Keyless locking structure for locking a tubular bicycle part and bicycle using the same

Abstract

Keyless locking structure for a tubular bicycle part, including: a case; a locking assembly arranged on or in the housing and configured to be movable in a permissible direction of movement, wherein the locking assembly comprises: a base; a locking channel arranged in the base, which defines a channel extension direction, wherein the permissible direction of movement differs from the channel extension direction; and a bar arranged on or at the base; and an actuated locking handle which is at least partially received in the locking channel and is configured to be movable in the locking channel along the channel extension direction, wherein the actuated locking handle comprises a limiting section and is configured to pass through a slot of the tubular bicycle part, and wherein the limiting section is configured to be inserted into the slot in order to limit the movement of the actuated locking handle and the locking assembly.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a keyless locking structure for locking a bicycle tube part and a bicycle using the same structure. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, cycling has remained a popular choice for personal commuting or general outdoor recreation. The type and equipment configuration of bicycles are determined based on the preferences of users or riders, including those powered solely by human effort, partially assisted by electricity, or fully electric. Cycling, whether with or without power assistance, has a wide range of applications, such as transportation, travel, leisure, training, sport, and competition. With the development of new technologies, various types of e-bikes have emerged, allowing riders or users to operate bicycles with or without electric power assistance using different modes, such as self-propelled, hybrid, fully electric, or mixed modes.

[0003] Generally, an electric bicycle incorporates additional power sources, such as batteries for auxiliary power, and is equipped with a motor, controller, battery, control unit, and display. To install the battery on the bicycle frame, a battery mounting structure, which includes a lock and keyhole, is typically installed on a part of the frame to secure the battery in a suitable position and prevent it from accidentally coming loose. However, this method of battery installation makes removing or installing the battery inconvenient. The battery mounting structure also takes up space, hindering further efforts to reduce the weight or size of the frame, and the overall design of the electric bicycle appears bulkier and less compact. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In some embodiments, a keyless locking structure for a tubular bicycle part comprises a housing, a locking assembly, and an actuated locking handle. The locking assembly is arranged on or in the housing and is configured to be movable in a permissible direction of movement. The locking assembly comprises a base, a locking channel, and a bolt. The locking channel is arranged in the base and defines a channel extension direction, the permissible direction of movement being distinct from the channel extension direction. The bolt is arranged on or in the base. The actuated locking handle is at least partially received in the locking channel and configured to be movable in the locking channel along the channel extension direction.The actuated locking handle includes a limiting section and is designed to pass through a slot in the tubular bicycle part. The limiting section is designed to be inserted into the slot to restrict the movement of the actuated locking handle and the locking assembly.

[0005] In some embodiments, the actuated locking handle is configured to be movable within the slot, enabling the locking assembly to move in the permissible direction of movement. In some embodiments, the actuated locking handle is configured to be movable outwards along the channel extension direction, thereby releasing the limiting section from the slot, allowing the actuated locking handle to move within the slot. In some embodiments, the actuated locking handle is configured to be rotatable, and the limiting section is configured to be released from the slot and, after rotation, prevented from being reinserted into the slot. In some embodiments, the limiting section is an extended projection of the actuated locking handle.The contour of the extended projection substantially coincides with the contour of the slot. In some embodiments, the locking assembly further comprises a pivot axis arranged at the base, wherein the bolt is a roller configured to be rotatably mounted on the pivot axis. In some embodiments, the bolt is configured to provide an outward force in the permissible direction of movement. In some embodiments, the permissible direction of movement of the locking assembly and the channel extension direction of the locking channel are substantially perpendicular to each other in space.

[0006] In some embodiments, a bicycle incorporating a keyless locking structure for securing a power source comprises a tubular bicycle part, a bicycle battery pack, and the keyless locking structure as described above. The bicycle battery pack is mounted on the tubular bicycle part, and the keyless locking structure is mounted on the tubular bicycle part. The latch of the locking assembly of the keyless locking structure is configured to rest against the bicycle battery pack, thereby locking the bicycle battery pack to the locking assembly. In some embodiments, the tubular bicycle part is a bicycle downtube, the bicycle battery pack is mounted on a lower surface of the bicycle downtube, and the keyless locking structure is mounted on a portion of an inner circumference of the bicycle downtube.In some embodiments, the bicycle further includes a battery installation seat located on a portion of a side of the bicycle downtube opposite the keyless locking structure. The battery installation seat and the keyless locking structure work together to secure the bicycle battery pack, thereby enabling selective locking of the bicycle battery pack to the bicycle downtube and unlocking of the same from the bicycle downtube by actuating the keyless locking structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In conjunction with the drawings, the various embodiments of this disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description. The drawings included in and forming part of this specification illustrate several exemplary embodiments and are used to explain the principles of conformity with this disclosure. It should be noted that, in accordance with standard industry practice, the features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be enlarged or reduced as desired for clarity of discussion. Fig. Figure 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating a bicycle battery pack in a locked configuration with the keyless locking structure on the bicycle tube part according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 1B is a schematic diagram illustrating the bicycle battery pack in an unlocked configuration with the keyless locking structure on the bicycle tube part according to some embodiments. Fig. 2A to Fig. Figure 2C are schematic diagrams illustrating the keyless locking structure according to some embodiments. Fig. 2D is a sectional view illustrating the internal structure of the keyless locking mechanism according to some embodiments. Fig. 3A to Fig. Figure 3F are schematic diagrams illustrating the process of removing the bicycle battery pack from the bicycle tube part, which is locked by the keyless locking structure according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] The embodiments are now described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are included and described herein. The embodiments described herein are examples of the keyless locking structure for a tubular bicycle part and the bicycle itself, but are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0009] The terms used in this description have their usual meanings in the field and in the specific context in which each term is used. The examples provided in this disclosure, including any terms discussed herein, are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope or meaning of the disclosure. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to the various embodiments presented in this specification.

[0010] As in Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B shown, illustrated Fig. 1A the bicycle battery pack in a locked state, secured by the keyless locking structure on the bicycle tube part, while Fig. Figure 1B illustrates the bicycle battery pack in an unlocked state, detached from the keyless locking structure on the bicycle tube part. A bicycle 1 comprises a tubular bicycle part 2, a bicycle battery pack 3, a keyless locking structure 4, and a battery installation seat 5. The bicycle battery pack 3 is arranged on the tubular bicycle part 2, with the keyless locking structure 4 and the battery installation seat 5 positioned at opposite ends of the bicycle battery pack 3. This configuration secures or locks the bicycle battery pack 3 to the tubular bicycle part 2, preventing it from unintentionally detaching from the tubular bicycle part 2.

[0011] Bicycle 1 can be an electric bicycle, operating in self-propelled, hybrid, fully electric, or mixed modes to allow users to ride. Bicycle battery pack 3 serves as one of the auxiliary power sources for Bicycle 1. Bicycle 1 can be equipped with various components necessary for electric operation, such as a motor, controller, wiring, controls, and a display instrument.

[0012] The tubular bicycle part 2 can be a tube or a tubular component that forms part of the bicycle frame. One side of the tubular bicycle part 2 has a battery installation port 21 for the bicycle battery pack 3, which is inserted into it. The tubular bicycle part 2 has a front edge 22 and a rear edge 23 on opposite sides of the battery installation port 21. The keyless locking structure 4 and the battery installation seat 5 are arranged and mounted on portions of the inner circumference of the tubular bicycle part 2, located at the front edge 22 (upper region) and the rear edge 23 (lower region), respectively, on opposite sides of the battery installation port 21.

[0013] For example, if the tubular bicycle part 2 is the down tube of the bicycle, the battery installation seat 5 on its underside (the side facing the ground) is used as a reference point for positioning, with the keyless locking structure 4 positioned accordingly on a portion of the inner circumference of the down tube. The keyless locking structure 4 is located on the inner circumference of the underside of the down tube opposite the battery installation seat 5. These two components work together to lock the bicycle battery pack 3 to the down tube, thus preventing the bicycle battery pack 3 from unintentionally falling out (as in Fig. (shown in Figure 1A). After the keyless locking structure 4 has been unlocked by the rider, the bicycle battery pack 3 can be removed from the tubular bicycle part 2 by pulling it downwards (as shown in Figure 1A). Fig. 1B shown).

[0014] The keyless locking structure 4 and the battery installation seat 5 are effective at opposite ends of the bicycle battery pack 3, thereby securing the bicycle battery pack 3 to the tubular bicycle part 2 in a locked position, thus preventing the bicycle battery pack 3 from falling out of the tubular bicycle part 2. To further illustrate how in Fig. Figure 1 shows that when the bicycle battery pack 3 is inserted into the battery installation port 21, one end 33 of the bicycle battery pack 3 can be detachably engaged with the battery installation seat 5, while the keyless locking structure 4 exerts a force to push down on the other end 32 of the bicycle battery pack 3, such as providing an outward-acting force to push down on the top cover 31 of the bicycle battery pack 3.

[0015] The battery installation seat 5 can include an engagement mechanism and conductive elements (i.e., electrical interfaces). Structurally, the bicycle battery pack 3 is detachably engaged with the engagement mechanism, and the bicycle battery pack 3 is electrically connected to the wiring of the bicycle 1 via the conductive elements, thereby supplying energy to the motor, controller, and other electronic components of the bicycle 1.

[0016] The keyless locking structure 4 features a design without a lock head and keyhole, using a latch or similar mechanism to control the locking behavior of the bicycle battery pack 3 without the need for a key. Because the keyless locking structure 4 does not include a conventional lock head, key, or battery mounting components, it can effectively reduce the volume occupied by the interface used to attach the battery to the tubular bicycle part. Therefore, the overall volume of the bicycle frame tube can be significantly reduced, resulting in a more compact and lighter design for bicycles with batteries and enabling a lighter bicycle frame. Additionally, the bicycle battery pack 3 does not require lateral structures, such as a battery housing, to lock onto the lower tube of the bicycle frame.At the end 32 of the bicycle battery pack 3, the locking result is achieved exclusively by the keyless locking structure 4.

[0017] As in Fig. 2A to Fig. Shown in 2D, illustrating Fig. 2A to Fig. 2C some embodiments of the keyless locking structure 4, while Fig. Figure 2D shows a sectional view of the internal structure of the keyless locking structure 4. The keyless locking structure 4 comprises a housing 41, a locking assembly 42, and an actuable locking handle 43. The housing 41 is located on the inner circumference of the tubular bicycle part 2, such as the inner wall of the tube. The locking assembly 42 is located on or in the housing 41 and is configured to be movable in a permissible direction of movement D1 (see Figure 2). Fig. 3A). The permissible direction of movement D1 can be a direction in which the keyless locking structure 4 and the bicycle battery pack 3 move towards or away from each other, which is also generally parallel to the tubular bicycle part 2.

[0018] The locking assembly 42 comprises a base 421, a locking channel 422, and a bolt 423. The locking channel 422 is arranged in the base 421 and defines a channel extension direction D2 (as shown in Fig. (3A shown). The permissible direction of movement D1 differs from the channel extension direction D2. The latch 423 is arranged on or at the base 421 and faces the bicycle battery pack 3. The latch 423 is configured to provide an outward force in the permissible direction of movement D1, thereby pressing down on the upper cover 31 of the bicycle battery pack 3. The source of the outward force can be a spring. In some embodiments, the locking assembly 42 further comprises a pivot axis 424 arranged at the base 421. The latch 423 is a roller rotatably mounted on the pivot axis 424. The roller is used to accommodate the gap between the keyless locking structure 4 and the bicycle battery pack 3.

[0019] The actuable locking handle 43 is at least partially received in the locking channel 422 and is designed to be movable along the channel extension direction D2 in the locking channel 422 (as indicated by the dashed arrows in Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B shown). The actuated locking handle 43 comprises a limiting section 431 and a rod 432. The actuated locking handle 43 is designed to pass through a slot 24 in the tubular bicycle part 2 (as shown in Fig. 3C and Fig. (3E shown). The rod 432 is configured to be positioned in the locking channel 422, while the limiting section 431 is configured to be inserted into the slot 24 to limit the movement of the actuated locking handle 43 and the locking assembly 42. In some embodiments, the limiting section 431 is an extended projection portion of the actuated locking handle 43. The extended projection is configured to be inserted into the slot 24 only in a specific orientation. When inserted into the slot 24, the extended projection can block or limit the movement of the actuated locking handle 43 in a specific direction within the slot 24. The contour of the extended projection can be designed to substantially match the contour of the slot 24.For example, the limiting section 431 forms part of the actuated locking handle 43 and resembles an actuating handle integrated into the actuated locking handle 43. The slot 24 can be a long round slot, a rectangular slot, or any other shape suitable for actuation. The actuated locking handle 43 is configured to be rotatable around the rod 432, and the limiting section 431 is configured to be released from the slot 24 and, after rotation, is prevented from being reinserted into the slot 24, thus remaining in a released state.

[0020] In some embodiments, the actuated locking handle 43 is configured to be movable within the slot 24, for example, in the permissible direction of movement D1, causing the locking assembly 42 to move in the permissible direction of movement D1 (i.e., it can be displaced upon actuation). When the limiting section 431 is inserted into the slot 24, it prevents the actuated locking handle 43 from moving away from the bicycle battery pack 3 within the slot 24 in the permissible direction of movement D1, and also temporarily prevents the locking assembly 42 from moving towards or away from the bicycle battery pack 3 in the permissible direction of movement D1. Only when the actuated locking handle 43 is configured to be moved outwards in the channel extension direction D2 (i.e., after it has been pulled outwards, as in the actuation in the Fig. 3A to Fig. (as shown in Figure 3B), the limiting section 431 can be released from the slot 24. In this state, the actuable locking handle 43 is permitted to move in the slot 24, for example in the permissible direction of movement D1 away from the bicycle battery pack 3 (as in the state shown in Figure 3B). Fig. 3B shown).

[0021] In some embodiments, the keyless locking structure comprises four springs, 44, 45, and 46. Spring 44 is connected between the locking assembly 42 and the housing 41 to provide an elastic force in the permissible direction of movement D1. This elastic force can be exerted on the bolt 423 to provide an outward-acting force. Spring 45 is connected between the actuated locking handle 43 and the housing 41 to provide an elastic force (or tensile force) in the channel extension direction D2 of the locking channel 422, facilitating the movement and return of the actuated locking handle 43. Spring 46 can be connected between the actuated locking handle 43 and the locking assembly 42 to limit the rotation range of the actuated locking handle 43 or to provide a return function.Additionally, the actuable locking handle 43 and the locking assembly 42 can each have a limiting section to restrict relative movement, thereby limiting a rotation angle of the actuable locking handle 43 relative to the locking assembly 42, such as approximately 90 degrees.

[0022] The locking assembly 42 is designed without a lock head or keyhole, thus eliminating the need for a key to lock or unlock it. Instead, the locking mechanism is controlled by the actuable locking handle 43 to achieve locking or unlocking. Specifically, the relationship between the latch 423 of the keyless locking structure 4 and the top cover 31 of the bicycle battery pack 3 changes between two states, "fully engaged or locked" and "not engaged or unlocked," depending on the results of rider actuation.

[0023] As in Fig. 3A to Fig. Figures 3F illustrate the process of removing the bicycle battery pack 3, which is locked by the keyless locking structure 4, from the tubular bicycle part 2.

[0024] In Fig. Figure 3A illustrates that the keyless locking structure 4 locks the bicycle battery pack 3 to fix it to the tubular bicycle part 2. The actuated locking handle 43 is in a first state in which the limiting section 431 is inserted into the slot 24, and the latch 423 provides an outward force in the permissible direction of movement D1, while the latch 423 maintains full contact with, or locks, the top cover 31 of the bicycle battery pack 3.

[0025] As in Fig. 3B and Fig. As shown in Figure 3C, the actuable locking handle 43 is pulled outwards in the locking channel 422 in the channel extension direction D2 to switch to a second state. This causes the limiting section 431 to be released from the slot 24, and the actuable locking handle 43 is allowed to move in the slot 24, for example in the permissible direction of movement D1 away from the bicycle battery pack 3.

[0026] As in Fig. 3D and Fig. As shown in Figure 3E, the actuable locking handle 43 rotates 90 degrees into a third position. After the rotation, the limiting section 431 remains in position and cannot be temporarily inserted into the slot 24. Compared to Fig. 3A the operable locking handle 43 was pulled outwards from the first state and rotated 90 degrees to make it easier for the user to press the operable locking handle 43.

[0027] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3F, the user can press the actuable locking handle 43 to cause it to move away from the bicycle battery pack 3 in the slot 24 in the permissible direction of movement D1, reaching a fourth state. This also moves the locking assembly 42 away from the bicycle battery pack 3 in the permissible direction of movement D1, causing the latch 423 to be released from the upper cover 31 or to no longer lock it, thereby unlocking the bicycle battery pack 3 (i.e., by the in Fig. 3C to Fig. 3F actuations to press the actuable locking handle 43 in the permissible direction of movement D1). At this point, the user can use the battery installation seat 5 as a pivot point to rotate the bicycle battery pack 3, thereby allowing the bicycle battery pack 3 to be removed from the tubular bicycle part 2.

[0028] As in Fig. 3A to Fig. As shown in Figure 3F, the permissible direction of movement D1 of the locking assembly 42 and the channel extension direction D2 of the locking channel 422 for the movement of the actuable locking handle 43 form a relationship that is essentially perpendicular to each other when the various components of the keyless locking structure 4 are combined.

[0029] Finally, the bicycle battery pack 3 can be arranged on the tubular bicycle part 2 and secured using the keyless locking structure 4 in the reverse order of Fig. 3A to Fig. 3F or locked in sequence from the fourth state back to the first state of the operable locking handle 43.

[0030] It is clear to the person skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed device or operating mechanism. In addition, features or components from different embodiments of the disclosure can be combined based on practical needs. Given the description of the disclosed device and the actuation of its components, other relevant embodiments also become apparent to the person skilled in the art. Symbol description 1 bicycle 2 tubular bicycle parts 21 Battery installation connection 22 Leading edge 23 trailing edge 24 slots 3 bicycle battery packs 31 top cover 32, 33 ends 4 keyless locking structure 41 cases 42 Locking assembly 421 Base 422 Locking channel 423 bars 424 Rotary axis 43 operable locking handle 431 Boundary section 432 bars 44, 45, 46 spring 5 Battery installation seat D1 permissible direction of movement D2 Channel extension direction

Claims

[1] Keyless locking structure for a tubular bicycle part, comprising: a case; a locking assembly arranged on or in the housing and configured to be movable in a permissible direction of movement, wherein the locking assembly comprises: a base; a locking channel arranged in the base, which defines a channel extension direction, wherein the permissible direction of movement differs from the channel extension direction; and a bar arranged on or at the base; and an actuated locking handle which is at least partially received in the locking channel and is configured to be movable in the locking channel along the channel extension direction, wherein the actuated locking handle comprises a limiting section and is configured to pass through a slot of the tubular bicycle part, and wherein the limiting section is configured to be inserted into the slot in order to limit the movement of the actuated locking handle and the locking assembly. [2] Keyless locking structure according to claim 1, wherein the actuable locking handle is configured to be movable in the slot in order to cause the locking assembly to be movable in the permissible direction of movement. [3] Keyless locking structure according to one of claims 1-2, wherein the actuable locking handle is configured to be movable outwards along the channel extension direction, thereby releasing the limiting section from the slot so that the actuable locking handle is movable in the slot. [4] Keyless locking structure according to one of claims 1-2, wherein the actuable locking handle is configured to be rotatable, and wherein the limiting section is configured to be released from the slot and, after rotation, is prevented from being reinserted into the slot. [5] Keyless locking structure according to one of claims 1-4, wherein the limiting section is an extended projection part of the actuable locking handle. [6] Keyless locking structure according to claim 5, wherein the contour of the extended projection substantially matches the contour of the slot. [7] Keyless locking structure according to one of claims 1-6, wherein the locking assembly further comprises a pivot axis arranged at the base, and wherein the bolt is a roller arranged to be rotatably arranged on the pivot axis. [8] Keyless locking structure according to one of claims 1-7, wherein the bolt is configured to provide an outward force in the permissible direction of movement. [9] Keyless locking structure according to one of claims 1-8, wherein the permissible direction of movement of the locking assembly and the channel extension direction of the locking channel are essentially perpendicular to each other in space. [10] Bicycle comprising a keyless locking structure for securing an energy source: a tubular part of the bicycle; a bicycle battery pack that is attached to the tubular part of the bicycle; and the keyless locking structure according to one of claims 1-9, which is arranged on the tubular bicycle part, wherein the latch of the locking assembly of the keyless locking structure is configured to bear against the bicycle battery pack, thereby locking the bicycle battery pack to the locking assembly. [11] Bicycle according to claim 10, wherein the tubular bicycle part is a bicycle down tube, the bicycle battery pack is arranged on an underside of the bicycle down tube and the keyless locking structure is arranged on a part of an inner circumference of the bicycle down tube. [12] Bicycle according to claim 11, further comprising: a battery installation seat located on part of a side of the bicycle downtube opposite the keyless locking structure, wherein the battery installation seat and the keyless locking structure cooperate to secure the bicycle battery pack, thereby enabling selective locking of the battery pack to the bicycle downtube and unlocking of the same from the bicycle downtube by actuating the keyless locking structure.

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