FIELD AND BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastening latch for a battery of a personal vehicle like, e.g., a motorized bicycle, E bike, E scooter, E roller or a go-kart; particularly to an attachment latch for the battery of an electric vehicle, e.g. an E-scooter.

[0002] Typically, the battery is detachably connected to the vehicle by a connector comprising a plug, i.e. male connector, and a socket, i.e. female connector, that provide an electrical connection between the battery and the vehicle (motor, sensors, indicators, lamp, electronics etc.). The plug or socket may be located on a front side of the battery. In addition, a battery lock that engages with the battery at a certain distance from the connector holds the battery in place to prevent its unauthorized disconnection and removal.

[0003] Corresponding batteries consist of several battery elements for sufficient output power and are therefore quite heavy, they reach a weight of at least 3 kg, typically 5-6 kg.

Considering the respective maximum speed of the vehicle, an uneven ground, obstacles such as curbs and steps, as well as reliably functioning brakes, the battery, its lock, and connector may be exposed to significant vibrations and impacts.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] In view of the above, an attachment latch for the battery, i.e. a battery attachment latch is proposed, which is disposed adjacent to the battery lock, e.g. fastened to the frame or integrated with the frame, e.g., similarly to the battery lock.

[0005] Particularly, according to an embodiment a battery attachment latch for a battery of an electrical vehicle is suggested. The battery attachment latch comprises: a mounting bracket; a cranked leaf comprising a compression element and a battery contact surface; and a torsion spring; wherein in a first state of the battery attachment latch without a physical contact of the battery to the battery contact surface the compression element is expanded or relaxed; and in a second state of the battery attachment latch comprising the physical contact of the battery to the battery contact surface the compression element is in a compressed state, thereby restricting a movement of the battery with respect to the battery attachment latch in at least one spatial direction; wherein the torsion spring causes a transition from the second state of the battery attachment latch to the first state of the battery attachment latch upon a release or detachment of the battery from the battery contact surface.

[0006] According to an embodiment a system comprising a battery, a battery lock and the battery attachment latch is proposed. The battery of said system typically comprises a latch receiving release slot having a catch comprising a tongue.

[0007] According to an embodiment an electrical vehicle energized by a battery, having a frame, and said attachment latch is suggested, wherein the battery attachment latch is configured to be fixed to at least one of the frame and the battery lock.

[0008] Advantageously, the battery attachment latch allows the heavy battery to be secured against acceleration forces, centrifugal forces and impact pulses occurring during typical phases of a ride of the vehicle. Particularly, the battery attachment latch allows reducing mechanical loads to which connector elements, the battery lock, and corresponding structures of the battery housing are exposed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the remainder of the description, including reference to the accompanying figures.

[0010] Figure 1A shows the battery attachment latch and all corresponding elements thereof according to an embodiment. Figure IB shows different projections of this embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 shows a first state, i.e. a “ready for battery receiving” state of the battery attachment latch according to an embodiment. [0012] Figure 3 shows a second state of the battery attachment latch according to an embodiment with the battery attached.

[0013] Figure 4A shows the system comprising a battery, a battery lock and the battery attachment latch as implemented in a bike. Figure 4B is a vertical cut across said system with a frame component (dotted line).

[0014] Figs. 5 and 6 show the battery attachment latch in its first and second states, respectively.

[0015] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying figures, which form a part hereof, and in which specific embodiments and features of the invention are shown by way of illustration. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The use of the word "a" or "an" when used in conjunction with the term "comprising" in the claims and/or the specification may mean "one," but it is also consistent with the meaning of "one or more," "at least one," and "one or more than one."

[0017] The use of the term "or" in the claims is used to mean "and/or" unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and "and/or."

[0018] As used in this specification (above and below) and claims, the words "comprising" (and any form of comprising, such as "comprise" and "comprises"), "having" (and any form of having, such as "have" and "has"), "including" (and any form of including, such as "includes" and "include") or "containing" (and any form of containing, such as "contains" and "contain") are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0019] The technical object of the described embodiments is to provide a battery attachment latch for reliably attaching a battery to a vehicle. It is another objective to provide means which can be combined with a battery lock disposed on or within a tube of the vehicle frame. Further, it is an objective to protect the battery attachment latch from unauthorized manipulation while the battery is connected to the vehicle and locked by the battery lock.

[0020] According to an embodiment a battery attachment latch for a battery of an electrical vehicle is provided. The battery attachment latch comprises: a mounting bracket; a cranked leaf comprising a compression element and a battery contact surface; and a torsion spring; wherein in a first state of the battery attachment latch without a physical contact of the battery to the battery contact surface the compression element is expanded or relaxed; and in a second state of the battery attachment latch, which comprises the physical contact of the battery to the battery contact surface, the compression element is in a compressed state. In its compressed state the compression element restricts a movement of the battery with respect to the battery attachment latch in at least one spatial direction; wherein the torsion spring causes a transition from the second state of the battery attachment latch to the first state of the battery attachment latch upon a release, i.e. a detachment, of the battery from the battery contact surface.

[0021] Advantageously, the suggested battery attachment latch is compact and rugged. It can easily be integrated with the frame or chassis of the vehicle, e.g. be inserted in a tube, e.g. a down tube of the frame or chassis or be integrated with a battery holster. Further, the technical effect of the battery attachment latch in its second state consists in reliably holding the battery in place, and limiting vibrations and thus mechanical load on the connector and battery lock. The battery contact surface is pushed down upon the physical contact of the battery with the battery contact surface. At the same time, the compression element is pressed against an edge of the battery housing, e.g. against a catch or tongue which is disposed in a latch receiving release slot of the battery housing. The compressed resilient element of the compression element, i.e. a polymer bar or polymer cushion, may develop overarching edges while being compressed. These overarching edges may substantially restrict any vibration due to the enlarged contact surface between the compression element and the catch or tongue.

[0022] According to an embodiment an interior angle between the mounting bracket and the cranked wing is smaller in the first state than in the second state. [0023] Advantageously, due to the angled shape of the cranked leaf, i.e. the battery attachment latch takes a battery receiving position.

[0024] According to an embodiment the torsion spring comprises at least one coil and two legs, wherein both the mounting bracket and the cranked leaf are in physical contact with one of the legs during both the first and the second state of the battery attachment latch.

[0025] Advantageously, noises caused by vibration can be avoided.

[0026] According to an embodiment the mounting bracket and the cranked leaf are pivotably connected with each other along a pivot axis and at least one coil of the torsion spring is substantially concentrically arranged with respect to the pivot axis.

[0027] Advantageously, the size of the battery attachment latch can be reduced and hence, its integration with the frame be improved without any loss of functionality.

[0028] According to an embodiment the compression element is disposed within a recess of the cranked leaf. It is selected from a spring, a leaf spring, and a cushion, wherein the cushion comprises a resilient material selected from a polymer and a rubber.

[0029] Advantageously, the shape of the recess may be configured to prevent any forced sliding of the compression element with respect to the cranked leaf under load.

[0030] According to an embodiment a surface normal of the battery contact surface and a main compression direction of the compression element are oriented with respect to each other substantially orthogonally, i.e. comprise an angle of 85° - 95°. Further, the compression element is compressible by the battery upon a physical contact of the battery with the battery contact surface.

[0031] Advantageously, due to the angled shape of the cranked leaf and the substantially orthogonal orientation of a surface normal of the battery contact surface and a main compression direction of the compression element, the compression element is pressed against the catch of the battery if the battery rests on the battery contact surface. Such generates a force or frictional connection that temporarily locks the battery in place - in addition to the locking of the battery by the battery lock. [0032] According to an embodiment the mounting bracket comprises at least one mounting hole, e.g. for a screw or a rivet.

[0033] Advantageously, the battery attachment latch can reliably be fixed to the vehicle.

[0034] According to an embodiment the cranked leaf comprises a guiding part, which comprises a chamfered edge, wherein the chamfered edge is adapted for a sliding of an edge of a housing of the battery - particularly an edge of the catch or tongue of the battery housing - during a transition between the first state of the battery attachment latch and the second state of the battery attachment latch.

[0035] Advantageously, such allows easy and smooth cooperation of the battery connector, the battery lock and the battery attachment latch.

[0036] According to an embodiment a system is provided, wherein the system comprises a battery, a battery lock, and the battery attachment latch according to at least one of the above and below described embodiments.

[0037] Advantageously, the system enhances the stability and integrity of the vehicle with the battery.

[0038] According to an embodiment a vehicle is provided, wherein the vehicle is energized by a battery, having a frame and an attachment latch according to any of the embodiments described above and below, wherein the battery attachment latch is configured to be fixed to at least one of the frame and a battery lock of the vehicle.

[0039] Advantageously, the improved service life of the battery lock and battery connection elements extend the useful life of the vehicle without costly interruptions by workshop time.

[0040] Each embodiment described above may be combined with any other embodiment or embodiments unless clearly indicated to the contrary.

[0041] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the remainder of the description, including reference to the accompanying figures. [0042] As to the mentioned figures, Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the suggested battery attachment latch 100 comprising the cranked leaf 1 and the mounting bracket 2 which are pivotable with respect to each other. According to an embodiment a spring 4 is arranged concentrically on the pivot axis 3. Each leg of the spring 4 engages with one of the cranked leaf 1 and the mounting bracket 2. The cranked leaf 1 comprises a battery contact surface 13 and a wing 12. The wing 12 is curved in order to offer a battery contact surface 13 in any angular position of the cranked leaf 1 with respect to the mounting bracket 2. The mounting bracket 2 is fixed, e.g. directly, to the frame of the vehicle 1000 or to the battery lock 50, e.g. via bores 17 using screws and/or rivets (not shown). A metal bar (not shown) bridging the battery lock 50 with the mounting bracket 2 may engage with a recess 16 in the mounting bracket 2 if the battery attachment latch 100 is fixed to the battery lock 50. Both, the cranked leaf 1 and the mounting bracket 2 may be made of a metal or a metal alloy, e.g. an aluminum and/or a magnesium alloy. They may also comprise an impact resistant plastic, e.g. a HDPP (high density polypropylene) A groove or recess 14 in the cranked leaf 1 may be shaped to prevent any unwanted sliding of the compression element 15 in a compressed state with respect to the cranked leaf 1. The compression element may comprise a spring (not shown) but also, as shown there, a polymer bar comprising, e.g., a silicon or another elastomer. Particularly, Fig. 1A shows the battery attachment latch 100 in a perspective view. Fig. IB shows the battery attachment latch as seen from different directions a linear projections.

[0043] Fig. 2 illustrates the first state of the battery attachment latch 100, i.e. a state before locking / attaching the battery to the vehicle’s frame. As evident, the catch 21 of the battery 20 is just lowered onto the battery contact surface 13 of the cranked leaf 1 and the compression element 15 approaches the battery catch 21 by the force acting on the battery contacting surface 13. The mounting bracket 2 in the present schematic is fixed (not shown) to the battery lock 50.

[0044] Fig. 3 shows a side view of the system 110 comprising the battery 20, the battery lock 50, the battery attachment latch 100 and the battery connector (at the right side of the battery 20, not shown). The compression element 15, here an elastomer rod, engages the battery catch (tongue) 21 of the battery’s latch receiving release slot in the battery housing. Together with the battery connector (not shown) they comprise the suggested system 110 which is shown in Figs. 4A and 4B. The cranked leaf 1 can be configured to additionally support the battery 20. As evident, a window in housing of the battery 20 comprises an edge or tongue 21 of the latch receiving release slot of the housing of the battery. [0045] Figs. 4A and 4B each show the system 110 comprising a battery 20, a battery lock 50, and the battery attachment latch 100 as used in a vehicle 1000, e.g. a bicycle 1000. Figure 4B is a sectional view of the system 110 with a down tube of the vehicle’s frame (dashed line).

[0046] Fig. 5 shows the system 110 comprising the battery 20, a battery lock 50, and the battery attachment latch 100, wherein the battery 20 is connected with a connector to the vehicle 1000 (not shown) in a state where the battery attachment latch 100 is in a first, or “ready to latch” position, i.e. the compression element 15 is not compressed by the catch 21 of the battery 20 yet.

[0047] Fig. 6 shows the system 110 comprising the battery 20, a battery lock 50, and the battery attachment latch 100, wherein the battery 20 is connected with a connector to the vehicle 1000 (not shown) in a state where the battery attachment latch 100 is in a second, or “latched position”, i.e. its compression element 15 is already compressed by the catch 21 of the battery 20 and the first leaf 1 thus fixes the battery 20 in addition to the battery lock 50 which is also in a locked state. It is evident, that the battery 20 is fixed to the vehicle 1000 at three points independently: by the battery lock 50, by the battery attachment latch 100 and by the battery connector and thus reliably held to withstand load and/or strain during a ride (acceleration, deceleration and/or centrifugal forces).

[0048] Thus, according to a typical embodiment, a battery attachment latch 100, in other words - a battery stopper latch 100 - for a battery 20 of an electrical vehicle 1000 is suggested. Said battery attachment latch 100 comprises a first wing 1 or leaf 1 and a second wing 2 or leaf 2 which are pivotably connected to each other. The first leaf 1 is a cranked leaf 1 and can be pivoted with respect to the second leaf 2, i.e. the mounting bracket 2 along a pivot axis 3. One of the leaves, i.e. the mounting bracket 2, is configured to be fastened by fastening means, e.g. a bolt, a rivet, or be welded to the frame of the vehicle 1000 or to a battery lock 50 which is connected with the vehicle’s frame. The other leaf 2 is typically cranked. The cranked leaf 1 comprises a battery contact surface 13. The cranked leaf 1 is pressed by a spring 4, e.g. a torsion spring 4, towards the mounting bracket 2 such as to allow a battery 20 be positioned into the battery holster (not shown) and be lowered onto the battery contact surface 13 of the cranked leaf 1. The cranked leaf 1 may advantageously encompass a compression element 15. The compression element 15 is configured for absorbing vibrations and shocks transmitted by the catch 21 of the battery housing, while the catch 21 of the battery housing is held by the battery attachment latch 100. In this state, if a physical contact is established between the battery 20 and the battery contact surface 13 of the cranked leaf 1, a movement of the battery 20 with respect to the battery attachment latch 100 is restricted in at least one spatial direction, e.g. during a ride. Advantageously, vibrations and load on the connector (not shown) and on the battery lock 50 can be reduced. Mechanical wear of these components will thus be reduced as well.

[0049] According to typical embodiments, the housing of the battery 20 is configured for the described combination of a battery lock 50 and the battery attachment latch 100, e.g. by a suitably configured catch 21 and/or tongue 21 at or of the battery’s housing. The catch 21 may advantageously be configured for fitting at least a part of the cranked leaf 1 of the battery attachment latch 100. A spring 4 of the battery attachment latch 100 causes a transition from a holding state of the battery attachment latch 100 to a receiving state of the battery attachment latch 100 upon a removal of the battery 20 from a battery contact surface 13 of the cranked leaf 1. The spring 4 presses the cranked leaf 1 of the battery attachment latch 100 in the direction of the battery 20, which is to be inserted into the battery holster (not shown). The spring 4 thus brings the cranked leaf 1 into a receiving position, i.e. into the first state of the battery attachment latch 100 which is characterized by a lack of physical contact with the battery 20, before the battery 20 is connected to the vehicle’s circuit via the connector.

[0050] Further, a compression element 15, e.g. another spring or a resilient cushion, is attached to or integrated with the pivoting cranked leaf 1. Advantageously, the compression element 15 absorbs vibrations during a ride. The compression element 15 is pressed against a leading edge of the catch 21 when the battery 20 is locked, i.e. if the compression element 15 is compressed, and thus dampens vibrations of the battery not only in the longitudinal direction but also in the vertical and lateral directions, defined by a longitudinal axis of the battery 20. According to an embodiment, the resilient material of the compression element may be configured to engulf and/or engage with the leading edge of the catch 21 which faces the pivotable cranked leaf 1 of the battery attachment latch 100.

[0051] Advantageously, gravity caused shear forces acting on both the battery lock 50 and on the battery connector can thus be minimized. The present invention has been explained with reference to various illustrative embodiments and examples. These embodiments and examples are not intended to restrict the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims and their equivalents. As is apparent to one skilled in the art, the embodiments described herein can be implemented in various ways without departing from the scope of what is invented. Various features, aspects, and functions described in the embodiments can be combined with other embodiments. REFERENCE SIGNS

1 cranked leaf or wing

2 mounting bracket, to be fastened on battery lock or on vehicle frame

3 pivot axis

4 torsion spring

11 upper, guiding part of cranked leaf

12 lower, supporting part of cranked leaf

13 battery contact surface

14 recess for compression element

15 compression element

16 supplemental recess, optional

17 mounting holes, bores for fastening

19 latch receiving release slot of the battery housing

20 battery

21 catch, tongue of a latch receiving release slot of the battery housing

50 battery lock

100 battery attachment latch

110 system

1000 vehicle, driven by a battery operated electric motor, e.g. an E-bike or E-bicycle