Bicycle equipped with pedals

Abstract

A pedal-assisted bicycle is provided, to which a steering assist device is attached. This device enhances the responsiveness and control accuracy of the steering assist while suppressing any deterioration in operability while pedaling. The pedal-assisted bicycle presented here is a bicycle 1 equipped with pedals, comprising a body frame 2 with a steering head 21 and a down tube 22, a front fork 3, and a steering assist device 40, which includes a battery 41, a steering assist motor 42, a torque transmission mechanism 43, and a first power source wiring harness element 45.The steering assist device 40 is (1) positioned further forward than a midpoint M of a line segment connecting a front wheel axle 5a and a rear wheel axle 6a of the pedal-equipped bicycle 1 and a center of rotation of a left crank 8 and a right crank 9 when the pedal-equipped bicycle 1 is viewed in a left-right direction, and (2) the battery 41 and the steering assist motor 42 are positioned such that they at least partially overlap the down tube 22 when the pedal-equipped bicycle 1 is viewed in an up-down direction.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present teaching concerns a bicycle equipped with pedals. State of the art

[0002] Bicycles equipped with pedals are known to include an electric power steering (EPS) system that assists the rider in steering via an electric actuator. The electric power steering system comprises a steering assist device that transmits torque to the steering column of the pedal-equipped bicycle via an electric steering assist motor, various sensors that detect steering torque applied to the steering column, steering angle velocity, or similar parameters, and a control device that controls the steering assist motor. The control device regulates the steering assist motor based on the sensor readings.

[0003] The steering assist motor is arranged on the pedal-equipped bicycle such that it is mechanically connected to the steering column via a gearbox or the like. An electrically assisted bicycle, which is the pedal-equipped bicycle described in patent document 1, comprises a steering assist device that exerts an assist force on a steering column, an assist motor that exerts an assist force on a rear wheel, a battery that supplies electrical energy to the steering assist device and the assist motor, a first power source wiring harness element that electrically connects the steering assist device and the battery, and a second power source wiring harness element that electrically connects the assist motor and the battery. Citation list patent document

[0004] Patent document 1: International patent publication no. WO2017 / 057515 Summary of the invention; Technical task

[0005] A pedal-equipped bicycle is configured to transmit rotational force to a rear wheel, which is the drive wheel, by the rider alternately pressing down on a left and a right pedal, located on the left and right sides of the bicycle's frame, respectively. For example, when the rider presses down on the left pedal, a downward force is exerted on the pedal-equipped bicycle to one side further to the left than a virtual centerline in a left-right direction in a vehicle that does not lean to the left or right when viewed from front to back (hereafter referred to as the "virtual centerline"). This shifts the center of gravity of the pedal-equipped bicycle, including the rider, away from the virtual centerline to the left.

[0006] At this point, the rider pulls the left handlebar upwards with their left hand to absorb the upward reaction force generated by pedaling the left pedal and to maintain the vehicle's direction of travel. The pedaled bicycle leans to the right due to the rider pulling the left handlebar upwards. This shifts the combined center of gravity of the pedaled bicycle, including the rider, who had moved further to the left than the virtual centerline due to pedaling the left pedal, towards the virtual centerline.

[0007] When the rider then moves the left pedal to its lowest position, stops pulling the left handlebar upwards, then presses the right pedal and pulls the right handlebar upwards. The vehicle, which had been leaning to the right, returns from a right-leaning position to a position that is neither leaning to the left nor to the right (hereinafter referred to as the "neutral position") due to the rider pulling the right handlebar upwards. As the vehicle returns to the neutral position, the rider begins to press the right pedal in the same way as the left pedal.

[0008] On a pedal-powered bicycle, when the rider applies greater force to the left and right pedals, they perform a "dance," meaning they pedal while standing up from the saddle. The bicycle leans more during this "dance" than when the rider pedals while not seated. Thus, the rider maintains balance and direction by tilting the bicycle to the left or right, depending on the force applied to the pedals. Therefore, the more evenly distributed the weight is between the left and right sides, the better the bicycle handles during this "dance."

[0009] Furthermore, the power steering system assists steering by transmitting torque from a drive unit, such as an engine, to the steering column, which supports the front wheel. The torque transmission of the power steering system depends on the frictional force between the front wheel and the road surface. In other words, the load on the front wheel must be taken into account to transmit the torque of the power steering system.

[0010] The battery and the second power source wiring harness element of the steering assist device in the electric bicycle described above in Patent Document 1 are located behind the seat post. In the electrically assisted bicycle, the weight of the battery and the second power source wiring harness element exerts a greater force on the rear axle than on the front axle. In the electrically assisted bicycle, the load on the front wheel tends to be lower than the load on the rear wheel. This means that, in the electrically assisted bicycle, the friction generated between the front wheel and the road surface tends to be lower than the friction generated between the rear wheel and the road surface.

[0011] Furthermore, in the electric bicycle described in the aforementioned patent specification 1, a motor intended for the steering assistance device is arranged in front of the steering head. This increases the moment of inertia about the yaw axis of the electric bicycle. Consequently, the greater the moment of inertia about the yaw axis, the more difficult it becomes to achieve an effect from the steering assistance device on the electric bicycle. Therefore, a bicycle with pedals is desirable, as it increases the responsiveness and control accuracy of the steering assistance device while simultaneously preventing the deterioration in usability during pedaling.

[0012] Therefore, one objective of the present teaching is to provide a bicycle with pedals to which a steering assistance device is attached, and which increases the responsiveness and control accuracy of the steering assistance device while suppressing the deterioration of operability when dancing. Solution to the problem

[0013] The inventors of the present invention investigated bicycles with pedals that, even when a steering assist device is fitted, increase the responsiveness and control accuracy of the steering assist device while simultaneously suppressing the deterioration in operability when dancing. As a result of intensive investigations, the inventors arrived at the following configuration. The technical concept consists of increasing the front wheel load by combining the steering assist motor, the battery, the first power supply wiring harness element, and the torque transmission mechanism, which together form a steering assist device and represent a heavy load. This increases the responsiveness and control accuracy of the steering assist device while suppressing the deterioration in operability when dancing.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present teaching, a bicycle equipped with pedals is provided, comprising a vehicle body frame including a steering head and a down tube, the front end section of which is connected to a rear edge of the steering head and extends obliquely such that its rear end section is positioned lower than the front end section, a front wheel supported by a front fork including a steering column rotatably supported by the steering head, a rear wheel supported by the vehicle body frame, a left crank and a right crank supported by the vehicle body frame, and a steering assist device comprising a steering assist motor, a battery supplying power to the steering assist motor, a first power source wiring harness element electrically connecting the steering assist motor and the battery, and a torque transmission mechanism.which transmits torque from the power steering motor to the steering column.

[0015] The steering assist motor, battery, first power source wiring harness element and torque transmission mechanism are (1) arranged in total further forward than a midpoint of a line segment connecting the axles of the front and rear wheels of the pedaled bicycle and a center of rotation of the left crank and right crank when the pedaled bicycle is viewed in a left-right direction, and (2) arranged such that they overlap the down tube at least partially when the pedaled bicycle is viewed in an up-down direction.

[0016] As described above, the steering assist motor, battery, first power source wiring harness element, and torque transmission mechanism (1) are collectively positioned further forward than the midpoint of the line segment connecting the axles of the front and rear wheels of the pedaled bicycle and the center of rotation of the left and right cranks when the pedaled bicycle is viewed from left to right. Therefore, the steering assist motor, battery, first power source wiring harness element, and torque transmission mechanism collectively are not positioned further back than the midpoint of the connecting line between the axles of the front and rear wheels and the center of rotation of the left and right cranks.

[0017] Furthermore, the steering assist motor, the battery, the first power source wiring harness element, and the torque transmission mechanism (2) are arranged such that they at least partially overlap the down tube when the pedaled bicycle is viewed in an up-down direction. Therefore, the steering assist motor, the battery, the first power source wiring harness element, and the torque transmission mechanism as a whole are not positioned further forward than the steering head.Alternatively, even if one or some of the steering assist motor, battery, first power source wiring harness element, and torque transmission mechanism have a section positioned further forward than the steering head, the steering assist motor, battery, first power source wiring harness element, and torque transmission mechanism are at least partially arranged to overlap with the steering head when the pedaled bicycle is viewed in an up-down direction, thereby suppressing an extent of protrusion towards the steering head.

[0018] The components of the steering assist device, including the steering assist motor, the battery, the first power source wiring harness element, and the torque transmission mechanism, are located further rearward than the steering head and further forward than the midpoint of the line connecting the front axle (the axle of the front wheel of the pedal-equipped bicycle) and the rear axle (the axle of the rear wheel of the pedal-equipped bicycle), as well as the pivot point of the left and right cranks. Therefore, in the pedal-equipped bicycle, the ratio of the weight exerted on the front axle to the weight of the steering assist device is greater than the ratio of the weight exerted on the front axle to the weight of a steering assist device in the electric bicycle described in Patent Document 1, where the components of the steering assist device are distributed.This means that, in a pedal-equipped bicycle, the ratio of the frictional force generated between the front wheel and the road surface to the total frictional force generated between the front and rear wheels and the road surface due to the weight of the steering device is greater than the ratio of the frictional force generated between the front wheel and the road surface to the total frictional force generated between the front and rear wheels and the road surface due to the weight of the steering device in the electrically assisted bicycle described in patent document 1. Therefore, the frictional force generated between the front wheel and the road surface is increased by utilizing the weight of the steering device.This allows the torque of the steering assist motor to be transferred more directly to the road surface, thus increasing the control accuracy of the steering assist device.

[0019] Furthermore, even if the load exerted on the front wheel increases and the components of the steering assist device, including the steering assist motor, battery, first power source wiring harness element, and torque transmission mechanism, are located further rearward than the steering head, or if one or more of the components have a part positioned further forward than the steering head, the overhang can be limited, thus limiting the increase in the moment of inertia about a yaw axis of the pedal-equipped bicycle. This allows the steering system's responsiveness to be increased while simultaneously increasing the frictional force generated at the front wheel.

[0020] Furthermore, the offset of the steering assist device relative to a virtual median plane running left-right through the centerline of the pedaled bicycle is suppressed. This means that the weight balance between the left and right sides of the pedaled bicycle is less likely to be affected. In this way, the influence of the steering assist device on a movement (dancing) that causes the pedaled bicycle to lean to the left or right can be suppressed, and a certain degree of legroom can be maintained for a rider positioned to the left and right of the steering assist device.Based on the above, by combining the steering assist motor, the battery, the first power source wiring harness element and the torque transmission mechanism to increase the front wheel load, the responsiveness and control accuracy of the steering assist device can be increased while suppressing a deterioration in operability during dancing.

[0021] According to another aspect, the pedal-equipped bicycle of the present teaching can have the following configuration. The steering assist motor, the battery, the first power source wiring harness element, and the torque transmission mechanism are positioned between a right outer edge of a left pedal, supported by the left crank, and a left outer edge of a right pedal, supported by the right crank, when the pedal-equipped bicycle is viewed in an up-down direction.

[0022] As described above, the power assist motor, battery, first power source wiring harness element, and torque transmission mechanism are positioned between two virtual planes through which the right outer edge of the left pedal and the left outer edge of the right pedal pass. This means that interference with the power assist motor, battery, first power source wiring harness element, and torque transmission mechanism from the rider's left leg (positioned further to the left than the right outer edge of the left pedal) and the rider's right leg (positioned further to the right than the left outer edge of the right pedal) is suppressed. Therefore, in the pedal-equipped bicycle that incorporates the power assist device, the rider's leg movement is ensured.Furthermore, the power assist motor, battery, first power source wiring harness element, and torque transmission mechanism are positioned so that they overlap the downtube at least partially in the up-and-down direction, thus reducing the tendency for the weight balance to shift from side to side. This helps to suppress any deterioration in maneuverability when leaning to the left or right, corresponding to the rider's pedaling of the left or right pedal.

[0023] According to another aspect, the pedal-equipped bicycle of the present teaching can have the following configuration. The steering assist motor, the battery, the first power source wiring harness element, and the torque transmission mechanism are positioned between both ends of a crankshaft that connects the left and right cranks when the pedal-equipped bicycle is viewed in an up-down direction.

[0024] As described above, the power assist motor, battery, first power source wiring harness element, and torque transmission mechanism are arranged between a pair of virtual planes, each passing through a corresponding end of the crankshaft. This means that the power assist motor, battery, first power source wiring harness element, and torque transmission mechanism are spaced towards the downtube from the rider's left leg, which is positioned further to the left than the right outer edge of the left pedal, and from the rider's right leg, which is positioned further to the right than the left outer edge of the right pedal. Therefore, in a pedal-equipped bicycle that incorporates the power assist device, the rider's leg movement remains unimpeded.Thus, a deterioration in maneuverability due to a tilt to the left or right, corresponding to the driver's use of the left and right pedals, can be suppressed.

[0025] According to another aspect, the pedal-equipped bicycle of the present teaching can have the following configuration. The steering assist motor, the battery, the first power source wiring harness element, and the torque transmission mechanism are positioned between a left outer edge and a right outer edge of the down tube when the pedal-equipped bicycle is viewed in an up-down direction.

[0026] As described above, the power assist motor, battery, first power source wiring harness element, and torque transmission mechanism are arranged between a pair of virtual planes, each passing through a corresponding left and right outer edge of the downtube. Accordingly, the power assist motor, battery, first power source wiring harness element, and torque transmission mechanism are positioned close to an axis of the downtube within one width of the downtube in the left-right direction. Therefore, in the pedal-equipped bicycle incorporating the power assist device, the rider's leg movement remains unimpeded.Furthermore, deviations in the weight balance of the pedal-equipped bicycle in the left-right direction, caused by the arrangement of the steering assist motor, the battery, the first power source wiring harness element, and the torque transmission mechanism, are suppressed. Thus, any deterioration in maneuverability during a left-right leaning maneuver by the rider, corresponding to the pedaling of the left and right pedals, can be prevented.

[0027] According to another aspect, the pedal-equipped bicycle of the present teaching can have the following configuration. The steering assist motor, the battery, the first power source wiring harness element, and the torque transmission mechanism are positioned between a left outer edge of a left fork section and a right outer edge of a right fork section, with the left fork section and the right fork section supporting the front wheel in the front fork when the pedal-equipped bicycle is viewed in an up-down direction.

[0028] As described above, the power steering motor, battery, first power source wiring harness element, and torque transmission mechanism are located between a pair of virtual planes, each passing through the left and right outer edges of the front fork. That is, viewed from the front-to-back direction, the power steering motor, battery, first power source wiring harness element, and torque transmission mechanism are positioned no further outward than the front fork is from the left-to-right direction.Therefore, on a pedal-equipped bicycle, when the contact of the steering assist motor, battery, first power source wiring harness element, and torque transmission mechanism with an obstacle or similar object approaching the bicycle from the front via the front fork is suppressed, a deviation in the weight balance of the pedal-equipped bicycle in the left-right direction is caused by the arrangement of the steering assist motor, battery, first power source wiring harness element, and torque transmission mechanism. In this way, a deterioration in maneuverability during a leaning maneuver in the left-right direction by the rider, corresponding to the pedaling of the left and right pedals, can be suppressed.

[0029] The terms used here serve only to describe certain embodiments and are not intended to restrict the teaching.

[0030] As used here, the term “and / or” includes all combinations of one or more of the listed elements.

[0031] It is further understood that the terms “including”, “comprehensive” or “having” and variations thereof, when used in this description, specify the presence of the indicated features, pedals, operations, elements, components and / or their equivalents, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more pedals, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0032] It is further understood that the terms "assembled," "connected," "coupled," and / or their equivalents are used in a broader sense and encompass both "direct and indirect" assembly, connection, and coupling. Furthermore, "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, but can also include direct or indirect electrical connections or couplings.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as generally understood by a person skilled in the field to which this teaching belongs.

[0034] It is further understood that terms as defined in common dictionaries should be interpreted in such a way that their meaning corresponds to their meaning in the context of the relevant technology and the present teaching, and that they should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly defined here.

[0035] The description of the present teaching makes it clear that a number of techniques and pedals are revealed.

[0036] Each of these techniques and each of these pedals has individual advantages and can also be used in conjunction with one or more, in some cases even with all the other revealed techniques.

[0037] For the sake of clarity, this description will therefore refrain from unnecessarily repeating every possible combination of the individual pedals. Nevertheless, the description and the claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of this teaching.

[0038] In the present description, embodiments of a bicycle equipped with pedals according to the present teaching are described.

[0039] The following description presents numerous specific details for the purpose of explanation, in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the present teaching. However, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the present teaching can also be implemented without these specific details.

[0040] Therefore, the following disclosure is to be regarded as an example of the present teaching and is not intended to limit the present teaching to the specific embodiments shown in the following figures or descriptions. [bicycle equipped with pedals]

[0041] In this specification, the term "pedal-equipped bicycle" refers to a tilting vehicle configured such that a body frame is supported by a front wheel positioned in front of the body frame and a rear wheel, which is a drive wheel, positioned behind the body frame. Furthermore, the pedal-equipped bicycle includes a left pedal and a right pedal, which are used by the rider to transmit torque to the drive wheel. The pedal-equipped bicycle is configured to transmit torque to the drive wheel, which is generated by the rider alternately pedaling the left pedal, located to the left of the body frame, and the right pedal, located to the right of the body frame.In the case of a bicycle with pedals, the front wheel is rotatably mounted, for example, by a Matsuba fork, which is rotatably mounted on the vehicle frame. [Steering head]

[0042] In this description, the term "steering head" refers to a part that supports a front fork in the body frame of a bicycle equipped with pedals.

[0043] The steering head is positioned at the front end of the vehicle frame. It is a tubular element made of a material such as iron, aluminum, carbon fiber, or similar. A rearward-extending top tube and a rearward-extending down tube are connected to the rear end of the steering head. Thus, the steering head connects the top tube and the down tube. [Down tube]

[0044] In this description, the term "downtube" refers to a section within the frame of a pedal-equipped bicycle that connects the head tube, which supports the front fork, and the bottom bracket, which supports the pivot points of the left and right pedals. The downtube is a tubular element made of a material such as iron, aluminum, carbon fiber, or similar. It extends rearward and downward from the head tube, thus running at an angle, with its upper end positioned further back than its lower end. [Steering column]

[0045] In this specification, the term "steering column" refers to a part that is rotatably mounted in the head tube and connected to a fork section that rotatably supports the front wheel of a bicycle with pedals. A steering column connecting section of a bicycle stem is connected to the steering column. [Steering assistance device]

[0046] In this specification, the term "power steering device" refers to a device configured by combining an electric power steering motor, which forms an electric steering system; a torque transmission mechanism, which transmits torque from the power steering motor to the steering column; a battery, which supplies power to the power steering motor; and a first power source wiring harness element, which electrically connects the power steering motor and the battery. The power steering motor transmits torque to the torque transmission mechanism, based on the input of a force by a driver or a road surface. The torque transmission mechanism amplifies the torque from the power steering motor and transmits the torque to the steering column, which is the destination of the torque transmission.The power steering device, for example, provides assistance to the driver steering a two-wheeled vehicle, performs a steering maneuver to keep the vehicle body upright, or performs similar functions. It should be noted that, in addition to the power steering motor, torque transmission mechanism, battery, and first power source wiring harness component, the power steering device may also include, for example, a control device, an input device, an output device, or the like. [First power source wiring harness element]

[0047] In this description, the term "first power source wiring harness element" refers only to the part that electrically connects the battery and the power steering motor within the complete wiring harness of a pedal-equipped bicycle. For a pedal-equipped bicycle that includes a drive motor providing additional propulsion to the rear or front wheel, the part that electrically connects the drive motor and the battery is referred to as the second power source wiring harness element and is not included in the first power source wiring harness element. Furthermore, a signal wire that carries a control signal from an input device of the power steering system to a control device or the like, and a signal wire that carries a sensing signal from a torque sensor to the control device or the like, are not included in the first power source wiring harness element. [Front-back direction]

[0048] In this specification, the term "front-to-back direction" refers to a front-to-back direction as seen by the rider operating the pedal-equipped bicycle in a state where the steering assist device is attached to the pedal-equipped bicycle. [Left-right direction]

[0049] In this specification, the term "left-right direction" refers to a left-right direction as seen by the rider of the pedal-equipped bicycle in a state where the steering assist device is attached to the pedal-equipped bicycle. [Up-down direction]

[0050] In this description, the term "up-down direction" refers to an up-down direction as seen by the rider of the pedal-equipped bicycle in a state where the steering assist device is attached to the pedal-equipped bicycle. [Torque transmission mechanism]

[0051] In this description, the term "torque transmission mechanism" refers to a mechanism that transmits torque applied via an input element to an output element. The torque transmission mechanism can be configured to change the magnitude, direction, or other characteristics of the input torque and transmit that torque. The torque transmission mechanism may consist of, for example, a gear, chain, belt, link, or similar component. [Dance]

[0052] In this specification, the term "dancing" refers to a method of riding a pedal-equipped bicycle. When dancing, the rider of the pedal-equipped bicycle tilts the vehicle body alternately to the left and right by alternately pressing the left and right pedals while not seated.

[0053] The term "dancing" is used when a large amount of torque is transferred to the pedal-equipped bicycle, for example, when riding uphill or accelerating. It should be noted that "dancing" also includes the situation where the rider, while seated, alternately tilts the bicycle body left and right in response to pedaling the left and right pedals. [Yaw axis of a pedal-equipped bicycle]

[0054] In this description, the term "yaw axis of the pedaled bicycle" refers to an axis extending in an up-down direction and passing through the center of gravity of the pedaled bicycle. The yaw axis of the pedaled bicycle in a state where the rider is riding the bicycle is an axis extending in an up-down direction and passing through a combined center of gravity of the rider's center of gravity and the center of gravity of the pedaled bicycle. [Left outer edge and right outer edge seen in up-down direction]

[0055] In this description, the term "left outer edge as seen in the up-down direction" refers to a boundary of a section that is positioned furthest to the left when viewed in the up-down direction. The term "right outer edge as seen in the up-down direction" refers to a boundary of a section that is positioned furthest to the right when viewed in the up-down direction. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0056] According to one embodiment of the present teaching, the responsiveness and control accuracy of a steering assistance device can be increased while simultaneously suppressing a deterioration in operability during dancing. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a side view of a bicycle equipped with pedals according to a first embodiment of the present teaching. Fig. Figure 2 is a top view of the bicycle equipped with pedals according to the first embodiment of the present teaching. Fig. 3 is a view along the arrow direction III-III in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a view along the arrow direction IV-IV in Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 5 is a front view of the bicycle equipped with pedals according to the first embodiment of the present teaching in a state in which the left and right pedals of the bicycle equipped with pedals are not operated by the rider. Fig. Figure 6 is a front view of the pedal-equipped bicycle according to the first embodiment of the present teaching in a state in which the pedal-equipped bicycle is inclined to the right when the left pedal of the pedal-equipped bicycle is actuated by the rider. Fig. Figure 7 is a front view of the pedal-equipped bicycle according to the first embodiment of the present teaching in a state in which the pedal-equipped bicycle is tilted to the left when the right pedal of the pedal-equipped bicycle is actuated by the rider. Fig. Figure 8 is a side view of a bicycle equipped with pedals according to a variant of the first embodiment of the present teaching. Description of the embodiments

[0057] The following descriptions illustrate embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical or corresponding parts are identified by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are not repeated. For example, the dimensions of the components in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensions of the components or their dimensional relationships. [First embodiment]<Gesamtkonfiguration eines mit Pedalen ausgestatteten Fahrrads>

[0058] A bicycle 1 equipped with pedals according to a first embodiment of the present teaching is described with reference to the Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 described. Fig. Figure 1 is a side view of the bicycle 1 equipped with pedals according to the first embodiment of the present teaching. Fig. Figure 2 is a top view of the bicycle 1 equipped with pedals according to the first embodiment of the present teaching. Fig. 3 is a view along the arrow direction III-III in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a view along the arrow direction IV-IV in Fig. 1.

[0059] In the following description, an arrow F in the drawings represents the forward direction of the pedaled bicycle 1. An arrow RR in the drawings represents the reverse direction of the pedaled bicycle 1. An arrow U in the drawings represents the upward direction of the pedaled bicycle 1. An arrow D in the drawings represents the downward direction of the pedaled bicycle 1. An arrow L in the drawings represents the left direction of the pedaled bicycle 1. An arrow R in the drawings represents the right direction of the pedaled bicycle 1. In the following description, an up-down direction, a left-right direction, and a front-back direction each refer to an up-down direction, a left-right direction, and a front-back direction, respectively, as seen by a rider Br (see Fig. 5), who is riding the pedal-equipped bicycle 1.

[0060] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the bicycle 1 equipped with pedals according to this embodiment comprises a steering assist device 40. The bicycle 1 equipped with pedals comprises a body frame 2, a front fork 3, a handlebar 4, a front wheel 5, a rear wheel 6, a saddle 7, a left crank 8, a right crank 9, and a crankshaft 10. The configurations of the handlebar 4, the front wheel 5, the rear wheel 6, the saddle 7, the left crank 8, and the right crank 9 are similar to those of a known bicycle, therefore a detailed description is omitted. Components similar to those of the first embodiment are identified by the same reference numerals, and their description is omitted.

[0061] The vehicle body frame 2 supports the front fork 3, the rear wheel 6, the saddle 7, the left crank 8 and the right crank 9. The vehicle body frame 2 includes a steering head 21, a down tube 22, a seat tube 23, a top tube 24, a seat stay 25 and a chainstay 26.

[0062] The steering head 21 carries the front fork 3. The steering head 21 is located in the front end region of the vehicle body frame 2. The steering head 21 is arranged so that it extends in an up-down direction.

[0063] The down tube 22 connects the steering head 21 and the seat tube 23. The down tube 22 extends rearward and downward from a rear edge of the steering head 21. A rear end section of the steering head 21 is positioned lower than a front end section of the same. A front end section of the down tube 22 is connected to a lower end section of the steering head 21. A rear end section of the down tube 22 is connected to a lower end section of the seat tube 23.

[0064] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the width W1 of the down tube 22, viewed axially, is greater in the left-right direction than the width H of the down tube 22 in a direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the left-right direction. That is, a cross-section of the down tube 22 perpendicular to the axis of the down tube 22 is rectangular in shape, extending in the left-right direction.

[0065] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the seat tube 23 connects the down tube 22 and the top tube 24. The seat tube 23 supports the saddle 7.

[0066] The top tube 24 connects the seat tube 23 and the head tube 21.

[0067] The top tube 24 extends forward and upward from a leading edge of an upper end section of the seat tube 23. A leading end section of the top tube 24 is positioned higher than a trailing end section of the same. A trailing end section of the top tube 24 is connected to the upper end section of the seat tube 23. The leading end section of the top tube 24 is connected to an upper end section of the head tube 21.

[0068] The seat stay 25 and the chain stay 26 support the rear wheel 6. The front end sections of the seat stay 25 and the chain stay 26 extend rearward from the seat tube 23. The rear end sections of the seat stay 25 and the chain stay 26 are connected to each other. The rear end section of the chain stay 26 is connected to the rear end section of the seat stay 25.

[0069] The vehicle body frame 2, as described above, rotatably supports the front fork 3 via the steering head 21. The vehicle body frame 2 supports the saddle 7 via the seat tube 23. The vehicle body frame 2 rotatably supports the crankshaft 10 via a connecting section of the down tube 22 and the seat tube 23. Furthermore, the vehicle body frame 2 supports a rear axle 6a of the rear wheel 6 via a connecting section of the seat stay 25 and the chainstay 26.

[0070] The front fork 3 supports the front wheel 5. The front fork 3 comprises a steering column 31, a left fork section 32, and a right fork section 33. The front fork 3 is designed as a Matsuba fork. A lower end section of the steering column 31 is connected to the upper end sections of the left fork section 32 and the right fork section 33. The steering column 31 passes through the steering head 21. Furthermore, the steering column 31 is rotatably mounted to the steering head 21. The left fork section 32 and the right fork section 33 support a front wheel axle 5a of the front wheel 5. The handlebar 4 is attached to the upper end section of the steering column 31 via a stem 4a.

[0071] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the crankshaft 10 carries the left crank 8 and the right crank 9. The crankshaft 10 is arranged such that it extends in the left-right direction of the vehicle body frame 2. Each of the two end sections of the crankshaft 10 projects in the left-right direction of the vehicle body frame 2 to carry a corresponding left crank 8 and right crank 9. That is, viewed in the up-down direction, the distance W2 between the two ends of the crankshaft 10 with a virtual center plane C at its center is greater than the width W1 of the lower tube 22 in the left-right direction with the virtual center plane C at its center.

[0072] The left crank 8 and the right crank 9 are elements that convert the rider's pedaling force Br into a rotational force. One end section of the left crank 8 is connected to a left end section of the crankshaft 10. One end section of the right crank 9 is connected to a right end section of the crankshaft 10. The other end section of the left crank 8 is positioned further to the left than the other end section. A left pedal 8a is rotatably mounted on the other end of the left crank 8. The left pedal 8a is positioned to the left of the left crank 8. The other end section of the right crank 9 is positioned further to the right than the other end section. A right pedal 9a is rotatably mounted on the other end section of the left crank 8. The right pedal 9a is positioned to the right of the right crank 9.Therefore, viewed in the up-down direction, the distance W3 between a right outer edge of the left pedal 8a and a left outer edge of the right pedal 9a with the virtual median plane C in the middle is greater than the width W1 of the down tube 22 in the left-right direction with the virtual median plane C in the middle and the distance W2 between the two end sections of the crankshaft 10.

[0073] Furthermore, viewed in the upward-downward direction, the distance W3 between the right outer edge of the left pedal 8a and the left outer edge of the right pedal 9a, with the virtual median plane C at its center, is smaller than the distance W4 between a left outer edge of the left fork section 32 and a right outer edge of the right fork section 33, with the virtual median plane C at its center. That is, viewed in the upward-downward direction, the distance W4 between the left outer edge of the left fork section 32 and the right outer edge of the right fork section 33 is greater than the width W1 of the down tube 22 in the left-right direction, the distance W2 between the two ends of the crankshaft 10, and the distance W3 between the right outer edge of the left pedal 8a and the left outer edge of the right pedal 9a. <Lenkunterstützungsvorrichtung>

[0074] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the steering assist device 40 is a drive unit of an electric power steering system that assists the handlebar operation of the pedal-equipped bicycle 1. The steering assist device 40 is supported by the down tube 22. The steering assist device 40 controls a torque of the steering column 3 based on a reading from a torque sensor 44, which detects the torque exerted on the steering column 31.

[0075] The steering support device 40 comprises a battery 41, a steering support motor 42, a torque transmission mechanism 43, the torque sensor 44 and a first power source wiring harness element 45.

[0076] The battery 41 is a power source for the steering assist motor 42. The battery 41 is configured using a known storage battery, such as a lithium-ion battery or the like. The battery 41 is electrically connected to the steering assist motor 42 and the torque sensor 44. In this embodiment, the battery 41 is supported by the down tube 22. Furthermore, at least part of the battery 41 is housed within the down tube 22.

[0077] The closer the battery 41 is positioned to a lower end section of the down tube 22, the closer the battery 41 comes to the road surface with which the front wheel 5 and the rear wheel 6 are in contact. The moment of inertia about a pivot point of the pedal-equipped bicycle 1 when the pedal-equipped bicycle 1 is tilted in a left-right direction, with the ground position G (see Fig. 5) The moment of inertia around the pivot point of the front wheel 5 and the rear wheel 6 decreases as the center of gravity of the pedaled bicycle 1 approaches the pivot point. The smaller the moment of inertia around the pivot point, the easier it is to tilt the pedaled bicycle 1 to the left or right.

[0078] The power steering motor 42 transmits torque to the steering column 31. The power steering motor 42 is an electric motor powered by current from the battery 41. In this embodiment, the power steering motor 42 is supported by the underside of the down tube 22.

[0079] The torque transmission mechanism 43 modifies (increases or decreases) the torque delivered by the power steering motor 42 and transmits the torque to the steering column 31. The torque transmission mechanism 43 is connected to the power steering motor 42 and the steering column 31. It should be noted that the configuration of the torque transmission mechanism 43 can be arbitrary, for example, a gear, a linkage, a belt, a chain, or the like, as long as the torque transmission mechanism 43 can transmit the torque from the power steering motor 42 to the steering column 31.

[0080] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the torque transmission mechanism 43 comprises an input gear 431, which is attached to an output shaft of the power steering motor 42, and an output gear 432, which is attached to the steering column 31. The input gear 431 is designed as a bevel gear. The output gear 432 is, for example, designed as a fan-shaped bevel gear. The diameter of the output gear 432 is larger than the diameter of the input gear 431. Therefore, the torque transmission mechanism 43 increases the torque delivered by the power steering motor 42 and transmits the torque to the steering column 31. In this embodiment, the torque transmission mechanism 43 is supported by the underside of the down tube 22.

[0081] The torque sensor 44 detects the torque exerted on the steering column 31. The torque sensor 44 is provided on the shaft 4a that supports the steering arm 4. The torque sensor 44 is, for example, a strain gauge that detects the strain about a rotational axis of the steering column 31. The torque sensor 44 transmits a torque detection signal to a control device (not shown) of the power steering system 40.

[0082] The first power source wiring harness element 45 is a wiring harness that electrically connects the battery 41 and the power steering motor 42. The first power source wiring harness element 45 supplies the power steering motor 42 with current from the battery 41. In this embodiment, the first power source wiring harness element 45 is routed inside the down tube 22.

[0083] The battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45, which are contained in the steering assist device 40, are arranged further forward than a midpoint M of a line connecting the front wheel axle 5a and the rear wheel axle 6a of the pedal-equipped bicycle 1, when the pedal-equipped bicycle 1 is viewed in a left-right direction. Furthermore, the battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45, which are contained in the steering assist device 40, are positioned further forward than a center of rotation P of the crankshaft 10, i.e., a center of rotation of the left crank 8 and the right crank 9.

[0084] The weight of the battery 41, the power steering motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45, which are mounted on the front axle 5a, is determined by the ratio of the distance between the combined center of gravity of the battery 41, the power steering motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45 and the rear axle 6a to the distance between the front axle 5a and the rear axle 6a. The battery 41, the power steering motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45, which are positioned further forward than the center of mass M and the center of rotation P, are arranged such that the distance between the rear axle 6a and the combined center of mass is greater than the distance between the front axle 5a and the combined center of mass.Therefore, the weight of the battery 41, the steering support motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43 and the first power source wiring harness element 45 acts more strongly on the rear axle 6a than on the front axle 5a (see white arrows F1 and F2 in . Fig. 1).

[0085] The battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45 are arranged such that they at least partially overlap the down tube 22 when the pedaled bicycle 1 is viewed in an up-down direction. The center of gravity of the battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45 is located near the virtual mid-plane C. Therefore, in the pedaled bicycle 1, a deviation in the weight balance in the left-right direction caused by the mounting of the battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45 is suppressed.

[0086] In this embodiment, the battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43 and the first power source wiring harness element 45 can be arranged such that they define the virtual median plane C (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 5) overlap, which runs through the center line in the left-right direction, the center line being the axis of the down tube 22 when the pedal-equipped bicycle 1 is viewed in the up-down direction.

[0087] The steering assist device 40, as described above, controls the steering assist motor 42 based on the torque signal detected by the torque sensor 44 via a control device (not shown). The torque delivered by the steering assist motor 42 is transmitted to the steering ring 31 via the torque transmission mechanism 43. <Verhalten des Fahrzeugkörpers beim Treten der Pedale>

[0088] With reference to the Fig. 5 to Fig. 7 describes the posture control by the driver Br when the driver Br presses the left pedal 8a and the right pedal 9a of the pedal-equipped bicycle 1. Fig. Figure 5 is a front view of the pedal-equipped bicycle 1 in a state in which the left pedal 8a and the right pedal 9a are not operated by the rider Br. Fig. Figure 6 is a front view of the pedal-equipped bicycle 1 in a state in which the pedal-equipped bicycle 1 is tilted to the right when the left pedal 8a is operated by the rider Br. Fig. Figure 7 is a front view of the pedal-equipped bicycle 1 in a state where the pedal-equipped bicycle 1 is tilted to the left when the right pedal 9a is actuated by the rider Br. In the following description, it is assumed that the rider Br of the pedal-equipped bicycle 1 is riding the pedal-equipped bicycle 1 while standing up from the saddle 7.

[0089] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the virtual midplane C of the pedal-equipped bicycle, which is neither tilting to the left nor to the right, is in a neutral position N. At this point, the weight of the rider Br is evenly distributed between the left pedal 8a and the right pedal 9a of the pedal-equipped bicycle 1.

[0090] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the rider of a pedal-equipped bicycle pulls Br 1 when, for example, he steps on the left pedal 8a (see arrow A1 in Figure 6). Fig. 6), with the left hand, lift the left part of the handlebar 4 upwards (see arrow A2 in Fig. 6) to absorb the upward reaction force generated by pressing the left pedal 8a. A downward force is exerted on the rider's body Br.

[0091] The pedal-equipped bicycle 1 is caused to tilt further to the right than the neutral position N, with the ground position G of the front wheel 5 and the rear wheel 6 each serving as the pivot point with the road surface, by pulling the left part of the handlebar 4 upwards according to the magnitude of the pedaling force exerted by the rider Br on the left pedal 8a. At this point, the rider Br shifts his center of gravity to the left relative to the pedal-equipped bicycle 1 in order to maintain the direction of travel of the pedal-equipped bicycle 1, whose center of gravity has been shifted to the right. In this way, a combined center of gravity CG between the center of gravity of the rider Br and the center of gravity of the pedal-equipped bicycle 1 is maintained in a front-to-back direction close to the neutral position N.

[0092] When the rider Br moves the left pedal 8a to its lowest position, the rider Br stops pulling the left part of the handlebar 4 upwards. Next, the rider Br begins to press the right pedal 9a and begins to pull the right part of the handlebar 4 upwards to absorb an upward reaction force generated by pressing the right pedal 9a.

[0093] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the rider Br of the pedal-equipped bicycle 1, which is tilted further to the right than the neutral position N, pulls the right part of the handlebar 4 upwards with rider Br's right hand (see arrow A4) to absorb an upward reaction force generated by pedaling the right pedal 9a (see arrow A3). A downward force is exerted on rider Br's body. Thus, the combined center of gravity is shifted from a position in which the pedal-equipped bicycle 1 is tilted further to the right than the neutral position N, with the ground position G of the front wheel 5 and the rear wheel 6 as the center of rotation, towards the neutral position N.

[0094] The pedal-equipped bicycle 1 is made to lean further to the left than its neutral position N. The ground position G of the front wheel 5 and the rear wheel 6, with the road surface as their center of rotation, is achieved by lifting the right part of the handlebars 4 according to the magnitude of the pedaling force exerted by the rider Br on the right pedal 9a. At this point, the rider Br shifts his center of gravity to the right relative to the pedal-equipped bicycle 1, in order to keep the bicycle, whose center of gravity has shifted to the left, moving straight ahead. In this way, the position of the combined center of gravity CG between the center of gravity of the rider Br and the center of gravity of the pedal-equipped bicycle 1 is maintained close to the neutral position N in the front-to-back direction.

[0095] To maintain the combined center of gravity (CG) near the neutral position (N), the rider Br of the pedaled bicycle 1 tilts the bicycle to the right when the left pedal 8a is pressed and to the left when the right pedal 9a is pressed. When performing a dance maneuver, with the rider Br standing on the saddle 7 to transfer greater driving force to the rear wheel 6 and pressing both the left pedal 8a and the right pedal 9a, the rider Br increases the left-right tilt of the pedaled bicycle 1 more than the left-right tilt of the pedaled bicycle 1 when the rider Br is seated on the saddle 7.In this way, the pedal-equipped bicycle 1 travels straight ahead without turning, by adjusting the inclination direction and magnitude according to the weight of the pedal-equipped bicycle 1 and the pedaling of the left pedal 8a and the right pedal 9a.

[0096] The position of the center of gravity of the pedal-equipped bicycle 1 shifts from the virtual median plane C to one side in the left-right direction because the battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45 are positioned further from the virtual median plane C to one side in the left-right direction. Therefore, as the position of the center of gravity shifts from the virtual median plane C to one side in the left-right direction, the difference between the degree of tilt in one direction and the degree of tilt in the other direction when the pedal-equipped bicycle 1 is tilted in the left-right direction (by pedaling the left pedal 8a and the right pedal 9a) increases, the difference between the degree of tilt in one direction and the degree of tilt in the other direction increases.This means that on the pedal-equipped bicycle 1, dancing cannot be performed efficiently and properly if the displacement amount of the center of gravity position from the virtual mid-plane C to one side in the left-right direction increases.

[0097] The shift in the position of the center of gravity from the virtual median plane C in bicycle 1 with pedals is suppressed by arranging the battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45 so that they overlap the down tube 22. Therefore, in bicycle 1 equipped with pedals, the difference between the tilt to one side in the left-right direction and the tilt to the other side in the left-right direction, corresponding to the pedaling of the left pedal 8a and the right pedal 9a, is suppressed. Thus, dancing can be performed efficiently and correctly.

[0098] Furthermore, the distance between the battery 41, the power steering motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45 and both of the rider's legs Br is increased by arranging the battery 41, the power steering motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45 so that they overlap the down tube 22. This ensures freedom of movement for the rider's legs Br to the left and right of the battery 41, the power steering motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45.

[0099] Furthermore, on the pedal-equipped bicycle 1, the weight of the battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45 is exerted more strongly on the front wheel axle 5a than on the rear wheel axle 6a, thereby increasing the frictional force generated between the front wheel 5 and the road surface. Therefore, the torque of the steering assist motor 42 is transmitted to the road surface more efficiently. As described above, by utilizing the weight of the battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45, the control accuracy of the steering assist device 40 can be increased.

[0100] Furthermore, the battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45 are positioned further aft than the steering head 21 and further forward than the midpoint M of the line connecting the front axle 5a and the rear axle 6a. Additionally, the combined center of gravity CG of the pedal-equipped bicycle 1, on which the rider Br is riding, is positioned further aft than the steering head 21 and further forward than the midpoint M of the line connecting the front axle 5a and the rear axle 6a. Therefore, the battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45 are positioned near a yaw axis that passes through the combined center of gravity CG of the pedal-equipped bicycle 1.In this way, the increase in the moment of inertia about the yaw axis caused by the assembly of the battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45 can be suppressed. The maneuverability of the pedal-equipped bicycle 1 when turning is affected by the magnitude of the moment of inertia about the yaw axis. In the steering assist device, the responsiveness is increased by suppressing the moment of inertia about the yaw axis, and a turning function of the steering assist device 40 can be easily performed. [Variant of the first embodiment]

[0101] With reference to Fig. 8 describes a bicycle 1A equipped with pedals, which is a variant of the bicycle 1 equipped with pedals according to the present teaching. Fig. Figure 8 is a side view of the pedal-equipped bicycle 1A according to a variant of the first embodiment of the present teaching. It should be noted that in the embodiments described below, specific descriptions of points similar to those of the embodiment already described are omitted, and the description focuses on different points.

[0102] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the bicycle 1A equipped with pedals includes the steering support device 40.

[0103] The steering assist motor 42 of the steering assist device 40 is supported by the down tube 22. The steering assist motor 42 is housed in the down tube 22. In this case, the steering assist motor 42 is arranged such that it defines the virtual median plane C (see Fig. 2) of the down tube 22 overlaps in the up-down direction.

[0104] Accordingly, the battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45 are housed in a hollow section of the down tube 22, such that the virtual midplane C of the down tube 22 in the left-right direction and the axis of rotation of the steering assist motor 42 are located close to each other. Therefore, the weight balance of the pedal-equipped bicycle 1A is maintained essentially uniformly in the left-right direction. Thus, any deterioration in operability when the vehicle body is tilted to the left or right in accordance with the pedaling of the left pedal 8a and the right pedal 9a can be further suppressed. (Other embodiments)

[0105] The embodiments of the present teaching have been described above; however, these embodiments are merely examples of how the present teaching can be implemented. Therefore, the present teaching is not limited to the embodiments described above, and these embodiments can be modified and implemented in a suitable manner without deviating from the core of the present teaching.

[0106] In the embodiment described above, each of the pedal-equipped bicycles 1 and 1A comprises the head tube 21, the down tube 22, the seat tube 23 and the top tube 24. However, the pedal-equipped bicycle may also comprise the head tube, the down tube and the seat tube.

[0107] In the first embodiment described above, the battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45 are arranged such that they overlap the down tube 22 when the pedaled bicycle 1 is viewed in the up-down direction. However, the battery, the steering assist motor, the torque transmission mechanism, and the first power source wiring harness element can be arranged such that they at least partially overlap the down tube when the pedaled bicycle is viewed in the up-down direction.

[0108] In the first embodiment described above, the battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45 are arranged such that they overlap the down tube 22 when the pedaled bicycle 1 is viewed in the up-down direction. However, the battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45 can also be configured to be positioned within the distance W3 between the right outer edge of the left pedal 8a and the left outer edge of the right pedal 9a when the pedaled bicycle 1 is viewed in the up-down direction (see Figure 1). Fig. 4).

[0109] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the distance W3 is smaller than the distance between the rider's left leg Br, which is positioned further to the left than the right outer edge of the left pedal 8a, and the rider's right leg Br, which is positioned further to the right than the left outer edge of the right pedal 9a. Therefore, interference with the battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45, which are located between the right outer edge of the left pedal 8a and the left outer edge of the right pedal 9a, is suppressed by the rider's left leg Br, which is placed on the left pedal 8a, and the rider's right leg Br, which is placed on the right pedal 9a. In this way, the freedom of movement of the rider's legs Br in the pedal-equipped bicycle 1, including the steering assist device 40, can be ensured.Furthermore, the battery 41, the power steering motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45 are arranged within the distance W3 centered with the virtual midplane C, viewed in the up-down direction, thereby suppressing any deviation of the weight balance in the left-right direction. In this way, any deterioration of maneuverability during a tilting operation in the left-right direction by the driver Br, corresponding to the actuation of the left pedal 8a and the right pedal 9a, can be suppressed.

[0110] Alternatively, the battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43 and the first power source wiring harness element 45 can be configured to be positioned within the distance W2 between the two ends of the crankshaft 10 when the pedal-equipped bicycle 1 is viewed in an up-down direction (see Fig. 4).

[0111] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the distance W2 is smaller than the distance between the rider's left leg Br, which is positioned further to the left than the right outer edge of the left pedal 8a, and the rider's right leg Br, which is positioned further to the right than the left outer edge of the right pedal 9a. Accordingly, the battery 41, the power steering motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45, which are positioned between the right outer edge of the left pedal 8a and the left outer edge of the right pedal 9a, are arranged separately from the rider's left leg Br, which is positioned further to the left than the right outer edge of the left pedal 8a, and from the rider's right leg Br, which is positioned further to the right than the left outer edge of the right pedal 9a, in the direction of the down tube 22.Therefore, in the pedal-equipped bicycle 1, which includes the steering assist device 40, the leg movement of the rider Br can be further ensured. Furthermore, the battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45 are arranged within the distance W2 with the virtual median plane C as its center point when viewed in the up-down direction, thus suppressing any deviation of the weight balance in the left-right direction. In this way, any deterioration of maneuverability when tilting in the left-right direction by the rider Br, corresponding to the pedaling of the left pedal 8a and the right pedal 9a, can be suppressed.

[0112] Alternatively, the battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43 and the first power source wiring harness element 45 can be configured to be positioned between the left outer edge and the right outer edge of the down tube 22 when viewing the pedal-equipped bicycle 1 in an up-down direction (see Fig. 4).

[0113] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45 are arranged centrally within the width W1 of the down tube 22 with the virtual median plane C, close to the axis of the down tube 22 within the width of the down tube 22 in the left-right direction. Therefore, in the pedal-equipped bicycle 1, which includes the steering assist device 40, the leg movement of the rider Br is further ensured. Furthermore, a deviation in the weight balance of the pedal-equipped bicycle 1 in the left-right direction, caused by the arrangement of the battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45, is suppressed.In this way, a deterioration of maneuverability during a tilt in the left-right direction can be suppressed by the driver Br according to pressing the left pedal 8a and the right pedal 9a.

[0114] Alternatively, the battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43 and the first power source wiring harness element 45 can be configured to be centered within the distance W4 between the left outer edge of the left fork section 32 and the right outer edge of the right fork section 33 with the virtual median plane C when viewing the pedal-equipped bicycle 1 in an up-down direction (see Fig. 4).

[0115] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 4, the distance W4 is greater than the distance W3 between the right outer edge of the left pedal 8a and the left outer edge of the right pedal 9a. Accordingly, the battery 41, the power steering motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45 are not positioned further outwards in the left-right direction (viewed from front to back) than the front fork 3.Therefore, in the case of the pedal-equipped bicycle 1, the contact between the battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45 with an obstacle or the like approaching the pedal-equipped bicycle 1 from the front is suppressed by the front fork 3, while a deviation in the weight balance of the pedal-equipped bicycle in the left-right direction caused by the arrangement of the battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45 is suppressed. In this way, a deterioration in maneuverability for leaning operation in the left-right direction by the rider Br, corresponding to the pedaling of the left pedal 8a and the right pedal 9a, can be suppressed.

[0116] In the first embodiment described above, the battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45 are arranged inside the down tube 22. However, the battery, the steering assist motor, the torque transmission mechanism, and the first power source wiring harness element can be positioned at least partially outside the down tube and arranged such that they at least partially overlap the down tube when the pedaled bicycle is viewed in an up-down direction.

[0117] In the first embodiment described above, the battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45 are arranged such that they overlap the axis of the down tube 22 when the pedaled bicycle 1 is viewed in the up-down direction. However, the battery, the steering assist motor, the torque transmission mechanism, and the first power source wiring harness element can be arranged such that they at least partially overlap the down tube, provided that the battery, the steering assist motor, the torque transmission mechanism, and the first power source wiring harness element do not overlap the axis of the down tube when the pedaled bicycle is viewed in the up-down direction.

[0118] In the first embodiment described above, the battery 41, the steering assist motor 42, the torque transmission mechanism 43, and the first power source wiring harness element 45 are supported by the down tube 22. However, the battery, the steering assist motor, the torque transmission mechanism, and the first power source wiring harness element can be arranged to at least partially overlap the down tube if the battery, the steering assist motor, the torque transmission mechanism, and the first power source wiring harness element are supported by at least one of the following parts: the head tube, the top tube, or the seat tube, when viewing the pedaled bicycle in an up-down direction.

[0119] In the embodiment described above, the steering assist motor 42 is arranged on the underside of the down tube 22. In a variant of the embodiment described above, the steering assist motor 42 is positioned inside the down tube 22. However, the steering assist motor can also be arranged on the upper side of the down tube.

[0120] In the embodiment described above, the torque transmission mechanism 43 is positioned on the underside of the down tube 22 or inside the down tube 22. However, the torque transmission mechanism can also be arranged on the top side of the down tube or the top tube. Furthermore, the torque transmission mechanism can be housed inside the steering head and located outside the vehicle body frame.

[0121] In the embodiment described above, the steering assist motor 42 is arranged in a position closer to the steering head 21 than the battery 41. However, the steering assist motor can be arranged in a position farther from the steering head than the battery, or it can be arranged in a position at the same distance from the steering head as the battery. Furthermore, either the steering assist motor or the battery can be located outside the down tube and inside the top tube.

[0122] In each of the embodiments described above, the steering assist device 40 includes the steering assist motor 42 as an actuator. However, the actuator of the steering assist device can be any electric actuator, for example an electric cylinder or the like. List of reference symbols 1, 1A Bicycle equipped with pedals 2 Vehicle body frames 3 front fork 4 handlebars 4a Stem 5 front wheel 5a Front axle 6 rear wheel 6a Rear axle 7 saddles 8 Left crank 8a Left pedal 9 Right Crank 9a Right pedal 10 Crankshaft 21 Steering head 22 Down tube 23 Seat tube 24 top tube 25 seat stay 26 chainstay 31 Steering column 32 Left fork section 33 Right fork section 40 Steering support device 41 Battery 42 Steering support motor 43 Torque transmission mechanism 44 Torque sensor 45 first power source cable harness element 431 Entry wheel 432 Output wheel A1 Arrow indicating the pressing of the left pedal A2 Arrow indicating the upward movement of the left part of the handlebars A3 Arrow indicating the pressing of the right pedal A4 Arrow indicating the raising of the right part of the handlebars F1 Load exerted on the front axle F2 Load exerted on the rear axle C Virtual Middle Level N Neutral position G floor position Br driver CG Combined Center of Gravity W1 Width of the down tube in left-right direction W2 Distance between both ends of the crankshaft W3 Distance between the right outer edge of the left pedal and the left outer edge of the right pedal W4 Distance between the left outer edge of the left fork section and the right outer edge of the right fork section QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2017 / 057515

[0004]

Claims

[1] Bicycle equipped with pedals, comprising: a vehicle body frame with a steering head and a down tube, the front end section of which is connected to a rear edge of the steering head and which extends obliquely, so that its rear end section is lower than the front end section; a front wheel supported by a front fork which includes a steering column rotatably mounted on the steering head; a rear wheel that is supported by the vehicle body frame; a left crank and a right crank, which are supported by the vehicle body frame; and a steering assistance device comprising a steering assistance motor, a battery supplying power to the steering assistance motor, a first power source wiring harness element electrically connecting the steering assistance motor and the battery, and a torque transmission mechanism transmitting torque from the steering assistance motor to the steering column, wherein the power steering motor, the battery, the first power source wiring harness element and the torque transmission mechanism (1) as a whole are positioned further forward than the midpoint of a line segment connecting the axes of the front and rear wheels of the pedaled bicycle and the center of rotation of the left and right cranks when the pedaled bicycle is viewed in a left-right direction, and (2) are arranged so that they overlap the down tube at least partially when the bicycle fitted with pedals is viewed in an up-down direction. [2] The pedal-equipped bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the steering assist motor, the battery, the first power source wiring harness element and the torque transmission mechanism are positioned between a right outer edge of a left pedal supported by the left crank and a left outer edge of a right pedal supported by the right crank when the pedal-equipped bicycle is viewed in an up-down direction. [3] The pedal-equipped bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the steering assist motor, the battery, the first power source wiring harness element, and the torque transmission mechanism are arranged between the two ends of a crankshaft connecting the left crank and the right crank when the pedal-equipped bicycle is viewed in the up-down direction. Translation of the originally filed PCT claims [4] The pedal-equipped bicycle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the steering assist motor, the battery, the first power source wiring harness element and the torque transmission mechanism are positioned between a left outer edge and a right outer edge of the down tube when the pedal-equipped bicycle is viewed in the up-down direction. [5] The pedal-equipped bicycle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the steering assist motor, the battery, the first power source wiring harness element and the torque transmission mechanism are arranged between a left outer edge of a left fork section and a right outer edge of a right fork section, wherein the left fork section and the right fork section support the front wheel in the front fork when the pedal-equipped bicycle is viewed in an up-down direction.

Images