Keyless latch structure and bicycle using the same

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of keyless latch structure and the bicycle using the structure, keyless latch structure includes a shell, a lock tongue component and a latch rod. The lock tongue component is installed in the shell, and is configured to be movable in a movable direction. The lock tongue component includes: a base, a latch rod channel and a lock tongue. The latch rod channel is located in the base, and defines a channel extension direction, and the movable direction is different from the channel extension direction. The lock tongue is mounted to the base. The latch rod is at least partially accommodated in the latch rod channel, and is configured to be movable in the latch rod channel along the channel extension direction, wherein the latch rod includes a limiting portion, and the latch rod is configured to pass through a slot of the bicycle pipe body part, and the limiting portion is configured to be inserted into the slot to limit the movement of the latch rod and the lock tongue component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a keyless latch structure for locking bicycle tube components and a bicycle using the same structure. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, cycling has become an increasingly popular choice for personal commuting and general outdoor recreation. The type of bicycle and its configuration depend on the user's or rider's preferences, ranging from human power, partial electric assistance, to full electric propulsion. Cycling, with or without assistance, has a wide range of uses, including transportation, travel, leisure, training, sports, and competition. With the development of new technologies, various electric bicycles have emerged, enabling riders to operate the bicycle with or without electric assistance, using different modes such as self-powered, hybrid, full electric, or a combination of both.

[0003] Generally, electric bicycles utilize additional energy sources such as batteries for auxiliary power and are equipped with motors, controllers, batteries, control components, and display instruments. To mount the battery on the bicycle frame, a battery mounting structure with a lock and keyhole is typically installed to secure the battery in a suitable position and prevent accidental detachment. However, this battery configuration also makes battery removal and installation inconvenient, and the battery mounting structure occupies space, making it difficult to further reduce the weight or size of the frame, resulting in a heavier and less agile overall appearance for the electric bicycle. Utility Model Content

[0004] In some embodiments, a keyless latch structure for a bicycle tube component includes a housing, a latch assembly, and a latch bar. The latch assembly is mounted in the housing and configured to be movable in a movable direction. The latch assembly includes a base, a latch bar channel, and a latch. The latch bar channel is located in the base and defines a channel extension direction, the movable direction being different from the channel extension direction. The latch bar is mounted in the base. The latch bar is at least partially received in the latch bar channel and configured to be movable in the latch bar channel along the channel extension direction, wherein the latch bar includes a limiting portion configured to pass through a groove in the bicycle tube component, the limiting portion being configured to be inserted into the groove to limit the movement of the latch bar and the latch assembly.

[0005] In some embodiments, the latch is configured to move within the slot to move the latch assembly in the movable direction. In some embodiments, the latch is configured such that, after moving outward along the channel extension direction, the limiting portion disengages from the slot to allow the latch to move within the slot. In some embodiments, the latch is configured to be rotatable, and the limiting portion is configured to disengage from the slot and, after rotation, cannot be inserted into the slot. In some embodiments, the limiting portion is an extension protrusion of the latch. In some embodiments, the profile of the extension protrusion approximately matches the profile of the slot. In some embodiments, the latch assembly further includes a rotating shaft mounted on the base, and the latch is a roller rotatably mounted on the rotating shaft. In some embodiments, the latch is configured to provide an outward abutting force in the movable direction. In some embodiments, the movable direction of the latch assembly and the channel extension direction of the latch channel are spatially substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0006] In some embodiments, a bicycle using a keyless latch structure for power supply includes a bicycle body component, a bicycle battery pack, and a keyless latch structure as described above. The bicycle battery pack is mounted on the bicycle body component, and the keyless latch structure is mounted on the bicycle body component, wherein the latch of the latch assembly of the keyless latch structure abuts against the bicycle battery pack to lock the bicycle battery pack. In some embodiments, the bicycle body component is a bicycle downtube, the bicycle battery pack is mounted on the underside of the bicycle downtube, and the keyless latch structure is mounted around the inside of the bicycle downtube. In some embodiments, the bicycle further includes a battery mounting base mounted on the opposite side of the bicycle downtube opposite to the keyless latch structure. The battery mounting base and the keyless latch structure are respectively coupled to the bicycle battery pack, thereby locking the bicycle battery pack to or unlocking it from the bicycle downtube via the keyless latch structure. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The embodiments of this utility model are best understood by reading in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, present several exemplary embodiments and, together with the corresponding textual descriptions, provide examples for explaining the disclosed embodiments consistent with this utility model and related principles. It should be noted that, in accordance with industry standard practice, the relevant features are not drawn to scale. In fact, for clarity of discussion, the dimensions of various features may be arbitrarily increased or decreased.

[0008] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram showing a bicycle battery pack, according to some embodiments, being locked by a keyless latch structure on a bicycle tube component.

[0009] Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram showing a bicycle battery pack in an unlocked state from a keyless latch structure on a bicycle tube component, according to some embodiments.

[0010] Figures 2A to 2C This is a schematic diagram showing a keyless latch structure according to some embodiments.

[0011] Figure 2D It is a cross-sectional view showing the interior of a keyless latch structure according to some embodiments.

[0012] Figures 3A to 3F This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of removing the bicycle battery pack 3 from the bicycle tube component 2, which is secured to the bicycle tube component 2 by the keyless latch structure 4, according to some embodiments.

[0013] Explanation of key component symbols:

[0014] 1: Bicycle

[0015] 2: Bicycle tube components

[0016] 21: Battery mounting port

[0017] 22: Past Fate

[0018] 23: Trailing edge

[0019] 24: slot

[0020] 3: Bicycle battery pack

[0021] 31: Top Cover

[0022] 32, 33: End

[0023] 4: Keyless latch structure

[0024] 41: Shell

[0025] 42: Locking tongue assembly

[0026] 421: Base

[0027] 422: Latch Channel

[0028] 423: Locking tongue

[0029] 424: Rotation axis

[0030] 43: Latch

[0031] 431: Limiting part

[0032] 432: Rod

[0033] 44, 45, 46: Springs

[0034] 5: Battery mounting bracket

[0035] D1: Direction of Motion

[0036] D2: Channel extension direction Detailed Implementation

[0037] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings and disclosed herein. The embodiments described in the following description are examples of a keyless latch structure for a bicycle tube component and a bicycle thereof related to the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0038] The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art and in the specific context in which each term is used. The use of examples in this specification, including examples of any terms discussed herein, is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the scope and meaning of this invention or any of the exemplified terms. Similarly, this invention is not limited to the various embodiments set forth in this specification.

[0039] Figure 1A This indicates that the bicycle battery pack is locked by the keyless latch mechanism on the bicycle tube components. Figure 1B This shows the unlocked state of the bicycle battery pack from the keyless latch structure on the bicycle tube component. A bicycle 1 includes a bicycle tube component 2, a bicycle battery pack 3, a keyless latch structure 4, and a battery mounting base 5. The two ends of the bicycle battery pack 3 are respectively fitted with the keyless latch structure 4 and the battery mounting base 5 and are mounted on the bicycle tube component 2. The bicycle battery pack 3 is fixed to the bicycle tube component 2 by the assembly method described above, preventing the bicycle battery pack 3 from improperly falling off the bicycle tube component 2.

[0040] Bicycle 1 can be an electric bicycle, which can be ridden by the user in self-powered, hybrid, fully electric, or hybrid modes. Bicycle battery pack 3 serves as one of the auxiliary power sources for bicycle 1. Related components required to achieve electric travel can be installed on bicycle 1, such as motor, controller, wiring, control elements, and display instruments.

[0041] The bicycle tube component 2 can be a part of the frame of the bicycle 1. One side of the bicycle tube component 2 has a battery mounting port 21 for inserting the bicycle battery pack 3. The bicycle tube component 2 has a front edge 22 and a rear edge 23 on both sides of the battery mounting port 21. The keyless latch structure 4 and the battery mounting seat 5 are installed and fixed around the inside of the bicycle tube component 2, located at the front edge 22 (i.e., the top area) and the rear edge 23 (i.e., the bottom area) on both sides of the battery mounting port 21.

[0042] For example, if the bicycle tube component 2 is the bicycle downtube, the battery mounting base 5 serves as the mounting reference point on its bottom side (i.e., the side facing the ground). The keyless latch structure 4 and the bicycle battery pack 3 can then be installed accordingly. The keyless latch structure 4 is installed around the bottom side of the bicycle downtube, relative to the other side of the battery mounting base 5. Together, they can lock the bicycle battery pack 3 to the bicycle downtube, preventing it from falling downwards from the downtube (e.g., ...). Figure 1A After the rider unlocks the keyless latch mechanism 4, the user can remove the bicycle battery pack 3 from the bicycle tube component 2 downwards (e.g., Figure 1B ).

[0043] The keyless latch structure 4 and the battery mounting bracket 5 act on both ends of the bicycle battery pack 3 to secure the bicycle battery pack 3 to the bicycle tube component 2 in a locked state, thereby preventing the bicycle battery pack 3 from falling off the bicycle tube component 2. For further examples, such as... Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, when the bicycle battery pack 3 is inserted into the battery mounting port 21, one end 33 of the bicycle battery pack 3 can be detachably locked to the battery mounting seat 5, while the opposite keyless latch structure 4 applies force to press down on the other end 32 of the bicycle battery pack 3, for example, by providing an outward abutting force to press down on the top cover 31 of the bicycle battery pack 3.

[0044] The battery mounting base 5 may include a locking mechanism and a conductive element (i.e., an electrical interface). The bicycle battery pack 3 is structurally detachably locked to the locking mechanism. The bicycle battery pack 3 is electrically connected to the wires on the bicycle 1 through the conductive element, thereby supplying power to electronic components such as the motor and controller on the bicycle 1.

[0045] The keyless latch structure 4 employs a design without a lock or keyhole, securing the bicycle battery pack 3 via a latch or similar structure without the need for a key. Because the keyless latch structure 4 lacks conventional locks, keys, or other battery-fixing mechanisms, it effectively reduces the volume occupied by the interface between the battery and the frame tube components. This significantly reduces the overall frame tube volume, making the battery-powered bicycle noticeably lighter and more compact in design, and contributing to the weight reduction of the bicycle frame. Furthermore, the bicycle battery pack 3 does not require latching to the downtube via the battery casing or other side structures; at this end 32 of the battery pack 3, the keyless latch structure 4 alone is sufficient for locking.

[0046] Then as Figures 2A to 2D As shown, Figures 2A to 2C This illustrates a keyless latch structure 4 of some embodiments. Figure 2DThis shows a cross-sectional view of the interior of a keyless latch structure according to some embodiments. The keyless latch structure 4 includes a housing 41, a latch assembly 42, and a latch bar 43. The housing 41 is mounted around the inside of the bicycle tube component 2, for example, on the inner wall of the tube. The latch assembly 42 is mounted on the housing 41 and configured to be movable in a direction D1 (see...). Figure 3A The direction of movement D1 can be the direction of the keyless latch structure 4 toward the bicycle battery pack 3 or the direction of the bicycle battery pack 3 toward the keyless latch structure 4, or generally the direction parallel to the bicycle tube component 2.

[0047] The latch assembly 42 includes a base 421, a latch channel 422, and a latch 423. The latch channel 422 is located in the base 421 and defines a channel extension direction D2 (see [reference]). Figure 3A The movable direction D1 differs from the channel extension direction D2. The latch 423 is mounted on the base 421, facing the bicycle battery pack 3. The latch 423 is configured to provide an outward abutting force in the movable direction D1 to press against the top cover 31 of the bicycle battery pack 3. The source of the outward abutting force may be a spring. In some embodiments, the latch assembly 42 further includes a rotating shaft 424 mounted on the base 421. The latch 423 is rotatably mounted on the rotating shaft 424 as a roller, which is used to absorb gaps between the keyless latch structure 4 and the bicycle battery pack 3.

[0048] The latch 43 is at least partially received in the latch channel 422 and configured to be movable in the latch channel 422 along the channel extension direction D2 (e.g., Figure 3A and Figure 3B (Illustration of the dashed arrow). The latch 43 includes a limiting part 431 and a rod body 432, and the latch 43 is configured to pass through a groove 24 in the bicycle tube component 2 (e.g., ...). Figure 3C and Figure 3E The lever 432 is configured to be mounted in the latch channel 422, and the limiting portion 431 is configured to be inserted into the slot 24 to limit the movement of the latch 43 and the latch assembly 42. In some embodiments, the limiting portion 431 is an extension protrusion of the latch 43, which is configured to be inserted into the slot 24 only in a specific orientation. The extension protrusion inserted into the slot 24 can block or restrain the movement of the latch 43 in the slot 24 in a specific direction. The profile of the extension protrusion can be designed to approximately match the profile of the slot 24. Exemplarily, the limiting portion 431 is part of the latch 43 and can form a partial structure similar to an operating handle together with the latch 43. The slot 24 can be an oblong slot, a rectangular slot, or other shapes suitable for operation, depending on the profile. The latch 43 is configured to be rotatable with the lever 432 as an axis, while the limiting portion 431 is configured to be disengaged from the slot 24 and remain in a state where it cannot be inserted into the slot 24 after rotation.

[0049] In some embodiments, the latch 43 is configured to move within the slot 24, for example, in the direction of movement D1, to move the latch assembly 42 in the direction of movement D1 (i.e., operatively displaceable). When the limiting portion 431 is inserted into the slot 24, it prevents the latch 43 from moving away from the bicycle battery pack 3 in the direction of movement D1 within the slot 24, and also temporarily prevents the latch assembly 42 from moving in the direction of movement D1 in a direction opposite to the bicycle battery pack 3. Only when the latch 43 is configured to move outward in the channel extension direction D2 (i.e., operatively displaceable)... Figures 3A to 3B The operation pulls the latch 43 outward, allowing the limiting part 431 to disengage from the slot 24. In this state, the latch 43 is allowed to move within the slot 24, for example, in the direction of movement D1 in a direction opposite to the bicycle battery pack 3 (e.g., Figure 3B (state).

[0050] In some embodiments, the keyless latch structure 4 includes springs 44, 45, and 46. Spring 44 is connected between the latch assembly 42 and the housing 41 to provide a spring force in the direction of movement D1, which can be applied and used to provide an outward abutting force on the latch 423. Spring 45 is connected between the latch bar 43 and the housing 41 to provide a spring force (or tension) in the extension direction D2 of the latch bar channel 422 to facilitate the movement and return of the latch bar 43. Spring 46 may be connected between the latch bar 43 and the latch assembly 42 to limit the range of rotation of the latch bar 43 or to provide a return function. In addition, the latch bar 43 and the latch assembly 42 may each have a limiting portion to limit relative displacement, thereby restricting the rotational angle of the latch bar 43 relative to the latch assembly 42, for example, approximately 90 degrees.

[0051] The lock tongue assembly 42 is designed without a lock head or keyhole, eliminating the need for a key to lock or unlock. Instead, the object latch is controlled by the latch bar 43. Specifically, the relationship between the lock tongue 423 of the keyless latch structure 4 and the top cover 31 of the bicycle battery pack 3 changes between two states: "fully engaged" or "latched" and "completely disengaged" or "unlatched," depending on the rider's operation.

[0052] like Figures 3A to 3F As shown, Figures 3A to 3F The process of removing the bicycle battery pack 3 from the bicycle tube component 2, which is secured to it by the keyless latch structure 4, is shown.

[0053] like Figure 3A As shown, Figure 3AThe keyless latch structure 4 locks the bicycle battery pack 3, fixing it to the bicycle tube component 2. The latch 43 is in a first state, with the limiting part 431 inserted into the slot 24, and the locking tongue 423 providing outward abutment in the movable direction D1. At this time, the locking tongue 423 and the upper cover 31 of the bicycle battery pack 3 are in full contact or latched.

[0054] like Figure 3B and Figure 3C As shown, the latch 43 is pulled outward in the extension direction D2 of the latch channel 422 and is in a second state, so that the limiting part 431 is disengaged from the groove 24. The latch 43 is allowed to move in the groove 24, for example, in the direction of movement D1 in a direction away from the bicycle battery pack 3.

[0055] like Figure 3D and Figure 3E As shown, the latch 43 is rotated 90 degrees to a third state, and the rotated limiting part 431 will be held in place and temporarily cannot be inserted into the slot 24. Compared to Figure 3A The latch 43 has been pulled outward from the first state and rotated 90 degrees, making it easy for the user to push the latch 43.

[0056] like Figure 3F As shown, the user can push the latch 43, causing it to move away from the bicycle battery pack 3 in the movable direction D1 within the slot 24 to a fourth state. This moves the locking tongue assembly 42 in the movable direction D1 away from the bicycle battery pack 3, disengaging the locking tongue 423 from contact or releasing it from latching the top cover 31, thereby unlocking the bicycle battery pack 3 (i.e., as shown in the diagram). Figures 3C to 3F The operation causes the latch 43 to be pulled in the movable direction D1. At this time, the user can pivot the bicycle battery pack 3 with the battery mounting base 5 as the relative fulcrum, thereby allowing the bicycle battery pack 3 to be removed from the bicycle tube component 2.

[0057] like Figures 3A to 3F As shown, the movable direction D1 of the latch assembly 42 and the channel extension direction D2 of the latch channel 422 that allows the latch 43 to move, under the combination of the various components of the keyless latch structure, allow D1 and D2 to form a roughly perpendicular relationship with each other in space.

[0058] Finally, it can be relied upon and Figures 3A to 3F In the reverse order, or from the fourth state to the first state of the latch 43, the bicycle battery pack 3 is installed onto the bicycle tube component 2 and locked by the keyless latch structure 4.

[0059] It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed apparatus or operating mechanism. Furthermore, features or components of different embodiments of this invention can be combined according to actual needs. Other related embodiments will also be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, considering the description of the disclosed apparatus and the operation of the components used in practicing related solutions.

Claims

1. A keyless latch structure for a bicycle tube component, characterized in that, It includes a housing, a latch assembly, and a bolt, wherein, A latch assembly is mounted on the housing and configured to move in a movable direction. The latch assembly includes: One base; A latch channel is located in the base and a channel extension direction is defined, the movable direction being different from the channel extension direction; and A locking tongue is installed at the base; and The latch bar is at least partially received in the latch bar channel and configured to be movable in the latch bar channel along the extension direction of the channel, wherein the latch bar includes a limiting portion configured to pass through a groove in the bicycle tube component, the limiting portion being configured to be inserted into the groove to limit the movement of the latch bar and the latch assembly.

2. The keyless latch structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The latch is configured to move within the slot to move the latch assembly in the movable direction.

3. The keyless latch structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The latch is configured such that, after the latch moves outward along the extension direction of the channel, the limiting portion can disengage from the slot, allowing the latch to move within the slot.

4. The keyless latch structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The latch is configured to be rotatable, and the limiting part is configured to disengage from the slot and be unable to be inserted into the slot after rotation.

5. The keyless latch structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The limiting part is an extended protrusion of the latch.

6. The keyless latch structure as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The profile of the extended protrusion approximately matches the profile of the groove.

7. The keyless latch structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The latch assembly also includes a rotating shaft mounted on the base, and the latch is a roller rotatably mounted on the rotating shaft.

8. The keyless latch structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The latch is configured to provide an outward resisting force in the direction of movement.

9. The keyless latch structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The movable direction of the latch assembly and the extension direction of the latch channel are approximately perpendicular to each other in space.

10. A bicycle using the keyless latch structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, Include: A bicycle tube component; A bicycle battery pack, installed in the bicycle tube component; and A keyless latch structure is installed on the bicycle tube component, wherein the latch of the latch assembly of the keyless latch structure is used to abut against the bicycle battery pack so that the latch assembly locks the bicycle battery pack.

11. The bicycle using a keyless latch structure as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The bicycle tube component is the bicycle downtube, the bicycle battery is assembled on the bottom side of the bicycle downtube, and the keyless latch structure is installed around the inside of the bicycle downtube.

12. The bicycle using a keyless latch structure as described in claim 11, characterized in that, Also includes: A battery mounting bracket is installed on the other side of the bicycle downtube opposite to the keyless latch structure. The battery mounting bracket and the keyless latch structure are respectively connected to the bicycle battery pack. The bicycle battery pack is locked to the bicycle downtube or unlocked from the bicycle downtube by the keyless latch structure.

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