Battery device and electric bicycle

Abstract

To provide a battery device and an electric bicycle designed such that a battery can be detached with good operability.SOLUTION: A battery device 10 of an electric bicycle 1 includes: a battery 12; a battery attaching portion 14 to / from which the battery 12 is attachable / detachable; a step portion 26 and a restriction releasing portion 36 provided at one end of the battery 12; and a locking portion 70 and a second movement restricting portion 74 provided at a first support portion 58 of the battery attaching portion 14. By means of a second movement restricting portion 74, the locking portion 70 is restricted from moving from a locked position P1 where the locking portion is locked to the step portion 26 to a non-locked position P2 where the locking portion is not locked to the step portion 26. To detach the battery 12 from the battery attaching portion 14, restriction by the second movement restricting portion 74 is released to move the locking portion 70 from the locked position P1 to the non-locked position P2 by the restriction releasing portion 36, and thereafter the battery 12 is pulled out in a removing direction to be removed from the battery attaching portion 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery device and an electric bicycle, and more particularly to a battery device and an electric bicycle in which the battery is removable.

Background Art

[0002] As an example of this type of prior art, an electric bicycle is disclosed in Patent Document 1. This electric bicycle includes a motor unit including a battery device and a drive unit, and a frame to which the battery device and the drive unit are attached. The battery device includes a battery and a battery mounting portion. The battery mounting portion is capable of mounting the battery, and the battery can be removed along a removal direction from a mounting position where the battery is mounted to a detachment position where the battery is removed. Further, the battery device includes a positioning portion, a release operation portion, a movement restriction portion, and a restriction release portion. The positioning portion positions the battery at the mounting position, and the release operation portion releases the positioning by the positioning portion. The movement restriction portion restricts movement along the removal direction of the battery between the mounting position and the detachment position, and the restriction release portion releases the restriction by the movement restriction portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such an electric bicycle of Patent Document 1, in order to remove the battery, a maximum of four steps (release of battery positioning, pulling out of the battery, release of battery movement restriction, second pulling out of the battery) are required, which is time-consuming.

[0005] Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to provide a battery device and an electric bicycle that can removably attach and detach a battery with good operability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, it has a battery, a first support portion and a second support portion that support one end portion and the other end portion of the battery respectively, a battery mounting portion for removably attaching the battery, a first movement restricting portion provided at one end portion of the battery, a locking portion provided on the first support portion so as to be movable between a locking position locked to the first movement restricting portion and a non-locking position not locked to the first movement restricting portion, and a second movement restricting portion provided on the first support portion to position the locking portion at the locking position and restrict the movement of the locking portion to the non-locking position. The removal direction of the battery from the battery mounting portion is a direction in which the battery swings with the other end side of the battery as a fulcrum or a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the battery. The locking position and the non-locking position of the locking portion are provided along the short side direction or the longitudinal direction of the battery. The locking position is a position where the locking portion is locked to the first movement restricting portion and the battery cannot be removed from the battery mounting portion. On the other hand, the non-locking position is a position where the locking portion is not locked to the first movement restricting portion and the battery can be removed from the battery mounting portion. A battery device is provided.

[0007] In the present invention, in a state where a battery is mounted on a battery mounting portion, the locking portion provided on the first support portion is located at the locking position and the movement of the locking portion to the non-locking position is restricted by the second movement restricting portion provided on the first support portion acting on the locking portion. Since the locking portion located at the locking position is locked by the first movement restricting portion provided at one end of the battery, the battery cannot be removed from the battery mounting portion, and the mounting of the battery on the battery mounting portion is locked. When removing the battery from such a mounted state, the regulation by the second movement restricting portion is released or the locking portion is moved from the locking position to the non-locking position against the regulation, and after the locking state between the locking portion and the first movement restricting portion is released, the battery is pulled out in the removal direction to be removed from the battery mounting portion. In this way, after moving the locking portion from the locking position to the non-locking position, the battery can be easily removed from the battery mounting portion simply by pulling out the battery.

[0008] Preferably, the first movement restricting portion includes a stepped portion provided at one end of the battery. In this case, by locking the locking portion to the stepped portion, the movement of the locking portion in the removal direction can be easily blocked.

[0009] Also preferably, the second movement restricting portion includes a first biasing portion that biases the locking portion from the non-locking position side to the locking position side. In this case, by biasing the locking portion from the non-locking position side to the locking position side with the first biasing portion, the locking portion can be easily positioned at the locking position.

[0010] More preferably, the second movement restricting portion includes a stopper and an operating portion that moves the stopper forward and backward to a position where the stopper locks the locking portion. In this case, the stopper can be easily moved forward and backward to a position where the stopper locks the locking portion in conjunction with the operation of the operating portion. Therefore, by operating the operating portion, the locking portion can be positioned at the locking position, and the movement of the locking portion to the non-locking position can be easily suppressed.

[0011] Preferably, it further includes a regulation release portion provided at one end of the battery for moving the locking portion from the locked position to the unlocked position. In this case, the regulation release portion can easily move the locking portion from the locked position to the unlocked position. In particular, since the locking portion can be moved indirectly, it is effective when the locking portion cannot be directly operated.

[0012] Also preferably, the regulation release portion is configured to operate in the short side direction of the battery. When the regulation release portion is operated in the longitudinal direction of the battery, the finger can only be moved in one direction, and the operation of pinching the regulation release portion with the finger cannot be performed. However, by operating the regulation release portion in the short side direction of the battery, the operation of pinching the regulation release portion with the finger becomes possible, and the removal operation of the battery becomes easier.

[0013] More preferably, it further includes a regulation release portion provided at one end of the battery for moving the locking portion from the locked position to the unlocked position, and the regulation release portion is downstream of the operation portion of the second movement regulation portion in the removal direction. In this case, the battery can be supported by hand simultaneously with the operation of the regulation release portion, and it is not necessary to support the battery with the other hand, making the removal operation of the battery easier. It is particularly effective when removing the battery downward from the battery mounting portion.

[0014] Preferably, it further includes a second biasing portion that biases the regulation release portion in the direction from the unlocked position to the locked position. In this case, the regulation release portion can be in a state where it does not overlap with the first movement regulation portion, and a space for the locking portion to enter can be secured. As a result, when the battery is mounted, the locking portion does not hit the regulation release portion while the locking portion moves from the unlocked position to the locked position, so the movement of the locking portion becomes smooth. Also, the regulation release portion can be arranged at a position where it is easy to operate. Further, when the battery is removed and carried alone, since the regulation release portion is biased in one direction, an unpleasant rattling sound is less likely to occur.

[0015] Preferably, it further includes a guide portion provided at one end of the battery so as to extend at least in the removal direction as viewed from the longitudinal direction of the battery in order to guide the locking portion. In this case, the battery can be smoothly removed from the battery mounting portion while guiding the locking portion by the guide portion.

[0016] More preferably, it further includes a groove provided at one end of the battery so as to extend at least in the removal direction as viewed from the longitudinal direction of the battery for the locking portion to pass through. In this case, the battery can be reliably removed from the battery mounting portion by the locking portion sliding in the groove.

[0017] Preferably, the groove is formed wider on the upstream side in the removal direction than on the downstream side. In this case, it becomes easier to insert the locking portion into the groove, and the battery can be easily mounted on the battery mounting portion.

[0018] Preferably, it further includes a guide convex portion provided on either one of the battery and the battery mounting portion, and a guide groove portion provided on the other of the battery and the battery mounting portion and into which the guide convex portion fits. In this case, the battery can be prevented from tilting or rotating with respect to the battery mounting portion by the guide convex portion fitting into the guide groove portion.

[0019] More preferably, the guide convex portion is provided on the first support portion so as to be along the removal direction as viewed from the longitudinal direction of the battery, and the guide groove portion is provided at one end of the battery so as to be along the removal direction as viewed from the longitudinal direction of the battery. In this case, since the guide groove portion and the guide portion are provided at one end of the battery, and the guide convex portion and the locking portion are provided on the first support portion, it is only necessary to pay attention to the one end side of the battery, and the battery can be easily attached to the battery mounting portion.

[0020] Preferably, the guide convex portion is provided on the upstream side in the removal direction from the locking portion. In this case, after moving the locking portion along the guide portion, the guide convex portion can be fitted into the guide groove portion and moved, so that the battery can be smoothly attached to the battery mounting portion.

[0021] Preferably, the guide convex portion has a first engaging portion, and the guide groove portion has a second engaging portion engageable with the first engaging portion. In this case, by engaging the first engaging portion of the guide convex portion with the second engaging portion of the guide groove portion, theft of the battery can be suppressed.

[0022] More preferably, when the battery is mounted on the battery mounting portion and the locking portion is located at the locking position, the engagement margin between the locking portion and the first movement restricting portion is larger than the clearance between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion. In this case, even when the first engaging portion is engaged with the second engaging portion, the locking portion is locked to the first movement restricting portion. Therefore, regardless of whether the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are engaged or not, the locking portion located at the locking position can be locked to the first movement restricting portion, and it is possible to prevent the locking state between the locking portion and the first movement restricting portion from being unintentionally released.

[0023] Preferably, it further includes a damper provided in the guide groove portion. In this case, when the battery is attached to the battery mounting portion, the damper can press the locking portion and the first movement restricting portion against each other, and rattling in the removal direction of the battery can be suppressed.

[0024] Also preferably, it further includes a substantially T-shaped receiving portion provided at one end of the battery. In this case, since the receiving portion is formed in a substantially T shape, it is easy to hook a finger and it is easy to pull out the battery from the mounting position. In particular, it is effective when the battery is attached and detached from above.

[0025] The battery device according to the present invention is suitably used for an electric bicycle.

Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, a battery device and an electric bicycle capable of removing the battery with good operability can be obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, an electric bicycle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is an electric assist bicycle that assists the pedaling force of a user by a motor 7a (described later).

[0030] The electric bicycle 1 includes a frame 2. The frame 2 includes a bottom bracket 2a, a down tube 2b, a seat tube 2c, a pair of chain stays 2d, a top tube 2e, a pair of seat stays 2f, a head tube 2g, and a front fork 2h.

[0031] Connected to the bottom bracket 2a are the lower end of the down tube 2b, the lower end of the seat tube 2c, and the front ends of the pair of chain stays 2d. That is, the down tube 2b extends obliquely forward from the bottom bracket 2a, the seat tube 2c extends upward while inclining slightly rearward from the bottom bracket 2a, and the pair of chain stays 2d extends rearward from the bottom bracket 2a. The top tube 2e connects the upper end of the down tube 2b and the vicinity of the upper end of the seat tube 2c. The pair of seat stays 2f connects the upper part of the seat tube 2c and the rear ends of the pair of chain stays 2d. The head tube 2g is connected to the front end of the top tube 2e and the upper end of the down tube 2b. The front fork 2h is rotatably inserted into the head tube 2g and is provided so as to incline slightly rearward. Rake

[0032] ​A handle stem 3a is attached to the upper end of the front fork 2h, and a handle 3b is supported by the handle stem 3a. A saddle 4 is supported by a seat tube 2c. A front wheel 5 is rotatably supported by the lower end of the front fork 2h, and a rear wheel 6 is rotatably supported by the rear end portions of a pair of chain stays 2d. A drive unit 7 is attached to a bottom bracket 2a. The drive unit 7 includes a motor 7a, a crank 7b, a drive sprocket 7c, and a pair of pedals 7d. The crank 7b is rotatably supported by the bottom bracket 2a. The drive sprocket 7c is attached to the central portion in the width direction of the crank 7b and is interlocked with the crank 7b. The pair of pedals 7d are attached to both ends of the crank 7b. The rear wheel 6 has a rear sprocket 6a. The drive sprocket 7c and the rear sprocket 6a are connected via a chain 8. The down tube 2b has a hollow portion 2i and an opening 2j on the lower side (see FIGS. 8 and 9). A cover 9 is provided at the opening 2j of the down tube 2b so as to be openable and closable. A battery device 10 is provided in the down tube 2b.

[0033] In such an electric bicycle 1, when there is an input of pedaling force from the pedals 7d, the drive unit 7 generates a drive assist output corresponding to the pedaling force by the motor 7a to supplement the pedaling force. The drive sprocket 7c rotates as the crank 7b rotates and receives the output from the motor 7a. That is, the drive unit 7 transmits the pedaling force from the pedals 7d and the crank 7b and the output from the motor 7a to the drive sprocket 7c. The power transmitted to the drive sprocket 7c is transmitted to the rear wheel 6 via the chain 8.

[0034] Next, the battery device 10 will be described.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 2, the battery device 10 includes a battery 12 and a battery mounting portion 14.

[0036] The battery 12 includes a battery main body 16 and a mounting portion 18 provided at one end of the battery main body 16.

[0037] Further referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the mounting portion 18 includes a groove 20. The groove 20 extends at least in the removal direction indicated by arrow B as viewed from the longitudinal direction indicated by arrow A of the battery 12 for the locking portion 70 (described later) to pass through. In this embodiment, the removal direction indicated by arrow B is the direction in which the battery 12 is removed from the battery mounting portion 14, and is the direction in which the battery 12 swings with the other end side of the battery 12 as a fulcrum (see FIG. 9). Thus, the groove 20 is provided at one end of the battery 12. The groove 20 is formed wider on the upstream side in the removal direction indicated by arrow B than on the downstream side. The groove 20 includes a guide portion 22. The guide portion 22 extends at least in the removal direction indicated by arrow B as viewed from the longitudinal direction indicated by arrow A of the battery 12 to guide the locking portion 70. Thus, the guide portion 22 is provided at one end of the battery 12.

[0038] A through hole 24a is provided in the mounting portion 18 so as to communicate with the downstream end of the groove 20, and a through hole 24b is provided adjacent to the through hole 24a. As a result, a step portion 26 as a first movement restricting portion is provided at one end of the battery 12, and a substantially T-shaped receiving portion 28 is provided. The lower surface of the receiving portion 28 is formed to be substantially flush with the lower surface of the battery body 16. Also, a plate-like member 30 is provided on the downstream side of the groove 20 so as to partition a part of the through hole 24a.

[0039] Also, a pair of guide groove portions 32a, 32b into which guide convex portions 84a, 84b (described later) are fitted are provided in the mounting portion 18 along the removal direction indicated by arrow B as viewed from the longitudinal direction indicated by arrow A of the battery 12. Thus, the guide groove portions 32a, 32b are provided at one end of the battery 12 with the groove 20 interposed therebetween. The guide groove portions 32a, 32b each have a second engaging portion 34a, 34b that can engage with a first engaging portion 86a, 86b (described later). The second engaging portions 34a, 34b are each formed by providing a return in the guide groove portions 32a, 32b.

[0040] In the through-hole 24a of the attachment portion 18, a substantially angular regulation release portion 36 is provided. The regulation release portion 36 has a slit 38 and a strip-shaped guide portion 40 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The regulation release portion 36 is positioned between the stepped portion 26 and the receiving portion 28 and is reciprocally movable in a direction substantially orthogonal to the removal direction indicated by the arrow B when the plate-shaped member 30 is inserted into the slit 38 and the guide portion 40 is fitted into a slit 46 of a back cover 48 described later. In a state where the battery 12 is mounted on the battery mounting portion 14, the regulation release portion 36 is downstream of an operation portion 78 of a second movement regulation portion 74 described later in the removal direction indicated by the arrow B. A spring 42 as a second biasing portion is inserted between the receiving portion 28 and the regulation release portion 36. The spring 42 biases the regulation release portion 36 in a direction from the non-locking position P2 to the locking position P1. In this way, the regulation release portion 36 is provided at one end portion of the battery 12 and is configured to operate in the short-side direction indicated by the arrow C of the battery 12 in order to move the locking portion 70 from the locking position P1 to the non-locking position P2. Further, dampers 44 are provided in the guide groove portions 32a and 32b, respectively. The damper 44 is made of an elastic member such as rubber. When the battery 12 is mounted, the dampers 44 press the guide convex portions 84a and 84b in a direction in which they are pushed out from the guide groove portions 32a and 32b (biased in a direction opposite to the insertion direction of the battery 12), and accordingly, the locking portion 70 presses the stepped portion 26. Thereby, rattling of the battery 12 can be suppressed.

[0041] On the back surface of such an attachment portion 18, a back cover 48 having a slit 46 is fitted and fixed by a plurality of bolts 50. The attachment portion 18 in that state is attached to one end portion of the battery main body 16 with the back cover 48 interposed therebetween by a plurality of bolts 52.

[0042] On the other hand, referring to FIG. 6, a plurality of positioning recesses 54 are provided at the other end portion of the battery main body 16 and are provided so that the terminals 56 are exposed. The recesses 54 also function as a rotation prevention member for the battery 12.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, the battery mounting portion 14 has a first support portion 58 and a second support portion 60 that support one end portion and the other end portion of the battery 12, respectively, and the battery 12 is detachable.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, the first support portion 58 includes an upper support portion 62 and a lower support portion 64. The upper support portion 62 and the lower support portion 64 are integrated by a plurality of bolts 66.

[0045] The lower support portion 64 includes a recess 68. A locking portion 70 is accommodated in the recess 68. Thus, the locking portion 70 is provided on the first support portion 58. The locking portion 70 has a protruding portion 72. In a state where the locking portion 70 is accommodated in the recess 68, the protruding portion 72 protrudes from the end surface of the lower support portion 64 on the battery 12 side, and the locking portion 70 is movable between a locking position P1 where it is locked to the step portion 26 and a non-locking position P2 where it is not locked to the step portion 26. In this embodiment, the locking position P1 and the non-locking position P2 of the locking portion 70 are provided along the short side direction indicated by the arrow C of the battery 12. Note that the locking position P1 is a position where the locking portion 70 is locked to the step portion 26 and the battery 12 cannot be removed from the battery mounting portion 14. On the other hand, the non-locking position P2 is a position where the locking portion 70 is not locked to the step portion 26 and the battery 12 can be removed from the battery mounting portion 14. The same applies to the embodiments described later.

[0046] Further, a second movement restricting portion 74 is provided on the first support portion 58 to position the locking portion 70 at the locking position P1 and restrict the movement of the locking portion 70 to the non-locking position P2. The second movement restricting portion 74 includes a spring 76 as a first biasing portion, an operation portion 78, and a stopper 80.

[0047] The spring 76 is provided between the recess 68 and the locking portion 70. The spring 76 biases the locking portion 70 from the non-locking position P2 side to the locking position P1 side. Further, the operating portion 78 is inserted into a through hole 82 formed on the side surface of the upper support portion 62. Inside the first support portion 58, a stopper 80 that interlocks with the operating portion 78 and can be locked to the locking portion 70 is accommodated. As shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), when the operating portion 78 is rotated, the stopper 80 moves up and down accordingly, and can be advanced and retracted to a position where the stopper 80 is locked to the locking portion 70.

[0048] Also, referring back to FIGS. 2 and 5, the first support portion 58 is provided with a pair of guide convex portions 84a and 84b along the removal direction indicated by arrow B as viewed from the longitudinal direction indicated by arrow A of the battery 12. The guide convex portions 84a and 84b are provided on the upstream side in the removal direction from the locking portion 70, and each have a first engaging portion 86a and 86b. The first engaging portions 86a and 86b are respectively formed by providing a return on the guide convex portions 84a and 84b.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 2, 6, and 10, the second support portion 60 includes a housing portion 88 and a lid portion 90. The housing portion 88 and the lid portion 90 are integrated by a plurality of bolts 92.

[0050] The housing portion 88 has a through hole 94, a cable 96 is inserted through the through hole 94, and the terminal 98 of the cable 96 is positioned so as to be exposed from the lid portion 90. A plurality of elastic members 100 made of, for example, rubber are interposed between the inner surface of the housing portion 88 and the back surface of the lid portion 90. Thereby, the lid portion 90 can be slightly displaced in the axial direction (the direction toward the housing portion 88) when attached to the housing portion 88. On the surface of the lid portion 90, a plurality of convex portions 102 that can be fitted into a plurality of recesses 54 for positioning the battery 12 are provided.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10(a) and (b), such a first support portion 58 and a second support portion 60 are provided in the hollow portion 2i of the down tube 2b near the opening 2j. The first support portion 58 is fixed by a plurality of bolts 104 near one end side of the opening 2j, and the second support portion 60 is fixed by a plurality of bolts 106 near the other end side of the opening 2j. In this way, the battery mounting portion 14 is arranged to fit within the down tube 2b.

[0052] With respect to such a battery mounting portion 14, the battery 12 is attached and detached in a direction in which the battery 12 swings with the other end side of the battery 12 supported by the second support portion 60 as a fulcrum. In this way, the battery 12 can be taken in and out of the opening 2j with respect to the hollow portion 2i of the lower pipe 2b. When the battery 12 is mounted on the battery mounting portion 14, it is arranged to fit within the down tube 2b. When the battery 12 is mounted on the battery mounting portion 14, it is electrically connected to the motor 7a, and the battery 12 can supply power to the motor 7a.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 11(a), when the battery 12 is mounted on the battery mounting portion 14 and the locking portion 70 is located at the locking position P1, the engagement margin X between the locking portion 70 and the stepped portion 26 is greater than the clearance Y1 between the first engaging portion 86a and the second engaging portion 34a, and the clearance Y2 between the first engaging portion 86b and the second engaging portion 34b. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11(b), even when the first engaging portions 86a and 86b are engaged with the second engaging portions 34a and 34b, respectively, the locking portion 70 is locked to the stepped portion 26.

[0054] Next, referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, the movements of the stopper 80 and the locking portion 70 when the operation portion 78 and the regulation release portion 36 are operated will be described.

[0055] In the locked state shown in FIGS. 12(a), 13(a) and 14(a), the locking portion 70 is locked by the stopper 80 and cannot move from the locking position P1.

[0056] Next, referring to FIGS. 12(b), 13(b), and 14(b), when the operation unit 78 is rotated, the stopper 80 rises, the locking of the locking portion 70 by the stopper 80 is released, and the unlocking state is achieved, and the locking portion 70 becomes movable.

[0057] Then, referring to FIGS. 12(c), (d), 13(c), and 14(c), when the restriction release portion 36 is pushed in, the locking portion 70 moves from the locking position P1 to the unlocking position P2 accordingly. At this time, the restriction release portion 36 is pushed in from the side surface of the receiving portion 28 on the operation unit 78 side to the inside so that a finger can be hooked on the receiving portion 28 while pushing in the restriction release portion 36. As a result, the locking of the locking portion 70 to the stepped portion 26 is released, and the locking portion 70 becomes capable of passing through the groove 20 formed in the attachment portion 18 of the battery 12.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 15, the operation of removing the battery 12 from the battery mounting portion 14 will be described.

[0059] First, referring to FIGS. 15(a) and (b), as described above, after rotating the operation unit 78 to the unlocked state, the receiving portion 28 and the restriction release portion 36 are pinched from the short side direction indicated by the arrow C, and the restriction release portion 36 is pushed in. Then, the locking portion 70 of the first support portion 58 located at the locking position P1 moves to the unlocking position P2. Next, the battery 12 is pulled downward. That is, with respect to the battery mounting portion 14, the battery 12 is swung in the removal direction indicated by the arrow B with the other end side of the battery 12 as a fulcrum. Then, referring to FIGS. 15(c) and (d), the locking portion 70 moves along the groove 20 along the guide portion 22 of the attachment portion 18 of the battery 12, and the guide convex portions 84a, 84b of the first support portion 58 are withdrawn from the guide groove portions 32a, 32b of the battery 12. Further, referring to FIGS. 15(e) and (f), as the locking portion 70 separates from the groove 20 of the attachment portion 18 and the guide convex portions 84a, 84b of the first support portion 58 separate from the guide groove portions 32a, 32b of the battery 12, the battery 12 is removed from the battery mounting portion 14 and thus from the electric bicycle 1. After that, the operation unit 78 is rotated to the locked state.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 16, the operation when attaching the battery 12 to the battery mounting portion 14 will be described.

[0061] First, referring to FIGS. 16(a) and (b), after turning the operation unit 78 to the unlocked state, the battery 12 is pushed upward. That is, with respect to the battery mounting portion 14, the battery 12 is swung in a direction opposite to the removal direction indicated by arrow B with the other end side of the battery 12 as a fulcrum. Then, before the guide convex portions 84a and 84b of the first support portion 58 are inserted into the guide groove portions 32a and 32b of the battery 12, the locking portion 70 is inserted into the groove 20. Further, referring to FIGS. 16(c) and (d), as the locking portion 70 moves along the guide portion 22 in the groove 20, the guide convex portions 84a and 84b of the first support portion 58 are inserted into the guide groove portions 32a and 32b of the battery 12. Then, referring to FIG. 16(e), when the locking portion 70 passes through the groove 20 of the attachment portion 18 and advances to the non-locking position P2, the locking portion 70 is moved in the short-side direction indicated by arrow C of the battery 12 by the spring 76 and reaches the locking position P1. At this time, the guide convex portions 84a and 84b of the first support portion 58 are inserted deep into the guide groove portions 32a and 32b of the battery 12, but are slightly pushed back by the damper 44, and accordingly, the locking portion 70 is pressed against the stepped portion 26. Thereafter, the operation unit 78 is turned to the locked state.

[0062] According to such an electric bicycle 1, in a state where the battery 12 is mounted on the battery mounting portion 14, the second movement restricting portion 74 provided on the first support portion 58 acts on the locking portion 70, whereby the locking portion 70 provided on the first support portion 58 is located at the locking position P1, and the movement of the locking portion 70 to the unlocking position P2 is restricted. Since the locking portion 70 located at the locking position P1 is locked by the stepped portion 26 as the first movement restricting portion provided at one end of the battery 12, the battery 12 cannot be removed from the battery mounting portion 14, and the mounting of the battery 12 on the battery mounting portion 14 is locked. When removing the battery 12 from such a mounted state, the restriction by the second movement restricting portion 74 is released, the locking portion 70 is moved from the locking position P1 to the unlocking position P2, and after the locking state between the locking portion 70 and the stepped portion 26 is released, the battery 12 is pulled out in the removal direction and removed from the battery mounting portion 14. Thus, after moving the locking portion 70 from the locking position P1 to the unlocking position P2, the battery 12 can be easily removed from the battery mounting portion 14 by simply pulling out the battery 12.

[0063] By locking the locking portion 70 to the stepped portion 26, the movement of the locking portion 70 in the removal direction can be easily blocked.

[0064] By biasing the locking portion 70 from the unlocking position P2 side to the locking position P1 side with the spring 76 as the first biasing portion, the locking portion 70 can be easily positioned at the locking position P1.

[0065] By interlocking the stopper 80 with the operation of the operation portion 78, the stopper 80 can be easily advanced and retracted to a position where it locks the locking portion 70. Therefore, by operating the operation portion 78, the locking portion 70 can be positioned at the locking position P1, and the movement of the locking portion 70 to the unlocking position P2 can be easily suppressed.

[0066] When the locking portion 70 is located at the locking position P1, simply operating the operating portion 78 can only release the locking of the stopper 80 with respect to the locking portion 70, and the locking portion 70 does not move from its position. Therefore, the locking portion 70 remains locked to the stepped portion 26, the downward movement of the battery 12 in the direction of gravity can be suppressed, and the battery 12 can be prevented from being inadvertently removed from the battery mounting portion 14.

[0067] The regulation release portion 36 can easily move the locking portion 70 from the locking position P1 to the unlocking position P2. In particular, since the locking portion 70 can be indirectly moved, it is effective when the locking portion 70 cannot be directly operated.

[0068] When the regulation release portion 36 is operated in the longitudinal direction of the battery 12, the finger can only be moved in one direction, and the regulation release portion 36 cannot be pinched with the finger. However, by operating the regulation release portion 36 in the short-side direction of the battery 12, the regulation release portion 36 can be pinched with the finger, and the removal operation of the battery 12 becomes easier.

[0069] The regulation release portion 36 is downstream of the operating portion 78 of the second movement regulation portion 74 in the removal direction. Therefore, the battery 12 can be supported by hand simultaneously with the operation of the regulation release portion 36, and there is no need to support the battery 12 with the other hand, making the removal operation of the battery 12 easier. This is particularly effective when removing the battery 12 downward from the battery mounting portion 14.

[0070] By biasing the regulation release portion 36 in the direction from the non-locking position P2 to the locking position P1 by the spring 42 as the second biasing portion, the regulation release portion 36 can be in a state of not overlapping with the stepped portion 26, and a space for the locking portion 70 to enter can be secured. As a result, when the battery 12 is mounted, since the locking portion 70 does not hit the regulation release portion 36 while the locking portion 70 moves from the non-locking position P2 to the locking position P1, the movement of the locking portion 70 becomes smooth. In addition, the regulation release portion 36 can be arranged at a position where it is easy to operate. Further, when the battery 12 is removed and carried alone, since the regulation release portion 36 is biased in one direction, an unpleasant rattling sound is less likely to occur.

[0071] While guiding the locking portion 70 by the guide portion 22, the battery 12 can be smoothly removed from the battery mounting portion 14.

[0072] By sliding the locking portion 70 in the groove 20, the battery 12 can be surely removed from the battery mounting portion 14.

[0073] Since the groove 12 is formed wider on the upstream side in the removal direction indicated by the arrow B than on the downstream side, it becomes easier to insert the locking portion 70 into the groove 12, and the battery 12 can be easily mounted on the battery mounting portion 14.

[0074] By fitting the guide convex portions 84a, 84b into the guide groove portions 32a, 32b, it is possible to suppress the battery 12 from tilting or rotating with respect to the battery mounting portion 14.

[0075] Since the guide groove portions 32a, 32b and the guide portion 22 are provided at one end portion of the battery 12, and the guide convex portions 84a, 84b and the locking portion 70 are provided at the first support portion 58, it is only necessary to pay attention to one end portion side of the battery 12, and the battery 12 can be easily attached to the battery mounting portion 14.

[0076] The guide protrusions 84a and 84b are provided on the upstream side in the removal direction from the locking portion 70. Therefore, after moving the locking portion 70 along the guide portion 22, the guide protrusions 84a and 84b can be fitted into the guide groove portions 32a and 32b and moved, so that the battery 12 can be smoothly attached to the battery mounting portion 14.

[0077] The first engaging portions 86a and 86b of the guide protrusions 84a and 84b engage with the second engaging portions 34a and 34b of the guide groove portions 32a and 32b, respectively, thereby suppressing theft of the battery 12.

[0078] The engagement margin X between the locking portion 70 and the stepped portion 26 is larger than the clearances Y1 and Y2 between the first engaging portions 86a and 86b and the second engaging portions 34a and 34b. Therefore, even when the first engaging portions 86a and 86b are engaged with the second engaging portions 34a and 34b, respectively, the locking portion 70 is locked to the stepped portion 26. Accordingly, regardless of whether the first engaging portions 86a and 86b are engaged with the second engaging portions 34a and 34b, the locking portion 70 located at the locking position P1 can be locked to the stepped portion 26, and it is possible to prevent the locking state between the locking portion 70 and the stepped portion 26 from being inadvertently released.

[0079] When the battery 12 is attached to the battery mounting portion 14, the damper 44 can press the locking portion 70 and the stepped portion 26 against each other, and rattling in the removal direction of the battery 12 can be suppressed.

[0080] The receiving portion 28 is formed in a substantially T shape, which makes it easy to place a finger thereon and makes it easy to pull out the battery 12 from the mounting position.

[0081] The battery device 10 according to the present invention is suitably used for the electric bicycle 1.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, the locking portion 70 and the regulation release portion 36 are separate components, but the present invention is not limited thereto. A locking portion that also serves as a regulation release portion may be used. Referring to FIGS. 17 to 19, an embodiment using a locking portion 70a that also serves as a regulation release portion will be described with respect to the operation of removing the battery 12a from the battery mounting portion 14a.

[0083] In the locked state shown in FIGS. 17(a), 18(a) and 19(a), the locking portion 70a is locked by the stopper 80 and cannot move from the locking position P1.

[0084] Next, referring to FIGS. 17(b), 18(b) and 19(b), when the operation portion 78 is turned to the unlocked state, the stopper 80 rises and the locking of the locking portion 70a is released, and the locking portion 70a becomes movable.

[0085] Then, referring to FIGS. 17(c), (d), 18(c) and 19(c), when the locking portion 70a is pushed in, the locking portion 70a moves from the locking position P1 to the unlocking position P2. As a result, the locking of the locking portion 70a to the stepped portion 26a is released, and the locking portion 70a is in a state where it can pass through the groove 20a formed in the mounting portion 18a of the battery 12a. Thereafter, the battery 12a can be removed from the battery mounting portion 14a by swinging the battery 12a with respect to the battery mounting portion 14a about the other end side of the battery 12a as a fulcrum so that the locking portion 70a passes through the groove 20a.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, the locking position P1 and the unlocking position P2 of the locking portion 70 are provided along the short side direction of the battery 12, but are not limited thereto. The locking position and the unlocking position of the locking portion may be provided along the longitudinal direction of the battery.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, an embodiment in which the locking position P1 and the unlocking position P2 of the locking portion 70b are provided along the longitudinal direction of the battery 12b will be described with respect to the operation of removing the battery 12b from the battery mounting portion 14b. In this case, the locking portion 70b moves in the longitudinal direction indicated by the arrow A of the battery 12b.

[0088] In the locked state shown in FIGS. 20(a) and 21(a), the locking portion 70b is locked by the stopper 80b and cannot move from the locking position P1.

[0089] Next, referring to FIGS. 20(b) and 21(b), when the operation portion 78 is rotated to the unlocked state, the stopper 80b rises and the locking of the locking portion 70b is released, and the locking portion 70b can move in the longitudinal direction indicated by the arrow A of the battery 12b.

[0090] Then, referring to FIGS. 20(c) and 21(c), when the regulation release portion 36b is pushed in, accordingly, the locking portion 70b moves from the locking position P1 to the non-locking position P2. Thereby, the locking of the locking portion 70b to the stepped portion 26b is released, and the locking portion 70b is in a state where it can pass through the groove 20b formed in the attachment portion 18b of the battery 12b. Thereafter, the battery 12b can be removed from the battery mounting portion 14b by swinging the battery 12b with the other end side of the battery 12b as a fulcrum so that the locking portion 70b passes through the groove 20b.

[0091] In the above-described embodiment, the battery 12 is removed downward from the down tube 2b, but it is not limited thereto. As in the electric bicycle 1a shown in FIG. 21, the battery 12 may be removed upward from the down tube 2k. That is, the battery 12 may be attached and detached from above to the battery device 14 provided on the down tube 2k. In this case, by hooking a finger on the substantially T-shaped receiving portion 28 of the battery 12, the battery 12 can be easily pulled upward.

[0092] In the above-described embodiment, the guide convex portions 84a and 84b are provided on the battery mounting portion 14, and the guide groove portions 32a and 32b are provided on the battery 12, but it is not limited thereto. Guide convex portions may be provided on the battery, and guide groove portions may be provided on the battery mounting portion.

[0093] Further, the guide convex portion and the guide groove portion may be provided only on the second support portion side (the other end side of the battery), or may be provided between the first support portion and the second support portion, that is, on the outer surface of the lower frame and the battery.

[0094] The respective numbers of the guide convex portion and the guide groove portion are not limited to two and may be arbitrary. The numbers of the guide convex portion and the guide groove portion may be, for example, one each, or three or more each.

[0095] In the above-described embodiment, the removal direction of the battery 12 from the battery mounting portion 14 was the direction in which the battery 12 swings with the other end side of the battery 12 as a fulcrum, but it is not limited thereto. The removal direction of the battery from the battery mounting portion may be a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the battery.

[0096] In the above-described embodiment, the second movement restricting portion 74 includes the spring 76 as the first biasing portion, the operation portion 78, and the stopper 80, but it is not limited thereto. The second movement restricting portion may be composed of only the first biasing portion. In this case, by pushing the locking portion, the locking portion can be moved from the locking position P1 to the unlocking position P2 against the restriction by the first biasing portion. Further, the second movement restricting portion may be composed of only the operation portion and the stopper.

[0097] The first movement restricting portion is not limited to the stepped portion and includes any means capable of locking to the locking portion.

[0098] The first biasing portion and the second biasing portion are not limited to springs and may be elastic members such as rubber.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 5, the linear side portion S constituting the groove 20 is not necessarily required.

[0100] In the above-described embodiment, the battery device 10 is disposed in the down tube 2b, but it is not limited thereto. The battery device 10 may be attached to the surface of the pipe.

[0101] In the above-described embodiment, the battery device 10 is attached to the down tube 2b, but the present invention is not limited to this. The battery device 10 may be attached to, for example, the seat tube 2c, and the pipe to which the battery device 10 is attached may be arbitrary.

[0102] In the above-described embodiment, the electric bicycle according to the present invention has been described as an electric assist bicycle, but the present invention is not limited to this. The electric bicycle according to the present invention may be any bicycle that can travel using electric power from a battery.

[0103] The electric bicycle may have three or more wheels.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0104] 1, 1a Electric bicycle 10 Battery device 12, 12a, 12b Battery 14, 14a, 14b Battery mounting portion 20, 20a, 20b Groove 22 Guide portion 26, 26a, 26b Step portion 28 Receiving portion 32a, 32b Guide groove portion 34a, 34b Second engaging portion 36, 36b Regulation release portion 42, 76 Spring 44 Damper 58 First support portion 60 Second support portion 70, 70a, 70b Locking portion 74 Second movement restricting portion 78 Operating portion 80, 80b Stopper 84a, 84b Guide convex portion 86a, 86b First engaging portion A Longitudinal direction of the battery B Removal direction of the battery C Lateral direction of the battery P1 Locking position P2 Unlocked position The engagement margin between the X stop portion and the step portion The clearance between the Y1 and Y2 first engaging portion and the second engaging portion

Claims

1. A battery, a battery mounting portion having a first support portion and a second support portion that respectively support one end portion and the other end portion of the battery, and the battery being detachable; a first movement restricting portion provided at one end portion of the battery; a locking portion provided on the first support portion so as to be movable between a locked position locked to the first movement restricting portion and a non-locked position not locked to the first movement restricting portion; a second movement restricting portion provided on the first support portion for positioning the locking portion at the locked position and restricting movement of the locking portion to the non-locked position; the removal direction of the battery from the battery mounting portion is a direction in which the battery swings with the other end portion side of the battery as a fulcrum or a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the battery; the locked position and the non-locked position of the locking portion are provided along the short side direction or the longitudinal direction of the battery; the locked position is a position where the locking portion is locked to the first movement restricting portion and the battery cannot be removed from the battery mounting portion, while the non-locked position is a position where the locking portion is not locked to the first movement restricting portion and the battery can be removed from the battery mounting portion; The battery device, wherein the second movement restricting portion includes a stopper and an operation portion that advances and retracts the stopper to a position where the stopper is locked to the locking portion, and the stopper is locked to the locking portion by operating the operation portion while maintaining a state where the locking portion is locked to the first movement restricting portion, and is configured to be switchable between a locked state where the stopper is locked to the locking portion and an unlocked state where the locking of the stopper to the locking portion is released.

2. The battery device according to claim 1, wherein the first movement restricting portion includes a stepped portion provided at one end portion of the battery.

3. The battery device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second movement restricting portion further includes a first biasing portion that biases the locking portion from the non-locked position side to the locked position side.

4. The battery device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further including a restriction releasing portion provided at one end portion of the battery for moving the locking portion from the locked position to the non-locked position.

5. The battery device according to claim 4, wherein the restriction releasing portion is configured to operate in the short side direction of the battery.

6. Further comprising a regulation release portion provided at one end of the battery for moving the locking portion from the locked position to the unlocked position. The battery device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the regulation release portion is downstream of the operation portion of the second movement regulation portion in the removal direction. **Claim 7** The battery device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, further comprising a second biasing portion that biases the regulation release portion in a direction from the unlocked position to the locked position. **Claim 8** The battery device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a guide portion provided at one end of the battery so as to extend at least in the removal direction when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the battery for guiding the locking portion. **Claim 9** The battery device according to claim 8, further comprising a groove provided at one end of the battery so as to extend at least in the removal direction when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the battery and through which the locking portion passes. **Claim 10** The battery device according to claim 9, wherein the groove is formed wider on the upstream side in the removal direction than on the downstream side. **Claim 11** A guide convex portion provided on either one of the battery and the battery mounting portion, The battery device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a guide groove portion provided on the other of the battery and the battery mounting portion and into which the guide convex portion fits. **Claim 12** The guide convex portion is provided on the first support portion along the removal direction when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the battery, The battery device according to claim 11, wherein the guide groove portion is provided at one end of the battery along the removal direction when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the battery. **Claim 13** The battery device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the guide convex portion is provided upstream of the locking portion in the removal direction. **Claim 14** The guide convex portion has a first engaging portion, The battery device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the guide groove portion has a second engaging portion that can engage with the first engaging portion. **Claim 15** When the battery is mounted on the battery mounting portion and the locking portion is located at the locked position, the engagement margin between the locking portion and the first movement regulation portion is larger than the clearance between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion. The battery device according to claim 14. **Claim 16** The battery device according to any one of claims 11 to 15, further including a damper provided in the guide groove portion.

17. The battery device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further including a T-shaped receiving portion provided at one end of the battery.

18. An electric bicycle comprising the battery device according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

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