Patent Description:
Scooters are wheeled devices used for individual transportation. A conventional scooter has a running board on which the user stands. The running board is supported by at least two wheels, one at the front and one at the rear. The front wheel may be steerable by means of a handle bar, which is connected to the front wheel through a steering shaft. The scooter is typically operated by holding the handle bar with two hands, placing one foot on the running board, and pushing with the other foot to propel the scooter.

Recently, motorized scooters also known as electric scooters or e-scooters have become available. In these types of devices, the motor is usually attached to the rear wheel of the scooter. An e-scooter may be used similar to a conventional scooter during the kick-off phase. The motor may start driving the wheel or wheels after a certain minimum speed is reached.

Scooters are often provided by a company in public areas and users can book scooters for individual transportation.

The motor of the scooter is usually powered by a battery. Once the battery of the scooter is empty, the battery has to be charged or changed. Battery charging is one of the main issues of personal mobility vehicles. Documents <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> relate to devices used for individual transportation having an electric motor and a battery. Said document <CIT> discloses a system comprising:.

The invention is defined by the appended claims und comprises a system as defined in claim <NUM> and a method for operating an e-scooter as defined in claim <NUM>.

According to a preferred embodiment, the battery is removable from the battery dock by a lifting motion in an at least partially upward direction perpendicular to the support surface.

According to the invention, the locking mechanism is configured to unlock the battery, wherein unlocking of the locking mechanism is electrically powered. Specifically, the electric scooter can further comprise a controller configured to unlock the locking mechanism.

According another aspect, the method can comprise: - removing the battery from the battery dock by a lifting motion in an at least partially upward direction perpendicular to the support surface.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages are described below with reference to drawings of an example embodiment, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the present disclosure.

Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments, one or more examples of which are illustrated in each figure.

Within the following description of the drawings, the same reference numbers refer to the same or to similar components.

With exemplary reference to <FIG>, a scooter <NUM> comprises a support frame <NUM> including a support surface <NUM> configured to support a user, at least a first and a second wheel <NUM>, <NUM>, and a steering shaft <NUM> connected to at least one wheel <NUM>, <NUM> for steering the scooter <NUM>. The scooter <NUM> is an electric scooter (e-scooter) and further comprises a motor. <FIG> also shows a battery dock <NUM> and a battery <NUM>, wherein the battery <NUM> supplies power to the motor and wherein at least one wheel <NUM>, <NUM> can be driven by the motor. Typically, the rear wheel <NUM> is driven by the motor (not shown). The maximum speed of the scooter can be for example, <NUM>/h.

The wheels <NUM>, <NUM> comprise a front wheel <NUM> and a rear wheel <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The front wheel <NUM> can be disposed on a first end of the support frame <NUM> and the second wheel can be disposed on a second end of the support frame <NUM> opposite the first end. The front wheel <NUM> is connected to the steering shaft <NUM>.

The scooter <NUM> can have further features like, for example, one or more brakes, front and/or rear lights, one or more controllers, a locking mechanism and one or more suspensions at the wheels.

The scooter <NUM> has a driving direction <NUM> which is in <FIG> from right to left. The angle of the steering shaft <NUM> relative to the ground or the driving direction is tilted compared to a right angle. For example, the angle between the steering shaft <NUM> and the ground can be between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. In other words, the rotation axis of the steering shaft <NUM> has a tilt between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. The tilt can have a positive influence on the driving behavior, especially on the mass distribution. A high mass close to the rotation axis of the steering shaft <NUM> has a positive influence on the driving experience of a user. Specifically, as shown in <FIG>, the rotation axis of the steering shaft <NUM> is tilted towards the battery <NUM> and the support surface <NUM> on which a user stands.

The system according to an aspect of the present invention is exemplary shown in <FIG> comprising: an electric scooter <NUM> comprising a support frame <NUM> with a support surface <NUM> configured to support a user, at least a first and a second wheel <NUM>, <NUM>, a steering shaft <NUM> connected the support frame <NUM> and to at least one wheel <NUM> for steering the electric scooter <NUM>, an electric motor configured to drive at least one of the wheels <NUM>, <NUM>, and a battery dock <NUM> for at least partially receiving a battery <NUM>. The system further comprises a battery <NUM>, wherein the battery <NUM> is configured to supply power to the motor (not shown), wherein the battery <NUM> is releasable at least partially received in the battery dock <NUM>. The system further comprises a locking mechanism <NUM> configured to lock the battery <NUM> in the battery dock <NUM>.

In some examples, locking mechanism <NUM> is part of the scooter <NUM>. In other examples, locking mechanism <NUM> is part of the battery <NUM>. In further examples, locking mechanism <NUM> may be partially part of scooter <NUM> and partially part of battery <NUM>.

According to an aspect the battery <NUM> is removable from the battery dock <NUM> by a lifting motion in an at least partially upward direction perpendicular to the support surface <NUM> which is exemplary illustrated in <FIG>. The lifting motion may also include a direction parallel to the support surface <NUM>. The motion may include a sliding of the battery <NUM> into the battery dock <NUM>. A user can remove the battery <NUM> easily without additional tools and without turning the scooter into an unusual position, for example, upside down. Specifically, the battery <NUM> can be removed from the battery dock <NUM> in the driving position of the scooter standing. This provides easy excess to the battery <NUM> for the users of the scooter. Scooters are used outside and the bottom area of scooters are often covered with dirt and dust. Touching the bottom portion of the scooters or using additional tools which are often not available can be avoided with the present disclosure.

According to the invention, locking mechanism <NUM> is configured to unlock battery <NUM> from battery dock <NUM> with the locking mechanism <NUM> being electrically powered. Specifically, electric scooter <NUM> can further comprise a controller configured to unlock locking mechanism <NUM>. Locking mechanism <NUM> prevents unwanted removal of the battery <NUM>. Battery <NUM> may be removed for a battery exchange or a battery charge. For example a scooter may include a GPS tracker to track its location and to prevent the scooter from being stolen. The locking mechanism <NUM> engages the battery <NUM> with the scooter. Furthermore, the battery <NUM> shall not be removed while driving.

A controller may also communicate with a server to validate a request by a user to remove the battery. For example, scooter <NUM> may comprise a telematics unit, wherein the controller can communicate with a server via the telematics unit. A user may send a request to unlock the locking mechanism <NUM> or the battery, respectively, to a sever using a mobile device. The server validates the requests and send a signal to the controller upon which the controller unlocks the locking mechanism and the battery.

According to another aspect, locking mechanism <NUM> is configured to lock the battery <NUM> in the battery dock <NUM> without the locking mechanism <NUM> to be powered. Locking of the battery <NUM> in the battery dock <NUM> can be without electrical power required and can be manually done by a user. In other words, the locking mechanism may be a passive electronic lock mechanism. A more detailed example of the locking mechanism <NUM> is shown in <FIG>.

The scooter has a driving direction <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. According to the invention, driving direction <NUM> defines a front portion of the support frame <NUM> and a rear portion of the support frame <NUM>, wherein the battery dock <NUM> is located in the front portion of the support frame <NUM>. Since the battery <NUM> is usually a heavy part of the scooter, location of battery <NUM> can be an issue of balance. A location in the front portion of the support frame <NUM> close to the steering shaft <NUM> increases the balance behavior of the scooter.

As best shown in the example of <FIG>, the scooter has a driving direction <NUM> defining a front portion of the support frame <NUM> and a rear portion of the support frame. The front portion can be tilted relative to the rear portion in an angle of about <NUM>° to <NUM>°. The battery dock <NUM> can be at least partially located in the tilted front portion of the support frame <NUM>. This location of the battery <NUM> is preferred for a better location of the center of mass of the scooter. In particular, the center of mass of the battery <NUM> is preferably close to the ground and close to the rotation axis of the front wheel <NUM>.

As also best shown in <FIG>, steering shaft <NUM> crosses a direct line upwardly from the battery <NUM>. In other words, steering shaft <NUM> crosses an upward direction from the battery <NUM> perpendicular to the support surface <NUM>. The rotation axis of steering shaft <NUM> is partially above battery <NUM>.

According to an aspect, battery <NUM> has a handle <NUM> as best shown in <FIG> Specifically, handle <NUM> can be located on top of the battery <NUM> so that a user may grab handle <NUM> and remove battery <NUM> from battery dock <NUM> by a lifting motion in an at least partially upward direction. A handle may improve the usability of battery <NUM> since battery <NUM> may be heavy and not easy to lift for a user.

In some examples, battery <NUM> can have a length between <NUM> and <NUM>, a width between <NUM> and <NUM> and a thickness between <NUM> and <NUM>. The battery can have weight between <NUM> and <NUM>.

In some further examples, battery <NUM> may have a display configured to show the charge level of battery <NUM>. Specifically, the display can be located on the top of battery <NUM> visible for a user standing on support surface <NUM>.

The battery <NUM> is configured to supply power to the motor which is usually integrated in one of the wheels <NUM>, <NUM> and not shown in the figures. Battery <NUM> can have electrical contacts located, for example, at the bottom. The battery <NUM> may further supply power other electrical components of the scooter, for example, a telematics unit, a GPS tracker, lights, and one or more controllers. In some examples, the battery has a capacity between <NUM> and <NUM> Ah, specifically between <NUM> and <NUM> Ah. The voltage of the battery can be between <NUM> and <NUM> V, wherein the voltage to charge and voltage to discharge may be different. In some examples, the battery has a power output of up to <NUM> kW. The battery can be a lithium battery.

As best seen in the example of <FIG>, the locking mechanism <NUM> comprises a latch <NUM> configured to move between a locked position in which the battery <NUM> is locked in the battery dock <NUM> and an unlocked position in which the battery <NUM> is removable from the battery dock <NUM>. The latch <NUM> may comprise a metal, specifically to be able to apply a holding force to the battery <NUM>. Locking mechanism can also comprise a counter extension <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, wherein latch <NUM> applies a holding force through the battery <NUM> against the counter extension <NUM>.

Locking mechanism <NUM> is configured to lock and unlock battery <NUM>, wherein unlocking of the locking mechanism <NUM> is electrically powered. Locking mechanism <NUM> may comprise an electric actuator <NUM> configured to move the latch <NUM> from the locked position to the unlocked position as shown in <FIG>. The electric actuator <NUM> may be, for example, a solenoid or a linear motor.

According to an aspect, locking mechanism <NUM> is not accessible for a user when the battery is at least partially received in the battery dock <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. This is a protection so that the locking mechanism <NUM> cannot be manipulated by a not authorized user. In particular, locking mechanism <NUM> can be located between battery dock <NUM> and battery <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG>, battery <NUM> can has a recess <NUM> configured to engage with latch <NUM> of locking mechanism <NUM>. However, in other examples, latch <NUM> may be part of battery <NUM> and recess <NUM> may be part of battery dock <NUM>.

According to aspect, the locking mechanism <NUM> comprises a locking spring <NUM> configured to hold the latch <NUM> in the locked position as shown in <FIG>. The spring requires no electrical power.

The locking mechanism <NUM> may be a snap-fit mechanism, which can be electrically unlocked.

The electric scooter <NUM> can further comprise a controller (no shown) configured to unlock the locking mechanism <NUM>. Specifically, the controller may be configured to control electric actuator <NUM>. In some examples, the controller is also configured to control other functions of the scooter <NUM>.

The scooter may comprise a telematics unit, wherein the controller is configured to communicate to a server via the telemetric unit. The server may send a signal to the controller, via the telemetric unit, upon which the controller unlocks the locking mechanism <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG>, locking mechanism <NUM> can be firmly attached to and/or partially integrated in the support frame <NUM> of the electric scooter <NUM>. For example, locking mechanism <NUM> can be attached to the support frame <NUM> with screws or can be welded to the support frame <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG>, battery dock <NUM> is partially integrated in the support frame <NUM> of the electric scooter <NUM> and partially extends upwardly from the support frame <NUM>. <FIG> shows a cut through battery dock <NUM>. Battery dock <NUM> can comprise a support frame <NUM> which extends upwardly from support frame <NUM> of the electric scooter and a hollow base <NUM> integrated in support frame <NUM> of the electric scooter <NUM>. Support frame <NUM> of battery dock <NUM> can be welded to support frame <NUM> of scooter <NUM>. Locating battery <NUM> partially in support frame <NUM> of the electric scooter moves the center of mass in a preferred position and provides a stable position for battery <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG>, hollow base <NUM> may have an opening <NUM> in which electrical contacts of scooter <NUM> and of battery <NUM> may be connected. Battery <NUM> can have electrical contacts (not shown) at its bottom. Hollow base <NUM> of the battery dock <NUM> may further have a hole at the bottom to allow water to escape the hollow base <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG>, battery dock <NUM> may comprises one or more ejection springs <NUM> configured to eject battery <NUM> from battery dock <NUM>. Ejection springs <NUM> can improve the removal of battery <NUM> and make it easier for the user to see if the battery <NUM> is unlocked and ejected or if battery <NUM> is still locked by locking mechanism <NUM>. Specifically, ejection springs <NUM> may be configured to eject battery <NUM> from battery dock <NUM> and move battery <NUM> by at least <NUM>, specifically by at least <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG>, battery <NUM> may have one or more recesses <NUM> configured to engage with ejection springs <NUM>.

According to an aspect, ejection spring <NUM> ejects battery <NUM> immediately after locking mechanism <NUM> unlocks battery <NUM>. Therefore, the electric actuator <NUM> can be deactivated after a short time which is positive for the power consumption. Specifically, if electric actuator <NUM> is powered by battery <NUM>, electric actuator <NUM> will not be powered anyway after battery <NUM> is ejected.

As best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, battery <NUM> can have a groove <NUM> and battery dock <NUM> can have a corresponding extension <NUM> which together create a form fit. Groove <NUM> and extension <NUM> may increase stability of battery <NUM> in battery dock <NUM>. In other examples, battery <NUM> may have the extension and battery dock <NUM> may have the groove.

As best shown in <FIG> battery dock <NUM> can have two opposing side covers which at least partially enclose the sides of the battery <NUM>. Battery is partially received between side covers.

As also best shown in <FIG>, battery dock <NUM> can have a support frame <NUM> and an inner liner <NUM>, wherein the support frame <NUM> comprises a metal and the inner liner <NUM> comprises a plastic. While support frame <NUM> provides stability, inner liner <NUM> comprises a softer material to be in direct contact with battery <NUM>. Inner liner <NUM> is configured as a damping for battery <NUM> in battery dock <NUM> and prevents impacts on the outer side of battery dock <NUM> to damage battery <NUM>.

A method for operating an electric scooter is also suggested. The electric scooter (e-scooter) can be any scooter <NUM> using any battery <NUM> disclosed herein.

The method comprises: - providing an electric scooter <NUM> comprising a support frame <NUM> with a support surface <NUM> configured to support a user, at least a first and a second wheel <NUM>, <NUM>, a steering shaft <NUM> connected the support frame <NUM> and to at least one wheel <NUM> for steering the electric scooter <NUM>, an electric motor configured to drive at least one of the wheels <NUM>, <NUM>, and a battery dock <NUM> for at least partially receiving a battery; - providing a battery <NUM>, wherein the battery <NUM> is configured to supply power to the motor, wherein the battery <NUM> is releasably at least partially received in the battery dock <NUM>; - providing a locking mechanism <NUM> configured to lock the battery <NUM> in the battery dock <NUM>.

The method further comprises: unlocking the locking mechanism <NUM>, wherein the unlocking of the locking mechanism is electrically powered. In other words, electrically unlocking the locking mechanism <NUM>.

According to an aspect, the method may comprise: - removing the battery <NUM> from the battery dock <NUM> by a lifting motion in an at least partially upward direction perpendicular to the support surface <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, specifically, removing the battery <NUM> from the battery dock <NUM> by a lifting motion in an at least partially upward direction perpendicular to the support surface <NUM> and in a direction parallel to the support surface <NUM>. The parallel direction may be the direction opposing the driving direction.

Scooters are often provided by a company in public areas for public transport as individual transportation vehicles. Users can book scooters for individual transportation. In some examples, the method includes: - receiving a request to unlock the battery <NUM> sent by a mobile device of a user; - validating the request; - sending a signal to the controller upon which the controller unlocks the locking mechanism <NUM>. Specially, the request to unlock the battery <NUM> sent by a mobile device of a user can be received by a server, which also validates the request. Sending a signal to the controller can be done via the telemetric unit. A mobile device is typically a smart phone or tablet device. Connection to the server from the mobile device may be via the internet and can be provided with a software application (app) on the mobile device.

Unlocking the locking mechanism <NUM> electrically powered may comprise pushing latch <NUM> with linear actuator <NUM>. Specifically, linear actuator <NUM> also pushes against tension spring <NUM>. After latch <NUM> releases battery <NUM>, ejection springs <NUM> may push battery <NUM> towards in an ejected position.

In the ejected position, linear actuator <NUM> may stop pushing latch <NUM>. Tension spring <NUM> will accordingly push latch <NUM> back to the locked position, wherein the battery <NUM> is not locked.

Claim 1:
A system comprising:
an electric scooter (<NUM>) comprising a support frame (<NUM>) with a support surface (<NUM>) configured to support a standing user, a front wheel (<NUM>) and a rear wheel (<NUM>), a steering shaft (<NUM>) connected to the support frame (<NUM>) and to the front wheel (<NUM>) for steering the electric scooter (<NUM>), an electric motor configured to drive at least one of the wheels (<NUM>, <NUM>), and a battery dock (<NUM>) for at least partially receiving a battery,
the battery (<NUM>), wherein the battery (<NUM>) is configured to supply power to the motor, wherein the battery (<NUM>) is releasably at least partially received in the battery dock (<NUM>), and
a locking mechanism (<NUM>) configured to lock and unlock the battery (<NUM>), wherein unlocking of the locking mechanism (<NUM>) is electrically powered,
characterized in that
the battery dock (<NUM>) is partially integrated in the support frame (<NUM>) of the electric scooter (<NUM>) and partially extends upwardly from the support frame (<NUM>), wherein the battery (<NUM>) is partially located in the support frame (<NUM>), wherein the electric scooter (<NUM>) has a driving direction (<NUM>) defining a front portion of the support frame (<NUM>) and a rear portion of the support frame (<NUM>), the battery dock (<NUM>) being located in the front portion of the support frame (<NUM>), wherein the steering shaft (<NUM>) has a rotation axis, the rotation axis of the steering shaft (<NUM>) being tilted towards the battery (<NUM>) and the support surface (<NUM>) of the support frame (<NUM>), wherein the rotation axis of the steering shaft (<NUM>) extends partially above the battery (<NUM>) so that the steering shaft (<NUM>) crosses a line extending in an upward direction from the battery (<NUM>) perpendicular to the support surface (<NUM>).