Battery holder

A battery holder is configured to appropriately hold a battery unit. The battery holder includes a first holding portion that supports a first end of a battery unit while in an installed state where the battery unit is held by the battery holder. The first holding portion includes a movable member and a first biasing member. The movable member includes a first support surface that contacts the first end of the battery unit while in the installed state. The movable member is movable relative to a frame of a human-powered vehicle while in a mounted state where the battery holder is mounted to the frame of the human-powered vehicle. The first biasing member biases the movable member toward the battery unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2018-007294, filed on Jan. 19, 2018, and 2018-174849, filed on Sep. 19, 2018. The entire disclosures of Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2018-007294 and 2018-174849 are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to a battery holder.

Background Information

A known battery holder holds a battery unit mounted on a human-powered vehicle. The battery holder is coupled to a frame of a human-powered vehicle. The battery holder holds a battery unit to provide a state allowing the battery unit to supply electric power to various electrical elements mounted on the human-powered vehicle. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 9-226653 (Patent document 1) discloses one example of a typical battery holder.

SUMMARY

Depending on manufacturing tolerance of a battery unit, a gap between the battery unit and a battery holder can hinder the battery holder from appropriately holding the battery unit. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a battery holder that appropriately holds a battery unit.

A battery holder according to a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first holding portion that supports a first end of a battery unit while in an installed state where the battery unit is held by the battery holder. The first holding portion includes a movable member and a first biasing member. The movable member includes a first support surface that contacts the first end of the battery unit while in the installed state. The movable member is movable relative to a frame of a human-powered vehicle while in a mounted state where the battery holder is mounted to the frame of the human-powered vehicle. The first biasing member biases the movable member toward the battery unit.

In accordance with the first aspect of the battery holder, the movable member is biased by the first biasing member so that the first support surface of the movable member contacts the first end of the battery unit. This limits formation of a gap between the battery unit and the battery holder. Thus, the battery unit is appropriately held.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, the battery holder according to the first aspect is configured so that the first holding portion further includes a base member attached to the frame of the human-powered vehicle while in the mounted state, and the first biasing member is provided between the base member and the movable member.

In accordance with the second aspect of the battery holder, the first biasing member is held between the base member and the movable member.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present disclosure, the battery holder according to the second aspect is configured so that the first holding portion further includes a support structure that supports the first biasing member between the base member and the movable member.

In accordance with the third aspect of the battery holder, the first biasing member is appropriately held between the base member and the movable member.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the battery holder according to the third aspect is configured so that the support structure includes a first support provided on the movable member and a second support provided on the base member.

In accordance with the fourth aspect of the battery holder, the first biasing member is appropriately held between the base member and the movable member.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the battery holder according to the fourth aspect is configured so that the movable member is movable relative to the frame of the human-powered vehicle in a first direction that extends in a longitudinal direction of the battery unit while in the mounted state. The movable member further includes a pair of first sides facing each other in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. The base member includes a pair of second sides facing each other in the second direction. The first support is provided on each of the first sides. The second support is provided on each of the second sides.

In accordance with the fifth aspect of the battery holder, the first biasing member is provided on a side of the first holding portion. This ensures space for accommodating an element other than the first biasing member in the first holding portion.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the battery holder according to any one of the second to fifth aspects further comprises a coupling structure that couples the movable member and the base member so that the movable member is movable relative to the base member.

In accordance with the sixth aspect of the battery holder, in a state in which the movable member is movable relative to the base member, the movable member can be coupled to the base member.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the battery holder according to the sixth aspect is configured so that the coupling structure includes a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion, and the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion are coupled together to couple the movable member and the base member.

In accordance with the seventh aspect of the battery holder, in a state in which the movable member is movable relative to the base member, the movable member can be coupled to the base member.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the battery holder according to the seventh aspect is configured so that the first coupling portion is provided on the movable member, and the second coupling portion is provided on the base member.

In accordance with the eighth aspect of the battery holder, in a state in which the movable member is movable relative to the base member, the movable member can be coupled to the base member.

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the battery holder according to the eighth aspect is configured so that at least one of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion includes a snap-fit.

In accordance with the ninth aspect of the battery holder, the movable member is coupled to the base member without using a coupling member such as a bolt. Thus, the movable member is easily coupled to the base member.

In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the battery holder according to any one of the second to ninth aspects is configured so that the first holding portion further includes a guide structure that guides movement of the movable member.

In accordance with the tenth aspect of the battery holder, movement of the movable member in a direction differing from the movement direction is restricted.

In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the battery holder according to the tenth aspect is configured so that the guide structure includes a groove provided on one of the movable member and the base member and an insertion portion provided on the other one of the movable member and the base member, and the insertion portion is inserted into the groove so that the movable member moves relative to the base member.

In accordance with the eleventh aspect of the battery holder, movement of the movable member in a direction differing from the movement direction is restricted.

In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, the battery holder according to any one of the second to eleventh aspects is configured so that the movable member further includes a first facing surface that faces the base member, the base member includes a second facing surface that faces the movable member, and the first facing surface and the second facing surface are spaced apart by a gap in a state in which the battery unit is not held by the first holding portion.

In accordance with the twelfth aspect of the battery holder, the first biasing member is compressed in accordance with force received form the battery unit. This allows the movable member to move relative to the base member in a range of a gap. More specifically, compression of the first biasing member ensures that the movable member moves relative to the base member by an amount corresponding to the gap. This allows the movable member to move relative to the base member in accordance with manufacturing tolerance of the battery unit. Thus, the battery unit is appropriately held.

In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the battery holder according to any one of the second to twelfth aspects is configured so that the first holding portion further includes a movement restriction member provided between the movable member and the base member in a third direction perpendicular to a first direction that extends in a longitudinal direction of the battery unit to restrict movement of the movable member in the third direction.

In accordance with the thirteenth aspect of the battery holder, movement of the movable member in the third direction is restricted. Additionally, the movable member is not in direct contact with the base member in the third direction. This reduces noise caused by contact of the movable member with the base member.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the battery holder according to the thirteenth aspect is configured so that the movable member further includes a first contact surface that contacts the movement restriction member, and the movement restriction member is provided on the base member to slide along the first contact surface in accordance with movement of the movable member in the first direction.

In accordance with the fourteenth aspect of the battery holder, in a state in which the movable member is in contact with the movement restriction member, the movable member is movable in the first direction.

In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the battery holder according to the fourteenth aspect is configured so that the first contact surface is shaped as an arc that projects from the movable member toward the base member as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the third direction.

In accordance with the fifteenth aspect of the battery holder, friction caused by contact of the first contact surface of the movable member with the movement restriction member is reduced. Thus, the movable member is smoothly movable in the first direction. Additionally, in accordance with the fifteenth aspect of the battery holder, the movable member can easily move about an axis parallel to a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the third direction.

In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the battery holder according to any one of the thirteenth to fifteenth aspects is configured so that the movement restriction member is elastic.

In accordance with the sixteenth aspect of the battery holder, noise caused by contact of the movement restriction member with another element is reduced.

In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, the battery holder according to the sixteenth aspect is configured so that the movement restriction member includes rubber.

In accordance with the seventeenth aspect of the battery holder, noise caused by contact of the movement restriction member with another element is reduced.

In accordance with an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the battery holder according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects is configured so that the movable member further includes a connector connected to a terminal provided on the first end of the battery unit while in the installed state.

In accordance with the eighteenth aspect of the battery holder, the movable member is biased by the first biasing member. Thus, the first support surface of the movable member continues to be in contact with the first end of the battery unit. This maintains a state in which the connector of the movable member is connected to the terminal of the battery unit.

In accordance with a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the battery holder according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects is configured so that the movable member further includes an engagement portion that is engaged with the first end of the battery unit while in the installed state.

In accordance with the nineteenth aspect of the battery holder, the first end of the battery unit is engaged with the engagement portion of the movable member. This holds the position of the battery unit with respect to the first holding portion.

In accordance with a twentieth aspect of the present disclosure, the battery holder according to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects is configured so that the first biasing member includes a first elastic member.

In accordance with the twentieth aspect of the battery holder, the first biasing member stably applies biasing force to the movable member.

In accordance with a twenty-first aspect of the present disclosure, the battery holder according to the twentieth aspect is configured so that the first elastic member includes rubber.

In accordance with the twenty-first aspect of the battery holder, the first biasing member stably applies biasing force to the movable member.

In accordance with a twenty-second aspect of the present disclosure, the battery holder according to any one of the first to twenty-first aspects further comprises a second holding portion that supports a second end of the battery unit while in the installed state.

In accordance with the twenty-second aspect of the battery holder, the opposite ends of the battery unit are held by the battery holder. Thus, the battery unit is stably held.

In accordance with a twenty-third aspect of the present disclosure, the battery holder according to the twenty-second aspect is configured so that the second holding portion includes a second biasing member that biases the battery unit toward the first holding portion.

In accordance with the twenty-third aspect of the battery holder, the opposite ends of the battery unit are biased by the first biasing member and the second biasing member. This configuration further limits formation of a gap between the battery unit and the battery holder. Thus, the battery unit is appropriately held.

In accordance with a twenty-fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the battery holder according to the twenty-third aspect is configured so that the second holding portion further includes a support member attached to the frame of the human-powered vehicle while in the mounted state, the support member includes a second support surface that contacts the second end of the battery unit while in the installed state, and the second biasing member is provided on the second support surface of the support member.

In accordance with the twenty-fourth aspect of the battery holder, the second biasing member appropriately biases the battery unit toward the first holding portion.

In accordance with a twenty-fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the battery holder according to the twenty-fourth aspect is configured so that the second holding portion further includes a contact member attached to the second biasing member so that a second contact surface contacts the second end of the battery unit while in the installed state, and the second contact surface of the contact member has a lower friction coefficient than the second biasing member.

In accordance with the twenty-fifth aspect of the battery holder, friction caused by contact of the second end of the battery unit with the second contact surface of the contact member is reduced. Thus, the battery unit is easily attached to and removed from the battery holder.

In accordance with a twenty-sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the battery holder according to any one of the twenty-third to twenty-fifth aspects is configured so that the second biasing member includes a second elastic member.

In accordance with the twenty-sixth aspect of the battery holder, the second biasing member stably applies biasing force to the battery unit.

In accordance with a twenty-seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the battery holder according to the twenty-sixth aspect is configured so that the second elastic member includes rubber.

In accordance with the twenty-seventh aspect of the battery holder, the second biasing member stably applies biasing force to the battery unit.

In accordance with a twenty-eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the battery holder according to the twenty-fourth or twenty-fifth aspect is configured so that the second biasing member includes metal that is provided on the second support surface to contact the second end of the battery unit while in the installed state.

In accordance with the twenty-eighth aspect of the battery holder, friction caused by contact of the second end of the battery unit with the second biasing member is reduced. Thus, the battery unit is easily attached to and removed from the battery holder.

According to the present disclosure, the battery holder appropriately holds the battery unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS DISCLOSURE

The phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “one or more” of a desired choice. For one example, the phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “only one single choice” or “both of two choices” if the number of its choices is two. For other example, the phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “only one single choice” or “any combination of equal to or more than two choices” if the number of its choices is equal to or more than three.

First Embodiment

A human-powered vehicle A including a battery holder10will now be described with reference toFIG. 1. The human-powered vehicle refers to a vehicle at least partially using human power as driving force for travelling and includes a vehicle electrically assisting human power. The human-powered vehicle does not include a vehicle using only driving force other than human power. In particular, a vehicle using only an internal combustion engine as driving force is not included in the human-powered vehicle. The human-powered vehicle is generally assumed to be a small, light vehicle that does not require a license for driving on a public road. The illustrated human-powered vehicle A is a bicycle (e-bike) including an electrical assist unit E assisting propulsion of the human-powered vehicle A with electrical energy. More specifically, the illustrated human-powered vehicle A is a trekking bike. The human-powered vehicle A further includes a frame A1, a front fork A2, a front wheel WF, a rear wheel WR, a handlebar H, and a drivetrain B.

The drivetrain B includes a drivetrain of a chain-drive type. The drivetrain B includes a crank C, a front sprocket D1, a rear sprocket D2, and a chain D3. The crank C includes a crankshaft C1rotatably supported by the frame A1and a pair of crank arms C2respectively provided on opposite ends of the crankshaft C1. A pedal PD is rotatably coupled to the distal end of each crank arm C2. The drivetrain B can be selected from any type and can be a belt-drive type or a shaft-drive type.

The front sprocket D1is provided on the crank C to rotate integrally with the crankshaft C1. The rear sprocket D2is provided on a hub HR of the rear wheel WR. The chain D3runs around the front sprocket D1and the rear sprocket D2. Driving force applied to the pedals PD by the user riding the human-powered vehicle A is transmitted via the front sprocket D1, the chain D3, and the rear sprocket D2to the rear wheel WR.

The human-powered vehicle A further includes the electrical assist unit E. The electrical assist unit E operates to assist propelling force of the human-powered vehicle A. The electrical assist unit E operates, for example, in accordance with driving force applied to the pedals PD. The electrical assist unit E includes an electric motor E1. The electrical assist unit E is driven by electric power supplied from a battery unit60mounted on the human-powered vehicle A. The electrical assist unit E can be omitted from the human-powered vehicle A. The battery unit60is a battery pack that includes one or more battery cells in a housing.

The human-powered vehicle A further includes a battery component1. The battery component1is provided on the frame A1of the human-powered vehicle A. In the present embodiment, the battery component1is provided on a down tube DT of the frame A1. The battery component1is used in a state in which, for example, at least a portion of the battery component1is accommodated in an accommodation space DT1(refer toFIG. 2) of the down tube DT. The down tube DT includes an opening DT2(refer toFIG. 2) that opens downward in a state in which the human-powered vehicle A is placed on a level ground. The opening DT2is sized to allow the battery component1to be inserted into the accommodation space DT1. The battery component1can be provided on a section of the frame A1different from the down tube DT or can be provided on the front fork A2.

The configuration of the battery component1will now be described with reference toFIG. 2. The battery component1includes the battery holder10and the battery unit60. The battery holder10is configured to hold the battery unit60. The battery holder10is coupled to the down tube DT, for example, in a state accommodated in the accommodation space DT1of the down tube DT. The battery unit60accommodates one or more battery cells. The battery unit60is elongated and has a cross-sectional shape at least partially conforming to the cross-sectional shape of the down tube DT. The battery unit60can be tubular or box-shaped and thus is not limited to the elongated shape. The battery component1includes a first end62and a second end66. The first end62is one of the longitudinal ends of the battery unit60. The first end62includes a first end surface62A. The second end66is the other longitudinal ends of the battery unit60. The second end66includes a second end surface66A.

The battery component1further includes a cover70protecting the battery unit60and a cover attachment portion72attaching the cover70to the battery unit60. The shape of the cover70conforms to the shape of the down tube DT of the human-powered vehicle A. More specifically, the cover70is shaped to be substantially flush (seamless) with the down tube DT in a state in which the battery unit60is held by the battery holder10and the cover70is attached to the battery unit60.

The cover attachment portion72includes, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener. The cover attachment portion72includes hooks72A and loops72B. The hooks72A are provided, for example, on an inner surface70A of the cover70. The loops72B are provided, for example, on an outer surface60A of the battery unit60at a portion facing the cover70. The hooks72A and the loops72B are coupled to each other to couple the cover70to the battery unit60. In this configuration, the cover70is attached to the battery unit60with the hook-and-loop fastener. Thus, as compared to a case in which the cover70is mechanically coupled to the battery unit60with a coupling member such as a bolt, the cover70is easily attached to the battery unit60as bending of the cover70with respect to the down tube DT is corrected. Additionally, the cover70is easily attached to and detached from the battery unit60. In a state in which the battery unit60is held by the battery holder10, the cover70is attached to the battery unit60. As a result, the opening DT2of the down tube DT is closed by the cover70.

The battery holder10includes a first holding portion12that supports the first end62of the battery unit60. The first holding portion12is provided, for example, on the down tube DT of the human-powered vehicle A at a rear side of the human-powered vehicle A. The battery holder10further includes a second holding portion42that supports the second end66of the battery unit60. The second holding portion42is provided, for example, on the down tube DT of the human-powered vehicle A at a front side of the human-powered vehicle A. On the down tube DT of the human-powered vehicle AT, the first holding portion12can be provided at the front side of the human-powered vehicle A, and the second holding portion42can be provided at the rear side of the human-powered vehicle A.

As shown inFIG. 3, the first holding portion12has a first support surface14A that contacts the first end62of the battery unit60and includes a movable member14movable relative to the frame A1and a first biasing member28biasing the movable member14toward the battery unit60. The movable member14is movable relative to the frame A1of the human-powered vehicle A in a first direction DX. The first direction DX extends from the first holding portion12toward the second holding portion42. In the present embodiment, the first direction DX extends in a longitudinal direction of the battery unit60. The movable member14further includes a connector16connected to a terminal62B (refer toFIG. 9) provided on the first end62of the battery unit60. The connector16is provided to project from the first support surface14A of the movable member14. The connector16includes a terminal. The terminal of the connector16and the terminal62B are electrical terminals. The terminal62B is provided on the first end surface62A of the battery unit60(refer toFIG. 9). In an installed state in which the battery holder10holds the battery unit60so that the terminal62B of the battery unit60is connected to the terminal of the connector16, the battery unit60is electrically connected to various electrical elements mounted on the human-powered vehicle A. The various electrical elements mounted on the human-powered vehicle A are elements powered by the battery unit60.

The movable member14further includes an engagement portion18engaged with the first end62of the battery unit60. The engagement portion18is provided to project from the first support surface14A of the movable member14. The engagement portion18includes a projection projecting from the first support surface14A of the movable member14. The engagement portion18includes a first engagement portion20and a pair of second engagement portions22. The first engagement portion20is provided, for example, on the first support surface14A of the movable member14toward the opening DT2of the down tube DT with respect to the connector16. In the present embodiment, the first engagement portion20is provided at a lower side of the connector16. In a process of attaching and removing the battery unit60to and from the battery holder10, the first engagement portion20is configured to be a pivot point about which the battery unit60pivots. The first engagement portion20has a round distal end20A.

The second engagement portions22are provided, for example, on the first support surface14A of the movable member14at opposite sides of the connector16so that the connector16is arranged between the second engagement portions22. In one example, each of the second engagement portions22has a surface toward the opening DT2(hereafter, referred to as “end surface22A”) extending in the first direction DX (refer toFIG. 4). In a preferred example, the end surface22A of the second engagement portion22is arcuate and recessed from the opening DT2as viewed in a second direction DY that is perpendicular to the first direction DX. In a further preferred example, the arc center of the end surface22A of the second engagement portion22substantially coincides with a pivot center AR (refer toFIG. 4) of the pivot point of the first engagement portion20. With this configuration, the attaching and removing of the battery unit60to and from the battery holder10is smoothly guided, and the battery unit60is easily attached to and removed from the battery holder10. The second engagement portion22is formed so that an amount projected from the first support surface14A decreases from the end closer to the first engagement portion20toward the end farther from the first engagement portion20.

The first holding portion12further includes a base member30configured to be attached to the frame A1of the human-powered vehicle A in a mounted state where the battery holder10is mounted to the frame A1of the human-powered vehicle A. The base member30is attached to the down tube DT, for example, by two bolts BT1. The first biasing member28is provided between the base member30and the movable member14. More specifically, the first biasing member28is provided between the base member30and the movable member14in the first direction DX. The first biasing member28biases the movable member14so that the movable member14moves relative to the base member30in the first direction DX. In the present embodiment, the number of first biasing members28is two (refer toFIG. 5). Each first biasing member28includes a first elastic member28A. The first elastic member28A includes rubber. For example, the size of the first biasing member28is set in accordance with a range of manufacturing tolerance of the battery unit60in the first direction DX. The first elastic member28A is not limited to rubber and can include other elastic resin materials or a spring such as a plate spring, a torsion spring, or a coil spring. Each first biasing member28can include a magnetic material instead of the first elastic member28A.

As shown inFIG. 4, the movable member14further includes a first facing surface14B facing the base member30. The first facing surface14B is opposite to the first support surface14A in the first direction DX. The base member30includes a second facing surface30A facing the movable member14. The base member30further includes a rear surface30B opposite to the second facing surface30A in the first direction DX. In a state in which the battery unit60is not held by the first holding portion12, the first facing surface14B and the second facing surface30A are spaced apart by a gap S.

In a state in which the battery unit60is not held by the first holding portion12, the first biasing member28extends the most, and the gap S is the largest. In a state in which the battery unit60is held by the first holding portion12, the movable member14is moved relative to the base member30in a direction reducing the gap S in accordance with the manufacturing tolerance of the battery unit60in the first direction DX, and the first biasing member28is compressed by force received from the movable member14. The compression of the first biasing member28allows the movable member14to move relative to the base member30maximally in the range of the gap S.

As shown inFIG. 5, the movable member14further includes a pair of first sides24facing each other in the second direction DY, which is perpendicular to the first direction DX extending in the longitudinal direction of the battery unit60. The first sides24are provided to project from edges of the first facing surface14B toward the base member30. The first sides24are provided at opposite ends of the movable member14in the second direction DY. The first sides24partially include respective opposite side walls of the movable member14in the second direction DY. The movable member14further includes a surrounding wall26provided on the first facing surface14B to define an inner space26A configured to accommodate, for example, an electrical wire and an electrical substrate connected to the terminal of the connector16. The surrounding wall26is provided at an inner side of the first sides24in the second direction DY. The base member30is configured to surround the surrounding wall26of the movable member14. The base member30further includes a pair of second sides32facing each other in the second direction DY.

The first holding portion12further includes a support structure34that supports the first biasing members28between the base member30and the movable member14. The support structure34includes first supports34A provided on the movable member14and second supports34B provided on the base member30. The first supports34A are respectively provided on the first sides24. More specifically, the first supports34A are respectively provided on the first sides24at portions facing the base member30. The second supports34B are respectively provided on the second sides32. More specifically, the second supports34B are respectively provided to project outward from the second sides32in the second direction DY.

One of the first biasing members28is provided between one of the first supports34A and one of the second supports34B. The other one of the first biasing members28is provided between the other one of the first supports34A and the other one of the second supports34B. For example, each of the first biasing members28can be fixed to at least one of the first support34A and the second support34B or can be simply held between the first support34A and the second support34B. The first biasing member28can be fixed to only the first support34A, only the second support34B, or both the first support34A and the second support34B.

The first holding portion12further includes a guide structure36that guides movement of the movable member14. The guide structure36includes a pair of grooves36A and a pair of insertion portions36B. The grooves36A are provided on one of the movable member14and the base member30. The insertion portions36B are provided on the other one of the movable member14and the base member30. In the present embodiment, the grooves36A are provided on the movable member14, and the insertion portions36B are provided on the base member30. The grooves36A are provided, for example, between one of the first sides24and the surrounding wall26and between the other of the first sides24and the surrounding wall26in the second direction DY. The insertion portions36B are respectively provided on the second sides32. More specifically, the insertion portions36B partially include the second sides32. The insertion portions36B are inserted into the grooves36A so that the movable member14is movable relative to the base member30. The insertion of the insertion portions36B into the grooves36A in the first direction DX obtains a state in which the base member30surrounds the surrounding wall26of the movable member14.

The battery holder10further includes a coupling structure38that couples the movable member14and the base member30together so that the movable member14is movable relative to the base member30. In the present embodiment, the first holding portion12further includes the coupling structure38. The coupling structure38includes a pair of first coupling portions38A and a pair of second coupling portions38B. The first coupling portions38A are provided on the movable member14. The second coupling portions38B are provided on the base member30. The first coupling portions38A and the second coupling portions38B are coupled together to couple the movable member14and the base member30.

The first coupling portions38A are, for example, respectively provided on the f first sides24. More specifically, two of the first coupling portions38A are provided on each of the first sides24at portions facing the base member30. The number of the first coupling portions38A is four. At least one of the first coupling portions38A and the second coupling portions38B includes a snap-fit. Only the first coupling portions38A, only the second coupling portions38B, or both the first coupling portions38A and the second coupling portions38B include a snap-fit. In the present embodiment, the first coupling portions38A include a snap-fit. The snap-fit includes a hook engaged with the second coupling portions38B. The second coupling portions38B are, for example, respectively provided on the second sides32. More specifically, the second coupling portions38B are each configured to be a portion of the rear surfaces30B of the second sides32corresponding to the respective first coupling portions38A. In a state in which the first coupling portions38A are coupled to the second coupling portions38B, the movable member14and the base member30are coupled to each other holding the first biasing members28in between. The coupling structure38can be provided at an inner side of the first sides24in the second direction DY, for example, the inner space26A.

Movement of the movable member14toward one side in the first direction DX is restricted by contact of the first coupling portions38A with the second coupling portions38B. In a case in which the first coupling portions38A are in contact with the second coupling portions38B, the gap S is the largest. Movement of the movable member14toward the other side in the first direction DX is restricted by contact of the first facing surface14B of the movable member14with the second facing surface30A of the base member30. In a case in which the first facing surface14B is in contact with the second facing surface30A, the gap S is the smallest. In one example, in a case in which the first facing surface14B is in contact with the second facing surface30A, there is substantially no gap S.

The first holding portion12further includes a cover40coupled to the surrounding wall26of the movable member14to close the inner space26A of the surrounding wall26. The cover40is coupled to the surrounding wall26, for example, by four bolts BT2. The insertion portions36B are inserted into the grooves36A, the first coupling portions38A are coupled to the second coupling portions38B, and the cover40is coupled to the surrounding wall26. This obtains the first holding portion12.

As shown inFIG. 6, the second holding portion42includes a second biasing member44that biases the battery unit60towards the first holding portion12. The second holding portion42further includes a support member46configured to be attached to the frame A1of the human-powered vehicle A. The support member46includes a second support surface48A that contacts the second end66of the battery unit60. The support member46further includes a first support member48and a second support member50. The first support member48includes a second support surface48A. The first support member48is coupled to the second support member50. The first support member48is coupled to the second support member50, for example, by four bolts BT3(refer toFIG. 7). The second support member50is coupled to the down tube DT, for example, by two bolts BT4.

As shown inFIG. 7, the first support member48further includes a through hole48B. The through hole48B extends through the first support member48in the first direction DX. The through hole48B extends through, for example, a central portion of the first support member48in the second direction DY. The second biasing member44is provided on the second support surface48A of the support member46. In the present embodiment, the number of the second biasing members44is two. The second biasing members44are, for example, provided on the second support surface48A so that the through hole48B is arranged between the second biasing members44in the second direction DY. Each second biasing member44includes a second elastic member44A. The second elastic member44A includes rubber. For example, the size of the second biasing member44is set in accordance with the range of manufacturing tolerance of the battery unit60in the first direction DX.

The second holding portion42further includes second contact members52, each having a second contact surface52A. The second contact members52are attached to the second biasing member44so that the second contact surfaces52A are in contact with the second end66of the battery unit60. The second contact members52are attached to, for example, two second biasing members44, respectively. The second contact surfaces52A of the second contact members52have a lower friction coefficient than the second biasing members44. The material of the second contact surfaces52A includes a metal or a resin. In one example, the second contact members52include stainless steel. The second holding portion42further includes a lock mechanism54for holding the battery unit60onto the battery holder10.

As shown inFIG. 8, the lock mechanism54includes a contact portion55, a cylinder54A, a cam mechanism56, and a housing58. The contact portion55is movable relative to the support member46so as to contact the second end surface66A of the battery unit60. The cylinder54A is configured to move the contact portion55in accordance with a predetermined operation. The cam mechanism56converts the predetermined operation into movement of the contact portion55. The housing58covers the cylinder54A. In the present embodiment, the contact portion55is a latch extending in the first direction DX. The contact portion55is provided to linearly move relative to the support member46. In the present embodiment, the contact portion55is provided to linearly move relative to the support member46in the first direction DX. One example of the predetermined operation is an operation with a key unit K (hereafter, referred to as “key operation”).

The cylinder54A includes an insertion hole allowing for insertion of the key unit K. The insertion hole of the cylinder54A, for example, faces the left side of the human-powered vehicle A and is exposed to the exterior via a through hole provided in the down tube DT. The cylinder54A is supported by the housing58and rotatable about the support member46in accordance with the key operation. The housing58is provided on the second support member50(refer toFIG. 9). The housing58is coupled to the second support member50, for example, by two bolts BT5.

The cam mechanism56includes a first cam56A and a second cam56B. The first cam56A includes a rod member extending like a rod. More specifically, the first cam56A is a cylindrical member extending in the second direction DY. The first cam56A is provided on a distal surface54B of the cylinder54A. A center axis CA1of the first cam56A is offset from a center axis CA2of the cylinder54A. The center axis CA2of the cylinder54A coincides with a rotational axis TR1of the key unit K. The rotational axis TR1of the key unit K is, for example, perpendicular to the first direction DX. In the present embodiment, the rotational axis TR1of the key unit K extends in the second direction DY. The first cam56A is provided on the distal surface54B of the cylinder54A to eccentrically rotate with respect to the cylinder54A. The first cam56A is, for example, inserted into a groove58A of the housing58and eccentrically rotates so that the first cam56A moves between the opposite ends of the groove58A in accordance with the key operation. The groove58A is a through hole, the contour of which is arcuate about the rotation axis TR1.

The second cam56B is provided on the contact portion55to engage with the first cam56A. The second cam56B includes a cam surface56C engaged with the first cam56A. The cam surface56C converts rotational motion of the first cam56A into linear motion. In the present embodiment, the cam surface56C is curved in a view from a direction (second direction DY) perpendicular to the first direction DX. The second cam56B is provided on the contact portion55, for example, so that the cam surface56C extends in a direction intersecting with the first direction DX. The second cam56B can be integrated with the contact portion55or can be separate from the contact portion55. In the present embodiment, the second cam56B is separate from the contact portion55and is coupled to the contact portion55by a bolt BT6. In this case, the position of the second cam56B with respect to the contact portion55is changeable. Thus, the lock mechanism54can be configured so that the insertion direction of the key unit K is changed in accordance with the specifications of the frame A1of the human-powered vehicle A by changing the position of the first cam56A, the position of the cylinder54A, and the position of the housing58in the same manner as the second cam56B. More specifically, the lock mechanism54can be configured so that the insertion hole of the cylinder54A faces toward the upper side, the right side, or the lower side of the human-powered vehicle A. As described above, the configuration in which the insertion direction of the key unit K is changed by changing the position of the cylinder54A, the position of the cam mechanism56, and the position of the housing58can be applied to a lock mechanism including the contact portion55provided to linearly move.

As shown inFIG. 9, the contact portion55includes a support surface55A supporting a supported portion68provided on the second end surface66A of the battery unit60. In the present embodiment, the support surface55A is the upper surface of the contact portion55. The contact portion55is provided to linearly move in accordance with movement of the second cam56B. The contact portion55is provided to linearly move in the first direction DX so that the contact portion55is inserted through the through hole48B of the first support member48. In other words, the contact portion55moves in a direction which is perpendicular to the rotational axis TR1of the key unit K.

The contact portion55is provided to be movable between a first position where the supported portion68of the battery unit60is supported by the support surface55A and a second position where the supported portion68is not supported. In a state in which the contact portion55is located at the first position, the contact portion55projects from the second support surface48A of the first support member48through the through hole48B toward the first holding portion12. In a state in which the contact portion55is located at the second position, the contact portion55is separated farther from the first holding portion12than the first position. In a state in which the contact portion55is located at the second position, the contact portion55is located at an inner side of the second holding portion42with respect to the through hole48B. The contact portion55is, for example, biased by a biasing member55C (refer toFIG. 8) to the first position. In one example, the biasing member55C is provided between the contact portion55and the housing58to bias the contact portion55from the second position toward the first position. The lock mechanism54shown by the solid lines inFIG. 9shows a state in which the contact portion55is located at the first position. The lock mechanism54shown by the double-dashed lines inFIG. 9shows a state in which the contact portion55is located at the second position.

The contact portion55and the second end surface66A of the battery unit60are configured to limit interference with attachment of the battery unit60to the battery holder10. The contact portion55further includes an inclined surface55B inclined from the support surface55A. The inclined surface55B is configured so that by contacting the second end surface66A of inclined surface, the contact portion55is moved toward the second position. More specifically, in a process of attaching the battery unit60to the battery holder10, the second end surface66A comes into contact with the inclined surface55B so that the battery unit60pushes the contact portion55. Accordingly, the contact portion55moves toward the second position. Then, in a state in which the second end surface66A of the battery unit60is out of contact with the inclined surface55B, the contact portion55is moved to the first position by force received from the biasing member55C, and the supported portion68of the battery unit60is supported by the support surface55A.

In a case in which the key unit K is rotated in one direction, as the cylinder54A rotates, the first cam56A eccentrically rotates along the groove58A. The first cam56A pushes the second cam56B to move the contact portion55from the first position to the second position. In this case, the battery unit60can be removed from the battery holder10. In a case in which the key unit K is released from the input, the contact portion55is moved from the second position to the first position by biasing force of the biasing member55C. As the second cam56B pushes the first cam56A, the first cam56A eccentrically rotates along the groove58A, and the cylinder54A rotates. This rotates the key unit K in the other direction. In this case, the support surface55A of the contact portion55is in a state allowed to support the supported portion68of the battery unit60, and the battery unit60is held by the battery holder10.

As shown inFIG. 10, the battery unit60further includes an engaged portion64that is engaged with the engagement portion18of the movable member14. The engaged portion64is provided on the first end surface62A of the battery unit60. The engaged portion64includes a first engaged portion64A and a pair of second engaged portions64B. Each of the first engaged portion64A and the second engaged portions64B is recessed. The first engaged portion64A is configured to engage with the first engagement portion20. The first engaged portion64A includes a recess into which the first engagement portion20is inserted. The first engaged portion64A is provided on the first end surface62A of the battery unit60at a portion corresponding to the first engagement portion20. The second engaged portions64B are configured to engage with the respective second engagement portions22. The second engaged portions64B include recesses into which the respective second engagement portions22are inserted. The second engaged portions64B are provided on the first end surface62A of the battery unit60at portions corresponding to the second engagement portions22. The first engaged portion64A engages with the first engagement portion20, and the second engaged portions64B engage with the second engagement portions22. As a result, the battery unit60is held by the first holding portion12in an installed state in which movement of the first end62of the battery unit60is restricted at least in the second direction DY. In the present embodiment, the first engaged portion64A engages with the first engagement portion20, and the second engaged portions64B engage with the second engagement portions22. As a result, the battery unit60is held by the first holding portion12in an installed state in which movement of the first end62is restricted in all directions perpendicular to the first direction DX.

The procedures for attaching the battery unit60to the battery holder10will now be described with reference toFIG. 11. The battery unit60is attached to the battery holder10, for example, through the following procedures. In the first step, the first engaged portion64A of the battery unit60is hooked on the first engagement portion20of the first holding portion12. In the second step, the battery unit60is pivoted about the first engagement portion20, used as the pivot point, so that the battery unit60is accommodated in the accommodation space DT1of the down tube DT. As a result, the second engaged portions64B of the battery unit60engage with the second engagement portions22of the first holding portion12, and the terminal62B of the battery unit60is connected to the connector16of the first holding portion12. The battery unit60is further pivoted about the first engagement portion20, used as the pivot point. As a result, the supported portion68of the battery unit60is supported by the contact portion55, and the battery unit60is held by the battery holder10in a state in which the battery unit60is accommodated in the accommodation space DT1of the down tube DT. In the fourth step, the cover70is attached to the battery unit60. The fourth step can be performed before the first step. Through the procedures, the battery unit60is attached to the battery holder10.

The first biasing member28and the second biasing member44are compressed in accordance with manufacturing tolerance of the battery unit60. This limits formation of gaps between the first end surface62A of the battery unit60and the first support surface14A of the first holding portion12and between the second end surface66A of the battery unit60and the second support surface48A of the second holding portion42. Thus, the battery unit60is appropriately held. By inserting the key unit K into the cylinder54A and rotating the key unit K in one direction, the battery unit60is released from the holding of the battery holder10, and the battery unit60can be removed from the battery holder10.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment of a battery holder80will now be described with reference toFIGS. 12 to 14. The same reference characters are given to those components that are the same as the corresponding components of the first embodiment. Such components will not be described in detail.

As shown inFIG. 12, the battery holder80includes the first holding portion12, which supports the first end62of the battery unit60, and a second holding portion82supporting the second end66of the battery unit60. The second holding portion82and the second holding portion42of the first embodiment have the same structure except for the lock mechanism54. The second holding portion82further includes a lock mechanism84configured so that the battery unit60is held by the battery holder80. The second holding portion82is coupled to the down tube DT so that a portion of the lock mechanism84is exposed from the opening DT2in a state in which the cover70is removed from the battery unit60. In the present embodiment, the opening DT2in the first direction DX is greater in size than the opening DT2of the first embodiment in the first direction DX. The first holding portion12can be coupled to the down tube DT so that at least a portion of the first holding portion12is exposed from the opening DT2or so that the first holding portion12is not exposed from the opening DT2in a state in which the cover70is removed from the battery unit60.

As shown inFIG. 13, the lock mechanism84includes a contact portion86, a cylinder88, a cam mechanism90, and a housing96. The contact portion86is movable relative to the support member46so as to contact the second end surface66A of the battery unit60. The cylinder88is configured to move the contact portion86in accordance with a predetermined operation. The cam mechanism90converts the predetermined operation into movement of the contact portion86. The housing96covers a portion of the cylinder88. In the present embodiment, the contact portion86is a latch extending in the first direction DX. The contact portion86is provided to linearly move relative to the support member46. In the present embodiment, the contact portion86is provided to linearly move relative to the support member46in the first direction DX. One example of the predetermined operation is an operation performed with a predetermined tool (hereafter, referred to as the “tool operation”). In the present embodiment, the predetermined tool is a hex key. The predetermined tool can be a driver or the like.

The cylinder88includes a first part88A and a second part88D having diameters differing from each other. The first part88A is, for example, integrated with the second part88D. The first part88A includes a tool engagement portion88C allowing for engagement with the predetermined tool. In the present embodiment, the tool engagement portion88C is a hexagonal hole engageable with a hex key. The predetermined tool is inserted into the tool engagement portion88C so that the predetermined tool engages with the tool engagement portion88C. The tool operation rotates the cylinder88relative to the support member46. As described above, since the cylinder88can be rotated by the tool operation, the cylinder88does not need to include an insertion hole allowing for insertion of the key unit K. Thus, the cylinder88does not have to be enlarged, contributing to space-saving.

The tool engagement portion88C is provided, for example, to face to a lower side of the human-powered vehicle A. In the present embodiment, the tool engagement portion88C is provided on an end surface88B of the first part88A. In a state in which the cover70is removed from the battery unit60, the tool engagement portion88C is exposed from the opening DT2(refer toFIG. 12). The opening DT2, which is for insertion of the battery unit60into the down tube DT, is used to engage the predetermined tool with the tool engagement portion88C. Thus, the down tube DT does not need to include a through hole for exposing the tool engagement portion88C other than the opening DT2. This configuration limits lowering of the strength of the down tube DT. The cover70is attached to the battery unit60to close the tool engagement portion88C together with the opening DT2.

The second part88D has a smaller diameter than the first part88A. The second part88D includes a fitting portion88E that is configured to fit to the cam mechanism90. The fitting portion88E is provided on a distal end of the second part88D. The fitting portion88E is a portion that has undergone predetermined machining. One example of the predetermined machining is D-shaped cutting. The second part88D is supported by the housing96and rotatable relative to the support member46through the tool operation. In a state in which the second part88D is supported by the housing96, the fitting portion88E is fitted to the cam mechanism90at a position projected from the housing96. The housing96is provided on the second support member50. The housing96is coupled to the second support member50, for example, by two bolts BT7.

The cam mechanism90includes a first cam92and a second cam94. The first cam92includes a rod member92A extending like a rod and a support member92B supporting the rod member92A. The rod member92A is a cylindrical member provided to extend in a direction perpendicular to the first direction DX. In the present embodiment, the rod member92A is arranged to extend in a direction perpendicular to the first direction DX and the second direction DY. A center axis CA3of the rod member92A is offset from a center axis CA4of the cylinder88. The center axis CA4of the cylinder88coincides with the center axes of the first part88A and the second part88D. The center axis CA4of the cylinder88coincides with a rotational axis TR2of the predetermined tool. The rotational axis TR2of the predetermined tool is, for example, perpendicular to the first direction DX. The rod member92A is provided on the support member92B to eccentrically rotate with respect to the cylinder88. The support member92B includes a fitted portion92C configured to be fitted to the fitting portion88E of the cylinder88. In a state in which the fitting portion88E of the cylinder88is fitted to the fitted portion92C, the first cam92rotates integrally with the cylinder88. For example, the housing96can include a configuration restricting the range of rotation of the first cam92.

The second cam94is provided on the contact portion86to engage with the first cam92. The second cam94includes a cam surface94A engaged with the first cam92. The cam surface94A converts rotational motion of the first cam92into linear motion. In the present embodiment, the cam surface94A is curved in a view from a direction (second direction DY) perpendicular to the first direction DX. The second cam94is provided on the contact portion86, for example, so that the cam surface94A extends in a direction intersecting with the first direction DX. The second cam94can be integrated with the contact portion86or can be separate from the contact portion86. In the present embodiment, the second cam94is separate from the contact portion86and coupled to the contact portion86by a bolt BT8. In this case, the position of the second cam94with respect to the contact portion86is changeable. Thus, the lock mechanism84is configured so that the insertion direction of the predetermined tool is varied in accordance with the specifications of the frame A1of the human-powered vehicle A by changing the position of the first cam92, the position of the cylinder88, and the position of the housing96in the same manner as the second cam94. More specifically, the lock mechanism84can be configured so that the tool engagement portion88C of the cylinder88faces toward the upper side, the right side, or the left side of the human-powered vehicle A. As described above, the configuration in which the insertion direction of the predetermined tool is changed by changing the position of the cylinder88, the position of the cam mechanism90, and the position of the housing96can be applied to a lock mechanism including the contact portion86provided to linearly move.

As shown inFIG. 14, the contact portion86includes a support surface86A supporting the supported portion68of the battery unit60. In the present embodiment, the support surface86A is the upper surface of the contact portion86. The contact portion86is provided to linearly move in accordance with movement of the second cam94. More specifically, the contact portion86is provided to be movable in the first direction DX so that the contact portion86is inserted through the through hole48B in the first support member48. The direction in which the contact portion86moves is perpendicular to the rotational axis TR2of the predetermined tool.

The contact portion86is provided to be movable between a first position where the supported portion68of the battery unit60is supported by the support surface86A and a second position where the supported portion68is not supported. In a state in which the contact portion86is located at the first position, the contact portion86projects from the second support surface48A of the first support member48through the through hole48B toward the first holding portion12. In a state in which the contact portion86is located at the second position, the contact portion86is separated farther from the first holding portion12than the first position. In a state in which the contact portion86is located at the second position, the contact portion86is located at an inner side of the second holding portion42with respect to the through hole48B. The contact portion86is, for example, biased by a biasing member86C (refer toFIG. 13) to the first position. In one example, the biasing member86C is provided between the contact portion86and the housing96to bias the contact portion86from the second position toward the first position. The lock mechanism84shown by the solid lines inFIG. 14shows a state in which the contact portion86is located at the first position. The lock mechanism84shown by the double-dashed lines inFIG. 14shows a state in which the contact portion86is located at the second position.

The contact portion86and the second end surface66A of the battery unit60are configured to limit interference with attachment of the battery unit60to the battery holder80. The contact portion86further includes an inclined surface86B inclined from the support surface86A. The inclined surface86B is configured to contact the second end surface66A of the battery unit60so that the contact portion86moves toward the second position. More specifically, in a process of attaching the battery unit60to the battery holder80, the second end surface66A comes into contact with the inclined surface86B so that the battery unit60pushes the contact portion86. Accordingly, the contact portion86moves toward the second position. Then, in a state in which the second end surface66A of the battery unit60is out of contact with the inclined surface86B, the contact portion86is moved to the first position by force received from the biasing member86C, and the supported portion68of the battery unit60is supported by the support surface86A.

The contact portion86and the second cam94of the second embodiment and the contact portion55and the second cam56B of the first embodiment have the same configuration. The lock mechanism54of the first embodiment and the lock mechanism84of the second embodiment can use the common contact portions55and86and common the second cams56B and94. In the present embodiment, the second cam94is coupled to the contact portion86in a state rotated by 90° about the rotational axis extending in the first direction DX from the state of the first embodiment in which the second cam56B is coupled to the contact portion55(refer toFIG. 13).

In a case in which the predetermined tool is rotated in one direction, as the cylinder88rotates, the first cam92eccentrically rotates with respect to the cylinder88. The first cam92pushes the second cam94to move the contact portion86from the first position to the second position. In this case, the battery holder80can be removed from the battery unit60. In a case in which the input to the predetermined tool is released, the contact portion86is moved from the second position to the first position by biasing force of the biasing member86C. As the second cam94pushes the first cam92, the first cam92eccentrically rotates with respect to the cylinder88, and the cylinder88rotates. This rotates the predetermined tool in the other direction. In this case, the support surface86A of the contact portion86is in a state allowed to support the supported portion68of the battery unit60, and the battery unit60is held by the battery holder80.

Third Embodiment

A third embodiment of a battery holder100will now be described with reference toFIGS. 15 to 17. The same reference characters are given to those components that are the same as the corresponding components of the first embodiment. Such components will not be described in detail.

As shown inFIG. 15, the battery holder100includes a first holding portion102that supports the first end62of the battery unit60. The first holding portion102can be provided, for example, on the down tube DT of the human-powered vehicle A at a front side of the human-powered vehicle A or a rear side of the human-powered vehicle A. The battery holder100further can include one of the second holding portions42and82of the first embodiment and the second embodiment that support the second end66of the battery unit60.

The first holding portion102has a first support surface104A that contacts the first end62of the battery unit60and includes a movable member104movable relative to the frame A1of the human-powered vehicle A and a first biasing member114that biases the movable member104toward the battery unit60. The movable member104is movable relative to the frame A1of the human-powered vehicle A in the first direction DX. The movable member104further includes the connector16connected to the terminal62B of the battery unit60. The connector16is provided to project from the first support surface104A of the movable member104. In a state in which the battery holder100holds the battery unit60so that the terminal62B of the battery unit60is connected to the terminal of the connector16, the battery unit60is electrically connected to various electrical elements mounted on the human-powered vehicle A.

The movable member104further includes the engagement portion18engaged with the first end62of the battery unit60. The engagement portion18is provided to project from the first support surface104A of the movable member104. The engagement portion18includes the first engagement portion20and the second engagement portions22. The first engagement portion20and the second engagement portions22are provided on the first support surface104A in the same manner as the first embodiment.

The first holding portion102further includes a base member120configured to be attached to the frame A1of the human-powered vehicle A. The base member120is attached to the down tube DT, for example, by the two bolts BT1. The first biasing member114is provided between the base member120and the movable member104. More specifically, the first biasing member114is provided between the base member120and the movable member104in the first direction DX. The first biasing member114biases the movable member104so that the movable member104is movable relative to the base member120in the first direction DX. In the present embodiment, the number of first biasing members114is two (refer toFIG. 16). For example, the material of the first biasing members114and the size of the first biasing members114are substantially the same as those of the first biasing members28of the first embodiment.

The movable member104further includes a first facing surface104B (refer toFIG. 16) facing the base member120. The first facing surface104B is opposite to the first support surface104A in the first direction DX. The base member120includes a second facing surface120A facing the movable member104. In a state in which the battery unit60is not held by the first holding portion102, the first facing surface104B and the second facing surface120A spaced apart by the gap S.

In a state in which the battery unit60is not held by the first holding portion102, the first biasing members114extend the most, and the gap S is the largest. In a state in which the battery unit60is held by the first holding portion102, the movable member104is moved relative to the base member120in a direction reducing the gap S in accordance with the manufacturing tolerance of the battery unit60in the first direction DX, and the first biasing members114are compressed by force received from the movable member104. The compression of the first biasing members114allows the movable member104to move relative to the base member120maximally in the range of the gap S.

As shown inFIG. 16, the movable member104further includes a pair of first sides106facing each other in the second direction DY, which is perpendicular to the first direction DX extending in the longitudinal direction of the battery unit60. The first sides106are provided to project from edges of the first facing surface104B toward the base member120. The first sides106are provided at opposite ends of the movable member104in the second direction DY. The first sides106partially include respective opposite side walls of the movable member104in the second direction DY. The movable member104further includes a surrounding wall108provided on the first facing surface104B to define an inner space108A configured to accommodate, for example, an electrical wire and an electrical substrate connected to the terminal of the connector16. The surrounding wall108is provided at an inner side of the first sides106in the second direction DY. The first holding portion102further includes a cover that closes the inner space108A of the surrounding wall108. The cover is substantially the same as the cover40of the first embodiment. The base member120is configured to surround the surrounding wall108of the movable member104. A portion of the base member120is arranged between the first sides106and the surrounding wall108. The base member120further includes a pair of second sides122facing each other in the second direction DY.

The first holding portion102further includes a support structure124that supports the first biasing members114between the base member120and the movable member104. The support structure124includes a pair of first supports124A provided on the movable member104and a pair of second supports124B provided on the base member120. The first supports124A are respectively provided on the first sides106. More specifically, the first supports124A are provided on the first sides106at portions facing the base member120. The second supports124B are respectively provided on the second sides122. More specifically, the second supports124B are provided to project outward from the second sides122in the second direction DY.

Each of the second supports124B includes an attachment hole124C, into which the first biasing member114is attached. Each of the first biasing members114includes an attachment portion114A corresponding to the attachment hole124C of the second support124B. Insertion of the attachment portions114A into the attachment holes124C attaches the first biasing members114to the second supports124B so that the first biasing members114are arranged between the base member120and the movable member104. The first biasing members114can be attached to the second supports124B by an adhesive. In this case, the attachment holes124C and the attachment portions114A can be omitted.

The first holding portion102further includes a guide structure126that guides movement of the movable member104. The guide structure126includes grooves126A provided on one of the movable member104and the base member120and insertion portions126B provided on the other one of the movable member104and the base member120. In the present embodiment, the grooves126A are provided on the movable member104, and the insertion portions126B are provided on the base member120. The grooves126A are provided, for example, between one of the first sides106and the surrounding wall108and between the other first side106and the surrounding wall108in the second direction DY. The insertion portions126B are respectively provided on the second sides122. More specifically, the insertion portions126B partially include the second sides122. The insertion portions126B are inserted into the grooves126A so that the movable member104is movable relative to the base member120. The insertion of the insertion portions126B into the grooves126A in the first direction DX obtains a state in which the base member120surrounds the surrounding wall108of the movable member104.

The battery holder100further includes a coupling structure128that couples the movable member104and the base member120so that the movable member104is movable relative to the base member120. The coupling structure128includes first coupling portions128A and second coupling portions128B. The first coupling portions128A are configured to be coupled to the second coupling portions128B. For example, the first coupling portions128A are bolts. In the present embodiment, the number of the first coupling portions128A is two. The second coupling portions128B are provided, for example, on the base member120. More specifically, the second coupling portions128B are provided on the second sides122of the base member120. For example, the second coupling portions128B are threaded holes corresponding to the first coupling portions128A. In the present embodiment, the number of the second coupling portions128B is two. The first coupling portions128A are, for example, inserted into the second coupling portions128B through insertion holes110provided on the movable member104. The first coupling portions128A and the second coupling portions128B are coupled together to couple the movable member104and the base member120.

Movement of the movable member104toward one side in the first direction DX is restricted by contact of the first coupling portions128A with the insertion holes110. More specifically, movement of the movable member104toward one side in the first direction DX is restricted by contact of the bolt heads of the first coupling portions128A with edges110A of the movable member104defining the insertion holes110. In a case in which the first coupling portions128A are in contact with the insertion holes110, the gap S is the largest. Movement of the movable member104toward the other side in the first direction DX is restricted by contact of the first facing surface104B of the movable member104with the second facing surface120A of the base member120. In a case in which the first facing surface104B is in contact with the second facing surface120A, the gap S is the smallest.

The first holding portion102further includes a movement restriction member130provided between the movable member104and the base member120in a third direction DZ that is perpendicular to the first direction DX extending in the longitudinal direction of the battery unit60to restrict movement of the movable member104in the third direction DZ. In the present embodiment, the third direction DZ is perpendicular to the first direction DX and the second direction DY. Preferably, the movement restriction member130is elastic. Preferably, the movement restriction member130includes rubber.

The movement restriction member130includes a first movement restriction member130A and a second movement restriction member130B. The first movement restriction member130A is provided, for example, between an end surface108C of the movable member104and the base member120in the third direction DZ. In the present embodiment, the number of the first movement restriction members130A is two. The second movement restriction member130B is provided, for example, between the other end surface108D of the movable member104and the base member120in the third direction DZ. In the present embodiment, the number of the second movement restriction members130B is two. The first movement restriction members130A are, for example, thicker than the second movement restriction members130B in the third direction DZ.

The movable member104further includes a first contact surface112that contacts the movement restriction member130. The first contact surface112is provided, for example, on the surrounding wall108of the movable member104. More specifically, the first contact surface112is provided on an outer surface108B of the surrounding wall108. The number of the first contact surfaces112corresponds to the number of the movement restriction members130. In the present embodiment, the number of the first contact surfaces112is four. In one example, two of the first contact surfaces112are provided on each of the end surfaces108C and108D in the third direction DZ in the outer surface108B of the surrounding wall108. The first contact surfaces112provided on the end surface108C of the surrounding wall108are in contact with the first movement restriction members130A. The first contact surfaces112provided on the end surface108D of the surrounding wall108are in contact with the second movement restriction members130B.

FIG. 17is a cross-sectional view of the first holding portion102taken in a direction extending through the first contact surfaces112in the first direction DX. The movement restriction members130are provided on the base member120to slide along the first contact surfaces112in accordance with movement of the movable member104in the first direction DX. The movement restriction members130are fixed to the base member120, for example, by an adhesive or the like. Preferably, each of the first contact surfaces112is shaped as an arc that projects from the movable member104toward the base member120as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first direction DX and the third direction DZ. In the present embodiment, the first contact surface112is shaped as an arc that projects from the movable member104toward the base member120as viewed in the second direction DY. In one example, the arc centers of the first contact surfaces112provided on the end surface108C of the surrounding wall108conform to the arc centers of the first contact surfaces112provided on the end surface108D of the surrounding wall108. Since each of the first contact surfaces112is shaped as an arc that projects from the movable member104toward the base member120as viewed in the second direction DY, the movable member104is easy to pivot about an axis parallel to the second direction DY. Even when the positions of the second holding portions42and82attached to the first holding portion102are slightly deviated from the ideal positions in the third direction DZ, the movable member104pivots about the axis parallel to the second direction DY. Thus, the battery unit60is stably held.

Modifications

The description related to the embodiments exemplifies, without any intention to limit, applicable forms of a battery holder according to the present disclosure. The battery holder according to the present disclosure can be applicable to, for example, modifications of the embodiments that are described below and combinations of at least two of the modifications that do not contradict each other. In the following modifications, the same reference characters are given to those components that are the same as the corresponding components of the embodiments. Such components will not be described in detail.

The direction specified by the third direction DZ can be changed in any manner. In one example, the third direction DZ can be the same as the second direction DY. The first movement restriction members130A are provided between one side surface of the movable member104in the third direction DZ and the base member120. The second movement restriction members130B are provided between the other side surface of the movable member104in the third direction DZ and the base member120. In this case, preferably, the thickness of the first movement restriction members130A is substantially the same as the thickness of the second movement restriction members130B in the third direction. One or more of the first contact surfaces112are provided on one side surface and the other side surface in the outer surface108B of the surrounding wall108. The first contact surfaces112provided on the one side surface of the surrounding wall108are in contact with the first movement restriction members130A. The first contact surfaces112provided on the other side surface of the surrounding wall108are in contact with the second movement restriction members130B.

The configuration of the first contact surfaces112can be changed in any manner. The two of the first contact surfaces112provided on the end surface108C of the surrounding wall108can be formed integrally. The two of the first contact surfaces112provided on the end surface108D of the surrounding wall108can be formed integrally. The first contact surfaces112can extend straight in a direction perpendicular to the first direction DX and the third direction DZ. Three or more of the first contact surfaces112can be provided on the end surface108C of the surrounding wall108. Three or more of the first contact surfaces112can be provided on the end surface108D of the surrounding wall108.

The movement restriction members130can be fixed to the first contact surface112, for example, by an adhesive or the like, and the movement restriction members130can be provided on the movable member104to slide along the base member120in accordance with movement of the movable member104in the first direction DX.

The configuration of the cover attachment portion72can be changed in any manner. In a first example, the hooks72A are provided on the outer surface60A of the battery unit60, and the loops72B are provided on the inner surface70A of the cover70. In a second example, the cover attachment portion72includes two magnets having different polarities. In this case, one of the magnets is provided on the inner surface70A of the cover70, and the other magnet is provided on the outer surface60A of the battery unit60.

The configuration of the contact portions55and86can be changed in any manner. In one example, the contact portions55and86are provided to rotate relative to the support member46. More specifically, the contact portions55and86are provided to be movable in the first direction DX by rotating about an axis extending in the second direction DY. In this case, the configuration of the cam mechanisms56and90is changed, accordingly.

The configuration of the second holding portion42of the first embodiment can be changed in any manner. In one example, as shown inFIG. 18, the second holding portion42includes a second biasing member74biasing the battery unit60toward the first holding portion12instead of the second biasing member44(refer toFIG. 6). The second biasing member74includes metal that is provided on the second support surface48A to contact the second end66of the battery unit60. The second biasing member74has a lower friction coefficient than the second biasing member44. The second biasing member74includes, for example, a plate spring. In this modification, two of the second biasing members74are provided. The second biasing members74are provided on the second support surface48A, for example, so that the through hole48B is located between the second biasing members74in the second direction DY. The second contact members52can be coupled to the second biasing member74so that the second contact surfaces52A contact the second end66of the battery unit60. The same modification can be applicable to the second holding portion82of the second embodiment.

The shape of the engagement portion18can be changed in any manner. In one example, the engagement portion18can include a recess. Additionally, the first engagement portion20or the second engagement portions22can include a recess.

The connector16can be omitted from the movable members14and104. The arrangement of the connector16can be changed in any manner. In this case, the connector16is provided to project from the second support surface48A of the support member46. Instead of projecting from the first support surface104A of the movable member104, the connector16can be recessed from the first support surface104A of the movable member104. The connector16can include any one of a male connector and a female connector.

The configuration of the first holding portion12can be changed in any manner. In a first example, the guide structure36is omitted from the first holding portion12. In a second example, the surrounding wall26is omitted from the first holding portion12. In a third example, the base member30is omitted from the first holding portion12. In the third example, the movable member14is coupled to the down tube DT in a state movable relative to the frame A1of the human-powered vehicle A.

The configuration of the battery holder10can be changed in any manner. In one example, the second holding portion42is omitted from the battery holder10. The arrangement of the opening DT2in the down tube DT can be changed in any manner. In one example, the opening DT2is provided at an upper side and a lateral side of the human-powered vehicle A in a state in which the human-powered vehicle A is located on a level ground. The same modification is applicable to a case in which the battery component1is provided on an element differing from the down tube DT.

The arrangement of the battery component1can be changed in any manner. In one example, the battery component1is provided on an outer surface of the down tube DT. More specifically, the battery component1is provided on the outer surface of the down tube DT so that the battery holder10and the battery unit60are exposed to the exterior. In this example, the accommodation space DT1and the opening DT2can be omitted from the down tube DT. The same modification can be applicable to a case in which the battery component1is provided on an element differing from the down tube DT.

The type of the human-powered vehicle A may be changed in any manner. In a first example, the human-powered vehicle A is a road bike, a mountain bike, a cross bike, a city bike, a cargo bike, and a recumbent bike. In a second example, the human-powered vehicle A is a kick scooter.