Assist bicycle

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide an assist bicycle which achieves a very compact form when folded and enables easy folding work.CONSTITUTION: An assist bicycle includes: a center oblique pillar 3; a front pillar 1 comprising a front shaft pipe part 11 and a handle shaft part 12; a front fork 13; a connection support tool 2 having a pivotal connection part 23 which constantly connects a front pillar sandwiching part 21 with the center oblique pillar 3 and a detachable connection part 24 which is detachably connected; a collar member 26 which has a linear slit 26a and into which the front shaft pipe part 11 is inserted; a handle 8; a rear fork 34; and a rear pillar 5 which is fixed to the center oblique pillar 3 in a standing state and a leaning state. When folding is completed, a rear shaft part 51 of the rear pillar 5 fixed to the center oblique pillar 3 in a forward leaning state is lifted upward so as to be in a vertical state to bring the center oblique pillar 3 into a vertical state with the rear shaft part 51, bring the center oblique pillar 3 and the rear pillar 5 into a V-shaped folded state, and bring the center oblique pillar 3 and the front pillar 1 into a folded state in which these pillars are folded in an inverted V-shape.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrically assisted bicycle that is extremely compact when folded, can be ridden in a stable state, and can be easily assembled and folded. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there have been various types of foldable bicycles. Many of these types have a pivot part in the middle in the front-to-rear direction, and are folded horizontally via this pivot part. Patent document 1 is a representative example of this type. There are also types that have a folding part in the middle in the front-to-rear direction, and are folded in a vertical plane via this folding part. Patent document 2 is a representative example of this type. Conventional folding types, including Patent document 1 and Patent document 2, are often cumbersome to fold, and unstable even when folded. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-123913 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2016-159720 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] First, many of the folding bicycles shown in Patent Document 1 can be simplified in structure. However, they have a drawback in that they are large in volume even when fully folded, and require a large storage space. Also, the folding bicycles shown in Patent Document 2 can be made small in volume when fully folded, but the folding structure is complicated and the folding operation is troublesome. The object of the present invention is to provide an electrically assisted bicycle that can be folded quickly, is compact when fully folded, requires a small storage space, and can achieve space saving. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Therefore, the inventors have conducted intensive research to solve the above problems, and as a result, have determined that the invention of claim 1 is a bicycle bicycle comprising: a central diagonal support having an assist motor and a storage battery installed therein; a front support consisting of a front axle tube and a handlebar axle installed within the front axle tube; a front fork attached to the lower end of the handlebar axle and supporting a small front wheel; a connecting support having a front support clamping part that clamps the front support, a pivotal connecting part that is constantly connected to the front end of the central diagonal support, a detachable connecting part that detaches and attaches, and a detachable operation lever that detaches the detachable connecting part from the central diagonal support; a collar member that is installed on the inner periphery of the front support clamping part and is made of synthetic resin, has a linear slit along the axial direction, and into which the front axle tube is inserted; a handlebar that is attached to the handlebar axle; a rear fork attached to the lower end of the central diagonal support and supporting a small rear wheel; The above problem has been solved by providing an assisted bicycle characterized in that when riding or immediately before riding, the central diagonal support pillar is gently sloping downward from the front to the rear and the front support pillars are upright, and when folding is complete, the central diagonal support pillar and the rear support pillar are configured to have a substantially V-shape when folding and the central diagonal support pillar and the front support pillar are configured to have a substantially inverted V-shape when folding, and the folding operation is performed by setting the rear support pillar, which is fixed in a leaning forward state relative to the central diagonal support pillar, to an upright position, so that the rear support pillar and the central diagonal support pillar are folded in a V-shape and the central diagonal support pillar and the front support pillar are folded in an inverted V-shape.

[0006] The above problem is solved by the invention of claim 2, which is an assisted bicycle as described in claim 1, characterized in that the assist motor is mounted within an elliptical rear housing section that is formed toward the rear side of the central diagonal support in the fore-and-aft direction and bulges upward and downward, and the rear support is provided within the rear housing section.

[0007] The above problem is solved by the invention of claim 3, which is an assisted bicycle as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a pivot shaft is provided at the lower end of the rear support, and a positioning cam having two fitting recesses is provided on the pivot shaft, the pivot shaft is journalled to the central diagonal support so as to be freely rotatable, and the central diagonal support is provided with a positioning lever having an fitting protrusion that fits into the fitting recess of the positioning cam, and the rear support is fixed in an upright or tilted position by the positioning lever.

[0008] The above problem is solved by the invention of claim 4, which is an assisted bicycle as defined in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at the detachable connection part between the connecting support and the front side of the central diagonal support and between the connecting support and the central diagonal support, a shock absorber is provided which has a cylinder and a piston rod, the piston rod protruding into and retracting from the cylinder, and the axial outer ends of the cylinder and the piston are pivotally connected between the connecting support and the central diagonal support.

[0009] The above problem is solved by the invention of claim 5, which is an assisted bicycle as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an upper stopper portion is provided at an arbitrary position near the upper end of the front axle tube portion of the front support, which stops the upward movement of the connecting support along the front axle tube portion when folding is complete.

[0010] The above problem is solved by the invention of claim 6, which is the assisted bicycle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a locking protrusion is formed on the underside of the free swing end of the attachment / detachment operation lever, and when the central diagonal support and the front support are completely folded, the locking protrusion of the attachment / detachment operation lever locks onto the front end of the central diagonal support, maintaining the completely folded position.The above problem is solved by the invention of claim 7, which is the assisted bicycle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a gripping portion is provided on the rear side of the rear axle. Effect of the Invention

[0011] In the invention of claim 1, an assist motor for assisting the bicycle is provided in the middle of the central diagonal support, allowing the bicycle to run stably and be stored compactly. When folding is complete, the central diagonal support and the front support form an inverted V shape, positioning the small front wheel and small rear wheel below the central diagonal support, and stabilizing the storage state. In addition, folding the central diagonal support and the rear support into a V shape creates an even more compact external shape, making it suitable for storage.

[0012] Furthermore, with a configuration including a front support having a front axle tube and a connecting support that supports the front axle tube and is connected to the central diagonal post by a pivotal connection part and a detachable connection part, and a detachment operation lever that connects and disconnects the detachable connection part between the central diagonal post and the connecting support, by operating the detachment operation lever to disconnect the detachable connection part, the front support and central diagonal post are connected only by the pivotal connection part, and the front support and central diagonal post can be folded extremely smoothly around the pivotal connection part. In this way, folding the assisted bicycle can be done safely and easily by operating the detachment operation lever.

[0013] Furthermore, as has been mentioned previously, when folding is complete, the central diagonal support and the rear support are bent into a V shape, and the central diagonal support and the front support form an inverted V shape. Therefore, when the electrically assisted bicycle of the present invention is completely folded, the small front wheel and the small rear wheel are arranged in a line in the fore-and-aft direction, allowing it to be leaned stably against a wall or the like, thereby also saving space in storage.

[0014] The rear support is structured so that it can be fixed in either an upright or tilted state at the middle point relative to the central diagonal support. Therefore, when folding, the rear support, which is fixed in a state of being tilted forward relative to the central diagonal support, is lifted upward, so that the central diagonal support also assumes a steeply inclined upright state as the rear support rises, and the central diagonal support and the front support are bent into an inverted V shape, making it easy to complete the folding operation. Furthermore, a collar made of synthetic resin and having a linear, separated gap along the axial direction is installed on the inner periphery of the front support clamping portion, and the front axle tube of the front support is inserted into the collar, thereby improving the sliding properties of the connecting support and the connecting support on the front support. Also, when traveling or immediately before traveling, the central diagonal support is gently inclined downward from the front side to the rear side, and the front support and the rear support are in a steeply inclined upright state, making the bicycle easy to operate and ride.

[0015] In the invention of claim 2, the assist motor is housed within an elliptical rear housing section which is formed towards the rear side of the central diagonal support in the fore-and-aft direction and bulges upward and downward, and the lower end of the rear support is provided at the top of the rear housing section.This assisted bicycle is characterized in that the rear support and saddle are located approximately directly above the assist motor, and the point where the weight of the assist bicycle is greatest is approximately halfway along the overall length of the assist bicycle, ensuring stable riding.

[0016] In the invention of claim 3, a pivot shaft is provided at the lower end of the rear support, and a positioning cam having two fitting recesses is provided on the pivot shaft. The pivot shaft is supported on the central diagonal support so that it can rotate freely, and a positioning lever is provided on the central diagonal support, the positioning lever having an fitting protrusion that fits into the fitting recess of the positioning cam. This positioning lever allows the rear support to swing and be fixed, making it possible to set the upright and reclined states of the rear support with an extremely simple configuration.

[0017] In the invention of claim 4, a cylinder and a piston rod are provided at the detachable connection point between the connecting support and the front side of the central diagonal support and between the connecting support and the central diagonal support, and a shock absorber is provided for absorbing the load when the piston rod moves in and out of the cylinder, and one axial end of each of the cylinder and the piston is pivotally connected to the connecting support and the central diagonal support, so that a shock absorbing effect occurs when the front support and the central diagonal support are bent.This makes it possible to absorb the impact generated when the detachable connection point between the connecting support and the central diagonal support is separated (separated) during the work process from the time when the assembly of the assisted bicycle of the present invention is completed (when riding or immediately before riding) to the time when folding is completed, or from the time when folding is completed to the time when assembly is completed, thereby protecting the safety of the rider.

[0018] In particular, when the assisted bicycle of the present invention is completely folded, the weight of the central diagonal support is placed on the connecting support, and this weight, together with the weight of the connecting support itself, creates a force that constantly causes the connecting support to tend to drop downwards; however, the resistance force of the cushioning device prevents the connecting support and central diagonal support from dropping, and serves to maintain the state when folding is complete.

[0019] In the invention of claim 5, an upper stopper portion is provided at any position near the upper end of the front axle tube portion of the front support, which stops the connecting support from moving upward along the front axle tube portion when folding is complete.This restricts the axial sliding range of the connecting support relative to the front axle tube portion, prevents the connecting support from moving excessively relative to the front axle tube portion, and prevents the connecting support from falling off the front axle tube portion.

[0020] In the invention of claim 6, a locking protrusion is formed on the underside of the free swinging end of the attachment / detachment operating lever, and when the central diagonal support and the front support are completely folded, the locking protrusion of the attachment / detachment operating lever locks onto the front end of the central diagonal support, maintaining the completely folded state, making it possible to fix the completely folded state of the assisted bicycle with an extremely simple configuration and preventing the completely folded state from accidentally falling apart from the completely folded state. Furthermore, since the attachment / detachment operating lever is provided with a locking protrusion that locks onto the front end of the central diagonal support, the locking protrusion can easily lock onto the front end of the central diagonal support, making it possible to further securely secure the completely folded state of the assisted bicycle.

[0021] In the invention of claim 7, a handle part is provided on the rear side of the rear axle, so that the rider can easily perform the work by holding the handle part in his or her hand during the process from when the assembly of the assisted bicycle of the present invention is completed (when riding or immediately before riding) to when folding is completed, or from when folding is completed to when assembly is completed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1]1A is a side view showing the assisted bicycle of the present invention when it has been fully assembled and when it is being ridden or just before being ridden, (B) is a side view showing the assisted bicycle of the present invention when it has been fully folded, and (C) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part (α) of (A). [Diagram 2] 11(A) to 11(D) are side views showing the process from a running state to a folded state. [Diagram 3] 1A is a side view of the main part with the central diagonal support pillar at the center and some parts omitted, (B) is a plan view of (A), (C) is an oblique view of the central diagonal support pillar, (D) is an enlarged oblique view of part (β) of (C), and (E) is a perspective view showing an example of the shape of an assist motor. [Figure 4] 1A is a side view of the main part of the connecting portion between the central diagonal support and the front support, FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the connecting support and collar portion separated, and FIG. 1C is a side view with some parts omitted showing the state in which the front axle tube portion of the front support and the connecting support slide against each other. [Diagram 5] 1A is a plan view with a partial cross-section at the connection point between the front support and the central diagonal support, (B) is a side view with a partial cross-section at the connection point between the front support and the central diagonal support when assembly is complete, (C) is a side view of the main parts as the connecting support is moved upward along the front axle tube, (D) is a side view of the main parts with a partial cross-section as the detachment connection part is about to be detached by operating the detachment operating lever, and (E) is a longitudinal side view of the detachment operating lever. [Figure 6] 13A to 13C are partial cross-sectional side views of the essential parts of the connecting support and the central diagonal support, showing the steps from when the front support and the central diagonal support are folded to when assembly is completed. [Figure 7] 1A to 1C are longitudinal side views of the essential parts with some parts omitted, showing the process of changing the rear support from an upright state to a reclined state relative to the central diagonal support, and FIG. 1D is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the Y1-Y1 arrow of FIG. [Figure 8]1A is a side view of an embodiment having a handle portion on the rear support after assembly is completed, FIG. 1B is a side view of an embodiment having a handle portion on the rear support after folding is completed, FIG. 1C is an enlarged view of part (γ) of FIG. 1A, FIG. 1D is an enlarged view of part (γ) of FIG. 1A in another embodiment, FIG. 1E is an enlarged cross-sectional view of essential parts at part (ω) of FIG. 1B when a locking protrusion is provided on the detachment operating lever and the locking protrusion is locked to the locked shaft of the central diagonal support, and FIG. 1F is an enlarged cross-sectional view of essential parts at part (ω) of FIG. 1B when the locking protrusion of the detachment operating lever and the locked shaft of the central diagonal support are separated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The electrically assisted bicycle of the present invention is a foldable electrically assisted bicycle. The electrically assisted bicycle of the present invention is mainly composed of a front support 1, a connecting support 2, a central diagonal support 3, a rear support 5, an assist electric motor 61, a storage battery 62, a small front wheel 71, and a small rear wheel 72 (see Figs. 1 and 3, etc.). Here, the electrically assisted bicycle of the present invention has a front side and a rear side, the front side being the side in the forward direction where the small front wheel 71 is provided, and the rear side being the side opposite the forward direction where the small rear wheel 72 is provided. The front side and rear side of the electrically assisted bicycle of the present invention are noted in the main drawings.

[0024] When the assisted bicycle of the present invention is assembled, immediately before riding, and while riding, the central diagonal support 3 is in an upright state with a gentle slope descending from the front to the rear, and the front support 1 and the rear support 4 are in a steeply inclined upward direction toward the rear (see Fig. 1(A)). Here, the upright state of the front support 1, central diagonal support 3, and rear support 5 means a steep slope close to vertical, specifically an angle of approximately 60 degrees or more, but is not necessarily limited to this numerical value and is appropriately set at the design or manufacturing stage.

[0025] The time when assembly is complete refers to the state when the assembly of the assisted bicycle is complete, and further includes the time just before and just after the state when assembly is complete. The time just before riding refers to the state when charging of the storage battery 62 is complete, electric assist operation is possible, and a person can get on and start riding, or the time just before that. The time when riding refers to a state when a person is riding and riding as is. The time when riding includes both the time when charging of the storage battery 62 is complete and the time when charging is not complete. In addition, the time when folding is complete refers to the time when the central diagonal support 3 and the rear support 5 are both in a steeply inclined upright state and have completed folding in a roughly V-shape, or the time just before and just after that, and the central diagonal support 3 and the front support 1 are both in a steeply inclined upright state and are folded in a roughly inverted V-shape (see FIG. 1(B)).

[0026] The small front wheel 71 and small rear wheel 72, which will be described later, used in the assisted bicycle of the present invention have a smaller diameter than the wheels of a normal bicycle (see FIG. 1). Specifically, the small front wheel 71 and the small rear wheel 72 are both 10 inches or 8 inches in size. The small front wheel 71 and the small rear wheel 72 are not limited in size, and small front wheel 71 and small rear wheel 72 that are larger than 10 inches or smaller than 8 inches in size may also be used.

[0027] Fig. 1(A) is a side view of the electrically assisted bicycle of the present invention in a fully assembled state, i.e., in a state where it is ready to be ridden. Fig. 1(B) is a side view of the electrically assisted bicycle of the present invention when it has been fully folded. The front support 1 has a front axle tube 11 and a handle shaft 12 (see Figs. 1, 4, etc.). The front axle tube 11 is a steel pipe or a hollow circular pipe, and is made of metal, specifically steel, iron, stainless steel, aluminum, etc. The handle shaft 12 is inserted into the front axle tube 11 (see Fig. 1(C)).

[0028] The handle shaft 12 is inserted so that its axial direction is positioned on the axial core line passing through the diameter center of the front axle tube 11, and is supported and fixed to the upper end of the front axle tube 11 by a handle shaft support member 11c so that the handle shaft 12 can be rotated in the axial direction. The handle shaft support member 11c serves as a bearing for the handle shaft 12 (see FIG. 1(C)). An insertion portion is formed in the handle shaft support member 11c, and the insertion portion is inserted into the inner peripheral side of the upper end of the front axle tube 11 by screw connection or press fitting, thereby mounting and fixing the handle shaft 12 to the front axle tube 11. A handle 8, which will be described later, is mounted to the upper axial end of the handle shaft 12, and the handle 8 is supported by the front support 1 so as to be easy to operate.

[0029] The front axle tube 11 of the front support 1 is set in a steeply inclined upright state when assembly is complete (when riding or immediately before riding) [see FIG. 1(A)], and is set in a steeply inclined upright state when folding is complete [see FIG. 1(B)]. The handlebars 8 may be of either a folding type or a fixed type. The folding structure of the handlebars 8 is achieved by applying a known technique, and although not shown in particular, the right and left arms are specifically configured to fold downward by loosening a fastener. The handlebars 8 are also provided with a brake lever 83a (see FIG. 1). The brake lever 83a is equivalent to a known brake device of a general bicycle, and explanations and illustrations of the parts associated with the brake lever 83a are omitted.

[0030] The handle shaft 12 has a front fork 13 attached to its lower axial end, and the handle shaft 12 and the front fork 13 are substantially integrated, so that when the handle shaft 12 is properly inserted and attached to the front axle tube 11, the front fork 13 is disposed at the lower end of the front axle tube 11. Although not shown, the handle shaft 12 is properly supported via a bearing or the like at the lower end of the front axle tube 11 to prevent it from shifting position.

[0031] When the handlebars 8 attached to the upper end of the handlebar shaft 12 are rotated, the front forks 13 also rotate via the handlebar shaft 12. A small front wheel 71 is journaled and attached to the front forks 13 (see FIG. 1). The front fork 13 is bifurcated into a roughly inverted "U" shape, and has clamping legs 13a, 13a in the width direction. The small front wheel 71 is journaled and rotatably supported by both clamping legs 13a, 13a.

[0032] Also, the height position of the handlebar 8 may be structured to be adjustable. Specifically, although not shown, the handlebar 8 is provided with a connecting shaft member, which is structured to be inserted into the hollow portion of the handlebar shaft portion 12, i.e., a substantially telescopic structure. The handlebar 8 can be fixed at a desired height position with fasteners such as screws and bolts. The handlebar portion 83 of the handlebar 8 is disposed on the upper end side of the front axle tube portion 11, and the handlebar shaft portion 12 inserted into the front axle tube portion 11 is rotated by rotating the handlebar portion 83 relative to the front axle tube portion 11, whereby the front fork 13 and the small front wheel 71 rotate in the traveling direction to change direction.

[0033] Next, the connecting support 2 is a member that connects the front support 1 and the central diagonal support 3 described later in a bendable manner for folding and assembly. The connecting support 2 is equipped with a detachable operation lever 25, and the detachable operation lever 25 is used to release a detachable connection part 24, which is a connection part with the front end of the central diagonal support 3 described later, and the connecting support 2 and the central diagonal support 3 are separated at the detachable connection part 24, so that the central diagonal support 3 and the front support 1 can be folded in an inverted V shape to be symmetrical and steeply upright (see Figs. 1(B) and 2(D)). Even when the connecting support 2 and the central diagonal support 3 are in this foldable state, they are always connected to each other at the pivot connection part 23 described later. This configuration will be described in detail after the explanation of the central diagonal support 3, since the central diagonal support 3 and the front support 1 are configured in a mutually related manner.

[0034] Next, the central diagonal support 3 will be described. The central diagonal support 3 is located approximately in the center of the assisted bicycle of the present invention in the front-rear direction, and serves to support the front support 1 and the rear support 5 (see FIG. 1(A)). When the bicycle is fully assembled (when the bicycle is being ridden or immediately before being ridden), the central diagonal support 3 is in a state of approximately gentle inclination so that the front side, i.e., the small front wheel 71 side, is higher (see FIG. 1(A)). The central diagonal support 3 has a front housing part 31 and a rear housing part 32, and is configured in an approximately monocoque shape in terms of appearance, external shape, and structure, and the rear housing part 32 is located closer to the rear than the center in the front-rear direction and is formed to bulge out in the vertical width direction compared to other parts. The front housing part 31 and the rear housing part 32 are configured to be continuous in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 3).

[0035] Here, the monocoque structure of the central diagonal support 3 is an integral structure or shell structure, and the front housing part 31 and the rear housing part 32 are structures in which a space is formed inside by an outer cover (outer) member. The front housing part 31 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing, and as described above, has a space inside and is configured to be suitable for storing a storage battery 62 (see Figs. 3(A) to (C)). The front housing part 31 of the central diagonal support 3 is a space in which accessories such as the storage battery 62 are installed. In addition, the rear housing part 32 is provided with a space in which an assist motor 61, which will be described later, is arranged and mounted, and this part serves as a power chamber. The front housing part 31 and the rear housing part 32 are substantially integrated to form the central diagonal support 3.

[0036] 3(C) is a perspective view of the central diagonal support 3, showing that the structure is substantially monocoque. As described above, the rear housing part 32 is the part in which the assist motor 61 is installed, and is formed in a bulging shape so that the inside is wider in the vertical and width directions than other parts of the central diagonal support 3. In other words, the rear housing part 32 is shaped to bulge more than the front housing part 31. Specifically, it is preferable that the rear housing part 32 has a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the assist motor 61.

[0037] 3(E) shows one example of the shape of the assist electric motor 61 that is applied to the assisted bicycle of the present invention. By making the central diagonal support 3 have a substantially monocoque structure in this way, the central diagonal support 3 itself can be made compact in shape, and the assist electric motor 61 and the storage battery 62 can be mounted and stored efficiently.

[0038] The front housing section 31 is connected to the front support 1 via a connecting support 2 (see Figs. 1, 1(A), (B) and 3). The storage battery 62 is stored and installed inside the front housing section 31, and can be charged while it is stored and installed. The storage battery 62 may be detachable from the front housing section 31, and only the removed storage battery 62 may be charged. In this case, although not shown, the front housing section 31 is provided with an upper cover section that allows the storage battery 62 to be inserted and removed and that serves as a lid when the storage battery 62 is stored in the front housing section 31. The upper cover section is fixed by a fastener such as a bolt so as to cover the upper opening of the front housing section 31.

[0039] The rear housing section 32 is a housing having a generally elliptical shape when viewed from the side, and houses an assist motor 61 inside (see FIG. 2). In other words, the assist motor 61 is built into the rear housing section 32 of the central diagonal support 3, and the rear housing section 32 has a monocoque structure in appearance, and when the assisted bicycle is in motion or immediately before motion, the rear housing section 32 is formed to bulge in the vertical direction (see FIGS. 3(A) and (C)). The assist motor 61 is provided with an assist drive shaft 61a, which protrudes outward from both sides in the width direction from the rear housing section 32.

[0040] A pedal 66 is attached to both of the assist drive shafts 61a, and a main sprocket 63 is attached to one of the assist drive shafts 61a. The assist drive shaft 61a is machined to have an external thread, an internal thread, a spline, a key groove, etc., so that the pedal 66 and the main sprocket 63 can be easily attached to the assist drive shaft 61a. The assist motor 61 housed in the rear housing part 32 has both sides in the width direction partially exposed from both sides in the width direction of the rear housing part 32 (see Figs. 3(A) and (C), etc.). Alternatively, although not shown, the assist motor 61 may be entirely housed in the rear housing part 32, and only the two assist drive shafts 61a, 61a may protrude or be exposed from the rear housing part 32.

[0041] A rear fork 34 is provided at the rear end and lower end of the rear housing part 32 of the central diagonal support 3. The rear fork 34 is specifically composed of two rear clamping legs 34a, 34a, and a small rear wheel 72 is journaled and mounted by both the bifurcated rear clamping legs 34a, 34a (see Figs. 1, 3(A) and (B)).

[0042] As described above, the main sprocket 63 constituting the chain mechanism is attached to one of the assist drive shafts 61a, 61a of the assist electric motor 61 housed in the rear housing portion 32. A driven sprocket 64 is provided on the small rear wheel 72, and a chain 65 is stretched between the main sprocket 63 and the driven sprocket 64, just like an ordinary bicycle.

[0043] Furthermore, pedals 66, 66 are attached to both assist drive shafts 61a, 61a of the assist motor 61 housed in the rear housing section 32, and the assist motor 61 assists the human power that rotates the pedals 66, 66. A stand 73 is provided at the pivot support location of the small rear wheel 72 of the rear fork 34. The stand 73 can be used to stand the assisted bicycle of the present invention at home or in a bicycle parking area such as a bicycle parking lot, after it has been assembled and is in a state immediately before riding.

[0044] The stand 73 can also be used to stand the assisted bicycle of the present invention when it is completely folded. Furthermore, the bottom end of the stand 73 may be equipped with small wheels used as casters or the like. Specifically, the small wheels are provided on both sides of the stand 73 in the width direction, i.e., on both sides of the width direction of the assisted bicycle. The small wheels attached to the stand 73 make it easier to move the assisted bicycle back and forth when it is standing in the assembled state or when it is folded, making it easy to move the assisted bicycle slightly at home or at the bicycle parking area.

[0045] Next, a structure will be described in which the central diagonal column 3 and the front column 1 are connected via the connecting support 2. The front column 1 is connected to the front and upper end of the central diagonal column 3 via the connecting support 2. The connecting support 2 has a front column clamping portion 21 that clamps the front axle tube portion 11 of the front column 1 in an enveloping manner, a fastener 22, a detachable connecting portion 24, and a pivotal connecting portion 23.

[0046] The front support clamping portion 21 has a circular inner peripheral wall, a linear spaced portion is provided on the front side, and a spaced portion 21b is formed at this portion, and clamping and tightening pieces 21a, 21a are provided at both ends of the spaced portion 21b (see Figs. 4(B), 5(A), and (B)). A through hole 21h is formed in each of the clamping and tightening pieces 21a, 21a, and a fastener 22 is provided across the clamping and tightening pieces 21a, 21a through the through holes 21h, 21h. By operating the fastener 22, the distance between the clamping and tightening pieces 21a, 21a changes, and the distance between the spaced portion 21b changes, and the inner diameter of the front support clamping portion 21 changes.

[0047] The inside of the front pillar clamping portion 21 is a cylindrical cavity, and a collar member 26 is attached to the front pillar clamping portion 21 (see Figure 4(B)). The front axle tube portion 11 of the front pillar 1 is inserted into the collar member 26. When assembly is complete (when traveling or immediately before traveling), the connecting support device 2 supports and fixes the front axle tube portion 11 in a clamped state via the fasteners 22 (see Figures 5(A) and (B)).

[0048] When the front support clamping portion 21 of the connecting support 2 clamps the front axle tube 11 in an enveloping manner and the fasteners 22 are released, the clamping force weakens and becomes loose, allowing the connecting support 2 to slide up and down along the axial length of the front axle tube 11 (see Figs. 1(A), (B), 2, and 4(C)). The connecting support 2 slides up and down relative to the front axle tube 11 of the front support 1, allowing the assisted bicycle of the present invention to be folded and assembled (to be ready to ride).

[0049] The collar member 26 is made of synthetic resin and has a linearly separated slit portion 26a along the axial direction (see Fig. 4(B)), and as described above, the collar member 26 is attached to the inner peripheral side of the front support clamping portion 21, and the front axle tube portion 11 of the front support 1 is inserted into the collar member 26 (see Figs. 5(A) to (C)). The inner and outer diameters of the collar member 26 change due to the slit portion 26a, and this change allows the inner diameter to change as the front support clamping portion 21 of the connecting support 2 is fastened and released.

[0050] Annular flanges 26b are formed on both the upper and lower ends of the collar member 26, and both flanges 26b, 26b are disposed on stepped portions formed on both the upper and lower ends of the front support clamping portion 21, and the collar member 26 is attached to the front support clamping portion 21. The collar member 26 enables the connecting support 2 to smoothly slide against the front axle tube portion 11 by preventing direct metallic contact between the front axle tube portion 11 of the front support 1 and the front support clamping portion 21 of the connecting support 2 through synthetic resin therebetween.

[0051] Specifically, an eccentric cam clamp lever is used as the fastening tool 22. The eccentric cam clamp lever is a common one, and specifically, it is composed of a cam portion 22a, a lever portion 22b, and a fastening shaft 22c (see FIG. 5(A)). The cam portion 22a and one end of the fastening shaft 22c are rotatably connected, and the other end of the fastening shaft 22c is a large-diameter head portion. The fastening shaft 22c penetrates through both through holes 21h, 21h of both the clamping fastening pieces 21a, 21a, and is connected so as to sandwich both the clamping fastening pieces 21a, 21a between the large-diameter head portion and the cam portion 22a.

[0052] By rotating the lever portion 22b of the eccentric cam clamp lever, the cam portion 22a rotates, and the uneven surface of the cam portion 22a changes to narrow or widen the gap between the clamping pieces 21a, 21a, thereby changing the inner diameter of the front support clamping portion 21 and enabling the clamping and unclamping of the front axle tube portion 11 that is clamped in an envelope-like manner within the front support clamping portion 21. There are various types of eccentric cam clamp levers, but a publicly known one is used.

[0053] In some cases, the fastener 22 uses a bolt and nut (not shown), in which case a bolt is inserted into both through holes 21h, 21h of the two clamping fastener pieces 21a, 21a, and the clamping (locking) and release (unlocking) of the two clamping fastener pieces 21a, 21a is performed by a nut. In general, it is preferable and effective to use an eccentric cam clamp lever as the fastener 22, as it is easy for the user (driver) to handle and operate.

[0054] The connecting support 2 is locked and unlocked from the front axle tube 11 by operating the fastener 22 (eccentric cam clamp lever), and this unlocking allows the connecting support 2 to slide back and forth along the axial direction of the front axle tube 11, allowing the assisted bicycle of the present invention to be assembled (ready to be ridden) or for the task of completing folding. Also, by fixing the pillar support 2 to the front axle tube 11 by the fastener 22, the assisted bicycle of the present invention can be stably ridden and assembled.

[0055] The connecting portion between the connecting support 2 of the front support 1 and the central diagonal support 3 is provided with a pivotal connection part 23 and a detachable connection part 24. The pivotal connection part 23 and the detachable connection part 24 are the names of the parts that constitute the connection between the connecting support 2 and the central diagonal support 3, that is, they are constituted by parts of the connecting support 2 and the central diagonal support 3.

[0056] The pivot connection part 23 is provided at a position below the connection point between the connecting support 2 and the central diagonal support 3 when the vehicle is ready to run after assembly is completed or immediately before running, and is structured so that the front support 1 and the central diagonal support 3 are always connected so that they can be folded freely (see Figures 1(A), (B), Figure 2, Figures 4(A), (C), Figures 5(B), (C), etc.).

[0057] The detachable connecting part 24 is a connecting structure that can connect and disconnect the connecting support 2 of the front support 1 and the central diagonal support 3. In other words, the term "detach" in the term "detachment" used in the detachable connecting part 24 refers to disconnecting and separating the connecting support 2 and the central diagonal support 3 from their connected state (see Figs. 1(B), 5(C), 6(A), (B), etc.), and "attachment" refers to connecting the connecting support 2 and the central diagonal support 3 from their disconnected (separated) state to each other (see Figs. 1(A), 4(A), 5(B), 6(C)).

[0058] The detachable connecting part 24 is provided above the connecting part between the connecting support 2 and the central diagonal support 3 when the vehicle is traveling after the assembly is completed or immediately before traveling, and the front support 1 and the central diagonal support 3 are in a connected state when the vehicle is traveling after the assembly is completed or immediately before traveling, and are in a disconnected state when the vehicle is folded up. The detachable connecting part 24 is provided above the connecting part between the connecting support 2 and the central diagonal support 3 when the vehicle is traveling after the assembly is completed or immediately before traveling, and therefore the detachable connecting part 24 is set to be located above the pivotal connecting part 23. (See Figs. 1, 2, 5 and 6).

[0059] Because the detachable connecting part 24 is positioned above the pivotal connecting part 23, by detaching, i.e., disconnecting, the detachable connecting part 24, the front axle tube part 11 of the front support pillar 1 and the central diagonal support pillar 3 are connected only by the pivotal connecting part 23, and the front support pillar 1 and the central diagonal support pillar 3 can be folded by bending them together in an approximately inverted V-shape or approximately Δ-shape in a steeply inclined upright state that is symmetrical on the left and right sides, with the pivotal connecting part 23 as the rotation center [see Figures 1(B), 2(D), 5(C), 6(A) and (B)].

[0060] The connection structure between the connection support 2 of the front column 1 and the central diagonal column 3 at the pivot connection part 23 will be described. Flange pieces 31a, 31a are formed on both sides in the width direction of the front end side of the front housing part 31 of the central diagonal column 3, protruding slightly forward (see Figs. 3(A), (B), and 5(A) to (C)). The rear part of the connection support 2 is arranged between the flange pieces 31a, 31a.

[0061] The pivot connection shaft 23a is used for the pivot connection between the connecting support 2 and both flange pieces 31a, 31a by the pivot connection part 23. A shaft hole 23b is provided at the lower end portion on the rear side of the connecting support 2, and shaft holes 31b, 31b are provided in both flange pieces 31a, 31a, and the pivot connection shaft 23a is inserted into the shaft holes 31b, 31b and the shaft hole 23b. The connecting support 2 and the central diagonal support 3 are pivotally connected. A bolt and nut are used as the pivot connection shaft 23a, or a pin member and a retaining ring are used to prevent the fastening shaft 22c from coming off both shaft holes 31b, 31b.

[0062] Next, the detachable connecting part 24 is composed of a detachable operating lever 25 provided on the connecting support 2 of the front column 1, and a connected part 35 provided on the upper front end of the central diagonal column 3 (see Figures 3B to 3D, 4A, 5, etc.). The detachable operating lever 25 is provided at the upper rear end of the connecting support 2 (based on the fore-and-aft direction of the assisted bicycle when riding or immediately before riding) (see Figure 4B).

[0063] The attachment / detachment operation lever 25 comprises a lever body 25a, a retractable shaft 25b, and a knob portion 25c (see Figs. 4(A), (B), and 5). The attachment / detachment operation lever 25 is provided rearward and upward of the connecting support 2 (based on the front-to-rear direction of the assisted bicycle). The front end of the lever body 25a is supported by a rotation support shaft 25g which is supported by two protruding bearing portions 25f, 25f formed on the connecting support 2, and the lever body 25a is mounted so as to be rotatable up and down and on a vertical plane about the rotation support shaft 25g (see Figs. 5(B) and (C)).

[0064] A bearing portion 25d is formed in the lever body 25a so that the retractable shaft 25b can be freely retracted in the axial direction, and the retractable shaft 25b is supported by the bearing portion 25d so as to be slidable in the axial direction (see FIG. 5(E)). The retractable shaft 25b is mounted via a resilient member 25e such as a coil spring so that it is always in a protruding state (see FIG. 5(E)). A resilient member stopper 25h is also provided on the lever body 25a.

[0065] The retractable shaft 25b is inserted into the resilient member 25e in the axial direction. The retractable shaft 25b is provided with a restricting plate 25j. The restricting plate 25j is specifically a stop ring. The resilient member 25e in the form of a coil spring is disposed between the restricting plate 25j and the resilient member stopper 25h, and the retractable shaft 25b is always in a state of protruding by an amount restricted by the restricting plate 25j from the bearing portion 25d. The amount by which the retractable shaft 25b protrudes from the bearing portion 25d is an amount by which the retractable shaft 25b can be engaged with the engaged shaft 35a of the connected portion 35 on the central diagonal support 3 side (see FIG. 5(E)).

[0066] A knob 25c is formed on the retractable shaft 25b, and the knob 25c is provided so as to protrude outward from the lever body 25a. A person can operate the knob 25c with their fingers while gripping the lever body 25a (see FIG. 5(A)). When the assisted bicycle of the present invention is in motion or is about to be started, the retractable shaft 25b of the attachment / detachment operating lever 25 is engaged with an engaged shaft 35a of a connected part 35 provided on the front housing part 31 of the central diagonal support 3 (see FIGS. 5(A), (B) and (E)).

[0067] The connected portion 35 is provided on the front end and upper surface of the central diagonal support 3 in the front-rear direction, and is composed of a locked shaft 35a and two bearing portions 35b, 35b, and the locked shaft 35a is fixed to both shafts 35b, 35b (see Figs. 3(C) and (D)). A gap exists between the locked shaft 35a and the front end upper surface of the central diagonal support 3, so that the tip of the extending and retracting shaft 25b of the detachable operating lever 25 can be inserted between the locked shaft 35a and the front end upper surface of the central diagonal support 3 (see Figs. 5(A), (B) and (E)).

[0068] Specifically, the tip of the retractable shaft 25b of the attachment / detachment lever 25 is inserted between the upper end face of the central diagonal support 3 and the locked shaft 35a, thereby establishing a state in which the attachment / detachment connecting part 24 between the front support 1 and the central diagonal support 3 is connected. In this state, the front support 1 and the central diagonal support 3 are in a state in which they cannot be folded via the pivot connecting part 23, i.e., a folding-disabled state (see Figures 5(B) and (E)). In this manner, by establishing a state in which they cannot be folded, i.e., a non-foldable state, the assembly of the assisted bicycle of the present invention is substantially complete, and the bicycle is ready to ride or is about to ride.

[0069] Then, by removing the retractable shaft 25b of the detachable operating lever 25 from the engaged shaft 35a of the central diagonal support 3 at the knob portion 25c from the connected portion 35 of the central diagonal support 3, the connection of the detachable connecting part 24 is released, and the front support 1 and the central diagonal support 3 are separated at the detachable connecting part 24, and the front support 1 (connecting support 2) and the central diagonal support 3 are connected only at the pivot connecting part 23 (see Figures 5(C), (D) and 6(A)).

[0070] Then, the detachable connection portion 24 between the connecting support 2 of the front support 1 and the central diagonal support 3 becomes capable of being separated, and the central diagonal support 3 and the front support 1 rotate about the pivot connection portion 23, so that the front support 1 and the central diagonal support 3 can freely rotate relative to each other around the pivot connection portion 23, and the structure can be folded into an approximately inverted V-shape or an approximately delta-shape (see Figures 1(B), 2(B) to (D), and 5(B)).

[0071] As described above, the role of the attachment / detachment lever 25 is not only to connect and release the connection at the detachable connecting part 24 between the front support 1 and the central diagonal support 3, but also to maintain the state when the assisted bicycle of the present invention is completely folded. In this case, a locking projection 25k is provided on the underside and free end side of the lever body 25a of the attachment / detachment lever 25. Then, when the folding of the assisted bicycle is complete, the free end side of the attachment / detachment lever 25 is lowered so that the locking projection 25k formed on the underside of the lever body 25a locks onto the connected shaft 35a of the connected part 35.

[0072] As a result, even if some kind of load is applied from above to the assisted bicycle in the folded state, the lever body 25a also serves as a stop between the front support 1 and the central diagonal support 3, preventing the bicycle from collapsing when folding is complete. Note that it is not essential to provide the locking protrusion 25k on the attachment / detachment lever 25, and it is not essential that the locking protrusion 25k is not provided.

[0073] A shock absorber 4 is attached at the detachable connection between the connecting support 2 and the front side of the central diagonal support 3 and between the connecting support 2 and the central diagonal support 3 (see FIG. 6). The shock absorber 4 comprises a cylinder 41 and a piston rod 42. The piston rod 42 is contained in the cylinder 41 and is set so that pressure is applied to both, and the piston rod 42 expands and contracts relative to the cylinder 41 while absorbing impact or resisting external forces due to impact.

[0074] The pressure generated between the cylinder 41 and the piston rod 42 is hydraulic pressure, air (gas) pressure, etc. In other words, a general oil damper or air damper is used as the shock absorber 4. The piston rod 42 absorbs the load when it moves in and out of the cylinder 41. A pivotal attachment part 41a and a pivotal attachment part 42a are formed on the axial outer end of the cylinder 41 and the axial outer end of the piston rod 42.

[0075] The pivot portion 41a of the cylinder 41 is pivotally connected to the inside of the front end portion of the central diagonal support 3, and the pivot portion 42a of the piston rod 42 is pivotally connected to the connecting support 2. Specifically, the axial end of the cylinder 41 is pivotally connected to a pivot pin 41p provided at a position near the front end of the front housing part 31 of the central diagonal support 3, and the cylinder 41 rotates up and down around this pivotal connection position. The axial end of the piston rod 42 is pivotally connected to a pivot pin 42p in a recess provided on the rear side of the connecting support 2, and the piston rod 42 rotates up and down around this pivotal connection position.

[0076] The cylinder 41 is housed almost entirely in the front end side of the front housing section 31 of the central diagonal support 3, and a through hole 31c is formed in the front wall plate of the front housing section 31, and a piston rod 42 extending from the cylinder 41 projects from the through hole 31c toward the connecting support 2. When the assisted bicycle of the present invention is fully folded, the piston rod 42 projects to the maximum extent from the cylinder 41, and the shock absorber 4 as a whole is long in the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 6(A)). When assembly is fully completed (when riding or immediately before riding), the piston rod 42 is housed to the maximum extent within the cylinder 41, and the shock absorber 4 as a whole is short in the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 6(C)).

[0077] The shock absorber 4 can reduce the impact of the bending process between the front support 1 and the central diagonal support 3 in the folding and assembly process of the power-assisted bicycle. In particular, when the connecting support 2 is lowered downward from the front support 1 during the process of completing assembly so that the power-assisted bicycle can be driven from a folded state, the weight of the central diagonal support 3 is placed on the connecting support 2, and when the descent speed of the connecting support 2 tends to increase, the descent speed of the connecting support 2 can be slowed down so that the connecting support 2 can be slowly lowered in the axial direction of the front support 1, making it possible to assemble the bicycle safely and easily (see Figures 6(A) and (B)).

[0078] In addition, when the assisted bicycle is completely folded, the shock absorber 4 has the piston rod 42 extended from the cylinder 41, and the shock absorber 4 attempts to maintain this state. Therefore, even if the weight of the central diagonal support 3 is placed on the connecting support 2, it resists this weight and prevents the connecting support 2 from dropping downward relative to the front support 1, maintaining the inverted V-shape of the front support 1 and central diagonal support 3 when folding is complete, and stabilizing the folding when complete.

[0079] Next, the configuration of the central diagonal support 3 and the rear support 5 will be described. First, the configuration of the rear support 5 will be described. The rear support 5 comprises a rear axle 51 and a rotation operation part 52 (see Figs. 1(A), (B), 3(A) to (C), and 7). A saddle 54 is attached to the upper end of the rear axle 51, and the rear axle 51 serves as a leg of the saddle 54 (see Fig. 1).

[0080] The rear shaft portion 51 is composed of a rear main shaft 51a, a rotating shaft portion 51b, and a positioning cam 51d. The rear main shaft 51a may be either a hollow tube or a solid tube. The rotating shaft portion 51b and the positioning cam 51d are provided at the lower end of the rear main shaft 51a (see FIG. 7). The rotating shaft portion 51b is provided at the lower end of the rear main shaft 51a perpendicular to the axial direction, and the rear main shaft 51a and the rotating shaft portion 51b form a substantially inverted T shape (see FIG. 7(D)).

[0081] It is rotatably supported within the casing 52a of the rotating operation unit 52. The casing 51 is a housing formed in a roughly triangular rice ball shape when the assisted bicycle is viewed from the side, and is provided at the top of a power chamber that houses an elliptical assist motor 61 that bulges upward and downward in the rear housing section 32 of the central diagonal support column 3. The casing 51 is configured to be formed roughly integrally with the rear housing section 32. As a result, the rear support column 5 and saddle 54 are located roughly directly above the assist motor 61, and the point on which the assisted bicycle bears the greatest weight is roughly in the middle of its overall length, ensuring stable riding.

[0082] Positioning cams 51d, 51d are provided on both axial sides of the rotating shaft portion 51b (see FIG. 7(D)). Both positioning cams 51d, 51d have the same shape. The positioning cam 51d is substantially sector-shaped and has two mating recesses 51e and 51f formed therein. The positioning cam 51d rotates together with the rotating shaft portion 51b (see FIG. 7).

[0083] Specifically, a rotation protrusion 51c is formed at both axial ends of the rotating shaft portion 51b, and a support hole 52b that supports the rotation protrusion 51c is formed in the casing 52a, and the rotation protrusion 51c of the rotating shaft portion 51b is supported in the support hole 52b of the casing 52a (see Figures 7(A) to (C)), so that the rear shaft portion 51 can rotate between an upright state and a reclined state (see Figure 7(D)).

[0084] In addition, an opening 52c is formed on the rear side surface of the casing 52a, through which the rear axle 51 of the rear support 5 and the free rotatable end of the positioning lever 53 protrude. Here, the standing state of the rear axle 51 refers to an upright state in which the axial direction of the rear main shaft 51a of the rear axle 51 is nearly vertical and the upper part is steeply inclined rearward. The rear axle 51 may also be vertical. The tilted state of the rear axle 51 refers to a state in which the rear main shaft 51a is tilted and close to the central diagonal support 3 of a certain assisted bicycle when the bicycle is traveling or immediately before traveling (see Figs. 1(A) and 2(B)). When the central diagonal support 3 is installed at a gentle incline, the tilted state of the rear axle 51 is also at a gentle incline (see Fig. 2(B)).

[0085] The rotation operation unit 52 is provided with a positioning lever 53 in a casing 52a. The positioning lever 53 has fitting projections 53b, 53b protruding from both sides of the lever plate 53a in the width direction (see FIG. 7). The lever plate 53a is housed in the casing 52a so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction, and a rotation center shaft 53c is provided at an end portion serving as the center of rotation. The rotation center shaft 53c is journaled inside and on the upper side of the rear housing part 32 of the central diagonal support 3, and a free end side of the lever plate 53a partially protrudes outward from inside the casing 52a, so that the positioning lever 53 can be operated from the outer side of the casing 52a. The part of the lever plate 53a protruding outward from the casing 52a is referred to as an operation end 53d.

[0086] The positioning lever 53 is provided with a positioning resilient member 53e such as a coil spring, and the positioning resilient member 53e constantly resiliently urges the operating end 53d of the positioning lever 53 upward, so that the fitting protrusions 53b, 53b can be maintained and fixed in a state of being fitted into the fitting recess 51e or the fitting recess 51f of the positioning cam 51d. The positioning resilient member 53e is supported by the positioning lever 53 and the receiving recess 32b formed on the upper surface of the rear housing part 32 of the central diagonal support 3 (see FIG. 7). Here, the fitting recess 51e is a standing position recess where the fitting protrusion 53b fits when the rear shaft part 51 stands, and the fitting recess 51f is a reclining position recess where the fitting protrusion 53b fits when the rear shaft part 51 reclins.

[0087] The fitting protrusion 53b is inserted into the fitting recess 51e, which is the upright position recess, or the fitting recess 51f, which is the reclined position recess, of the positioning cam 51d, to be in a fitted state. The positioning cam 51d is fixed by fitting the fitting protrusion 53b into either the fitting recess 51e or the fitting recess 51f. The two fitting recesses 51e, 51f of the positioning cam 51d can set two fixed states, that is, upright and reclined, with respect to the central diagonal support 3 of the rear axle 51.

[0088] In other words, when the central diagonal support 3 is set to a gentle incline, and the fitting protrusion 53b of the positioning lever 53 is fitted into the fitting recess 51e, which is the standing position recess, the rear shaft 51 of the rear support 5 is fixed in an upright state with a steep incline (see FIG. 7(A)). On the other hand, when the fitting protrusion 53b of the positioning lever 53 is fitted into the fitting recess 51f, which is the reclining position recess, the rear shaft 51 of the rear support 5 is fixed in a reclined state with a gentle incline (see FIG. 7(C)).

[0089] When disengaging the fitting recess 51e or 51f of the positioning cam 51d from the fitting projection 53b of the positioning lever 53, the fitting recess 51e or 51f is disengaged from the fitting projection 53b by pushing down the operation end 53d protruding outside the casing 52a, and the rear shaft 51 (rear main shaft 51a) can be rotated up and down (see FIG. 7(B)). The operation end 53d of the positioning lever 53 can be rotated by hand, but can also be rotated by stepping on it with a foot, in other words, the positioning lever 53 can be used as a foot lever.

[0090] Then, by fitting the fitting recess 51e and the fitting protrusion 53b in a fitting state with the rear axle 51 in a tilted state with respect to the central diagonal support 3, the rear axle 51 is fixed in a tilted state with respect to the central diagonal support 3 and in a gently inclined state (see FIG. 2(B)). The rider can hold the rear axle 51 in his / her hand and raise the rear axle 51 from the gently inclined state to the vertical direction, thereby raising the central diagonal support 3 in a gently inclined state together with the rear axle 51, so that the central diagonal support 3 is in a steeply inclined upright state. Then, the central diagonal support 3 and the rear axle 51 can be in an upright state while forming a symmetrical and steeply inclined upright state of an approximately V-shape when folding is completed (see FIGS. 2(C) and (D)). When the assembly of the assisted bicycle of the present invention is completed (when riding or immediately before riding), it is preferable that the front axle tube 11 of the front support 1 and the rear axle 51 of the rear support 5 are in a substantially balanced state (see FIG. 1(A)).

[0091] There is an embodiment in which the rear axle section 51 is provided with a gripping section 55 (see FIG. 8). The gripping section 55 is provided on the rear side of the rear axle section 51, specifically, on the side surface that is the rear when the rear axle section 51 is in an upright state (see FIG. 8(A)). The gripping section 55 is a part that makes it easier for the driver to perform the work from when the assembly is completed so that the vehicle can be driven to when the folding is completed. The gripping section 55 allows the driver to easily and efficiently perform the work of putting the rear axle section 51, which is in an upright state relative to the central diagonal support 3, in a collapsed state via the positioning lever 53, and putting the rear axle section 51 in an upright state together with the central diagonal support 3, by holding the gripping section 55 in his / her hand (see FIG. 8(B)).

[0092] The gripping portion 55 is available in a substantially U-shape (see FIG. 8(C)) or a substantially inverted L-shape (see FIG. 8(D)). The gripping portion 55 facilitates the task of tilting and standing the rear main shaft 51a of the rear axle 51 relative to the central diagonal support 3. In particular, during the process of using the assisted bicycle of the present invention from when riding or immediately before riding until folding is complete, the gripping portion 55 is extremely effective when locking the rear axle 51 in a tilted state relative to the central diagonal support 3 and standing the central diagonal support 3 together with the rear axle 51.

[0093] The saddle 54 is provided with a saddle shaft portion 54a, which is inserted axially into the hollow rear axle portion 51. A saddle shaft portion fixing portion 54b that can clamp and fix the saddle shaft portion 54a in an embracing manner is provided at the upper end of the rear axle portion 51 (see FIG. 1). The saddle shaft portion 54a is structured so that it can slide axially relative to the rear axle portion 51 and be fixed at a predetermined position. An eccentric cam clamp lever is preferably used as the saddle shaft portion fixing portion 54b.

[0094] The saddle axle fixing part 54b serving as an eccentric cam clamp lever changes the inner diameter of the upper end of the rear axle 51, allowing the saddle axle fixing part 54b to be fastened and unclamped, thereby adjusting the height position of the saddle 54. The eccentric cam clamp lever serving as the saddle axle fixing part 54b is the same as the eccentric cam clamp lever of the fastening shaft 22 of the connecting support 2, so please refer to the explanation of the fastener 22.

[0095] Next, an upper stopper portion 11a is provided near the upper end of the front axle tube portion 11 of the front axle portion 1 (see Fig. 1(C)). The upper stopper portion 11a serves to restrict the upward movement range of the connecting support device 2 relative to the front axle tube portion 11 during the assembly and folding of the assisted bicycle, stopping it at its upper limit position (see Fig. 6(A)).

[0096] In other words, the upper stopper portion 11a stops the upward movement of the front pillar clamping portion 21 of the connecting support 2 during the process of folding the assisted bicycle, and prevents the connecting support 2 from falling off (dislodging) at the top relative to the front axle tube portion 11. The upper stopper portion 11a fixes the position of the connecting support 2 below the front axle tube portion 11, ensuring stability when assembling and riding the assisted bicycle. The upper stopper portion 11a is annular, and is fixed to the upper end position of the front axle tube portion 11. The upper stopper portion 11a is made of metal or synthetic resin.

[0097] The front axle tube 11 of the front support 1 is provided with a lower stopper 11b near the bottom, which stops the downward movement of the front support clamping part 21 of the connecting support 2 (see Figs. 5(B) and (C)). The lower stopper 11b is a part that prevents the connecting support 2 from dropping too far below the front axle tube 11, and serves to stop the connecting support 2 with respect to the front axle tube 11. The lower stopper 11b fixes the position of the connecting support 2 below the front axle tube 11, ensuring stability when assembling and riding the assisted bicycle. The lower stopper 11b may be formed by providing a step below the front axle tube 11 where the axle diameter becomes larger, or the lower stopper 11b may be attached as a separate member from the front axle tube 11.

[0098] Next, the steps from when the assisted bicycle of the present invention is assembled to when it is folded will be mainly explained with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a side view showing the steps from when it is ready to ride to when it is folded in the assisted bicycle of the present invention. First, Fig. 2(A) shows the state when assembly is complete, that is, when it is ready to ride (the state just before riding). At this time, the central diagonal support pillar 3 is installed at a gentle incline, and the front support pillar 1 and rear support pillar 5 are in an upright position with a steep incline.

[0099] From this state, the detachable operation lever 25 of the connecting support 2 is operated to release the connection state of the detachable connection part 24, and the detachable connection part 24 of the connecting support 2 and the central diagonal support 3 is separated. As a result, the connection between the connecting support 2 and the central diagonal support 3 is only at the pivot connection part 23, and the front support 1 and the central diagonal support 3 can be bent into an inverted V shape (or Δ shape) via the pivot connection part 23.

[0100] Next, the rear axle 51 of the rear support 5 is pushed forward from the steeply upright standing state against the gently inclined central diagonal support 3 by operating the positioning lever 53 of the rotation operation part 52, and set to a gently inclined lying state (see Fig. 2(B) and Fig. 7(C)). Here, the rear axle 51 is in a gently inclined lying state, and the fitting protrusion 53b of the positioning lever 53 is fitted into the fitting recess 51f, which is a lying position recess, so that the rear axle 51 of the rear support 5 is fixed so as to be substantially integrated with the central diagonal support 3 in a lying state (see Fig. 2(B) and Fig. 7(C)). Next, the driver holds the rear axle 51 of the rear support 5 in his / her hand and raises the rear axle 51, and the rear support 5 and the central diagonal support 3 are brought to a standing state from a gently inclined state to a steeply inclined upright state (see Fig. 2(C) and Fig. 7(A)).

[0101] In the process of the central diagonal support 3 rising from a gentle incline to a steeply inclined upright state, the connecting support 2 pivotally connected to the central diagonal support 3 moves upward along the axial direction of the front axle tube 11 of the front support 1 (see Figs. 2(B) and (C)). At this time, the front axle tube 11 and the central diagonal support 3 are folded up into an inverted V shape (or Δ shape) in a symmetrical and steeply inclined upright state via the pivotal connection part 23 of the connecting support 2. The upward movement of the connecting support 2 is restricted by the upper stopper part 11a relative to the front axle tube 11, and the connecting support 2 stops at an appropriate position above the axial direction of the front axle tube 11, thereby completing the folding of the assisted bicycle of the present invention (see Figs. 1(B) and 2(D)).

[0102] In the process of changing the assisted bicycle from its folded state to its assembled state ready for riding, the connecting support 2 is lowered along the front axle tube 11 of the front support 1. At this time, the front side of the central diagonal support 3 also descends together with the connecting support 2, and the central diagonal support 3 moves from a steeply upright state to a more gentle slope. The front side of the central diagonal support 3 then descends to a position where it can ride. At this time, the connecting support 2 comes into contact with the lower stopper portion 11b of the front support 1, and the downward movement of the connecting support 2 stops.

[0103] The rear support 5 moves together with the central diagonal support 3, and assumes a gently inclined state together with the central diagonal support 3, which is in a gently inclined state in a reclined state. Then, the positioning lever 53 is operated to raise the rear support 4 to a steeply inclined upright state. Then, the fitting protrusion 53b of the positioning lever 53 fits into the fitting recess 51e, which is the raised position recess, and the rear support 5 is fixed in an upright state relative to the central diagonal support 3. The saddle 54 attached to the rear support 5 is ready to be used (see Figs. 1(A) and 2(A)). This completes the assembly of the assisted bicycle, and it is ready to ride. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1...front support, 11...front shaft tube, 11a...upper stopper, 12...handle shaft, 13...front fork, 2...connection support, 21...front support clamping portion, 23...pivot connection portion, 24: Detachable connecting portion, 25: Detachable operation lever, 25k: Locking protrusion portion, 26: Collar member, 3...central diagonal support, 32...rear housing part, 34...rear fork, 4...shock absorber, 41...cylinder, 42...piston rod, 5...rear support, 51...rear shaft portion, 51b...rotation shaft portion, 51d...positioning cam, 51e...fitting recess, 53...positioning lever, 53b... fitting projection, 54... saddle, 55... gripping part, 62... storage battery, 71... small front wheel, 72...small rear wheel, 8...handle.

Claims

1. the front support includes a front fork attached to a lower end of the handlebar shaft and supporting a small front wheel; a connecting support having a front support clamping portion that clamps the front support, a pivotal connection portion that is constantly connected to the front end of the central diagonal support, a detachable connection portion that is detachable, and a detachment operation lever that detaches the detachable connection portion from the central diagonal support; a collar member that is attached to the inner periphery of the front support clamping portion, is made of synthetic resin, has a linear slit along the axial direction, and into which the front axle tube is inserted; a handle attached to the handlebar shaft; a rear fork attached to the lower end of the central diagonal support and supporting a small rear wheel; and a rear axle that is fixed to the central diagonal support in an upright position and a reclined position, and has a saddle. When the vehicle is traveling or immediately before traveling, the central diagonal support pillar is gently inclined downward from the front side to the rear side, and the front support pillar and the rear support pillar are configured to be upright, When the folding is completed, the central diagonal support column and the rear support column are in a substantially V-shaped configuration, and the central diagonal support column and the front support column are in a substantially inverted V-shaped configuration when the folding is completed, The folding operation of this assisted bicycle is characterized in that the rear support pillar, which is fixed in a leaning state toward the front side relative to the central diagonal support pillar, is set upright, so that the rear support pillar and the central diagonal support pillar fold in a V shape, and the central diagonal support pillar and the front support pillar fold in an inverted V shape.

2. 2. The assisted bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the assist electric motor is housed within an elliptical rear housing portion which is formed toward the rear side in the fore-and-aft direction of the central diagonal support and which bulges upward and downward, and the rear support is provided within the rear housing portion.

3. 3. The assisted bicycle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a pivot shaft is provided at the lower end of the rear support, and a positioning cam having two fitting recesses is provided on the pivot shaft, the pivot shaft is journalled to the central diagonal support so as to be freely rotatable, and the central diagonal support is provided with a positioning lever having an engaging protrusion which fits into the fitting recess of the positioning cam, and the rear support is fixed in an upright or tilted position by the positioning lever.

4. 3. The assisted bicycle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a shock absorber is provided at a detachable connection between the connecting support and the front side of the central diagonal support and between the connecting support and the central diagonal support, the shock absorber comprising a cylinder and a piston rod, the piston rod extending into and retracting from the cylinder, and the axial outer ends of the cylinder and the piston are pivotally connected between the connecting support and the central diagonal support.

5. 3. The assisted bicycle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an upper stopper portion is provided at an arbitrary position near the upper end side of the front axle tube portion of the front support, which stops the upward movement of the connecting support device along the front axle tube portion when folding is complete.

6. 3. The assisted bicycle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a locking protrusion is formed on the underside of the free swinging end of the attachment / detachment operating lever, and when the folding of the central diagonal support and the front support is completed, the locking protrusion of the attachment / detachment operating lever locks onto the front end of the central diagonal support, thereby maintaining the completed folding position.

7. 3. The assisted bicycle according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a handle portion provided on the rear side of the rear axle.

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