Bicycle

Abstract

To provide a bicycle which enables a battery to be disposed in a dead space between a seat post and a rear fender and enables articles to be stored smoothly.SOLUTION: An electric-assisted bicycle 10 includes: a seat post 18; a rear wheel 36 provided rearward of the seat post 18; a seat stay 20 extending from the upper part of the seat post 18 in at least a rearward direction; a chain stay 22 provided below the seat stay 20 and extending in at least the rearward direction farther than the seat post 18; a rear fender 56 provided rearward of the seat post 18; an attachment member 66 attached to the rear fender 56; a battery 62 which is attached to the seat post 18 between the seat post 18 and the rear fender 56; and a storage case 64 which is provided rearward of the battery 62 between the seat post 18 and the rear fender 56. The storage case 64 is configured to allow articles to be carried thereinto / therefrom and attached to the attachment member 66.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a bicycle, and more particularly to a bicycle equipped with a battery.

Background Art

[0002] As this type of prior art, a bicycle with an internal combustion engine is disclosed in Patent Document 1. This bicycle includes a head pipe and a body frame. The body frame is formed in a substantially V shape including a main frame extending obliquely downward rearward from the head pipe and a seat post provided to extend substantially upward at the rear of the main frame, and an internal combustion engine is provided at the lower part of the body frame. And, an air cleaner is disposed between the seat post and the rear wheel, and a battery is disposed below the air cleaner.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the bicycle disclosed in Patent Document 1 as described above, the battery and the air cleaner are disposed at the central position in the left-right width direction by using the dead space between the seat post and the rear wheel, but there is no disclosure at all about using the dead space between the seat post and the rear fender for accommodating small items such as luggage.

[0005] Therefore, the main object of this invention is to provide a bicycle in which a battery can be disposed in the dead space between the seat post and the rear fender and luggage can be accommodated well.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, a bicycle is provided, which includes a seat post, a rear wheel provided behind the seat post, a first stay extending at least rearward from the upper part of the seat post, a second stay provided below the first stay and extending at least rearward from the seat post, a rear fender provided behind the seat post and covering at least a part of the rear wheel, a mounting member for attaching to the rear fender or connecting the first stay and the second stay, a battery attached to the seat post between the seat post and the rear fender, and an article storage portion provided behind the battery between the seat post and the rear fender. The article storage portion is configured to allow loading and unloading of luggage and is attached to the mounting member.

[0007] In this invention, in the dead space between the seat post and the rear fender, the battery is arranged in the front, and the article storage portion capable of loading and unloading luggage is arranged in the rear. The battery is attached to the seat post. The article storage portion is attached to a mounting member attached to the rear fender or a mounting member for connecting the first stay and the second stay. Here, when using the mounting member attached to the rear fender, since the rear fender is not rigidly fixed to the rear wheel, it can absorb and mitigate vibrations and impacts from the rear wheel, and suppress vibrations and impacts on the article storage portion. Also, when using the mounting member for connecting the first stay and the second stay, since the mounting member absorbs and mitigates vibrations and impacts from the first stay and the second stay, vibrations and impacts on the article storage portion can be suppressed as compared with the case where the article storage portion is provided to directly connect the first stay and the second stay without using the mounting member. Therefore, the article storage portion is well held via the mounting member, and small items and other luggage can be loaded and unloaded into the article storage portion, improving convenience. Also, by configuring in this way, changes to existing parts can be minimized. Furthermore, since the battery is arranged in front of the article storage portion, obstacles and flying objects from the front collide with the battery before reaching the article storage portion, so the article storage portion is protected by the battery. As a result, the battery can be arranged in the dead space between the seat post and the rear fender, and luggage can be well accommodated.

[0008] Preferably, the rear wheel has a diameter of less than 24 inches. In a so-called small-diameter bicycle using such a small-diameter rear wheel, the dead space between the rear fender covering the rear wheel and the seat post tends to be large. Therefore, even if a battery is attached to the seat post between the seat post and the rear fender, a relatively wide space remains between the battery and the rear fender, and by arranging an article storage portion in this space, the space can be effectively utilized.

[0009] Also preferably, it further includes a child seat provided behind the seat post and above the rear wheel. In such a so-called child-carrying bicycle, in order to widen the living space between the driver and the child sitting on the child seat, the rear wheel is provided relatively rearward, so the distance between the rear fender covering the rear wheel and the seat post tends to be large. Therefore, even if a battery is attached to the seat post between the seat post and the rear fender, a relatively wide space remains between the battery and the rear fender, and by arranging an article storage portion in this space, the space can be effectively utilized. Also, due to the characteristics of the users of child-carrying bicycles, there is a tendency for there to be a lot of luggage such as small items, so the present invention is preferably used for child-carrying bicycles.

[0010] More preferably, in the vehicle width direction, the outer end of the article storage portion is located inward of the outer end of the battery. In this case, the article storage portion is further better protected by the battery.

[0011] Preferably, the article storage portion contains resin. In this case, the article storage portion can be formed in a lightweight manner.

[0012] Also preferably, the article storage portion includes a storage case. In this case, the storage case can suitably store small items such as cold-proof tools like gloves, rain gear such as raincoats and folding umbrellas, towels, smartphones, and key cases.

[0013] More preferably, the storage case includes a case body and a lid that is openably attached to the case body, and the storage case is attached to the attachment member such that the lid opens with respect to the case body by swinging obliquely downward. In this case, the state in which the lid is open can be maintained by gravity. Therefore, the lid does not close inadvertently, making it easier to load and unload luggage into and out of the storage case.

[0014] Preferably, it further includes a first lock for locking the bicycle, a second lock for locking the door of the storage case in the closed state, and a key shared by the first lock and the second lock. In this case, the same key can be shared by the first lock and the second lock, so there is no need to prepare each key individually.

[0015] Also preferably, the battery and the storage case are provided such that the insertion and removal operation of the battery and the opening and closing operation of the lid of the storage case are performed on the same side in the vehicle width direction. In this case, since the insertion and removal operation of the battery and the opening and closing operation of the lid of the storage case can be performed on the same side in the vehicle width direction, it is possible to perform a loading and unloading operation without discomfort for the user, improving the operability.

[0016] More preferably, the storage case has a waterproof structure except for the bottom, and the bottom has through holes for draining water. In this case, even if wet luggage such as a folding umbrella is stored in the storage case, the moisture can be discharged from the through holes. Also, since the storage case has a waterproof structure except for the bottom, it is possible to prevent electronic devices such as smartphones from being exposed to rain or mud even when stored in the storage case.

[0017] Preferably, when the storage case is attached to the bicycle, the inner bottom surface of the storage case is formed horizontally. In this case, luggage can be stored in the storage case without being toppled.

[0018] Also preferably, the article storage portion includes a bottle cage. In this case, a water bottle or a PET bottle can be suitably stored in the bottle cage.

[0019] Preferably, the attachment member is configured to be detachable. In this case, even if the attachment member is not provided on the bicycle in advance, the user can optionally attach the attachment member to the bicycle later.

[0020] More preferably, when the attachment member is attached to the rear fender, the first attachment surface on the rear fender side of the attachment member has a shape along the rear fender, while the second attachment surface on the article storage portion side of the attachment member is formed in a flat shape. In this case, the attachment member can be appropriately attached to the rear fender, and the article storage portion can be easily attached to the attachment member.

[0021] This invention can be preferably used for an electric assist bicycle.

Effects of the Invention

[0022] According to this invention, the battery can be arranged in the dead space between the seat post and the rear fender, and the luggage can be well accommodated.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, "Fr" indicates the front, "Rr" indicates the rear, "R" indicates the right, "L" indicates the left, "U" indicates the upper, and "Lo" indicates the lower.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, an electric assist bicycle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a so-called small-diameter-mounted electric assist bicycle and includes a frame 12. The frame 12 includes a bottom bracket 14, a down tube 16, a seat post 18, a pair of seat stays 20, a pair of chain stays 22, a head tube 24, and a front fork 26.

[0026] The bottom bracket 14 has the rear end portion of the downtube 16, the lower end portion of the seat post 18, and the front end portions of the pair of chain stays 22 connected thereto. That is, the downtube 16 curves and extends obliquely upward and forward from the bottom bracket 14, the seat post 18 extends upward while being inclined slightly rearward from the bottom bracket 14, and the pair of chain stays 22 extend rearward from the bottom bracket 14. The pair of seat stays 20 connect the upper portion of the seat post 18 and the rear end portions of the pair of chain stays 22. The seat stay 20 extends at least rearward from the upper portion of the seat post 18. The chain stay 22 is provided below the seat stay 20 and extends at least rearward from the seat post 18. The head tube 24 is connected to the front end portion of the downtube 16. The front fork 26 is rotatably inserted into the head tube 24 and is provided so as to be inclined slightly rearward.

[0027] The handle stem 28 is attached to the upper end portion of the front fork 26, and the handle 30 is supported by the handle stem 28. The saddle 32 is supported by the seat post 18. The front wheel 34 is rotatably supported by the lower end portion of the front fork 26, and the rear wheel 36 is rotatably supported by the rear end portions of the pair of chain stays 22. The front wheel 34 is provided forward of the seat post 18, and the rear wheel 36 is provided rearward of the seat post 18. In this embodiment, as the front wheel 34 and the rear wheel 36, small-diameter wheels having a diameter of less than 24 inches are used. The front wheel 34 and the rear wheel 36 have, for example, a diameter of 20 inches.

[0028] A drive unit 38 is attached to the bottom bracket 14. The drive unit 38 includes a motor 40, a crank 42, a drive sprocket (not shown), and a pair of pedals 44. The crank 42 is rotatably supported by the bottom bracket 14. The drive sprocket is attached to the central portion in the width direction of the crank 42 and is interlocked with the crank 42. The pair of pedals 44 are attached to both ends of the crank 42. The rear wheel 36 has a rear sprocket 46. The drive sprocket and the rear sprocket 46 are connected via a chain (not shown). When there is an input of pedaling force from the pedals 44, the drive unit 38 generates a drive assist output corresponding to the pedaling force by the motor 40 to supplement the pedaling force. The drive sprocket rotates with the rotation of the crank 42 and receives the output from the motor 40. That is, the drive unit 38 transmits the pedaling force from the pedals 44 and the crank 42 and the output from the motor 40 to the drive sprocket. The power transmitted to the drive sprocket is transmitted to the rear wheel 36 via the chain.

[0029] A front basket 48 is provided above the front wheel 34 and in front of the head tube 24. A rear carrier 50 is provided above the rear wheel 36, and a child seat 52 is attached to the rear carrier 50. The child seat 52 is provided behind the seat post 18 and above the rear wheel 36. Therefore, the electric assist bicycle 10 is a so-called rear-mounted child-carrying bicycle that can carry a child behind the driver.

[0030] A front fender 54 is provided so as to cover the front wheel 34 from above to the rear, and a rear fender 56 is provided so as to cover the rear wheel 36 from the front through above to the rear. That is, the front fender 54 is provided in front of the seat post 18 and covers at least a part of the front wheel 34, and the rear fender 56 is provided behind the seat post 18 and covers at least a part of the rear wheel 36. A circular lock 58 is provided on the rear wheel 36. The circular lock 58 can be opened and closed by a key 60 and can lock the rear wheel 36 and thus the electric assist bicycle 10.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a battery 62 and a storage case 64 as an article storage portion are provided in a dead space S formed between the seat post 18 and the rear fender 56.

[0032] The battery 62 is attached to the seat post 18 while being inclined slightly rearward between the seat post 18 and the rear fender 56. The battery 62 is located behind the seat post 18 and is provided so as to be detachable (insertable and removable) from one side in the vehicle width direction (in this embodiment, the left side) as indicated by an arrow B in FIG. 4.

[0033] The storage case 64 is located behind the battery 62 and is attached to the rear fender 56 via an attachment member 66. Referring to FIG. 4, in the vehicle width direction, the outer end of the storage case 64 is located inward of the outer end of the battery 62.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 5, the attachment member 66 is a block-shaped boss and has a plurality (in this embodiment, a total of four) of tapped holes 68a, 68b. The two inner tapped holes 68a are used to attach the attachment member 66 to the rear fender 56, and the two outer tapped holes 68b are used to attach the storage case 64 to the attachment member 66. The first attachment surface 70 on the rear fender 56 side of the attachment member 66 has a shape along the rear fender 56 and has a curved shape in both the longitudinal direction and the short direction in this embodiment. On the other hand, the second attachment surface 72 on the storage case 64 side of the attachment member 66 is formed in a flat shape. Therefore, the central portion of the attachment member 66 is thin and both end portions of the attachment member 66 are thick. Further, a plurality of recesses 74 are formed in the second attachment surface 70 for weight reduction.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, the mounting member 66 is located behind the battery 62 and is mounted on the front portion of the rear fender 56 with a slight backward tilt. In this embodiment, with the first mounting surface 70 in contact with the front surface of the rear fender 56, two bolts (not shown) are respectively inserted through the rear fender 56 from the inside of the rear fender 56 and screwed into the corresponding tapped holes 68a, whereby the mounting member 66 is attached to the rear fender 56.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, the storage case 64 is, for example, a resin hard case having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and is configured to allow items such as small articles to be put in and taken out. The storage case 64 includes a case body 76 and a lid 78. The lid 78 is attached to the case body 76 so as to be openable and closable as shown by the arrow C. Further, the storage case 64 has a waterproof structure except for the bottom 80, and the bottom 80 has a plurality of through holes 82 for draining water. More specifically, the case body 76 is formed as an integral body, and the lid 78 has a substantially L-shaped flange portion 84 that overlaps with the upper surface and one end portion of the front surface of the case body 76. A seal member 86 is provided inside the flange portion 84 to block and waterproof the space between the flange portion 84 and the case body 76. Note that two through holes 88 are provided at positions corresponding to the two tapped holes 68b of the mounting member 66 on the back 87 of the case body 76.

[0037] Such a storage case 64 is attached to the mounting member 66. At this time, with the rear surface of the case body 76 of the storage case 64 in contact with the second mounting surface 72, two bolts (not shown) are respectively inserted through the corresponding through holes 88 from the inside of the storage case 64 and screwed into the corresponding tapped holes 68b. In this way, the storage case 64 is provided with a slight backward tilt behind the battery 62 between the seat post 18 and the rear fender 56.

[0038] In a state where the storage case 64 is attached to the attachment member 66, the lid 78 opens with respect to the case body 76 by swinging obliquely downward. The battery 62 and the storage case 64 are provided so that the insertion / removal operation of the battery 62 and the opening / closing operation of the lid 78 of the storage case 64 are performed on the same side in the vehicle width direction (the left side in this embodiment) (see FIG. 4). Furthermore, the lid 78 opens in the same direction as the tilting direction of the front and rear of the storage case 64. For example, if the storage case 64 is tilted backward, it opens to the rear side. When the storage case 64 is tilted backward and the opening / closing operation of the lid 78 is performed on the left side in the vehicle width direction, the lid 78 opens to the right.

[0039] In this embodiment, the seat stay 20 corresponds to the first stay. The chain stay 22 corresponds to the second stay. The circle lock 58 corresponds to the first lock. The lock 90 described later corresponds to the second lock.

[0040] According to such an electric assist bicycle 10, in the dead space S between the seat post 18 and the rear fender 56, the battery 62 is disposed forward, and the storage case 64, which is an article storage portion where luggage can be put in and taken out, is disposed rearward. The battery 62 is attached to the seat post 18. The storage case 64 is attached to an attachment member 66 that is attached to the rear fender 56. Here, since the rear fender 56 is not rigidly fixed to the rear wheel 36, vibrations and impacts from the rear wheel 36 can be absorbed and alleviated, and vibrations and impacts on the storage case 64 can be suppressed. Therefore, the storage case 64 is well held via the attachment member 66, and small items and other luggage can be stored in the storage case 64 in a manner that allows access, improving convenience. Also, by configuring in this way, changes to existing parts can be minimized. Furthermore, since the battery 62 is disposed in front of the storage case 64, obstacles and flying objects from the front collide with the battery 62 before reaching the storage case 64, so the storage case 64 is protected by the battery 62. As a result, the battery 62 can be disposed in the dead space S between the seat post 18 and the rear fender 56, and luggage can be stored well.

[0041] In a so-called small-diameter bicycle using a small-diameter rear wheel 36 having a diameter of less than 24 inches, the dead space S between the rear fender 56 covering the rear wheel 36 and the seat post 18 tends to be large. Therefore, even if the battery 62 is attached to the seat post 18 between the seat post 18 and the rear fender 56, a relatively large space remains between the battery 62 and the rear fender 56, and by arranging the storage case 64 in this space, the space can be effectively utilized.

[0042] In a so-called child-carrying bicycle including a child seat 52 provided behind the seat post 18 and above the rear wheel 36, the rear wheel 36 is provided relatively rearward in order to expand the living space between the driver and the child sitting on the child seat 52, so the distance between the rear fender 56 covering the rear wheel 36 and the seat post 18 tends to be large. Therefore, even if the battery 62 is attached to the seat post 18 between the seat post 18 and the rear fender 56, a relatively large space remains between the battery 62 and the rear fender 56, and by arranging the storage case 64 in this space, the space can be effectively utilized. Also, due to the characteristics of the users of child-carrying bicycles, there is a tendency for small items such as luggage to increase, so the present invention is preferably used for child-carrying bicycles.

[0043] In the vehicle width direction, the outer end of the storage case 64 is located inward of the outer end of the battery 62, so the storage case 64 is further better protected by the battery 62.

[0044] Since the storage case 64 is made of resin, the storage case 64 can be made lightweight and easily molded.

[0045] The storage case 64 can suitably store small items such as cold-proof tools like gloves, rain gear like raincoats and folding umbrellas, towels, smartphones, and key cases. Also, large luggage such as bags and shopping bags can be placed in the front basket 48. Therefore, luggage can be appropriately stored in the front basket 48 or the storage case 64 according to the size, improving convenience.

[0046] In a state where the storage case 64 is attached to the attachment member 66, since the lid 78 swings obliquely downward to open with respect to the case body 76, the open state of the lid 78 can be maintained by gravity. Therefore, the lid 78 does not close unintentionally, making it easier to put luggage in and out of the storage case 64.

[0047] Since the insertion and removal operation of the battery 62 and the opening and closing operation of the lid 78 of the storage case 64 can be performed on the same side in the vehicle width direction, it is possible to perform an operation of putting things in and out without a sense of discomfort for the user, improving the operability.

[0048] Even if wet luggage such as a folding umbrella is stored in the storage case 64, moisture can be discharged from the through holes 82. Further, since the storage case 64 has a waterproof structure except for the bottom 80, even if electronic devices such as smartphones are stored in the storage case 64, it is possible to prevent them from being exposed to rain and mud.

[0049] Among the attachment members 66, the first attachment surface 70 on the rear fender 56 side has a shape along the rear fender 56. On the other hand, since the second attachment surface 72 on the storage case 64 side of the attachment member 56 is formed in a flat shape, the attachment member 66 can be appropriately attached to the rear fender 56, and the storage case 64 can be easily attached to the attachment member 66.

[0050] Note that, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 6, the storage case 64 may include a lock 90 for locking the lid 78 in a closed state with respect to the case body 76. In this case, the key 60 for the circle lock 58 is used as the key for operating the lock 90. Thereby, the same key 60 can be shared by the circle lock 58 and the lock 90, so there is no need to prepare each key individually. Further, the key 60 may be shared by a lock (not shown) for the battery 62. That is, one key may be shared by the first lock for the bicycle, the second lock for the storage case, and the lock for the battery.

[0051] As shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 7, in a state where the storage case 64 is attached to the electric assist bicycle 10, the bottom surface D inside the storage case 64 may be formed horizontally. In this case, luggage can be stored in the storage case 64 without being toppled over.

[0052] In the above-described embodiment, the article storage portion was the storage case 64, but it is not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 10, the article storage portion may be the bottle cage 92. The bottle cage 92 is made of, for example, resin or metal, is configured to be able to take in and out luggage 94, and is attached to the attachment member 66. In this embodiment, as the luggage 94 held in the bottle cage 92, a 500 ml-sized bottle or a water bottle is assumed. In this case, a water bottle or a plastic bottle can be suitably stored in the bottle cage 92.

[0053] In the above-described embodiment, the attachment member 66 was bolted to the rear fender 56, but it is not limited thereto. The attachment member 66 may be welded to the rear fender 56. In this case, a large load-bearing capacity can be obtained. Further, the attachment member 66 may be retrofitted to the rear fender 56 with double-sided tape or an adhesive depending on the load-bearing capacity, or may be configured to be detachable. In this case, even if the attachment member 66 is not provided in advance on the electric assist bicycle 10, the user can optionally retrofit the attachment member 66 to the electric assist bicycle 10.

[0054] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the attachment member 66 is attached to the rear fender 56 has been described, but it is not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 11, an attachment member 96 for connecting the seat stay 20 and the chain stay 22 may be used.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 12, the mounting member 96 is made of, for example, a substantially strip-shaped metal plate, and two portions are gently bent so as to be convex upward in the longitudinal direction, and one end portion is bent in the short direction to form a substantially L-shaped cross section. The mounting member 96 has a plurality (a total of eight in this embodiment) of through holes 98a and 98b. The two outer through holes 98a are used to connect the mounting member 96 to the seat stay 20 and the chain stay 22, and the six inner through holes 98b are used to attach article storage portions such as the storage case 64 and the bottle cage 92 to the mounting member 96.

[0056] Returning to FIG. 11, a pair of seat stays 20 are connected by a bracket 100 extending in the vehicle width direction behind the battery 62 and slightly in front of the rear fender 56, and a pair of chain stays 22 are connected by a bracket 102 extending in the vehicle width direction. The mounting member 96 is connected to the pair of seat stays 20 and the pair of chain stays 22 via the brackets 100 and 102. At this time, a bolt (not shown) is inserted through the upper through hole 98a of the mounting member 96 and the bracket 100 and screwed into a nut (not shown), and a bolt (not shown) is inserted through the lower through hole 98a of the mounting member 96 and the bracket 102 and screwed into a nut (not shown). In this way, the seat stay 20 and the chain stay 22 are connected via the mounting member 96, and the mounting member 96 is provided so as to be slightly tilted backward in front of the rear fender 56.

[0057] The storage case 64 is attached to such a mounting member 96. At this time, with the rear surface of the case body 76 of the storage case 64 in contact with the front surface of the mounting member 96, two bolts (not shown) are respectively inserted from the inside of the storage case 64 into the corresponding through holes 88 and screwed into the corresponding tapped holes 98b.

[0058] According to this embodiment, the storage case 64 is attached to an attachment member 96 for connecting the seat stay 20 and the chain stay 22. Here, since the attachment member 96 absorbs and alleviates vibrations and impacts from the seat stay 20 and the chain stay 22, compared to the case where the storage case 64 is provided to directly connect the seat stay 20 and the chain stay 22 without using the attachment member 96, vibrations and impacts on the storage case 64 can be suppressed. Therefore, the storage case 64 is well held via the attachment member 96, and it is possible to store small items and the like in and out of the storage case 64, improving convenience.

[0059] In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the attachment member 96 is connected to the pair of seat stays 20 and the pair of chain stays 22 via the brackets 100 and 102, but it is not limited thereto. The attachment member 96 may be configured to directly connect the pair of seat stays 20 and the pair of chain stays 22 without passing through the brackets 100 and 102. 。

[0060] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, a bottle cage 92 may be attached to the attachment member 96.

[0061] The shape of the storage case 64 is not limited to a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and may be cylindrical, prismatic, conical or pyramidal. The storage case 64 may be made of metal.

[0062] There may be at least one through hole 82 for draining water formed in the bottom 80 of the storage case 64.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the attachment members 66 and 96 can be attached with any article storage portion other than the storage case 64 and the bottle cage 92.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the case where the chain stay 22 is connected to the bottom bracket 14 has been described, but it is not limited thereto. The chain stay, that is, the second stay, may be connected to the seat post.

[0065] The present invention can be preferably used for an electric assist bicycle, but is not limited thereto. The bicycle according to the present invention may be any bicycle that uses electric power from a battery.

[0066] The bicycle according to the present invention may have three or more wheels.

Explanation of Signs

[0067] 10 Electric assist bicycle 12 Frame 14 Bottom bracket 18 Seat post 20 Seat stay 22 Chain stay 34 Front wheel 36 Rear wheel 38 Drive unit 52 Child seat 56 Rear fender 58 Circle lock 60 Key 62 Battery 64 Storage case 66, 96 Mounting member 70 First mounting surface 72 Second mounting surface 76 Case body 78 Lid 80 Bottom 82, 88, 98a, 98b Through hole 84 Flange portion 86 Sealing member 90 Lock 92 Bottle cage D Bottom surface S Dead space

Claims

1. A seat post, a rear wheel provided behind the seat post, a first stay extending at least rearward from the upper part of the seat post, a second stay provided below the first stay and extending at least rearward from the seat post, a rear fender provided behind the seat post and covering at least a part of the rear wheel, a mounting member attached to the rear fender or for connecting the first stay and the second stay, a battery attached to the seat post between the seat post and the rear fender, and an article storage part provided behind the battery between the seat post and the rear fender, wherein the article storage part is configured to allow loading and unloading of luggage and is attached to the mounting member, a bicycle.

2. The bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the rear wheel has a diameter of less than 24 inches.

3. The bicycle according to claim 1 or 2, further including a child seat provided behind the seat post and above the rear wheel.

4. The bicycle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the vehicle width direction, the outer end of the article storage part is located inward of the outer end of the battery.

5. The bicycle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the article storage part contains resin.

6. The bicycle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the article storage part includes a storage case.

7. The storage case includes a case body and a lid that is attachable to and detachable from the case body in an openable and closable manner, wherein the storage case is attached to the mounting member such that the lid opens with respect to the case body by swinging obliquely downward, the bicycle according to claim 6.

8. a first lock for locking the bicycle, a second lock for locking the door of the storage case in a closed state, and a key shared by the first lock and the second lock, the bicycle according to claim 7.

9. The battery and the storage case are provided such that the insertion and removal operation of the battery and the opening and closing operation of the lid of the storage case are performed on the same side in the vehicle width direction, the bicycle according to any one of claims 7 or 8.

10. The storage case has a waterproof structure except for the bottom, wherein the bottom has through holes for draining water, the bicycle according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

11. The bicycle according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein, in a state where the storage case is attached to the bicycle, the bottom surface inside the storage case is formed horizontally.

12. The bicycle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the article storage portion includes a bottle cage.

13. The bicycle according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the attachment member is configured to be detachable.

14. When the attachment member is attached to the rear fender, the first attachment surface on the rear fender side of the attachment member has a shape along the rear fender, while the second attachment surface on the article storage portion side of the attachment member is formed in a flat shape. The bicycle according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The bicycle according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which is an electric assist bicycle.

Images