Electric bicycle

Abstract

An electric bicycle includes a front wheel, a rear wheel, a drive unit transmitting a driving force to at least one of the front wheel and the rear wheel, a battery accommodating area capable of accommodating a battery supplying power to the drive unit, a head tube, and a lower frame extending from the head tube obliquely downward and rearward of a vehicle body. The lower frame includes a first extension portion extending obliquely downward and rearward of the vehicle body and a second extension portion extending obliquely downward and rearward of the vehicle body and disposed side by side with the first extension portion in a width direction of the vehicle body. The battery receiving region is at least partially located between the first extension and the second extension.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application with the application number "201910841052.4", the application date of September 6, 2019, and the invention title of "Electric Bicycle". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to an electric bicycle. Background Art

[0003] An electric bicycle that houses a battery for supplying power to a motor is known. An electric bicycle having a battery disposed behind a down tube is disclosed in JP H9-058563A.

[0004] In the electric bicycle disclosed in JP H9-058563A, the disposed battery is conspicuous and disadvantageous in terms of design, and further, there is room for improvement in the way the space where the battery is disposed is used. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide an electric bicycle that each effectively uses the area for housing a battery and improves its designability.

[0006] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an electric bicycle includes a front wheel, a rear wheel, a drive unit that transmits driving force to at least one of the front wheel and the rear wheel, a battery housing area that can house a battery for supplying power to the drive unit, a head tube, and a down frame that extends obliquely downward and rearward along the body from the head tube. The down frame includes a first extension portion that extends obliquely downward and rearward along the body and a second extension portion that extends obliquely downward and rearward along the body and is arranged side by side with the first extension portion in the width direction of the body. The battery housing area is at least partially located between the first extension portion and the second extension portion. With such an electric bicycle, the area for housing the battery is effectively used and the designability is improved.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the down frame may include a base portion connected to the head tube, a first connection portion that connects the base portion to the first extension portion, and a second connection portion that connects the base portion to the second extension portion. The first connection portion and the second connection portion may each have a shape that spreads out in the width direction of the body so as to be spaced apart from each other. According to this structure, the down frame can be easily connected to the head tube without increasing the diameter of the head tube.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least a part of the surface of each of the first extension portion and the second extension portion facing the battery in the battery housing area is flat. According to this structure, the vehicle width is narrowed.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least a part of the cross-sectional shape of the first extension part and the second extension part in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first extension part and the second extension part may have a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape, and the direction in which the short side of the rectangular or substantially rectangular shape extends may be the width direction of the vehicle body. According to this structure, the vehicle width is narrowed.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the battery may have a shape extending in the longitudinal direction of the first extension part and the second extension part, and the electric bicycle may include a first support member that supports the first end of the battery in the longitudinal direction and a second support member that supports the second end of the battery in the longitudinal direction. According to this structure, the battery is supported without applying a large load to the battery.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, either the first support member or the second support member may support the battery so that it rotates about an axis extending in the width direction of the vehicle body between the position where the battery is located in the battery accommodation area and the position where the battery is removed from the battery accommodation area. According to this structure, the battery is easily installed on the electric bicycle.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first support member and the second support member may support the battery such that a gap is provided between the first extension part and the battery and / or between the second extension part and the battery in the width direction of the vehicle body. According to this structure, the cooling performance of the battery is improved.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electric bicycle may further include a buffer member provided in the gap. According to this structure, the load applied to the battery is reduced or minimized.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first support member and the second support member may support the battery such that, in the width direction of the vehicle, the first extension part and the second extension part contact at least a part of the battery. According to this structure, the heat of the battery is transferred to the first extension part or the second extension part, thus improving the cooling performance of the battery.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electric bicycle may further include a cover that covers the front surface of the battery when the battery is located in the battery accommodation area. According to this structure, the battery can be protected from flying gravel.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the battery may be positioned in the battery accommodation area by being inserted between the first extension part and the second extension part from the front side of the vehicle body. According to this structure, the battery is easily installed on the electric bicycle.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the battery may have a shape extending in the longitudinal direction of the first extension part and the second extension part; the battery has a first width and a second width wider than the first width; and the battery may be positioned in the battery accommodation area such that the direction of the first width is parallel to or substantially parallel to the width direction of the vehicle body. According to this structure, the vehicle width becomes narrower.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in a side view of the vehicle body, the widths of the first extension part and the second extension part may be narrower than the second width of the battery. According to this structure, the first extension part and the second extension part look thinner, and their designability is improved.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electric bicycle may further include a crankshaft and a pedal that rotates together with the crankshaft, and the battery may be positioned in the battery accommodation area such that at least a part of the battery is lower than the upper end in the vertical direction of the rotation trajectory of the pedal in a side view of the vehicle body. According to this structure, the battery is easily installed on the electric bicycle.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the battery may be positioned in the battery accommodation area such that at least a part of the battery overlaps with the rotation trajectory of the pedal in a side view of the vehicle body. According to this structure, the battery is easily installed on the electric bicycle.

[0021] From the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment with reference to the drawings, the above and other elements, features, steps, characteristics, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent. Description of the Drawings

[0022] Figure 1 is a side view showing the overall structure of an electric bicycle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 is a top view showing the overall structure of an electric bicycle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of a vehicle body frame and its periphery according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 is a side view showing the structure of a vehicle body frame and its periphery according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 is a front view showing the structure of a vehicle body frame and its periphery according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6 is a view for explaining the support structure of a battery and the process of positioning the battery in a battery accommodation area according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 7 It is a view for explaining the support structure of the battery according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the process of positioning the battery in the battery accommodation area.

[0029] Figure 8 It is a view for explaining the support structure of the battery according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the process of positioning the battery in the battery accommodation area.

[0030] Figure 9 It is a side view of the battery positioned in the battery accommodation area showing a first modified preferred embodiment according to the present invention.

[0031] Figure 10 It is a view for explaining the support structure of the battery according to a second modified preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 11 It is a side view showing the battery accommodation area and its periphery according to a third modified preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 12 It is a front view of the battery positioned in the battery accommodation area showing a fourth modified preferred embodiment according to the present invention.

[0034] Figure 13 It is a front view of the battery positioned in the battery accommodation area showing a fifth modified preferred embodiment according to the present invention.

[0035] Figure 14 It is a cross-sectional view showing the battery and the lower frame according to a sixth modified preferred embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0036] Hereinafter, the electric bicycle 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 It is a side view showing the overall structure of the electric bicycle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is a top view showing the overall structure of the electric bicycle. Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the body frame and its periphery. Figure 4 It is a side view showing the structure of the body frame and its periphery.

[0038] Figure 5 It is a front view showing the structure of the body frame and its periphery. In Figures 3 to 5 it is not shown Figure 6 the first support member 210 and the second support member 220 as shown in etc.

[0039] InFigure 2 In the following description of etc., the direction indicated by X1 is referred to as the left side, the direction indicated by X2 is referred to as the right side, and the X1-X2 direction is referred to as the left-right direction. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the left-right direction represents the width direction of the vehicle body. Additionally, in Figure 1 etc., the direction indicated by Y1 is referred to as the front, the direction indicated by Y2 is referred to as the rear, and the Y1-Y2 direction is referred to as the front-rear direction. Similarly, in Figure 1 etc., the direction indicated by Z1 is referred to as the upper side, the direction indicated by Z2 is referred to as the lower side, and the Z1-Z2 direction is referred to as the up-down direction.

[0040] The electric bicycle 100 is an electric bicycle that travels by transmitting force to the wheels, and this force is obtained by adding the driving force from a drive unit including an electric motor etc. to the pedal force applied by the rider to the pedals.

[0041] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the electric bicycle 100 includes a body frame 1, a front wheel 2, a rear wheel 3, handlebars 4, a saddle 5, a crank 6, pedals 7, and a drive unit 8 as main components. The electric bicycle 100 also includes a battery accommodation area R that can accommodate a battery 9 for supplying power to the drive unit 8.

[0042] As Figure 3 etc. shown, the body frame 1 includes a head tube 11, a top frame 12, a bottom frame 13, a seat tube 14, a seat stay 15, a chain stay 16, and a bracket 17.

[0043] The head tube 11 is located at the front end of the body frame 1 and includes an insertion hole 11a into which a steering column 111 is inserted rotatably. As Figure 1 shown, the handlebars 4 are located above the steering column 111, and a front fork 112 that supports the front wheel 2 rotatably is provided at the lower part of the steering column 111.

[0044] The top frame 12 extends obliquely downward and rearward from the head tube 11, and its rear end is connected to the seat tube 14. The cross-sectional shape of the top frame 12 in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the top frame 12 may have a circular or substantially circular shape, or a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape. The top frame 12 may be a hollow tubular member.

[0045] The bottom frame 13 extends obliquely downward and rearward from the head tube 11 at a position lower than the top frame 12, and its rear end is connected to the bracket 17. Details of the structure of the bottom frame 13 will be described below.

[0046] A seat post 51 that supports the saddle 5 for the rider to sit on is inserted into the upper end of the seat tube 14. The seat tube 14 extends obliquely forward and downward, and its lower end is connected to the bracket 17.

[0047] The seat stay 15 extends obliquely downward and rearward from the top frame 12. The chain stay 16 extends rearward from the bracket 17. The lower end portion of the seat stay 15 is connected to the rear end of the chain stay 16, and the rear wheel 3 is rotatably supported at the connection position.

[0048] The crank 6 includes a crankshaft 62 extending in the width direction of the vehicle body and a crank arm 61 rotating around the crankshaft 62. The pedal 7 is attached to the end of the crank arm 61. The crank arm 61 and the crankshaft 62 rotate by the pedal force applied by the rider to the pedal 7, and the rotational force thereof is transmitted to the rear wheel 3 through the chain 65.

[0049] The drive unit 8 includes an electric motor and the like supported by the bracket 17.

[0050] The drive unit 8 transmits a driving force as auxiliary power to the rear wheel 3. The electric bicycle 100 travels by the combined force of the driving force from the drive unit 8 and the pedal force applied by the rider to the pedal 7. However, the electric bicycle 100 can travel only by the pedal force applied by the rider to the pedal 7 or only by the driving force from the drive unit 8. Although a preferred embodiment in which the driving force is transmitted from the drive unit 8 to the rear wheel 3 is shown, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the driving force can be transmitted to at least either the front wheel 2 or the rear wheel 3.

[0051] will be mainly referred to Figure 3 to explain the details of the lower frame according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] The lower frame 13 includes a base portion 131, a first connection portion 132, a second connection portion 133, a first extension portion 134, and a second extension portion 135.

[0053] The base portion 131 is connected to the head tube 11 and extends obliquely downward and rearward from the head tube 11 along the vehicle body.

[0054] The first connection member 132 extends obliquely downward and rearward from the base portion 131 along the vehicle body and connects the base portion 131 to the first extension portion 134.

[0055] The second connection portion 133 extends obliquely downward and rearward from the base portion 131 along the vehicle body and connects the base portion 131 to the second extension portion 135.

[0056] The first connection portion 132 and the second connection portion 133 have a shape that spreads in the width direction of the vehicle body so as to be spaced apart from each other. That is, the first connection portion 132 is inclined leftward so as to be further spaced from the second connection portion 133 when it extends obliquely downward and rearward along the vehicle body, and the second connection portion 133 is inclined rightward so as to be further spaced from the first connection portion 132 when it extends obliquely downward and rearward along the vehicle body.

[0057] The first extension part 134 extends obliquely downward and rearward along the body from the lower end part of the first connection part 132.

[0058] The second extension part 135 extends obliquely downward and rearward along the body from the lower end part of the second connection part 133, and is positioned side by side with the first extension part 134 in the vehicle body width direction.

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lower frame 13 includes a single base part 131 as Figure 3 shown. Only the base part 131 connects the head tube 11 to the lower frame 13. Therefore, the lower frame 13 is connected to the head tube 11 without unnecessarily increasing the diameter of the head tube 11. In addition, using the structure of connecting to the head tube 11 with only a single base part 131 facilitates the work of connecting the lower frame 13 to the head tube 11. The work of connecting the lower frame 13 to the head tube 11 is preferably performed by welding or the like. It is also possible to use a structure in which the lower frame 13 does not include the base part 131, and the first connection part 132 and the second connection part 133 are directly connected to the head tube 11.

[0060] Since the lower frame 13 includes two extension parts (the first extension part 134 and the second extension part 135), sufficient strength and rigidity are ensured without increasing the diameter of each frame.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the first extension part 134 and the second extension part 135 has a cuboid or substantially cuboid shape. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the first extension part 134 and the second extension part 135 in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first extension part 134 and the second extension part 135 is rectangular or substantially rectangular. The cross-sectional shape of the first extension part 134 and the second extension part 135 in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is not limited to rectangular or substantially rectangular, and for example, a rectangle or substantially rectangle with rounded corners, a polygon other than a rectangle or substantially rectangle, etc. can be used. It is also possible to preferably use a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a shape partially including a semi-circular shape, etc.

[0062] The first extension part 134 includes an outer surface 134a, an inner surface 134b, a front surface 134c, and a rear surface, as Figure 3 shown. Similarly, the second extension part 135 includes an outer surface 135a, an inner surface 135b, a front surface 135c, and a rear surface. The rear surface of the first extension part 134 is located on the rear side of the front surface 134c, and the rear surface of the second extension part 135 is located on the rear side of the front surface 135c, but since they are not shown in the figure, no marks are added.

[0063] Figure 2 and Figure 5The dashed line in [the figure] shows a part of the locus P of the innermost plane of the pedal 7. When the length H between the locus P of the innermost plane of the pedal 7 and the outer surfaces 134a / 135a of the lower frame 13 is short, the rider's leg gets close to the lower frame 13 when pedaling the pedal 7, and it becomes difficult to pedal. Therefore, the width F1 of the front surface 134c and the rear surface (see Figure 5 ) is narrower than the width F2 of the outer surface 134a and the inner surface 134b of the first extension 134 (see Figure 4 ). Similarly, the widths of the front surface 135c and the rear surface are narrower than the widths of the outer surface 135a and the inner surface 135b of the second extension 135. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the first extension 134 and the second extension 135 in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first extension 134 and the second extension 135 has a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape, where the short side of the rectangle or substantially rectangle is in the width direction of the vehicle body. When using such a structure, the width of the lower frame 13 in the width direction of the vehicle body becomes narrow. Therefore, interference with the lower frame 13 when the rider pedals the pedal 7 can be avoided.

[0064] Compared with the case where these parts have a cylindrical shape, since the first extension 134 and the second extension 135 have a cuboid or substantially cuboid shape, the diameters of the first extension 134 and the second extension 135 are reduced while providing surfaces (inner surfaces 134b, 135b) facing the battery 9. As a result, the posture of the battery 9 positioned between the first extension 134 and the second extension 135 is stable, and the width of the lower frame 13 in the width direction of the vehicle body becomes narrow.

[0065] The battery 9 stores the electric power to be supplied to the drive unit 8. In a state where the battery 9 is mounted on the electric bicycle 100, the battery 9 can be charged using a cable connected to an external socket, or in a state where the battery 9 is removed from the electric bicycle, the battery 9 can be charged by mounting the battery 9 on an external charger.

[0066] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the battery 9 has a cuboid or substantially cuboid shape extending in the direction in which the first extension 134 and the second extension 135 extend. The battery 9 includes a first side surface 9a having a first width W1 (see Figure 5 ) and a second width W2 wider than the first width W1 (see Figure 4The second side surface 9b of ( ). Then, the battery 9 is positioned in the battery accommodation area R such that the first side surface 9a is parallel or substantially parallel to the width direction of the vehicle body. That is, the first side surface 9a is a surface parallel or substantially parallel to the direction in which the crankshaft 62 extends. Therefore, the width of the battery 9 in the battery accommodation area R in the width direction of the vehicle body becomes narrower. Thus, interference between the battery 9 and the lower frame 13 when the rider pedals the pedal 7 can be avoided.

[0067] will be mainly referred to Figures 3 to 5 to describe the battery accommodation area R of the electric bicycle 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] The battery 9 can be mounted to / dismounted from the electric bicycle 100. The electric bicycle 100 includes a battery accommodation area R capable of accommodating the battery 9. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a part of the battery accommodation area R is located between the first extension 134 and the second extension 135.

[0069] The battery accommodation area R is an area where the battery 9 is located in a state where the battery 9 is supported by the first support member 210 and the second support member 220. Figures 1 to 5 The state where the battery 9 is located in the battery accommodation area R is shown.

[0070] As described above, the first connection portion 132 and the second connection portion 133 have a shape that spreads in the width direction of the vehicle body so as to be spaced apart from each other in the lower frame 13 as described above. Due to the use of such a structure, the first extension 134 and the second extension 135 are spaced apart from each other, and thus, the battery accommodation area R is sufficiently ensured.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in a side view of the vehicle body, the widths of the first extension 134 and the second extension 135 (the widths F2 of the outer surface 134a, the inner surface 134b, the outer surface 135a, and the inner surface 135b) are narrower than the width of the second side surface 9b of the battery 9 (the second width W2). Therefore, the first extension 134 and the second extension 135 appear thinner, which improves their designability. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it may also be preferred that the width F2 is the same as the second width W2 or the width F2 is wider than the second width W2.

[0072] Although in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the widths F2 of the outer surface 134a and the inner surface 134b of the first extension portion 134 are narrower than the second width W2 of the second side surface 9b of the battery 9, the present invention is not limited thereto as long as the width of the first extension portion 134 is narrower than the width of the battery 9 in the side view of the vehicle body. That is, in the side view of the vehicle body, only a part of the battery 9 is hidden by the first extension portion 134, regardless of the shapes of the first extension portion 134 and the battery 9. The same applies to the second extension portion 135.

[0073] In addition, the battery 9 is positioned in the battery accommodation area R such that at least a part of the battery 9 is lower than the upper end portion E in the vertical direction (the Z1 direction in the figure) of the rotation locus T of the pedal 7 in the side view of the vehicle body, as Figure 4 shown. That is, the battery accommodation area R is positioned close to the crankshaft 62 in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the battery 9 is positioned in the battery accommodation area R, the amount of lifting of the battery 9 by the user is reduced, which facilitates the installation of the battery 9 relative to the electric bicycle 100. In addition, the heavy battery 9 is located at the lower part of the electric bicycle 100, and thus, the center of gravity of the electric bicycle 100 is lower. Therefore, the electric bicycle 100 runs smoothly.

[0074] Figures 6 to 8 is a view for explaining the support structure of the battery and the process of positioning the battery in the battery accommodation area. In Figures 6 to 8 it, a part of the lower frame 13 and the battery 9 is shown in the side view of the vehicle body.

[0075] The electric bicycle 100 includes a first support member 210 that supports the upper end portion of the battery 9 and a second support member 220 that supports the lower end portion of the battery 9. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first support member 210 is located between the first connection member 132 and the second connection member 133, and the second support member 220 is located between the first extension member 134 and the second extension member 135.

[0076] The first support member 210 rotatably supports the battery 9 about an axis C1 extending in the width direction of the vehicle body between the position where the battery 9 is located in the battery accommodation area R and the position where the battery 9 is removed from the battery accommodation area R. The rotation of the first support member 210 can be performed by, for example, providing a hinge in the lower frame 13.

[0077] Hereinafter, the process of positioning the battery 9 in the battery accommodation area R according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, as Figure 6As shown, the battery 9 is positioned in the front lower part of the first extension portion 134 and the second extension portion 135, and is lifted in the upward direction (the direction of arrow D) such that the upper end portion of the battery 9 abuts against the first support member 210. At this time, the power supply connector 91 provided at the upper end portion of the battery 9 is preferably electrically connected to a power receiving connector (not shown) provided in the first support member 210.

[0078] After that, as Figure 7 shown, the lower end portion of the battery 9 is pushed rearward (the direction of arrow r1). Accordingly, the battery 9 rotates about the axis C1 while being supported by the first support member 210. Then, the lower end portion of the battery 9 is placed on the second support member 220. Accordingly, the battery 9 is positioned in the battery accommodation area R, as Figure 8 shown.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a structure is used in which only the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the battery 9 are supported by the first support member 210 and the second support member 220. Accordingly, a physical load is not applied to portions other than the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the battery 9.

[0080] Also in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a locking member is provided in the second support member 220. Specifically, a keyhole (not shown) is provided in the second support member 220, and in a state where the key 225 is inserted into the keyhole, the key 225 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, thereby fixing the lower end portion of the battery 9 to the second support member 220. When the battery 9 is fixed to the lower frame 13 by the second support member 220 as described above, the battery 9 can be prevented from falling off the electric bicycle 100.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the battery 9 is inserted between the first extension portion 134 and the second extension portion 135 from the front side of the vehicle body to be positioned in the battery accommodation area R. Here, it is considered that the battery 9 can be positioned in the battery accommodation area R from the rear side of the vehicle body, but it is difficult to ensure sufficient space according to the layout of the vehicle body frame 1 (such as the top frame 12 and the seat tube 14, etc.). Since the structure in which the battery 9 is positioned in the battery accommodation area R from the front side of the vehicle body is used as described above, the battery 9 can be easily mounted on the electric bicycle 100 regardless of the arrangement of the battery 9. In addition, the structure in which the battery 9 is positioned in the battery accommodation area R from the front side of the vehicle body improves the degree of freedom of the layout of the vehicle body frame 1 (such as the top frame 12 and the seat tube 14, etc.).

[0082] When the battery 9 is positioned in the battery accommodation area R from the rear side of the vehicle body (i.e., from above the rear of the lower frame 13), the height of the battery 9 lifted by the user becomes higher, which may be a relatively large burden for the user according to the weight of the battery 9. On the other hand, in the structure where the battery 9 is positioned in the battery accommodation area R from the front side, the amount of lifting of the battery by the user is smaller, and it is easier to mount the battery 9 to the electric bicycle 100.

[0083] Removing the battery 9 from the electric bicycle 100 is preferably performed by the reverse operation of the above process. That is, after unlocking with the key 225, the lower end of the battery 9 is pushed around the axis C1 in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow r1, and then the battery 9 preferably moves downward so that the power supply connector 91 is separated from the first support member 210.

[0084] Compared with the structure in which the battery 9 is fixed to the lower frame 13 using screws or the like, when the above support structure is used, the battery 9 is easier to mount / dismount.

[0085] Although in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a structure in which the first support member 210 rotatably supports the upper end portion of the battery 9 is used, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a structure in which the second support member 220 rotatably supports the lower end portion of the battery 9 may be used. In addition, although a structure in which the power supply connector 91 is provided at the upper end portion of the battery 9 is used, the present invention is not limited thereto. A structure in which the power supply connector 91 is provided at the lower end portion of the battery 9 and the power receiving connector is provided at the second support member 220 may be used. When the power supply connector 91 is provided at the lower end portion of the battery 9, the position where the battery 9 is electrically connected to the electric bicycle 100 is near the drive unit 8, which efficiently supplies power from the battery 9 to the drive unit 8.

[0086] As described above, a part of the battery accommodation area R is provided between the first extension portion 134 and the second extension portion 135 in the electric bicycle 100. Therefore, when located in the battery accommodation area R, a part of the battery 9 is hidden by the first extension portion 134 and the second extension portion 135. Therefore, the appearance of the battery 9 is not unnecessarily conspicuous, and the designability is improved. In addition, the area between the first extension portion 134 and the second extension portion 135 is set as the battery accommodation area R, so the space inside the electric bicycle 100 is effectively used. Since the widths of the lower frame 13 and the battery 9 are not increased in the width direction of the vehicle body, interference with the battery 9 and the lower frame 13 is avoided when the rider pedals, which provides a comfortable ride for the rider.

[0087] Hereinafter, modified preferred embodiments will be described. The same reference numerals are given to the components that are the same as those described with reference to Figures 1 to 8 and their description is omitted.

[0088] Figure 9 It is a side view showing a battery positioned in a battery accommodation area according to a preferred embodiment of the first modification.

[0089] The electric bicycle 100 according to the preferred embodiment of the first modification includes a cover 139. The cover 139 is preferably disposed on the front surface 134c of the first extension portion 134 and the front surface 135c of the second extension portion 135 so as to cover the surface (side surface 9a) of the front side of the battery 9 when positioned in the battery accommodation area R.

[0090] The cover 139 includes a pivot provided at the lower end portion and a lock provided at the upper end portion. The pivot has a function of rotating the cover 139 about an axis extending in the width direction of the vehicle body. The lock has a function of fixing the cover 139 to the lower frame 13 and a function of releasing the cover 139. Then, the cover 139 is preferably supported by the lower frame 13 so as to rotate between a position exposing the battery accommodation area R and a position covering the battery accommodation area R in a front view about an axis extending in the width direction of the vehicle body. Preferably, the upper portion of the cover 139 rotates along Figure 9 the direction of arrow r2 in Figure 9 so as to expose the battery accommodation area R when positioning the battery 9 in the battery accommodation area R and when removing the battery 9 from the battery accommodation area R. On the other hand, when the electric bicycle 100 is running, the upper portion of the cover 139 preferably rotates in a direction opposite to

[0091] The present invention is not limited to Figure 9 the structure shown in

[0092] Figure 9 and the cover 139 may have a pivot provided at the upper end portion and a lock provided at the lower end portion. That is, a structure in which the upper end portion of the cover 139 is rotatably supported can be used. Compared with the structure in which the pivot is provided at the lower end portion, when using such a structure, the battery 9 can be positioned in the battery accommodation area R without increasing the rotation angle of the cover 139.

[0093] When the cover 139 is provided, it protects the battery 9 from flying gravel and the like during the running of the electric bicycle 100. In the case where the battery 9 is detached from the first support member 210 and the second support member 220 due to some failures, it is possible to prevent the battery 9 from falling to the ground.

[0094] The cover 139 is preferably made of, for example, a resin material. The cover 139 can be attached to the electric bicycle 100 / can be detached from the electric bicycle 100.

[0095] Preferably, a plurality of holes are provided so that a louver structure or a mesh structure is provided on the surface of the cover 139. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the heat of the battery 9 from accumulating in the battery accommodation area R. As a result, the cooling performance of the battery 9 is improved.

[0096] Figure 10 It is a view for explaining the support structure of the battery according to the second modified preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] The support structure of the battery 9 located in the battery accommodation area R is not limited to Figures 6 to 8 the structure shown. In the second modified preferred embodiment, the battery 9 in the battery accommodation area R is fixed to the lower frame 13 by using, for example, screws 195 and 196. Specifically, a first support member 211 including a screw hole is provided in the base portion 131 of the lower frame 13, and a second support member 221 including a screw hole is provided in the inner surfaces 134b and 135b of the first extension portion 134 and the second extension portion 135.

[0098] Also in the second modified preferred embodiment, a battery frame 190 that houses the battery 9 and includes screw holes 191 and 192 is used. Then, the screw hole 191 of the battery frame 190 overlaps with the screw hole of the first support member 211, and the screw 195 is inserted into these screw holes to fix the battery frame 190 to the first support member 211. In addition, the screw hole 192 of the battery frame 190 overlaps with the screw hole of the second support member 221, and the screw 196 is inserted into these screw holes to fix the battery frame 190 to the second support member 221.

[0099] When the battery 9 is fixed to the lower frame 13 by using screws as in the second modified preferred embodiment, the possibility of the battery 9 falling from the electric bicycle 100 is further reduced. In addition, the battery frame 190 is used instead of directly mounting the battery 9 to the electric bicycle 100. Therefore, the battery 9 is protected from flying gravel and the like without providing the above-mentioned cover 139. Although as Figure 10 shown, the battery frame 190 covers the entire battery 9, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the battery frame 190 may include a structure that exposes a part of the battery 9. When using the battery frame 190, it is used in combination with Figures 6 to 8When the support structures are the same as the one shown, the first support member 210 can rotatably support the battery frame 190.

[0100] Although an example using screws is shown in Figure 10 , the present invention is not limited thereto, and a structure in which the battery 9 is fixed to the lower frame 13 by using other fixing devices such as bolts can be used.

[0101] Figure 11 FIG. is a side view showing a battery accommodation area and its periphery according to a third modified preferred embodiment.

[0102] In the third modified preferred embodiment, a bracket 27 is provided above the drive unit 8, and the lower end portion of the lower frame 13 is connected to the bracket 27, as Figure 11 shown. When such a structure is used, compared with the structure shown in Figure 4 , the distance between the crankshaft 62 and the battery 9 in the battery accommodation area R is reduced. Specifically, the battery 9 is located in the battery accommodation area R such that at least a part of the battery 9 overlaps with the rotation trajectory T of the pedal 7 in a side view of the vehicle body, as Figure 11 shown. Therefore, the battery accommodation area R is located below. Therefore, when the battery 9 is positioned in the battery accommodation area R, the amount of lifting of the battery 9 by the user is reduced, which facilitates the installation of the battery 9 relative to the electric bicycle 100.

[0103] Figure 12 FIG. is a front view showing a battery located in a battery accommodation area according to a fourth modified preferred embodiment.

[0104] In Figure 5 , an example in which the battery 9 is positioned in the battery accommodation area R without a gap relative to the first extension portion 134 and the second extension portion 135 has been described above. In the fourth modified preferred embodiment, an example in which a gap G is provided relative to the first extension portion 134 and the second extension portion 135 in the width direction of the vehicle body when the battery 9 is positioned in the battery accommodation area R will be described.

[0105] Since the gap G opens in the traveling direction of the electric bicycle 100 in the fourth modified preferred embodiment, wind passes through the gap G during the traveling of the electric bicycle 100. Therefore, heat accumulation in the battery accommodation area R is prevented and the cooling performance of the battery 9 is improved.

[0106] Similarly, in the fourth modified preferred embodiment, a buffer member 50 is provided in the gap G, as Figure 12As shown. The buffer member 50 is preferably made of a material that absorbs shock. When the buffer member 50 is provided, the battery does not contact the first extension portion 134 and the second extension portion 135 during the running of the electric bicycle 100, thereby reducing or minimizing the load on the battery 9. In addition, by setting the buffer member 50 to contact the battery 9, the posture of the battery 9 is stabilized.

[0107] The buffer member 50 may be provided on the side surface 9b of the battery 9, or may be provided on the inner surfaces 134b and 135b of the first extension portion 134 and the second extension portion 135. The buffer member 50 is not limited to being provided only in a part of the gap G between the battery 9 and the first extension portion 134 and the second extension portion 135, and may be provided to fill the entire gap G.

[0108] Figure 13 is a front view of the battery located in the battery accommodation area according to a fifth modified preferred embodiment. In Figure 5 etc., the shape of the battery 9 has a rectangular parallelepiped or substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape including a side surface 9a and a side surface 9b, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the fifth modified preferred embodiment, an example in which the battery 9 has a convex portion 95 at a part thereof will be described.

[0109] Preferably, the inner surfaces 134b and 135b of the first extension portion 134 and the second extension portion 135 have a shape extending along the side surface 9b of the battery 9 regardless of the shape of the battery 9. That is, when the battery 9 has a convex portion 95, preferably, the inner surface 134b of the first extension portion 134 has a concave portion 134b1 so as to bend along the shape of the convex portion 95, and the inner surface 135b of the second extension portion 135 has a concave portion 135b1 so as to bend along the shape of the convex portion 95. According to such a shape, in a state where the battery 9 is located in the battery accommodation area R, the battery 9 is assembled between the first extension portion 134 and the second extension portion 135, which stabilizes the posture of the battery 9.

[0110] Similarly, in the fifth modified preferred embodiment, such a structure is used, in which, in a state where the battery 9 is located in the battery accommodation area R, the side surface 9b of the battery 9 contacts the inner surface 134b of the first extension portion 134 and the inner surface 135b of the second extension portion 135. Therefore, the battery 9 can contact the first extension portion 134 and the second extension portion 135, which enables the heat of the battery 9 to be transferred to the lower frame 13 and improves the cooling performance of the battery 9. It is also preferable to use such a structure in which the battery 9 contacts the first extension portion 134 and the second extension portion 135 at least in a part thereof, and a gap is provided in other parts, as Figure 12 shown.

[0111] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the battery and the lower frame according to a sixth modified preferred embodiment.

[0112] Figure 3 The first extension portion 134 and the second extension portion 135 shown in etc. have a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape. However, the shapes of the first extension portion 134 and the second extension portion 135 are not limited thereto. In the sixth modified preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional shape in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first extension portion 234 may have a U-shaped or substantially U-shaped shape. That is, the two end portions of the first extension portion 234 protrude in a cross-sectional view. The side surfaces with the protruding shape face the battery 9. The same applies to the second extension portion 235. When the first extension portion 234 and the second extension portion 235 have such shapes, the weight of the lower frame is reduced. Similarly, in the sixth modified preferred embodiment, the wiring 60 may be disposed between the battery 9 and the first extension portion 234 and the second extension portion 235 so as to extend along the longitudinal directions of the first extension portion 234 and the second extension portion 235, as Figure 14 shown. Therefore, the wiring 60 can be prevented from being exposed from the vehicle body frame 1, which improves its designability. The wiring 60 may be a power supply line or the like that supplies power from the battery 9 to the drive unit 8.

[0113] The shapes of the first extension portion and the second extension portion are not limited to Figure 14 the shapes shown in Figure 3 and the rectangular parallelepiped or substantially rectangular parallelepiped shapes shown in etc. For example, a hollow tubular shape or a columnar shape with an outer peripheral surface may be used.

[0114] As described above, the electric bicycle 100 preferably includes a front wheel 2, a rear wheel 3, a drive unit 8 that transmits driving force to at least one of the front wheel 2 and the rear wheel 3, a battery accommodation area R that can accommodate a battery 9 that supplies power to the drive unit 8, a head tube 11, and a lower frame 13 that extends obliquely downward and rearward from the head tube 11 along the vehicle body. The lower frame 13 includes a first extension portion 134 that extends obliquely downward and rearward along the vehicle body and a second extension portion 135 that extends obliquely downward and rearward along the vehicle body and is positioned side by side with the first extension portion 134 in the vehicle body width direction. The battery accommodation area R is at least partially located between the first extension portion 134 and the second extension portion 135.

[0115] The lower frame 13 may include a base portion 131 connected to the head tube 11, a first connection portion 132 that connects the base portion 131 to the first extension portion 134, and a second connection portion 133 that connects the base portion 131 to the second extension portion 135. Each of the first connection portion 132 and the second connection portion 133 may have a shape that expands in the vehicle body width direction so as to be spaced apart from each other.

[0116] In the first extension portion 134 and the second extension portion 135, at least a part of the surfaces 134b and 135b of the sides facing the battery 9 in the battery accommodation area R may be flat.

[0117] At least a part of the cross-sectional shape of the first extension portion 134 and the second extension portion 135 in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first extension portion 134 and the second extension portion 135 may have a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape, and the short side of the rectangular or substantially rectangular shape may extend in the width direction of the vehicle body.

[0118] The battery 9 preferably has a shape extending in the longitudinal direction of the first extension portion 134 and the second extension portion 135. A first support member 210 for supporting the first end portion in the longitudinal direction of the battery 9 and a second support member 220 for supporting the second end portion in the longitudinal direction of the battery 9 may be provided.

[0119] Any one of the first support member 210 and the second support member 220 may support the battery 9 so as to rotate about an axis C1 extending in the width direction of the vehicle body between the position where the battery 9 is located in the battery accommodation region R and the position where the battery 9 is removed from the battery accommodation region R.

[0120] The first support member 210 and the second support member 220 may support the battery 9 such that a gap G is provided between the first extension portion 134 and the second extension portion 135 and the battery 9 in the width direction of the vehicle body.

[0121] A buffer member 50 may be provided in the gap G.

[0122] The first support member 210 and the second support member 220 may support the battery 9 such that in the width direction of the vehicle, the first extension portion 134 and the second extension portion 135 contact at least a part of the battery 9.

[0123] A cover 139 covering the front side surface of the battery 9 in the battery accommodation region R may be provided.

[0124] The battery 9 may be positioned in the battery accommodation region R by inserting it between the first extension portion 134 and the second extension portion 135 from the front side of the vehicle body.

[0125] The battery may have a shape extending in the longitudinal direction of the first extension portion and the second extension portion and have a first width and a second width wider than the first width, and may be located in the battery accommodation region such that the direction of the first width is parallel or substantially parallel to the width direction of the vehicle body.

[0126] In a side view of the vehicle body, the widths of the first extension portion 134 and the second extension portion 135 may be narrower than the second width W2 of the battery.

[0127] A crankshaft 62 and a pedal 7 for rotating the crankshaft 62 are provided, and the battery 9 may be located in the battery accommodation region R such that in a side view of the vehicle body, at least a part of the battery is positioned below the upper end portion in the vertical direction of the rotation locus T of the pedal 7.

[0128] The battery 9 can be positioned in the battery accommodation area R such that, in a side view of the vehicle body, at least a part of the battery overlaps with the rotation locus T of the pedal 7.

[0129] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is determined only by the claims.

Claims

1. An electric bicycle, comprising: a front wheel; a rear wheel; a drive unit that transmits driving force to at least one of the front wheel and the rear wheel; a battery accommodation area that can accommodate a battery for supplying power to the drive unit; a head tube; and a lower frame that extends obliquely downward and rearward along the body from the head tube; wherein, the lower frame includes a base portion connected to the head tube, a first extension portion extending obliquely downward and rearward along the body, a second extension portion extending obliquely downward and rearward along the body and positioned side by side with the first extension portion in the width direction of the body, a first connecting portion connecting the base portion to the first extension portion, and a second connecting portion connecting the base portion to the second extension portion, wherein the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion each have a shape that expands in the width direction of the body so as to be spaced apart from each other, the battery accommodation area is at least partially located between the first extension portion and the second extension portion, the battery extends in the longitudinal direction of the first extension portion and the second extension portion, and the electric bicycle includes a first support member that supports the upper end portion of the battery and a second support member that supports the lower end portion of the battery, the first support member includes an axis extending in the width direction of the body, the first support member is capable of rotating about the axis extending in the width direction of the body, and a power supply connector provided at the upper end portion of the battery is electrically connected to a power receiving connector provided in the first support member to support the battery to rotate about the axis between a position where the battery is located in the battery accommodation area and a position where the battery is removed from the battery accommodation area, the first support member is rotatably attached to the body frame, and the battery is positioned into the battery accommodation area from the front lower side of the lower frame.

2. The electric bicycle according to claim 1, wherein, At least a part of the surface of each of the first extension portion and the second extension portion facing the battery is flat.

3. The electric bicycle according to claim 1, wherein, At least a part of the cross-sectional shape of each of the first extension portion and the second extension portion perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first extension portion and the second extension portion has a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape, and the shorter side of the rectangular or substantially rectangular shape extends in the width direction of the body.

4. The electric bicycle according to claim 1, wherein, The first support member and the second support member are positioned to support the battery such that a gap is provided between the first extension portion and the battery and / or between the second extension portion and the battery in the width direction of the body.

5. The electric bicycle according to claim 4, further comprising a buffer member located in the gap.

6. The electric bicycle according to claim 1, wherein, The first support member and the second support member are positioned to support the battery such that in the width direction of the vehicle, the first extension portion and the second extension portion contact at least a part of the battery.

7. The electric bicycle according to claim 1, further comprising a cover that covers the front side surface of the battery in the battery accommodation area.

8. The electric bicycle according to claim 1, wherein, The battery is positioned in the battery accommodation area by being inserted between the first extension part and the second extension part from the front side of the vehicle body.

9. The electric bicycle according to claim 1, wherein, The battery extends in the longitudinal direction of the first extension part and the second extension part; The battery has a first width and a second width wider than the first width; and The battery is positioned in the battery accommodation area such that the first width extends parallel to or substantially parallel to the width direction of the vehicle body.

10. The electric bicycle according to claim 9, wherein, In a side view of the vehicle body, the widths of the first extension part and the second extension part are narrower than the second width of the battery.

11. The electric bicycle according to claim 1, further comprising: A crankshaft; And A pedal that rotates together with the crankshaft; wherein, The battery is positioned in the battery accommodation area such that in a side view of the vehicle body, at least a part of the battery is lower than the upper end portion in the vertical direction of the rotation locus of the pedal.

12. The electric bicycle according to claim 11, wherein The battery is positioned in the battery accommodation area such that in a side view of the vehicle body, at least a part of the battery overlaps with the rotation locus of the pedal.

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