Holding device, battery holding mechanism, and electric bicycle

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide improved security by using two-step securement for securing a battery to a frame of an electric bicycle, and enable a user to easily attach and detach the battery. Provided is a holding device 4 to be used for detachably holding a battery body 3 to a lock device 6 secured to a frame 10 of an electric bicycle 1. The holding device 4 comprises: a base part 41 that is secured to the battery body 3; a stopper 42 configured to lock a locking part 61 of the lock device 6; and an operation lever 43 that is movable with respect to the base part 41, and moves the stopper 42. The operation lever 43 is movable between a locked position at which the stopper 42 is locked with the locking part 61 and an unlocked position at which the stopper 42 is not locked with the locking part 61.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a holding device, a battery, a battery holding mechanism, and an electric bicycle.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a structure for detachably fixing a battery to the frame of an electric bicycle. In this structure, a keyhole and a lever are provided on the frame. When the user removes the battery from the frame, the user inserts a key into the keyhole and rotates it in one direction to release the fixation of the battery. Then, the user slides the battery along the frame by rotating the lever. By going through this procedure, the user can remove the battery.

[0003] In the above conventional technology, when the user inserts and rotates the key into the keyhole, the fixation of the battery is released. In other words, the fixation of the battery in the conventional technology is a one-step fixation. And after the user releases the fixation of the battery, the user needs to forcibly slide the battery along the frame by rotating the lever installed on the frame, and then grasp the battery and remove it from the frame. Therefore, it takes time and effort to remove the battery.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to improve the safety by making the fixation of the battery to the frame of the electric bicycle a two-step fixation and enabling the user to easily perform the battery removal operation.

[0006] The first embodiment of the retaining device is a retaining device used to detachably hold a battery body to a locking device fixed to the frame of an electric bicycle. The retaining device has a first locking part and a second locking part that restrict movement relative to the locking device. The first state is achieved when the movement relative to the locking device is restricted by the first locking part and the second locking part. The second state is achieved when the restriction by the first locking part is released and the movement relative to the locking device is restricted by the second locking part. In the first state and the second state, the relative position between the locking device and the retaining device does not change.

[0007] According to the first embodiment of the retaining device, the lock is released after going from the first state to the second state, but in the second state the relative position of the locking device and the retaining device does not change, so even when the restriction by the first locking part is released and the second state is reached the battery body does not fall out, thereby enhancing safety.

[0008] The second aspect of the retaining device is a retaining device used to detachably hold a battery body to a locking device fixed to the frame of an electric bicycle. The retaining device comprises a base portion fixed to the battery body, a stopper configured to engage with the locking portion of the locking device, and an operating lever that is movable relative to the base portion and moves the stopper. The operating lever is movable between a locked position in which the stopper engages with the locking portion and an unlocked position in which the stopper does not engage with the locking portion.

[0009] Therefore, according to the second embodiment of the retaining device, the locking portion is configured to be movable, and the battery can be fixed to the frame of the electric bicycle in two stages: a first unlocking operation and a second unlocking operation, thereby enhancing safety. In addition, the user can remove the battery by operating the operating lever provided on the battery side with their finger, making the battery removal process easy.

[0010] In addition to the second embodiment, the holding device according to the third embodiment has a push-in portion of the operating lever that is movable in a direction perpendicular to the opposing surface of the base portion that faces the battery body.

[0011] Therefore, according to the holding device in the third embodiment, the user can easily push and operate the operating lever while grasping the battery from the front and rear directions.

[0012] In the fourth embodiment, the holding device, in addition to the second or third embodiment, has an operating lever that is biased in a direction perpendicular to the opposing surface to maintain the locked position.

[0013] Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment of the holding device, the user can maintain the lock when the operating lever is not pressed down, and release the lock when the operating lever is pressed down against the biasing force.

[0014] In addition to the second embodiment, the holding device according to the fifth embodiment is such that the push-in portion of the operating lever is movable in a direction parallel to the opposing surface of the base portion that faces the battery body.

[0015] Therefore, according to the fifth embodiment of the holding device, the user can easily push and operate the operating lever while grasping the battery from the front and rear directions.

[0016] In the sixth embodiment, the holding device, in addition to the second or fifth embodiment, has an operating lever that is biased in a direction parallel to the opposing surface to maintain the locked position.

[0017] Therefore, according to the sixth embodiment of the holding device, the user can maintain the lock when the operating lever is not pressed down, and release the lock when the operating lever is pressed down against the biasing force.

[0018] The seventh embodiment of the holding device further comprises, in addition to any one of the second to sixth embodiments, a cover member fixed to the base portion so as to cover at least a portion of the operating lever. The cover member is detachably attached to the base portion.

[0019] Therefore, according to the seventh embodiment of the retaining device, the cover member of the retaining device that constitutes one end of the battery, which is assumed to be relatively prone to damage or deformation, can be easily replaced.

[0020] The battery according to the eighth embodiment comprises a holding device according to any one of the first to seventh embodiments, and a battery body to which the holding device is fixed at one end.

[0021] Therefore, according to the eighth embodiment of the battery, the battery can be fixed to the frame of the electric bicycle in two stages, thereby enhancing safety. In addition, the user can remove the battery by operating the operating lever with their finger, making the battery removal process easy.

[0022] A battery holding mechanism according to the ninth embodiment comprises a holding device according to any one of the first to seventh embodiments, and a locking device provided with the locking portion. The locking portion is movable between a locked position in which it is locked to the stopper of the holding device and an unlocked position in which it is not locked to the stopper.

[0023] Therefore, according to the battery holding mechanism of the ninth embodiment, the battery can be fixed to the frame of the electric bicycle in two stages, thereby enhancing safety. In addition, the user can remove the battery by operating the operating lever provided on the battery side with their finger, making the battery removal process easy.

[0024] In addition to the ninth aspect, the battery holding mechanism according to the tenth aspect is such that the locking device includes a main locking portion that movably holds the locking portion.

[0025] Therefore, according to the battery holding mechanism according to the tenth aspect, the battery can be stably fixed to the frame by the main locking performed based on the operation of the main locking portion.

[0026] The electric bicycle according to the eleventh aspect includes the battery holding mechanism according to the ninth or tenth aspect, the battery main body to which the holding device of the battery holding mechanism is fixed, and the frame to which the locking device of the battery holding mechanism is fixed. The holding device is fixed to the upper end portion of the battery main body.

[0027] Therefore, according to the electric bicycle according to the eleventh aspect, the battery can be fixed to the frame of the electric bicycle in two steps, enhancing safety. In addition, since the user can remove the battery while operating the operation lever provided on the battery side with a finger, the battery removal operation can be easily performed.

[0028] The holding device according to the twelfth aspect is a holding device used to removably hold a battery main body with respect to a locking device fixed to a frame of an electric bicycle. The holding device includes a base portion fixed to the battery main body, a stopper configured to be locked by a first locking portion included in the locking device, and an operation lever configured to be locked by a second locking portion included in the locking device. The first locking portion is movable in a first direction. At least one of the second locking portion and the operation lever is movable in a second direction different from the first direction between a locking position where the second locking portion and the operation lever are locked to each other and a non-locking position where the second locking portion and the operation lever are not locked to each other.

[0029] Therefore, according to the twelfth embodiment of the retaining device, the battery can be secured to the frame of the electric bicycle in a double manner, thereby enhancing safety. In addition, the user can remove the battery while operating at least one of the second locking part and the operating lever, making the battery removal process easy.

[0030] In the holding device according to the 13th embodiment, in addition to the 12th embodiment, the operating lever is an operating lever that is movable in the second direction relative to the base portion.

[0031] Therefore, according to the holding device of the 13th embodiment, the user can remove the battery by operating the operating lever provided on the battery side with their finger, thus making the battery removal process easy.

[0032] In the holding device according to the 14th embodiment, in addition to the 13th embodiment, the operating lever is biased to maintain the locked position.

[0033] Therefore, according to the holding device of the 14th embodiment, the user can maintain the sub-lock when the operating lever is not pressed down, and release the sub-lock when the operating lever is pressed down against the biasing force.

[0034] In the holding device according to the 15th embodiment, in addition to the 13th or 14th embodiment, the operating lever is biased in a direction parallel to the base portion.

[0035] Therefore, according to the holding device of the 15th embodiment, the user can easily push in the operating lever while holding the battery.

[0036] The holding device according to the 16th embodiment further comprises an elastic member in addition to any one of the 13th to 15th embodiments. The operating lever is biased by the elastic member.

[0037] Therefore, according to the holding device of the 16th embodiment, the user can maintain the sublock by the biasing force of the elastic member when the operating lever is not pressed down, and release the sublock when the operating lever is pressed down against the biasing force.

[0038] In the holding device according to the 17th embodiment, in addition to any one of the 13th to 16th embodiments, the operating lever has a support shaft portion rotatably connected to the base portion, an action portion configured to engage with the second locking portion of the locking device, and a push portion for the user to push. The distance between the support shaft portion and the push portion is greater than the distance between the support shaft portion and the action portion.

[0039] Therefore, according to the holding device of the 17th embodiment, it is easier to secure the range of movement of the pressing portion and to apply a large force to the working portion.

[0040] The holding device according to the 18th embodiment further comprises, in addition to any one of the 13th to 17th embodiments, a cover member fixed to the base portion so as to cover at least a portion of the operating lever. The cover member is detachable from the base portion.

[0041] Therefore, according to the 18th embodiment of the retaining device, the cover member of the retaining device that constitutes one end of the battery, which is assumed to be relatively prone to damage or deformation, can be easily replaced.

[0042] The holding device according to the 19th embodiment further comprises a lock plate fixed to the base portion, in addition to any one of the 12th to 18th embodiments. The surface of the lock plate constitutes the surface of the stopper.

[0043] Therefore, according to the 19th embodiment of the retaining device, the lock plate, which is assumed to be relatively prone to damage or deformation among the retaining devices constituting one end of the battery, can be easily replaced.

[0044] The holding device according to the 20th embodiment further comprises, in addition to any one of the 13th to 16th embodiments, a cover member fixed to the base portion. The operating lever has a push-in portion for the user to push in. The cover member is fixed to the base portion so as to cover at least the portion of the operating lever excluding the push-in portion.

[0045] Therefore, according to the 20th embodiment of the retaining device, the retaining device constituting one end of the battery can protect the operating lever with the cover member while ensuring the operability of the operating lever.

[0046] The holding device according to the 21st embodiment further comprises, in addition to any one of the 13th to 16th embodiments, a cover member fixed to the base portion. The operating lever has an action portion that engages with the second locking portion of the locking device. The cover member is fixed to the base portion such that it covers at least the portion of the operating lever excluding the action portion.

[0047] Therefore, according to the holding device of the 21st embodiment, the operating lever can be protected by the cover member while ensuring the operability of the operating lever.

[0048] The battery according to the 22nd embodiment comprises a holding device according to any one of the 12th to 21st embodiments, and a battery body to which the holding device is fixed at one end.

[0049] Therefore, according to the battery according to the 22nd embodiment, the battery can be double-secured to the frame of the electric bicycle, thereby enhancing safety. In addition, the user can remove the battery by operating the operating lever with their finger, making the battery removal process easy.

[0050] The battery holding mechanism according to the 23rd embodiment comprises a holding device according to any one of the 12th to 21st embodiments, and a locking device including a first locking portion and a second locking portion. The first locking portion is movable in the first direction between a locked position in which it is locked to the stopper of the holding device and an unlocked position in which it is not locked to the stopper.

[0051] Therefore, according to the battery holding mechanism of the 23rd embodiment, the battery can be secured to the frame of the electric bicycle in a double manner, thereby enhancing safety. In addition, the user can remove the battery by operating the operating lever provided on the battery side with their finger, making the battery removal process easy.

[0052] In the battery holding mechanism according to the 24th embodiment, in addition to the 23rd embodiment, the locking device integrally comprises a second locking portion configured to engage the operating lever and a main locking portion that movably holds the first locking portion.

[0053] Therefore, according to the battery holding mechanism of the 24th embodiment, the battery can be stably fixed to the frame by both the main lock, which is performed based on the operation of the main locking part, and the sub-lock, which is performed based on the operation of the operating lever.

[0054] The electric bicycle according to the 25th embodiment comprises the battery holding mechanism according to the 23rd or 24th embodiment, the battery body to which the holding device of the battery holding mechanism is fixed, and the frame to which the locking device of the battery holding mechanism is fixed. The holding device is fixed to the upper end of the battery body.

[0055] Therefore, according to the 25th embodiment of the electric bicycle, the battery can be double-secured to the frame of the electric bicycle, thereby enhancing safety. In addition, the user can remove the battery by operating the operating lever provided on the battery side with their finger, making the battery removal process easy. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0056] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a side view of an electric bicycle according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side view of the main components of the electric bicycle shown above. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the battery of the electric bicycle shown above, seen from diagonally above. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the battery and its supporting holder, seen from an oblique angle above. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the upper end of the battery shown above, viewed from diagonally above. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the upper end of the battery shown above, viewed from diagonally below. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the electric bicycle shown above, with the battery removed, seen from a diagonal downward angle. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the electric bicycle in the locked state, including the holding device and locking device. [Figure 10]Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the same section with the lock bar retracted. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the same part in the state where the stopper has retracted and the lock has been released. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the battery in the process of being removed. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the battery and its supporting holder in Modification 1, seen from an oblique angle above. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a front view of the bottom cover of the battery shown above. [Figure 15] Figure 15A is a cross-sectional view along line dd in Figure 14, and Figure 15B is a cross-sectional view along line ee in Figure 14. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a side view of the main components of the electric bicycle shown above. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a view taken along arrow A in Figure 16. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line bb in Figure 17. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a perspective view of the main parts of the electric bicycle shown above, with the battery released from its mounting. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the c-c line in Figure 19. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a perspective view of the battery in the electric bicycle shown above. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is an exploded perspective view of the upper end of the battery shown above. [Figure 23] Figure 23A is a top view with the cover removed, showing the battery's holding device when the operating lever is in the locked position, and Figure 23B is a top view with the cover removed, showing the battery's holding device when the operating lever is in the unlocked position. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a side view of the same operating lever. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a perspective view of the same battery combined with the locking unit. [Figure 26]Figure 26 is an exploded perspective view of the same locking unit. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of a modified example 2 of the electric bicycle described above. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of Modification 3 of the electric bicycle described above. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0057] 1. One Embodiment 1-1. Overall structure of an electric bicycle The electric bicycle 1 shown in Figure 1 is an electric assist bicycle. The electric bicycle 1 of this embodiment comprises a frame 10, two wheels 11 rotatably connected to the frame 10, a handlebar 12, a saddle 13, and a motor unit 15 attached to the frame 10. The two wheels 11 are a front wheel 111 and a rear wheel 112. Of these, the rear wheel 112 is rotationally driven by the driving force output from the motor unit 15.

[0058] In this text, the vertical direction is defined based on the electric bicycle 1 being placed on a horizontal plane. In this text, the forward, backward, left, and right directions are defined based on the driver of the electric bicycle 1. That is, the direction in which the driver moves while riding the electric bicycle 1 is forward, the opposite side is backward, the left direction is to the driver's left, and the right direction is to the driver's right.

[0059] The frame 10 has a head tube 101, a top tube 102, a down tube 103, a seat tube 104, a seat stay 105, a chain stay 106, and a bracket 107. The frame 10 (i.e., the above-mentioned parts that make up the frame 10) is made of a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel, but may also include some non-metallic material. The entire frame 10 may be made of a non-metallic material, and the material of the frame 10 is not particularly limited.

[0060] The handlebar section 12 is rotatably attached to the head tube 101. The front fork 121 extends downward from the lower end of the handlebar section 12. The front wheel 111 is rotatably attached to the front fork 121.

[0061] The front end of the top tube 102 is fixed to the head tube 101. The rear end of the top tube 102 is fixed to the seat tube 104. The saddle section 13 is connected to the upper end of the seat tube 104. The bracket 107 is fixed to the lower end of the seat tube 104. The down tube 103 is a tube that extends diagonally upward and forward from the bracket 107, and the front end of the down tube 103 is fixed to the head tube 101. In other words, the down tube 103 is a tube that extends diagonally downward and backward from the head tube 101 towards the bracket 107, and the rear end of the down tube 103 is fixed to the bracket 107.

[0062] A motor unit 15 is fixed to the underside of bracket 107. The front end of chainstay 106 is fixed to the rear end of bracket 107. The front end of seatstay 105 is fixed to the rear end of top tube 102. The rear end of seatstay 105 is connected to the rear end of chainstay 106, and the rear wheel 112 is rotatably mounted at this connection point.

[0063] A crank arm 18 is rotatably inserted through the motor unit 15. Inside the motor unit 15 is the front sprocket 191. The rear sprocket 192 is fixed to the hub of the rear wheel 112. A chain 193 is routed between the front sprocket 191 and the rear sprocket 192.

[0064] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the electric bicycle 1 includes a battery 2 for supplying power to the motor unit 15, and a locking unit 5 for detachably attaching the battery 2 to the frame 10.

[0065] As shown in Figure 4, the battery 2 comprises a battery body 3 and a retaining device 4 fixed to one end of the battery body 3 in the longitudinal direction. The one end of the battery body 3 in the longitudinal direction is the upper end of the battery body 3.

[0066] As shown in Figure 9, the lock unit 5 consists of a locking device 6 to which the battery 2 is detachably attached, and a fixing structure 7 that fixes the locking device 6 to the frame 10. In one embodiment of the electric bicycle, the locking device 6 detachably fixes a part of the battery 2 (i.e., the retaining device 4). As a result, the battery 2 is detachably fixed to the lock unit 5 including the locking device 6, and consequently, detachably attached to the frame 10 via the lock unit 5.

[0067] In one embodiment of the electric bicycle 1, the lock unit 5 is attached to the down tube 103 of the frame 10. The down tube 103 is provided with a notch 108. The notch 108 opens diagonally downward and forward in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (first direction 91 shown in Figures 2, 9, etc.) of the down tube 103 (second direction 92 shown in Figures 2, 9, etc.). The battery 2 is mounted on the down tube 103 via the lock unit 5 in a manner that it fits into the notch 108.

[0068] The following sections will provide a more detailed explanation of each of these components.

[0069] 1-2. Battery Unit As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the battery body 3, which constitutes the main body of the battery 2, comprises a plurality of battery cells 31, a cylindrical case 32 surrounding these plurality of battery cells 31, a cover portion 33 attached to the outer surface of the case 32, and a bottom cover 35 covering the lower end of the case 32. The cover portion 33, when attached to the outer surface of the case 32, constitutes a part of the surface of the battery.

[0070] In one embodiment, the battery body 3 is equipped with multiple battery cells 31, but it is sufficient to have at least one battery cell 31. The longitudinal direction of the case 32 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the battery body 3 and also coincides with the longitudinal direction of the battery 2. Grooves 321 and 322 for hooking the cover portion 33 are formed on the left and right sides of the outer circumferential surface of the case 32 (see Figure 3). The grooves 321 and 322 are bottomed grooves that extend in a straight line in the longitudinal direction of the case 32 and are formed along the entire length of the case 32 in the longitudinal direction.

[0071] The cover portion 33 comprises a cover member 330 with an arc-shaped cross-section that constitutes the main body of the cover portion 33, and a cover holding member 331 with an arc-shaped cross-section for attaching the cover member 330 to the case 32. The peripheral edge of the cover portion 33 (i.e., the peripheral edge of the cover holding member 331) is provided with a claw structure 332 for hooking the cover portion 33 onto the case 32. The claw structure 332 includes a left claw 333 and a right claw 334. The left claw 333 hooks into the groove 321 on the left side of the case 32, and the right claw 334 hooks into the groove 322 on the right side of the case 32, thereby temporarily fixing the cover portion 33 to the case 32 so as to cover a part of the outer circumferential surface of the case 32. Furthermore, the cover portion 33 is permanently fixed to the holding device 4 and the bottom cover 35 using a plurality of fasteners 36 (see Figure 4).

[0072] In addition, a rib structure 335 is provided on the periphery of the cover portion 33 (i.e., the periphery of the cover retaining member 331). The rib structure 335 includes a left rib 336 that protrudes from the left edge of the cover portion 33 (i.e., the left edge of the cover retaining member 331) and a right rib 337 that protrudes from the right edge of the cover portion 33 (i.e., the right edge of the cover retaining member 331). The left rib 336 and the right rib 337 are ribs that extend in a straight line in the longitudinal direction of the cover portion 33. The longitudinal direction of the cover portion 33 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the case 32. The left rib 336 and the right rib 337 protrude in directions that are away from each other in the left-right direction.

[0073] The rib structure 335 further includes a left finger rest 338 extending from the upper end of the left rib 336 and a right finger rest 339 extending from the upper end of the right rib 337. Both the left finger rest 338 and the right finger rest 339 are composed of L-shaped ribs that extend toward each other and are bent upward midway.

[0074] As shown in Figure 5, a holder 109 is provided at the lower end of the notch 108 of the frame 10 for detachably holding the lower end of the battery 2.

[0075] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, when the battery 2 is mounted in the notch 108 of the frame 10, the cover portion 33, which constitutes a part of the outer surface of the battery 2, is exposed to the outside. In this state, a gap 200 is formed between the peripheral edge of the cover portion 33 (i.e., the peripheral edge of the cover holding member 331) and the notch 108 of the frame 10. The gap 200 is a gap to prevent the user's fingers from getting caught between the battery 2 and the notch 108. The gap 200 is preferably 8 mm or more.

[0076] The gap 200 includes a left gap 201 formed along the left edge of the battery 2 and a right gap 202 formed along the right edge of the battery 2. When the battery 2 is mounted in the notch 108 of the frame 10, the left gap 201 and the right gap 202 are each formed in a straight line along the longitudinal direction of the battery 2. When the battery 2 is mounted in the notch 108 of the frame 10, the longitudinal direction of the battery 2 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the notch 108, and also coincides with the longitudinal direction of the part of the frame 10 in which the battery 2 is mounted (more specifically, the longitudinal direction of the down tube 103 (the first direction 91 shown in Figures 2, 9, etc.)).

[0077] When the battery 2 is mounted in the notch 108 of the frame 10, the rib structure 335 of the battery body 3 is located in front of the gap 200. The left rib 336 included in the rib structure 335 is located in front of the left gap 201, and the right rib 337 included in the rib structure 335 is located in front of the right gap 202. Therefore, even if mud or other debris is scattered from the front towards the gap 200, it will be stopped by hitting the rib structure 335. As a result, the entry of mud or other debris into the gap 200 is suppressed. Moreover, the presence of the left rib 336 and the right rib 337 allows the user to stably grip the battery 2 by placing their fingers on the left rib 336 and the right rib 337, respectively. It is preferable that the tips of the left rib 336 and the right rib 337 are smoothly rounded.

[0078] 1-3. Holding device Next, the retaining device 4 that constitutes the upper end of the battery 2 will be explained based on Figures 4-7, etc. The retaining device 4 is used to detachably hold the battery body 3 to the locking device 6 fixed to the frame 10 of the electric bicycle 1.

[0079] The retaining device 4 is fixed to the upper end of the case 32 of the battery body 3 using a plurality of fasteners 49 (see Figure 6). Each fastener 49 is, for example, a screw. In the battery 2, the upper end opening of the bottomless cylindrical case 32 is closed by the retaining device 4, and the lower end opening of the case 32 is closed by the bottom cover 35.

[0080] The holding device 4 comprises a base portion 41 fixed to the case 32 so as to close the upper end opening of the case 32, a stopper member 420 on which a stopper 42 that is both a first locking portion and a second locking portion is formed, an operating lever 43 that is movable relative to the base portion 41 and moves the stopper 42, an elastic member 44 that applies a biasing force to the stopper member 420 and the operating lever 43, and a cover member 45 fixed to the base portion 41 so as to cover at least a part of the operating lever 43 and the elastic member 44. The stopper 42 is configured to selectively lock a part of the locking device 6. The part of the locking device 6 here is the locking portion 61 (i.e., the lock bar 634, see Figures 8 and 9) which will be described later. For convenience, the locking portion 61 will be described as the first locking portion 61 in the following description.

[0081] As shown in Figure 6, the base portion 41 is a base member molded from resin, and integrally comprises a flat plate-shaped main body 411 that closes the upper end opening of the case 32 and a peripheral wall portion 412 that protrudes upward from the main body 411. On the side of the main body 411 opposite to the opposing surface 414 facing the battery body 3 (i.e., the upper surface), a region 410 is provided for rotatably arranging the operating lever 43. A notch portion 413 is formed in the peripheral wall portion 412 for rotatably inserting a part of the operating lever 43. The part of the operating lever 43 inserted into the notch portion 413 is the support shaft portion 431, which will be described later.

[0082] The peripheral wall portion 412 protrudes from the portion of the main body 411 surrounding region 410 toward a direction away from the battery body 3 (i.e., upward). The stopper member 420, the operating lever 43, and the cover member 45 are rotatably arranged in the space enclosed by the main body 411 and the peripheral wall portion 412. In other words, the region 410 of the main body 411 and the surrounding peripheral wall portion 412 form a housing recess for accommodating the stopper member 420, the operating lever 43, and the cover member 45. The housing recess is open toward a direction away from the battery body 3.

[0083] The stopper member 420 integrally includes a stopper 42. The stopper 42 is configured to be engaged by the first locking portion 61 of the locking device 6. The stopper 42 protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the opposing surface 414, away from the main body 411.

[0084] The operating lever 43 is movable between a locked position in which the stopper 42 is engaged with the first locking portion 61 and an unlocked position in which the stopper 42 is not engaged with the first locking portion 61. The operating lever 43 integrally comprises a lever body 430, a cylindrical support shaft portion 431 that protrudes toward the base portion 41 from one end of the lever body 430, a push-in portion 433 formed at the end of the lever body 430 opposite to the support shaft portion 431, and an action portion 432 formed between the support shaft portion 431 and the push-in portion 433. The support shaft portion 431 is rotatably connected to the body 411 by being inserted into a notch portion 413 of the base portion 41. The push-in portion 433 of the operating lever 43 is movable in a direction perpendicular to the opposing surface 414 of the base portion 41 (first direction 91 in Figure 9).

[0085] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the distance between the support shaft portion 431 and the push-in portion 433 is greater than the distance between the support shaft portion 431 and the operating portion 432. Therefore, in the holding device 4 of one embodiment, there is an advantage in that it is easy to secure the range of movement of the push-in portion 433 and that it is easy to apply a large force to the operating portion 432. The operating lever 43 is pivotable around the axis of the support shaft portion 431, with the support shaft portion 431 as its center.

[0086] As shown in Figure 9, the elastic member 44 is a coil-shaped spring provided separately from the operating lever 43. The elastic member 44 is positioned between the main body 411 and the stopper member 420 to maintain a compressed state. The elastic member 44 is provided to constantly apply a biasing force to the stopper member 420 and the operating lever 43. The biasing force applied to the stopper member 420 and the operating lever 43 is in a direction perpendicular to the opposing surface 414 of the base portion 41 (the first direction 91 in Figure 9). The stopper member 420 and the operating lever 43 are biased by the elastic member 44, and when no external force is applied by the user's pushing operation, they maintain the locked position shown in Figure 9.

[0087] The cover member 45 is detachably fixed to the main body 411 of the base portion 41 using fasteners, for example, screws. By removing the fasteners from the base portion 41 and then removing the cover member 45 from the base portion 41, at least one of the stopper member 420 and the operating lever 43 can be replaced. It is also possible to remove the cover member 45 and replace the elastic member 44.

[0088] The cover member 45 is fixed to the base portion 41 so as to block the opening to the upper part of the housing recess (region 410) and cover a part of the operating lever 43, the stopper member 420, and the elastic member 44.

[0089] 1-4. Locking device The locking device 6 is the main component of the locking unit 5, which is fixed to the frame 10. As shown in Figure 9, etc., it can detachably fix the holding device 4, which is part of the battery 2. In one embodiment of the electric bicycle 1, the holding device 4 and the locking device 6 constitute a battery holding mechanism 8 for holding the battery 2 to the frame 10.

[0090] The locking device 6 comprises a main locking unit 63 that can be operated with a key, and a lock holder 64 integrated with the main locking unit 63. The lock holder 64 also has the effect of protecting the battery 2 from directly contacting any part of the frame 10 other than the notch 108 when the battery 2 is attached to the frame 10. In other words, the frame 10 is protected by the lock holder 64. The main locking unit 63 is a cylinder lock and has a cylinder (not shown), a lock case 633, and a keyhole 631 (see Figure 2, etc.).

[0091] The cylinder is configured such that its inner cylinder rotates when a predetermined key is inserted into a keyhole 631 provided on one end face and turned. The locking device 6 is configured such that as the inner cylinder of the cylinder rotates, the tip of the lock bar 634 protrudes and retracts from the lock case 633.

[0092] In one embodiment of the electric bicycle 1, a lock bar 634, which is movably held by the main lock unit 63, constitutes a first locking part 61 that engages with the stopper 42 of the holding device 4. In other words, when the tip of the lock bar 634 is extended downward, the tip of the lock bar 634 engages with the stopper 42, thereby fixing the battery 2 so that it does not come off the notch 108 of the frame 10. When the main lock unit 63 is operated to retract the lock bar 634, the lock bar 634 maintains its engagement with the stopper 42. This releases the main lock of the battery 2 to the frame 10.

[0093] When no external force is applied to the operating lever 43 by the user's pushing operation, the tip of the lock bar 634 in the locked position engages with the stopper 42 of the stopper member 420, thereby securing the battery 2 so that it does not come off the notch 108 of the frame 10.

[0094] 1-5.Fixed structure The fixing structure 7 is a structure that, in combination with the locking device 6, constitutes the locking unit 5, and has the function of fixing the locking device 6 to the longitudinal end of the notch portion 108 of the frame 10 (specifically, the upper end of the notch portion 108). The longitudinal direction of the notch portion 108 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the part of the frame 10 on which the battery 2 is mounted (i.e., the down tube 103).

[0095] The fixing structure 7 includes a first sheet metal 71 that constitutes the main part of the fixing structure 7, a second sheet metal 72 that supports the first sheet metal 71, a first structure for fixing the first sheet metal 71 to the frame 10, and a second structure for fixing the first sheet metal 71 to the locking device 6. The second sheet metal 72 is a smaller sheet metal than the first sheet metal 71.

[0096] The structure for fixing the first sheet metal 71 to the frame 10 includes at least one hole provided in the first sheet metal 71 and at least one fastener 771 inserted into this hole. The fastener 771 is, for example, a screw, which is inserted through the hole formed in the first sheet metal 71 and fixed to the frame 10.

[0097] The structure for fixing the first sheet metal 71 and the locking device 6 includes at least one hole 762 provided in the first sheet metal 71, at least one fastener 772 inserted into the hole 762, and at least one hole 763 provided in the lock case 633 of the locking device 6. In one embodiment of the fixing structure 7, the at least one hole 762 is a plurality of holes 762 (specifically, three holes 762), the at least one fastener 772 is a plurality of fasteners 772 (specifically, three fasteners 772), and the at least one hole 763 is a plurality of holes 763 (specifically, three holes 763). Each hole 762 in the first sheet metal 71 is a through-hole. Each fastener 772 is, for example, a screw, which is inserted through the corresponding hole 763 and fixed to the first sheet metal 71 while inserted into the corresponding hole 762. This fixes the first sheet metal 71 and the locking device 6.

[0098] The structure for fixing the second sheet metal 72 to the frame 10 includes at least one hole provided in the second sheet metal 72 and at least one fastener 773 inserted into this hole. The fastener 773 is, for example, a screw, which is inserted through the hole formed in the second sheet metal 72 and fixed to the frame 10.

[0099] The structure for fixing the second sheet metal 72 to the first sheet metal 71 and the locking device 6 includes at least one hole provided in the second sheet metal 72, at least one fastener 774 inserted into the hole, at least one hole provided in the lock case 633 of the locking device 6, and at least one hole provided in the first sheet metal 71. In one embodiment of the fixing structure 7, at least one hole is one hole, at least one fastener 774 is one fastener 774, at least one hole is one hole, and at least one hole is one hole. The fastener 774 is, for example, a screw. The fastener 774 is inserted through the hole provided in the second sheet metal 72 into the corresponding hole provided in the first sheet metal 71. As a result, the second sheet metal 72 is fixed to the first sheet metal 71 and to the locking device 6.

[0100] 1-6. Effects In one embodiment of the electric bicycle 1 having the above configuration, the battery 2 can be released from the frame 10 in two stages by using both a first unlocking operation based on the user's key operation and a second unlocking operation using the operating lever 43. The user can easily operate the operating lever 43 by pushing it in while, for example, holding the battery 2 with one hand.

[0101] Before performing the unlock operation, the device is in the first state shown in Figure 9. This is the first locking part. 、 Stopper 42 Of these, the part located on the retracting side of the stopper 42 (the advancing side of the lock bar 634 (first locking part 61)) The movement is restricted by the first locking part 61 of the locking device 6. Also, the second locking part 、 Stopper 42 Of these, the portion located on the side of the stopper 42 that moves forward (the side of the lock bar 634 (first locking part 61) that moves backward) than the first locking part.This restricts the movement of the first locking portion 61 of the locking device 6. Thus, the state in which the movement of the locking device 6 is restricted by the first locking portion and the second locking portion is the first state.

[0102] When removing the battery 2 from the frame 10, the first unlocking operation is performed first. The first unlocking operation involves inserting the key into the keyhole 631 and turning it in a predetermined direction, causing the lock bar 634 (first locking part 61) to retract upward as shown in Figure 10. This completes the first unlocking operation and brings the device to the second state. That is, the restriction by the first locking part is released, and the movement relative to the locking device 6 is restricted by the second locking part. At this stage, although the restriction on movement relative to the first locking part is released by the locking device 6, the movement relative to the locking device 6 is still restricted by the second locking part, so the first locking part 61 is still engaged with the stopper 42, and the lock of the battery 2 to the frame 10 has not been released. In the first and second states, In the second direction 92 The relative positions of the locking device 6 and the holding device 4 remain unchanged.

[0103] Next, a second unlocking operation is performed. The second unlocking operation involves the user grasping the upper end of the battery 2 with, for example, their left hand, and then pushing the push-in part 433 downward (along the first direction 91) with their left thumb. Alternatively, the user grasps the upper end of the battery 2 with their right hand, and then pushes the push-in part 433 downward with their right index finger. As the push-in part 433 is pushed in, as shown in Figure 11, the stopper member 420 moves downward when pushed by the operating lever 43 within the holding device 4, and the stopper 42 moves downward, releasing the lock between the first locking part 61 and the stopper 42, thus completing the second unlocking operation.

[0104] Next, as shown in Figure 12, the user can safely and easily remove battery 2 while still holding it.

[0105] Furthermore, when attaching the battery 2 to the frame 10, the lower end of the battery 2 is first placed on the lower end of the notch 108 (i.e., the holder 109), and the battery 2 is rotated backward around the lower end of the notch 108. The stopper 42 retracts downward against the biasing force at the position where it contacts the first locking portion 61, and then returns to its original position (locking position) due to the biasing force (see Figure 10). As a result, the first locking portion 61 is locked to the stopper 42.

[0106] Next, the user inserts the key into the keyhole 631 and turns it in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction, moving the lock bar 634 further downward. This engages the lock bar 634 with the stopper 42 of the retaining device 4, thereby locking it in place.

[0107] Thus, according to this embodiment of the electric bicycle 1, safety can be enhanced by fixing the battery 2 to the frame 10 of the electric bicycle 1 in two stages. In addition, the user can safely and easily remove the battery 2 from the frame 10 and attach the battery 2 to the frame 10.

[0108] In addition, according to one embodiment of the electric bicycle 1, after the first unlocking operation, in which a key is inserted into the keyhole 631 and turned in a predetermined direction, is performed, until the second unlocking operation is performed, the battery 2 remains fitted into the notch portion 108, and the relative position of the locking device 6 and the retaining device 4 does not change. Note that the relative position does not change, including cases where there is a design-permissible amount of play. The amount of play is preferably in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm. As a result, the battery 2 does not fall forward immediately after the first unlocking operation is performed, which increases the design freedom of the frame 10, for example, by allowing the distance between the down tube 103 and the front wheel 111 to be designed to be shorter.

[0109] 2. Variations Each component of the electric bicycle 1 in one embodiment is merely an example, and can be modified as appropriate within the range of achieving similar effects.

[0110] 2-1. Variation 1 The holding device 4 of Modification 1 will be described based on Figures 13 to 26. Since the holding device 4 of Modification 1 is largely the same as the holding device 4 of the embodiment described above, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in the holding device 4 of the embodiment described above, and their descriptions are omitted. The main differences will be described.

[0111] (holding device) The retaining device 4 in the modified example 1 is a retaining device 4 used to detachably hold the battery body 3 to a locking device 6 fixed to the frame 10 of the electric bicycle 1, and in this respect it is the same as the embodiment described above.

[0112] The retaining device 4 of the modified example 1 differs from the embodiment described above in that the stopper 42 is configured to engage with a first locking portion 61 included in the locking device 6, and the locking member (operating lever 43) is configured to engage with a second locking portion 62 included in the locking device 6.

[0113] The first locking portion 61 is movable in a first direction 91. At least one of the second locking portion 62 and the locking member is movable in a second direction 92 different from the first direction 91, between a locked position in which the second locking portion 62 and the locking member are locked to each other and an unlocked position in which the second locking portion 62 and the locking member are not locked to each other.

[0114] As shown in Figure 13, a notch 34 is provided on the upper edge of the cover portion 33 (i.e., the upper edge of the cover retaining member 331). The notch 34 is a notch that allows the push-in portion 433 of the operating lever 43, which acts as a locking member, to protrude outward, and has a shape that is recessed downward. The notch 34 is located above one of the left and right finger rest portions 338, 339, and in the battery 2, it is located above the left finger rest portion 338.

[0115] The bottom cover 35, which forms the lower end of the battery body 3, is configured to slide against the lower end of the notch 108 of the frame 10 both when the battery 2 is attached to the notch 108 of the frame 10 and when the battery 2 is removed from the notch 108 of the frame 10. As shown in Figures 14 and 15A, the front surface of the bottom cover 35 has two concave curved surfaces 350, spaced apart on the left and right, which smoothly guide the rotation of the battery 2 when it is attached to or removed. The concave curved surfaces 350 are spherically concave curved surfaces with respect to the rotation center point when the battery 2 is attached to or removed. Between the left and right concave curved surfaces 350, there is a protrusion 352 that protrudes forward of the concave curved surface 350 (see Figure 15B).

[0116] As shown in Figures 16, 19, and 13, the holder 109 is provided with a convex surface 100 configured to contact the concave surface 350 of the lower end of the battery 2. The convex surface 100 is a spherically protruding convex surface with respect to the rotation center point when the battery 2 is attached or detached. When the battery 2 is attached or detached, the concave surface 350 of the battery 2 slides against the convex surface 100 of the holder 109, thereby achieving stable rotation of the battery 2.

[0117] In modified example 1, the gap 200 is a gap between the battery 2 and the notch 108 to prevent foreign objects or the user's fingers from getting caught. Preferably, the gap 200 is a gap that separates the battery 2 and the frame 10 by a distance of 8 mm or more. Here, the distance is the distance between the outermost part of the rib structure 335 (raised structure) (i.e., the most raised part) and the outermost part of the notch 108 of the frame 10.

[0118] The gap 201 on the left side (see Figure 3) is preferably a gap of 8 mm or more between the left edge of the battery 2 and the notch 108 of the frame 10. Here, the distance is the distance between the outermost part of the left rib 336 (left protrusion) (i.e., the most protruding part) and the outermost part of the notch 108 of the frame 10.

[0119] Similarly, the gap 202 on the right side is preferably a gap of 8 mm or more between the right edge of the battery 2 and the notch 108 of the frame 10. Here, the distance is the distance between the outermost part of the right rib 337 (right protrusion) (i.e., the most protruding part) and the outermost part of the notch 108 of the frame 10.

[0120] As shown in Figure 22, the base portion 41 in the modified example 1 integrally comprises a main body 411, a peripheral wall portion 412, and a projection portion 4131 that protrudes from the main body 411 in the same direction as the peripheral wall portion 412.

[0121] The peripheral wall portion 412 protrudes from the part of the main body 411 that surrounds region 410, in a direction away from the battery body 3 (i.e., upward). The operating lever 43 is rotatably positioned in the space enclosed by the main body 411 and the peripheral wall portion 412. In other words, region 410 of the main body 411 and the surrounding peripheral wall portion 412 form a housing recess 415 for housing the operating lever 43. The housing recess 415 is open in a direction away from the battery body 3.

[0122] The peripheral wall portion 412 is provided with an opening 418 for allowing a portion of the operating lever 43 to protrude outward. The portion of the operating lever 43 protruding from the opening 418 includes an action portion 432 that acts as a locking portion and a push portion 433. In the battery 2 of the modified example 1, the first portion of the opening 418 that allows the action portion 432 to protrude outward and the second portion that allows the push portion 433 to protrude outward are provided as a single continuous unit, but the first portion and the second portion of the opening 418 may be provided discontinuously.

[0123] A metal lock plate 46 is detachably fixed to the projection 4131 using a fastener 48. The lock plate 46 is a reinforcing plate made by bending a metal plate such as stainless steel, and the lock plate 46 is fixed to the resin projection 4131 to form a stopper 42. With the lock plate 46 fixed to the projection 4131, the surface of the lock plate 46 constitutes the surface of the stopper 42.

[0124] The operating lever 43 integrally comprises a lever body 430, a cylindrical support shaft portion 431 protruding from the lever body 430 toward the base portion 41, an action portion 432 protruding from the lever body 430 to one side in the left-right direction, and a push portion 433 protruding from the lever body 430 to one side in the left-right direction. The support shaft portion 431 is rotatably connected to the main body 411 by being inserted into the hole in the base portion 41. The action portion 432 is configured to be selectively engaged with a part of the locking device 6. Here, the part of the locking device 6 is the second locking portion 62 (recess 645) (see Figure 20). The push portion 433 is the part that the user pushes in with their finger, and is configured so that the user's finger makes contact with its tip surface.

[0125] As shown in Figures 23A and 23B, the operating portion 432 and the pushing portion 433 protrude from different parts of the lever body 430 toward the same side. In the modified example 1 of the battery 2, both the operating portion 432 and the pushing portion 433 protrude to the left. The amount of protrusion of the pushing portion 433 from the lever body 430 is greater than the amount of protrusion of the operating portion 432 from the lever body 430. Preferably, the amount of protrusion of the pushing portion 433 from the lever body 430 is twice or more the amount of protrusion of the operating portion 432 from the lever body 430, or three times or more the amount of protrusion of the operating portion 432 from the lever body 430.

[0126] When the operating lever 43 is viewed in the axial direction of the support shaft portion 431, the distance between the support shaft portion 431 and the push-in portion 433 is greater than the distance between the support shaft portion 431 and the working portion 432. Therefore, the holding device 4 of the modified example 1 has the advantage of making it easier to secure the range of movement of the push-in portion 433 and making it easier to apply a large force to the working portion 432.

[0127] Furthermore, in the axial direction of the support shaft portion 431, the amount of protrusion of the support shaft portion 431 from the lever body 430 is greater than the amount of protrusion of the push-in portion 433 from the lever body 430 (see Figure 24). In the axial direction of the support shaft portion 431, it is preferable for the support shaft portion 431 to have larger dimensions than the other parts of the operating lever 43 (i.e., the lever body 430, the working portion 432, and the push-in portion 433, respectively) in order to ensure the strength of the support shaft portion 431. In the axial direction of the support shaft portion 431, the working portion 432 protrudes from the lever body 430 on the opposite side (i.e., the upper side) from the side on which the support shaft portion 431 protrudes.

[0128] The operating lever 43 is pivotable from side to side around the pivot shaft 431, between the locked position shown in Figure 23A and the unlocked position shown in Figure 23B. When the operating lever 43 is in the locked position, the working part 432 protrudes outward through the opening 418 in the peripheral wall 412. The working part 432, which protrudes outward, can be locked to the second locking part 62 of the locking device 6. In contrast, when the operating lever 43 is in the unlocked position, the working part 432 does not protrude outward through the opening 418. When the operating lever 43 is in the unlocked position, the working part 432 cannot be locked to the second locking part 62 of the locking device 6.

[0129] The elastic member 44 is a coil-shaped spring provided separately from the operating lever 43. The elastic member 44 is positioned between the peripheral wall portion 412 and the operating lever 43 to maintain a compressed state. The elastic member 44 is provided to constantly apply a biasing force to the operating lever 43. The biasing force applied to the operating lever 43 is in a direction parallel to the base portion 41 (i.e., parallel to the flat plate-shaped main body 411). By being biased by the elastic member 44, the operating lever 43 maintains the locked position shown in Figure 23A when no external force is applied by the user's pushing operation.

[0130] The cover member 45 is detachably fixed to the main body 411 of the base portion 41 using a fastener 48. The fastener 48 is a fastener that fixes the cover member 45 and the lock plate 46 to the base portion 41 together. The fastener 48 is, for example, a screw. By removing the fastener 48 from the base portion 41, both the cover member 45 and the lock plate 46 can be removed, and at least one of the cover member 45 and the lock plate 46 can be replaced. It is also possible to remove the cover member 45 and replace the elastic member 44.

[0131] The cover member 45 is fixed to the base portion 41 so as to close the opening above the housing recess 415 and cover a portion of the operating lever 43 and the elastic member 44. The portion of the operating lever 43 referred to here is the portion of the operating lever 43 excluding the action portion 432 and the push-in portion 433.

[0132] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the cover member 45 is provided with a notch 451 that allows the operating part 432 to move in the left-right direction. The operating part 432 can swing in the left-right direction within the range of the notch 451. When the operating part 432 hits the notch 451, the movement of the operating lever 43 on one side in the left-right direction (i.e., the right side) is restricted. Also, when a part of the operating lever 43 hits the peripheral wall 412, the movement of the operating lever 43 on the other side in the left-right direction (i.e., the left side) is restricted.

[0133] The cover member 45 only needs to cover at least a part of the operating lever 43; for example, it can cover the entire operating lever 43. The cover member 45 may be fixed to the base portion 41 so as to cover at least the portion of the operating lever 43 excluding the push-in portion 433, or it may be fixed to the base portion 41 so as to cover at least the portion of the operating lever 43 excluding the action portion 432.

[0134] (Locking device) The locking device 6 is the main component of the locking unit 5 fixed to the frame 10, and as shown in Figure 18, etc., it can detachably fix the holding device 4, which is part of the battery 2. In the modified electric bicycle 1 of the first example, the holding device 4 and the locking device 6 constitute a battery holding mechanism 8 for holding the battery 2 to the frame 10.

[0135] As shown in Figures 25 and 26, the locking device 6 comprises a main locking section 63 that can be operated with a key, and a lock holder 64 integrated with the main locking section 63. The main locking section 63 is a cylinder lock. The main locking section 63 comprises a cylindrical cylinder 632 having a keyhole 631 (see Figure 2, etc.), a lock case 633 integrated with the cylinder 632, and a lock bar 634 housed in the lock case 633. The lock case 633 integrally has a rectangular tubular first section 6331 in which the lock bar 634 is movably housed, and a second section 6332 for connecting to the fixing structure 7.

[0136] The direction of movement of the lock bar 634 is the same as that of the first direction 91. The amount by which the lock bar 634 can move in this direction is preferably set to a range of 6 mm to 10 mm, for example, 8 mm. It is preferable that the amount by which the lock bar 634 can move in the first direction 91 is set to be greater than the amount by which the locking device 6 can be adjusted relative to the frame 10 in the first direction 91 (in other words, the amount by which the locking device 6 can be adjusted relative to the frame 10 in the first direction 91 is set to be less than the amount by which the lock bar 634 can move in the first direction 91).

[0137] The cylinder 632 is configured such that its inner cylinder rotates when a predetermined key is inserted into a keyhole 631 provided on one end face and turned. The locking device 6 is configured such that, as the inner cylinder of the cylinder 632 rotates, the amount by which the tip of the lock bar 634 protrudes from the first part 6331 of the lock case 633 changes.

[0138] In the modified electric bicycle 1, the lock bar 634, which is movably held by the main lock unit 63, constitutes a first locking part 61 that engages with the stopper 42 of the holding device 4. In other words, with the tip of the lock bar 634 protruding downward from the first part 6331, the tip of the lock bar 634 engages with the stopper 42 (see Figure 18), thereby fixing the battery 2 so that it does not come off the notch 108 of the frame 10. When the main lock unit 63 is operated to retract the lock bar 634 into the first part 6331, the lock bar 634 moves to a position where it does not engage with the stopper 42. This releases the main lock of the battery 2 to the frame 10.

[0139] The lock holder 64 has a rectangular through hole 641 into which a convex first portion 6331 included in the lock case 633 fits, and a positioning piece 643 into which a part of the main lock portion 63 fits. With the first portion 6331 fitted into the through hole 641, the lock bar 634 can protrude toward the retaining device 4 through the opening of the first portion 6331. A part of the main lock portion 63 is provided with an arc-shaped notch 638 into which the positioning piece 643 fits. The tip edge of the positioning piece 643 has an arc-shaped recess to match the notch 638.

[0140] As shown in Figure 18, a portion of the lock holder 64 is provided to cover the upper end of the notch 108 from the outside when the locking device 6 is fixed to the frame 10. The portion of the lock holder 64 referred to here is the part of the lock holder 64 that protrudes upward from the outermost part when the locking device 6 is fixed to the frame 10. By providing this portion of the lock holder 64, when the battery 2 is attached to the frame 10, the battery 2 is prevented from directly contacting the part of the frame 10 excluding the notch 108, thereby protecting the frame 10.

[0141] As shown in Figures 18 and 20, a recess 645 is formed on the lower surface 640 of the lock holder 64 (i.e., the surface facing the holding device 4) in which the operating portion 432 of the operating lever 43 can be locked. In the modified example 1 of the electric bicycle 1, the recess 645 of the lock holder 64 constitutes a second locking portion 62 in which the operating lever 43 is locked.

[0142] When no external force is applied to the operating lever 43 by the user's pushing operation, the working portion 432 of the operating lever 43, which is in the locked position, engages with the recess 645, thereby fixing the battery 2 so that it does not come off the notch portion 108 of the frame 10. When an external force is applied to the operating lever 43 and it is moved to the unlocked position, the working portion 432 of the operating lever 43 moves to a position where it does not engage with the recess 645. This releases the sub-lock of the battery 2 from the frame 10.

[0143] Thus, in the modified electric bicycle 1 of the first example, the battery 2 is secured to the frame 10 in a dual manner: by a main lock operated by a key and by a sub-lock using an operating lever 43.

[0144] When locking the battery 2 in a double lock with the locking device 6, it is desirable that the relative positions of the first locking portion 61 and the second locking portion 62 of the locking device 6 be determined with high precision. In contrast, in the locking device 6 of the modified example 1, the main locking portion 63 that movably holds the first locking portion 61 (i.e., the lock bar 634) and the second locking portion 62 (i.e., the recess 645 of the lock holder 64) configured to engage the operating lever 43 are integrally formed. Therefore, the relative positions of the first locking portion 61 and the second locking portion 62 are determined with high precision.

[0145] (Fixed structure) The fixing structure 7 is a structure that, in combination with the locking device 6, constitutes the locking unit 5, and has the function of fixing the locking device 6 to the longitudinal end of the notch portion 108 of the frame 10 (specifically, the upper end of the notch portion 108). The longitudinal direction of the notch portion 108 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the part of the frame 10 on which the battery 2 is mounted (i.e., the down tube 103).

[0146] The fixing structure 7 is fixed to the frame 10 in a position-adjustable manner and also fixed to the locking device 6 in a position-adjustable manner. The fixing structure 7 and the frame 10 are fixed in a position-adjustable manner within a predetermined range in the first direction 91, and the fixing structure 7 and the locking device 6 are fixed in a position-adjustable manner within a predetermined range in the second direction 92. The second direction 92 is a different direction from the first direction 91. It is preferable that the first direction 91 and the second direction 92 are orthogonal to each other.

[0147] Furthermore, the dimensions of the fixed structure 7 are adjustable in the third direction 93. Because the dimensions of the fixed structure 7 are adjustable, even if there are variations in the dimensions of the frame 10 during the manufacturing stage, these variations can be absorbed by adjusting the dimensions of the fixed structure 7. The third direction 93 is a different direction from the first direction 91. It is preferable that the first direction 91 and the third direction 93 are orthogonal to each other.

[0148] In the fixed structure 7 of the modified example 1, the first direction 91 is the longitudinal direction of the notch portion 108, the longitudinal direction of the part of the frame 10 where the battery 2 is mounted (i.e., the down tube 103), and the longitudinal direction of the battery 2 when the battery 2 is mounted on the frame 10. The second direction 92 is the front-to-back width direction of the down tube 103 and is perpendicular to the first direction 91. The third direction 93 is the front-to-back width direction of the down tube 103, similar to the second direction 92, and is perpendicular to the first direction 91. It is also possible to rephrase the first direction 91 as the up-and-down direction, and the second direction 92 and the third direction 93 as the front-to-back direction.

[0149] The specific structure of the fixing structure 7 will be further described below. The fixing structure 7 includes a first sheet metal 71 which constitutes the main part of the fixing structure 7, a second sheet metal 72 which supports the first sheet metal 71, a first structure for fixing the first sheet metal 71 to the frame 10 in a position-adjustable manner, and a second structure for fixing the first sheet metal 71 to the locking device 6 in a position-adjustable manner. The second sheet metal 72 is a smaller sheet metal than the first sheet metal 71.

[0150] The first sheet metal 71 is an L-shaped sheet metal having a corner portion 715. Of the first sheet metal 71, the first portion 711 flanking the corner portion 715 is a flat plate-shaped portion that is fixed to the frame 10 in a position-adjustable manner. The second portion 712 flanking the corner portion 715 of the first sheet metal 71 is a flat plate-shaped portion that is fixed to the locking device 6 in a position-adjustable manner. The corner portion 715 is curved in an arc shape so as to smoothly connect the first portion 711 and the second portion 712.

[0151] The first structure for fixing the first sheet metal 71 to the frame 10 includes at least one hole 761 provided in the first side portion 711 of the first sheet metal 71 and at least one fastener 771 inserted therein.

[0152] In the fixing structure 7 of the modified example 1, at least one hole 761 is a plurality of holes 761 (specifically, two holes 761), and at least one fastener 771 is a plurality of fasteners 771 (specifically, two fasteners 771). Each hole 761 is a through-hole with the first direction 91 as its longitudinal direction. Each fastener 771 is, for example, a screw, which is inserted through the corresponding hole 761 and fixed to the frame 10. With each fastener 771 inserted through the corresponding hole 761, the first sheet metal 71 and the frame 10 are fixed in a position adjustable in the first direction 91, within a range in which each fastener 771 is movable in the first direction 91 relative to the corresponding hole 761.

[0153] As shown in Figure 26, the second structure for fixing the first sheet metal 71 and the locking device 6 includes at least one hole 762 provided in the second side portion 712 of the first sheet metal 71, at least one fastener 772 inserted into it, and at least one hole 763 provided in the lock case 633 of the locking device 6. In the fixing structure 7 of the modified example 1, the at least one hole 762 is a plurality of holes 762 (specifically, three holes 762), the at least one fastener 772 is a plurality of fasteners 772 (specifically, three fasteners 772), and the at least one hole 763 is a plurality of holes 763 (specifically, three holes 763). Each hole 762 in the second side portion 712 is a through-hole. Each hole 763 in the lock case 633 is a through-hole with the second direction 92 as its longitudinal direction. Each fastener 772 is, for example, a screw, which is inserted through the corresponding hole 763 and fixed to the first sheet metal 71 while inserted into the corresponding hole 763. This fixes the first sheet metal 71 and the locking device 6. Within the range in which each fastener 772 can move in the second direction 92 while inserted through the corresponding hole 763, the first sheet metal 71 and the locking device 6 are adjustable in the second direction 92.

[0154] These multiple fasteners 772 can be inserted from the side of the notched portion 108 of the frame 10. Therefore, it is possible to easily attach the lock unit 5 to the frame 10.

[0155] The second sheet metal 72 is an L-shaped sheet metal having a corner portion 725. Of the second sheet metal 72, the first portion 721 flanking the corner portion 725 is a flat plate-shaped portion that is fixed to the frame 10 in a position-adjustable manner. The second portion 722 flanking the corner portion 725 of the second sheet metal 72 is a flat plate-shaped portion that is fixed to the first sheet metal 71 and the locking device 6 in a position-adjustable manner.

[0156] The structure for fixing the second sheet metal 72 to the frame 10 includes at least one hole 764 provided in the first side portion 721 of the second sheet metal 72 and at least one fastener 773 inserted therein.

[0157] In the fixing structure 7 of the modified example 1, at least one hole 764 is a plurality of holes 764 (specifically, two holes 764), and at least one fastener 773 is a plurality of fasteners 773 (specifically, two fasteners 773). Each fastener 773 is, for example, a screw. Each hole 764 is a screw hole into which a fastener 771 is inserted. Each fastener 773 is inserted into the corresponding hole 764 through an elongated hole formed in the frame 10 such that the first direction 91 is the longitudinal direction. In this way, the second sheet metal 72 and the frame 10 are fixed in a position adjustable in the first direction 91.

[0158] The structure for fixing the second sheet metal 72 to the first sheet metal 71 and the locking device 6 includes at least one hole 765 provided in the second side portion 722 of the second sheet metal 72, at least one fastener 774 inserted into it, at least one hole 766 provided in the lock case 633 of the locking device 6, and at least one hole 767 provided in the second side portion 712 of the first sheet metal 71. In the fixing structure 7 of Modification 1, at least one hole 765 is one hole 765, at least one fastener 774 is one fastener 774, at least one hole 766 is one hole 766, and at least one hole 767 is one hole 767. The fastener 774 is, for example, a screw.

[0159] The hole 765 in the second sheet metal 72 is a through-hole with the third direction 93 as its longitudinal direction. The fastener 774 for fixing the second sheet metal 72 to the locking device 6 is one of the three fasteners 772 for fixing the first sheet metal 71 to the locking device 6. The hole 766 in the lock case 633 is one of the three holes 763 for fixing the first sheet metal 71 to the locking device 6. The hole 767 in the first sheet metal 71 is a through-hole and is one of the three holes 762 for fixing the first sheet metal 71 to the locking device 6.

[0160] The fastener 774 is inserted into the corresponding hole 767 through a hole 765 whose longitudinal direction is the third direction 93. As a result, the second sheet metal 72 is fixed to the first sheet metal 71 so as to be adjustable in the third direction 93, and also fixed to the locking device 6 so as to be adjustable in the third direction 93. The second portion 6332 of the lock case 633 of the locking device 6 is provided with a recess 6335 into which a part 728 of the second sheet metal 72 fits. The part 728 of the second sheet metal 72 is part of the second side portion 722, more specifically, the portion of the second side portion 722 into which the hole 765 is provided. With the part 728 of the second sheet metal 72 fitted into the recess 6335, it is possible to easily perform relative positioning work between the second sheet metal 72 and the locking device 6.

[0161] Thus, in the fixing structure 7 of the modified example 1, the second sheet metal 72 and the locking device 6 are fixed together to the first sheet metal 71 using a common fastener 774 (772). The third direction 93 is preferably the same as the second direction 92.

[0162] In addition, the lock unit 5 of the modified example 1 further includes a locking structure that allows the locking device 6 to slidably engage with the fixing structure 7 in a second direction 92. This locking structure includes an L-shaped hook 65 provided on the locking device 6 and an insertion hole 78 provided in the fixing structure 7 through which the hook 65 is inserted.

[0163] The hook 65 protrudes from the lock case 633 toward (i.e., upward) the first sheet metal 71. The hook 65 has a first portion 651 extending from the lock case 633 in a first direction 91, and a second portion 652 extending from a part of the first portion 651 (specifically the tip portion) in a second direction 92. The second portion 652 extends toward the rear in the second direction. The through hole 78 is a rectangular hole that penetrates the second side portion 712 of the first sheet metal 71. In the lock unit 5 of the modified example 1, the hook 65 is slidably locked to the first sheet metal 71 with the first portion 651 inserted through the through hole 78 and the second portion 652 in contact with the second side portion 712 of the first sheet metal 71. This prevents deformation of the lock unit 5 due to the load of the battery 2 when the load is applied to the lock unit 5.

[0164] (Effects and Benefits) In one embodiment of the electric bicycle 1 having the above configuration, the battery 2 can be double-locked to the frame 10 by utilizing both a main lock function based on the user's key operation and a sub-lock function using the operating lever 43. The user can easily operate the operating lever 43 by pushing it in while, for example, holding the battery 2 in one hand.

[0165] Specifically, when removing the battery 2 from the frame 10, the key is first inserted into the keyhole 631 and turned in a predetermined direction, and the lock bar 634 is pulled up and retracted into the locking device 6, thereby separating the lock bar 634 from the stopper 42 of the retaining device 4 and releasing the main lock. At this stage, the working part 432 of the retaining device 4 is engaged with the locking device 6, and the sub-lock is maintained.

[0166] Next, the user can grasp the upper end of the battery 2 with their left hand, for example, and then press the push-in part 433 horizontally with their left thumb. Alternatively, the user can grasp the upper end of the battery 2 with their right hand and then press the push-in part 433 horizontally with their right index finger. When the push-in part 433 is pressed, the operating lever 43 is activated within the holding device 4, and the sub-lock by the action part 432 is released. The user can then safely and easily remove the battery 2 while still holding it.

[0167] When attaching the battery 2 to the frame 10, the lower end of the battery 2 is first placed on the lower end of the notch 108 (i.e., the holder 109), and the battery 2 is rotated backward around the lower end of the notch 108. The operating lever 43 of the retaining device 4 operates against the biasing force when the working part 432 contacts the locking device 6, and then returns to its original position (locked position) due to the biasing force. At this time, the working part 432 of the retaining device 4 is locked to the locking device 6, and the sub-lock is automatically engaged. Next, the user can insert the key into the keyhole 631 and turn it in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction, lowering the lock bar 634 and making it protrude from the locking device 6, thereby engaging the lock bar 634 with the stopper 42 of the retaining device 4 and engaging the main lock.

[0168] Thus, according to this embodiment of the electric bicycle 1, safety can be enhanced by double-securing the battery 2 to the frame 10 of the electric bicycle 1. In addition, the user can safely and easily remove the battery 2 from the frame 10 and reattach the battery 2 to the frame 10.

[0169] In addition, according to one embodiment of the electric bicycle 1, after the main lock is released, until the sub-lock is released, the battery 2 remains fitted into the notch 108, and the relative position of the locking device 6 and the retaining device 4 does not change. The phrase "relative position does not change" here includes cases where there is a design-acceptable amount of play. Preferably, the play is within 0.6 mm, and more preferably within 0.2 mm. In other words, since the battery 2 does not fall forward immediately after the main lock is released, the design freedom of the frame 10 is increased, for example, by designing a shorter distance between the down tube 103 and the front wheel 111.

[0170] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the electric bicycle 1, when the battery 2 is installed in the notched portion 108, a cover portion 33 that constitutes part of the battery 2 is exposed to the outside, and the cover portion 33 functions to protect the part of the battery 2 excluding the cover portion 33. In addition, when the battery 2 is installed in the notched portion 108, a gap 200 is formed between the cover portion 33 and the notched portion 108, so that when the battery 2 is installed, foreign objects or the user's fingers are prevented from getting caught between the battery 2 and the notched portion 108.

[0171] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the electric bicycle 1, the position of the locking device 6 used to detachably attach the battery 2 to the frame 10 can be adjusted in two directions, a first direction 91 and a second direction 92, relative to the frame 10. In addition, according to one embodiment of the electric bicycle 1, the dimensions of the fixing structure 7 interposed between the locking device 6 and the frame 10 can be adjusted in a third direction 93.

[0172] 2-2. Variation 2 The holding device 4 of Modified Example 2 will be described based on Figure 27. Since the holding device 4 of Modified Example 2 is largely the same as the holding device 4 of the above-described embodiment and Modified Example 1, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those of the holding device 4 of the above-described embodiment and Modified Example 1, and their descriptions are omitted. The main differences will be described.

[0173] In the electric bicycle 1 of the above-described embodiment and Modification 1, the rib structure 335 is provided on the periphery of the cover retaining member 331, but as in Modification 2, it may be provided on the periphery of the cover member 330. In Modification 2, a left rib 336 is provided on the left edge of the cover member 330, and a right rib 337 is provided on the right edge of the cover member 330. The left edge of the cover member 330 is bent in an L-shape so as to fold back to the right, and this bent portion constitutes the left rib 336 which protrudes to the left of the left edge of the cover retaining member 331. The right edge of the cover member 330 is bent in an L-shape so as to fold back to the left, and this bent portion constitutes the right rib 337 which protrudes to the right of the right edge of the cover retaining member 331. Note that the phrase "bent in an L-shape" here is not limited to bending at a right angle, but also includes bending at an acute angle and bending at an obtuse angle. The tips of the left rib 336 and the right rib 337 (i.e., the corners that are bent in an L-shape) preferably have a smoothly rounded outer shape.

[0174] Furthermore, in the electric bicycle 1 of the above-described embodiment and modified example 1, the rib structure 335, including the left rib 336 and the right rib 337, is provided integrally with the cover retaining member 331, but it is also preferable that the rib structure 335 be provided separately from the cover retaining member 331. In modified example 2, the rib structure 335, including the left rib 336 and the right rib 337, is provided integrally with the cover member 330 (in other words, it is composed of a part of the cover member 330), but it is also preferable that the rib structure 335 be provided separately from the cover member 330. In addition, in the electric bicycle 1 of the above-described embodiment, modified example 1 and modified example 2, the left rib 336 and the right rib 337 have symmetrical shapes, but it is also preferable that the left rib 336 and the right rib 337 have asymmetrical shapes.

[0175] 2-3. Variation 3 The holding device 4 of Modified Example 3 will be described based on Figure 28. Since the holding device 4 of Modified Example 3 is largely the same as the holding device 4 of the above-described embodiment, Modified Example 1, and Modified Example 2, the same components as those of the holding device 4 of the above-described embodiment, Modified Example 1, and Modified Example 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted, and the mainly different components will be described.

[0176] To enhance the anti-theft performance of the battery 2, it is also preferable to provide a projection 37 for preventing foreign object insertion at the upper end of the case 32 of the battery body 3, as shown in Modification 3. The projection 37 is a rib-like portion provided at the upper end of the battery 2, which is exposed to the outside when the battery 2 is mounted in the notched portion 108 of the frame 10 (specifically, the upper end of the cover portion 33), so as to protrude upward (in other words, so as to protrude toward the locking device 6). When the battery 2 is mounted, the projection 37 is positioned to cover and conceal the gap 95 formed between the retaining device 4, which constitutes the upper end of the battery 2, and the locking device 6, so as not to be visible from the outside. The gap 95 is the gap formed between the cover member 45 of the retaining device 4 and the lock holder 64 of the locking device 6. If a foreign object such as a thin plate or rod is inserted from the outside through this gap, it is conceivable that the locking bar 634 could be operated by the foreign object. However, the presence of the projection 37 reduces the possibility of the locking bar 634 being operated from the outside.

[0177] 2-4. Other variations For example, the electric bicycle 1 in one embodiment and modified examples 1 to 3 is an electric assist bicycle, but it may also be an electric bicycle that can rotate at least one of the front wheel 111 and the rear wheel 112 using only the rotational force of an electric motor. The electric bicycle 1 in one embodiment and modified examples 1 to 3 is equipped with two wheels 11, but the number of wheels 11 is not particularly limited, and it is also possible to have three wheels 11, for example.

[0178] Furthermore, in the electric bicycle 1 of one embodiment and modified examples 1 to 3, the elastic member 44 is a coil-shaped spring provided separately from the operating lever 43. However, the elastic member 44 only needs to provide a biasing force to the operating lever 43 to maintain the locked position, and the elastic member 44 may be composed of other materials such as a leaf spring. Also, since the operating lever 43 only needs to be biased to maintain the locked position, it is not essential to provide the elastic member 44 separately from the operating lever 43. At least a part of the operating lever 43 may be made of an elastic body, and the restoring force of the elastic body may bias it to maintain the locked position.

[0179] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the electric bicycle 1 in variations 1 to 3 is configured so that the battery 2 is removed from the frame 10 towards the front (more specifically, diagonally downward and forward). However, the direction in which the battery 2 is removed may be the opposite direction, that is, the direction in which the battery 2 is removed is towards the rear (more specifically, diagonally upward and backward). In this case, it is preferable that the notch portion 108 of the frame 10 opens toward the rear (more specifically, diagonally upward and backward). In this case as well, it is preferable that a gap 200 is formed between the notch portion 108 of the frame 10 and the battery 2 to prevent fingers from getting caught. Furthermore, it is preferable that the battery 2 is provided with a rib structure 335 located behind the gap 200.

[0180] Furthermore, in one embodiment and in modified examples 1 to 3, the electric bicycle 1 had a stopper member 420 on which the stopper 42 was formed and an operating lever 43 as separate components, but these may be formed integrally. That is, the stopper 42 may be formed on the operating lever 43.

[0181] Furthermore, in one embodiment and in modified examples 1 to 3, the electric bicycle 1 had a stopper 42 that served as both the first locking part and the second locking part, but the first locking part and the second locking part may each be composed of separate components.

[0182] Furthermore, while the electric bicycle 1 in one embodiment and modified examples 1 to 3 is an electric assist bicycle, it may also be an electric bicycle capable of rotating at least one of the front wheel 111 and rear wheel 112 solely by the rotational force of an electric motor. Although the electric bicycle 1 in one embodiment and modified examples 1 to 3 is equipped with two wheels 11, the number of wheels 11 is not particularly limited, and it is possible to have, for example, three wheels 11.

[0183] Furthermore, in the electric bicycle 1 of one embodiment and modified examples 1 to 3, the operating lever 43, which serves as a locking member, is movable in the left-right direction between a locked position in which it is locked to the second locking part 62 and an unlocked position in which it is not locked to the second locking part 62. However, both the operating lever 43 and the second locking part 62 may be movable, or only the second locking part 62 may be movable. In other words, it is sufficient that at least one of the second locking part 62 and the operating lever 43 is movable between a locked position in which the second locking part 62 and the operating lever 43 are locked to each other and an unlocked position in which the second locking part 62 and the operating lever 43 are not locked to each other. Note that the left-right direction can also be referred to as the fourth direction. The fourth direction is the direction perpendicular to the first direction 91, the second direction 92, and the third direction 93.

[0184] Furthermore, in the electric bicycle 1 of one embodiment and modified examples 1 to 3, the elastic member 44 is a coil-shaped spring provided separately from the operating lever 43. However, the elastic member 44 only needs to provide a biasing force to the operating lever 43 to maintain the locked position, and the elastic member 44 may be composed of other materials such as a leaf spring. Also, since the operating lever 43 only needs to be biased to maintain the locked position, it is not essential to provide the elastic member 44 separately from the operating lever 43. At least a part of the operating lever 43 may be made of an elastic body, and the restoring force of the elastic body may bias it to maintain the locked position.

[0185] Furthermore, in the electric bicycle 1 of one embodiment and modified examples 1 to 3, the direction in which the operating lever 43 is biased is to the left, but this direction is merely an example. The direction in which the operating lever 43 is biased may also be to the right, or to other directions such as forward or backward.

[0186] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the electric bicycle 1 in variations 1 to 3 is configured so that the battery 2 is removed from the frame 10 towards the front (more specifically, diagonally downward and forward). However, the direction in which the battery 2 is removed may be the opposite direction, that is, the direction in which the battery 2 is removed is towards the rear (more specifically, diagonally upward and backward). In this case, it is preferable that the notch portion 108 of the frame 10 opens toward the rear (more specifically, diagonally upward and backward). In this case as well, it is preferable that a gap 200 is formed between the notch portion 108 of the frame 10 and the battery 2 to prevent foreign objects or fingers from getting caught. Furthermore, it is preferable that the battery 2 is provided with a rib structure 335 located behind the gap 200, so that at least a part of the gap 200 (in other words, a part or all of the gap 200) is covered from the rear by the rib structure 335.

[0187] Furthermore, in one embodiment and in the modified versions 1 to 3 of the electric bicycle 1, the fixing structure 7 includes the first sheet metal 71 and the second sheet metal 72, but the second sheet metal 72 is not essential in the fixing structure 7, and the fixing structure 7 may not include the second sheet metal 72.

[0188] Furthermore, in the electric bicycle 1 of one embodiment and modified examples 1 to 3, the first locking portion 61 (lock bar 634) is movable in the first direction 91, but the first locking portion 61 may also be movable in the second direction 92. In this case, the first locking portion 61 is configured to be movable in the second direction 92 between a locked position that locks the battery 2 and an unlocked position that does not lock the battery 2. Preferably, the amount by which the locking device 6 can be adjusted relative to the frame 10 in the second direction 92 is set to be smaller than the amount by which the first locking portion 61 can move in the second direction 92. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0189] 1. Electric bicycle 10 frames 2 batteries 3. Battery Unit 4 Holding device 41 Base section 414 Opposing surfaces 42 Stopper 43 Operating lever 433 Push-in section 45 Cover component 6. Locking device 61 First locking part 63 Main lock section 8. Battery retention mechanism

Claims

1. A retaining device used to detachably hold a battery body to a locking device that has a locking bar fixed to the frame of an electric bicycle and capable of moving forward and backward, A stopper having a first locking portion and a second locking portion that restrict movement relative to the locking device, and which is movable along the forward and backward directions, It has an operating lever for moving the stopper, The first locking portion of the stopper is the portion of the lock bar that is further forward than the second locking portion of the stopper. The lock bar moves forward, and the movement of the locking device is restricted by the first locking part and the second locking part, resulting in the first state. Compared to the first state, the lock bar retracts, releasing the restriction by the first locking part, and the movement of the locking device is restricted by the second locking part, resulting in the second state. In the first state and the second state, the relative position of the locking device and the holding device in a direction perpendicular to the forward and backward directions remains unchanged. holding device.

2. A retaining device used to detachably hold a battery body to a locking device that is fixed to the frame of an electric bicycle and has a locking part that allows it to move forward and backward, A base portion fixed to the battery body, The locking portion of the locking device is configured to engage with a stopper, It comprises an operating lever that is movable relative to the base portion and moves the stopper, The operating lever is movable between a locked position in which the stopper engages with the locking portion when the stopper is retracted to a predetermined position, and an unlocked position in which the stopper does not engage with the locking portion when the stopper is retracted to a predetermined position. holding device.

3. A battery holding mechanism comprising a locking device fixed to the frame of an electric bicycle, and a holding device fixed to one end of the battery body for detachably holding the battery body relative to the locking device, The holding device comprises a base portion fixed to the battery body, a stopper configured to engage with the locking portion of the locking device, and an operating lever that is movable relative to the base portion and moves the stopper. The base portion has the stopper and the operating lever arranged on it, and a peripheral wall portion is formed that protrudes toward the battery body, and a notch portion is formed in the peripheral wall portion for inserting a part of the operating lever. The operating lever has a support shaft portion and a push portion, and is movable between a locked position in which the stopper engages with the locking portion and an unlocked position in which the stopper does not engage with the locking portion. The locking portion is capable of moving forward and backward relative to the opposing surface of the base portion that faces the locking portion. When the locking portion is retracted, the operating lever is movable between a locked position in which the stopper is engaged with the locking portion and an unlocked position in which the stopper is not engaged with the locking portion. Battery retention mechanism.

4. The locking device comprises a main locking portion that movably holds the locking portion, The locking portion can be moved forward and backward relative to the opposing surface by operating the main locking portion. The battery holding mechanism according to claim 3.

5. The operating lever comprises a lever body, a support shaft portion that protrudes toward the base portion at one end of the lever body, and a push-in portion formed at the end of the lever body opposite to the support shaft portion, The aforementioned support shaft portion is inserted into the notched portion. The battery holding mechanism according to claim 3.

6. The push-in portion is movable in a direction perpendicular to the opposing surface of the base portion that faces the locking portion, or in a direction parallel to the opposing surface. A battery retention mechanism according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. A cover member is fixed to the base portion so as to cover at least a part of the operating lever, The aforementioned support shaft portion is inserted into the notched portion. The battery holding mechanism according to claim 3.

8. The battery holding mechanism according to any one of claims 3 to 7, The battery body to which the holding device of the battery holding mechanism is fixed, The battery holding mechanism comprises the frame to which the locking device is fixed, The retaining device is fixed to the upper end of the battery body. Electric bicycle.

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