Battery holding device for human-powered vehicle, drive unit, and battery unit

Abstract

Provided are a battery holding device for a human-powered vehicle, a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle, and a battery unit for a human-powered vehicle, by which a battery unit can be appropriately installed in a human-powered vehicle by being provided in the human-powered vehicle, a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle, by which a battery unit can be appropriately installed in a human-powered vehicle by being provided in the human-powered vehicle, and a battery unit for a human-powered vehicle, which can be appropriately installed in a human-powered vehicle. The battery holding device is a battery holding device formed separately from a frame of a human-powered vehicle, and includes: a battery mounting portion that mounts a battery unit in a detachable manner by a threaded member; and at least one drive unit connecting portion that is connected to a drive unit that rotatably supports a crankshaft of the human-powered vehicle.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of patent application filed on May 31, 2021, with application number 202110601308.1 and entitled "Battery Holding Device, Drive Unit and Battery Unit for Human-Powered Vehicles", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a battery holding device for a human-powered vehicle, a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle, and a battery unit for a human-powered vehicle. Background Technology

[0003] For example, the battery unit for a human-powered vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1 is mounted on the frame of the human-powered vehicle.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-6144 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide: a battery holding device for a manually driven vehicle, which can be properly installed with a battery cell by being disposed in the manually driven vehicle; a drive unit for a manually driven vehicle, which can properly install the battery cell in the manually driven vehicle by being disposed in the manually driven vehicle; and a battery cell for a manually driven vehicle, which can be properly installed in the manually driven vehicle.

[0009] Solutions for solving technical problems

[0010] The battery holding device according to the first aspect of this disclosure is a battery holding device separately formed from the frame of a human-powered vehicle, comprising: a battery mounting portion for mounting battery cells in a detachable manner via threaded components; and at least one drive unit connection portion connected to a drive unit that supports the crankshaft of the human-powered vehicle for rotation.

[0011] According to the battery holding device of the first aspect, the battery cell can be detachably installed in the battery mounting section using a threaded component. By providing the battery holding device of the first aspect in a manually driven vehicle, the battery cell can be properly installed in the manually driven vehicle.

[0012] In the battery holding device according to the second aspect of this disclosure, the battery mounting portion and the at least one drive unit connecting portion are integrally formed with the housing of the drive unit.

[0013] According to the second aspect of the battery holding device, compared with the case where the housing of the battery holding device and the drive unit are formed as separate parts, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0014] In the battery holding device according to the first or second aspect of this disclosure, at least one guide portion is provided, which guides the battery cell in a predetermined direction when the battery cell is detached from the battery mounting portion.

[0015] According to the battery holding device of the third aspect, the battery cell can be guided in a predetermined direction by at least one guide.

[0016] In the battery holding device of any one of the first to third aspects of this disclosure, the threaded component includes at least one of a bolt and a nut, and the battery mounting portion includes at least one of an internal thread portion configured to connect the bolt, an external thread portion configured to connect the nut, and a through hole configured to allow a portion of the bolt to pass through.

[0017] According to the battery holding device of the fourth aspect, the battery unit can be installed in the battery mounting part by means of at least one of the threaded part and the internal thread, the external thread and the through hole.

[0018] In the battery holding device of the fifth aspect of the third aspect of this disclosure, the threaded component includes at least one of a bolt and a nut, and the battery mounting portion includes at least one of an internal thread portion configured to connect the bolt, an external thread portion configured to connect the nut, and a through hole configured to allow a portion of the bolt to pass through, wherein at least one of the internal thread portion, the external thread portion, and the through hole extends in a direction substantially parallel to the predetermined direction.

[0019] According to the battery holding device of the fifth aspect, the battery unit can be installed in the battery mounting part by means of at least one of a threaded part and an internal threaded part, an external threaded part, and a through hole extending in a direction substantially parallel to a predetermined direction.

[0020] In the battery holding device according to the third or fifth aspect of this disclosure, the predetermined direction is not parallel to the axial direction of the crankshaft when the at least one drive unit connection is connected to the drive unit.

[0021] According to the battery holding device of the sixth aspect, at least one guide is capable of guiding the battery cell in a direction that is not parallel to the axial direction of the crankshaft.

[0022] In the battery holding device according to the sixth and seventh aspects of this disclosure, the predetermined direction is a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the axial direction parallel to the crankshaft when the at least one drive unit connection is connected to the drive unit.

[0023] According to the battery holding device of the seventh aspect, at least one guide is capable of guiding the battery cell in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction parallel to the crankshaft.

[0024] In the battery holding device of the eighth aspect according to any one of the third and fifth to seventh aspects of this disclosure, the battery mounting portion is configured such that the battery cell is mounted in a configuration where the length direction of the battery cell is substantially parallel to the predetermined direction.

[0025] According to the battery holding device of the eighth aspect, the battery cell can be installed in the battery mounting section in a state in which the length direction of the battery cell is substantially parallel to the predetermined direction.

[0026] In the battery holding device of the ninth aspect according to any one of the third and fifth to eighth aspects of this disclosure, when the at least one drive unit connection is provided on the drive unit and the drive unit is provided on the human-powered vehicle, the predetermined direction is substantially parallel to the extending direction of the downtube or seat tube of the frame.

[0027] According to the battery holding device of the ninth aspect, when at least one drive unit connection is provided on the drive unit and the drive unit is provided in a manually driven vehicle, at least one guide is capable of guiding the battery unit in a direction substantially parallel to the extending direction of the downtube or seat tube of the frame.

[0028] The battery holding device according to the tenth aspect of this disclosure is a battery holding device separately formed from the frame of a human-powered vehicle, comprising: a battery mounting part on which a battery cell is mounted in a detachable manner via a threaded component; and at least one guide part that guides the battery cell in a predetermined direction when the battery cell is mounted or dismounted.

[0029] According to the battery holding device of the tenth aspect, the battery cell can be detachably installed in the battery mounting section via a threaded component. Therefore, the battery cell can be properly installed in a manually driven vehicle. According to the battery holding device of the tenth aspect, the battery cell can be guided in a predetermined direction via at least one guide portion.

[0030] In the battery holding device of the eleventh aspect of the tenth aspect of this disclosure, the threaded component includes at least one of a bolt and a nut, and the battery mounting portion includes at least one of an internal thread portion configured to connect the bolt, an external thread portion configured to connect the nut, and a through hole configured to allow a portion of the bolt to pass through.

[0031] According to the battery holding device of the eleventh aspect, the battery cell can be installed in the battery mounting part by means of at least one of the threaded part and the internal thread, the external thread and the through hole.

[0032] In the battery holding device of the eleventh aspect of this disclosure, at least one of the internal thread portion, the external thread portion, and the through hole extends in the predetermined direction.

[0033] According to the battery holding device of the twelfth aspect, the battery unit can be installed in the battery mounting part by means of a threaded component and at least one of an internal threaded portion, an external threaded portion, and a through hole extending in a predetermined direction.

[0034] In the battery holding device of the thirteenth aspect according to any one of the third and fifth to twelfth aspects of this disclosure, a limiting part is further included, which is configured to limit the movement of the battery cell in the first direction of disassembling the battery cell in the predetermined direction.

[0035] According to the battery holding device of the thirteenth aspect, even if the threaded part is removed, the movement of the battery cell in the first direction can be restricted by the limiting part.

[0036] The battery holding device according to the fourteenth aspect of this disclosure is a battery holding device separately formed from the frame of a human-powered vehicle, comprising: at least one drive unit connection portion connected to a drive unit that supports the crankshaft of the human-powered vehicle for rotation; at least one guide portion that guides the battery unit in a predetermined direction when the battery unit is being removed or installed; and a limiting portion configured to limit the movement of the battery unit in a first direction of removing the battery unit in the predetermined direction, wherein, when the battery unit is held in the battery holding device and the drive unit is connected to the human-powered vehicle, the limiting portion is disposed between the battery unit and the drive unit when viewed from a direction parallel to the crankshaft.

[0037] According to the battery holding device of the fourteenth aspect, the movement of the battery cell in a first direction can be restricted by the limiting part. According to the battery holding device of the fourteenth aspect, the battery cell can be guided in a predetermined direction by at least one guide part. According to the battery holding device of the fourteenth aspect, when the battery cell is held in the battery holding device and the drive unit is connected to the manual-drive vehicle, the limiting part is disposed between the battery cell and the drive unit when viewed from a direction parallel to the crankshaft, thus allowing the limiting part to be disposed close to both the battery cell and the drive unit. By providing the battery holding device on the fourteenth side of the manual-drive vehicle, the battery cell can be properly installed in the manual-drive vehicle.

[0038] In the battery holding device according to the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect of this disclosure, the limiting part is configured to be movable between a first position that restricts the movement of the battery cell and a second position that does not restrict the movement of the battery cell.

[0039] According to the battery holding device of the fifteenth aspect, the battery cell can move in a first direction relative to the limiting part by moving from a first position to a second position via the limiting part.

[0040] In the battery holding device according to the fifteenth and sixteenth aspects of this disclosure, there is also an operating part capable of operating the limiting part, the operating part including a rod member that rotates about a predetermined rotation axis.

[0041] According to the battery holding device of the sixteenth aspect, the limiting part can be operated by a rod member that rotates about a predetermined axis of rotation.

[0042] In the battery holding device according to the sixteenth and seventeenth aspects of this disclosure, at least a portion of the operating part is disposed at a location covered by an electrical wiring part electrically connected to the battery cell.

[0043] According to the battery holding device of the seventeenth aspect, the user's misoperation of the operating unit can be suppressed by the electrical wiring section.

[0044] In the battery holding device according to the seventeenth and eighteenth aspects of this disclosure, the predetermined axis of rotation extends substantially perpendicular to the predetermined direction.

[0045] According to the battery holding device of the eighteenth aspect, the limiting part can be operated by a rod member that rotates about a predetermined axis of rotation that extends substantially perpendicular to a predetermined direction.

[0046] In the battery holding device of the nineteenth aspect according to any one of the fifteenth to eighteenth aspects of this disclosure, a force-applying part is further provided, which applies force to the limiting part from the second position toward the first position.

[0047] According to the battery holding device of the nineteenth aspect, even without moving the limiting part from the second position to the first position by means of the operating part, the limiting part can be moved from the second position to the first position by means of the force application part.

[0048] The battery holding device of the twentieth aspect according to any one of the fourteenth to nineteenth aspects of this disclosure further includes a battery mounting part that mounts the battery cell in a detachable manner.

[0049] According to the battery holding device of aspect 20, the battery cell is properly installed in the battery holding device by means of the battery mounting part.

[0050] In the battery holding device according to the thirteenth or twentieth aspect of this disclosure, the battery mounting portion is disposed on the downstream side of the first direction compared to the limiting portion.

[0051] According to the battery holding device of aspect twenty-one, the battery mounting part is able to hold the battery cell on the downstream side of the limiting part in the first direction.

[0052] In the battery holding device of the twenty-second aspect according to any one of the third, fifth to thirteenth, twentieth and twenty-first aspects of this disclosure, the battery mounting portion is disposed on the downstream side of the first direction compared to the at least one guide portion.

[0053] According to the battery holding device of aspect twenty-two, the battery mounting part is able to hold the battery cell on the downstream side of at least one guide in a first direction.

[0054] In the battery holding device of the twenty-third aspect according to any one of the first to ninth and fourteenth aspects of this disclosure, in a state where the at least one drive unit connection is connected to the drive unit, the drive unit is connected to the vehicle frame, and all wheels of the human-powered vehicle are in contact with the horizontal ground, at least a portion of the battery mounting portion is located below the crankshaft.

[0055] According to the battery retention device in aspect 23, the center of gravity of the human-powered vehicle can be lowered.

[0056] The drive unit according to the twenty-fourth aspect of this disclosure is a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: a base portion that supports the crankshaft of the human-powered vehicle so that it can rotate; a frame mounting portion disposed in the base portion and capable of being mounted on the frame of the human-powered vehicle; a motor disposed in the base portion and configured to provide propulsion to the human-powered vehicle; and a battery mounting portion disposed in the base portion, on which a battery unit is mounted in a detachable manner via a threaded component.

[0057] According to the drive unit of aspect twenty-four, the battery unit can be detachably installed in the battery mounting section via a threaded component. By providing the drive unit of aspect twenty-four in a manually driven vehicle, the battery unit can be properly installed in the manually driven vehicle.

[0058] The battery cell according to the twenty-fifth aspect of this disclosure is a battery cell for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: a housing forming a storage space and having a first end and a second end in a length direction; and one or more battery elements disposed in the storage space, the housing being configured to be detachable from a battery holding device by means of a threaded member extending in a direction substantially parallel to the length direction.

[0059] According to the battery cell of aspect twenty-five, the housing is configured to be detachable from the battery holding device via a threaded member extending in a direction substantially parallel to the length direction. Therefore, the battery cell can be properly installed in a human-powered vehicle.

[0060] The battery cell according to the twenty-fifth and twenty-sixth aspects of this disclosure further includes at least one guided portion disposed in the housing and guided by at least one guide portion disposed in the battery holding device or the frame of the human-powered vehicle.

[0061] According to the battery cell of aspect twenty-six, the battery cell is properly guided by causing at least one guided portion to guide at least one guided portion.

[0062] In the battery cell according to the twenty-seventh aspect of the twenty-sixth aspect of this disclosure, the at least one guided portion extends in the length direction of the housing.

[0063] According to the battery cell of aspect twenty-seven, the battery cell is properly guided in the longitudinal direction of the housing by having at least one guide portion guide at least one guided portion.

[0064] In the battery cell of the twenty-eighth aspect according to any one of the twenty-fifth to twenty-seventh aspects of this disclosure, the threaded component includes at least one of a bolt and a nut, and the first end of the housing includes at least one of an internal thread portion configured to connect the bolt, an external thread portion configured to connect the nut, and a through hole configured to allow a portion of the bolt to pass through.

[0065] According to the battery cell of aspect twenty-eight, the battery cell can be installed in the battery mounting portion by at least one of an internal thread portion, an external thread portion, and a through hole.

[0066] In the battery cell of the twenty-ninth aspect of the twenty-eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the first end has a protrusion that protrudes in a direction not parallel to the length direction of the housing, and at least one of the external thread, internal thread and through hole is formed in the protrusion.

[0067] According to the battery cell of aspect twenty-nine, the battery cell can be mounted on the battery mounting portion by at least one of the internal thread portion, the external thread portion, and the through hole formed in the protrusion.

[0068] In the battery cell of the thirtieth aspect of the twenty-sixth or twenty-seventh aspect of this disclosure, the threaded component includes at least one of a bolt and a nut, the first end of the housing includes at least one of an internal thread portion configured to connect the bolt, an external thread portion configured to connect the nut, and a through hole configured to allow a portion of the bolt to pass through, the first end having a protrusion projecting in a direction not parallel to the length direction of the housing, at least one of the external thread portion, the internal thread portion, and the through hole being formed in the protrusion, the at least one being guided to a side portion in the housing between the protrusion and the second end.

[0069] According to the thirtieth aspect of the battery cell, the battery cell is guided by at least one guided portion disposed on the side portion between the protrusion and the second end.

[0070] In the battery cell of the thirtieth aspect and the thirty-first aspect of the present disclosure, the protrusion and the at least one guided portion are provided on a first side surface portion in the housing in a direction substantially orthogonal to the length direction.

[0071] According to the battery cell of aspect thirty-one, the protrusion can be configured close to the at least one guided portion.

[0072] In the battery cell of the thirty-second aspect according to any one of the twenty-eighth to thirty-first aspects of this disclosure, a locking portion is further included, which is configured to engage with a limiting portion disposed on the battery holding device and limiting movement in the disassembly direction.

[0073] According to the battery cell in aspect 32, by engaging the engaging part with the limiting part, the removal of the battery cell from the battery holding device can be restricted.

[0074] The battery cell according to the thirty-third aspect of the thirty-first aspect of this disclosure further includes a locking portion configured to engage with a limiting portion disposed on the battery holding device and limiting movement in the disassembly direction, the locking portion being disposed on the first side portion.

[0075] According to the battery cell of aspect 33, by engaging the limiting part with the engaging part provided on the first side, the removal of the battery cell from the battery holding device can be restricted.

[0076] In the battery cell of the 34th aspect of the 32nd or 33rd aspect of this disclosure, the engaging portion includes a recess.

[0077] According to the battery cell of aspect thirty-four, the engaging portion can be easily formed by the recess.

[0078] The effects of the invention

[0079] The battery holding device and drive unit for a human-powered vehicle disclosed herein enable the battery unit to be properly installed in the human-powered vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0080] Figure 1 This is a side view taken from the first side of the main body of the human-powered vehicle, which includes the battery holding device for the human-powered vehicle, the drive unit for the human-powered vehicle, and the battery unit for the human-powered vehicle according to the embodiment.

[0081] Figure 2 Observing from the first side Figure 1 A side view of the main body of a human-powered vehicle, including the battery holding device, the drive unit, and the surrounding structure of the battery unit.

[0082] Figure 3 Observed from the second side Figure 1 A side view of the main body of a human-powered vehicle, including the battery holding device, the drive unit, and the surrounding structure of the battery unit.

[0083] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A bottom view of the main body of a human-powered vehicle, including the battery holding device, the drive unit, and the surrounding structure of the battery unit.

[0084] Figure 5 Is Figure 2 The side view omits part of the frame and shows an enlarged view of the periphery of the battery holding device for manually driven vehicles.

[0085] Figure 6 Is Figure 3 The side view omits part of the frame and shows an enlarged view of the periphery of the battery holding device for manually driven vehicles.

[0086] Figure 7 Is Figure 5 The side view shown omits the battery unit used for manually driven vehicles.

[0087] Figure 8 Is Figure 6 The side view shown omits the battery unit used for manually driven vehicles.

[0088] Figure 9 yes Figure 2 Battery retention device for human-powered vehicles and Figure 2 A three-dimensional diagram of the drive unit used in a human-powered vehicle.

[0089] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Battery retention device for human-powered vehicles and Figure 9 An exploded perspective view of the drive unit used in a human-powered vehicle.

[0090] Figure 11 It is along Figure 4 A partial sectional view of line D11-D11.

[0091] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 A 3D diagram of the battery unit used in a human-powered vehicle.

[0092] Figure 13 Observed from the second side Figure 1 A side view of a battery cell used in a human-powered vehicle.

[0093] Figure 14 yes Figure 9 An exploded perspective view of a battery retention device for a human-powered vehicle.

[0094] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A perspective view of the limiting part, operating part, force-applying part, shaft part, and control part.

[0095] Figure 16 yes Figure 9 A bottom view of a battery holding device and a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle.

[0096] Figure 17 It means Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the first and second positions of the limiting part.

[0097] Figure 18 It means Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the supporting components.

[0098] Figure 19 Observing from the first side Figure 18 Side view of the supporting components.

[0099] Figure 20 It is along Figure 4 A partial sectional view of line D20-D20.

[0100] Figure 21 It is a perspective view of a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle, including a battery retention device for human-powered vehicles.

[0101] Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the structure of the battery mounting section 52.

[0102] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0103] 14…wheel, 18…frame, 18A…downtube, 18B…seatpost, 30…drive unit, 32…base section, 36…motor, 40…threaded component, 40A…bolt, 40B…nut, 42…housing, 44…crankshaft, 50…battery retainer, 52…battery mounting section, 52A…internal thread section, 52B…through hole, 52C…external thread section, 54…drive unit connection section, 56…guide section, 58…Restriction section, 66…Operating section, 68…Rod component, 70A…Force application section, 80…Battery unit, 82…Housing, 82A…First end, 82B…Second end, 82C…Through hole, 82D…Protrusion, 82E…Side section, 82F…First side section, 82S…Storage space, 84…Battery element, 86…Guided section, 90…Activating section, 90A…Recess, 100…Electrical wiring section. Detailed Implementation

[0104] <Implementation Method>

[0105] Reference Figures 1 to 20The battery holding device 50, drive unit 30, and battery unit 80 for a human-powered vehicle according to the embodiments will be described. A human-powered vehicle 10 is a passenger vehicle having at least one wheel and capable of being driven by at least human power. Human-powered vehicles 10 include, for example, various types of bicycles such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, handwheel bikes, and recumbent bikes. The number of wheels in a human-powered vehicle 10 is not limited. Human-powered vehicles 10 also include, for example, unicycles and passenger vehicles with three or more wheels. Human-powered vehicles 10 are not limited to passenger vehicles capable of being driven solely by human power. Human-powered vehicles 10 include electric bicycles (E-bikes) that use both human power and the driving force of an electric motor for propulsion. Electric bicycles include electric-assisted bicycles that are propelled by an electric motor. Hereinafter, in the embodiments, the human-powered vehicle 10 will be described as an electric-assisted bicycle, and an example of an electric-assisted bicycle will be described as a road bike.

[0106] The human-powered vehicle 10 has an input rotary shaft for inputting human driving force. The human-powered vehicle 10 also has wheels 14 and a body 16. The wheels 14 include a rear wheel 14A and a front wheel 14B. The body 16 includes a frame 18. The input rotary shaft includes a crankshaft 44 rotatable relative to the frame 18. A pair of crank arms are provided on the crankshaft 44. One crank arm is provided at one axial end of the crankshaft 44, and another crank arm is provided at the other axial end of the crankshaft 44. A crank is formed by the pair of crank arms and the crankshaft 44. One and the other of a pair of pedals are respectively connected to each crank arm. The rear wheel 14A is driven by the rotation of the crank. The rear wheel 14A is supported on the frame 18. The crank and the rear wheel 14A are connected via a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a first rotating body connected to the crankshaft 44. The crankshaft 44 and the first rotating body can be connected either integrally or via a first one-way clutch. The first one-way clutch is configured such that when the crank rotates forward, it causes the first rotating body to rotate forward, and when the crank rotates backward, it allows relative rotation between the crank and the first rotating body. In this embodiment, the crankshaft 44 is connected to the first rotating body in a manner that allows them to rotate as a single unit. The first rotating body includes a sprocket, pulley, or bevel gear. The drive mechanism also includes a second rotating body and a connecting component. The connecting component transmits the rotational force of the first rotating body to the second rotating body. The connecting component includes, for example, a chain, belt, or shaft.

[0107] The second rotating body is connected to the rear wheel 14A. The second rotating body includes a sprocket, pulley, or bevel gear. Preferably, a second one-way clutch is provided between the second rotating body and the rear wheel 14A. The second one-way clutch is configured such that when the second rotating body rotates forward, the rear wheel 14A rotates forward, and when the second rotating body rotates backward, it allows relative rotation between the second rotating body and the rear wheel 14A.

[0108] A front wheel 14B is mounted on the frame 18 via a front fork 20. The handlebars are connected to the front fork 20 via a stem. In this embodiment, the rear wheel 14A is connected to the crank via a drive mechanism, but at least one of the rear wheel 14A and the front wheel 14B may also be connected to the crank via a drive mechanism.

[0109] The human-powered vehicle 10 includes a drive unit 30, a battery holding device 50, and a battery unit 80. Preferably, the drive unit 30 includes a base portion 32, a frame mounting portion 34, and a motor 36. The base portion 32 supports the crankshaft 44 of the human-powered vehicle 10 so that it can rotate. The frame mounting portion 34 is provided in the base portion 32 and can be mounted on the frame 18 of the human-powered vehicle 10. The motor 36 is provided in the base portion 32 and configured to provide propulsion to the human-powered vehicle 10. The motor 36 includes an electric motor. Preferably, the drive unit 30 also includes the crankshaft 44. Preferably, the drive unit 30 also includes an output portion 46.

[0110] Preferably, the base portion 32 includes a housing 42. The motor 36 is disposed within the housing 42. In this embodiment, the motor 36 is disposed within the housing 42 such that its rotation axis C1 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the crankshaft 44. Alternatively, the motor 36 may be disposed within the housing 42 such that its rotation axis C1 is not parallel to the rotation axis of the crankshaft 44. At least a portion of the motor 36 may be housed within the internal space of the housing 42, or it may be formed separately from and mounted on the housing 42. Preferably, the motor 36 is disposed within the housing 42 such that its rotation center axis is parallel to the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44. Preferably, at least a portion of a reducer is housed within the internal space of the housing 42, and this reducer is disposed in the power transmission path between the motor 36 and the first rotating body.

[0111] A first hole 42A and a second hole 42B are formed in the housing 42 for arranging the crankshaft 44. A portion of the first end 44A of the crankshaft 44 is arranged in the first hole 42A. A portion of the second end 44B of the crankshaft 44 is arranged in the second hole 42B. Preferably, an output portion 46 is disposed around the crankshaft 44. In this embodiment, the output portion 46 has a cylindrical shape and is coaxially arranged with the crankshaft 44. The rotational force of the crankshaft 44 and the rotational force of the motor 36 are transmitted to the output portion 46. At least a portion of the output portion 46 is disposed in the first hole 42A. The output portion 46 includes a first rotating body mounting portion 46A on which a first rotating body is mounted. The first rotating body mounting portion 46A includes, for example, a spline. A first one-way clutch may also be provided in the power transmission path between the crankshaft 44 and the output portion 46.

[0112] At least a portion of the drive unit 30 is disposed within the internal space 18S of the frame 18. An opening 22 communicating with the internal space 18S is provided in the frame 18. Preferably, the opening 22 is provided in at least one of the downtube 18A and the seatpost 18B of the frame 18. In this embodiment, the opening 22 is provided at the connection portion connecting the downtube 18A, the seatpost 18B, and the chainstay 18C. Preferably, the opening 22 opens downwards when all the wheels 14 of the manually driven bicycle 10 are in contact with the horizontal ground.

[0113] Preferably, the frame mounting portion 34 is disposed on the outer periphery of the base portion 32. Preferably, the frame mounting portion 34 includes a plurality of frame mounting portions 34. At least one of the plurality of frame mounting portions 34 may also protrude outward from the outer periphery of the base portion 32. The plurality of frame mounting portions 34 each includes at least one of a hole 34A and an internal thread portion 34B. Preferably, at least one of the hole 34A and the internal thread portion 34B extends in a direction parallel to the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44.

[0114] The plurality of frame mounting portions 34 include: at least one first frame mounting portion 35A, which opens in a direction parallel to the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44; and at least one second frame mounting portion 35B, which opens in another direction parallel to the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44. Preferably, at least one of the at least one first frame mounting portion 35A and at least one of the at least one second frame mounting portion 35B are arranged in an overlapping position when viewed from the axial direction of the crankshaft 44. At least one first frame mounting portion 35A is provided on a first side surface portion 32A of the base portion 32 in the axial direction of the crankshaft 44. At least one second frame mounting portion 35B is provided on a second side surface portion 32B of the base portion 32 in the axial direction of the crankshaft 44. A first hole 42A is formed on the first side surface portion 32A. A second hole 42B is formed on the second side surface portion 32B.

[0115] The number of at least one first frame mounting portion 35A and the number of at least one second frame mounting portion 35B can be different or the same. When the number of at least one first frame mounting portion 35A and the number of at least one second frame mounting portion 35B are different, it is preferable that the number of at least one first frame mounting portion 35A is greater than the number of at least one second frame mounting portion 35B. By ensuring that the number of at least one first frame mounting portion 35A provided on the first side surface portion 32A of the first rotating body is greater than the number of at least one second frame mounting portion 35B, the drive unit 30 can be stably fixed to the frame 18. In this embodiment, the number of at least one first frame mounting portion 35A is three, and the number of at least one second frame mounting portion 35B is two.

[0116] When there are at least three first frame mounting portions 35A, it is preferable that, viewed from the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44, the center of the crankshaft 44 is arranged in an area surrounded by a line segment passing through the center of the hole 34A of at least one first frame mounting portion 35A or the center of the internal thread portion 34B of at least one first frame mounting portion 35A.

[0117] Preferably, at least one of the first frame mounting portions 35A and at least one of the second frame mounting portions 35B, when all the wheels 14 of the manually driven vehicle 10 are in contact with the horizontal ground, are positioned on the rear wheel 14A side when viewed from the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44. The other of the at least one first frame mounting portion 35A and the other of the at least one second frame mounting portion 35B, when all the wheels 14 of the manually driven vehicle 10 are in contact with the horizontal ground, are positioned on the front wheel 14B side when viewed from the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44.

[0118] When at least one first frame mounting portion 35A includes a plurality of first frame mounting portions 35A, the plurality of first frame mounting portions 35A are arranged at substantially equal distances from the rotation axis of the crankshaft 44 and spaced apart around the rotation axis of the crankshaft 44 when viewed from the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44. When at least one second frame mounting portion 35B includes a plurality of second frame mounting portions 35B, the plurality of second frame mounting portions 35B are arranged at substantially equal distances from the rotation axis of the crankshaft 44 and spaced apart around the rotation axis of the crankshaft 44 when viewed from the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44.

[0119] When the motor 36 is mounted on the housing 42 in such a way that the rotation axis C1 of the motor 36 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the crankshaft 44, when viewed from the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44, the multiple frame mounting parts 34 are positioned closer to the rotation axis of the crankshaft 44 than the rotation axis C1 of the motor 36.

[0120] The frame 18 includes a plurality of drive unit mounting portions 24. Each drive unit mounting portion 24 includes at least one of a hole 24A and an internal thread. The plurality of drive unit mounting portions 24 are positioned corresponding to a plurality of frame mounting portions 34. The drive unit 30 is mounted on the frame 18 by connecting the drive unit mounting portions 24 to the frame mounting portions 34 using bolts. In this embodiment, the plurality of frame mounting portions 34 are directly connected to the plurality of drive unit mounting portions 24, but they can also be connected via brackets.

[0121] Preferably, the battery cell 80 is mounted to the drive unit 30 via the battery holding device 50. The preferred battery cell 80 includes a housing 82 and one or more battery elements 84. The housing 82 forms a receiving space 82S and has a first end 82A and a second end 82B in the longitudinal direction B. One or more battery elements 84 are disposed in the receiving space 82S. The housing 82 is configured to be detachable from the battery holding device 50 via a threaded member 40 extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction B. Preferably, at least a portion of the battery cell 80 is disposed within the internal space 18S of the frame 18. Preferably, at least a portion of the battery cell 80 is disposed outside the internal space 18S of the frame 18. Preferably, at least a portion of the battery cell 80 is disposed on at least one of the downtube 18A or the seat tube 18B of the frame 18. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the battery cell 80 is disposed on the downtube 18A. The battery cell 80 is disposed in the internal space 18S of the frame 18 in a manner that is substantially parallel to the extension direction of the lower tube 18A along the longitudinal direction B of the housing 82. "Substantially parallel" means taking into account the range of installation errors, including a tilt of one side relative to the other within, for example, within 10 degrees, preferably within 5 degrees.

[0122] The battery holding device 50 is separately formed from the frame 18 of the human-powered vehicle 10. The battery holding device 50 includes a battery mounting portion 52 and at least one drive unit connection portion 54.

[0123] In this embodiment, the battery holding device 50 and the base portion 32 of the drive unit 30 are separately configured. In this embodiment, the battery holding device 50 includes a battery mounting portion 52. The battery holding device 50 is detachably mounted to the base portion 32 of the drive unit 30. Preferably, the battery holding device 50 also includes a main body portion 60. Preferably, the main body portion 60 has a shape corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the housing 42 of the drive unit 30. Preferably, the main body portion 60 is made of a metallic material. The main body portion 60 may also be made of a resin material. Preferably, the battery mounting portion 52, at least one drive unit connecting portion 54, and at least one guide portion 56 are integrally formed with the main body portion 60.

[0124] At least one drive unit connection portion 54 is connected to a drive unit 30, which supports the crankshaft 44 of the manually driven vehicle 10 for rotation. The at least one drive unit connection portion 54 is located on the outer periphery of the main body portion 60. Preferably, the at least one drive unit connection portion 54 has multiple drive unit connection portions 54. For example, the at least one drive unit connection portion 54 has four drive unit connection portions 54. The at least one drive unit connection portion 54 is mounted to the drive unit 30 via a mounting member 62. Preferably, each of the at least one drive unit connection portions 54 includes a hole 54A. The mounting member 62 is, for example, a bolt, and includes an external thread portion 62A. The external thread portion 62A of the mounting member 62 is inserted into the hole 54A and engages with an internal thread portion 42C provided in the housing 42 of the drive unit 30. Thus, at least one drive unit connection portion 54 is fixed to the housing 42. The four drive unit connection portions 54 are spaced apart in directions parallel to the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44 and in directions substantially orthogonal to the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44. Four drive unit connection portions 54 are respectively disposed at both ends of the main body portion 60 in a direction parallel to the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44, and at both ends of the main body portion 60 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44. The mounting member 62 has a tool engaging portion 62B. When the mounting member 62 is constructed of a bolt, the tool engaging portion 62B is formed on the head of the bolt. In this embodiment, the tool engaging portion 62B includes a recess. The recess has a shape for engaging with a wrench. At least one drive unit connection portion 54 is disposed in a position opposite to the battery unit 80 when the battery holding device 50 holds the battery unit 80. The hole 54A formed in at least one drive unit connection portion 54 extends non-parallel to the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44. In this embodiment, the hole 54A formed in each drive unit connection portion 54 extends substantially perpendicular to a plane parallel to the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44. The tool engagement portion 62B of each mounting component 62 is provided in a position opposite to the battery unit 80 when the battery holding device 50 holds the battery unit 80. The battery holding device 50 holds the battery unit 80 in a manner that prevents the tool from engaging with the tool engagement portion 62B of each mounting component 62 when the battery unit 80 is held.

[0125] The battery holding device 50 also includes a cover 64. Preferably, the cover 64 covers a portion of the end face of the housing 42 of the drive unit 30 in a direction parallel to the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44. The cover 64 is connected to a first end portion 60A of the main body 60 in a direction parallel to the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44. The main body 60 and the cover 64 are formed as a single component. Preferably, the first end portion 60A is the end portion of the main body 60 on one side where the crankshaft 44 is disposed in the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44. The cover 64 extends from the first end portion 60A of the main body 60 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44 and toward the drive unit 30. The cover 64 may also be omitted.

[0126] The battery unit 80 is detachably mounted on the battery mounting portion 52 via a threaded member 40. Preferably, the threaded member 40 includes at least one of a bolt 40A and a nut, and the battery mounting portion 52 includes at least one of an internal thread portion 52A configured as a connecting bolt 40A, an external thread portion configured as a connecting nut, and a through hole 52B configured for a portion of the bolt 40A to pass through. Preferably, at least one of the internal thread portion 52A, the external thread portion, and the through hole 52B extends in a direction substantially parallel to a predetermined direction X. Preferably, at least one of the internal thread portion 52A, the external thread portion, and the through hole 52B extends in a predetermined direction X.

[0127] Preferably, the predetermined direction X is not parallel to the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44 when at least one drive unit connection 54 is connected to the drive unit 30. Preferably, the predetermined direction X is substantially orthogonal to the direction parallel to the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44 when at least one drive unit connection 54 is connected to the drive unit 30.

[0128] Preferably, the threaded component 40 includes at least one of a bolt 40A and a nut, and the first end 82A of the housing 82 of the battery unit 80 includes at least one of an internal thread portion configured to connect the bolt 40A, an external thread portion configured to connect the nut, and a through hole 82C configured to allow a portion of the bolt 40A to pass through. Preferably, the first end 82A has a protrusion 82D protruding in a direction not parallel to the length direction B of the housing 82, and at least one of the external thread portion, the internal thread portion, and the through hole 82C is formed in the protrusion 82D.

[0129] The threaded component 40 of this embodiment includes a bolt 40A, the battery mounting portion 52 includes an internal thread portion 52A and a through hole 52B, and the first end portion 82A of the housing 82 of the battery unit 80 includes a through hole 82C. The through hole 52B is provided in the main body portion 60. The main body portion 60 has a first end portion 60A and a second end portion 60B in a predetermined direction X. The through hole 52B is provided in the first end portion 60A of the main body portion 60 in the predetermined direction X. The first end portion 60A corresponds to the lower end portion of the main body portion 60 when at least one drive unit connecting portion 54 is connected to the drive unit 30, the drive unit 30 is connected to the frame 18, and all wheels 14 of the manually driven vehicle 10 are in contact with the horizontal ground. The main body portion 60 includes a configuration portion 60C for configuring the internal thread portion 52A. In the predetermined direction X, the configuration portion 60C is provided between the through hole 52B and the second end portion 60B of the main body portion 60. Preferably, the internal thread portion 52A is formed separately from the main body portion 60. Preferably, the internal thread portion 52A comprises a metallic material. Preferably, the internal thread portion 52A is mounted to the main body portion 60 in a non-removable manner. For example, the internal thread portion 52A is formed in an insert member 60D that is separately formed from the main body portion 60. For example, the placement portion 60C includes a recess or hole, into which the insert member 60D is inserted. Preferably, the insert member 60D is mounted to the main body portion 60 in a non-removable manner. The insert member 60D can be pressed into the main body portion 60, can be mounted to the main body portion 60 by adhesive, or can be embedded in the main body portion 60. The insert member 60D can also be formed integrally with the main body portion 60 as a single component. In this case, it is preferable that the through hole 52B is omitted, and the threaded hole of the internal thread portion 52A extends to the outer peripheral surface of the first end portion 60A of the main body portion 60.

[0130] Preferably, the battery mounting portion 52 is configured such that the battery unit 80 is mounted in a configuration where the longitudinal direction B of the battery unit 80 is substantially parallel to a predetermined direction X. Preferably, the predetermined direction X is substantially parallel to the extending direction of the lower tube 18A or seat tube 18B of the frame 18 when at least one drive unit connection portion 54 is provided on the drive unit 30 and the drive unit 30 is provided in the manually driven vehicle 10.

[0131] Preferably, the battery holding device 50 further includes at least one guide portion 56. The at least one guide portion 56 guides the battery unit 80 in a predetermined direction X when the battery unit 80 is being attached or detached from the battery mounting portion 52. The at least one guide portion 56 is configured to guide the battery unit 80 in the predetermined direction X when the battery unit 80 is being attached or detached from the battery mounting portion 52. Preferably, the at least one guide portion 56 is integrally formed with the main body portion 60 as a single component. Alternatively, the at least one guide portion 56 may be separately formed from the main body portion 60 and fixed to the main body portion 60 by bolts, rivets, or adhesives. In this embodiment, the at least one guide portion 56 includes a first guide portion 56A and a second guide portion 56B. The first guide portion 56A and the second guide portion 56B are arranged spaced apart in a direction parallel to the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44. The first guide portion 56A and the second guide portion 56B extend parallel to each other.

[0132] Preferably, the battery cell 80 further includes at least one guided portion 86. The at least one guided portion 86 is disposed in the housing 82 and guided by at least one guide portion 56 disposed on the battery holding device 50 or the frame 18 of the human-powered vehicle 10. In this embodiment, the at least one guided portion 86 is guided by at least one guide portion 56 disposed in the battery holding device 50. Preferably, the at least one guided portion 86 extends along the length direction B of the housing 82. Preferably, the at least one guided portion 86 is disposed on a side portion 82E between the protrusion 82D and the second end portion 82B in the housing 82. The side portion 82E includes a first side portion 82F and a second side portion 82G in a direction substantially orthogonal to the length direction B. Preferably, the protrusion 82D and at least one guided portion 86 are disposed on the first side portion 82F in the housing 82 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the length direction B. Preferably, with the battery unit 80 mounted on the frame 18 and all wheels 14 of the manually driven vehicle 10 in contact with the horizontal ground, the first side portion 82F includes the upper side portion of the first side portion 82F and the second side portion 82G in a direction substantially orthogonal to the length direction B. Preferably, at least one guided portion 86 is integrally formed with the housing 82 as a single component. Alternatively, at least one guided portion 86 may be separately formed from the housing 82 and fixed to the housing 82 by bolts, rivets, or adhesives. The housing 82 may be formed, for example, of a resin material, or of a metal material, or partly of a resin material and partly of a metal material.

[0133] Preferably, at least one guided portion 86 includes a plurality of guided portions 86 disposed at different positions on the first side surface portion 82F in a direction orthogonal to the length direction B. In this embodiment, at least one guided portion 86 includes a first guided portion 86A and a second guided portion 86B. The first guided portion 86A and the second guided portion 86B extend parallel to each other. The first guided portion 86A is disposed at one end of the first side surface portion 82F in a direction orthogonal to the length direction B. The second guided portion 86B is disposed at the other end of the second side surface portion 82F in a direction orthogonal to the length direction B. When at least one guided portion 86 has a plurality of guided portions 86, at least one guide portion 56 includes a plurality of guide portions 56 corresponding to the number of at least one guided portion 86. Preferably, the number and position of at least one guided portion 86 correspond to the number and position of at least one guide portion 56.

[0134] Preferably, at least one guide portion 56 and at least one guided portion 86 are configured to restrict movement of the battery unit 80 relative to the drive unit 30 in a direction not parallel to a predetermined direction X while at least one guide portion 56 is guiding at least one guided portion 86. Preferably, at least one guide portion 56 and at least one guided portion 86 have complementary shapes. For example, one of at least one guide portion 56 and at least one guided portion 86 includes a recess extending along the predetermined direction X, and the other of at least one guide portion 56 and at least one guided portion 86 includes a protrusion extending along the predetermined direction X. Preferably, the recess is recessed in a direction parallel to the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44, and the protrusion is protruding in a direction parallel to the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44. In this embodiment, at least one guide portion 56 includes a recess extending along the predetermined direction X, and at least one guided portion 86 includes a protrusion extending along the predetermined direction X. In this embodiment, the first guide portion 56A has at least one of a protrusion protruding toward the second guide portion 56B and a recess recessed opposite to the second guide portion 56B. In this embodiment, the second guide portion 56B has at least one of a protrusion protruding toward the first guide portion 56A and a recessed portion recessed opposite to the first guide portion 56A. In this embodiment, the first guided portion 86A has at least one of a protrusion protruding toward the side opposite to the second guided portion 86B in a direction perpendicular to the length direction B of the battery cell 80, and a recessed portion recessed toward the side of the second guided portion 86B in a direction perpendicular to the length direction B of the battery cell 80. In this embodiment, the second guided portion 86B has at least one of a protrusion protruding toward the side opposite to the first guided portion 86A in a direction perpendicular to the length direction B of the battery cell 80, and a recessed portion recessed toward the side of the first guided portion 86A in a direction perpendicular to the length direction B of the battery cell 80.

[0135] At least one guided portion 86 is disposed at the first end 82A of the battery cell 80. The length L1 of the at least one guided portion 86 in the extending direction of the at least one guided portion 86 may be equal to, shorter than, or longer than the length L2 of the at least one guide portion 56 in the extending direction of the at least one guide portion 56. The length L1 is, for example, set to be more than 0.5 times and less than 2 times the length L2. When the battery cell 80 is mounted on the frame 18, the battery cell 80 is guided in the extending direction of the at least one guide portion 56 by inserting one of the protrusions and recesses of the at least one guided portion 86 into the other of the protrusions and recesses of the at least one guide portion 56. The at least one guided portion 86 may also extend to the second end 82B of the housing 82 of the battery cell 80. In this embodiment, with at least one guide portion 56 guided by the at least one guided portion 86, the first guided portion 86A and the second guided portion 86B are disposed between the first guide portion 56A and the second guide portion 56B. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that, with at least one guide portion 56 guided by at least one guided portion 86, the first guide portion 56A and the second guide portion 56B are disposed between the first guided portion 86A and the second guided portion 86B. In this case, the direction of the recess and the direction of the protrusion are opposite to those in the configuration where the first guided portion 86A and the second guided portion 86B are disposed between the first guide portion 56A and the second guide portion 56B.

[0136] Preferably, the housing 82 has a generally cuboid shape and includes a third side portion 82H and a fourth side portion 82J, which are different from the first side portion 82F and the second side portion 82G, in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction B of the housing 82. Preferably, an electrical connector portion 88 is provided at the first end 80A of the fourth side portion 82J. Preferably, the electrical connector portion 88 is connected to the electrical wiring portion 100. The electrical connector portion 88 has a discharge terminal, a charging terminal, and a communication terminal. The discharge terminal and the charging terminal may also be composed of a common terminal.

[0137] Preferably, the battery holding device 50 further includes a limiting portion 58. The limiting portion 58 is configured to restrict the movement of the battery unit 80 in a first direction X1 of the predetermined direction X for removing the battery unit 80. Preferably, when the battery unit 80 is held in the battery holding device 50 and the drive unit 30 is connected to the manual drive vehicle 10, the limiting portion 58 is disposed between the battery unit 80 and the drive unit 30 when viewed from a direction parallel to the crankshaft 44.

[0138] The limiting part 58 is configured to move between a first position P1 that restricts the movement of the battery cell 80 and a second position P2 that does not restrict the movement of the battery cell 80. Preferably, the battery holding device 50 further includes a force-applying part 70A that applies force to the limiting part 58 from the second position P2 toward the first position P1.

[0139] Preferably, the battery holding device 50 also includes an operating part 66 capable of operating the limiting part 58. The operating part 66 includes a lever member 68 that rotates about a predetermined axis of rotation C2. Preferably, the predetermined axis of rotation C2 extends substantially perpendicular to a predetermined direction X. Preferably, the operating part 66 is configured so that the user can operate it with one hand. Since the user can operate the operating part 66 with one hand, the user can hold the battery unit 80 with one hand while operating the operating part 66 with the other hand, thus preventing the battery unit 80 from falling. The lever member 68, for example, has a shape that easily hooks the user's fingers. The lever member 68, for example, has a curved shape that is recessed in the direction of operation for removing the battery unit 80. With the battery unit 80 held in the battery holding device 50 and the drive unit 30 connected to the manual drive vehicle 10, the lever member 68 is disposed between the battery unit 80 and the drive unit 30 when viewed from a direction parallel to the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44. Therefore, it is difficult for external foreign objects to come into contact with the lever member 68, and the undesirable operation of the lever member 68 can be suppressed. When the battery unit 80 is held in the battery holding device 50 and the battery holding device 50 is connected to the drive unit 30, the battery unit 80 is disposed between a first plane and a second plane. The first plane passes through one end face of the housing 42 of the drive unit 30 on the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44 and is perpendicular to the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44. The second plane passes through the other end face of the housing 42 of the drive unit 30 on the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44 and is perpendicular to the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44. When the battery unit 80 is held in the battery holding device 50 and the drive unit 30 is connected to the manual drive vehicle 10, the lever member 68 is disposed between a third plane and a fourth plane. The third plane passes through one end face of the battery unit 80 on the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44 and is perpendicular to the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44. The fourth plane passes through the other end face of the battery unit 80 on the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44 and is perpendicular to the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44. Therefore, it is difficult for external foreign objects to come into contact with the rod component 68, and the rod component 68 can be prevented from being operated undesirably.

[0140] Preferably, at least a portion of the operation section 66 is located in a position covered by the electrical wiring section 100 electrically connected to the battery cell 80. The electrical wiring section 100, for example, electrically connects the drive unit 30 to the battery cell 80. Preferably, the electrical wiring section 100 includes at least one of a power supply line supplying power from the battery cell 80 to the drive unit 30, and a communication line connecting the battery cell 80 and the drive unit 30 in a communicative manner. The electrical wiring section 100 includes a first connector 102, a second connector 104, and a cable 106. The cable 106 connects the first connector 102 and the second connector 104. The first connector 102 is configured to connect to the electrical connector section 88 of the battery cell 80. The second connector 104 is configured to connect to the connector section 48 of the drive unit 30. Alternatively, the second connector 104 may be omitted, and the cable 106 may be directly connected to the circuit board disposed within the housing of the drive unit 30.

[0141] Preferably, the battery holding device 50 further includes a shaft member 72 and a control member 74. Preferably, the battery holding device 50 includes a lever applying force portion 70B. A limiting portion 58, an operating portion 66, and the lever applying force portion 70B are mounted on the shaft member 72. The shaft member 72 is disposed in the main body portion 60. The shaft member 72 is configured to extend through the main body portion 60. The shaft member 72 has a rotation axis C2. The shaft member 72 is mounted in the main body portion 60 in a manner capable of rotating about the rotation axis C2.

[0142] The limiting part 58 is mounted on the shaft member 72 in a rotatable manner about the shaft member 72. The limiting part 58 includes a claw part 58A. The limiting part 58 is provided on the shaft member 72 in such a way that, by rotating about the shaft member 72, it can move between a position where the claw part 58A protrudes from the main body part 60 and a position where at least a portion of the claw part 58A is housed in a recess 60E provided in the main body part 60. The state where the claw part 58A protrudes from the main body part 60 corresponds to the first position P1 of the limiting part 58. The state where the claw part 58A is housed in the recess 60E corresponds to the second position P2 of the limiting part 58. When the limiting part 58 is positioned in the second position P2, if the claw part 58A is located outside the movement path of the battery unit 80, the claw part 58A may not be entirely housed in the recess 60E.

[0143] The control component 74 is mounted on the shaft component 72 in a manner that allows it to rotate integrally with the shaft component 72. The operating component 66 is mounted on the shaft component 72 in a manner that allows it to rotate integrally with the shaft component 72. The lever force application component 70B applies force to the shaft component 72 in a manner that causes the shaft component 72 to rotate in a first rotational direction about the rotation axis C2. As a result, the lever component 68 in the non-operating state is positioned in the initial position.

[0144] The force-applying part 70A is disposed between the claw part 58A and the main body part 60. The force-applying part 70A is housed in the recess 60E. When the operation part 66 is not in operation and no force is applied to the claw part 58A in the first rotational direction about the rotation axis C2 of the shaft member 72, the force-applying part 70A holds the limiting part 58 in the first position P1. When the operation part 66 is not in operation and a force is applied to the claw part 58A in the second rotational direction about the rotation axis C2 of the shaft member 72, the limiting part 58 is held in the first position P1. The case in which a force is applied to the claw part 58A in the second rotational direction about the rotation axis C2 of the shaft member 72 includes the state in which the engaging part 90 of the battery unit 80 engages with the claw part 58A.

[0145] When the operating unit 66 is operated and the shaft member 72 rotates in the second rotational direction about the rotation axis C2, the control member 74 rotates together with the shaft member 72. When the control member 74 rotates, it contacts the claw part 58A, causing the claw part 58A to rotate in the second rotational direction about the rotation axis C2, and the limiting part 58 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2. When the operation of the operating unit 66 is stopped while the limiting part 58 is in the state of moving from the first position P1 to the second position P2, due to the force of the lever force application part 70B, the control member 74 rotates in the first rotational direction about the rotation axis C2, so the lever member 68 returns to the initial position, and the claw part 58A is forced by the force application part 70A to rotate in the second rotational direction about the rotation axis C2, and the limiting part 58 moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1.

[0146] Preferably, the battery cell 80 further includes an engaging portion 90 configured to engage with a limiting portion 58 provided on the battery holding device 50 and restricting movement in the disassembly direction. Preferably, the engaging portion 90 is provided on the first side portion 82F. For example, the engaging portion 90 includes a recess 90A. The limiting portion 58 is provided at a position corresponding to the engaging portion 90 when the battery cell 80 is mounted on the battery mounting portion 52. When the battery cell 80 is in the first position P1 in the state of being mounted on the battery mounting portion 52, at least a portion of the limiting portion 58 is disposed in the space formed by the recess 90A. Movement of the battery cell 80 in the first direction X1 is restricted by the contact between the limiting portion 58 and the recess 90A. The engaging portion 90 can have any shape as long as it is capable of engaging with the limiting portion 58, and is not limited to the recess 90A. For example, the engaging portion 90 may also include a protrusion. The engaging portion 90 may also be omitted.

[0147] Preferably, the battery holding device 50 further includes a support member 76. The support member 76 supports the second end 82B of the housing 82. The support member 76 restricts the movement of the battery cell 80 in a predetermined direction X, whereby the battery cell 80 is mounted on the frame 18, by contacting the second end 82B of the housing 82. The support member 76 includes a main body portion 76A, a contact portion 76C, and a buffer portion 78. The main body portion 76A includes a mounting portion 76B mounted on the frame 18. The support member 76 is mounted on the frame 18 via the mounting portion 76B in such a way that at least a portion is disposed within the internal space 18S of the frame 18. Preferably, the mounting portion 76B includes at least one of an internal thread portion, an external thread portion, and a hole. Figures 18 to 20 The support member 76 includes an internal thread portion, which is installed on the frame 18 by screwing a bolt B1, which is inserted from the outside of the frame 18 through a through hole 18H in the frame 18, into the internal thread portion.

[0148] Preferably, the battery mounting portion 52 is disposed downstream of the limiting portion 58 in the first direction X1. Preferably, the battery mounting portion 52 is disposed downstream of the guiding portion 56 in the first direction X1. Preferably, at least a portion of the battery mounting portion 52 is located below the crankshaft 44 when at least one drive unit connection portion 54 is connected to the drive unit 30, the drive unit 30 is connected to the frame 18, and all the wheels 14 of the manually driven vehicle 10 are in contact with the horizontal ground.

[0149] Preferably, the contact portion 76C is configured to be movable relative to the main body portion 76A. The contact portion 76C is configured to contact the second end portion 82B of the housing 82. Preferably, the contact portion 76C has a shape corresponding to the second end portion 82B of the housing 82. The second end portion 82B of the housing 82 has a recess 83 at its central portion. At least a portion of the inner peripheral surface of the recess 83 has a curved surface. The contact portion 76C has a protrusion 76D at its central portion. At least a portion of the protrusion 76D has a curved surface. The recess 83 and the protrusion 76D have complementary shapes. It is also possible to form a protrusion at the second end portion 82B of the housing 82 and a recess at the contact portion 76C. Preferably, the contact portion 76C contains at least one of a metallic material and a resin material. A buffer portion 78 is disposed between the contact portion 76C and the main body portion 76A. The buffer portion 78 includes, for example, a plunger 78A. The plunger 78A contains rubber or an elastomer. The battery unit 80 is positioned in a direction not parallel to the length direction B of the battery unit 80 within the internal space 18S of the frame 18 via the contact portion 76C. The battery unit 80 is positioned in a direction parallel to the length direction B of the battery unit 80 within the internal space 18S of the frame 18 via the buffer portion 78.

[0150] The operation of the limiting part 58 when the battery unit 80 is installed on the battery holding device 50 will be explained.

[0151] With the limiting part 58 in the first position P1, when at least one of the battery cells 80 is engaged with the guide part 86 and moves in a predetermined direction X, the housing 82 contacts the limiting part 58, thereby moving the limiting part 58 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 independently of the operation of the operating part 66. When the housing 82 moves further along at least one guide part 56, a portion of the limiting part 58 is disposed in the space surrounded by the inner peripheral surface of the recess 90A of the engaging part 90 provided on the first side surface 82F of the battery cell 80, and the limiting part 58 moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1.

[0152] With the movement of the battery unit 80 in the first direction X1 restricted by the limiting part 58, the threaded part 40 is installed on the battery mounting part 52, thereby installing the battery unit 80 on the battery mounting part 52.

[0153] The operation of the limiting part 58 when the battery unit 80 is removed from the battery holding device 50 will be explained.

[0154] When the battery unit 80 is mounted on the battery mounting part 52, and the threaded part 40 is removed from the battery mounting part 52, the movement of the battery unit 80 in the first direction X1 is restricted by the limiting part 58.

[0155] With the threaded component 40 detached from the battery mounting portion 52 and the movement of the battery cell 80 in the first direction X1 restricted by the limiting portion 58, when the operating portion 66 is operated, the shaft component 72 and the control component 74 rotate, thereby moving the limiting portion 58 from the first position P1 to the second position P2. By slightly moving the battery cell 80 in the second direction X2 and then operating the operating portion 66, the limiting portion 58 easily disengages from the recess 90A, allowing it to easily move from the first position P1 to the second position P2. Since the limiting portion 58 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the battery cell 80 can move along at least one guide portion 56 in the first direction X1.

[0156] <Variation Example>

[0157] The descriptions related to the embodiments are illustrative of the possible arrangements of the battery holding device, drive unit, and battery unit for a manually operated vehicle according to this disclosure, and are not intended to limit the arrangements. The battery holding device, drive unit, and battery unit for a manually operated vehicle according to this disclosure can take the form of variations of the embodiments shown below, as well as combinations of at least two mutually consistent variations. In the following variations, the parts common to the embodiments are marked with the same symbols as in the embodiments, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0158] In one embodiment, when the battery unit 80 is mounted on the battery holding device 50, the limiting part 58 is located at the first position P1. However, it is also possible that when the battery unit 80 is mounted on the battery holding device 50, the limiting part 58 is located at the second position P2. In this case, when the battery unit 80 moves from the mounting position where it is mounted on the vehicle frame 18 to the first direction X1 for removing the battery unit 80, the limiting part 58 moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1 to restrict the movement in the first direction X1 for removing the battery unit 80.

[0159] The threaded part 40, at least one guide 56, and at least one guided part 86 may also extend in different directions.

[0160] Alternatively, at least one guide portion 56 and at least one guided portion 86 may extend in a direction parallel to the axial direction C of the crankshaft 44. Alternatively, at least one guide portion 56 and at least one guided portion 86 may extend in a direction different from the predetermined direction X.

[0161] like Figure 21 As shown, the battery mounting portion 52 and at least one drive unit connection portion 54 can also be integrally formed with the housing 42 of the drive unit 30. In this case, the drive unit 30 includes a base portion 32, a frame mounting portion 34, a motor 36, and a battery mounting portion 52. The battery mounting portion 52 is provided on the base portion 32, and the battery unit 80 is mounted on it in a detachable manner via a threaded member 40. Figure 21 The drive unit 30 is configured such that the main body 60 of the battery holding device 50 cannot be detached from the housing 42. Alternatively, the main body 60 of the battery holding device 50 can be integrally formed with the housing 42 as a single component. The main body 60 can be integrally formed with the housing 42 using an adhesive or similar agent, or it can be embedded into the housing 42.

[0162] like Figure 22As shown, the threaded component 40 may also include a nut 40B, and the battery mounting portion 52 may include an externally threaded portion 52C configured to connect the nut 40B. In this case, the first end 82A of the housing 82 of the battery unit 80 includes a through hole 82C configured to allow a portion of the externally threaded portion 52C to pass through. In short, the battery mounting portion 52 and the battery unit 80 can be appropriately modified as long as the structure allows the battery unit 80 to be detached and reattached relative to the frame 18 via the threaded component 40.

[0163] The internal thread portion 52A of the battery mounting portion 52 may also be constituted by a nut. In this case, at least a portion of the battery mounting portion 52 is mounted to the main body portion 60 in a detachable manner.

[0164] The battery holding device 50 may also lack at least one drive unit connection portion 54. In this case, the battery holding device 50 includes a battery mounting portion 52 and at least one guide portion 56, which guides the battery unit 80 in a predetermined direction X when the battery unit 80 is being installed or removed. For example, the battery holding device 50 may also be mounted on the vehicle frame 18.

[0165] The battery holding device 50 includes at least one drive unit connection portion 54, at least one guide portion 56, and a limiting portion 58. The limiting portion 58 is configured to restrict the movement of the battery unit 80 in a first direction X1, which involves removing the battery unit 80, in a predetermined direction X. With the battery unit 80 held in the battery holding device 50 and the drive unit 30 connected to the manual-drive vehicle 10, the limiting portion 58 is positioned between the battery unit 80 and the drive unit 30 when viewed from a direction parallel to the crankshaft 44. Preferably, the battery holding device 50 may also include a battery mounting portion 52 for detachably mounting the battery unit 80; alternatively, the battery holding device 50 may not have a battery mounting portion 52. In the absence of a battery mounting portion 52, for example, the frame 18 or the drive unit 30 may have a first support member supporting the first end 82A of the housing 82 of the battery unit 80. The battery unit 80 is mounted to the frame 18 by being sandwiched between the support member 76 and the first support member.

[0166] The drive unit 30 may also be a drive unit that includes a transmission configured to change the ratio of the rotational speed of the input rotating shaft to the rotational speed of the first rotating body. In the case where the drive unit 30 is a drive unit that includes a transmission configured to change the ratio of the rotational speed of the input rotating shaft to the rotational speed of the first rotating body, the motor 36 may be omitted.

[0167] The expression "at least one" as used in this specification means "more than one" of the desired options. As an example, if the number of options is two, the expression "at least one" as used in this specification means "only one option" or "both options". As another example, if the number of options is three or more, the expression "at least one" as used in this specification means "only one option" or "a combination of any two or more options".

Claims

1. A battery cell for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: The shell forms a storage space and has a first end and a second end along its long side; as well as One or more battery elements are configured in the storage space. The housing is configured to be detachable from the battery holder via a threaded component that extends in a direction parallel to the long side. The battery cell further includes at least one guided portion disposed in the housing and guided by at least one guide portion disposed on the battery holding device or the frame of the human-powered vehicle. The at least one guided portion extends along the long side of the housing, and the at least one guiding portion guides the battery cell along the long side when the battery cell is disassembled or assembled. The at least one guided portion and the at least one guiding portion are configured such that, while the at least one guiding portion is guiding the at least one guided portion, the movement of the battery cell in a direction not parallel to the long side direction is restricted. The battery cell further includes a locking portion configured to engage with a limiting portion, which is disposed on the battery holding device and restricts the battery cell from moving in the disassembly direction. The limiting part is configured to move between a first position that restricts the movement of the battery cell and a second position that does not restrict the movement of the battery cell. With the movement of the battery cell in the disassembly direction restricted by the limiting part, the threaded component is installed on the battery mounting part, thereby installing the battery cell on the battery mounting part. When the battery cell is mounted on the battery mounting part, and the threaded part is removed from the battery mounting part, the movement of the battery cell in the removal direction is restricted by the limiting part.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The threaded component includes at least one of a bolt and a nut. The first end of the housing includes at least one of an internal thread portion configured to connect the bolt, an external thread portion configured to connect the nut, and a through hole configured to allow a portion of the bolt to pass through.

3. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein, The first end has a protrusion that protrudes in a direction not parallel to the long side of the housing. The protrusion has at least one of the external thread, the internal thread, and the through hole.

4. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The threaded component includes at least one of a bolt and a nut. The first end of the housing includes at least one of the following: an internal thread portion configured to connect the bolt, an external thread portion configured to connect the nut, and a through hole configured to allow a portion of the bolt to pass through. The first end has a protrusion that protrudes in a direction not parallel to the long side of the housing. The protrusion has at least one of the following: an external thread, an internal thread, and a through hole. The at least one guided portion is disposed on the side portion between the protrusion and the second end portion in the housing.

5. The battery cell according to claim 4, wherein, The protrusion and the at least one guided portion are provided on a first side surface portion in the housing in a direction orthogonal to the long side direction.

6. The battery cell according to claim 5, wherein, The engaging portion is located on the first side surface.

7. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The engaging portion includes a recess.

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