Battery holding mechanism and electric bicycle

Abstract

The present invention suppresses battery damage. A battery holding mechanism 2 includes: a first unit 21 attached to a battery body 140; and a second unit 22 attached to a frame 10. The first unit 21 includes a main stopper 34 and a sub stopper 35. The second unit 22 includes a main lock part 43, a main operation part 44, a sub-lock part 53, and a sub-operation part 54. The main operation part 44 moves the main lock part 43 between a position at which the main lock part is locked to the main stopper 34 and a position at which the main lock part is separated. The sub-operation part 54 moves the sub-lock part 53 between a position at which the sub-lock part is locked to the sub-stopper 35 and a position at which the sub-lock part is separated.

Description

Battery holding mechanism and electric bicycle

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a mechanism for detachably holding a battery on the frame of an electric bicycle. In this mechanism, the frame of the electric bicycle is provided with a keyhole for a main lock, and the battery is provided with a lever for a sub-lock.

[0003] When removing the battery from the frame, the user inserts the key into the keyhole and turns it to unlock the main battery lock. Next, the user pushes in the operating lever on the battery to unlock the sub-lock. By following this procedure, the user can unlock the main battery lock and sub-lock in that order and remove the battery from the electric bicycle frame.

[0004] JP 2022-86851 A

[0005] In the conventional mechanism described above, the operating lever for releasing the sub-lock is provided on the battery, and therefore, in the conventional mechanism, if the battery is subjected to an impact, for example, due to being dropped, there is a risk of damage to the battery operating lever and also to the structure surrounding the operating lever.

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide a battery holding mechanism that can prevent damage to the battery, and an electric bicycle equipped with the same.

[0007] A battery holding mechanism according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first unit attached to a battery main body for an electric bicycle, and a second unit attached to a frame of the electric bicycle. The first unit includes a main stopper and a sub-stopper. The second unit includes a main locking portion, a main operating portion, a sub-locking portion, and a sub-operating portion. The main locking portion is provided corresponding to the main stopper. The main operating portion moves the main locking portion between a position where it is locked to the main stopper and a position where it is disengaged from the main stopper. The sub-locking portion is provided corresponding to the sub-stopper. The sub-operating portion moves the sub-locking portion between a position where it is locked to the sub-stopper and a position where it is disengaged from the sub-stopper.

[0008] An electric bicycle according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the battery holding mechanism, the battery body to which the first unit of the battery holding mechanism is attached, and the frame to which the second unit of the battery holding mechanism is attached. The first unit is attached to an upper end of the battery body.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a side view of an electric bicycle equipped with a battery holding mechanism of one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view of a main portion of the electric bicycle. FIG. 3 is a front view of a main portion of the electric bicycle. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a front view of a main portion of the electric bicycle with the main lock and sub-lock released. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E in FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a battery provided in the electric bicycle. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a main portion of the battery holding mechanism. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a swinging member provided in the battery holding mechanism.

[0010] 1. One embodiment (electric bicycle) The electric bicycle 1 of one embodiment shown in Figure 1 is an electrically assisted bicycle. The electric bicycle 1 of one embodiment includes a frame 10, two wheels 11 rotatably connected to the frame 10, a handlebar unit 12, a saddle unit 13, a battery 14, 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 rotated by the driving force output from the motor unit 15.

[0011] The up and down directions used in this disclosure are defined based on the electric bicycle 1 being placed on a horizontal plane. The front, back, left, and right directions used in this disclosure are defined based on the rider of the electric bicycle 1. In other words, the direction in which the rider travels while riding the electric bicycle 1 is forward, the opposite side is backward, the direction to the left of the rider is left, and the direction to the right of the rider is right.

[0012] The frame 10 includes a head tube 101, a top tube 102, a down tube 103, a seat tube 104, seat stays 105, chain stays 106, and a bracket 107. The frame 10 (i.e., the above-mentioned components constituting the frame 10) is formed of a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel, but may partially contain a non-metal. The entire frame 10 may also be formed of a non-metal, and the material of the frame 10 is not particularly limited.

[0013] A handlebar section 12 is rotatably attached to the head tube 101. A front fork 121 extends downward from the lower end of the handlebar section 12. A front wheel 111 is rotatably attached to the front fork 121.

[0014] The front end of a top tube 102 is fixed to the head tube 101. The rear end of the top tube 102 is fixed to a seat tube 104. The saddle 13 is connected to the upper end of the seat tube 104. A bracket 107 is fixed to the lower end of the seat tube 104.

[0015] The down tube 103 is a tube that extends obliquely 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 obliquely downward and rearward from the head tube 101 toward the bracket 107, and the rear end of the down tube 103 is fixed to the bracket 107.

[0016] A motor unit 15 is fixed to the underside of the bracket 107. The front ends of the chain stays 106 are fixed to the rear end of the bracket 107. The front ends of the seat stays 105 are fixed to the rear end of the top tube 102. The rear ends of the seat stays 105 are connected to the rear ends of the chain stays 106, and a rear wheel 112 is rotatably mounted to this connected portion.

[0017] A crank arm 18 is rotatably inserted through the motor unit 15. A front sprocket 191 is provided inside the motor unit 15. A rear sprocket 192 is fixed to the hub of the rear wheel 112. A chain 193 is looped between the front sprocket 191 and the rear sprocket 192.

[0018] The battery 14 is detachably attached to the frame 10 to supply power to the motor unit 15 .

[0019] The battery 14 includes a battery body 140 and a first unit 21 (described later) fixed to one longitudinal end of the battery body 140 (see FIG. 10 ). The one longitudinal end of the battery body 140 is the upper end of the battery body 140.

[0020] Furthermore, the electric bicycle 1 of one embodiment includes a battery holding mechanism 2. In the electric bicycle 1 of one embodiment, the down tube 103 is provided with a cutout portion 108 that opens toward the front (more specifically, diagonally downward toward the front). The battery 14 is attached to the down tube 103 by the battery holding mechanism 2 in a manner that allows it to fit into the cutout portion 108.

[0021] (Battery Holding Mechanism) The battery holding mechanism 2 includes a first unit 21, a second unit 22 configured to be able to be locked to the first unit 21, and an attachment structure 25 (see FIG. 4, etc.).

[0022] As described above, the first unit 21 is a unit attached to the battery main body 140 .

[0023] The second unit 22 is a unit attached to the frame 10 of the electric bicycle. More specifically, the second unit 22 is a unit attached to the upper part of the notched portion 108 of the down tube 103 included in the frame 10. In one embodiment, the battery holding mechanism 2 allows the user to manually operate the second unit 22 on the frame 10 side and lock the second unit 22 with the first unit 21 on the battery 14 side, thereby securing the battery 14 to the frame 10.

[0024] The mounting structure 25 is a structure for mounting the second unit 22 to the frame 10 of the electric bicycle 1. With the first unit 21 engaged with the second unit 22, the battery 14 including the first unit 21 is mounted to the frame 10 of the electric bicycle 1 via the mounting structure 25 and the second unit 22.

[0025] Each of these components will be described in more detail below.

[0026] (First Unit) As shown in FIG. 10 and other figures, the first unit 21 is attached to the upper end of the battery main body 140 .

[0027] The battery body 140, which constitutes the main body of the battery 14, includes a plurality of storage battery cells, a cylindrical case 145 that surrounds the plurality of storage battery cells, and a lid member 147 that is fixed to the case 145 so as to close the upper opening of the case 145. The first unit 21 is fixed to the lid member 147 while overlapping it.

[0028] The first unit 21 is used to detachably hold the battery body 140 to the second unit 22 fixed to the frame 10 of the electric bicycle 1 .

[0029] The first unit 21 is fixed to the cover member 147 of the battery main body 140 using a plurality of fasteners 219. Each fastener 219 is, for example, a screw.

[0030] The first unit 21 includes a base member 210 fixed to the cover member 147 of the battery body 140, a main stopper 34 provided on the base member 210 and used to perform the main locking function, and a sub-stopper 35 provided on the base member 210 and used to perform the sub-locking function.

[0031] The base member 210 is a member molded using, for example, resin, and includes left and right end portions 211, 212, a raised portion 213 located between the left and right end portions 211, 212, and a recessed portion 214 provided at the rear of the raised portion 213. The recessed portion 214 is formed one step lower than the raised portion 213. A metal plate 215 is fixed to the center of the recessed portion 214. The plate 215 is made by bending a metal plate material such as stainless steel. The plate 215 bent upward convexly constitutes the convex main stopper 34.

[0032] Two grooves 216, 217 are formed in the raised portion 213 of the base member 210 at a distance in the left-right direction. In the left-right direction, the metal plate 215 is located midway between the two grooves 216, 217. In the front-rear direction, the metal plate 215 is located rearward of the two grooves 216, 217.

[0033] The two grooves 216, 217 each constitute a concave sub-stopper 35. That is, the first unit 21 includes two sub-stoppers 35 that are positioned apart from each other in the left-right direction. The main stopper 34 is positioned midway between the two sub-stoppers 35 in the left-right direction. In the front-rear direction, the main stopper 34 is positioned rearward of the two sub-stoppers 35.

[0034] (Second Unit) The second unit 22 includes a main lock unit 4 that can be operated using a key, and a sub-lock unit 5 that can be operated using a lever (see FIG. 11, etc.). The main lock unit 4 and the sub-lock unit 5 are combined into one unit.

[0035] (Main Locking Unit) The main locking unit 4 is configured as a cylinder lock. The main locking unit 4 includes a cylindrical cylinder 41 having a keyhole 410 (see FIG. 2, etc.), a case 42 (see FIG. 4, etc.) integrally combined with the cylinder 41, and a main locking unit 43 housed in an internal space 420 of the case 42. The main locking unit 43 is a locking member provided on the second unit 22 side corresponding to the main stopper 34 of the first unit 21, and is specifically a lock bar. The main locking unit 43 moves in a first direction D1, which will be described later.

[0036] The cylinder 41 is configured so that its inner cylindrical portion rotates when a predetermined key is inserted into a keyhole 410 provided on an end surface of the cylinder 41 and turned. The second unit 22 is configured so that the amount by which the tip of the main locking portion 43 protrudes from the case 42 changes as the inner cylindrical portion of the cylinder 41 rotates.

[0037] In one embodiment of the battery holding mechanism 2, the main engaging portion 43 of the main locking unit 4 is located in front of the main stopper 34 of the first unit 21 and engages with the main stopper 34 (see FIG. 4 ), thereby securing the battery 14 so that it does not come off forward through the notched portion 108 of the frame 10. When the main locking unit 4 is operated to forcibly retract the main engaging portion 43 into the case 42, the main engaging portion 43 moves to a position where it is not engaged with the main stopper 34 (see FIG. 8 ). This releases the main lock of the battery 14 from the frame 10.

[0038] In other words, in one embodiment of the battery holding mechanism 2, a cylindrical cylinder 41 having a keyhole 410 constitutes a main operating part 44 that moves the main locking part 43 between a position where it is locked to the main stopper 34 and a position where it is released from the main stopper 34.

[0039] The main locking portion 4 further includes an elastic member 45 housed in the case 42. The elastic member 45 is located above the main locking portion 43 and applies a downward biasing force to the main locking portion 43. In other words, the elastic member 45 biases the main locking portion 43 toward a position where it is locked with the main stopper 34. The elastic member 45 is a coil spring.

[0040] (Sub-lock portion) The sub-lock portion 5 comprises a base member 50 fixed to the frame 10 of the electric bicycle 1, a swinging member 57 swingably connected to the base member 50, and an elastic member 58 that applies a biasing force to the swinging member 57 (see Figures 5, 11, etc.).

[0041] The base member 50 of the sub-lock unit 5 is connected to the case 42 of the main lock unit 4. The base member 50 has an opening 501 that connects to the internal space 420 of the case 42 of the main lock unit 4. The main engaging portion 43 of the main lock unit 4 can protrude through the opening 501 of the base member 50 toward the first unit 21.

[0042] In other words, the main engaging portion 43 of the main locking portion 4 can move between a position protruding toward the first unit 21 and a position retracted away from the first unit 21 through the opening 501 of the base member 50.

[0043] As shown in Figure 12, the swinging member 57 is a U-shaped member in a plan view, and includes a tip portion 571 extending to the left and right, and a pair of rod portions 572, 573 extending rearward from the left and right ends of the tip portion 571, respectively.

[0044] The sub-operation unit 54 is formed at the tip 571 of the swinging member 57. In other words, a first portion 57A that is part of the swinging member 57 constitutes the sub-operation unit 54. The sub-operation unit 54 is an operating lever configured to be hooked by the user's fingertip. The sub-operation unit 54 protrudes forward from the center in the left-right direction of the tip 571 of the swinging member 57. A recess 542 that the user's fingertip can be hooked onto is formed on the top surface of the sub-operation unit 54 (see FIG. 4, etc.).

[0045] The sub-locking portions 53 are formed on the pair of left and right rod portions 572, 573 of the swinging member 57. In other words, the second portion 57B and the third portion 57C, which are parts of the swinging member 57, respectively constitute the sub-locking portions 53.

[0046] A shaft portion 55 is formed on each of the pair of left and right rod portions 572, 573 of the swinging member 57. In other words, a fourth portion 57D and a fifth portion 57E, which are parts of the swinging member 57, each constitute the shaft portion 55. The shaft portion 55 is the portion that serves as the swing center of the swinging member 57.

[0047] Furthermore, a receiving portion 56 is formed on each of the pair of left and right rod portions 572, 573 of the swinging member 57. In other words, the sixth portion 57F and the seventh portion 57G, which are parts of the swinging member 57, each constitute the receiving portion 56. The receiving portion 56 is a portion that receives the biasing force of the elastic member 58.

[0048] The elastic members 58 are coil springs. A pair of the elastic members 58 are provided at a distance from each other on the left and right. The pair of left and right elastic members 58 are arranged so as to apply a biasing force to the pair of left and right receiving portions 56 of the swing member 57 in a one-to-one relationship.

[0049] In the above-described swinging member 57, a shaft portion 55 is provided in the middle of the rod portion 572, and a sub-locking portion 53 and a receiving portion 56 are provided at the tip of the rod portion 572. The sub-locking portion 53 protrudes inward in the left-right direction from the receiving portion 56. Similarly, a shaft portion 55 is provided in the middle of the rod portion 573, and a sub-locking portion 53 and a receiving portion 56 are provided at the tip of the rod portion 572. The sub-locking portion 53 protrudes inward in the left-right direction from the receiving portion 56.

[0050] The direction in which the sub-locking portions 53 protrude from the receiving portions 56 of the rod portion 572 is opposite to the direction in which the sub-locking portions 53 protrude from the receiving portions 56 of the rod portion 573. The pair of left and right sub-locking portions 53 protrude in directions approaching each other.

[0051] Furthermore, the second unit 22 includes buffer members 6 (see FIGS. 5, 6, etc.). In detail, a plurality of buffer members 6 are attached to the base member 50 of the second unit 22 at a distance on the left and right. The plurality of buffer members 6 is two buffer members 6.

[0052] The cushioning member 6 is made of rubber and is provided so as to be exposed on the underside of the base member 50. The cushioning member 6 is provided so as to come into contact with the rear end surface of the base member 210 of the first unit 21 when the first unit 21, which constitutes the upper end portion of the battery 14, is attached to the second unit 22 fixed to the frame 10.

[0053] (Mounting Structure) The mounting structure 25 is a structure for mounting the second unit 22 to the frame 10 of the electric bicycle 1 so that the position thereof can be adjusted in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 which are different from each other.

[0054] As described above, the first direction D1 is the direction in which the main locking portion 43 moves based on the operation of the main operating portion 44 of the second unit 22. The second direction D2 is a direction intersecting the first direction D1. In one embodiment, the second direction D2 is a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. Both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are perpendicular to the left-right direction.

[0055] The mounting structure 25 has a function of fixing the second unit 22 to the longitudinal end of the cutout portion 108 of the frame 10 (specifically, the upper end of the cutout portion 108). The longitudinal direction of the cutout portion 108 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the portion of the frame 10 where the battery 14 is attached (i.e., the longitudinal direction of the down tube 103).

[0056] The mounting structure 25 is fixed to the frame 10 so that its position can be adjusted, and is also fixed to the second unit 22 so that its position can be adjusted. The mounting structure 25 and the second unit 22 are fixed to each other so that their positions can be adjusted within a predetermined range in the first direction D1. The mounting structure 25 and the frame 10 are fixed to each other so that their positions can be adjusted within a predetermined range in the second direction D2.

[0057] In the mounting structure 25 of one embodiment, the first direction D1 is the longitudinal direction of the cutout portion 108, the longitudinal direction of the portion of the frame 10 where the battery 14 is attached (i.e., the longitudinal direction of the down tube 103), and the longitudinal direction of the battery 14 when attached to the frame 10. The second direction D2 is the width direction of the down tube 103 from front to rear.

[0058] The mounting structure 25 includes a first mounting member 71 fixed to the frame 10 and a second mounting member 72 fixed to the first mounting member 71 and the second unit 22 .

[0059] The first mounting member 71 is fixed to a portion of the down tube 103 above the cutout portion 108 via a fastener 74. The fastener 74 is, for example, a screw. The first mounting member 71 has a fastening hole 715 formed therethrough in the first direction D1 (see FIGS. 5 and 6 ). In one embodiment of the mounting structure 25, the first mounting member 71 has two fastening holes 715 formed therethrough, spaced apart on the left and right.

[0060] The second mounting member 72 is formed with a first insertion hole 725 penetrating in the first direction D1 and a second insertion hole 726 penetrating in the second direction D2.

[0061] The first insertion hole 725 is an elongated hole with the second direction D2 as its longitudinal direction. A fastener 75 is inserted into the first insertion hole 725. The fastener 75 is, for example, a screw. The fastener 75 is inserted into the fastening hole 715 of the first mounting member 71 and fixed to the fastening hole 715. The fastening hole 715 is, for example, a screw hole. The position of the fastener 75 inserted into the first insertion hole 725 can be changed within a predetermined range in the second direction D2.

[0062] In one embodiment of the mounting structure 25, two first insertion holes 725 are formed in the second mounting member 72, spaced apart on the left and right. Two fasteners 75 are inserted into the two first insertion holes 725 in a one-to-one correspondence. The fasteners 75 are inserted into the corresponding fastening holes 715 in the first mounting member 71 and fixed to the corresponding fastening holes 715. The position of the fasteners 75 in each first insertion hole 725 can be changed within a predetermined range in the second direction D2.

[0063] Within the range in which the fixing device 75 is movable in the second direction D2 relative to the first insertion hole 725, the second mounting member 72 and the frame 10 are fixed so that their positions can be adjusted in the second direction D2.

[0064] The base member 50 of the second unit 22 has an insertion portion 505 formed therethrough in the first direction D1 (see FIGS. 5 and 6 ). The fastener 75 can be inserted through the insertion portion 505 of the base member 50 into the corresponding fastening hole 715 of the first mounting member 71.

[0065] The second insertion hole 726 is an elongated hole with the first direction D1 as its longitudinal direction (see FIG. 4 ). A fastener 76 is inserted into the second insertion hole 726. The fastener 76 is, for example, a screw. The fastener 76 is inserted into a fastening hole 426 formed in the case 42 of the second unit 22 and fixed to the fastening hole 426. The fastening hole 426 is, for example, a screw hole. The position of the fastener 76 in the second insertion hole 726 is changeable within a predetermined range in the first direction D1.

[0066] The second mounting member 72 and the second unit 22 are fixed so that their positions can be adjusted in the first direction D1 within a range in which the fixing device 76 is movable in the first direction D1 relative to the second insertion hole 726.

[0067] (Operation of main lock and sub-lock) As described above, in one embodiment of the battery holding mechanism 2, the first unit 21 includes a base member 210, a convex main stopper 34 provided on the base member 210, and two concave sub-stoppers 35 on the left and right sides of the base member 210.

[0068] The second unit 22 includes a main locking portion 4 and a sub-locking portion 5. The main locking portion 4 includes a main locking portion 43, which is a retractable locking bar, and a main operating portion 44 that operates the advancement and retreat of the main locking portion 43. The sub-locking portion 5 includes a sub-locking portion 53, a sub-operating portion 54, and an elastic member 58. The sub-locking portion 53 is a convex locking portion provided on the second unit 22 corresponding to the sub-stopper 35 of the first unit 21. The sub-locking portion 53 is configured to engage with and disengage from the sub-stopper 35. The sub-operating portion 54 is an operating portion that moves the sub-locking portion 53 between a position where it engages with the sub-stopper 35 and a position where it disengages from the sub-stopper 35. The elastic member 58 biases the sub-locking portion 53 toward the position where it engages with the sub-stopper 35.

[0069] As shown in Figures 2, 3, etc., when the second unit 22 is fixed to the down tube 103, the main operating unit 44 is exposed on a side surface 1037 of the down tube 103 of the electric bicycle 1. The sub-operating unit 54 is exposed on a front surface 1035 of the down tube 103 of the electric bicycle 1. The side surface 1037 of the down tube 103 is a surface facing left and right. The front surface 1035 of the down tube 103 is a surface facing forward (i.e., the direction of travel of the electric bicycle 1). The main operating unit 44 and the sub-operating unit 54 are configured to be operable independently of each other.

[0070] To remove the battery 14 secured to the frame 10 of the electric bicycle 1, the main lock must be released, and then the sub-lock must be released. Specifically, the user first inserts a specified key into the keyhole 410 of the cylinder 41 and turns it, retracting the main locking portion 43 (which is the lock bar) into the second unit 22 and disengaging the main locking portion 43 from the main stopper 34. At this time, the sub-lock has not been released, so the position of the battery 14 remains almost unchanged. In other words, the position of the battery 14 when the main lock and sub-lock are engaged is nearly the same as the position of the battery 14 when only the sub-lock is engaged.

[0071] Next, the user holds the battery 14 in one hand and pulls down the sub-operation unit 54 with, for example, the index finger of that hand. This causes the convex sub-locking portion 53 to retract into the second unit 22, disengaging the sub-locking portion 53 from the sub-stopper 35. With the main lock and sub-lock now unlocked, the user can then grasp and remove the battery 14. In this way, the user can safely and easily remove the battery 14 while still holding it in one hand.

[0072] To attach the battery 14 to the frame 10 of the electric bicycle 1, the user first places the lower end of the battery 14 on the holder provided at the lower end of the notched portion 108, and then rotates the battery 14 backward around the holder.

[0073] At this time, the sub-locking portion 53 of the second unit 22 abuts against the upper surface of the raised portion 213 of the base member 210 of the first unit 21 and, while being pushed into the second unit 22 against the biasing force of the elastic member 58, slides against the upper surface of the raised portion 213. When the battery 14 rotates to the predetermined mounting position, the biasing force of the elastic member 58 causes the sub-locking portion 53 to sink into the corresponding recessed sub-stopper 35.

[0074] The main locking portion 43 of the second unit 22 retracts into the second unit 22 against the biasing force of the elastic member 45 while sliding against the inclined surface 342 of the main stopper 34 of the first unit 21 (i.e., the inclined surface of the plate 215), and after climbing over the inclined surface 342 of the main stopper 34, is then protruded by the biasing force of the elastic member 45 to a position where it engages with the main stopper 34. The main locking portion 43 engages with the main stopper 34 by abutting against the locking surface 343 facing forward of the main stopper 34. In other words, when a part of the main locking portion 43 is located in front of the locking surface 343 of the main stopper 34, the main locking portion 43 is in a position where it engages with the main stopper 34.

[0075] (Timing of locking) In one embodiment of the battery holding mechanism 2, when the battery 14 is attached to the frame 10 of the electric bicycle 1, the timing at which the main lock is engaged between the first unit 21 and the second unit 22 and the timing at which the sub-lock is engaged between the first unit 21 and the second unit 22 are set to coincide.

[0076] In other words, in one embodiment of the battery holding mechanism 2, when the first unit 21 is attached to the second unit 22, the timing at which the main locking portion 43 of the second unit 22 locks to the main stopper 34 of the first unit 21 coincides with the timing at which the sub-locking portion 53 of the second unit 22 locks to the sub-stopper 35 of the first unit 21.

[0077] Here, the term "matching timing" does not necessarily mean that the timing is completely matched. The second unit 22 may be configured so that, when attached to the first unit 21, at least a portion of the period during which the main locking portion 43 is locked to the main stopper 34 of the first unit 21 (i.e., the period during which the main locking portion 43 protrudes from the base member 50 while being hooked onto the main stopper 34) overlaps with at least a portion of the period during which the sub-locking portion 53 is locked to the sub-stopper 35 of the first unit 21 (i.e., the period during which the sub-locking portion 53 protrudes from the base member 50 while being hooked onto the concave sub-stopper 35).

[0078] (Force to assist in attaching the battery) In one embodiment of the battery holding mechanism 2, when attaching the battery 14 to the frame 10 of the electric bicycle 1, a force acts on the first unit 21 that forms the upper end of the battery 14, urging the first unit 21 backward (in other words, a force that pulls the first unit 21 toward the appropriate position to be attached to the second unit 22).

[0079] Specifically, when the sub-engagement portion 53 of the second unit 22 slides into and fits into the concave sub-stopper 35 of the first unit 21 located below it, the force of the elastic member 58 pressing the sub-engagement portion 53 against the inner surface of the sub-stopper 35 is converted into a force that urges the first unit 21 backward.

[0080] The portion of the inner surface of the sub-stopper 35 that comes into sliding contact with the outer surface of the sub-locking portion 53 is configured as a concave curved surface that is curved in an arc-shaped cross section. The portion of the outer surface of the sub-locking portion 53 that comes into sliding contact with the inner surface of the sub-stopper 35 is configured as a convex curved surface that is curved in an arc-shaped cross section.

[0081] As described above, in one embodiment of the battery holding mechanism 2, the first unit 21 and the second unit 22 are configured to convert the biasing force applied by the elastic member 58 to the sub-locking portion 53 into a biasing force that biases the first unit 21 to the appropriate position for attachment to the second unit 22. Therefore, the battery holding mechanism 2 in one embodiment allows the battery 14 to be smoothly attached to the frame 10 of the electric bicycle 1.

[0082] 2. Modifications The above-described configurations of the battery holding mechanism 2 and the electric bicycle 1 of one embodiment are merely examples, and modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of achieving similar effects.

[0083] For example, the electric bicycle 1 in one embodiment is an electrically assisted bicycle, but it may also be an electric bicycle in which at least one of the front wheel 111 and the rear wheel 112 can be rotated solely by the rotational force of the electric motor. The electric bicycle 1 in one embodiment has two wheels 11, but the number of wheels 11 is not particularly limited, and it may have, for example, three wheels 11.

[0084] In one embodiment of the battery holding mechanism 2 and electric bicycle 1, the sub-operating unit 54 is exposed on the front surface 1035 of the down tube 103, but the position at which the sub-operating unit 54 is exposed is not limited to this, and for example, the sub-operating unit 54 may be exposed on the side surface 1037 of the down tube 103.

[0085] Similarly, in one embodiment of the battery holding mechanism 2 and electric bicycle 1, the main operating unit 44 is exposed on the side surface 1037 of the down tube 103, but the position at which the main operating unit 44 is exposed is not limited to this, and for example, the main operating unit 44 may be exposed on the front surface 1035 of the down tube 103.

[0086] In one embodiment of the battery holding mechanism 2 and electric bicycle 1, the main operating unit 44 and the sub-operating unit 54 are configured to be operable independently of each other, but this is not limited to this, and for example, the main operating unit 44 and the sub-operating unit 54 may be configured to be linked together.

[0087] In one embodiment of the battery holding mechanism 2 and electric bicycle 1, the second unit 22 includes two sub-locking portions 53, but the number of sub-locking portions 53 is not limited to this, and for example, the second unit 22 may include one or three or more sub-locking portions 53. Correspondingly, the first unit 21 may include one or three or more sub-stoppers 35.

[0088] In one embodiment of the battery holding mechanism 2 and electric bicycle 1, the second unit 22 includes one main locking portion 43, but the number of main locking portions 43 is not limited to this, and for example, the second unit 22 may include multiple main locking portions 43. Correspondingly, the first unit 21 may include multiple main stoppers 34.

[0089] In one embodiment of the battery holding mechanism 2 and electric bicycle 1, both the elastic member 45 and the elastic member 58 are composed of coil springs, but as long as they have the function of exerting a spring force, at least one of the elastic member 45 and the elastic member 58 may be composed of other materials such as leaf springs.

[0090] In one embodiment of the battery holding mechanism 2 and electric bicycle 1, at least a portion of the period during which the main lock is applied and at least a portion of the period during which the sub-lock is applied are configured to overlap with each other, but this is not limited to this, and the period during which the main lock is applied and the period during which the sub-lock is applied may be configured to be offset from each other.

[0091] In one embodiment of the battery holding mechanism 2 and electric bicycle 1, the sub-locking portion 53 and the sub-operating portion 54 are formed integrally, but this is not limited to this, and the sub-locking portion 53 and the sub-operating portion 54 may be formed separately.

[0092] In one embodiment of the battery holding mechanism 2 and the electric bicycle 1, the second unit 22 includes the buffer member 6, but this is not limited thereto, and the second unit 22 may not include the buffer member 6.

[0093] In one embodiment of the battery holding mechanism 2 and electric bicycle 1, the main stopper 34 is located rearward of the sub-stopper 35 in the fore-and-aft direction, but the positional relationship is not limited to this; for example, the main stopper 34 and the sub-stopper 35 may be in the same position in the fore-and-aft direction, or the main stopper 34 may be located forward of the sub-stopper 35 in the fore-and-aft direction.

[0094] 3. Summary As described above based on one embodiment and various modified examples, the battery holding mechanism (2) according to the first aspect includes a first unit (21) attached to the battery body (140) for the electric bicycle (1) and a second unit (22) attached to the frame (10) of the electric bicycle (1). The first unit (21) includes a main stopper (34) and a sub-stopper (35). The second unit (22) includes a main locking portion (43), a main operating portion (44), a sub-locking portion (53), and a sub-operating portion (54). The main locking portion (43) is provided corresponding to the main stopper (34). The main operating portion (44) moves the main locking portion (43) between a position where it is locked to the main stopper (34) and a position where it is released from the main stopper (34). The sub-locking portion (53) is provided corresponding to the sub-stopper (35). The sub-operating portion (54) moves the sub-locking portion (53) between a position where it is locked to the sub-stopper (35) and a position where it is released from the sub-stopper (35).

[0095] According to this aspect, the main operating unit (44) and the sub-operating unit (54) are provided on the frame (10) side of the electric bicycle (1). Therefore, when the battery (14) including the battery main body (140) and the first unit (21) receives an impact due to, for example, being dropped, damage to the battery (14) is suppressed. Furthermore, according to this aspect, the battery (14) can be made more compact and lightweight.

[0096] In the battery holding mechanism (2) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the second unit (22) is attached to a down tube (103) included in the frame (10). The sub-operating unit (54) is provided so as to be exposed to the down tube (103).

[0097] According to this embodiment, the user can easily operate the sub-operation unit (54) provided on the frame (10) with, for example, the index finger of one hand while holding the battery main body (140) with that hand.

[0098] In the battery holding mechanism (2) according to the third aspect, in the second aspect, the main operating part (44) is provided so as to be exposed to the down tube (103).

[0099] According to this aspect, the user can release the main lock by operating the main operating section (44) exposed on the side surface (1037) of the down tube (103).

[0100] In the battery holding mechanism (2) according to the fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the main operating unit (44) and the sub-operating unit (54) are configured to be operable independently of each other.

[0101] According to this aspect, the user can independently perform the operation to release the main lock and the operation to release the sub-lock.

[0102] In the battery holding mechanism (2) according to the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the second unit (22) includes two sub-locking portions (53) positioned apart from each other in the left-right direction, and the main locking portion (43) is positioned midway between the two sub-locking portions (53) in the left-right direction.

[0103] According to this aspect, two sub-locking portions (53) are provided on the left and right, so that at least one of the two sub-locking portions (53) can be used to make the sub-lock function effectively.

[0104] In the battery holding mechanism (2) according to the sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the first unit (21) includes two sub-stoppers (35) positioned apart from each other in the left-right direction, and the main stopper (34) is positioned midway between the two sub-stoppers (35) in the left-right direction.

[0105] According to this aspect, since two sub-stoppers (35) are provided on the left and right, at least one of the two sub-stoppers (35) can be used to make the sub-lock function effectively.

[0106] In the battery holding mechanism (2) of the seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the second unit (22) further includes an elastic member (58) that biases the sub-engagement portion (53) toward a position where it engages with the sub-stopper (35), and the first unit (21) and the second unit (22) are configured to convert the biasing force applied to the sub-engagement portion (53) by the elastic member (58) into a biasing force that biases the first unit (21) toward a position where it is attached to the second unit (22).

[0107] According to this embodiment, the battery (14) can be smoothly attached to the frame (10) of the electric bicycle (1).

[0108] In the battery holding mechanism (2) according to an eighth aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the second unit (22) further includes an elastic member (45) that biases the main locking portion (43) toward a position where it locks with the main stopper (34), and an elastic member (58) that biases the sub-locking portion (53) toward a position where it locks with the sub-stopper (35). The first unit (21) and the second unit (22) are configured such that, when the first unit (21) is attached to the second unit (22), at least a portion of the period during which the main locking portion (43) is locked with the main stopper (34) and at least a portion of the period during which the sub-locking portion (53) is locked with the sub-stopper (35) overlap each other.

[0109] According to this aspect, when attaching the first unit (21) to the second unit (22), both the sub-lock and the main lock can be applied while keeping the battery (14) in a stable position.

[0110] In the battery holding mechanism (2) according to the ninth aspect, in the eighth aspect, the period during which the main locking portion (43) is locked to the main stopper (34) is the period during which the main locking portion (43) protrudes while being caught on the main stopper (34). The period during which the sub-locking portion (53) is locked to the sub-stopper (35) is the period during which the sub-locking portion (53) protrudes while being caught on the sub-stopper (35).

[0111] According to this aspect, when attaching the first unit (21) to the second unit (22), both the sub-lock and the main lock can be applied while keeping the battery (14) in a stable position.

[0112] In the battery holding mechanism (2) according to a tenth aspect, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the second unit (22) further includes a swingable member (57). A part of the swingable member (57) constitutes the sub-operating portion (54), and another part of the swingable member (57) constitutes the sub-locking portion (53).

[0113] According to this aspect, the second unit (22) is configured compactly with a small number of parts.

[0114] In the battery holding mechanism (2) of the eleventh aspect, in the tenth aspect, another part of the swinging member (57) constitutes the shaft portion (55). When the swinging member (57) swings about the shaft portion (55), the sub-locking portion (53) engages with and disengages from the sub-stopper (35).

[0115] According to this aspect, the second unit (22) is configured compactly with a small number of parts.

[0116] A battery holding mechanism (2) according to a twelfth aspect is any one of the first to eleventh aspects, further including a mounting structure (25) for mounting the second unit (22) to the frame (10). The mounting structure (25) is a structure for mounting the second unit (22) relative to the frame (10) so that its position can be adjusted in a first direction (D1) in which the main locking portion (43) moves, and in a second direction (D2) different from the first direction (D1).

[0117] According to this aspect, the position of the second unit (22) relative to the frame (10) of the electric bicycle (1) can be adjusted in two directions.

[0118] A thirteenth aspect of the battery holding mechanism (2) is the same as any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the second unit (22) further includes a buffer member (6). The buffer member (6) is arranged to come into contact with the first unit (21) when the first unit (21) is attached to the second unit (22).

[0119] According to this aspect, the buffer member (6) effectively prevents damage to the first unit (21) that constitutes the upper end of the battery (14).

[0120] An electric bicycle (1) according to a fourteenth aspect includes the battery holding mechanism (2) of any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, a battery body (140) to which a first unit (21) of the battery holding mechanism (2) is attached, and a frame (10) to which a second unit (22) of the battery holding mechanism (2) is attached. The first unit (21) is attached to the upper end of the battery body (140).

[0121] According to this aspect, damage to the battery (14) of the electric bicycle (1) can be reduced when the battery (14) is subjected to an impact due to, for example, a fall, etc. Also, according to this aspect, the battery (14) can be made compact and lightweight.

[0122] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Electric bicycle 10 Frame 103 Down tube 2 Battery holding mechanism 21 First unit 22 Second unit 25 Mounting structure 34 Main stopper 35 Sub-stopper 4 Main locking portion 43 Main engaging portion 44 Main operating portion 45 Elastic member 5 Sub-locking portion 53 Sub-engaging portion 54 Sub-operating portion 55 Shaft portion 57 Swinging member 58 Elastic member 6 Cushioning member D1 First direction D2 Second direction

Claims

1. A battery holding mechanism comprising: a first unit attached to a battery body for an electric bicycle; and a second unit attached to the frame of the electric bicycle, wherein the first unit includes a main stopper and a sub-stopper, and the second unit includes: a main locking portion provided corresponding to the main stopper; a main operating portion that moves the main locking portion between a position where it is locked to the main stopper and a position where it is released from the main stopper; a sub-locking portion provided corresponding to the sub-stopper; and a sub-operating portion that moves the sub-locking portion between a position where it is locked to the sub-stopper and a position where it is released from the sub-stopper.

2. The battery holding mechanism of claim 1, wherein the second unit is attached to a down tube included in the frame, and the sub-operating unit is provided so as to be exposed to the down tube.

3. The battery holding mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the main operating section is provided so as to be exposed to the down tube.

4. A battery holding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the main operation unit and the sub-operation unit are configured to be operable independently of each other.

5. A battery holding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second unit includes two sub-locking portions positioned apart from each other in the left-right direction, and the main locking portion is positioned midway between the two sub-locking portions in the left-right direction.

6. A battery holding mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the first unit includes two sub-stoppers positioned apart from each other in the left-right direction, and the main stopper is positioned midway between the two sub-stoppers in the left-right direction.

7. A battery holding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second unit further includes an elastic member that biases the sub-engagement portion toward the position where it engages with the sub-stopper, and the first unit and the second unit are configured to convert the biasing force applied to the sub-engagement portion by the elastic member into a biasing force that biases the first unit toward the position where it is attached to the second unit.

8. A battery holding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second unit further includes an elastic member that biases the main locking portion toward the position where it locks with the main stopper, and an elastic member that biases the sub-locking portion toward the position where it locks with the sub-stopper, and the first unit and the second unit are configured so that, when the first unit is attached to the second unit, at least a portion of the period during which the main locking portion is locked with the main stopper and at least a portion of the period during which the sub-locking portion is locked with the sub-stopper overlap each other.

9. A battery holding mechanism as claimed in claim 8, wherein the period during which the main locking portion is locked to the main stopper is the period during which the main locking portion protrudes while being caught on the main stopper, and the period during which the sub-locking portion is locked to the sub-stopper is the period during which the sub-locking portion protrudes while being caught on the sub-stopper.

10. A battery holding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second unit further includes a swingable member arranged to be swingable, a part of the swingable member constituting the sub-operating part, and another part of the swingable member constituting the sub-locking part.

11. The battery holding mechanism of claim 10, wherein a further part of the swinging member forms a shaft portion, and the sub-locking portion engages with and disengages from the sub-stopper as the swinging member swings around the shaft portion.

12. A battery holding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising an attachment structure for attaching the second unit to the frame, the attachment structure being a structure for attaching the second unit to the frame in such a way that its position can be adjusted in a first direction in which the main locking portion moves and in a second direction different from the first direction.

13. A battery holding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second unit further includes a buffer member, the buffer member being arranged to come into contact with the first unit when the first unit is attached to the second unit.

14. An electric bicycle comprising: a battery holding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 13; a battery body to which the first unit of the battery holding mechanism is attached; and a frame to which the second unit of the battery holding mechanism is attached, wherein the first unit is attached to the upper end of the battery body.

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