Article transport bicycle

Abstract

To provide an article transport bicycle which can relieve the burden of a rider when picking up an article from a storage part between a front wheel and a handlebar.SOLUTION: An article transport bicycle 100 includes a lift drive part 3 which lifts an article 50 or a storage part 1 to vertically move the article 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bicycle for transporting goods. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Bicycles for transporting goods have been disclosed in the past (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle (bicycle) including a frame, a rear wheel disposed at the rear of the frame, a luggage transport cart disposed behind the rear wheel, and a connection part connecting the frame and the luggage transport cart. In Patent Document 1, the luggage transport cart includes a loading part for loading luggage and wheels that support the loading part. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-63299 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Although not disclosed in Patent Document 1, a known example of an article transport bicycle for transporting luggage (items) is one in which, instead of a luggage transport dolly, a storage compartment for storing items is located between the front wheel of the frame and the handlebars. When the storage compartment is located between the front wheel of the frame and the handlebars, it may be located at a relatively low position so as not to obstruct the driver's field of vision. Furthermore, if the storage compartment for heavy items is located at a high position, the center of gravity becomes high and stability is reduced. Therefore, the storage compartment may be located at a relatively low position to lower the center of gravity and stabilize the vehicle. In this case, the low location of the storage compartment poses a problem: when removing items from the storage compartment, the rider must lift the bicycle from a low position, which places a strain on the rider.

[0006] This invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of this invention is to provide an item-carrying bicycle that can reduce the burden on the rider when removing items from a storage compartment when the storage compartment is located between the front wheel and the handlebars. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention provides a bicycle for transporting goods, which comprises a storage section for storing goods, a frame section to which wheels including front and rear wheels and a handle are attached, and a support section for supporting the storage section is provided between the front wheel and the handle, and a lifting drive section for moving goods vertically by raising and lowering the goods or the storage section.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, the item-carrying bicycle includes a lifting drive unit that moves items vertically by raising or lowering the item or storage unit. This allows the rider to easily access the item by moving the item or storage unit vertically when the storage unit is located between the front wheel and the handlebars, eliminating the need to lift the item from a low position. This reduces the rider's burden when accessing the item when the storage unit is located between the front wheel and the handlebars.

[0009] In the article transport bicycle according to the above aspect, the lifting drive unit for vertically moving articles preferably includes an air jack that expands or contracts with air to move at least one of the article and the storage compartment vertically using air pressure, and a pump that expands the air jack by supplying air. With this configuration, the rider can easily raise the article to a position where it is easy for the rider to retrieve it by adjusting the amount of air supplied to the air jack from the pump.

[0010] The article transport bicycle according to one aspect of the present invention preferably further comprises an assist mechanism including a motor attached to at least one of the front or rear wheels to assist rotation of the attached front or rear wheel, and a battery to supply power to the motor, and the lifting drive unit that moves articles vertically is configured to be powered by the battery of the assist mechanism. With this configuration, by sharing the same battery for the assist mechanism and the lifting drive unit, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of parts and simplify the structure of the article transport bicycle.

[0011] In the article transport bicycle according to the above aspect, the lifting drive unit that moves the article vertically is preferably a first lifting drive unit that is disposed between the support portion of the frame and the storage portion and moves the article vertically by raising and lowering the storage portion. With this configuration, the first lifting drive unit can raise the storage portion to a position where the article can be easily retrieved, thereby reducing the drive force required to lift the article compared to lifting the article transport bicycle itself. This allows for a smaller drive source and simplifies the structure of the article transport bicycle.

[0012] In the article transport bicycle according to the above aspect, the lifting drive unit for vertically moving articles is preferably disposed below the support unit of the frame and includes a plurality of second lifting drive units disposed on the left and right sides of the center of the article transport bicycle body when viewed from the front, and is configured to maintain the article transport bicycle in a stationary state when the plurality of second lifting drive units are in contact with the ground. With this configuration, the second lifting drive units can raise the storage unit to a position where articles can be easily removed. Furthermore, because the second lifting drive units maintain the article transport bicycle in a stationary state, articles can be removed reliably.

[0013] In this case, the lifting drive unit that moves the articles vertically is preferably installed below the second lifting drive unit and includes multiple third lifting drive units arranged on the left and right sides of the center of the article transport bicycle body when viewed from the front, and is configured to tilt the storage unit by lifting the article transport bicycle body using one of the multiple third lifting drive units arranged on the left and right sides.With this configuration, by tilting the storage unit using the third lifting drive unit arranged on the right or left side, the rider can remove articles from either the left or right side of the article transport bicycle, making it easier to remove articles than if they were removed from above.

[0014] In the article transport bicycle according to the above aspect, the lifting drive unit is preferably a fourth lifting drive unit disposed on the inner bottom surface of the storage compartment and configured to raise and lower articles within the storage compartment. With this configuration, the fourth lifting drive unit can raise articles disposed on the inner bottom surface of the storage compartment to near the upper surface of the storage compartment, eliminating the need for the rider to reach all the way to the inner bottom surface of the storage compartment to retrieve the articles. This allows for easy retrieval of articles, further reducing the rider's burden.

[0015] The article transport bicycle, in which the lifting drive unit includes an air jack, preferably further includes an inflatable section disposed on the upper surface of the interior of the storage section and inflating with air to restrict movement of articles within the storage section. This configuration allows the inflatable section to restrict movement of articles within the storage section, ensuring stable transport of articles. Furthermore, by sharing the air supply source for the inflatable section with the air supply source for the air jack, the number of parts can be reduced and the structure of the article transport bicycle can be simplified.

[0016] The article transport bicycle according to the above aspect preferably further includes a movable plate disposed between the bottom of the storage compartment and the lifting drive unit, and configured to slide the storage compartment in the left-right direction of the article transport bicycle body. With this configuration, the movable plate allows the rider to adjust the left-right position of the storage compartment so that it is easier for the rider to retrieve items by sliding the storage compartment in the left-right direction. Furthermore, by sliding the storage compartment in the left-right direction using the movable plate, the movable plate and the storage compartment can be removed together from the article transport bicycle body, making it easier to remove the storage compartment from the article transport bicycle body than if only the storage compartment were moved. This further reduces the rider's burden. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The present invention provides an article-carrying bicycle that can reduce the burden on the rider when removing items from a storage compartment between the front wheel and the handlebars. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the article transport bicycle of the first embodiment in use. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an article transport bicycle according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a right side view showing an article transport bicycle according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a left side view of the article transport bicycle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an article transport bicycle according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a rear view of the article transport bicycle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a plan view (top view) of an article transport bicycle according to a first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the article transport bicycle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the storage section and the front storage section are used in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a view showing the article carrying bicycle of the first embodiment with the storage compartment removed. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a storage unit is raised by a lifting drive unit in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a lifting drive unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a structure for sliding a movable plate. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the storage section is slid. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an expansion portion. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the flow of air supplied to the expansion section and the air jack. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a side view showing an article transport bicycle according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the position where the lifting drive unit is provided in the second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the lifting drive unit is used as a stand. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a view showing the article transport bicycle in a tilted state. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a lifting drive unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a side view showing an article transport bicycle according to a third embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a lifting drive unit in a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] [First embodiment] The configuration of an article transport bicycle 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 16. The vertical direction (up-down direction) is defined as the Z direction, with the upper side of the vertical direction defined as the Z1 side and the lower side defined as the Z2 side. The front-to-rear direction of the bicycle is defined as the Y direction, with the front defined as the Y2 side and the rear defined as the Y1 side. The left-to-right direction perpendicular to the Y and Z directions is defined as the X direction, with the left side as viewed from the front defined as the X2 side and the right side as viewed from the front defined as the X1 side. In this specification, "along the X direction" refers not only to a direction parallel to the arrow indicating the X direction in the drawings, but also to a direction connecting the X1 side and the X2 side, even if the direction is not parallel to the arrow indicating the X direction in the drawings. Furthermore, "along the Y direction" refers not only to a direction parallel to the arrow indicating the Y direction in the drawings, but also to a direction connecting the Y1 side and the Y2 side, even if the direction is not parallel to the arrow indicating the Y direction in the drawings. Furthermore, when it is stated that something is along the Z direction, it not only refers to a case where it is parallel to the arrow indicating the Z direction shown in the drawing, but also includes a case where it is not parallel to the arrow indicating the Z direction shown in the drawing but connects the Z1 side and the Z2 side.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the article transport bicycle 100 is used to transport articles 50. The article transport bicycle 100 may be used for business purposes such as delivery, or for home use. The articles 50 include merchandise and luggage. The article transport bicycle 100 is a two-wheeled bicycle, but the article transport bicycle may also be a tricycle with two front or two rear wheels. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the article transport bicycle 100 is attached to a transport towable vehicle 100a.

[0022] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the article transport bicycle 100 (bicycle) excluding the towed transportation vehicle 100a. FIG. 3 shows a right side view of the article transport bicycle 100 (bicycle), and FIG. 4 shows a left side view of the article transport bicycle 100 (bicycle). FIG. 5 shows a front view of the article transport bicycle 100 (bicycle), and FIG. 6 shows a rear view of the article transport bicycle 100 (bicycle). FIG. 7 shows a plan view (top view) of the article transport bicycle 100 (bicycle), and FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of the article transport bicycle 100 (bicycle). As shown in FIGS. 2 to 8, the article transport bicycle 100 (bicycle) has a storage compartment 1 and a front storage compartment 100b. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 9, the front storage compartment 100b has a lid 1001a. The lid 1001a has a zipper 1001b along the edge of the top surface. The lid 1001a can be opened and closed by closing the zipper 1001b arranged along the edge of the top surface to close it, and then opening the zipper 1001b and lifting the lid 1001a upward to open and close it.

[0023] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the article transport bicycle 100 comprises a storage section 1, a frame section 2, a first lifting / lowering drive section 3, a movable plate 4, and an assist mechanism 5. The article transport bicycle 100 is an electric bicycle that can be assisted in driving by the assist mechanism 5. The first lifting / lowering drive section 3 is an example of the "lifting / lowering drive section" set forth in the claims.

[0024] The storage unit 1 is configured to store one or more items 50. In the first embodiment, the storage unit 1 is a storage bag. As another example, the storage unit may be, for example, a box. In the first embodiment, the storage unit 1 is provided with an openable / closable lid 1a. As another example, the storage unit 1 need not be provided with an openable / closable lid. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 9 , in order to set the lid 1a in an open / closed state, for example, a fastening means such as a snap fit that can be fastened and released, and a buckle 1b that is fastened by the snap fit for opening and closing, are provided. The lid 1a can be opened and closed by fastening the buckle 1b by the snap fit to a closed state, releasing the buckle 1b fastened by the snap fit, and lifting the lid 1a upward with the buckle 1b released to set it in an open state. Note that a zipper or the like may be used as a means for opening and closing the lid 1a. In the first embodiment, the storage unit 1 has a single-layer structure. The storage unit 1 is entirely formed of synthetic resin. In other words, the walls, lid 1a, and bottom of storage unit 1 are made of synthetic resin (e.g., acrylic, polyvinyl chloride [PVC], acrylic, polycarbonate, ABS, polypropylene, or other synthetic resin) so that storage unit 1 maintains its box-like shape when storing item 50 and when being raised and lowered. It is preferable that the storage unit be waterproof.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 1 has an attachment portion 11 that is attached to the frame unit 2. The attachment portion 11 is a member that allows the storage unit 1 to be attached to and detached from the frame unit 2, and one example of such an attachment portion is a hook. Other examples of attachment portions that can be used include hook-and-loop fasteners, fasteners, snap buttons, and magnets. If the storage unit 1 is box-shaped, the walls, top surface (the lid, if any), and bottom surface may be made of a material that does not deform when the storage unit 1 is raised or lowered (for example, acrylic, polyvinyl chloride [PVC], acrylic, polycarbonate, ABS, or polypropylene).

[0026] As shown in Fig. 3, the frame section 2 is configured to extend in the front-to-rear direction. The frame section 2 is provided with a bearing section 2a that holds the rotation shaft of the wheels 10, including the front wheel 10a and the rear wheel 10b, a first support section 2b that supports the handlebars 20, a second support section 2c that mounts the saddle 30, and a support section 2d that supports the storage section 1. The frame section 2 is also provided with pedals 40. The frame section 2 is also provided with a chain that transmits the force generated when the pedals 40 are rotated to the rear wheel 10b.

[0027] The bearing portion 2a extends in the Z direction and is inclined toward the Y2 side as it moves from the Z1 side to the Z2 side. The bearing portion 2a is provided on the X1 side and the X2 side of the wheel 10 so as to sandwich the wheel 10.

[0028] The first support column 2b extends along the Z direction. The handlebar 20 is attached to the first support column 2b so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The handlebar 20 is held by the driver when driving and is used to operate the front wheels 10a. An operating unit 7 is provided on the handlebar 20.

[0029] The second support pillar 2c extends in the Z direction and is inclined toward the Y2 side as it moves from the Z1 side to the Z2 side. The saddle 30 is attached to the second support pillar 2c so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The saddle 30 is a member on which the driver sits while driving.

[0030] The support portion 2d is provided between the front wheel 10a and the handlebars 20. The support portion 2d has a U-shape when viewed from the left-right direction. The support portion 2d includes a front frame portion 21d, a rear frame portion 22d, and a support frame portion 23d. The support frame portion 23d is configured to connect the front frame portion 21d and the rear frame portion 22d. Auxiliary frame portions 24d that support the sides of the storage portion 1 are provided on the left and right sides of the support portion 2d. The auxiliary frame portions 24d are configured to be detachable from the front frame portion 21d and the rear frame portion 22d. In another example, the auxiliary frame may be fixed to either the front frame portion or the rear frame portion and may rotate to release support for the sides of the storage portion 1. The lower end of the support portion 2d is located below the upper end of the wheel 10.

[0031] When attaching the storage unit 1 to the support part 2d, the storage unit 1 is attached from above the support part 2d. The storage unit 1 is disposed between the front frame part 21d and the rear frame part 22d of the support part 2d, and the bottom surface of the storage unit 1 abuts against the support frame part 23d. The storage unit 1 is also attached and fixed to the front frame part 21d by the attachment parts 11. The sides of the storage unit 1 are also supported by the auxiliary frame parts 24d.

[0032] The first lifting / lowering drive unit 3 is disposed between the support unit 2d of the frame unit 2 and the storage unit 1. The first lifting / lowering drive unit 3 is configured to lift and lower the article 50 by lifting and lowering the storage unit 1. The first lifting / lowering drive unit 3 is fixed to the support frame unit 23d.

[0033] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the first lifting drive unit 3 includes an air jack 3a that expands or contracts with air to move the article 50 in the vertical direction using air pressure. The air jack 3a includes a bag-shaped member that expands when air is supplied. In the first embodiment, the air jack 3a is configured to expand upward in the vertical direction. Also, the air jack 3a is configured to contract downward in the vertical direction.

[0034] The first lifting drive unit 3 includes an electric pump 3b that expands the air jack 3a by supplying air. The electric pump 3b is configured to be driven by a battery 5b of the assist mechanism 5. The electric pump 3b is attached below the support portion 2d of the frame unit 2. The electric pump 3b is connected to the air jack 3a via an air supply and exhaust pipe. The electric pump 3b is configured to supply air to the air jack 3a and exhaust air from the air jack 3a.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 12 , while an air supply command is being received via the operating unit 7, the first lifting / lowering unit 3 is configured to supply air from the electric pump 3b to the air jack 3a. Therefore, the operator operates the operating unit 7 to raise or lower the storage unit 1 to a position where the items 50 can be easily removed. Furthermore, while an exhaust command is being received via the operating unit 7, the electric pump 3b exhausts air from the air jack 3a. Specifically, when the air supply switch is operated, the electric pump 3b is driven to supply air. This causes the air jack 3a to expand and the storage unit 1 to rise. Furthermore, when the exhaust switch is operated, the electric pump 3b is driven in the opposite direction to when air is being supplied and sucks in air. This causes the air jack 3a to contract and the storage unit 1 to descend. While an exhaust command is being received via the operating unit 7, air is exhausted from the air jack 3a. The operator adjusts the height of the storage unit 1 by adjusting the amount of air supplied to the first lifting drive unit 3. In Fig. 12, signal transmission is indicated by a dot-dash line, and electrical connections are indicated by a dashed line.

[0036] 11 and 13, the movable plate 4 is disposed between the bottom surface of the storage unit 1 and the first lifting / lowering drive unit 3. More specifically, the bottom surface of the storage unit 1, the movable plate 4, the first lifting / lowering drive unit 3, and the frame unit 2 are disposed in this order. The movable plate 4 is configured to be raised and lowered together with the storage unit 1 by the first lifting / lowering drive unit 3.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the movable plate 4 is configured to slide in the storage unit 1 in the left-right direction of the article transport bicycle body. Specifically, the movable plate 4 is attached to the frame 2 and configured to slide along a pair of rails 4a that are movable in the vertical direction. The pair of rails 4a have plate-shaped members 4b on their bottom surfaces, which are supported by the first lifting / lowering drive unit 3. The rails 4a are raised and lowered by the first lifting / lowering drive unit 3. When sliding the movable plate 4, the auxiliary frame member 24d that is to be slid is detached from the front frame 21d and the rear frame 22d. Alternatively, the auxiliary frame may be fixed to either the front or rear frame and rotated to release support for the side of the storage unit 1. The movable plate 4 is slid manually. Alternatively, the movable plate 4 may be slid by operating an operating unit.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 11 , the assist mechanism 5 includes a motor 5a and a battery 5b. The motor 5a is attached to at least one of the front wheel 10a and the rear wheel 10b. In the first embodiment, the motor 5a is attached to the rear wheel 10b. The motor 5a is provided inside the wheel hub. Therefore, the electric assist of the goods transport bicycle 100 is an in-wheel type electric assist. In the first embodiment, the battery 5b assists the rotation of the rear wheel 10b to which the motor 5a is attached. The battery 5b is configured to supply power to the motor 5a. The motor 5a is configured to change the assist force according to the force with which the rider rotates the pedals 40 to assist the rotation of the wheel 10 (rear wheel 10b). When the rider operates the operating unit 7, the bicycle is switched between a mode in which power is supplied from the battery 5b to the motor 5a to drive the motor and assist the rotation of the wheel 10 (rear wheel 10b), and a no-assist mode in which power is not supplied from the battery 5b to the motor and the motor is not driven. The battery 5b is attached to the Y1 side of the first support column 2b.

[0039] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the article transport bicycle 100 further includes an inflation section 8. The inflation section 8 is located on the upper surface of the interior of the storage section 1. The inflation section 8 is configured to restrict the movement of articles 50 within the storage section 1 by inflating with air. The inflation section 8 includes an air jack, just like the first lifting / lowering drive section 3. The inflation section 8 is configured to receive air from the same electric pump 3b as the first lifting / lowering drive section 3. Specifically, the air supply destination is switched between the first lifting / lowering drive section 3 and the inflation section 8 by switching the flow path of the supply pipe using the solenoid valve 6.

[0040] The solenoid valve 6 includes a first valve section 6a provided in the flow path supplying air to the expansion section 8, a second valve section 6b provided in the flow path exhausting air from the expansion section 8, a third valve section 6c provided in the flow path supplying air to the air jack 3a of the first lifting / lowering drive section 3, a fourth valve section 6d provided in the flow path exhausting air from the air jack 3a of the first lifting / lowering drive section 3, a fifth valve section 6e for exhausting air to the outside, and a sixth valve section 6f for flowing air from the outside to the electric pump 3b.

[0041] When air is supplied to the expansion section 8, the first valve section 6a and the sixth valve section 6f are opened, and the second valve section 6b, the third valve section 6c, the fourth valve section 6d, and the fifth valve section 6e are closed. At this time, when air is exhausted from the air jack 3a of the first lifting drive section 3, the fourth valve section 6d is opened. In this case, when the expansion section 8 is expanded to its limit, exhaust from the air jack 3a stops.

[0042] When air is supplied to the air jack 3a of the first lifting drive unit 3, the third valve unit 6c and the sixth valve unit 6f are opened, and the first valve unit 6a, the second valve unit 6b, the fourth valve unit 6d, and the fifth valve unit 6e are closed. In this case, when the air jack 3a is expanded to its limit, the exhaust of the expansion unit 8 stops.

[0043] When air is exhausted from the expansion section 8 without supplying air to the air jack 3a of the first lifting / lowering drive section 3, the first valve section 6a, the third valve section 6c, the fourth valve section 6d, and the sixth valve section 6f are closed, and the second valve section 6b and the fifth valve section 6e are opened. When air is supplied to the air jack 3a of the first lifting / lowering drive section 3 while air is exhausted from the expansion section 8, the first valve section 6a, the fourth valve section 6d, and the sixth valve section 6f are closed, and the second valve section 6b, the third valve section 6c, and the fifth valve section 6e are opened.

[0044] When air is exhausted from the air jack 3a of the first lifting drive unit 3 without supplying air to the expansion unit 8, the first valve unit 6a, the second valve unit 6b, the third valve unit 6c, and the sixth valve unit 6f are closed, and the fourth valve unit 6d and the fifth valve unit 6e are opened. When air is exhausted from the air jack 3a of the first lifting drive unit 3 while supplying air to the expansion unit 8, the second valve unit 6b, the third valve unit 6c, and the sixth valve unit 6f are closed, and the first valve unit 6a, the fourth valve unit 6d, and the fifth valve unit 6e are opened.

[0045] The inflation section 8 is connected to an air supply / exhaust pipe extending from the electric pump 3b when the storage section 1 is attached to the support section 2d. Air is supplied to the inflation section 8 by operating the operating section 7. The amount of air supplied to the inflation section 8 is changed depending on the distance between the upper surface of the interior of the storage section 1 and the upper surface of the item 50. The amount of air supplied to the inflation section 8 is adjusted by the driver. In another example, the amount of air supplied to the inflation section may be set in multiple stages and selected.

[0046] (Effects of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0047] In the first embodiment, as described above, the article transport bicycle 100 includes a first lifting drive unit 3 that moves the article 50 vertically by raising or lowering the article 50 or the storage unit 1. As a result, when the storage unit 1 is located between the front wheel 10a and the handlebars 20, the article 50 or the storage unit 1 can be raised to a height that makes it easy for the rider to remove the article 50 from the storage unit 1 by moving the article 50 or the storage unit 1 vertically, eliminating the need to lift the article 50 from a low position. As a result, when the storage unit 1 is located between the front wheel 10a and the handlebars 20, the burden on the rider when removing the article 50 from the storage unit 1 can be reduced.

[0048] In the first embodiment, as described above, the first lifting drive unit 3 includes an air jack 3a that expands or contracts with air to move at least one of the article 50 or the storage unit 1 in the vertical direction using air pressure, and an electric pump 3b that expands the air jack 3a by supplying air. This allows the operator to easily lift the article 50 to a position where it is easy to retrieve it by adjusting the amount of air supplied to the air jack 3a.

[0049] Furthermore, as described above, the first embodiment further includes an assist mechanism 5 that includes a motor 5a attached to at least one of the front wheel 10a or rear wheel 10b and assisting the rotation of the attached front wheel 10a or rear wheel 10b, and a battery 5b that supplies power to the motor 5a, and the first lifting drive unit 3 that moves the article 50 in the vertical direction is configured to be driven by the battery 5b of the assist mechanism 5. In this way, by sharing the battery 5b of the assist mechanism 5 of the article transport bicycle 100 and the battery 5b that supplies power to the first lifting drive unit 3, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of parts and simplify the structure of the article transport bicycle 100.

[0050] In the first embodiment, as described above, the lifting drive unit that moves the article 50 vertically is the first lifting drive unit 3 that is disposed between the support portion 2d of the frame portion 2 and the storage portion 1 and lifts and lowers the storage portion 1. As a result, the first lifting drive unit 3 can lift the storage portion 1 to a position where the article 50 can be easily removed, thereby reducing the drive force required to lift the article 50 compared to lifting the article transport bicycle 100 itself. As a result, the drive source can be made smaller, simplifying the structure of the article transport bicycle 100.

[0051] As described above, the first embodiment further includes an inflation section 8 that is located on the upper surface of the interior of the storage section 1 and that inflates with air to restrict movement of the article 50 within the storage section 1. This allows the inflation section 8 to restrict movement of the article 50 within the storage section 1, thereby enabling stable transport of the article 50. Furthermore, by sharing the air supply source for the inflation section 8 with the air supply source for the air jack 3a, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed and the structure of the article transport bicycle 100 can be simplified.

[0052] As described above, the first embodiment further includes a movable plate 4 disposed between the bottom surface of the storage unit 1 and the first lifting drive unit 3, which is configured to allow the storage unit 1 to slide left and right on the bicycle body. By sliding the storage unit 1 left and right using the movable plate 4, the rider can adjust the left and right position of the storage unit 1 to make it easier for the rider to remove the item 50 from the storage unit, making it even easier for the rider to remove the item 50 from the storage unit. Furthermore, by sliding the storage unit 1 left and right using the movable plate 4, the movable plate 4 and the storage unit 1 can be removed together from the bicycle body, making it easier to remove the storage unit 1 from the bicycle body compared to moving only the storage unit 1. This further reduces the rider's burden.

[0053] [Second embodiment] The configuration of an article transport bicycle 200 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 17 to 21. In the second embodiment, the lifting / lowering drive unit includes a second lifting / lowering drive unit 203 and a third lifting / lowering drive unit 303. Note that in the second embodiment, detailed description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted. Note that the second lifting / lowering drive unit 203 and the third lifting / lowering drive unit 303 are examples of the "lifting / lowering drive unit" set forth in the claims.

[0054] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the second lifting / lowering drive unit 203 is disposed below the support unit 2d of the frame unit 2. A plurality of second lifting / lowering drive units 203 are disposed on the left and right sides of the center C of the main body of the article carrying bicycle when viewed from the front. In the second embodiment, one second lifting / lowering drive unit 203 is provided on each of the left and right sides. In the second embodiment, the second lifting / lowering drive unit 203 is configured to expand downward in the vertical direction. The second lifting / lowering drive unit 203 includes a first air jack 203a that expands and contracts along the vertical direction.

[0055] The third lifting drive unit 303 is installed below the second lifting drive unit 203. Multiple third lifting drive units 303 are arranged on the left and right sides of the center C of the main body of the article transport bicycle when viewed from the front. The third lifting drive unit 303 is configured to expand vertically downward. The third lifting drive unit 303 includes a second air jack 303a that expands and contracts vertically. The second air jack 303a is attached to the first air jack 203a. Specifically, the second air jack 303a is attached vertically opposite to the side attached to the support part 2d of the first air jack 203a.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 18, the second lifting drive unit 203 and the third lifting drive unit 303 are retracted while the bicycle is in motion and do not touch the ground. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 19, when the bicycle is stopped, the first air jacks 203a of the left and right second lifting drive units 203 are supplied with the same amount of air, causing the first air jacks 203a to expand in the same manner, lifting the bicycle 200 and allowing it to be used as a stand to maintain the bicycle 200 at a standstill. At this time, air is not supplied to the second air jacks 303a of the left and right third lifting drive units 303.

[0057] As shown in Figure 20, starting with the left and right first air jacks 203a expanded to the same extent, the amount of air supplied to the left first air jack 203a and the second air jack 303a is changed from the amount of air supplied to the right first air jack 203a and the second air jack 303a to raise and tilt the article transport bicycle 200. As a result, the storage compartment 1 can be tilted. In this case, the bicycle may be configured to supply air while the rider is operating the bicycle, or the amount of air supplied may be determined by selecting the tilt angle.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 21 , the operating unit 207 is configured to separately perform two operations: supplying air from the electric pump 203b to the first and second air jacks 203a and 303a on the left side, and supplying air from the electric pump 203b to the first and second air jacks 203a and 303a on the right side. Although not shown, the operating unit 207 is also configured to independently supply air from the electric pump 203b to the first and second air jacks 203a and 303a. Therefore, the storage unit 1 can be tilted by differentiating the amount of operation for enlarging or reducing the first and second air jacks 203a and 303a on the left side from the amount of operation for enlarging or reducing the first and second air jacks 203a and 303a on the right side. The remaining configuration of the second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0059] (Effects of the second embodiment) In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the article transport bicycle 200 includes a second lifting drive unit 203 that moves the article 50 vertically by raising or lowering the article 50 or the storage unit 1. As a result, when the storage unit 1 is located between the front wheel 10a and the handlebars 20, the article 50 or the storage unit 1 can be raised to a height that makes it easy for the rider to remove the article 50 from the storage unit 1 by moving the article 50 or the storage unit 1 vertically, eliminating the need to lift the article 50 from a low position. As a result, when the storage unit 1 is located between the front wheel 10a and the handlebars 20, the burden on the rider when removing the article 50 from the storage unit 1 can be reduced.

[0060] In the second embodiment, the lifting drive unit that moves the article 50 in the vertical direction is arranged below the support portion 2d of the frame portion 2, and includes multiple second lifting drive units 203 arranged on the left and right sides of the center C of the article transport bicycle body when viewed from the front, and is configured to maintain the article transport bicycle 100 in a stopped state with the multiple second lifting drive units 203 in contact with the ground. This allows the second lifting drive units 203 to raise the storage unit to a position where the article 50 can be easily removed. Furthermore, because the second lifting drive units 203 maintain the article transport bicycle 100 in a stopped state, the article 50 can be removed in a stable manner.

[0061] In the second embodiment, the lifting drive unit that moves the article 50 vertically is installed below the second lifting drive unit 203 and includes multiple third lifting drive units 303 arranged on the left and right sides of the center C of the article transport bicycle body when viewed from the front. The storage unit 1 is tilted by lifting the article transport bicycle body using one of the multiple third lifting drive units 303 arranged on the left and right sides. This allows the rider to retrieve the article 50 from either the left or right side of the article transport bicycle 100, making it easier to retrieve the article 50 than if the article 50 were retrieved from above. Other advantages of the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0062] [Third embodiment] The configuration of an article transport bicycle 300 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1, 22, and 23. In the third embodiment, the lifting / lowering drive unit is a fourth lifting / lowering drive unit 403. Note that detailed description of the same components as those in the first embodiment will be omitted. Note that the fourth lifting / lowering drive unit 403 is an example of the "lifting / lowering drive unit" defined in the claims.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 , the fourth lifting / lowering drive unit 403 is disposed on the inner bottom surface of the storage unit 1. The fourth lifting / lowering drive unit 403 includes an air jack 403a and an electric pump 403b disposed inside the storage unit 1. The fourth lifting / lowering drive unit 403 is configured to lift and lower the article 50 in the storage unit 1. In the third embodiment, when the storage unit 1 is attached to the support portion 2d of the frame unit 2, the electric pump 403b and the battery 5b are electrically connected using an electrical connection member 405. One example of the electrical connection member 405 is a harness. Another example of the connection member is a cable. Note that FIG. 22 shows an example in which the electrical connection member 405 is attached along the inner and outer surfaces extending in the Z direction of the storage unit 1. However, the electric pump and the battery may be linearly connected by providing a through-hole on the bottom side through which the electrical connection member passes.

[0064] The air jack 403a is configured so that air is supplied or exhausted from the electric pump 403b by operating the operation unit 7. The air jack 403a has a movable plate 404 placed thereon, and is configured so as to raise and lower the article 50 via the movable plate 404. The movable plate 404 is configured so as not to slide in the left-right direction. The other configurations of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0065] (Effects of the third embodiment) In the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the article transport bicycle 300 includes a fourth lifting / lowering unit 403 that moves the article 50 vertically by raising or lowering the article 50 or the storage unit 1. As a result, when the storage unit 1 is located between the front wheel 10a and the handlebars 20, the article 50 or the storage unit 1 can be raised to a height that makes it easy for the rider to remove the article 50 from the storage unit 1 by moving the article 50 or the storage unit 1 vertically, eliminating the need to lift the article 50 from a low position. As a result, when the storage unit 1 is located between the front wheel 10a and the handlebars 20, the burden on the rider when removing the article 50 from the storage unit 1 can be reduced.

[0066] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the lifting drive unit is a fourth lifting drive unit 403 that is arranged on the inner bottom surface of the storage unit 1 and lifts and lowers the article 50 in the storage unit 1. As a result, the fourth lifting drive unit 403 can lift the article 50 arranged on the inner bottom surface of the storage unit 1 to near the upper surface of the storage unit 1, so that when retrieving the article 50 arranged on the inner bottom surface of the storage unit 1, the driver does not need to stretch his / her arm all the way to the inner bottom surface of the storage unit 1. As a result, the article 50 can be easily retrieved, further reducing the burden on the driver. Note that other effects of the third embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0067] (Variation) The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and includes all modifications (modifications) that are equivalent to the claims and fall within the scope of the claims.

[0068] In the first to third embodiments, the lifting drive unit includes an air jack, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the lifting drive unit may include an electric jack other than an air jack.

[0069] In the first to third embodiments, the article transport bicycle is an electric bicycle equipped with a battery, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the article transport bicycle may be a bicycle without a battery. In this case, a separate battery may be provided to drive the lifting drive unit.

[0070] In addition, in the first to third embodiments, an example has been shown in which the battery that supplies power to the motor that assists the rotation of the wheels and the battery that drives the lifting drive unit are the same, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a battery that assists the rotation of the wheels and a battery that drives the lifting drive unit may be provided separately.

[0071] In the first to third embodiments, the lift drive unit includes an electric pump, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the lift drive unit may include a manually operated pump.

[0072] In the first to third embodiments, air is supplied to or exhausted from the air jack while the operating unit is being operated, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the intake and exhaust air volumes may be preset in stages, and the intake and exhaust air volumes may be selected to supply or exhaust air.

[0073] Furthermore, although the first to third embodiments have been described as examples in which an expanding portion is provided, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention does not necessarily have to include an expanding portion.

[0074] In addition, in the first to third embodiments, the inflation section and the lift drive section use the same electric pump, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the inflation section and the lift drive section may each be equipped with a separate electric pump, or at least one of them may be equipped with a manual pump.

[0075] In addition, although the first to third embodiments have been described as examples of an in-wheel type in which the motor is provided in the wheel, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the motor may be provided in a crank portion that connects the pedals and the chain.

[0076] In addition, in the first to third embodiments, an example was shown in which the motor of the assist mechanism is attached to the rear wheel, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the motor of the assist mechanism may be attached to the front wheel. In this case, the motor may be attached only to the front wheel, or may be attached to both the front wheel and the rear wheel.

[0077] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments, examples have been shown in which the storage section has a single-layer structure, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the storage section may be formed with a multi-layer structure of two or more layers. When the storage bag has, for example, a two-layer structure, the outer layer of the storage bag may be made of a waterproof fabric (for example, canvas, synthetic fiber (nylon, polyester, etc.), or fabric with PVC coating to make it waterproof) to obtain waterproof properties, and the inner layer of the storage bag may be made of a material that ensures the rigidity of the wall or the shape of the storage bag (for example, synthetic resin such as acrylic, polyvinyl chloride [PVC], polycarbonate, ABS, or polypropylene).

[0078] Furthermore, if the storage section has a layer structure of three or more layers, the outermost layer is formed from a waterproof fabric (for example, canvas, synthetic fiber (such as nylon or polyester), or fabric with PVC coating to make it waterproof) to obtain waterproof properties, the inner layer is formed from a material with sufficient strength to obtain rigidity (for example, acrylic, polyvinyl chloride [PVC], polycarbonate, ABS, polypropylene), and the middle layer may be formed from a material with heat-retaining or cold-retaining properties such as aluminum film or pearl cotton to keep warm items warm and cold items cold while transporting them.

[0079] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments, an example was shown in which the entire storage compartment is made of synthetic resin, but the present invention is not limited to this. The storage compartment may be made of cloth and a reinforcing material (for example, a metal frame). In this case, it is preferable that the bottom surface of the storage bag be made of a material that can maintain its box-like shape when raised and lowered (for example, acrylic, polyvinyl chloride [PVC], polycarbonate, ABS, polypropylene) so that the storage compartment 1 can be raised and lowered as a unit with the cloth and reinforcing material. In this case, the cloth used for the storage compartment may be, for example, canvas, synthetic fiber (such as nylon or polyester), or fabric that has been treated with PVC to make it waterproof.

[0080] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, an example was shown in which the movable plate was configured to be slidable in the accommodating section in the left-right direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the movable plate does not have to be configured to be slidable in the accommodating section in the left-right direction.

[0081] In the first embodiment, the air jack is configured to expand and contract upward in the vertical direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the air jack may be configured to expand and contract so as to be inclined relative to the vertical direction.

[0082] In the first embodiment, the air jack lifts the entire storage unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the air jack may be configured to lift only the bottom surface of the storage unit. In this case, the bottom and side surfaces of the storage unit may be configured as separate members and may be movable separately. Furthermore, the air jack may be used to raise and lower an item in the storage unit when the item is positioned on the bottom surface.

[0083] In the second embodiment, one lifting drive unit is provided on each of the left and right sides below the frame unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, two or more lifting drive units may be provided on each of the left and right sides below the frame unit.

[0084] In the second embodiment, the air jack is a combination of the first air jack and the second air jack, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the air jack may be composed of only one of the first air jack and the second air jack.

[0085] Although the first embodiment shows an example of raising and lowering the storage unit and the second embodiment shows an example of tilting the bicycle, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, multiple lifting / lowering units may be provided below the storage unit to raise the storage unit, and the multiple lifting / lowering units may raise and lower the storage unit to different heights to tilt the storage unit.

[0086] In addition, although the third embodiment shows an example in which an article inside the storage unit is raised, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a plurality of lifting drive units may be provided on the bottom surface inside the storage unit to lift the article, and the heights to which the plurality of lifting drive units raise and lower the article may be varied to tilt the article.

[0087] In addition, although the third embodiment shows an example in which an article inside the storage unit is raised, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a plurality of lifting drive units may be provided on the bottom surface inside the storage unit to lift the article, and the heights to which the plurality of lifting drive units raise and lower the article may be varied to tilt the article.

[0088] In the present invention, the lifting drive unit may have a configuration that combines at least two of the configurations of the first to third embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1, 201 Storage unit 2, 202 Frame section 2d support part 3, 203, 303 Lifting drive unit 3a, 203a, 303a air jack 3b, 203b, 303b electric pump 4, 304 Movable plate 5 Assist mechanism 5a motor 5b Battery 7 Control section 8 Expansion section 10 wheels 10a front wheel 10b rear wheel 20 Handle 50 Goods 100, 200, 300 Bicycles for transporting goods

Claims

1. a storage section in which an article is stored; a frame portion to which wheels including front and rear wheels and a handle are attached, and a support portion for supporting the storage portion is provided between the front wheels and the handle; an elevation drive unit that moves the article in the vertical direction by raising and lowering the article or the storage unit.

2. 2. The article transport bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the lifting drive unit includes an air jack that expands or contracts with air to move at least one of the article and the storage unit in the vertical direction using air pressure, and a pump that expands the air jack by supplying air.

3. The bicycle further includes an assist mechanism including a motor attached to at least one of the front wheels or the rear wheels to assist rotation of the attached front wheel or the rear wheel, and a battery that supplies power to the motor, 2. The article transport bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the lifting drive unit that moves the article in the vertical direction is driven by the battery of the assist mechanism.

4. 2. The article transport bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the lifting / lowering drive unit that moves the article in the vertical direction is a first lifting / lowering drive unit that is disposed between the support portion of the frame portion and the storage portion and moves the article in the vertical direction by raising and lowering the storage portion.

5. the lifting / lowering drive unit for moving the article in the vertical direction is disposed below the support part of the frame unit, and includes a plurality of second lifting / lowering drive units disposed on the left and right sides of the center of the article transport bicycle body when viewed from the front, 2. The article transport bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the article transport bicycle is maintained in a stopped state while the second lifting drive units are in contact with the ground.

6. the lifting / lowering drive unit that moves the article in the vertical direction is installed below the second lifting / lowering drive unit and includes a plurality of third lifting / lowering drive units that are arranged on the left and right sides of the center of the article transport bicycle body when viewed from the front, 6. The article transport bicycle according to claim 5, wherein the storage section is tilted by lifting the article transport bicycle body using one of the plurality of third lifting drive units arranged on the left and right sides.

7. 2. The article transport bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the lifting / lowering drive unit is a fourth lifting / lowering drive unit that is disposed on an inner bottom surface of the storage unit and that lifts and lowers the article within the storage unit.

8. 3. The article carrying bicycle according to claim 2, further comprising an expansion section disposed on an upper surface inside the storage section and expanding with air to restrict movement of the article within the storage section.

9. 2. The article transport bicycle according to claim 1, further comprising a movable plate disposed between the bottom surface of the storage section and the lifting drive section, the movable plate being configured to be able to slide the storage section in the left-right direction of the article transport bicycle body.

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