Bicycle double leg support and bicycle

Abstract

A bicycle double-leg support and a bicycle are provided, which can be erected without moving the feet greatly rearward from a dismounting position. The support (40) includes a support member (50) rotatably supported to the bicycle (1) with a rotation center (rc1) located rearward of a rear wheel axle (3a), a lever member (60) including an operation portion (60P) located forward of a rotation center (rc2) in a pop-up state, and a link member (70) linking the lever member and the support member. The support is configured to rotate the support member by rotating the lever member by pressing down the operation portion in the pop-up state, thereby moving a ground-contact portion downward. In a side view in the pop-up state, the lever member is located inward of an outer periphery of the rear wheel (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a bicycle leg support and a bicycle. Background Technology

[0002] Bicycles are a convenient mode of transportation widely used by people of all ages and genders. Furthermore, in recent years, the popularity of electric-assisted bicycles, which use motor power to assist the rider's pedaling force, has been steadily increasing. For example, an electric-assisted bicycle is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-196080. Summary of the Invention

[0006] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Double leg supports are widely used as bicycle racks. However, when using a bicycle with a double leg support, the user needs to move their feet significantly to the rear of the bicycle to operate it. Therefore, while holding the handlebars, it's difficult for the user's feet to reach the support, potentially forcing significant changes in posture during operation. When the bicycle is loaded with heavy cargo, it's preferable to be able to operate it stably while holding the handlebars. Furthermore, when the bicycle has large cargo loaded at the rear or a child seat installed, the support at the rear of the bicycle may be difficult to see.

[0008] The embodiments of the present invention were made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the object is to provide a bicycle leg support that can be set up without the feet moving significantly backward from the dismount position.

[0009] [Methods used to solve problems]

[0010] This specification discloses the following items: bicycle leg support and bicycle.

[0011] [Project 1]

[0012] A bicycle leg support, mounted on a bicycle, capable of switching between a grounded state and a pop-up state, characterized in that it comprises:

[0013] The bracket component includes a grounding part that contacts the ground in the grounded state, and is rotatably supported on the bicycle with its rotation center located behind the rear wheel axle.

[0014] A lever component, rotatably supported on a bicycle with its rotation center located forward of the front end of the support component in the pop-up state, and including an operating part located forward of the rotation center of the lever component in the pop-up state; and

[0015] A connecting rod assembly that links the rod assembly to the support assembly.

[0016] By pressing the operating part downward in the popped-up state, the rod member is rotated, thereby rotating the bracket member and causing the grounding part to move downward.

[0017] In the side view of the popped-up state, the rod component is located inside the outer periphery of the rear wheel.

[0018] The bicycle leg support according to embodiments of the present invention, in addition to a support member including a grounding portion that contacts the ground in the grounded state, also includes: a rod member that is rotatably supported on the bicycle with its rotation center located forward of the front end of the support member; and a connecting rod member that links the rod member to the support member, the rod member including an operating portion located forward of its rotation center in the popped-up state. Furthermore, the bicycle leg support according to embodiments of the present invention is configured such that by pressing the operating portion of the rod member downward in the popped-up state, the rod member is rotated, thereby allowing the support member to rotate and the grounding portion to move downward. With this configuration, the leg support operation (referred to as "leg support erection") switching from the popped-up state to the grounded state can be performed without causing the legs to move significantly backward from the dismount position. Therefore, even when the bicycle is loaded with heavy cargo, the leg support can be erected stably while holding the handlebars (i.e., without significant changes in posture). Additionally, since weight can be applied to the operating portion while holding the handlebars, leg support erection can be performed more easily. Furthermore, even when a rear child seat is installed on the bicycle, the operating part of the lever component is located in a position easily visible to the driver, allowing for proper support from that point. Additionally, in the bicycle leg support according to this embodiment, when viewed from the side in the popped-up state, the lever component is located inside the outer periphery of the rear wheel, thus preventing the isotropic lever component from snagging (contacting) when the bicycle crosses steps.

[0019] [Project 2]

[0020] In the bicycle leg support described in Project 1

[0021] The connecting rod component is a component whose length does not substantially increase when switching from the pop-up state to the grounded state.

[0022] From the viewpoint of enabling the support components, rod components, and linkage components to function appropriately as linkage mechanisms when the support is erected, it is preferable that the linkage component is a component whose length does not substantially extend when switching from the pop-up state to the ground state.

[0023] [Project 3]

[0024] In the bicycle leg support described in Project 1 or 2

[0025] The rod component is supported by the first support component at a position lower than the rear wheel axle, allowing it to rotate freely.

[0026] Many other bicycle components can be arranged around and above the rear axle. Therefore, from the viewpoint of ease of layout, it is preferable that the rod component is supported below the rear axle.

[0027] [Project 4]

[0028] In the bicycle leg support described in Project 3

[0029] The rod component has one end and another end, and a middle portion located between the one end and the other end.

[0030] The middle portion of the rod component is supported by the first support component.

[0031] [Project 5]

[0032] In the bicycle leg support described in Project 4

[0033] One end of the rod component is the operating part.

[0034] The connecting rod component is connected to the other end of the rod component.

[0035] [Project 6]

[0036] In any of the bicycle leg supports described in items 1 to 5

[0037] The bracket component is supported by the second support component at a position lower than the rear wheel axle, allowing it to rotate freely.

[0038] [Project 7]

[0039] Among the bicycle leg supports described in Project 6

[0040] The second support component is a pair of fixed plates fixed near the rear wheel axle.

[0041] The support component is supported by the pair of fixing plates.

[0042] [Project 8]

[0043] Among the bicycle leg supports described in any of items 1 to 7

[0044] The support component also includes a pair of legs extending from the grounding portion.

[0045] The connecting rod component is connected to one of the pair of legs.

[0046] [Project 9]

[0047] In any of the bicycle leg supports described in items 1 through 8

[0048] When viewed from the side in the popped-up state, the angle between the upper surface of the operating part of the rod member and the horizontal direction is 45° or less.

[0049] From the viewpoint of properly setting up the support, it is preferable that, when viewed from the side in the pop-up state, the angle between the upper surface of the operating part of the lever member and the horizontal direction is relatively small. Specifically, the angle between the upper surface of the operating part and the horizontal direction is preferably 45° or less, more preferably 10° or less.

[0050] [Project 10]

[0051] In any of the bicycle leg supports described in items 1 through 9

[0052] When viewed from the side in the grounded state, the angle between the upper surface of the operating part of the rod member and the horizontal direction is 90° or less.

[0053] [Project 11]

[0054] In any of the bicycle leg supports described in items 1 to 10

[0055] In the popped-up state, the front end of the rod component includes the operating part, and the rod component has a shape in which the lower surface of the front end is inclined forward and upward when viewed from the side in the popped-up state.

[0056] [Project 12]

[0057] In any of the bicycle leg supports described in items 1 to 11

[0058] The operating part of the rod component is located above the lowest point of the rod component in the popped-up state.

[0059] [Project 13]

[0060] In any of the bicycle leg supports described in items 1 to 12

[0061] The operating part of the rod component is located at the front end of the rod component in the popped-up state.

[0062] The width of the operating portion of the rod member is greater than the width of the portion of the rod member other than the operating portion.

[0063] From the viewpoint of making it easier to set up the support, it is preferable that the operating part of the lever member is located at the front end of the lever member in the pop-up state. Furthermore, if the width of the operating part of the lever member is greater than the width of the portion of the lever member other than the operating part, the operability of the lever member can be further improved.

[0064] [Project 14]

[0065] In any of the bicycle leg supports described in items 1 to 13

[0066] In the popped-up state, the operating part of the lever component is located behind the last point of the pedal's rotation trajectory.

[0067] [Project 15]

[0068] In any of the bicycle leg supports described in items 1 to 14

[0069] In the popped-up state, the operating part of the lever component is located above the straight line between the lowest point of the rotation trajectory of the connecting pedal and the contact point of the rear wheel.

[0070] [Project 16]

[0071] In any of the bicycle leg supports described in items 1 to 15

[0072] The operating part of the rod component, when viewed from above, is located inside a polygon with the outermost ends of the left and right pedals when they are at the frontmost position and the left and right ends of the support component as vertices.

[0073] When the operating part of the lever component is located inside a polygon with the outermost ends of the left and right pedals (when viewed from above) and the left and right ends of the support component as vertices, it can prevent excessive load from being applied to the operating part when the bicycle tipes over.

[0074] [Project 17]

[0075] In any of the bicycle leg supports described in items 1 to 16

[0076] When the connection between the rod component and the connecting rod component is referred to as the rod connection, and the connection between the bracket component and the connecting rod component is referred to as the bracket connection,

[0077] In the popped-up state, the rod connection is located above the straight line connecting the rotation center of the rod component and the bracket connection.

[0078] [Project 18]

[0079] Among the bicycle leg supports described in Project 17

[0080] When switching from the pop-up state to the grounded state, the rod connection moves forward and upward.

[0081] [Project 19]

[0082] In the bicycle leg support described in item 17 or 18

[0083] When switching from the pop-up state to the grounded state, the distance between the rotation center of the rod component and the bracket connection portion decreases.

[0084] [Project 20]

[0085] A bicycle having a bicycle leg support as described in any of items 1 to 19.

[0086] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a bicycle leg support can be provided that allows the legs to be raised without causing the feet to move significantly backward from the dismount position. Attached Figure Description

[0087] Figure 1 This is a schematic left view of a bicycle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Figure 2A This is a diagram showing the periphery of bracket 40 when it is in a grounded state.

[0089] Figure 2B This is a diagram showing the periphery of the support 40 when it is in the pop-up state.

[0090] Figure 3A This is a schematic front view of the support assembly SA when it is in a grounded state.

[0091] Figure 3B This is a schematic left view of the support assembly SA when it is in a grounded state.

[0092] Figure 4A This is a schematic 3D view of the support assembly SA in its pop-up state.

[0093] Figure 4B This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the support assembly SA in the pop-up state.

[0094] Figure 5 This diagram shows the shape changes of the support 40 (changes in the position and orientation of each component) when the support is erected. The upper and lower sections represent the support 40 in the pop-up and grounded states, respectively, while the middle section represents the support 40 in the intermediate state between the pop-up and grounded states.

[0095] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the support 40 in its pop-up state.

[0096] Figure 7 This is a top view showing an example of a preferred configuration of the operating section 60P of the lever member 60.

[0097] Figure 8 This is a side view showing another example of the rod component 60. Detailed Implementation

[0098] Hereinafter, a bicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings referred to below, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same constituent elements, and the description of these constituent elements will not be repeated. In addition, the dimensions of the constituent elements shown in the drawings do not necessarily faithfully represent the actual dimensions of each constituent element or the actual size ratio between the constituent elements. Furthermore, in the following description and drawings, front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom refer to the front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom as viewed from the perspective of a rider sitting on the bicycle saddle (seat). Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated below.

[0099] [Brief Structure of a Bicycle]

[0100] Reference Figure 1 The bicycle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 This is a schematic left view of bicycle 1. The bicycle 1 illustrated here is an electric-assisted bicycle. Figure 1 As shown, bicycle 1 has a front wheel 2, a rear wheel 3, a frame 10, a drive unit 20, and a leg support 40.

[0101] The chassis frame 10 includes a head tube 11, a down tube 12, a seat tube 13, a bracket (not shown), a pair of chain struts 15, and a pair of seat struts 16. Typically, the chassis frame 10 is formed of a metallic material (e.g., aluminum alloy).

[0102] A head tube 11 is positioned at the front of the bicycle 1. The front end of a down tube 12 is connected to the head tube 11. The down tube 12 extends diagonally downward and rearward from the head tube 11. A seat post 13 is connected to the rear end of the down tube 12. The seat post 13 extends diagonally upward and rearward from the rear end of the down tube 12. A bracket is mounted on the rear end of the down tube 12. A pair of chain supports 15 are connected to the rear end of the bracket. The pair of chain supports 15 are configured to clamp the rear wheel 3 from both sides. One end of each saddle support 16 is connected to the rear end of each chain support 15. The pair of saddle supports 16 are configured to clamp the rear wheel 3 from both sides. The other end of each saddle support 16 is connected to the upper end of the seat post 13.

[0103] A handlebar stem 4 is rotatably inserted into the head tube 11. A handlebar 5 is fixed to the upper end of the handlebar stem 4. A front fork 6 is fixed to the lower end of the handlebar stem 4. The front wheel 2 is rotatably supported on the lower end of the front fork 6 by an axle 2a. A front basket 7 is positioned in front of the head tube 11 and the handlebar stem 4, above the front wheel 2.

[0104] The seat tube 13 is cylindrical. A seat tube 8 is inserted into the seat tube 13. A saddle (seat) 9 is installed at the upper end of the seat tube 8.

[0105] The rear wheel 3 is rotatably supported by an axle 3a on the rear ends of a pair of chain struts 16. To the right of the rear wheel 3, a driven sprocket 32 ​​is coaxially arranged with the axle 3a. The driven sprocket 32 ​​is connected to the rear wheel 3 via a one-way clutch (not shown). A rear seat 17 is provided above the rear wheel 3. A child seat (rear child seat) 18 is installed on the rear seat 17, positioned above the rear wheel 32.

[0106] The drive unit 20 is suspended from the bracket. The drive unit 20 is mounted to the bracket, for example, by a fastening fitting (not shown). The drive unit 20 includes an electric motor 21 and a housing 22 that houses the electric motor 21 and defines the shape of the drive unit 20. The drive unit 20 also includes a controller (motor control unit: not shown) for controlling the electric motor 21.

[0107] A crankshaft 23 extends through the front of the housing 22 in a left-right direction. The crankshaft 23 is rotatably supported on the housing 22 by a plurality of bearings (not shown).

[0108] A pair of crank arms 24 are mounted at both ends of the crankshaft 23. A pedal 26 is mounted at the top end of each pair of crank arms 24. The crankshaft 23 rotates when the occupant steps on the pedal 26.

[0109] A drive sprocket 31 is arranged coaxially with the crankshaft 23. A chain 34 is wound between the drive sprocket 31 and the driven sprocket 32. The chain 34 is also wound on an auxiliary sprocket 33. The drive sprocket 31 and the auxiliary sprocket 33 transmit driving force to the rear wheel 3 via the chain 34. Specifically, the pedal force generated by the occupant pressing the pedal 26 is transmitted to the rear wheel 3 as a driving force that rotates the drive sprocket 31 and causes the rear wheel 3 to rotate forward via the chain 34. Additionally, the rotational force generated by the operation of the electric motor 21 is transmitted to the rear wheel 3 as a driving force that rotates the auxiliary sprocket 33 and causes the rear wheel 3 to rotate forward via the chain 34. Thus, the pedal force generated by the occupant pressing the pedal 26 can be assisted by the driving force output from the electric motor 21.

[0110] A battery unit 35 is disposed behind the seat 13. The battery unit 35 supplies power to the electric motor 21 of the drive unit 20. The battery unit 35 includes a battery and a battery control unit (neither shown). The battery is a rechargeable battery. The battery control unit controls the charging and discharging of the battery and monitors the battery's output current and remaining capacity, etc. A power line supplying power from the battery to the electric motor 21 is provided between the battery unit 35 and the drive unit 20.

[0111] The double-leg support (hereinafter referred to as the "support") 40 is fixed to a pair of fixing plates 81, 82 near the axle 3a of the rear wheel 3 (the fixing plate 82 on the right side is...). Figure 1 (Not shown in the diagram) Mounted on the main body of bicycle 1. The bracket 40 can be switched between "grounded state" and "spring-up state" by the user. In this specification, the bracket 40 and the pair of fixing plates 81 and 82 are sometimes collectively referred to as the "bracket assembly". In addition, the state of the bracket assembly when the bracket 40 is in the grounded state is sometimes also referred to as the "grounded state", and the state of the bracket assembly when the bracket 40 is in the spring-up state is sometimes also referred to as the "spring-up state".

[0112] Figure 2A This is a diagram showing the periphery of bracket 40 when it is in a grounded state. Figure 2B This diagram shows the periphery of the bracket 40 when it is in the pop-up state. When the bicycle 1 is parked, the bracket 40 is in the grounded state. When the user moves the bicycle 1, the bracket 40 is lifted from the ground. Figure 2A The grounding state shown is switched to Figure 2B The pop-up state is shown. Additionally, when parking the bicycle, the user should move the bracket 40 from... Figure 2B The pop-up state shown is switched to Figure 2A The grounding state is shown (this bracket operation is referred to as "bracket erection").

[0113] [Composition of the support assembly]

[0114] Apart from Figure 1 , Figure 2A as well as Figure 2B In addition, refer to Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4A as well as Figure 4B The structure of the support assembly SA of bicycle 1 will be explained. Figure 3A and Figure 3B These are schematic front and left views of the support assembly SA when it is in a grounded state. Figure 4A and Figure 4B It is a schematic representation of the support assembly SA in the pop-up state, as well as an exploded perspective view.

[0115] like Figures 3A to 4B As shown, the bracket assembly SA includes a bracket 40 and a pair of fixing plates 81 and 82. The bracket 40 includes a bracket component 50, a rod component 60, and a connecting rod component 70. Additionally, the bracket assembly SA also includes a locking rod 91 and a pair of coil springs 92 and 93.

[0116] The support component 50 includes a grounding portion 51 and a pair of legs 52 and 53. The grounding portion 51 is the part of the support 40 that is in contact with the ground in the grounded state. The pair of legs 52 and 53 extend from the grounding portion 51. More specifically, the pair of legs 52 and 53 extend from the left and right ends of the grounding portion 51 and are arranged separately from each other in the left-right direction.

[0117] The support component 50 is formed of, for example, a metal material. The support component 50 can be formed, for example, by bending and stamping a rod-shaped component. In the illustrated example, the support component 50 is provided with multiple rod-shaped reinforcing members 54A, 54B, 54C, and 54D that connect the grounding portion 51 and a pair of legs 52, 53 to each other. The shape of the support component 50 is not limited to the illustrated example. The reinforcing members 54A, 54B, 54C, and 54D may also be omitted.

[0118] The support component 50 is rotatably connected to a pair of fixed plates 81 and 82. Here, connecting holes 52a and 53a are formed at the ends (front ends in the pop-up state) of each of the pair of legs 52 and 53 (see reference). Figure 4B Furthermore, connecting holes 81a and 82a are formed in a pair of fixing plates 81 and 82 respectively (see reference). Figure 4B The bracket component 50 is connected to a pair of fixing plates 81 and 82 by a pin 93A inserted through the connecting holes 52a and 81a and a pin 93B inserted through the connecting holes 53a and 82a.

[0119] like Figure 2A and Figure 2BAs shown, the rotation center rc1 (the central axis of pins 93A and 93B) of the bracket component 50 is located further rearward than the axle 3a of the rear wheel 3. That is, the bracket component 50 is rotatably supported on the bicycle 1 with its rotation center rc1 located further rearward than the axle 3a of the rear wheel 3. In the illustrated example, the bracket component 50 is supported by fixing plates 81 and 82 at a position lower than the axle 3a of the rear wheel 3.

[0120] The locking lever 91 is rotatably connected to the left leg 52. Here, a connecting hole 52b is formed near the end of the left leg 52 (near the front end in the popped-up state) (see reference). Figure 4B ), and a connecting hole 91a is formed in the locking rod 91 (see reference). Figure 4B The locking lever 91 is connected to the left leg 52 via a pin 94 that passes through the connecting holes 52b and 91a. The locking lever 91 is hooked onto the left fixing plate 81, thus preventing the bracket component 50 from rotating relative to the left fixing plate 81.

[0121] A coil spring 92 is connected to the locking lever 91 and the left-side fixing plate 81. The locking lever 91 can move between a "locked position" where it is hooked onto the left-side fixing plate 81 and prevents the bracket component 50 from rotating, and a "lock-out position" where it is disengaged from the left-side fixing plate 81 and allows the bracket component 50 to rotate. The locking lever 91 is normally in the locked position due to the force of the coil spring 92. The locking lever 91 can be moved from the locked position to the lock-out position by being operated by the user with their toe or the like.

[0122] A locking part 55 is provided on the right leg 53, protruding slightly outward (to the right). A coil spring 93 is connected to this locking part 54 and the right fixing plate 82. The right leg 53 is subjected to force by the coil spring 93 in the same direction as the left leg 52.

[0123] The lever component 60 includes an operating section 60P for user operation. If the lever component 60 is divided into one end and another end, and an intermediate section located between the two ends, then one end of the lever component 60 is the operating section 60P. In the illustrated example, the lever component 60 consists of a lever body 61 and an operating pedal 62.

[0124] The rod body 61 has a shape that bends into a U-shape when viewed from the side. More specifically, the rod body 61 bends downward in a popped-up state. The rod body 61 is formed, for example, of a metal material.

[0125] The operating pedal 62 includes a plate-shaped portion. The operating pedal 62 is mounted to one end of the lever body 61, located at the operating section 60P. In the illustrated example, the operating pedal 62 is mounted to the lever body 61 by a plurality of screws 63. The width W1 of the operating pedal 62 along the left-right direction (see reference) Figure 3A The width W2 of the rod body 61 along the left-right direction is greater than the width of the rod body 61 (refer to...). Figure 3A Therefore, the width of the operating portion 60P of the lever member 60 is greater than the width of the portion of the lever member 60 other than the operating portion 60P. Furthermore, in this specification, the width W1 of the operating pedal 62 (which is also the width of the operating portion 60P) refers to the maximum width of the operating pedal 62 along the left-right direction. The width W1 of the operating pedal 62 is, for example, 30 mm or more and 80 mm or less. The operating pedal 62 is formed of, for example, resin material, rubber material, or metal material.

[0126] The rod component 60 is rotatably connected to the fixing plate 81 on the left side. Here, a connecting hole 61a is formed in the middle of the rod body 61 (see reference). Figure 4B Furthermore, a connecting hole 81b is formed at the lower end of the front part of the fixing plate 81 on the left side (see reference). Figure 4B The rod component 60 is connected to the left-side fixing plate 81 by a pin 95 inserted through the connecting holes 61a and 81b.

[0127] like Figure 2B As shown, the rotation center rc2 (central axis of pin 95) of the rod member 60 is located forward of the front end of the support member 50 in its pop-up state. That is, the rod member 60 is rotatably supported on the bicycle 1 with its rotation center rc2 located forward of the front end of the support member 50 in its pop-up state. In the illustrated example, the rod member 60 is supported by the left-side fixing plate 81 at a position lower than the axle 3a of the rear wheel 3. Furthermore, the middle portion of the rod member 60 is supported by the left-side fixing plate 81.

[0128] like Figure 2B As shown, the operating part 60P of the lever member 60 is located forward of the rotation center rc2 of the lever member 60 in the pop-up state. Furthermore, the operating part 60P is located above the lowest point of the lever member 60 in the pop-up state.

[0129] In addition, Figure 2B In the diagram, the rotational trajectory rt of pedal 26 is represented by a dashed line. For example... Figure 2B As shown, the operating unit 60P, in the pop-up state, is located behind the last point p1 of the rotation trajectory rt of the pedal 26. Additionally, in Figure 2B In the diagram, a double-dotted line represents the straight line L1 connecting the lowest point p2 of the rotational trajectory rt of pedal 26 and the contact point p3 of the rear wheel 3. For example... Figure 2BAs shown, the operating part 60P is located above the straight line L1 when it is in the pop-up state.

[0130] In addition, such as Figure 2B As shown, in the side view of the pop-up state, the lever member 60 is located inside the outer periphery of the rear wheel 3. That is, the lever member 60 does not include the portion located outside the outer periphery of the rear wheel 3 in the side view of the pop-up state.

[0131] As described above, the right-side fixing plate 82 supports the bracket component 50, and in contrast, the left-side fixing plate 81 supports both the bracket component 50 and the rod component 60. In this specification, the front portion 81f of the left-side fixing plate 81 (i.e., the portion supporting the rod component 60) is sometimes referred to as the "first support component," and the rear portion 81r of the left-side fixing plate 81 (i.e., the portion supporting the bracket component 50) and the right-side fixing plate 82 are collectively referred to as the "second support component."

[0132] The connecting rod member 70 connects the rod member 60 to the support member 50. Specifically, the connecting rod member 70 is connected to the other end of the rod member 60 (not the end of the operating part 60P) and to the left leg 52 of the support member 50. Here, a connecting hole 70a is formed at one end of the connecting rod member 70 (see reference). Figure 4B Furthermore, a connecting hole 61b is formed at the end of the rod body 61 (the rear end in the pop-up state) (see reference). Figure 4B The connecting rod component 70 is rotatably connected to the rod component 60 via a pin 96 that passes through connecting holes 70a and 61b. Additionally, a connecting hole 70b is formed at the other end of the connecting rod component 70 (see reference). Figure 4B ), and a connecting hole 52c is formed on the left leg 52 (see reference). Figure 4B The connecting rod component 70 is rotatably connected to the bracket component 50 by a pin 97 inserted through the connecting holes 70b and 52c.

[0133] In the illustrated example, the connecting rod member 70 is a rod-shaped member. The connecting rod member 70 is, for example, formed of a metallic material. In the following description, the connection between the rod member 60 and the connecting rod member 70 is sometimes referred to as the "rod connection," and the connection between the support member 50 and the connecting rod member 70 is sometimes referred to as the "support connection."

[0134] Reference Figure 5 The bracket erection in the bicycle 1 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 5 This diagram shows the shape changes of the support frame 40 (changes in the position and orientation of each component) when the support frame is erected. Figure 5 The upper and lower sections represent the bracket 40 in the pop-up and grounded states, respectively. Figure 5 The middle section represents the bracket 40 in the intermediate state between the pop-up state and the grounded state.

[0135] like Figure 5 As shown in the upper section, in the pop-up state, the rod connection Lc is located above the line L2 between the rotation center rc2 of the connecting rod member 60 and the bracket connection Sc. In the bicycle 1 of this embodiment, the bracket is raised by pressing down the operating part 60P in the pop-up state. The pressing down of the operating part 60P is, for example, performed by the user's foot.

[0136] When the operating part 60P is pressed down, the lever part 60... Figure 5 The rod component 50 rotates forward (counterclockwise in the diagram) as shown in the middle section, causing the rod connection Lc to move forward and upward, and simultaneously, the bracket connection Sc also moves forward. At this time, the distance between the rotation center rc2 of the rod component 60 and the bracket connection Sc decreases. Then, as the bracket connection Sc moves forward, the bracket component 50 rotates backward (clockwise in the diagram) to move the grounding part 51 downward.

[0137] like Figure 5 As shown in the lower section, the grounding part 51 of the support member 50 moves to a position in contact with the ground, and the support 40 becomes grounded, thereby completing the erection of the support.

[0138] Thus, the bracket 40 is configured such that by pressing the operating part 60P downward in the popped-up state, the rod member is rotated, thereby enabling the bracket member 50 to rotate and the grounding part 51 to move downward.

[0139] As described above, the bicycle 1 support 40 in this embodiment, in addition to a support member 50 including a grounding portion 51 that contacts the ground in the grounding state, also includes: a rod member 60, which is rotatably supported on the bicycle 1 with its rotation center rc2 located in front of the front end of the support member 50; and a connecting rod member 70, which connects the rod member 60 and the support member 50. The rod member 60 includes an operating portion 60P located in front of its rotation center rc2 in the popped-up state. Furthermore, the support 40 is configured such that by pressing down the operating portion 60P of the rod member 60 in the popped-up state, the rod member 60 is rotated, thereby allowing the support member 50 to rotate and the grounding portion 51 to move downward. With this configuration, the support can be set up without causing the foot to move significantly backward from the dismount position. Therefore, even when the bicycle 1 is loaded with heavy cargo, the support can be set up in a stable state (i.e., without significant changes in posture) while holding the handlebars 5. Furthermore, since weight can be applied to the operating part 60P while holding the handlebars 5, the stand can be set up relatively easily. Even when a rear child seat 18 is installed on the bicycle 1, the operating part 60P of the pole member 60 is located in a position easily visible to the rider, allowing for proper stand-up from that point. Additionally, in the stand 40, when viewed from the side in the pop-up state, the pole member 60 is positioned inwards from the outer periphery of the rear wheel 3, thus preventing the isotropic pole member 60 from snagging (contacting) when the bicycle 1 crosses steps.

[0140] Furthermore, as can be understood from the already explained content, when the support is erected, the rod member 60 functions as a "lever" with the rotation center rc2 as the fulcrum, the operating part 60P as the force point, and the end connected to the connecting rod member 70 as the point of action, thus also achieving a reduction in operating load.

[0141] From the viewpoint of enabling the support member 50, rod member 60, and connecting rod member 70 to function appropriately as a linkage mechanism during support erection, it is preferable that the connecting rod member 70 is a member whose length does not substantially increase when switching from the spring-up state to the grounded state. Here, "substantially not increasing" means that even if a tensile load of a degree typically conceivable during support erection is applied to the connecting rod member 70, its length hardly increases. Furthermore, the connecting rod member 70 is not limited to the illustrated rod-shaped member; for example, it could also be a wire.

[0142] Many other components of the bicycle 1 can be arranged around and above the axle 3a of the rear wheel 3. Therefore, from the viewpoint of ease of layout, such as Figure 2A As shown, the rod member 60 is preferably supported at a position lower than the axle 3a of the rear wheel 3.

[0143] As already explained, the operating part 60P of the lever member 60 is the part operated by the user when the support is raised. Therefore, from the viewpoint of properly raising the support, it is preferable that, when viewed from the side in the raised state, the angle α formed by the upper surface of the operating part 60P and the horizontal direction (refer to...) Figure 5 The upper part (of the part) is slightly smaller. Specifically, the angle α formed by the upper surface of the operating part 60P and the horizontal direction is preferably 45° or less, more preferably 10° or less. Furthermore, in Figure 5 The illustration shows the upper surface of the operating section 60P tilted rearward (clockwise) relative to the horizontal direction, but it can also be shown as follows. Figure 6 As shown, the upper surface of the operating part 60P is tilted forward (counterclockwise in the figure) relative to the horizontal direction. Therefore, when a positive value is used to represent the tilt angle when the upper surface of the operating part 60P is tilted backward relative to the horizontal direction, and a negative value is used to represent the tilt angle when it is tilted forward, "the angle α between the upper surface of the operating part 60P and the horizontal direction is 45° or less" means that the tilt angle of the upper surface of the operating part 60P is within ±45°. Similarly, "the angle α between the upper surface of the operating part 60P and the horizontal direction is 10° or less" means that the tilt angle of the upper surface of the operating part 60P is within ±10°.

[0144] Furthermore, when viewed from the side in the grounded state, the angle β formed by the upper surface of the operating part 60P and the horizontal direction (refer to...) Figure 5 (The lower section) is, for example, below 90°.

[0145] Additionally, from the perspective of making it easier to set up a brace, such as Figure 4A As illustrated, the operating portion 60P of the preferred lever member 60 is located at the front end of the lever member 60 in the pop-up state. Furthermore, if the width of the operating portion 60P of the lever member 60 is greater than the width of the portion of the lever member 60 other than the operating portion 60P, the operability of the lever member 60 can be further improved.

[0146] Figure 7 An example of a preferred configuration of the operating section 60P of the lever member 60, viewed from above. Figure 7 In the diagram, a polygon (quadrilateral) Po is represented by dashed lines, with vertices at the outermost ends of the left and right pedals 26 when they are at their foremost position and the left and right ends of the support component 50 in its popped-up state. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the operating part 60P is preferably located inside the polygon Po when viewed from above. This way, when the operating part 60P is located inside the polygon Po when viewed from above, it is difficult for the operating part 60P to directly contact the ground when the bicycle 1 tipes over, thus preventing excessive load from being applied to the operating part 60P. Furthermore, in Figure 7The example shown is that when the left and right pedals 26 are at the frontmost position, the distance D1 between the outermost ends is greater than the distance D2 between the left and right ends of the support member 50, but the distance D1 can also be less than the distance D2.

[0147] exist Figure 2B In the example shown, in the popped-up state, the front end of the lever member 60 includes an operating part 60P, and the lever member 60 has a shape in which the lower surface of the front end is inclined forward and upward when viewed from the side in the popped-up state. The lever member 60 having such a shape is not limited to a lever body 61 having a shape that bends into a U-shape when viewed from the side. Figure 8 This is a side view showing another example of the rod component 60. Figure 8 In the example shown, the rod component 60 appears as a straight line when viewed from the side. Additionally, in Figure 8 In the example shown, the operating pedal 62 is triangular in side view to minimize the angle between the upper surface of the operating part 60P in its pop-up state and the horizontal direction. This operating pedal 62, along with... Figure 3A The operating pedal 62 shown is the same as that shown, and may be formed of, for example, resin or rubber material.

[0148] In the description so far, bicycle 1 has been shown as an electric-assisted bicycle, but the bicycle in the embodiments of the present invention may not be an electric-assisted bicycle. In addition, in the description so far, bicycle 1 with two wheels (one front wheel 2 and one rear wheel 3) has been shown, but the bicycle in the embodiments of the present invention may also be a bicycle with three or more wheels.

[0149] As described above, the bicycle leg support 40 of the embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a bicycle 1 and can switch between a grounded state and a pop-up state. It comprises: a support member 50, which includes a grounding portion 51 that contacts the ground in the grounded state and is rotatably supported on the bicycle 1 with its rotation center rc1 located behind the rear wheel axle 3a; a rod member 60, which is rotatably supported on the bicycle 1 with its rotation center rc2 located forward of the front end of the support member 50 in the pop-up state, and includes an operating portion 60P located forward of the rotation center rc2 of the rod member 60 in the pop-up state; and a connecting rod member 70, which connects the rod member 60 to the support member 50. The bicycle leg support 40 is configured such that by pressing the operating portion 60P downward in the pop-up state, the rod member 60 is rotated, which in turn rotates the support member 50, causing the grounding portion 51 to move downward. When viewed from the side in the popped-up state, the rod member 60 is located inside the outer periphery of the rear wheel 3.

[0150] The bicycle leg support 40 of this embodiment of the invention, in addition to a support member 50 including a grounding portion 51 that contacts the ground in the grounded state, also includes: a rod member 60, which is rotatably supported on the bicycle 1 with its rotation center rc2 located in front of the front end of the support member 50; and a connecting rod member 70, which links the rod member 60 to the support member 50. The rod member 60 includes an operating portion 60P located in the popped-up state in front of its rotation center rc2. Furthermore, the bicycle leg support 40 of this embodiment of the invention is configured such that by pressing down the operating portion 60P of the rod member 60 in the popped-up state, the rod member 60 is rotated, which in turn rotates the support member 50, causing the grounding portion 51 to move downward. With this configuration, the leg support operation (referred to as "leg support erection") that switches from the popped-up state to the grounded state can be performed without causing the legs to move significantly backward from the dismount position. Therefore, even when the bicycle 1 is loaded with heavy cargo, the leg support can be erected in a stable state (i.e., without significant changes in posture) while holding the handlebars 5. Furthermore, since weight can be applied to the operating part 60P while holding the handlebars 5, the support can be set up relatively easily. Even when a rear child seat 18 is installed on the bicycle 1, the operating part 60P of the rod member 60 is located in a position easily visible to the rider, allowing for proper support from that point. Additionally, in the bicycle leg support 40 of this embodiment, when viewed from the side in the popped-up state, the rod member 60 is located inside the outer periphery of the rear wheel 3, thus preventing the isotropic rod member 60 from snagging (contacting) when the bicycle 1 crosses a step.

[0151] In one embodiment, the linkage component 70 is a component whose length does not substantially increase when switching from the pop-up state to the grounded state.

[0152] From the viewpoint of enabling the support component 50, rod component 60, and connecting rod component 70 to function appropriately as a linkage mechanism when the support is erected, it is preferable that the connecting rod component 70 is a component whose length does not substantially extend when switching from the pop-up state to the grounded state.

[0153] In one embodiment, the rod member is supported by a first support member 81f at a position lower than the rear wheel axle 3a, allowing it to rotate freely.

[0154] Many other components of the bicycle 1 can be arranged around and above the rear axle 3a. Therefore, from the viewpoint of ease of layout, the rod member 60 is preferably supported at a position lower than the rear axle 3a.

[0155] In one embodiment, the rod member 60 has one end and another end, and an intermediate portion located between the one end and the other end, the intermediate portion of the rod member 60 being supported by the first support member 81f.

[0156] In one embodiment, one end of the rod member 60 is the operating part 60P, and the connecting rod member 70 is connected to the other end of the rod member 60.

[0157] In one embodiment, the bracket component is supported by the second support components 81r and 82 at a position lower than the rear wheel axle 3a, allowing it to rotate freely.

[0158] In one embodiment, the second support components 81r, 82 are a pair of fixed plates 81, 82 fixed near the rear wheel axle 3a, and the bracket component 50 is supported by the pair of fixed plates 81, 82.

[0159] The support component 50 also includes a pair of legs 52, 53 extending from the grounding portion 51, and the connecting rod component 70 is connected to one of the pair of legs 52, 53.

[0160] In one embodiment, when viewed from the side in the popped-up state, the angle α between the upper surface of the operating part 60P of the rod member 60 and the horizontal direction is 45° or less.

[0161] From the viewpoint of properly setting up the support, it is preferable that, when viewed from the side in the pop-up state, the angle α formed by the upper surface of the operating part 60P of the rod member 60 and the horizontal direction is relatively small. Specifically, the angle α formed by the upper surface of the operating part 60P and the horizontal direction is preferably 45° or less, more preferably 10° or less.

[0162] In one embodiment, when viewed from the side in the grounded state, the angle β between the upper surface of the operating portion 60P of the rod member 60 and the horizontal direction is 90° or less.

[0163] In one embodiment, in the popped-up state, the front end of the rod member 60 includes the operating part 60P, and the rod member 60 has a shape in which the lower surface of the front end is inclined forward and upward when viewed from the side in the popped-up state.

[0164] In one embodiment, the operating part 60P of the lever member 60 is located above the lowest point of the lever member 60 in the popped-up state.

[0165] In one embodiment, the operating portion 60P of the lever member 60 is located at the front end of the lever member 60 in the popped-up state, and the width of the operating portion 60P of the lever member 60 is greater than the width of the portion of the lever member 60 other than the operating portion 60P.

[0166] From the viewpoint of making it easier to set up the support, it is preferable that the operating portion 60P of the lever member 60 is located at the front end of the lever member 60 in the pop-up state. In addition, if the width of the operating portion 60P of the lever member 60 is greater than the width of the portion of the lever member 60 other than the operating portion 60P, the operability of the lever member 60 can be further improved.

[0167] In one embodiment, in the popped-up state, the operating part 60P of the lever member 60 is located behind the last point p1 of the rotation trajectory rt of the pedal 26.

[0168] In one embodiment, in the popped-up state, the operating part 60P of the lever member 60 is located above the straight line L1 between the lowest point p2 of the rotation trajectory rt of the connecting pedal 26 and the contact point p3 of the rear wheel 3.

[0169] In one embodiment, the operating part 60P of the rod member 60 is located inside the polygon Po with the outermost end of the left and right pedals 26 when they are at the frontmost position and the left and right ends of the support member 50 as vertices when viewed from above.

[0170] When the operating part 60P of the lever member 60 is located inside the polygon Po with the outermost end of the left and right pedals 26 when they are in the foremost position and the left and right ends of the support member 50 as vertices when viewed from above, it is possible to prevent excessive load from being applied to the operating part 60P when the bicycle 1 is overturned.

[0171] In one embodiment, when the connection between the rod member 60 and the connecting rod member 70 is referred to as the rod connection Lc and the connection between the bracket member 50 and the connecting rod member 70 is referred to as the bracket connection Sc, in the pop-up state, the rod connection Lc is located above the straight line L2 connecting the rotation center rc2 of the rod member 60 and the bracket connection Sc.

[0172] In one embodiment, when switching from the pop-up state to the grounded state, the rod connection Lc moves forward and upward.

[0173] In one embodiment, when switching from the pop-up state to the grounded state, the distance between the rotation center rc2 of the rod member 60 and the bracket connection portion Sc decreases.

[0174] The bicycle 1 of the present invention includes a bicycle leg support 40 having any of the above-described configurations.

[0175] Industrial availability

[0176] According to embodiments of the present invention, a bicycle leg support can be provided that allows the legs to be raised without requiring significant rearward movement of the feet from the dismount position. Embodiments of the present invention can be widely applied to various types of bicycles.

[0177] Symbol Explanation

[0178] 1: Bicycle; 2: Front wheel; 2a: Front axle; 3: Rear wheel; 3a: Rear axle; 4: Handlebar column; 5: Handlebar; 6: Front fork; 7: Front basket; 8: Seatpost; 9: Saddle; 10: Frame; 11: Head tube; 12: Down tube; 13: Seatpost; 15: Chain stay; 16: Seat stay; 17: Rear seat; 18: Child seat (rear child seat); 20: Drive unit; 21: Electric motor; 22: Housing; 23: Crankshaft; 24: Crank arm; 26: Pedals; 31: Drive sprocket; 32: Drive chain 33: Auxiliary sprocket; 34: Chain; 35: Battery unit; 40: Double leg support; 50: Support component; 51: Grounding part; 52, 53: Legs; 60: Rod component; 60P: Operating part; 61: Rod body; 62: Operating pedal; 70: Linkage component; 81, 82: Fixing plate; 91: Locking rod; 92, 93: Coil spring; Lc: Rod connection part; Sc: Support connection part; rc1: Rotation center of support component; rc2: Rotation center of rod component; rt: Rotation trajectory of pedal; SA: Support assembly.

Claims

1. A bicycle leg support, mounted on a bicycle, capable of switching between a grounded state and a pop-up state, characterized in that it comprises: The bracket component includes a grounding part that contacts the ground in the grounded state, and is rotatably supported on the bicycle with its rotation center located behind the rear wheel axle. A rod component that is rotatably supported on a bicycle with its rotation center located in front of the front end of the support component in the pop-up state, and includes an operating part located in front of the rotation center of the rod component in the pop-up state. as well as A connecting rod assembly that links the rod assembly to the support assembly. By pressing the operating part downward in the popped-up state, the rod member is rotated, thereby rotating the bracket member and causing the grounding part to move downward. In the side view of the popped-up state, the rod component is located inside the outer periphery of the rear wheel.

2. The bicycle leg support according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting rod component is a component whose length does not substantially increase when switching from the pop-up state to the grounded state.

3. The bicycle leg support according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The rod component is supported by the first support component at a position lower than the rear wheel axle, allowing it to rotate freely.

4. The bicycle leg support according to claim 3, characterized in that, The rod component has one end and another end, and a middle portion located between the one end and the other end. The middle portion of the rod component is supported by the first support component.

5. The bicycle leg support according to claim 4, characterized in that, One end of the rod component is the operating part. The connecting rod component is connected to the other end of the rod component.

6. The bicycle leg support according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The bracket component is supported by the second support component at a position lower than the rear wheel axle, allowing it to rotate freely.

7. The bicycle leg support according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second support component is a pair of fixed plates fixed near the rear wheel axle. The support component is supported by the pair of fixing plates.

8. The bicycle leg support according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The support component also includes a pair of legs extending from the grounding portion. The connecting rod component is connected to one of the pair of legs.

9. The bicycle leg support according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, When viewed from the side in the popped-up state, the angle between the upper surface of the operating part of the rod member and the horizontal direction is 45° or less.

10. A bicycle leg support according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, When viewed from the side in the grounded state, the angle between the upper surface of the operating part of the rod member and the horizontal direction is 90° or less.

11. The bicycle leg support according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, In the popped-up state, the front end of the rod component includes the operating part, and the rod component has a shape in which the lower surface of the front end is inclined forward and upward when viewed from the side in the popped-up state.

12. The bicycle leg support according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The operating part of the rod component is located above the lowest point of the rod component in the popped-up state.

13. The bicycle leg support according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The operating part of the rod component is located at the front end of the rod component in the popped-up state. The width of the operating portion of the rod member is greater than the width of the portion of the rod member other than the operating portion.

14. The bicycle leg support according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, In the popped-up state, the operating part of the lever component is located behind the last point of the pedal's rotation trajectory.

15. The bicycle leg support according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, In the popped-up state, the operating part of the lever component is located above the straight line between the lowest point of the rotation trajectory of the connecting pedal and the contact point of the rear wheel.

16. The bicycle leg support according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that, The operating part of the rod component, when viewed from above, is located inside a polygon with the outermost ends of the left and right pedals when they are at the frontmost position and the left and right ends of the support component as vertices.

17. The bicycle leg support according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that, When the connection between the rod component and the connecting rod component is referred to as the rod connection, and the connection between the bracket component and the connecting rod component is referred to as the bracket connection, In the popped-up state, the rod connection is located above the straight line connecting the rotation center of the rod component and the bracket connection.

18. The bicycle leg support according to claim 17, characterized in that, When switching from the pop-up state to the grounded state, the rod connection moves forward and upward.

19. The bicycle leg support according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, When switching from the pop-up state to the grounded state, the distance between the rotation center of the rod component and the bracket connection portion decreases.

20. A bicycle has the following features: Bicycle leg support as described in any one of claims 1 to 19.

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