastructure element. Alternatively preferably, the vehicle and / or component can also be secured to another object, such as securing the component to another component of the vehicle, in particular so that relative movement is blocked. In the locked state, the second lock blocks the component of the vehicle system and / or prevents the operation of the component and / or prevents the vehicle from moving.The method further includes the step of actuating the second lock. Specifically, the second lock is actuated analogously to the first mechanical lock, preferably depending on the determined connection status of the digital key component. This allows for a particularly simple, efficient, and convenient expansion of the locking system by one or more additional locks.

[0037] Preferably, the second lock is operated analogously to the first mechanical lock. That is, when the first mechanical lock is locked, the second lock is also locked simultaneously. Conversely, when the first mechanical lock is unlocked, the second lock is unlocked at the same time. This enables particularly simple automatic operation of the locking system, which requires no additional manual locking or unlocking actions for other locks.

[0038] Preferably, the second lock includes a frame lock and / or a motor control and / or a battery lock. A frame lock is considered to be, in particular, a mechanical lock designed to secure a bicycle.

[0039] - 7 -

[0040] The wheel is fixed to the vehicle's frame, that is, to block any relative rotation of the wheel to the frame. Motor control refers specifically to a software function that can selectively prevent and enable the operation of the drive unit. A battery lock refers specifically to a mechanical lock that can lock and unlock the removal of a vehicle battery.

[0041] Preferably, the key information is transmitted via a wireless connection and / or a wired connection. Preferably, the transmission is cryptographically secured. In particular, the wired connection can be a CAN connection. This allows for simple and reliable secure transmission of the key information.

[0042] Preferably, when generating the key information, a symmetrical key and / or an asymmetrical key is generated and exchanged. The generated key is then preferably stored. This enables a particularly secure operating mode of the locking system in a simple and efficient manner.

[0043] The digital key component is preferably a device that can be mounted on the vehicle, preferably a user interface, which is particularly detachable, and / or an application for a user device. This enables particularly flexible, simple and user-friendly operation of the locking system.

[0044] Furthermore, the invention leads to a locking system for a vehicle, in particular for a bicycle, preferably for an e-bike, comprising a vehicle system which is part of the vehicle and which has a digital key component. The digital key component is configured for locking and / or unlocking a bicycle component, in particular a battery and / or a drive unit, of the vehicle. The digital key component is also designed to be detachably connected to the vehicle system, preferably by means of a wireless connection and / or by means of a cable connection. The locking system further comprises at least one first mechanical lock designed separately from the vehicle, and a control unit, wel-R.414222

[0045] - 8 -

[0046] before it is set up to carry out the described procedure for operating the locking system. Preferably, the control unit is part of the vehicle system, and in particular integrated into the vehicle.

[0047] Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a bicycle, preferably an electric bicycle, comprising the described locking system.

[0048] Brief description of the drawings

[0049] An embodiment of the invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawing shows:

[0050] Figure 1 shows a highly simplified schematic view of an electric bicycle with a locking system, in which a method for operating the locking system is carried out according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0051] Figure 2 shows a highly simplified schematic view of signal flows of the lock system of the preferred embodiment, and

[0052] Figure 3 shows a highly simplified schematic view of the preferred embodiment of the method.

[0053] Embodiments of the invention

[0054] Preferably, all identical components, elements and / or units in all figures are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0055] Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic view of an electric bicycle 100, which includes a locking system 50, in which a method 30 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is carried out. Figure 2 shows a highly simplified schematic view of the locking system 50 with signal flows. Figure 3 further shows a highly simplified schematic view of the method 30 according to the invention. R.414222

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[0057] The electric bicycle 100 comprises a drive unit 105 with a motor, which is specifically an electric motor. The motor can be supplied with electrical energy by means of an electrical energy storage device 109 of the electric bicycle 100. The motor torque generated by the motor can provide motor assistance to the pedaling force generated by the rider of the electric bicycle 100. The rider's muscle power can be applied via a crank mechanism with cranks.

[0058] The electric bicycle 100 comprises a control unit 1. Preferably, the control unit 1 is configured to operate the drive unit 105 in a controlled manner, for the controlled generation of the motor torque.

[0059] The lock system 50 includes a vehicle system 10, which is part of the electric bicycle 100.

[0060] Separately from the vehicle system 10, a first mechanical lock 21 is provided, which is preferably part of an external system 20. The external system 20 with the first mechanical lock 21 is preferably also part of the lock system 50.

[0061] The vehicle system 10 comprises the control unit 1 of the electric bicycle 100 and a digital key component 13. The digital key component 13 is a user interface, which in particular has a detachable display that can be releasably attached to the handlebars of the electric bicycle 100. Specifically, the digital key component 13 can be connected to the electric bicycle 100, and thus also to the vehicle system 10, by means of a mechanical and electrical interface 13a.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, a user device 15, such as a smartphone, can preferably be provided as a digital key component 13. The user device 15 can be connected to and communicate with the vehicle system 10, in particular with the control unit 1, via a wireless connection 13b.

[0063] The digital key component 13 is designed to lock and unlock at least one bicycle component. Specifically, the digital key component 13 is designed to lock and unlock the battery 109 and R.414222.

[0064] - 10 -

[0065] the drive unit 105. In particular, the locking mechanism is designed to prevent the operation of both battery 109 and drive unit 105 in a controlled manner. Thus, no power supply or motor assistance is possible when the unit is locked.

[0066] The locking and unlocking of the bicycle components is carried out by transmitting a key information, in particular digital, from the digital key component 13 to the vehicle system 10, in particular to the control unit 1.

[0067] The transmission of the key information from the digital key component 13 preferably occurs via a cryptographically secured cable connection, in particular a CAN connection, in the case of the user interface. Alternatively or additionally preferably, the transmission of the key information from the digital key component 13 can also occur via a wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth connection.

[0068] Preferably, the transmission of the key information from the digital key component 13 to the user device 15 takes place via a cryptographically secured wireless connection 13b.

[0069] The first mechanical lock 21 is designed to mechanically prevent the operation and / or theft of the electric bicycle 100 or of components of the electric bicycle 100. In particular, the first mechanical lock 21 is designed to fix a wheel 110 of the electric bicycle 100 to the frame of the electric bicycle 100 and / or to fix the frame of the electric bicycle 100 to an infrastructure element or similar. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first mechanical lock 21 is designed as a U-lock.

[0070] The first mechanical lock 21 is particularly preferred as a third-party lock, i.e., manufactured by a different manufacturer than the electric bicycle 100 and / or the vehicle system 10.

[0071] In particular, the first mechanical lock 21 is designed to also receive key information based on the received R.414222

[0072] - 11 -

[0073] Key information, preferably to be controlled, locked or unlocked. Preferably, the key information is transmitted via the control unit 1 (see Figure 2).

[0074] Additionally, the vehicle system can include 10 further second locks 11, by means of which components of the electric bicycle 100 can be locked and / or fixed.

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the second locks 11 are a frame lock 11a, a motor control unit 11b, a battery lock 11c, and hub locks 108. The second locks 11 are each installed on the electric bicycle 100. When locked, the frame lock 11a prevents the rear wheel 110 from rotating relative to the frame of the electric bicycle 100. When locked, the motor control unit 11b prevents the drive unit 105 from operating. When locked, the battery lock 11c prevents the battery 109 from being removed from the electric bicycle 100. The hub locks 108 also prevent the wheels 110 from rotating when locked.

[0076] The procedure 30 allows for a particularly simple, efficient and safe operation of the locking system 50, whereby locking and unlocking actions take place reliably and are combined for all locks.

[0077] Method 30 is described below with reference to Figure 3.

[0078] In procedure 30, during the initial commissioning of the lock system 50, an exchange 31 of identification information takes place between the control unit 1 and the first mechanical lock 21. In addition, identification information can be exchanged between the control unit 1 and all other locks 11.

[0079] The exchanged identification information is transmitted to an external provider system 40, which is in particular a cloud. Preferably, the transmission takes place as shown in Figure 2 via the user device 15, and in particular via the internet. Alternatively or additionally, preferably, the identification information can also be transmitted via another internet-enabled interface.

[0080] - 12 -

[0081] be transmitted, such as by a mobile phone module installed on the electric bicycle 100.

[0082] Subsequently, the key information is generated based on the exchanged identification information using the external provider system.

[0083] The external provider system 40 can then transmit the generated key information, preferably via the user device 15, to the vehicle system 10, in particular to the control unit 1.

[0084] The key information is stored in particular on the control unit 1 and / or on all locks 11, 21.

[0085] When operating the lock system 50 and the electric bicycle 100, a connection state of the digital key component 13 with the vehicle system 10 is determined 33.

[0086] The determination of the connection status 33 takes place with each activation and each deactivation of the vehicle system 10, that is, in particular, every time the electric bicycle 100 is put into operation and switched off.

[0087] Based on the connection status of the digital key component 13, the first mechanical lock 31 is then actuated 34 and the bicycle component is locked or unlocked by means of the digital key component 13.

[0088] In detail, determining the connection state 33 includes detecting 33a a disconnected state of the digital key component with the vehicle system 10. Upon detecting 33a the disconnected state, actuating 34 of the first mechanical lock 21 results in locking 34a of the first mechanical lock 21 and locking 36a of the bicycle component by means of the digital key component 13. That is, when it has been detected that the digital key component 13 is disconnected from the R.414222

[0089] - 13 -

[0090] When vehicle system 10 is removed or is removed, a locking action of the first mechanical lock 21 and simultaneously of the bicycle component is carried out.

[0091] Furthermore, when determining the connection state 33, a connected state of the digital key component 13 with the vehicle system 10 can be detected 33b. In this case, when actuating 34, the first mechanical lock 21 is released 34b and the bicycle component is simultaneously unlocked 36b by means of the digital key component 13. That is, if it is detected that the digital key component 13 is connected or is being connected to the vehicle system 10, then all locks are released in response.

[0092] Analogous to the actuation 34 of the first mechanical lock 21 and the bicycle component, actuation 35 of all second locks 11 is carried out. In detail, a locking 35a or an unlocking 35b of the second mechanical locks 11 is carried out in an analogous manner.

[0093] Method 30 thus offers the advantage that the digital key component 13, or alternatively preferably the user device 15, is the only element required and sufficient to lock and unlock several locks simultaneously. Advantageously, locks of different designs and from different manufacturers can be combined. This allows for a system and method offering exceptional user convenience, simple and efficient operation, and high security.

Claims

R.414222 - 14 - Claims 1. Method for operating a locking system (50) for a vehicle (100), in particular for a bicycle, preferably for an electric bicycle, - wherein the locking system (50) comprises a vehicle system (10), - wherein the vehicle system (10) is part of the vehicle (100) and comprises a control unit (1) and a digital key component (13), - wherein the digital key component (13) is configured to lock and / or unlock a bicycle component, in particular a battery (109) and / or a drive unit (105), - wherein the digital key component (13) is designed to be connectable to the vehicle system (10), - wherein the locking system (50) further comprises at least one first mechanical lock (21) designed separately from the vehicle (100), and - wherein the procedure (30) comprises the steps: Determine (33) a connection state of the digital key component (13) with the vehicle system (10), and Actuation (34) of the first mechanical lock (21) and unlocking of the bicycle component based on a transmission of key information depending on the connection state of the digital key component (13).

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: Exchange (31) of identification information between the control unit (1) and the first mechanical lock (21) during the initial commissioning of the lock system (50), and Generating (32) the key information based on the exchanged identification information, in particular by means of an external provider system (40), and preferably storing (32a) the generated key information in the digital key component (13).

3. Method according to any of the preceding claims, R.414222 - 15 - wherein determining (33) the connection state includes detecting (33a) a disconnected state of the digital key component (13) with the vehicle system (10), and wherein the actuation (34) of the first mechanical lock (21) includes a locking (34a) of the first mechanical lock (21) in response to the detection (33a) of the unconnected state.

4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein determining (33) the connection state includes detecting (33b) a connected state of the digital key component (13) with the vehicle system (10), and wherein the actuation (34) of the first mechanical lock (21) includes a release (34b) of the first mechanical lock (21) in response to the detection (33b) of the connected state.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the determination (33) of the connection state of the digital key component (13) is carried out at each activation, and preferably at each deactivation, of the vehicle system (10).

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuation (34) of the first mechanical lock (21) is carried out by transmitting the key information by means of the control unit (1) and / or by means of the digital key component (13).

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the determination (33) of the connection state of the digital key component (13) is carried out based on a state of a mechanical and / or electrical interface (13a) and / or a wireless connection (13b) between the digital key component (13) and the vehicle system (10).

8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle system (10) further comprises at least a second lock (11), R.414222 - 16 - wherein the second lock (11) is designed to lock at least one component of the vehicle (100) and / or to fix the vehicle (100) and / or a component of the vehicle (100) to an infrastructure element, wherein the second lock (11) in the locked state mechanically blocks the component of the vehicle system (10) and / or prevents operation of the component, and the procedure further includes the step: actuating (35) the second lock (11).

9. Method according to claim 8, wherein the actuation (35) of the second lock (11) is carried out analogously to the actuation (34) of the first mechanical lock (21).

10. Method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the second lock (11) comprises a frame lock (11a) and / or a motor control (11b) and / or a battery lock (11c).

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission of the key information is carried out by means of a wireless connection, in particular a cryptographically secured connection, and / or by means of a cable connection, in particular a CAN connection.

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in generating (32) the key information a symmetric key and / or an asymmetric key is generated and exchanged, and in particular stored.

13. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the digital key component (13) is a device mountable on the vehicle (100) and / or an application of a user device (15).

14. Locking system for a vehicle (100), in particular for a bicycle, preferably for an electric bicycle, comprising: a vehicle system (10) which is part of the vehicle (100) and which has a digital key component (13), R.414222 - 17 - wherein the digital key component (13) is configured to lock and / or unlock a bicycle component, in particular a battery (109) and / or a drive unit (105), wherein the digital key component (13) is designed to be connectable to the vehicle system (10), at least one first mechanical lock (21) designed separately from the vehicle (100), and a control unit (1) which is configured to carry out the method (30) according to any of the preceding claims.

15. Vehicle, in particular bicycle, preferably electric bicycle, comprising a locking system (50) according to claim 14.

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