Straddle-type vehicle

Abstract

A straddle-type vehicle includes a vehicle main frame, at least one wheel, a drive source configured to generate power transmitted to the wheel, and a battery case including an accommodation space that accommodates a battery for storing electric power and an opening that opens the accommodation space upward so as to insert and remove the battery. The battery case is inclined with respect to a vertical direction so that the opening is inclined upward and rearward. A lower end portion of the battery case is disposed in a front space of the drive source and positioned lower than an upper end portion of the drive source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a straddle-type vehicle including a battery casing that houses a battery. Background Technology

[0002] WO2015 / 068753A1 discloses an electric motorcycle in which the drive wheels are driven by a motor.

[0003] The battery casing is mounted on the motorcycle. The battery casing houses the battery used to supply power to the motor.

[0004] Even in motorcycles that supply power to the motor, there is a desire to improve the driving experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a straddle-type vehicle that can improve the driving experience.

[0006] According to an illustrative aspect of this disclosure, a straddle-type vehicle includes: a vehicle body frame; at least one wheel; a drive source configured to generate power transmitted to the wheel; and a battery housing including a receiving space and an opening, the receiving space accommodating a battery for storing electrical energy, the opening opening upwards to allow insertion and removal of the battery. The battery housing is inclined relative to a vertical direction such that the opening is inclined upwards and rearwards. The lower end of the battery housing is disposed in a frontal space of the drive source and positioned below the upper end of the drive source.

[0007] According to this disclosure, since the lower end of the battery casing is positioned below the upper end of the drive source, the battery, as a load, can be positioned lower, and the center of gravity of the motorcycle can be lowered. Furthermore, since the battery casing slopes backward from its lower end to its upper side, the upper portion of the battery casing can easily be positioned closer to the drive source. Therefore, in a motorcycle, by bringing the drive source and battery casing, as loads, closer to each other, the load can be easily positioned closer to the center of gravity of the vehicle body. In this way, maneuverability when changing the posture of the motorcycle can be improved, and the driving experience can be enhanced. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a side view of the straddle-type vehicle according to the first embodiment;

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a straddle-type vehicle with its covering removed;

[0010] Figure 3 It is a section taken from the surface along the front-to-back direction. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the battery casing of a motorcycle.

[0011] Figure 4 It is a cut along the width direction of the surface. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the battery casing of a motorcycle.

[0012] Figure 5 It is a section taken along the front-to-back direction of the surface when the covering is closed. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the periphery of the battery casing in a motorcycle.

[0013] Figure 6 It is a section taken along the front-to-back direction of the surface with the covering open and the cover removed. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the periphery of the battery casing in a motorcycle.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a cross-section taken along the front-to-back direction of the battery with the battery casing mounted, the cover attached, and the cover closed. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the periphery of the battery casing in a motorcycle.

[0015] Figure 8 It is a section cut from the surface along the front-to-back direction and set in Figure 1 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the double-layered bottom structure in the front portion of the battery casing of a motorcycle; and

[0016] Figure 9 It is used for explanation Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the tilt angle of the battery casing in a straddle-type vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0017] In the following description, a straddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the forward and backward, left and right (lateral) directions and the up and down directions refer to the directions viewed from the rider when the rider is seated on the straddle-type vehicle.

[0018] (First Embodiment)

[0019] Figure 1 This is a side view of the straddle-type vehicle 1 (vehicle) according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the straddle-type vehicle 1 is an electric motorcycle.

[0020] The motorcycle 1 includes a front wheel 2, a rear wheel 3, and a vehicle frame 4. The vehicle frame 4 is supported by the front wheel 2 and the rear wheel 3. The motorcycle 1 includes a front fork 5, which connects the front wheel 2 to the vehicle frame 4 and is positioned between the front wheel 2 and the vehicle frame 4. The front fork 5 is located in the lower portion of a steering axle 7 and is connected to a bracket 8 positioned at intervals in the vertical direction. The front fork 5 extends upward and backward in a tilting manner. The front fork 5 is provided with a front suspension 6, and the front fork 5 is configured to extend and retract in the longitudinal direction by the elastic deformation of a spring within the front suspension 6. The longitudinal extension and retraction of the front fork 5 reduces the impact transmitted to the vehicle frame 4. The steering axle 7, connected to the bracket 8, is supported by a head pipe 4a, which is part of the vehicle frame 4, so that it can be angularly displaced. The motorcycle 1 also includes a rear suspension 9 that connects the rear wheel 3 to the rear portion of the vehicle frame 4. The swing arm 10, which supports the rear wheel 3 and extends in the front-rear direction, is supported on the vehicle body frame 4 so that it can be moved at an angle.

[0021] A handlebar 11 is provided on the steering shaft 7, which the rider grips. An outer cover 53, which will be described later, is located behind the handlebar 11 and covers the battery insertion opening. A seat 12 on which the rider sits is located behind the outer cover 53. The straddle-type vehicle 1 includes a motor M as a drive source, which generates power transmitted to the wheels. The motor M is mounted on the vehicle body frame 4 between the front wheel 2 and the rear wheel 3. In this embodiment, the motor M serves as a prime mover, generating rotational driving force transmitted to the rear wheel 3.

[0022] The motorcycle 1 includes a battery 14 and a battery housing 13 that houses the battery 14. The battery 14 is configured to store power supplied to electrical components. In this embodiment, the battery 14 supplies power to a motor M. Therefore, the motor M is driven and the motorcycle 1 moves. The battery 14 is connected to the motor M via a wire 15. The battery housing 13 is attached to the vehicle's main frame 4.

[0023] Motor M includes a motor housing Ma and a motor drive shaft Mb protruding from the motor housing Ma. A sprocket 16 is mounted on the motor drive shaft Mb to rotate with it. A gear or pulley can be used instead of the sprocket 16 as the rotating component. A chain 17 is connected to the sprocket 16 on the motor drive shaft Mb side. Therefore, the driving force output from the motor drive shaft Mb is transmitted to the rear wheel 3 via the chain 17. Alternatively, the driving force output from the motor drive shaft Mb can be transmitted to the rear wheel 3 without the chain, but rather through another power transmission component (such as a belt).

[0024] The electronic control unit (ECU) controls the drive motor M by regulating the power supplied from battery 14 to motor M via battery management unit (BMU) and inverter. Throttle device 18 is operated by the rider and controls the drive of motor M according to the rider's operation.

[0025] When a rider drives the motorcycle 1 and experiences an impact on the vehicle body due to uneven terrain, the front fork 5 extends and retracts in the longitudinal direction. Because the front suspension 6 reduces the impact transmitted to the vehicle body frame 4 through extension and retraction, the impact transmitted to the rider is also reduced. Therefore, rider comfort is improved.

[0026] The motorcycle 1 also includes a linkage component connected to the front fork 5 and moving up and down with the front fork 5 as it extends and retracts. In this embodiment, the front fender 19 attached to the front fork 5 is configured as a linkage component to project from the front fork 5 in the fore-aft direction and cover the upper side of the front wheel 2. Because the front fender 19 moves up and down with the front fork 5, it does not move relative to the front wheel 2 even when the front fork 5 extends and retracts. Therefore, the front fender 19 continues to cover the upper side of the front wheel 2 while maintaining a predetermined distance from it. Thus, even if foreign objects (such as small stones and gravel) are absorbed by the rotation of the front wheel 2, the rider and the main body of the vehicle are protected by the front fender 19.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a plan view of the straddle-type vehicle 1. (Example) Figure 2 As shown, the motorcycle 1 has an upward-opening insertion opening 40 for mounting the battery 14 onto the battery housing 13. The insertion opening 40 is positioned above the opening of the battery housing 13 in the fore-aft direction between the front fork 5 and the seat 12, so that the operator can access the opening of the battery housing 13 when inserting the battery 14 into and removing the battery from the battery housing. Figure 2 The diagram shows the state where the outer cover 53 covering the insertion opening 40 of the motorcycle 1 has been removed. Furthermore, it shows the state where the battery 14 is not housed in the receiving space of the battery casing 13. Therefore, Figure 2 The housing-side connector 31 in the battery housing 13, which will be described later, is shown. (See diagram below.) Figure 2 As shown, the battery housing 13 is configured such that two batteries 14 are arranged side by side in the width direction and housed within the battery housing 13.

[0028] Next, the construction of the battery casing 13 will be described. Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of the battery casing 13 taken along a surface extending in the front-rear direction. Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of the battery casing 13 taken along a surface extending in the width direction. Figure 5and Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the battery casing taken along a surface extending in the front-rear direction. Figure 5 The diagram shows the outer cover 53 covering the insertion opening 40 for accessing the battery housing 13 of the motorcycle 1 being closed. Figure 6 The diagram shows the state where the outer cover 53 covering the insertion opening 40 of the motorcycle 1 is open and the cover 42 is removed. Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the periphery of the battery housing is shown, taken along a surface extending in the front-rear direction, with the battery 14 housed within the battery housing 13.

[0029] like Figure 3 As shown, the battery housing 13 is configured as a casing capable of accommodating a battery 14. The battery housing 13 has a receiving space 25 for accommodating the battery 14. The battery housing 13 includes an inner bottom wall 28 that slopes downward toward the rear, and a side wall 48 extending upward from the inner bottom wall 28 and surrounding a lateral side of the receiving space 25. The battery housing 13 has an opening 21 that opens upward into the receiving space 25 for inserting and removing the battery 14. The battery housing 13 is inclined relative to the vertical direction such that when the battery housing 13 is attached to the motorcycle 1, the opening 21 is tilted upward and rearward. That is, the battery housing 13 is attached to the motorcycle 1 so as to tilt rearward from the lower end to the upper side.

[0030] The receiving space 25 of the battery housing 13 is configured such that the area of ​​the cross-section orthogonal to the insertion direction D1 of the battery 14 decreases downward. In this embodiment, steps 22 are provided on the front and rear surfaces of the upper portion of the inner surface of the battery housing 13. Furthermore, below the portion of the inner surface of the battery housing 13 where the steps 22 are provided, the battery housing 13 is configured such that the front and rear surfaces of the inner surface of the battery housing 13 are formed into a tapered shape, approaching each other downward. The battery housing 13 is configured such that its inner surface narrows inward from the upper to the lower side through the portion where the steps 22 are provided on its upper portion and the portion 24 where the tapered shape is formed on its lower portion. The sidewall 48 of the battery housing 13 has a drain hole 26 for draining water that has entered the receiving space 25. The drain hole 26 opens at the rear corner portion below the receiving space 25 in the battery housing 13. When the battery housing 13 is attached to the straddle vehicle 1, the drain hole 26 extends outward toward the battery housing 13 in a direction having at least a downward component. A drain hole 26 is provided in the rear end portion 13d of the battery housing 13 in the vertical direction, near the inner bottom wall 28 of the side wall 48. The drain hole 26 is configured to communicate with the outside in the receiving space 25 of the battery housing 13.

[0031] like Figure 4 As shown, the battery housing 13 is configured to accommodate two batteries 14 in the width direction. In this embodiment, a partition portion 41 is provided that protrudes from the inner bottom wall 28 of the battery housing 13 toward the interior of the accommodating space 25 to separate the accommodating space of the two batteries 14 arranged side by side in the width direction. The space for accommodating the two batteries 14 is separated by the partition portion 41, and the batteries 14 can be positioned appropriately.

[0032] The motorcycle 1 includes a cover 42 disposed above the battery casing 13. For example... Figure 5 As shown, a cover 42 that closes the opening 21 is attached to the battery housing 13. After the battery 14 is housed in the battery housing 13, the cover 42 covers the upper side of the battery 14 to protect it. In this embodiment, the cover 42 is secured to the battery housing 13 by a threaded connection.

[0033] The straddle-type vehicle 1 includes an outer cover member 51 disposed at the front of the seat 12 and above the cover 42. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the outer cover member 51 forms part of the outer surface above the cover 42 of the motorcycle 1 and is configured to open and close the outer cover 53 above the battery housing 13. When the battery 14 is housed within the battery housing 13 mounted on the motorcycle 1, the battery 14 is protected by the battery housing 13, the cover 42, and the outer cover member 51. In this embodiment, the outer cover member 51 is attached to the upper end 48a of the side wall 48 of the battery housing 13. In this embodiment, the outer cover member 51 is partially embedded in the fairing 50 of the motorcycle 1 at a position in front of the seat 12, and the portion protruding from the fairing 50 forms the outer surface of the motorcycle 1.

[0034] When a rider straddles the seat 12, the outer cover member 51 is located between the rider's legs, and the upper end 51a of the outer cover member 51 protrudes upward from the seat 12. The outer cover member 51 includes a base 52 having an opening 52a, an outer cover 53 configured to open and close the opening 52a of the base 52, and a hinge portion 54 rotatably connecting the outer cover 53 to the base 52. When the outer cover 53 rotates about the hinge portion 54, the outer cover 53 opens and closes relative to the base 52. The hinge portion 54 is located at the rear portion of the base 52, causing the outer cover 53 to open rearward. When the outer cover 53 is closed, the hinge portion 54 is located at a position lower than the front end of the outer cover 53.

[0035] When the outer cover 53 is opened, as Figure 6As shown, an insertion opening 40 is provided within the base 52 to provide space through which the battery 14 passes when it is inserted into and removed from the battery housing 13. The insertion opening 40 is located above the battery housing 13 along the insertion direction in which the battery is inserted toward the battery housing 13. Figure 6 As shown, the insertion opening 40 is provided in the outer cover member 51.

[0036] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the battery housing 13 is adjacent to the front side of the motor M and attached to the motorcycle 1. The battery housing 13 is disposed between the front fork 5 and the motor M in the longitudinal direction of the motorcycle 1. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the battery housing 13 is disposed at an angle, and the front surface of the battery housing 13 extends in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the front fork 5.

[0037] like Figure 7 As shown, the cover 42 is configured to abut against the upper end 43 of the battery 14 when the battery 14 is housed within the battery casing 13. Since the battery 14 is in contact with the cover 42 while housed within the battery casing 13, the battery 14 is pressed within the battery casing 13. Because the battery 14 is pressed by the cover 42 even during the movement of the motorcycle 1, it is possible to prevent the battery 14 from moving vertically even when forces act on the motorcycle 1 vertically during movement.

[0038] like Figures 3 to 7 As shown, the bottom portion of the battery housing 13 has a double-bottom structure 35. The double-bottom structure 35 on the bottom portion of the battery housing 13 includes an inner bottom wall 28, an outer bottom wall 29 covering the inner bottom wall 28 from below, and an outer peripheral wall 30 connecting the outer bottom wall 29 to the inner bottom wall 28. The inner bottom wall 28 and the outer bottom wall 29 are collectively referred to as the bottom wall 56. When the battery housing 13 is tilted, the bottom wall 56 tilts downwards and backwards. The inner bottom wall 28 of the battery housing 13 is provided with a housing-side connector 31 protruding towards the interior of the receiving space 25. When the battery 14 is received in the receiving space of the battery housing 13, the battery 14 is provided with a battery-side connector 32 connected to the housing-side connector 31.

[0039] In the wiring space 33 between the outer bottom wall 29 and the inner bottom wall 28 of the double-bottom structure 35 of the battery housing 13, a wire 34 connected to the housing-side connector 31 is arranged. In this embodiment, the wire 34 extends from the housing-side connector 31 toward the wiring space 33 through the interior of the inner bottom wall 28 of the battery housing 13, and extends rearward to the exterior of the battery housing 13 through the interior of the wiring space 33. The battery housing 13 includes the double-bottom structure 35, the housing-side connector 31, and the wire 34. In this embodiment, the outer bottom wall 29 and the outer peripheral wall 30 are formed separately from the inner bottom wall 28. The outer bottom wall 29 and the outer peripheral wall 30 constitute a one-piece bottom cover 36.

[0040] Figure 8 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the double-bottom structure 35 disposed in the front portion of the battery housing 13 is shown. A sealing member 37 is located between the inner bottom wall 28 of the battery housing 13 and the mating surface of the bottom cover 36. Figures 5 to 7 As shown, a drain hole 38 is provided in the outer peripheral wall 30. The drain hole 38 is located in the rear end portion 13d of the battery housing 13 near the outer bottom wall 29. The drain hole 38 is configured to communicate the wiring space 33 with the outside.

[0041] In this embodiment, since the outer bottom wall 29 is inclined to extend downwards and backwards, even if water enters the wiring space 33 of the battery housing 13, the water already in the wiring space 33 will flow along the outer bottom wall 29. The water that has entered the wiring space 33 is guided backwards within the wiring space 33. In this embodiment, since the drain hole 38 is located on the inner surface of the battery housing 13 at a position that is backwards and close to the outer bottom wall 29, the water that has entered moves towards the drain hole 38, and therefore, the water is discharged from the drain hole 38. In this embodiment, drain holes 26 and 38 are provided in the receiving space 25 and the wiring space 33 to drain water that has entered the space.

[0042] The straddle-type vehicle 1 also includes electrical components arranged at the front of the battery housing 13 such that at least a portion of the electrical components overlaps with the battery housing 13 in the vertical direction. Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 An electrical component arrangement space 39 is shown, in which electrical components are arranged at the front of the battery housing 13. The electrical components used in the motorcycle 1 are arranged in the electrical component arrangement space 39.

[0043] In this embodiment, as described above, the battery housing 13 is attached to the vehicle body frame 4 so as to tilt backward from the lower end to the upper side. Therefore, a space for placing objects is formed at the front of the battery housing 13. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is not necessary to provide new space for electrical components by placing them in the space formed at the front of the battery housing 13. Therefore, the space within the motorcycle 1 can be utilized effectively. Therefore, the motorcycle 1 can be miniaturized. Specifically, in this embodiment, the ECU is included in the electrical component arrangement space 39 formed at the front of the battery housing 13. By providing the electrical component including the ECU in the electrical component arrangement space 39 at the front of the battery housing 13, the ECU can be placed in a space that directly receives traveling wind. Therefore, the ECU can be effectively cooled by the traveling wind. In particular, since the ECU easily generates heat when the motorcycle 1 is in motion, the ECU temperature can be set to an appropriate temperature even during the operation of the motorcycle 1 by utilizing the traveling wind to cool the ECU.

[0044] When the battery 14 is housed in the battery casing 13, as Figure 6 As shown, the outer cover 53 covering the insertion opening 40 is opened. When the outer cover 53 is opened, the cover 42 on top of the battery housing 13 is removed. When the outer cover 53 is opened and the cover 42 is removed, the interior of the receiving space 25 of the battery housing 13 can be accessed from the outside. The battery 14 passes through the insertion opening 40 on the inner side of the base 52 in the front-rear direction, passes through the opening 21 of the battery housing 13, and is placed in the receiving space 25 of the battery housing 13. Subsequently, with the battery 14 housed in the receiving space 25 of the battery housing 13, the cover 42 is attached to the top of the battery housing 13, and the insertion opening 40 is closed by the outer cover 53, thereby completing the housing of the battery 14 in the battery housing 13.

[0045] The tilt of the battery casing 13 will be referenced Figure 9The battery housing 13 is inclined relative to the vertical direction, such that the opening 21 of the battery housing 13 faces upward and backward at an angle, and the line L1 connecting the center of the opening 21 at the upper end of the battery housing 13 to the center of the inner bottom wall 28 is inclined. When the battery 14 is inserted into the battery housing 13, the battery 14 is inserted into the battery housing 13 along the centerline L1. The direction in which the battery 14 is inserted into the battery housing 13 along the line L1 is called the insertion direction D2 of the battery 14 entering the battery housing 13, and the angle at which the line L1 is inclined relative to the line L5 extending in the vertical direction is called the insertion angle θ1. Since the battery housing 13 is provided in the straddle vehicle 1 at an inclined position at the insertion angle θ1, the front surface 13a of the outer wall of the battery housing 13 is inclined relative to the vertical direction. Furthermore, the line along the longitudinal direction D4 of the fork 5 is called the line L2, and the angle at which the line L2 is inclined relative to the line L5 extending in the vertical direction is called the tilt angle θ2. In this embodiment, the motorcycle 1 is configured such that the insertion angle θ1 of the battery 14 in the battery housing 13 and the tilt angle θ2 of the longitudinal direction D4 of the fork 5 relative to the vertical direction are the same. Therefore, the motorcycle 1 is configured such that when the battery 14 is housed in the battery housing 13, the insertion direction D2 of the battery 14 into the opening 21 of the battery housing 13 is the same as the longitudinal direction D4 of the fork 5.

[0046] Since the insertion angle θ1 of the battery 14 in the battery housing 13 and the tilt angle θ2 of the longitudinal direction D4 of the fork 5 are tilted at the same angle, even when the fork 5 extends and retracts and the front fender 19 moves accordingly, the front fender 19 moves while maintaining the length g1 of the gap between the rear end 19a of the front fender 19 and the front surface 13a of the battery housing 13 in an orthogonal direction D3, which is orthogonal to the insertion direction D2. Therefore, in the orthogonal direction D3, the front fender 19 is prevented from moving toward the front surface 13a of the battery housing 13. Figure 9 In the middle, the line extending along the direction of the front surface 13a of the battery housing 13 is called line L3, and the line extending along the direction of the movement trajectory of the front end 19a of the front fender 19 associated with the extension and retraction of the front fork 5 is called line L4.

[0047] When the front fender 19 moves, since the length g1 of the gap between the rear end 19a of the front fender 19 and the front surface 13a of the battery housing 13 remains in the orthogonal direction D3, interference between the front fender 19 and the battery housing 13 can be suppressed regardless of the amount of movement of the front fender 19. Because the battery housing 13 and the fork 5 are tilted at the same angle, and the front surface 13a of the battery housing 13 is located behind the fork 5, the front surface 13a of the battery housing 13 is located behind the movement trajectory of the front end 19a of the front fender 19 associated with the extension and retraction of the fork 5. Therefore, the arrangement of the battery housing 13 is prevented from being restricted by interference with the front fender 19, and the design freedom of the motorcycle 1 is improved.

[0048] In particular, even though the battery housing 13 is positioned low in the motorcycle 1, interference between the front fender 19 and the battery housing 13 is suppressed, thus allowing the battery housing 13 to be positioned lower. Normally, the battery 14 housed in the battery housing 13 of the motorcycle 1 is a heavy object. Since the heavy battery 14 can be positioned low, the center of gravity of the motorcycle 1 can be lowered.

[0049] Since the battery housing 13 can be positioned at a low location, in this embodiment, the battery housing 13 is configured such that its lower end portion 13b is positioned lower than the upper end portion Mc of the motor M. The lower end portion 13b of the battery housing 13 is positioned between the front fork 5 and the motor M in the longitudinal direction of the motorcycle 1. In this embodiment, since the upper portion of the battery housing 13 is located behind the lower portion of the battery housing 13, the upper portion of the battery housing 13 can be arranged close to the motor M. Specifically, the rear end portion of the upper portion of the battery housing is located behind the front end portion of the motor. That is, in a top view, a portion of the battery housing and a portion of the motor overlap each other in the vertical direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the battery housing is vertically positioned, the center of gravity G1 of the battery 14 can be positioned closer to the center of gravity G2 (in other words, the roll axis) of the motorcycle 1. When the rider uses the motorcycle 1 to turn and travel, the rider causes the motorcycle body to undergo angular displacement about the roll axis through weight shift. In this configuration, since the battery's center of gravity G1 is close to the vehicle's center of gravity G2, the rotational torque required to rotate the vehicle around the roll axis can be reduced. Therefore, maneuverability is improved when the vehicle's posture changes. Furthermore, when the battery's center of gravity G1 is close not only to the roll axis but also to the vehicle's center of gravity G2, the inertia when the vehicle changes its posture around the vehicle's center of gravity G2 (around the pitch, yaw, and roll axes) can be reduced. In this way, the vehicle's posture change can be accelerated based on the force applied from the rider or the vehicle, thus improving the sport performance of the motorcycle 1. In this way, since the motorcycle 1's center of gravity is lowered and the battery 14 can be arranged with its center of gravity G1 close to the motorcycle 1's center of gravity G2, the maneuverability of the motorcycle 1 is improved, and the riding experience of the motorcycle 1 is also enhanced.

[0050] In this embodiment, the battery housing 13 is arranged on the motorcycle 1 such that the lower end 13b of the battery housing 13 is located above the lower end Md of the motor housing Ma of the motor M. Because the lower end 13b of the battery housing 13 is located above the lower end Md of the motor housing Ma, the motor housing Ma may come into contact with an obstacle under the vehicle body before the battery housing 13. Therefore, contact between the battery housing 13 and the obstacle can be prevented, and the battery 14 inside the battery housing 13 can be protected more reliably.

[0051] In this embodiment, since the battery housing 13 is positioned at a low position in the motorcycle 1, the upper end position 14a of the battery housed in the battery housing 13 is located below the lower end position 12a of the seat 12. In this embodiment, the upper rear end position 13c of the battery housing 13 is located behind the front end position Me of the motor housing Ma of the drive motor M. In this embodiment, the upper rear end position 13c of the battery housing 13 is located in front of the front end position 12b of the seat.

[0052] In this embodiment, the front fender 19 moves in response to the extension and retraction of the front fork 5. In this embodiment, the motorcycle 1 prevents interference between the battery housing 13 and the front fender 19 by tilting the battery housing 13. In this embodiment, the component (linkage component) that moves up and down according to the extension and retraction of the front fork 5 can be a component other than the front fender 19. For example, the aerodynamic component used to obtain downforce can be the linkage component. In this case, the invention can be suitably applied to a situation where the aerodynamic component is attached to the portion that moves up and down according to the extension and retraction of the front fork 5, and the rear end of the aerodynamic component is positioned close to the battery housing 13.

[0053] According to this embodiment, when the battery 14 is housed in the battery housing 13, the insertion direction D2 of the battery 14 into the battery housing 13 is the same as the longitudinal direction D4 of the fork 5. Therefore, when the battery 14 is inserted into and removed from the battery housing 13, components provided on the upper portion of the fork 5 can be prevented from interfering with the insertion and removal of the battery 14. In this embodiment, the steering shaft 7 is provided above the fork 5, and the handlebar 11 is attached to the steering shaft 7. Typically, the steering shaft 7 extends along the extension direction D4 of the fork 5, and the extension direction D4 of the fork 5 and the extension direction of the steering shaft 7 are the same. When the insertion direction D2 of the battery 14 is the same as the extension direction D4 of the fork 5, the insertion direction D2 of the battery 14 is substantially the same as the extension direction of the steering shaft 7. Therefore, when the battery 14 is housed in the battery housing 13, interference between the battery 14 and the steering shaft 7 can be suppressed. Thus, the steering shaft 7 can be prevented from interfering with the operation of housing the battery 14.

[0054] According to this embodiment, the battery housing 13 is configured such that its inner surface faces inward towards the lower side. Therefore, the opening 21 of the battery housing 13 is enlarged, and the battery 14 can be easily accommodated when it is housed within the battery housing 13. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the step 22 is provided on the upper portions of the front and rear surfaces of the receiving space 25 within the battery housing 13, the insertion position of the battery 14 can be within a certain range when it is inserted into the receiving space 25 of the battery housing 13. Additionally, in this embodiment, the front and rear surfaces of the lower portion of the step 22 in the receiving space 25 within the battery housing 13 are formed in a tapered shape so that they approach each other downwards. Therefore, when the battery 14 is inserted, the inner surface of the battery housing 13 serves as a guiding surface. Thus, by inserting the battery 14 along the inner surface of the battery housing 13, the battery 14 can be positioned at an appropriate mounting location within the battery housing 13.

[0055] In this embodiment, the inner bottom wall 28 of the battery housing 13 is provided with a housing-side connector 31 protruding toward the receiving space 25. Furthermore, a battery-side connector 32 is provided at the lower end of the battery 14 so that it protrudes toward the inner bottom wall 28 of the battery housing 13 when the battery 14 is housed in the battery housing 13. When the battery 14 is installed in the appropriate position within the battery housing 13, the housing-side connector 31 and the battery-side connector 32 are properly connected. In this embodiment, if the battery 14 is not installed in the appropriate position within the battery housing 13, the housing-side connector 31 and the battery-side connector 32 are not properly connected.

[0056] According to this embodiment, when the battery 14 is inserted into the receiving space of the battery housing 13, the insertion position of the battery 14 is determined by the step 22, and the battery 14 is guided by the conical surface 24. Therefore, during the insertion of the battery 14, the battery 14 can be guided to the mounting position of the battery housing 13, and the battery 14 can be positioned appropriately. Thus, the housing-side connector 31 can be connected to the battery-side connector 32 more reliably and appropriately. Furthermore, the operator inserting the battery 14 can simplify the operation of positioning the battery 14 and the battery housing 13.

[0057] According to this embodiment, the outer bottom wall 29 and the outer peripheral wall 30 are formed as a one-piece bottom cover 36. A sealing member 37 is located between the mating surfaces of the inner bottom wall 28 of the battery housing 13 and the bottom cover 36. Therefore, water is prevented from entering the wiring space 33 through the space between the inner bottom wall 28 and the bottom cover 36. Furthermore, when the battery housing 13 is arranged at an angle, a drain hole 38 is located at the rear of the inner surface of the wiring space 33. Even if water temporarily enters the wiring space 33, the water that has already entered is drained out through the drain hole 38. Therefore, the interior of the wiring space 33 is protected with high waterproof performance.

[0058] According to this embodiment, even if water temporarily enters the containment space 25, the water that has already entered will be discharged through the drain hole 26. Therefore, the interior of the containment space 25 is protected by high waterproof performance.

[0059] According to this embodiment, since the bottom portion of the battery housing 13 is configured with a double-bottom structure 35, the strength of the bottom portion 55 of the battery housing 13 can be improved. In this embodiment, since the battery housing 13 is arranged in an inclined manner, the bottom portion 55 of the battery housing 13 is arranged in a posture facing the front of the motorcycle 1. Furthermore, the bottom portion 55 of the battery housing 13 is positioned at a location where it can receive wind pressure caused by the driving wind. In this embodiment, since the double-bottom structure 35 improves the strength of the bottom portion 55 of the battery housing 13, the durability of the battery housing 13 is ensured even if the bottom portion 55 receives strong wind pressure. Furthermore, even if the load is applied to the battery housing 13 due to the extension and retraction of the fork 5, since the insertion direction D2 of the battery 14 in the battery housing 13 and the extension direction of the fork are the same, the bottom portion can receive the load applied to the battery housing 13 through its surface. Therefore, the load per unit area applied to the bottom portion of the battery housing 13 can be reduced, and the durability of the battery housing 13 can be improved.

[0060] The motorcycle 1 includes a storage device 45 disposed above the battery casing 13 and capable of accommodating objects. In this embodiment, as described above, the battery casing 13 is attached to the vehicle body frame 4 at an angle, thus allowing the battery casing 13 to be positioned at a low position within the motorcycle 1. Because the battery casing 13 is positioned at a relatively low position within the motorcycle 1, a space is formed above the battery casing 13 within the motorcycle 1. This space can therefore be used as a storage device 45 capable of accommodating objects. In this embodiment, the storage device 45 is disposed inside the outer cover 53 of the outer cover member 51. Therefore, the storage device 45, serving as a accommodating space, can be disposed within the motorcycle 1 without increasing the height of the motorcycle 1. Thus, the motorcycle 1 can be used easily while preventing an increase in the size of the motorcycle 1. In this embodiment, the space of the storage device 45 can be accessed by opening the outer cover 53, and when an object is contained within the storage device 45, it can be retrieved from the storage device 45. When an object is stored in storage device 45, the object is stored in storage device 45 with the cover 42 attached to the battery casing 13.

[0061] In this embodiment, the aspect in which the front surface 13a of the battery housing 13 extends in the same direction as the fork 5 is described, but the invention is not limited thereto. As it extends upwards, the front surface 13a of the battery housing 13 can extend to the rear in a direction away from the fork 5. Therefore, even if the front fender 19 moves up and down together with the fork 5, interference between the battery housing 13 and the front fender 19 can be suppressed.

[0062] Furthermore, while the above embodiments have described the straddle vehicle 1 as a motorcycle, the invention is not limited thereto. The straddle vehicle 1 may include one wheel or three or more wheels. The straddle vehicle 1 may include at least one wheel.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the angle θ1 at which the insertion direction D2 of the battery 14 into the battery housing 13 is tilted relative to the vertical direction and the angle θ2 at which the extension direction of the fork 5 is tilted relative to the vertical direction are the same, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The angle θ1 at which the insertion direction D2 of the battery 14 into the battery housing 13 is tilted relative to the vertical direction can be greater than the angle θ2 at which the fork 5 is tilted. Therefore, the battery housing 13 is configured such that the front surface 13a of the battery housing 13 extends rearward in a direction away from the fork 5 as it extends upward, and the battery housing 13 faces upward away from the fork 5. Therefore, even if the front fender 19 is associated with the extension and retraction of the fork 5, interference between the battery housing 13 and the front fender 19 can be suppressed.

[0064] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, it is described that the step 22 is provided on the upper portions of the front and rear surfaces of the inner surface of the battery housing 13, and the front and rear surfaces of the lower portion of the step 22 on the inner surface of the battery housing 13 are formed into a conical shape so as to approach each other downwards; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition to the front and rear surfaces of the inner surface of the battery housing 13, the step 22 may be provided on the two side surfaces of the inner surface of the battery housing 13. In addition to the front and rear surfaces of the lower portion of the step 22 on the inner surface of the battery housing, the two side surfaces of the lower portion of the step 22 on the inner surface of the battery housing may be formed into a conical shape so as to approach each other downwards. Furthermore, the step 22 may not be provided on the front and rear surfaces of the inner surface of the battery housing 13, and the step 22 may only be provided on the two side surfaces of the inner surface of the battery housing 13. Furthermore, the front and rear surfaces of the inner surface of the battery housing 13 may not be formed into a conical shape, and only the two side surfaces of the inner surface of the battery housing 13 may be formed into a conical shape. The battery casing 13 may have a structure in which a step is provided on the upper portion of the inner surface of the battery casing 13, or the inner surface of the battery casing 13 may be formed into a conical shape. Furthermore, the battery casing 13 may be configured such that the step is provided on the upper portion of the front and rear surfaces or both side surfaces of the inner surface of the battery casing 13, and another of the front and rear surfaces or both side surfaces of the inner surface of the battery casing may be formed into a conical shape. That is, the surface on the inner surface of the battery casing 13 where the step 22 is provided may be different from the surface 24 formed into a conical shape.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the drain hole 26 is formed in the rear end portion 13d of the battery housing 13 to penetrate the sidewall 48 in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction D1 of the battery 14; however, the invention is not limited thereto. The drain hole 26 can have another configuration, as long as water that has entered the receiving space 25 can be drained to the outside. For example, the drain hole 26 can be formed to penetrate the inner bottom wall 28 along the insertion direction D1 of the battery 14 and can be configured to drain water that has entered the receiving space 25 to the outside. In this case, the drain hole 26 needs to be formed at a position outside the bottom cover 36 so as not to interfere with the bottom cover 36.

[0066] In the above embodiment, a drain hole 38 is formed in the rear end portion 13d of the battery housing 13 to penetrate the outer peripheral wall 30 in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction D1 of the battery 14; however, the invention is not limited thereto. The drain hole 38 can have another configuration, as long as water that has entered the wiring space 33 can be drained to the outside. For example, the drain hole 38 can be formed to penetrate the outer bottom wall 29 along the insertion direction D1 of the battery 14, and can be configured to drain water that has entered the wiring space 33 to the outside.

[0067] Furthermore, while the above embodiments describe an aspect where the motorcycle 1 includes a motor M as a drive source to generate power transmitted to the wheels, the invention is not limited thereto. The motorcycle 1 may include drive sources other than a motor. For example, the motorcycle 1 may include an engine as a drive source. Moreover, the drive source may not be a single drive source, and the motorcycle 1 can be driven by using driving forces generated by multiple drive sources. In the case where the motorcycle 1 does not include a motor M as a drive source, the electricity stored in the battery 14 can be supplied to and used in electrical components other than the drive source.

[0068] As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology disclosed in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and is also applicable to embodiments in which changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., are appropriately performed. Furthermore, the components described in the above embodiments can be combined to provide new embodiments. For example, a portion of the configuration or method in one embodiment can be applied to another embodiment, and a portion of the configuration in that embodiment can be freely extracted from another configuration in that embodiment. Moreover, the components described in the drawings and detailed description include not only those necessary to solve the problem, but also those not necessary for solving the problem in order to illustrate the technology.

[0069] Each of the following aspects is a disclosure of a preferred embodiment.

[0070] <First Aspect>

[0071] A straddle-type vehicle includes: a vehicle body frame; at least one wheel; a drive source configured to generate power to be transmitted to the wheel; and a battery housing including a receiving space for receiving a battery for storing electrical energy and an opening that opens upwards to allow insertion and removal of the battery. The battery housing is inclined relative to a vertical direction such that the opening is inclined upwards and backwards. The lower end of the battery housing is disposed in a space in front of the drive source and positioned below the upper end of the drive source.

[0072] <Second aspect>

[0073] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, at least one wheel may include a front wheel and a rear wheel. The motorcycle may further include a front fork that connects the vehicle body frame to the front wheel and extends obliquely upward and rearward, and is configured to extend and retract in the longitudinal direction to reduce impact transmitted to the vehicle body frame. The lower end of the battery housing may be disposed between the front fork and the drive source in the longitudinal direction of the motorcycle. The front surface of the battery housing may extend in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the front fork or toward the upper side of the front fork away from the front fork.

[0074] <Third aspect>

[0075] According to a first or second aspect of this disclosure, at least one wheel may include a front wheel and a rear wheel. The straddle-type vehicle may further include: a front fork that connects the vehicle body frame to the front wheel and extends obliquely upward and rearward, and is configured to extend and retract in the longitudinal direction to reduce impact transmitted to the vehicle body frame; and a linkage member connected to the front fork and moving up and down with the front fork in response to its extension and retraction. The front surface of the battery housing may be positioned behind the trajectory of the linkage member associated with the extension and retraction of the front fork.

[0076] <Fourth Aspect>

[0077] According to the first to third aspects of this disclosure, at least one wheel may include a front wheel and a rear wheel. The straddle-type vehicle may further include: a front fork that connects the vehicle body frame to the front wheel and extends obliquely upward and rearward, and is configured to extend and retract in the longitudinal direction to reduce impact transmitted to the vehicle body frame. The lower end of the battery housing may be disposed between the front fork and the drive source in the longitudinal direction of the straddle-type vehicle. The battery insertion direction may be toward the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the front fork or toward the upper side of the front fork and spaced apart from the front fork.

[0078] <Fifth Aspect>

[0079] According to the first to fourth aspects of this disclosure, the receiving space of the battery housing can be configured such that the area of ​​the cross-section of the battery housing orthogonal to the insertion direction of the battery decreases toward the lower side of the battery housing.

[0080] <Sixth Aspect>

[0081] According to the first to fifth aspects of this disclosure, the battery housing may include a bottom wall supporting the battery. The bottom wall of the battery housing may be inclined downward and rearward. The battery housing may have drainage holes that open at corner portions disposed on the lower and rear sides of the receiving space.

[0082] <Seventh Aspect>

[0083] According to the first to sixth aspects of this disclosure, the straddle-type vehicle may further include a space for accommodating electrical components. The space may be positioned in front of the battery housing such that at least a portion of the electrical components overlaps with the battery housing in the vertical direction.

[0084] <Eighth Aspect>

[0085] According to the first to seventh aspects of this disclosure, the inner bottom wall of the battery housing may be provided with a housing-side connector, which can be connected to a battery-side connector disposed on the battery.

Claims

1. A straddle-type vehicle comprising: The rider sits on the seat; Vehicle main frame; At least one wheel; A drive source configured to generate power that is transmitted to the wheels; A battery housing, comprising a housing space for accommodating a battery for storing electricity and an opening that opens upward to allow insertion and removal of the battery; as well as An outer cover that covers the opening above the battery. The battery casing is tilted relative to the vertical direction, such that the opening is tilted upwards and backwards. The lower end of the battery casing is disposed in the front space of the drive source and positioned below the upper end of the drive source. The seat is located behind the outer cover, and The upper rear end of the battery casing is located behind the front end of the drive source and in front of the front end of the vehicle seat.

2. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, in, The at least one wheel includes a front wheel and a rear wheel. The straddle-type vehicle further includes: A front fork, which connects the vehicle body frame to the front wheel and extends obliquely upward and rearward, and is configured to extend and retract in the longitudinal direction to reduce impact transmitted to the vehicle body frame; and A linkage assembly, connected to the fork and moving up and down with the fork in response to its extension and retraction, and The front surface of the battery housing is located behind the movement trajectory of the linkage component associated with the extension and retraction of the fork.

3. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, in, The at least one wheel includes a front wheel and a rear wheel. The straddle-type vehicle further includes: A front fork, which connects the vehicle body frame to the front wheel and extends obliquely upward and rearward, is configured to extend and retract in the longitudinal direction to reduce impacts transmitted to the vehicle body frame. The lower end of the battery casing is positioned in the longitudinal direction of the motorcycle between the front fork and the drive source. The battery is inserted in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the fork or in the direction that is spaced apart from the upper side of the fork.

4. The straddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The housing space of the battery casing is configured such that the area of ​​the cross-section of the battery casing orthogonal to the insertion direction of the battery decreases toward the lower side of the battery casing.

5. The straddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The battery casing includes a bottom wall that supports the battery. The bottom wall of the battery casing slopes downwards and backwards, and The battery casing has drainage holes that open at the corner portions located on the lower and rear sides of the receiving space.

6. The straddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: The layout space is the space used to house electrical components. The arrangement space is located in front of the battery housing, such that at least a portion of the electrical components overlaps with the battery housing in the vertical direction.

7. The straddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The inner bottom wall of the battery casing is provided with a casing-side connector, which can be connected to a battery-side connector provided on the battery.

8. The straddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: A storage device arranged above the battery casing and capable of accommodating objects.

9. The straddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The upper end of the battery housed in the battery casing is located below the lower end of the seat.

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