Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a locking device for locking an energy supply unit of a bicycle including a holding element.

The present invention provides an ebike as claimed in claim <NUM>.

Before any constructions of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of supporting other constructions and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

According to an exemplary embodiment, an ebike comprises a front wheel, a rear wheel, and a frame assembly supported on the front wheel and the rear wheel. The ebike also comprises a battery configured to be coupled to the frame assembly, and a battery latching assembly configured to secure the battery to the frame assembly. The battery latching assembly comprises a latch member movable among (<NUM>) a secured position in which the latch member is configured to secure the battery in a fully mounted position, (<NUM>) an open position in which the latch member is configured to maintain the battery in a partially mounted position, and (<NUM>) a released position in which the latch member is configured to release the battery. The battery latching assembly also comprises a release member coupled to the latch member and movable among (<NUM>) a first position in which the latch member is maintained in the secured position, (<NUM>) a second position in which the latch member is maintained in the open position and (<NUM>) a third position in which the latch member is maintained in the released position.

According to another exemplary embodiment, an ebike comprises a front wheel and a rear wheel, and a frame assembly supported on the front wheel and the rear wheel. The frame assembly includes a hook including a free end with an upward sweep. The ebike further comprises a battery including a pivot configured to engage with the hook. The upward sweep may be at an angle of at least <NUM> degrees relative to horizontal. The pivot may be positioned at an upper end of the battery. The pivot may include a non-cylindrical outer surface configured to limit rotation of the pivot relative to the hook. The non-cylindrical outer surface may comprise an oblong shape. The hook may comprise a throat width, and the oblong shape may have a maximum width greater than the throat width and a minimum width less than the throat width. The ebike may further include a battery latching assembly securing the battery to the frame assembly. The battery latching assembly may include a latch member movable among a secured position in which the latch member is configured to secure the battery in a fully mounted position, an open position in which the latch member is configured to maintain the battery in a partially mounted position, and a released position in which the latch member is configured to release the battery. The battery latching assembly may also include a release member coupled to the latch member and movable among a first position in which the latch member is maintained in the secured position, a second position in which the latch member is maintained in the open position, and a third position in which the latch member is maintained in the released position. The release member may include a tool engagement end, and the battery latching assembly may further include a lever configured to be coupled to the tool engagement end. The lever may be configured to be rotated to rotate the release member between the secured position, the open position, and the released position. The release member may include a recess, and the battery latching assembly may include a rotating key member with a protrusion configured to move into and out of the recess to lock and unlock the release member.

Referring now to the illustrated embodiment, <FIG> illustrates an ebike <NUM> having a front wheel <NUM>, a rear wheel <NUM>, and a frame assembly <NUM> coupled to and supported on the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM>. The frame assembly <NUM> may include a main frame <NUM>, a front fork <NUM> rotationally coupled to and supported on a front part of the main frame <NUM>, and a rear frame <NUM> coupled (e.g., pivotally coupled) to and supported on a rear part of the main frame <NUM>. The main frame <NUM> may include a bottom shell <NUM>, a motor assembly <NUM>, and multiple tubes (e.g., hollow tubes), such as, for example, a down tube <NUM>, a head tube <NUM>, a top tube <NUM>, and a seat tube <NUM>. The motor assembly <NUM> can be disposed at least partially within the bottom shell <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the ebike <NUM> additionally includes a battery <NUM> that is disposed at least partially within the frame assembly <NUM> (e.g., the down tube <NUM>), and that is electrically coupled to the motor assembly <NUM> to electrically power the motor assembly <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery <NUM> is disposed entirely, or substantially entirely, within an interior of the down tube <NUM>. In other embodiments, at least part of the battery <NUM> can be disposed outside of the interior of the down tube <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be elongate, and may include a first end <NUM> (e.g., an upper end) and a second end <NUM> (e.g., a lower end) spaced apart and opposite from the first end <NUM> along an axis <NUM>.

The first end <NUM> of the battery <NUM> may include a pivot <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, and with reference to <FIG>, the pivot <NUM> is an elongate pin extending along an axis <NUM> that is perpendicular to the axis <NUM>. The illustrated pivot <NUM> may be a fixed structure rigidly attached to a remainder of the battery <NUM>, although in other embodiments, the pivot <NUM> may rotate relative to the remainder of the battery <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the pivot <NUM> is spaced by a gap <NUM> from the rest of the battery <NUM>. Additionally, and as illustrated in <FIG>, the pivot <NUM> has an oblong cross-sectional shape (e.g., eye-shaped, oval-shaped, or other shape) that defines at least one non-cylindrical (e.g., flat or substantially flat) outer surface or region <NUM> that limits rotation of the pivot <NUM>. Other embodiments may include different cross-sectional shapes than that illustrated.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the frame assembly <NUM> may include a hook <NUM> disposed within the down tube <NUM>, such as, for example, within an upper end of the down tube <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the hook <NUM> may include a free end <NUM> having an upward sweep (e.g., may curve upwardly). In the illustrated embodiment, the hook <NUM> is fastened to the down tube <NUM> with fasteners <NUM>. The fasteners <NUM> extend through the down tube <NUM> and into a base portion <NUM> of the hook <NUM> to securely hold the hook <NUM> in place. The free end <NUM> extends upwardly from the base portion <NUM>. In other embodiments, the hook <NUM> may be integrally formed within the down tube <NUM>, or may be fastened to the down tube <NUM> with other numbers or arrangements of fasteners, or at locations other than that illustrated.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, in the illustrated embodiment, the free end <NUM> of the hook <NUM> sweeps (e.g., curves) away from the base portion <NUM> of the hook <NUM>. When the hook <NUM> is secured inside the down tube <NUM>, the upward sweep of the free end <NUM> is at an angle "a" of at least <NUM> degrees relative to a horizontal plane <NUM> (<FIG>). The horizontal plane <NUM> is a plane that is parallel to a flat ground surface upon which the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM> rest. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the free end <NUM> includes an inner, planar surface <NUM>. The inner surface <NUM> extends at an angle of at least <NUM> degrees relative to the horizontal plane <NUM>. In other embodiments the upward sweep may be at an angle of at least <NUM> degrees, or at least <NUM> degrees relative to the horizontal plane <NUM>. In some embodiments, the upward sweep extends no farther than <NUM> degrees (i.e., vertical) relative to the horizontal plane <NUM>. Other embodiments may include different values and ranges.

With reference to <FIG>, the hook <NUM> may additionally include a projecting support region <NUM> disposed opposite the free end <NUM> (e.g., facing the inner surface <NUM>), and a further guide plate <NUM> disposed behind the projecting support region <NUM>. The projecting support region <NUM> extends from the projecting base portion <NUM>. The projecting support region <NUM> and the free end <NUM> define a throat <NUM> (e.g. recess or cavity) therebetween to receive the pivot <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the guide plate <NUM> may be a separate component than the base portion <NUM>, the upwardly-sweeping free end <NUM>, and the projecting support region <NUM>, and may be fastened to the base portion <NUM>. In other embodiments the guide plate <NUM> may be formed integrally with the rest of the hook <NUM>. In some embodiments, the guide plate <NUM> may be omitted entirely.

With reference to <FIG>, the pivot <NUM> of the battery <NUM> may engage with the hook <NUM> when the battery <NUM> is installed within the down tube <NUM>. During installation, the first end <NUM> of the battery <NUM> may first be inserted into the down tube <NUM> until the pivot <NUM> hits the guide plate <NUM> and is generally guided down into the throat <NUM>. In this position, the pivot <NUM> has extended up and over the upwardly-sweeping free end <NUM> of the hook <NUM>, such that the free end <NUM> extends into the gap <NUM> adjacent the pivot <NUM>, and such that the pivot <NUM> is nested within the throat <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may then be pivoted about the axis <NUM> until it is latched in place at the second end <NUM> of the battery <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the throat <NUM> may include a throat width <NUM>, and as illustrated in <FIG>, the oblong-shaped pivot <NUM> may have a maximum width <NUM> greater than the throat width <NUM>, and a minimum width <NUM> less than the throat width <NUM>. When the battery <NUM> is installed, the maximum width <NUM> of the pivot <NUM> may limit rotation of the battery <NUM> relative to the hook <NUM>, such that the battery <NUM> may only be rotated within a predetermined range (e.g. within <NUM> degrees, within <NUM> degrees, within <NUM> degrees, etc.) about the axis <NUM>. Other embodiments can include different values and/or relationships of widths <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> than that illustrated.

With reference to <FIG>, when the battery <NUM> is unlatched, the battery <NUM> may pivot and hang freely from hook <NUM>, and naturally tends to fall and hang in the position seen in <FIG>. As described above, the battery <NUM> is limited in its rotation by the values and/or relationships of widths <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, such that the battery <NUM> for example does not swing freely and contact / rub against the frame or swing off of the hook <NUM>. Other embodiments may include different positions for the battery <NUM> when the battery <NUM> is naturally hanging from the hook <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the ebike <NUM> includes a battery latching assembly <NUM> that secures (e.g., releasably secures) the battery <NUM> to the frame assembly <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the battery latching assembly <NUM> may include at least one outer housing. In the illustrated embodiment the battery latching assembly <NUM> includes a first outer housing <NUM> and a second outer housing <NUM> coupled (e.g., fastened) to the first outer housing <NUM>. The first outer housing <NUM> and the second outer housing <NUM> may define an interior cavity within the battery latching assembly <NUM>. The first outer housing <NUM> and the second outer housing <NUM> may also be considered part of the frame assembly <NUM>. The battery latching assembly <NUM> may be located (e.g., secured in place) at least partially within the down tube <NUM>, such as, for example, at a lower end of the down tube <NUM>. In some of these or in other embodiments, the latching assembly <NUM> may be located (e.g., secured in place) at least partially within the bottom shell <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery latching assembly <NUM> releasably secures the second end <NUM> of the battery <NUM> to the frame assembly <NUM>, whereas the first end <NUM> of the battery <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the hook <NUM> described above.

As explained in further detail below, the battery latching assembly <NUM> can be operated to place the battery latching assembly <NUM> in (<NUM>) a first state (e.g., a secured state) in which the second end <NUM> of the battery is fully secured or mounted, (<NUM>) a second state (e.g., an open state) in which the second end <NUM> of the battery is partially secured or mounted, and (<NUM>) a third state (e.g., a released state) in which the second end <NUM> of the battery <NUM> is unsecured or released.

With reference to <FIG>, the battery latching assembly <NUM> includes a release member <NUM>. The release member <NUM> may be a rotating cam structure that rotates about an axis <NUM> and includes a tool engagement end <NUM>. The tool engagement end <NUM> is sized and shaped to receive a tool (e.g., lever) that may be used to rotate the release member <NUM> about the axis <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment the tool engagement end <NUM> defines a star-shaped recess sized and shaped to receive a correspondingly star-shaped end of a lever. Other embodiments may include various other types of tool engagement ends <NUM> (e.g., tool engagement ends <NUM> with other shaped recesses, protrusions, or other features that facilitate engagement with a tool). As illustrated in <FIG>, at least a portion (e.g., most) of the release member <NUM> may be disposed and concealed within the interior cavity defined by the first outer housing <NUM> and the second outer housing <NUM>, whereas the tool engagement end <NUM> may be exposed to and/or located in an environment outside of the first outer housing <NUM> and the second outer housing <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the battery latching assembly <NUM> also includes a locking subassembly <NUM> for locking a rotational movement of the release member <NUM> about the axis <NUM>. The locking subassembly <NUM> includes a key <NUM> and a rotating key member <NUM> (e.g., cylinder) disposed within a portion of the first outer housing <NUM>. The key <NUM> is sized and shaped to slide into a corresponding opening <NUM> in the rotating key member <NUM>, such that when the key <NUM> is turned the rotating key member <NUM> rotates about an axis <NUM> that is parallel to the axis <NUM>. In many embodiments, the key can be removable from the opening <NUM>, but in other embodiments, the key can be permanently fixed in the opening <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the rotating key member <NUM> includes a protrusion <NUM> at distal end of the rotating key member <NUM>. In other embodiments the protrusion <NUM> may be located elsewhere along the rotating key member <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the release member <NUM> includes a corresponding recess <NUM> (e.g., indentation) that is sized and shaped to receive the protrusion <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, when the protrusion <NUM> is disposed within the recess <NUM>, the release member <NUM> is rotationally locked in place, and cannot rotate about the axis <NUM>. In contrast, and with reference to <FIG>, when the key <NUM> is turned (e.g., <NUM> or <NUM> degrees) the rotating key member <NUM> rotates, causing the protrusion <NUM> to move out of the recess <NUM>, thereby unlocking the release member <NUM>. When unlocked, the release member may rotate about its axis <NUM>. In other embodiments the rotating key member <NUM> may instead include a recess, and the release member <NUM> may include a corresponding protrusion that is sized and shaped to move into (e.g., slide into) the recess.

With reference to <FIG>, and as described in further detail below, when the release member <NUM> is unlocked, the release member <NUM> may be rotated (e.g., via the lever or other tool inserted into the tool engagement end <NUM>) among (<NUM>) a first position (e.g., a secured position) in which the second end <NUM> of the battery is fully secured or mounted, (<NUM>) a second position (e.g., an open position) in which the second end <NUM> of the battery is partially secured or mounted, and (<NUM>) a third position (e.g., a released position) in which the second end <NUM> of the battery <NUM> is unsecured or released. In many embodiments, positioning the release member <NUM> in the first position can cause the battery latching assembly <NUM> to be placed in its first state, positioning the release member <NUM> in the second position can cause the battery latching assembly <NUM> to be placed in the second state, and positioning the release member <NUM> in the third position can cause the battery latching assembly <NUM> to be placed in the third state.

With reference to <FIG>, in the illustrated embodiment the release member <NUM> includes a first cam member <NUM> and a second cam member <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, when the release member <NUM> is in the first position (e.g., secured position), the first cam member <NUM> may rest on an interior ledge <NUM> of the first outer housing <NUM>, and the second cam member <NUM> may point vertically down. In the illustrated embodiment the first cam member <NUM> is a generally tear-shaped region of the release member <NUM>, and the second cam member <NUM> is an axial protrusion along the release member <NUM>. Other embodiments include different shapes and sizes of cam members than that illustrated.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a portion of the release member <NUM> may be positioned near an upper end of an oblong-shaped aperture <NUM> of the first outer housing <NUM> in the first position (e.g., secured position). Once the release member <NUM> has been unlocked, the release member <NUM> may then be rotated in a first rotational direction (e.g., via the lever) from the first position (<FIG>) to the second position (<FIG>) (e.g., open position). In the illustrated embodiment, the release member <NUM> is rotated approximately <NUM> degrees about the axis <NUM> from the first position to the second position in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in <FIG>. Other embodiments may include different degrees of rotation (e.g., <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, etc.) or rotate in a clockwise direction. In the illustrated embodiment, when the release member <NUM> is rotated, the first cam member <NUM> initially presses against the interior ledge <NUM>, slightly raising the release member <NUM> within the oblong-shaped aperture <NUM>. As the release member <NUM> is rotated further, the shape of the first cam member <NUM> causes the release member <NUM> to lower down within the oblong-shaped aperture <NUM>, to the second position seen in <FIG>. During rotation of the release member <NUM>, the second cam member <NUM> may move into (e.g., snaps into) a recessed region <NUM> (e.g., cutout, notch, etc.) of the first outer housing <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, once in the second position the release member <NUM> has moved down within the oblong-shaped aperture <NUM>, and the second cam member <NUM> has rotated <NUM> degrees counterclockwise (i.e., pointing to the right in <FIG>).

The release member <NUM> may be rotated yet further about the axis <NUM> from the second position (<FIG>) (e.g., open position) to the third position (<FIG>) (e.g., released position), again in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in <FIG>. In the illustrated embodiment, the release member <NUM> is rotated approximately <NUM> degrees about the axis <NUM> from the second position to the third position. Other embodiments may include different degrees of rotation (e.g., <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, etc.) or rotate in a clockwise direction. In the illustrated embodiment, when the release member <NUM> is rotated to the third position the shape of the first cam member <NUM> allows the release member <NUM> to drop farther down within the oblong-shaped aperture <NUM>. Additionally, the second cam member <NUM> rotates up and contacts an interior ledge <NUM> (e.g. an upper ledge) partly defining the recessed region <NUM> in the first outer housing <NUM>. This contact with the upper, interior ledge <NUM> presses and forces the release member <NUM> down to the bottom of the oblong-shaped aperture <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the release member <NUM> may include at least one additional cam member that further assists in forcing the release member <NUM> down to the bottom of the oblong-shaped aperture <NUM> in the third position. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, and with reference <FIG>, a portion of the release member <NUM> sits at least partially within a second oblong-shaped aperture <NUM> in the second outer housing <NUM>. The second oblong-shaped aperture <NUM> is the same size and shape as the oblong-shaped aperture <NUM> described above, and is aligned with the oblong-shaped aperture <NUM> when the first outer housing <NUM> and the second outer housing <NUM> are secured together. As illustrated in <FIG>, the second outer housing <NUM> includes a protrusion <NUM> located adjacent the second oblong-shaped aperture <NUM>, and as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the release member <NUM> includes a third cam member <NUM> having a first surface <NUM> and a second surface <NUM>. The third cam member <NUM> can be an axial protrusion extending in a direction opposite of the second cam member <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, when the release member <NUM> is in the first position (e.g., secured position), the first surface <NUM> is in contact with the protrusion <NUM> on the second outer housing <NUM>, thereby acting as a stop surface to prevent the release member <NUM> from rotating in one direction. In the first position the second surface <NUM> of the third cam member <NUM> is spaced well away from the protrusion <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, when the release member <NUM> is rotated (e.g., <NUM> degrees as described above) from the first position to the second position (e.g., open position), the first surface <NUM> rotates away from the protrusion <NUM>, and the second surface <NUM> rotates toward the protrusion <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, when the release member <NUM> is rotated further (e.g., <NUM> degrees) from the second position to the third position (e.g., released position), the first surface <NUM> again rotates farther away from the protrusion <NUM>, but the second surface <NUM> rotates up and contacts a bottom of the protrusion <NUM>. This contact with protrusion <NUM> presses and forces the release member <NUM> down to the bottom of the second oblong-shaped aperture <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the second cam member <NUM> and the third cam member <NUM> work in conjunction (e.g., simultaneously) to contact the interior ledge <NUM> and the protrusion <NUM>, respectively, and press the release member <NUM> down vertically. By working together, the third cam member <NUM> can balance or offset rotational forces generated by the second cam member <NUM> engaging the interior ledge <NUM> and the second cam member <NUM> can balance or offset rotational forces generated by the third cam member <NUM> engaging the protrusion <NUM> to cause the release member <NUM> to rotate more smoothly about the axis <NUM>. Other embodiments may include different numbers and arrangements of cam members on the release member <NUM> that contact a surface or surfaces on the first outer housing <NUM> and/or the second outer housing <NUM> to cause the release member <NUM> to be pressed vertically downwards in the third position. Additionally, other embodiments may include other surfaces than that illustrates that act as stop surfaces to prevent or inhibit rotational motion of the release member <NUM> in one direction.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the battery latching assembly <NUM> may include a latch member <NUM> that is coupled to the release member <NUM>. As described in further detail below, the latch member <NUM> may be positioned in (<NUM>) a first position (e.g., a secured position) in which the second end <NUM> of the battery is fully secured or mounted, (<NUM>) a second position (e.g., an open position) in which the second end <NUM> of the battery is partially secured or mounted, and (<NUM>) a third position (e.g., a released position) in which the second end <NUM> of the battery <NUM> is unsecured or released. In many embodiments, positioning the release member <NUM> can cause the latch member <NUM> to be maintained in the first position, positioning the release member <NUM> in the second position can cause the latch member <NUM> to be maintained in the second position, and positioning the release member <NUM> in the third position can cause the latch member <NUM> to be maintained in the third position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the latch member <NUM> includes an upper end <NUM> having an aperture <NUM> (<FIG>). The release member <NUM> extends through the aperture <NUM>, such that the upper end <NUM> of the latch member <NUM> is looped over the release member <NUM>. The upper end <NUM> may act as a bearing, allowing the latch member <NUM> to rotate and pivot relative to the release member <NUM> about the axis <NUM>, while also forcing the latch member <NUM> to move vertically up and down overall with any vertical movement of the release member <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the latch member <NUM> includes a lower end <NUM> disposed opposite the upper end <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment the lower end <NUM> is generally hook-shaped, and includes a first portion <NUM> configured to engage and disengage with the battery <NUM>, and a second portion <NUM> coupled to (e.g., receiving) a biasing element <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, in the illustrated embodiment the biasing element <NUM> is a single coiled compression spring. In other embodiments the biasing element <NUM> may be a plurality of springs, a leaf spring, or another type of biasing element. As illustrated in <FIG>, the biasing element <NUM> may be coupled at one end to the second portion <NUM>, and coupled at an opposite end to the first outer housing <NUM> (and/or the second outer housing <NUM>). In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing element <NUM> biases the latch member <NUM> to rotate about the axis <NUM>, and biases the lower end <NUM> in a rotational direction (i.e., counterclockwise as viewed in <FIG>) that is identical to the rotational direction of the release member <NUM> when the release member <NUM> is being rotated from the first position (e.g., secured position) to the second position (e.g., open position) and from the second position to the third position (e.g., released position).

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the latch member <NUM> may include a follower member <NUM>, and the first outer housing <NUM> and/or the second outer housing <NUM> may include a cam release surface <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the follower member <NUM> is a roller rotatably coupled to the lower end <NUM> of the latch member <NUM> and the cam release surface <NUM> is a curved (e.g., arcuate) surface that extends along a portion of the first outer housing <NUM>. As described further below, the follower member <NUM> may roll along the cam release surface <NUM> during rotational movement of the latch member <NUM> from the second position (e.g., open position) to the third position (e.g., released position). Other embodiments may include other types of follower members <NUM> (e.g., rollers, bearing surfaces, etc.) than that illustrated, as well as other types, sizes, and locations of cam release surfaces <NUM> (e.g., curved surfaces) than that illustrated. In some embodiments, the first outer housing <NUM> and/or second outer housing <NUM> may themselves include a roller or other structure that facilitates sliding, rotational motion of the lower end <NUM> of the latch member <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the lower end <NUM> itself may additionally include one or more stoppers <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment the stoppers <NUM> are protrusions that extend axially away from the lower end <NUM> along a direction that is perpendicular to the axis <NUM>. The stoppers <NUM> may inhibit or prevent the latch member <NUM> from rotating in at least one direction, and may prevent the battery <NUM> from disengaging from the latch member <NUM> in the first position (e.g., secured position). As illustrated in <FIG>, the second outer housing <NUM> may include a recessed area <NUM> (e.g., notch) that may at least partially receive one of the stoppers <NUM> to facilitate holding the latch member <NUM> in place in the third position (e.g., released position), and/or may include an additional cam release surface <NUM> (e.g., ledge) upon which the stopper <NUM> slides when the latch member <NUM> rotates and the follower member <NUM> is rolling along the cam release surface <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the battery latching assembly <NUM> may additionally include a plate <NUM> positioned underneath the release member <NUM>, and a biasing element <NUM> that biases the plate <NUM> vertically upwardly (i.e., away from the lower end <NUM> of the latch member <NUM>). In the illustrated embodiment the plate <NUM> is a U-shaped plate, although other embodiments may include various other sizes and shapes than that illustrated. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment the biasing element <NUM> is a single compression spring, although other embodiments may include a plurality of springs, a leaf spring, or another type of biasing element. As illustrated in <FIG>, the biasing element is coupled (e.g., pressed against) a bottom of the plate <NUM> at one end of the biasing element <NUM>, and is coupled (e.g., pressed against) a surface of the first outer housing <NUM> at a second, opposite end of the biasing element <NUM>. A portion of the release member <NUM> sits on top of the plate <NUM>, such that when the release member <NUM> is rotated from the first position (e.g., secured position) to the second position (e.g., open position), and from the second position to the third position (e.g., release position), the plate <NUM> is pressed down against the biasing force of the biasing element <NUM>. When the release member <NUM> is in the first position, the biasing element <NUM> presses upwardly on the release member <NUM>, holding the release member <NUM> in an upper position in the oblong-shaped apertures <NUM>, <NUM>, and aligning the recess <NUM> on the release member <NUM> with the protrusion <NUM> on the rotating key member <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an example of a process of unlatching the battery <NUM> from the battery latching assembly <NUM>. In a first activity, and as described above, the key <NUM> is first rotated to unlock the release member <NUM>. In a second activity, a tool <NUM> (e.g., lever) is inserted into the tool engagement end <NUM> of the release member <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, in this position the tool <NUM> extends horizontally (to the right in <FIG>). The release member <NUM> is in the first position (e.g., secured position), and is biased upwardly by the biasing element <NUM> underneath the plate <NUM>. The latch member <NUM> is biased (to the right in <FIG>) with the biasing element <NUM>, such that the first portion <NUM> of the latch member <NUM> is engaged (e.g., hooked underneath) a catch <NUM> of the battery <NUM>, thereby preventing the battery <NUM> from being released from the down tube <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the tool <NUM> may then be rotated (e.g., <NUM> degrees counterclockwise as viewed in <FIG> and <FIG>), causing the release member <NUM> to rotate from the first position (e.g., secured position) to the second position (e.g., open position). As illustrated in <FIG>, and as described above, in the second position the release member <NUM> has moved vertically down within the oblong-shaped apertures <NUM>, <NUM>, such that the second cam member <NUM> moves into (e.g., snaps into) the recessed region <NUM> (e.g., cutout, notch, etc.) of the first outer housing <NUM> (<FIG>). In the second position the latch member <NUM> is still biased (to the right in <FIG> with the biasing element <NUM>, such that the first portion <NUM> of the latch member <NUM> remains engaged (e.g., hooked underneath) the catch <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the tool <NUM> may then be further rotated (e.g., <NUM> degrees counterclockwise as viewed in <FIG> and <FIG>), causing the release member <NUM> to rotate from the second position (e.g., open position) to the third position (e.g., released position). As illustrated in <FIG>, and as described above, in the third position the release member <NUM> has moved further vertically down within the oblong-shaped apertures <NUM>, <NUM>, due to the pressing action of the second cam member <NUM> (<FIG>) and the third cam member <NUM> (<FIG>) against surfaces of the first outer housing <NUM> and the second outer housing <NUM>. In the third position, and as illustrated in <FIG>, the latch member <NUM> has translated (moved down) with the release member <NUM>. This vertical movement of the latch member <NUM> causes the follower member <NUM> to eventually engage the cam release surface <NUM>, and forces the lower end <NUM> of the latch member <NUM> to rotate and slide back away from the battery <NUM> and the catch <NUM>, thereby freeing the battery <NUM>. The latch member <NUM> thus translates relative to the first outer housing <NUM> and the second outer housing <NUM> (and to the frame assembly <NUM> overall) when moving from the first position to the second position, and the latch member <NUM> also rotates when moving from the second position to the third position. In other words, the latch member <NUM> is movable (via the release member <NUM>) between (<NUM>) the first position in which the latch member <NUM> secures the battery <NUM> in a fully secured or mounted position, (<NUM>) the second position in which the latch member <NUM> holds the battery <NUM> in a partially secured or mounted position, and (<NUM>) the third position in which the latch member <NUM> releases the battery <NUM>.

To latch, rather than unlatch, the battery <NUM> the process may generally be reversed. For example, the release member <NUM> may first be rotated from the third position as seen in <FIG> to the second position as seen in <FIG>. In the second position, the release member <NUM> is still free generally to be moved vertically up and down within the oblong-shaped apertures <NUM>, <NUM>. Thus, the second end <NUM> of the battery <NUM> may be pivoted and snapped up and over first portion <NUM>, forcing the latch member <NUM> to momentarily pivot back (i.e., to the left in <FIG>) before being biased back to the position in <FIG>, where the first portion <NUM> is secured underneath the catch <NUM>. During this movement the release member <NUM> also rises and falls vertically. Once the first portion <NUM> is secured underneath the catch <NUM>, the release member <NUM> may then be rotated to the first position seen in <FIG>. Once in the first position, the key <NUM> may then be rotated to move the protrusion <NUM> into the recess (<FIG>), thereby locking the release member <NUM> in place.

With reference to <FIG>, in some embodiments the second end <NUM> of the battery <NUM> may include a first electrical connector <NUM>, and the battery latching assembly <NUM> (or other part of frame assembly <NUM> or motor assembly <NUM>) may include a second electrical connector <NUM>. When the battery <NUM> is fully latched, the first electrical connector <NUM> may align and engage with the second electrical connector <NUM>, to provide power from the battery <NUM> to the motor assembly <NUM>. To facilitate alignment a rigid fin or fins may be provided on the battery <NUM> and/or the battery latching assembly <NUM> (or other part of frame assembly <NUM> or motor assembly <NUM>). Additionally or alternatively, a post with a diameter may be provided (e.g., on the battery) that fits into an aperture (e.g., on the battery latching assembly <NUM>) with a conical portion at one end having a diameter larger than the diameter of the post. Other embodiments may include various other types of alignment features (e.g., fins, posts, protrusions, recesses, etc.).

In many embodiments, configuring the battery latching assembly <NUM> so that the battery latching assembly <NUM> can be placed in the second state (e.g., the open state) as an intermediate state between the first state (e.g., the secured state) and the third state (e.g., the released state) can be advantageous to maintain the battery <NUM> in a partially secured or mounted state so that the first electrical connector <NUM> can be eased into electrical contact with the second electrical connector <NUM> as the battery latching assembly <NUM> is placed in the first state. As a result, damage to the first electrical connector <NUM> and/or the second electrical connector <NUM> can be mitigated or avoided. Likewise, implementing the second state as an intermediate state also can prevent the battery <NUM> from being unintentionally fully released.

Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein.

Claim 1:
An ebike (<NUM>) comprising:
a front wheel (<NUM>) and a rear wheel (<NUM>);
a frame assembly (<NUM>) supported on the front wheel (<NUM>) and the rear wheel (<NUM>);
a battery (<NUM>) configured to be coupled to the frame assembly (<NUM>); and
a battery latching assembly (<NUM>) configured to secure the battery (<NUM>) to the frame assembly(<NUM>), the battery latching assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a latch member (<NUM>) movable among:
- a secured position in which the latch member (<NUM>) is configured to secure the battery (<NUM>) in a fully mounted position;
- an open position in which the latch member (<NUM>) is configured to maintain the battery (<NUM>) in a partially mounted position; and
- a released position in which the latch member (<NUM>) is configured to release the battery (<NUM>); and
a release member (<NUM>) coupled to the latch member and movable among:
- a first position in which the latch member (<NUM>) is maintained in the secured position;
- a second position in which the latch member (<NUM>) is maintained in the open position; and
- a third position in which the latch member (<NUM>) is maintained in the released position.