Display device for an electric motor-assisted bicycle and electric motor-assisted bicycle

Abstract

A display device for an electric motor-assisted bicycle (10), comprising: a display unit (6), wherein the display unit (6) comprises a display area (6a) for displaying a state of the electric motor-assisted bicycle, and a button (7a, 7b) arranged on a surface of the display unit (6) other than the display surface (6a), characterized by a tubular connecting tube (5) which is designed such that a member extending coaxially to a steering axis of the electric motor-assisted bicycle (10) can be inserted therein, wherein the display unit (6) extends from the connecting pipe (5) in a radial direction of the connecting pipe (5), the direction of pressing operation of the button (7a, 7b) is such that a component in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the connecting pipe (5) is greater than a component in a direction of the axis of the connecting pipe (5) and when viewed from an axial direction of the connecting pipe (5), a line that passes through the center of a pressing surface of the button (7a, 7b) and extends in the direction of pressing operation crosses the connecting pipe (5).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device for an electric motor-assisted bicycle.

[0002] More and more bicycles include a handlebar-mounted electronic device, such as a bicycle computer. For example, JP 2005-138827 A describes the mounting of various electronic control components on the handlebar of a bicycle. This document specifies an arrangement in which part of a bicycle computer is mounted within the handlebar tube of a bicycle.

[0003] DE 20 2009 015 929 U1 discloses attaching accessories such as speedometers to the steering system of bicycles using adapters. DE 11 2021 003 116 T5 describes an operating device for a bicycle with an electric drive unit, which is attached to a handlebar part of the bicycle, wherein the operating device has control buttons arranged on a side surface of the operating device.

[0004] It is an object of the invention to enable a positioning of a plurality of devices in proximity to the center of the handlebar of an electric motor-assisted bicycle without the devices interfering with one another.

[0005] A display device according to the invention for an electric motor-assisted bicycle comprises the features of claim 1, and an electric motor-assisted bicycle according to the invention comprises the features of claim 7. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a left side view of an electric motor-assisted bicycle according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the display device and adjacent elements of the electric motor-assisted bicycle of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the display device of the embodiment, showing an exemplary arrangement thereof. Fig. 4 is a side view of the display device of Fig. 3 along arrow F4. Fig. 5 is a side view of the display device of Fig. 3 along the arrow F1. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the display device of Fig. 3 from the bottom. Fig. 7 shows the handlebar and adjacent elements of the electric motor-assisted bicycle in an axial direction of the steering axis. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of some elements in Fig. 7 along line AA. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a variation of the display device whose mounting position is modified. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary arrangement of a display unit that can be detached from a connecting member. Fig. 11 is a side view of the display unit and shows an exemplary method for adjusting the position of the display unit relative to the connecting member. EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A bicycle may include an electronic device that can display information from, for example, a bicycle computer and receive operation inputs from a rider. The inventors have investigated arrangements for mounting electronic devices on an electric motor-assisted bicycle. On an electric motor-assisted bicycle, an indispensable device that provides functions specific to electric motor-assisted bicycles is a display device that displays the status of the electric motor-assisted bicycle and receives operation input from the rider regarding assistance.

[0007] In addition to such display devices specific to electric motor-assisted bicycles, the inventors further investigated a mounting arrangement for a bicycle computer and other electronic devices. In the investigation, the inventors considered the visibility, operability, and mounting arrangement of such devices and found that it is preferable to position a plurality of devices in a concentrated manner near the center of the handlebar. The devices, including the display device of the electric motor-assisted bicycle, must be positioned in a limited space near the center of the handlebar such that the devices do not interfere with each other.

[0008] Therefore, it is preferable to provide a display device for an electric motor-assisted bicycle and an electric motor-assisted bicycle, which can position a plurality of devices adjacent to the center of the handlebar without interfering with each other.

[0009] The present invention provides for positioning a plurality of devices adjacent to the center of the handlebar of an electric motor-assisted bicycle without the devices interfering with each other.

[0010] A display device for an electric motor-assisted bicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a tubular connecting tube configured to accept a member extending coaxially with the steering axis of the electric motor-assisted bicycle; a display unit extending outward from the connecting tube in a radial direction of the connecting tube, the display unit including a display surface for displaying a state of the electric motor-assisted bicycle; and a button disposed on a surface of the display unit other than the display surface, the direction of a pressing operation of the button including a component in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the connecting tube being larger than a component in a direction of the axis of the connecting tube.

[0011] In this arrangement, the display device includes a connecting tube and a display unit extending in a radial direction of the connecting tube. When the display device is mounted on a member extending coaxially with the steering axis of the electric motor-assisted bicycle, the display unit extends from the steering axis in a radial direction. The circumferential position of the display unit around the steering axis can be adjusted by rotating the connecting tube about its axis during assembly. In this way, the display surface can be positioned along the circumference around the steering axis with a high degree of freedom. Furthermore, the button of the display unit is arranged on a surface other than the display surface, so that the component of the direction of a push operation in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the connecting tube is larger than the component in the direction of the axis of the connecting tube.The component of the direction of a load from a push operation in a direction perpendicular to the steering axis is larger than the component in the direction of the steering axis. This simplifies the structure of the display unit for withstanding a load in an axial direction of the connecting pipe. Therefore, a smaller display device can be formed. Furthermore, positioning the button on a surface different from the display surface allows for the formation of a smaller display area. The display device is thus constructed in such a way that space is saved and a high degree of freedom of the circumferential position around the steering axis is achieved.When mounting a display device having such a structure on an electric motor-assisted bicycle, positioning of a plurality of devices of the electric motor-assisted bicycle in the vicinity of the center of the handlebar is accomplished without the devices interfering with each other.

[0012] When the display device is mounted on the electric motor-assisted bicycle, the member extending coaxially with the steering axis is inserted through the connecting tube. The connecting tube is thus mounted on the member extending coaxially with the steering axis in such a way that it surrounds the outer periphery of this member. In this situation, the connecting tube is coaxial with the steering axis. The member extending coaxially with the steering axis to which the connecting tube is mounted can be the steering axis itself or another member extending coaxially with the steering axis. The member extending coaxially with the steering axis is a member held by a corresponding element such that it can be rotated about the steering axis relative to the stem. For example, the connecting tube is mounted on the steering axis or a member such as the stem.

[0013] The axial dimension of the connecting tube may be smaller than its radial dimension. The connecting tube may be annular, so that it surrounds the entire circumference of the member extending coaxially with the steering axis. Alternatively, a certain circumferential portion of the connecting tube may be recessed, so that the tube surrounds half or more of the circumference of the member extending coaxially with the steering axis.

[0014] The component of the direction of the button press of the indicator device in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the connecting tube is larger than the component in the axial direction of the connecting tube. Therefore, the angle of the button press direction relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the connecting tube is less than 45°.

[0015] The angle of the push-button direction is preferably no greater than 30°, and more preferably no greater than 20°. For example, the direction of push-button operation of the button may be perpendicular to the axis of the connecting tube. Such implementations include implementations in which the push-button direction is exactly perpendicular to the axial direction of the connecting tube, and implementations in which the push-button direction is shifted from a plane perpendicular to the axis of the connecting tube only enough so that the two can be considered aligned to withstand a push-button load.

[0016] The angle of the direction in which the button of the display device is pressed relative to the display surface is preferably less than 45°, more preferably no more than 30°, and most preferably no more than 20°. Because the angle of the direction in which the button is pressed relative to the display surface is small, the display surface is unlikely to be obscured by the driver's hand when the driver performs a pressing operation. Thus, a smaller display surface can be formed, thereby achieving miniaturization of display devices. For example, if the angle of the direction in which the button is pressed relative to the display surface is 0° (including implementations in which the angle is exactly 0° and also implementations in which the angle is slightly shifted from 0°), the driver can press the button from either side of the display surface.

[0017] The display unit may be constructed such that the state of the electric motor-assisted bicycle is indicated by a signal displayed on the display surface and extending, as viewed from an axial direction of the connecting tube, in an oblique direction relative to an imaginary line passing through the axis of the connecting tube and dividing the display unit into two equal halves. In such implementations, the longitudinal direction of the signal is oblique relative to the imaginary line.

[0018] The inventors discovered that such a displayed signal extending in an oblique direction relative to an imaginary line passing through the axis of the connecting tube and dividing the display unit into two equal halves can be more easily recognized than a displayed signal extending parallel or perpendicular to the imaginary line. The display device can be mounted on the electric motor-assisted bicycle and can be rotated about the steering axis to a desired angle. Because the signal is positioned on the display unit in an oblique direction relative to the imaginary line, it can be easily recognized regardless of the angle at which the display device is mounted.

[0019] The display surface consists of one or more surfaces of the display unit and includes an area where information can be displayed. For example, when a signal is displayed on the display unit in a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel, the surface of the display panel containing the display area forms the display surface. When the signal is provided by the light emission of a lamp such as an LED lamp, the surface of the lamp containing the light-emitting surface forms the display surface.

[0020] A signal on the display device may be provided by a plurality of lights (e.g., LEDs) arranged in an oblique direction relative to the imaginary line, or may be a linear image extending in an oblique direction. The angle of the direction of the signal relative to the imaginary line is preferably no less than 20°, more preferably no less than 30°, and most preferably no less than 40°. Furthermore, the angle of the direction of the signal relative to the imaginary line is preferably no greater than 80°, more preferably no greater than 70°, and most preferably no greater than 60°.

[0021] Preferably, the orientation of the display surface is close to the orientation of a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the connecting tube. This increases the visibility of the display surface to the rider when the display device is mounted on the electric motor-assisted bicycle. Therefore, the angle between the display surface and a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the connecting tube is preferably 0° to 45°, more preferably 0° to 30°, and most preferably 0° to 20°. For example, the display surface may be perpendicular to the axial direction of the connecting tube. Such implementations include implementations in which the display surface is exactly perpendicular to the axial direction of the connecting tube, and also implementations in which the display surface is offset from a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the connecting tube to such an extent that the two can be considered aligned to provide visibility.

[0022] Viewed from an axial direction of the connecting tube, a line passing through the center of a button pressing surface in the direction of a pressing operation can cross the connecting tube. With this configuration, the load from a button pressing operation is received by the connecting tube. This prevents the button pressing of the indicator mounted on the electric motor-assisted bicycle from generating a moment that would rotate the indicator about the steering axis. This improves the load-bearing structure of the indicator.

[0023] The button may comprise a plurality of buttons arranged on the same surface of the display unit. In such implementations, the plurality of buttons may be configured such that pressing operations of the plurality of buttons are performed in the same direction, and the positions of the pressing surfaces of the plurality of buttons are offset from each other along the direction of the pressing operation. This enables efficient positioning of a plurality of buttons in a limited space, while preventing the operating areas of the plurality of buttons from interfering with each other.

[0024] If a plurality of buttons are provided, one of the buttons may, for example, be the power button for the electric motor-assisted bicycle. The power button is used to turn the power supply of the drive system for controlling the assist power in the electric motor-assisted bicycle on and off. If the positions of the push surfaces of the plurality of buttons are offset in the push-operation direction, the button whose back surface protrudes furthest in the push-operation direction may be the power button.

[0025] The display device may further include a connection socket for an external terminal arranged on a surface of the display unit other than the display surface. The connection socket may be configured such that a direction in which the external terminal is inserted / removed through the connection socket includes a component in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the connecting tube that is larger than a component in the direction of the axis of the connecting tube. The component of the direction of a load from an insertion / removal operation in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the connecting tube is larger than the component in the axial direction of the connecting tube. This improves the structure of the display device for withstanding a load in an axial direction of the connecting tube.

[0026] The angle of the insertion / removal direction of the external connector through the connection socket of the display device relative to the display surface is preferably less than 45°, more preferably no more than 30°, and most preferably no more than 20°. If the angle of the insertion / removal direction relative to the display surface is small, the display surface is unlikely to be obscured by the driver's hand when inserting or removing the external connector. Therefore, the display surface can be made smaller, thereby supporting miniaturization of display devices. For example, if the angle of the insertion / removal direction relative to the display surface is 0° (including implementations where the angle is exactly 0° and implementations where the angle deviates slightly from 0°), the driver can insert and remove an external connector through one side of the display surface.

[0027] Viewed from the axial direction of the connecting tube, a line passing through the center of the connecting sleeve and extending in the insertion / removal direction can cross the connecting tube. With this configuration, the connecting sleeve receives the load from the insertion / removal operation of an external connector through the connecting sleeve through the connecting tube. This prevents the insertion / removal of the external connector into / from the indicator mounted on the electric motor-assisted bicycle from generating a moment that would cause the indicator to rotate around the steering axis. This simplifies the load-bearing structure of the indicator.

[0028] The display surface of the display unit may be positioned such that it does not protrude upward from the connecting tube along the axial direction of the connecting tube. Thus, the display unit is unlikely to interfere with a rider's operation. For example, in some implementations, the connecting tube may be positioned on the steering axis of the electric motor-assisted bicycle below another member, such as a stem. In such implementations, if the display surface is positioned such that it does not protrude upward along the axial direction of the connecting tube, the display unit is unlikely to interfere with a rider's operation of another member arranged above the connecting tube.

[0029] The display unit can be removed from the connecting tube. This simplifies the work of installing the display unit. The arrangement that allows for removal of the display unit is not limited to a specific configuration. For example, the display unit can be removably attached to the connecting tube using a fastener such as a screw or thread.

[0030] The display unit can be configured such that the position of the display surface can be changed relative to the connecting tube. This improves the degree of freedom of the position of the display unit. For example, the display unit can be configured such that it can be rotated about a pivot shaft relative to the connecting tube and fixed at any angle within the rotation range.

[0031] The invention further provides an electric motor-assisted bicycle incorporating such a display device. The electric motor-assisted bicycle comprises: a head tube; a steering shaft rotatably supported on the head tube; a stem fixed to an upper portion of the steering shaft; and a handlebar supported by the stem. The connecting tube of the display device is mounted on an outer periphery of the steering shaft or the stem. The connecting tube may be mounted on the outer periphery of the steering shaft or the stem in direct contact or may be mounted thereto via another member such as a spacer member.

[0032] The display device may, for example, be a device configured to display the state of the electric motor-assisted bicycle and to receive a rider's input related to electric motor assistance in the electric motor-assisted bicycle. The electric motor-assisted bicycle may include a torque sensor for detecting a pedal force at the pedal, a motor for generating an assist force to be added as an assist to the pedal force, and a motor controller for controlling the assist force by the motor depending on the pedal force. Furthermore, the electric motor-assisted bicycle may include a battery for supplying power to the motor. The display device may be configured to receive power from the battery for operation.In such implementations, the display device may include a power line connector to which a cable for receiving power from the battery is connected.

[0033] Hereinafter, an electric motor-assisted bicycle according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like or corresponding elements are designated by like reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof are omitted here. Furthermore, the sizes of the components in the drawings do not exactly reflect the sizes of the actual components, the size relationships between the components, etc. In the following description, the directions "front" and "back", "left" and "right", and "up" and "down" of the electric motor-assisted bicycle correspond to the directions perceived by a rider sitting on the saddle (i.e., the seat 24) and gripping the handlebar 23.The directions "front" and "rear," "left" and "right," and "up" and "down" of the electric motor-assisted bicycle are the same as the corresponding directions of the vehicle body and the vehicle body frame of the electric motor-assisted bicycle. Furthermore, the forward direction of the electric motor-assisted bicycle is the same as the front-rear direction of the electric motor-assisted bicycle. The embodiments described below are merely exemplary, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. Example overall structure of the electric motor-assisted bicycle

[0034] Fig. 1 is a left side view of an electric motor-assisted bicycle 10 according to one embodiment. The letters V, H, O, and U in Fig. 1 stands for front, back, top and bottom respectively.

[0035] As in Fig. 1, the electric motor-assisted bicycle 10 includes a vehicle body frame 11. The vehicle body frame 11 extends in the front-rear direction. The vehicle body frame 11 includes a head tube 12, an upper frame part 13u, a lower frame part 13d, a seat frame part 14, a pair of chain stays 16, and a pair of seat stays 17. The head tube 12 is arranged at the front of the electric motor-assisted bicycle 10. The front ends of the lower and upper frame parts 13d and 13u are connected to the head tube 12. The lower and upper frame parts 13d and 13u extend in the front-rear direction. The lower and upper frame parts 13d and 13u extend obliquely downward. The upper frame part 13u is arranged higher than the lower frame part 13d. The rear end of the upper frame part 13u is connected to the seat frame part 14. The rear end of the lower frame part 13d is connected to a bracket 15.The lower end of the seat frame part 14 is connected to the bracket 15. The seat frame part 14 extends upward and obliquely rearward from the bracket 15. However, the vehicle frame 11 may not include an upper frame part 13u.

[0036] A steering axle 2 is rotatably inserted into the head tube 12. A stem 3 is attached to an upper portion of the steering axle 2. A handlebar 23 is fixed to the stem 3. A front fork 26 is fixed to the lower end of the steering axle 2. A front wheel 21 is rotatably supported at the lower end of the front fork 26 by a wheel axle 27.

[0037] Grips are attached to the left and right ends of the handlebar 23. A left brake lever 74 is attached to a left position of the handlebar 23, and a right brake lever 74 is attached to a right position of the handlebar 23. The left brake lever 74 is a lever for operating a brake 76 for the rear wheel 22. The right brake lever 74 is a lever for operating a brake 75 for the front wheel 21.

[0038] A seat tube 28 is inserted into the cylindrical seat frame portion 14. A seat 24 is provided at the upper end of the seat tube 28. Thus, the vehicle body frame 11 rotatably supports the steering axle 2 at its front side and rotatably supports the rear wheel 22 at its rear side. Furthermore, the seat 24 and a drive unit 40 are attached to the vehicle body frame 11.

[0039] The pair of chainstays 16 are connected to the rear end of the bracket 15. The pair of chainstays 16 are arranged to surround the rear wheel 22 from the left and right. The rear end of each of the chainstays 16 is connected to one end of the associated seat stay 17. The pair of seat stays 17 are arranged to surround the rear wheel 22 from the left and right. The other end of each of the seat stays 17 is connected to an upper position on the seat frame part 14. The rear wheel 22 is rotatably supported at the rear ends of the chainstays 16 by means of a wheel axle 29.

[0040] A traveling speed sensor (i.e., a speed sensor) 61 for detecting rotation of the front wheel 21 is provided on the front fork 26. The traveling speed sensor 61 includes, for example, a detected element that rotates together with the front wheel 21 and a detecting element fixed to the vehicle body frame 11 for detecting rotation of the detected element. The detecting element detects the detected element mechanically, magnetically, or optically. The traveling speed sensor 61 may also detect rotation of a rotating body other than the front wheel 21 that rotates during forward travel of the electric motor-assisted bicycle 10, such as the rear wheel 22, the engine 30, a crankshaft 41, a transmission, or a chain. Further, the electric motor-assisted bicycle 10 may include, in addition to the traveling speed sensor, a sensor for detecting a state of the vehicle.The electric motor-assisted bicycle 10 may include, for example, an angular velocity sensor (e.g., a gyro sensor) or an acceleration sensor.

[0041] The drive unit 40 is attached to the lower edge of the bracket 15 by means of fasteners (not shown). The drive unit 40 includes a housing 51 that forms the outer periphery of the drive unit 40. A motor 30 is contained in the housing 51. In the implementation of Fig. 1, a crankshaft 41 extends in the left-right direction through the housing 51. Alternatively, the crankshaft 41 can also be arranged outside the drive unit 40.

[0042] A torque sensor 62 is provided around the crankshaft 41 to detect a pedal force applied by the driver. The torque sensor 62 detects the torque that rotates the crankshaft 41 about its axis. The torque sensor 62 may be, for example, a non-contact torque sensor such as a magnetostrictive torque sensor or a contact torque sensor such as an elastic body torque sensor with variable detection. A magnetostrictive torque sensor includes a magnetostrictive member that generates magnetostrictive effects and receives a rotational force of the crankshaft, and a detection coil that detects a change in magnetic permeability caused by a force from the magnetostrictive member.

[0043] Crank arms 31 are attached to the respective ends of the crankshaft 41. Pedals 33 are attached to the distal ends of the respective crank arms 31. The crankshaft 41 is rotated by the rider pressing the pedals 33. Although not shown, the electric motor-assisted bicycle 10 is provided with a driving gear that rotates together with the crankshaft 41 and a driven gear that rotates together with the rear wheel 22. A chain 46 is wound around the driving and driven gears to connect them. The chain 46 can also be replaced by a belt, a shaft, or the like.

[0044] A transmission mechanism (not shown) is provided in the drive unit 40 to transmit the rotation of the motor 30 to the driving gear (or chain 46). The transmission mechanism includes, for example, a gear reducer (i.e., reduction gears). The gear reducer reduces the rotational speed of the motor before transmission to the driving gear. Furthermore, the transmission mechanism includes a synthesizing mechanism that synthesizes the rotation of the crankshaft 41 and the rotation of the motor 30 before transmission to the driving gear. The synthesizing mechanism includes, for example, a cylindrical member. The crankshaft 41 is arranged in the cylindrical member. The driving gear is attached to the synthesizing mechanism. The synthesizing mechanism rotates about the same rotational axis as the crankshaft 41 and the driving gear.One-way clutches may be provided in the rotation transmission path from the crankshaft 41 to the synthesizing mechanism and in the rotation transmission path from the motor 30 to the synthesizing mechanism. The rotational force transmitted from the motor 30 to the driving gear via the gear mechanism constitutes the assist force of the motor 30.

[0045] The drive gear transmits a drive force to the rear wheel 22 via the chain 46. Specifically, the pedal force generated by the rider pressing the pedals 33 rotates the drive gear in the forward direction and is transmitted via the chain 46 as a drive force that drives the rear wheel 22 in the forward direction. Furthermore, the rotational force generated by the operation of the motor 30 rotates the crankshaft 41 in the forward direction. The rotational force output by the motor 30 is added as an assist to the pedal force generated by the rider pressing the pedals 33.

[0046] Although not shown, the drive unit 40 includes a motor controller for controlling the motor. For example, the motor controller is constituted by an electronic device mounted on a circuit board in the housing 51 of the drive unit 40. The electronic device includes, for example, a processor or an electronic circuit. The motor controller is electrically connected to the vehicle speed sensor, the torque sensor, and the motor.

[0047] A battery unit 35 is arranged on the lower frame part 13d. The battery unit 35 supplies power to the motor 30 of the drive unit 40. The battery 35 includes a battery and a battery control unit (not shown). The battery is a battery that can be charged and discharged. The battery control unit controls the charging and discharging of the battery and simultaneously monitors the output current, remaining capacity, and other information about the battery. Note that the battery unit 35 can also be arranged on the seat frame part 14 or the upper frame part 13u.

[0048] Although not shown, the electric motor-assisted bicycle 10 may include a gear shifting mechanism. The gear shifting mechanism is a mechanism that changes the gear ratio in response to rider operation of a gear shifting actuator. The gear shifting actuator may be mounted, for example, on the handlebar 23. The gear shifting mechanism may consist of, for example, at least one of the driving and driven gears of a multi-speed gearwheel. The multi-speed gearwheel, around which the chain 46 is wound, enables gear shifting in response to rider operation of the gear shifting actuator. The gear shifting mechanism may be such an external gearshift or an internal gearshift. Example structure of the display device

[0049] In the electric motor-assisted bicycle 10 of this embodiment, a display device 4 is mounted on a member extending coaxially with the steering axis 2. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the display device 4 and adjacent ones mounted on the electric motor-assisted bicycle 10 of Fig. 1 mounted elements. The display device 4 comprises a connecting tube 5 and a display unit 6. The connecting tube 5 is fixed to the outer circumference of a member extending coaxially with the steering axis 2 (in the implementation of Fig. 2 on the steering axle 2 itself). The display unit 6 extends from the connecting tube 5 in a radial direction of the connecting tube 5. In the display device 5 mounted on the electric motor-assisted bicycle 10, the axial direction of the connecting tube 5 corresponds to the axial direction of the steering axle 2.

[0050] Fig. 3 is a plan view of the display device 4 of Fig. 2 seen from an axial direction of the connecting pipe 5. Fig. 4 is a side view of the display device 4 of Fig. 3 seen from the direction of arrow F4. Fig. 5 is a side view of the display device 4 of Fig. 3 along the arrow F1 (ie from the direction in which the key 7a is pressed).

[0051] In the implementation of Fig. 3, the display unit 6 includes a display surface 6a and buttons 7a and 7b. The display surface 6a displays the state of the electric motor-assisted bicycle 10. The buttons 7a and 7b are arranged on a surface different from the display surface 6a. The buttons 7a and 7b are configured to be pressed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the connecting tube 5. The buttons 7a and 7b are configured such that the component of the pressing direction in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the connecting tube 5 is larger than the component in the axial direction of the connecting tube 5. This enables efficient positioning of the display surface 6a and the buttons 7a and 7b, and thus miniaturization of the display device 4. If the buttons were concentrated on the display surface 6a, a structure capable of withstanding a load in an axial direction would be required.This would counteract the miniaturization of display devices.

[0052] The direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the connecting tube 5 is a direction in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the connecting tube 5. A line (ie, an imaginary line in the direction of pressing operation (ie, the direction of pressing) of a button 7a, 7b does not necessarily cross the axis C1 of the connecting tube 5. In the implementation of Fig. 3, the lines along the arrows F1 and F2 extend the lines L2 and L3 extending from the keys 7a and 7b in the direction of pressing.

[0053] The display unit 6 is connected to the radial outer circumference of the connecting pipe 5. The display unit 6 and the connecting pipe 5 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the connecting pipe 5. For example, as in the implementation of Fig. 4, the thickness t2 of the connecting tube 5 measured in the axial direction should be equal to or smaller than the thickness t1 of the display unit 6 in the axial direction. The thickness t2 is not limited to a specific value and may, for example, be no more than 10 mm, and preferably no more than 5 mm. For miniaturization, the thickness t1 of the display unit 6 is, for example, preferably no more than 5 times the thickness t2 of the connecting tube 5, and more preferably no more than 4 times, and most preferably no more than 3 times.

[0054] The display unit 6 includes upper surfaces 6a and 6b, side surfaces 6c to 6g and 6g1, and a lower surface 6h. The upper surfaces include the display surface 6a. The buttons 7a and 7b are arranged on the side surface 6e. The buttons 7a and 7b may be arranged on a side surface other than the side surface 6e, such as the side surface 6c or 6f.

[0055] In the implementation of Fig. 3, at least a part of the side surface 6g of the unit, which faces the side surface 6e with the keys 7a and 7b along the pressing direction, is connected to the connecting tube 5. As shown in the axial direction of the connecting tube 5, the lines L2 and L3 passing through the centers (along a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction) of the pressing surfaces of the keys 7a and 7b and extending in the pressing direction (indicated by the arrows F1 and F2) cross the connecting tube 5. The imaginary lines passing through the centers of the pressing surfaces of the keys 7a and 7b and extending in the pressing direction thus cross the connecting tube 5. This provides an arrangement in which a load from pressing the keys 7a, 7b is applied to the connecting tube 5. It is therefore unlikely that the driver pressing the button 7a or 7b will generate a moment that will rotate the display unit 6 around the axis of the connecting tube 5 (iearound the steering axis).

[0056] In the implementation of Fig. 3, a plurality of buttons, i.e., buttons 7a and 7b, are arranged on the same side surface 6e. These buttons 7a and 7b are pressed in the same direction. The pressing surfaces of buttons 7a and 7b are offset from each other in the pressing direction. This means that the position of the pressing surface of button 7a and the position of the pressing surface of button 7b are different from each other along the pressing direction. The actuating surfaces of buttons 7a and 7b are thus staggered. In the implementation of Fig. 3, a plurality of buttons 7a and 7b are arranged on the side surface 6e, which is inclined relative to the direction of pressing. In a variation, the side surface 6e may be stepped with two or more steps. In such implementations, each of the steps of the side surface may be provided with a button. The positions of the buttons are not limited to a single surface. The buttons may also be arranged on a plurality of surfaces of the display device 4.

[0057] The functions of buttons 7a and 7b are not limited to specific functions. Examples of button functions include: turning the power supply for the electric motor-assisted bicycle on and off; turning a light on the electric motor-assisted bicycle (e.g., a headlight 43 or a taillight) on and off; switching between assistance levels in the electric motor-assisted bicycle; and switching between different riding modes of the electric motor-assisted bicycle. Two of these functions can be assigned to buttons 7a and 7b.

[0058] For example, one of the plurality of buttons on the display unit 6 that is closest to the imaginary line L1 that crosses the axis C1 of the connecting tube 5 and divides the display surface 6a into two equal halves (i.e., the button closest to the center) may serve as the power button. Therefore, it is unlikely that the driver's knee will accidentally press the power button. Furthermore, the power button is located at a position where the driver can more easily press the power button when desired.

[0059] For another purpose, one of the plurality of buttons located further outward (i.e., at a position farther from the connecting tube 5) may serve as the power button. This improves the operability of the frequently pressed power button. In such implementations, for example, functional settings for the power button may be provided such that the power is turned off when the power button is pressed for a long time. This makes unwanted operation of the power button unlikely.

[0060] In the implementation of Fig. 4, the display surface 6a is generally perpendicular to the side surface 6e with the buttons 7a and 7b. The display surface 6a is therefore generally perpendicular to the axis of the connecting tube 5. The display surface 6a can therefore be positioned such that it can be more easily viewed by the driver. It should be noted that the display surface 6a can be tilted relative to a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the connecting tube 5a to a degree that can ensure visibility. In the implementation of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the angles of the pressing directions of the buttons 7a and 7b indicated by F1 and F2 relative to the display surface 6 are generally 0°. The driver can press the buttons from either side of the display surface 6a.

[0061] In the implementation of Fig. 4, the upper surfaces of the display device 4 include an inclined surface 6b between the display surface 6a and the side surface 6e with the buttons 7a and 7b. The inclined surface 6b is inclined relative to the display surface 6a and the side surface 6e. The inclined surface 6b is inclined such that the thickness of the display unit 6 becomes smaller the closer it gets to the side surface 6e. The inclined surface 6b makes it easier for the driver to recognize the buttons 7a and 7b.

[0062] As in the implementation of Fig. 3 to 5, the display device 4 may further include a connection socket 8 for an external terminal. The connection axis 8 is arranged on a surface different from the display surface 6a. The connection socket 8 is configured such that the component of the direction for inserting / removing an external terminal through the connection socket 8 (indicated by the arrow F3) in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the connection tube 5 is larger than the component in the axial direction of the connection tube 5. The insertion / removal direction is determined by the geometry of the inner surfaces of the connection socket 8. Because the insertion / removal direction through the connection socket 8 is close to a direction perpendicular to the axis of the connection tube 5 in addition to the direction of pressing the buttons 7a and 7b, the structure of the display device 4 for withstanding a load in an axial direction of the connection tube 5 can be simplified.

[0063] The connection socket 8 is a socket used to connect an external electronic device to the display device 4. The connection socket 8 may be, for example, a connection socket for a USB connector, but is not limited thereto. For example, the connection socket 8 may be a power supply socket for supplying power from the display device to an external device.

[0064] The position and direction of insertion / removal through the connecting socket 8 may be such that the line L4 passing through the center of the connecting socket (ie, the center as seen from the direction of insertion / removal) and extending in the direction of insertion / removal crosses the connecting tube 5. In the implementation of Fig. 3, of the side surfaces 6g and 6g1 opposite along the insertion / removal direction of the side surface 6d with the connection socket 8, at least one side surface 6g is connected to the connection pipe 5. In this way, a load from an insertion / removal operation of an external terminal is received by the connection pipe 5. Therefore, connecting or removing an external terminal through the connection socket 8 is unlikely to generate a moment that rotates the display device 4 about the steering axis 2.

[0065] The connection socket 8 is arranged on the side surface 6d. The side surface 6d is adjacent to the side surface 6e with the buttons 7a and 7b. The side surface 6e for the buttons 7a and 7b is inclined relative to the side surface 6d for the connection part 8. In this way, the connection socket 8 and the buttons 7a and 7b are arranged on two surfaces that are different from the display surface 6a, adjacent to each other, and not parallel to each other, to allow efficient positioning of the connection socket 8 and the buttons 7a and 7b while ensuring insertion / removal and push-operability. In the implementation of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the angle of the direction of insertion / removal of an external connector through the connection socket 8, indicated by F3, relative to the display surface 6a is generally 0°. The driver can insert and remove an external connector from the connection socket 8 from either side of the display surface 6a.

[0066] The display device 4 comprises a connecting element 9 to which a power supply cable 37 is connected. The connecting element 9 is arranged on a different surface than the display surface 6a and the surface with the buttons 7a and 7b (ie, the side surface 6e). In the implementation of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the connecting member 9 is arranged on the lower surface 6h, which is opposite to the display surface 6a along the axial direction of the connecting tube 5. The connecting member 9 has a hole that is inclined relative to the axial direction of the connecting tube 5. The power supply cable 37 is inserted into the connecting member 9 in an oblique direction relative to the axial direction of the connecting tube 5. In other words, the connecting member 9 is a removal hole through which the power supply cable 37 is removed from the display device 4 in an oblique direction relative to the tube axis. This prevents the power supply cable 37 from interfering with any other device or member above or below the connecting tube 5 of the display device 4 along the axial direction. In the implementation of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the power supply cable 37 is removed in an oblique direction relative to the lower surface 6h.

[0067] In the implementation of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, in addition to the power supply cable 37, a connecting cable 36 for an external device (e.g., a switching unit) is connected to the connecting member 9. Similar to the power supply cable 37, the connecting cable 36 for an external device is removed from the display device 4 in an oblique direction relative to the axial direction of the connecting tube 5. Note that the power supply cable 37 and / or the connecting cable 36 for an external device may also be omitted.

[0068] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the display device 4 of Fig. 3 to 5 from the bottom. Fig. 6 does not show the power supply cable 37 and the connection cable 36 for an external device. In the implementation of Fig. 6, the connecting member 9 includes a cable removal opening formed by a hole deepening in an oblique direction relative to the lower surface 6h. The connecting member 9 is arranged at an edge portion of the lower surface 6h and is configured such that the power supply cable 37 can be removed outwardly in an oblique direction from this edge portion.

[0069] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the display device 6 indicates the status of the electric motor-assisted bicycle 10 using the signals 6a1 and 6a2 indicated on the display surface 6a. Viewed from an axial direction of the connecting pipe 5, the indicated signals 6a1 and 6a2 extend in an oblique direction relative to the imaginary line L1 passing through the axis C1 of the connecting pipe 5 and dividing the display surface 6a into two equal halves. Because the signals 6a1 and 6a2 extend in an oblique direction relative to the imaginary line L1, the rider can easily recognize the information indicated by the signals 6a1 and 6a2 regardless of the mounting angle of the display device 4.

[0070] Each of the signals 6a1 and 6a2 may be configured to indicate a condition of the vehicle by means of the length in the extending direction oblique relative to the imaginary line L1. In the implementation of Fig. 3, the length of signal 6a1 in the direction of extension indicates the assistance level, and the length of signal 6a2 indicates the remaining battery capacity. The display unit 6 may be formed by lights such as LEDs or may include a display such as an LCD. The signals 6a1 and 6a2 may display information, for example, using linear lights or linear images on the display.

[0071] Fig. Fig. 7 shows the handlebar and adjacent elements of the electric motor-assisted bicycle on which the display device 4 is mounted, viewed from an axial direction of the connecting pipe 5 (ie, from the axial direction of the steering axis 2). Fig. 7, dashed lines show variations of the display device 4 modified according to the mounting position. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the circumferential position of the display unit 6 around the steering axis 2 can be adjusted by rotating the connecting tube 5 around its axis in the mounted state. In this way, interference between the display device 4 and other devices arranged at or near the center of the handlebar can be avoided.

[0072] As in Fig. 3, the display unit 6 displays the signals 6a1 and 6a2 extending in an oblique direction relative to the imaginary line L1. Because the signals 6a1 and 6a2 are arranged in an oblique direction, the signals 6a1 and 6a2 can be easily viewed regardless of the circumferential position of the display unit 6 around the steering axis 2. And because the signals 6a1 and 6a2 are arranged in an oblique direction, information indicated by the signals 6a1 and 6a2 can be easily viewed by the driver regardless of whether the display unit 6 is arranged in front of the stem 3, behind the stem 3, to the right of the stem 3, or to the left of the stem 3.

[0073] In the implementation of Fig. 7, a switching unit 39 is mounted on the handlebar 23. The switching unit 39 receives an operation from the rider for switching between assistance levels of the electric motor-assisted bicycle 10. The switching unit 39 includes a switch that switches between assistance levels. The switching unit 39 is mounted on the handlebar 23 near one of the grips. The rider can operate the switch on the switching unit 39 with the hand gripping the grip of the handlebar 23. The switching unit 39 is connected to the display device 4 via the connection cable 36 for an external device.

[0074] Alternatively, the switching unit 39 may be formed integrally with the display device 4. For example, the display device 4 may include a switch for switching between assistance levels. Alternatively, one of the buttons 7a and 7b of the display device 4 may serve as the button for switching between assistance levels. In such implementations, no connection cable 36 for an external device is required.

[0075] The display device 4 is powered by the battery unit 35 via the power supply cable 37. The display device 4 can be powered by the battery unit 35 via the drive unit 40. In such implementations, the display device 4 is connected to the drive unit 40 via the power supply cable 37. In addition to supplying power, the power supply cable 37 can also transmit control information. For example, the display device 4 can output operation information input to the switching unit 39 to the drive unit 40 via the power supply cable 37. Furthermore, the device can receive information about the state of the electric motor-assisted bicycle 10 from the drive unit 40. Furthermore, the display device 4 can be connected to the headlight 43 mounted on the electric motor-assisted bicycle 10.In such implementations, the headlight 43 can be turned on and off via the buttons 7a and 7b of the display device 4. The headlight 43 can be mounted on a front part of the electric motor-assisted bicycle 10, such as the handlebar 43, the stem 3, the head tube 12, or the front fork 26.

[0076] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of some elements in Fig. 7 along line AA. In the implementation of Fig. 7, a bearing 12a (i.e., a headset) is attached to the head tube 12 for rotatably supporting the steering axle. The stem 3 is clamp-mounted to an upper portion of the steering axle 2 rotatably supported by the head tube 12. The stem 3 extends forward from the steering axle 2. The handlebar 23 is inserted through the forwardmost portion of the stem 3. The upper end of the steering axle 2 is closed by a top cap 38. The top cap 38 is fixed by a fastener 38a to an anchor 38b embedded in the upper end of the steering axle 2.

[0077] The connecting tube 5 of the display device 4 is arranged above the stem 3 in such a way that it surrounds the outer periphery of the steering shaft 2. The steering shaft 2 extends through the connecting tube 5. The connecting tube 5 is arranged between the stem 3 and the upper cap 38 and fixed therebetween. This means that the connecting tube 5 is held by the upper cap 38 in such a way that it cannot detach from the steering shaft 2.

[0078] In the implementation of Fig. 8, the connecting tube 5 of the indicator 4 is mounted above the stem 3. However, the mounting of the indicator 4 is not limited to this position. For example, the connecting tube 5 can also be mounted at a position indicated by dashed lines in Fig. 8, ie between the stem 3 and the head tube 12.

[0079] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an implementation in which the display device 4 is arranged under the stem 3. In the implementation of Fig. 9, the connecting tube 5 of the display device 4 is in contact with the lower end of the stem 3. It should be noted that a further member such as a spacer member may also be provided between the lower end of the stem 3 and the connecting tube 5. In the implementation of Fig. 9, the display surface 6a of the display device 4 is arranged such that it does not protrude upward from the connecting tube 5 along the axial direction of the connecting tube 5. This ensures that a clearance is provided, which is necessary for the rider to operate the fastening element 3a of the stem 3 above the connecting tube 5. The rider's operation of the fastening element 3a of the stem 3 is therefore not hindered by the display device 4.

[0080] The display unit 6 may be constructed such that it can be detached from the connecting pipe 5. Fig. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an implementation of the display unit 6 constructed to be detachable from the connecting pipe 5. In the implementation of Fig. 10, a through hole 6J is formed on the sides of the display unit 6, while a through hole 5a is formed in the connecting pipe 5. A fastener 42 is inserted through the through hole 6J of the display unit 6 and the through hole 5a of the connecting pipe 5. The fastener 42 fastens the display unit 6 and the connecting pipe 5 to each other. This fixes the display unit 6 to the connecting pipe 5. The fastener 42 may consist of, for example, a bolt and a nut. In other implementations, the fastener 42 has a male thread on its periphery, while the through holes 6J and 5a have female threads on their inner surfaces, so that the fastener can be screwed into the through holes.

[0081] In the implementation of Fig. 10, the orientation (ie the angle) of the display surface 6a of the display unit 6 relative to the connecting tube 5 can be adjusted. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the display unit 6 can be rotated about the axis of the through hole 6J (i.e., the axis of the fastening element 42) relative to the connecting tube 5 and fixed at a desired angle of rotation. In this way, the position of the display surface 6a relative to the connecting tube 5 can be changed. This improves the degree of freedom of the position of the display unit. In the implementation of Fig. 10, the axis of the through hole 5a is perpendicular to the axis of the connecting tube 5. In this way, the display surface 6a can be fixed at a desired angle relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the connecting tube 5. Other variations

[0082] Various parts of the display device 4 are not limited to the shapes described above. In the implementations described above, the connecting tube 5 has the shape of a closed ring when viewed from the axial direction. Alternatively, the connecting tube 5 may also have the shape of an open ring. A part of the ring formed by the connecting tube 5 may be recessed when viewed from an axial direction. In such implementations, the connecting tube 5 may, for example, be constructed such that the inner diameter of the ring is reduced. That is, the connecting tube 5 can be mounted to a member extending coaxially with the steering axis 2 by clamping with a fastener.

[0083] In the implementations described above, the connecting tube 5 of the display device 4 is attached to the steering axle 2. The connecting tube 5 does not have to be attached to the steering axle 2 and can also be attached to the stem, the handlebar, or other members. Furthermore, the stem 3 is in the implementation of Fig. 8 is a threadless stem that is clamp-mounted to the steering axle 2. Alternatively, a spring-type stem may be used. In such implementations, the connecting tube 5 of the display device 4 may, for example, be attached to the outer periphery of the stem.

[0084] In the implementations of Fig.3 to 5, the display unit 6 is perpendicular to the axis of the connecting tube 5. The display unit 6 may be inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the connecting tube 5. For example, the display surface 6a of the display unit 6 and the pressing direction of the buttons 7a and 7b may be inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the connecting tube 5. At least one of the buttons 7a and 7b may be a switch-type button. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 2 steering axles 3 Stem 4 Display device 5 Connecting pipe 6 Display unit 6a Display area 7a, 7b keys 8 connection socket 9 Connecting element 10 electric motor-assisted bicycle

Claims

[1] A display device for an electric motor-assisted bicycle (10), comprising: a display unit (6), wherein the display unit (6) comprises a display area (6a) for displaying a state of the electric motor-assisted bicycle, and a button (7a, 7b) arranged on a surface of the display unit (6) other than the display surface (6a), characterized by a tubular connecting tube (5) which is designed such that a member extending coaxially to a steering axis of the electric motor-assisted bicycle (10) can be inserted therein, wherein the display unit (6) extends from the connecting pipe (5) in a radial direction of the connecting pipe (5), the direction of a pressing operation of the button (7a, 7b) is such a direction that a component in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the connecting tube (5) is greater than a component in a direction of the axis of the connecting tube (5) and viewed from an axial direction of the connecting tube (5), a line passing through the center of a pressing surface of the button (7a, 7b) and extending in the direction of pressing operation crosses the connecting tube (5). [2] The display device for an electric motor-assisted bicycle (10) according to claim 1, wherein the display unit (6) displays the state of the electric motor-assisted bicycle (10) by means of a signal displayed on the display surface (6a) and extending, as viewed from an axial direction of the connecting pipe (5), in an oblique direction relative to an imaginary line (L1) passing through the axis of the connecting pipe (5) and dividing the display into two equal halves. [3] The display device for an electric motor-assisted bicycle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the button (7a, 7b) comprises a plurality of buttons arranged on the same surface of the display unit (6), wherein pressing operations of the plurality of buttons (7a, 7b) are performed in the same direction, and the positions of the pressing surfaces of the plurality of buttons (7a, 7b) are offset from each other along the direction of the pressing operation. [4] A display device for an electric motor-assisted bicycle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a connection socket (8) for an external connection, which is arranged in a surface of the display unit (6) other than the display surface (6a), wherein the direction in which the external terminal is inserted / removed through the connecting socket (8) is such a direction that a component in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the connecting pipe (5) is larger than a component in the direction of the axis of the connecting pipe (5). [5] The display device for an electric motor-assisted bicycle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the display surface (6a) of the display unit (6) is arranged so as not to protrude upward from the connecting pipe (5) along the axial direction of the connecting pipe (5). [6] A display device for an electric motor-assisted bicycle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the display unit (6) can be removed from the connecting pipe (5). [7] Electric motor-assisted bicycle, comprising: a head tube (12), a steering axle (2) which is rotatably held on the steering tube (12), a stem (3) attached to an upper part of the steering axle (2), a handlebar (23) held by the stem (3), and a display device (4) comprising: a display unit (6), wherein the display unit (6) comprises a display area (6a) for displaying a state of the electric motor-assisted bicycle (10), and a button (7a, 7b) arranged on a surface of the display unit (6) other than the display surface (6a) characterized by a tubular connecting tube (5) configured to receive a member extending coaxially with a steering shaft (2) of the electric motor-assisted bicycle (10), and the connecting tube (5) of the display device (4) is mounted on an outer periphery of the steering shaft (2) or the stem (3), wherein the display unit (6) extends from the connecting pipe (5) in a radial direction of the connecting pipe (5), the direction of a pressing operation of the button (7a, 7b) is such a direction that a component in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the connecting tube (5) is greater than a component in a direction of the axis of the connecting tube (5) and viewed from an axial direction of the connecting tube (5), a line passing through the center of a pressing surface of the button (7a, 7b) and extending in the direction of pressing operation crosses the connecting tube (5).

Images