Vehicle structure

Abstract

The invention provides a vehicle structure. A vehicle structure is provided with: a battery (100) that stores power used for the operation of a vehicle (1); a frame (5) of the vehicle (1); and a control device (9) that controls the operation of the vehicle (1). The control device (9) connects the battery (100) to the frame (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to vehicle structures. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, efforts to achieve a low-carbon or decarbonized society have become increasingly active, and research and development related to electrification technology has also been carried out to reduce CO2 emissions and improve energy efficiency in vehicles.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent No. 7354800 discloses a straddle-type electric vehicle comprising an electric motor for generating driving power, a battery case housing a battery that supplies power to the electric motor, and an inverter that converts the current supplied from the battery to the electric motor from direct current to alternating current. In this vehicle, the inverter is positioned below the footboard between left and right lower frames. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In technologies related to electrification, increasing layout freedom is a challenge.

[0005] The present application aims to increase the degree of layout freedom and further contribute to improving energy efficiency.

[0006] A vehicle structure according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a battery for storing electric power used for vehicle operation; a frame of the vehicle; and a control device for controlling the operation of the vehicle, wherein the control device connects the battery to the frame.

[0007] This structure allows the control device to be connected to both the battery and the vehicle frame. In other words, the control device can be effectively utilized as a connection between the battery and the vehicle frame. This improves layout flexibility. Furthermore, the vehicle structure of the first embodiment contributes to improved energy efficiency.

[0008] According to a second aspect, in the vehicle structure according to the first aspect, the vehicle frame may include a frame-side support portion that supports the battery, and the control device may be supported by the frame-side support portion.

[0009] According to this configuration, the control device is supported by the strong frame-side support portion that supports the weight of the battery, thereby improving the stability of the control device.

[0010] The third option may be, based on the vehicle structure described in the first or second option, that the vehicle structure further comprises: a seat for seating passengers of the vehicle; and a load-bearing portion that bears the load of the seat, wherein the battery supports the seat via the load-bearing portion, and the control device is arranged between the seat and the battery.

[0011] According to this structure, the battery supports the seat via the load-bearing portion, thereby creating a space around the load-bearing portion. Therefore, the space around the load-bearing portion can be utilized to position the control device between the seat and the battery. Therefore, the vehicle structure of the third embodiment contributes to vehicle miniaturization. Furthermore, the vehicle structure of the third embodiment contributes to improved energy efficiency.

[0012] According to a fourth aspect, in the vehicle structure according to the third aspect, the control device may be flat with a reduced thickness in the vertical direction, the seat may be arranged above the control device, and the battery may be arranged below the control device.

[0013] According to this configuration, the control device disposed vertically between the seat and the battery is formed into a flat shape with reduced vertical thickness. This allows the control device to be disposed between the seat and the battery while minimizing the effect on the seat height and the battery size.

[0014] According to a fifth aspect, in the vehicle structure according to the third aspect, the control device may be supported by the load receiving portion.

[0015] According to this configuration, the control device is supported by the load receiving portion having the strength to receive the seat load, thereby improving the stability of the control device.

[0016] According to a sixth aspect of the vehicle structure according to the fifth aspect, the control device may be supported by the load receiving portion via a bracket, and the bracket may include a wiring support portion on a side opposite to the load receiving portion for supporting wiring connected to the control device.

[0017] According to this configuration, the wiring support portion can be provided on the side of the bracket where the degree of freedom of layout is high.

[0018] According to a seventh embodiment, in addition to the vehicle structure of the fifth embodiment, the load receiving portion may be arranged in front of the control device, and a gap may be formed in a portion of the load receiving portion that overlaps with the control device when viewed from the front of the vehicle.

[0019] According to this structure, at least a portion of the wind passing through the gap from the front of the control device can be guided toward the control device, thereby contributing to improved cooling efficiency of the control device.

[0020] According to an eighth aspect, in the vehicle structure according to the seventh aspect, the gap may overlap with a cooling fin provided on the control device when viewed from the front of the vehicle.

[0021] According to this configuration, the cooling air can be more efficiently guided toward the portion to be cooled in the control device.

[0022] According to a ninth aspect, in the vehicle structure according to the seventh aspect, a cooling air passage for passing cooling air may be formed between the control device and the battery.

[0023] According to this configuration, at least a portion of the cooling air passing through the cooling air passage can be effectively used to cool the control device and the battery.

[0024] The tenth option may be, based on the vehicle structure described in the ninth option, that the cooling air passage is formed between the lower surface of the control device and the upper surface of the battery, and at least a portion of the lower surface of the control device and the upper surface of the battery are arranged parallel to each other when viewed from the side of the vehicle.

[0025] This configuration can prevent the flow of cooling air from being blocked, thereby contributing to further improvement in the cooling efficiency of the control device and the battery.

[0026] According to an eleventh aspect, in addition to the vehicle structure according to the third aspect, the vehicle structure may further include a box portion forming a space below the seat, the box portion having a cutout portion, and the control device may be accommodated in the cutout portion.

[0027] According to this configuration, the control device can be protected by the box portion so as to cover the control device.

[0028] According to a twelfth aspect of the vehicle structure according to the eleventh aspect, wiring may be connected to an upper surface of the control device, and the wiring may be bent and extended along an inner surface of the cutout portion.

[0029] According to this configuration, the wiring extending from the upper surface of the control device is curved and extended along the inner surface of the cutout portion, whereby the cutout portion and the wiring can be brought close to each other, and the size of the cutout portion can be suppressed while ensuring the capacity of the box portion.

[0030] According to the solution of the present invention, the degree of layout freedom can be increased and the solution of the present invention further contributes to the improvement of energy efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 It is a left side view of the vehicle in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the main parts of the vehicle as viewed from the left front.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a load receiving portion that receives the load of a seat in the vehicle as viewed from the left front.

[0034] Figure 4 It is a front view of the main parts of the above-mentioned vehicle.

[0035] Figure 5 It is a left side view of the main parts of the above vehicle.

[0036] Figure 6 is included Figure 4 Left side view of section VI-VI.

[0037] Figure 7 It is a left side view for explaining an example of the flow of cooling air in the above-mentioned vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The following describes embodiments of the present invention based on the accompanying drawings. The directions described below, such as front, back, up, down, left, and right, are the same as those in the vehicle described below. In the figures used in the following description, arrows FR indicating the front of the vehicle, arrows LH indicating the left side of the vehicle, arrows UP indicating the top of the vehicle, and lines CL indicating the left and right center lines of the vehicle body are shown at appropriate locations. In the following description, expressions such as "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," and "coaxial" that indicate relative or absolute configurations not only strictly represent such configurations but also include relative displacements with tolerances, angles, or distances that achieve the same functionality.

[0039] <Vehicle>

[0040] Figure 1 It is a left side view of the vehicle 1 in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 1 of the embodiment is a scooter-type electric two-wheeled vehicle having a floor portion 14 (low floor portion) for a passenger (driver) to place his / her feet.

[0042] The vehicle 1 includes front wheels 2 , rear wheels 3 , a vehicle frame 5 , a vehicle body cover 6 , a swing unit 8 , a battery 100 , a seat 15 , a load receiving portion 70 , and a control device (electrical component) 9 .

[0043] The front wheel 2 is supported by the front fork 10 . The front wheel 2 can be steered by the handlebar 13 .

[0044] The rear wheel 3 is supported by the rear end portion of the swing unit 8. The rear wheel 3 can be driven by the motor 50 provided in the swing unit 8. The front end portion of the swing unit 8 is connected to the vehicle frame 5.

[0045] The handlebar 13, the front fork 10, and the front wheel 2 constitute a steering system component. The steering system component is supported on the front end portion of the vehicle frame 5 so as to be steerable.

[0046] The swing unit 8 and the rear wheel 3 are supported vertically on the lower portion of the vehicle frame 5. The vehicle frame 5 is covered by a vehicle cover 6. In the figure, symbol PV denotes a pivot connecting the front end of the swing unit 8 to the lower portion of the vehicle frame 5 so that the front end can swing vertically.

[0047] Vehicle 1 includes a floor 14 forming a footrest for a driver seated on a seat 15; a front vehicle body FB connected to the front of floor 14; and a rear vehicle body RB connected to the rear of floor 14. A straddling space K is formed above floor 14 to facilitate straddling of the vehicle body.

[0048] A seat 15 for passengers is supported on rear vehicle body RB. The lower front end of seat 15 is connected to the vehicle body via a hinge shaft 16 extending in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction). Seat 15 pivots vertically about hinge shaft 16, thereby opening and closing the upper portion of rear vehicle body RB.

[0049] The seat 15 is in a closed state with the seat surface substantially horizontal and the upper portion of the rear vehicle body RB closed (see FIG. Figure 1 ). When the seat 15 is in the closed state, the passenger can sit on the seat 15, and the article storage portion (the space 46 inside the box portion 45) below the seat 15 is closed. In this state, the seat 15 can be locked.

[0050] The seat 15 is rotated about the hinge shaft 16, so that the seat surface stands upward and the upper part of the rear vehicle body RB is opened. When the seat 15 is in the open state, the passenger cannot sit on the seat 15, and the item storage portion (the space 46 inside the box portion 45) below the seat 15 is opened to allow items to be taken in and out.

[0051] The frame 5 is formed by integrating multiple steel materials by welding or other methods. It includes a head pipe 20 at the front end; a pair of left and right down frames 21 that branch left and right from the head pipe 20, extend downward, and then extend rearward; and a pair of left and right rear frames 22 that extend rearward and upward from the rear portions of the left and right down frames 21.

[0052] Specifically, the left and right down frames 21 include a lower extension 21a that branches left and right from the head pipe 20 and extends downward; a curved portion 21b that curves forward and downward from the lower end of the lower extension 21a; a rear extension 21c that extends rearward from the rear end of the curved portion 21b; and left and right extensions 21d that extend in the vehicle width direction, connecting the left and right lower extensions 21a. The battery 100 is located in the underfloor space enclosed by the lower portions of the left and right down frames 21 and the front portions of the left and right rear frames 22. A central cross frame 23 extending in the vehicle width direction is provided between the front portions of the left and right rear frames 22.

[0053] The body cover 6 covers the periphery of the frame 5. In the figure, the body cover 6 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. For example, the body cover 6 may include: a handlebar cover 30 that covers the periphery of the handlebars 13 excluding the left and right grip portions 13a; a front cover 31 that covers the front portion of the frame 5 from the front; an inner cover 32 that covers the front portion of the frame 5 from the rear; a bottom cover 33 that covers the lower portion of the frame 5 from above; a rear center cover 34 that covers the rear portion of the frame 5 from the front; a pair of left and right rear side covers 35 that cover the rear portion of the frame 5 from the left and right sides; and a rear end cover 36 that covers the rear portion of the frame 5 from the rear.

[0054] It should be noted that the front cover 31 and the inner cover 32 can constitute a front body cover, which forms the outer surface of the front body FB. The front body cover can also serve as a leg guard that covers the front of the driver's legs. The upper surface portion of the bottom cover 33 can constitute a floor pedal. The floor pedal can, for example, form a flat upper surface (footrest) over the entire width in the vehicle width direction. The floor pedal can also have a central channel that bulges upward on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. The rear center cover 34, the left and right rear side covers 35 and the rear end cover 36 can constitute a rear body cover, which forms the outer surface of the rear body RB. The body cover 6 can be fixedly supported on the frame 5 except for the handlebar cover 30.

[0055] The swing unit 8 includes an electric motor 50 that generates a driving force for traveling the vehicle 1 , a speed reducer 51 that reduces the output of the electric motor 50 , and a unit case 52 that houses the electric motor 50 and the speed reducer 51 .

[0056] The electric motor 50 is driven by power from the battery 100. The electric motor 50 is arranged so that the drive shaft extends along the vehicle width direction. The electric motor 50 includes: a rotor that rotates integrally with the drive shaft; and a stator (neither of which is shown) that surrounds the outer circumference of the rotor and is fixed to the unit housing 52. The electric motor 50 performs variable speed drive based on, for example, VVVF (variable voltage variable frequency) control. The electric motor 50 can also perform speed control similar to that of a continuously variable transmission. Alternatively, the electric motor 50 can also perform speed control similar to that of a stepped transmission.

[0057] The driving force generated by the motor 50 is transmitted to the rear wheel 3 supported by the swing unit 8, thereby driving the vehicle 1. The lower end of the rear shock absorber 41 is connected to the rear end of the swing unit 8. The swing unit 8 and the rear shock absorber 41 constitute a suspension system (rear suspension) that supports the rear wheel 3.

[0058] The control device 9 is configured to include a PCU 60 (Power Control Unit) that controls the electric motor 50. The PCU 60 includes a PDU (Power Drive Unit) that serves as a motor driver and an ECU (Electric Control Unit) that controls the PDU. The PDU includes, for example, an inverter. The inverter converts the current supplied from the battery 100 from DC to AC before supplying power to the electric motor 50.

[0059] One end of a wiring 65 (e.g., a three-phase cable) connected to the motor 50 is connected to the PDU of the PCU 60. Also connected to the PDU are positive and negative battery cables 105 extending from the battery case 102 housing the battery body 101 of the battery 100 (specifically, the positive and negative terminals of the battery body 101). The inverter of the PDU converts the DC current supplied by the battery 100 into three-phase AC current and supplies it to the motor 50. The PCU 60 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape with a reduced vertical thickness.

[0060] <Battery>

[0061] The battery 100 is mounted below the seat 15, between the lower portion of the downwardly extending portion 21a of the down frame 21 and the front lower portion of the rear frame 22. When viewed from above, the rear portion of the battery 100 is positioned so as to overlap the front portion of the seat 15. The battery 100 includes a battery body 101 and a battery case 102 that covers the battery body 101.

[0062] The battery main body 101 may include, for example, a plurality of unit batteries 101a. The battery main body 101 may also include, for example, only one unit battery 101a. The unit battery 101a may be configured as a chargeable and dischargeable energy storage device, for example, a lithium-ion battery.

[0063] The battery cables 105 extend from the positive and negative electrodes of the battery body 101 , respectively.

[0064] Each battery cable 105 is connected to the power distribution unit (PDU) that makes up the PCU 60. Wiring 65 (e.g., a three-phase cable) extends from the PDU. Wiring 65 is connected to the motor 50. When viewed from the side, wiring 65 extends slightly rearward from the top surface of the PCU 60, with the front lowering slightly higher, and then bends above the rear end of the PCU 60, with the front higher and the rear lower. Wiring 65 then bends and extends rearward and forward from behind the PCU 60, reaching the swing unit 8 around the pivot PV and connecting to the motor 50.

[0065] The battery 100 is arranged in the front-to-rear direction along the rear extensions 21c of the left and right down frames 21. The battery 100 can be positioned symmetrically across the vehicle width, with the center of the vehicle width as the axis of symmetry. This allows the battery 100, a heavy object, to be positioned symmetrically, thereby minimizing the effect of the vehicle's weight on left-right balance.

[0066] The battery 100 includes an elongated portion 103 extending in a longitudinal direction when viewed from the side of the vehicle, and an upright portion 104 rising from the upper rear portion of the elongated portion 103. The elongated portion 103 is arranged to extend in the front-to-rear direction along the rear extension 21c. When viewed from the side of the vehicle, the lower front portion of the elongated portion 103 overlaps the curved portion 21b. The upright portion 104 is arranged at the center of the vehicle's front-to-rear direction, located above the rear portion of the elongated portion 103.

[0067] In this embodiment, the elongated portion 103 and the upright portion 104 are each rectangular in a side view of the vehicle. The battery 100 is L-shaped when viewed from the side of the vehicle. When viewed from the side of the vehicle, the battery 100 is positioned so that the upright portion 104 protrudes upward toward the front of the seat 15, and the elongated portion 103 extends along the rear extension 21c (extending in the vehicle front-to-rear direction). When viewed from the side of the vehicle, the elongated portion 103 extends from the lower portion of the lower extension 21a of the down frame 21 to just in front of the pivot axis PV.

[0068] The battery 100 includes: a first fixing portion 111 protruding forward and upward from the front upper end of the battery case 102 (specifically, the elongated portion 103); a second fixing portion 112 protruding forward and downward from the front lower end of the battery case 102 (specifically, the elongated portion 103); a third fixing portion 113 protruding rearward from the rear upper end of the battery case 102 (specifically, the rising portion 104); and a fourth fixing portion 114 protruding rearward and downward from the rear lower end of the battery case 102 (specifically, the elongated portion 103).

[0069] The battery 100 is fixedly supported (rigidly fixed) to the vehicle body. The front upper end of the battery 100 is supported (fastened with bolts) on the left and right extensions 21d of the down frame 21 via the first fixing portion 111 or the like (specifically, the suspension bracket 24 provided in the center of the left and right extensions 21d in the vehicle width direction). The front lower end of the battery 100 is supported (fastened with bolts) on the front lower portions of the left and right down frames 21 (for example, a bracket not shown provided in the curved portion 21b) via the second fixing portion 112 or the like. The rear upper end of the battery 100 is supported (fastened with bolts) on the left and right suspension brackets 25 provided on the central cross frame 23 via the third fixing portion 113 or the like. The rear lower end of the battery 100 is supported (fastened with bolts) on the suspension bracket 26 provided on the front lower portions of the left and right rear frames 22 via the fourth fixing portion 114 or the like.

[0070] The battery 100 can be charged using an external charger while being removed from the vehicle body, for example, or can be used independently as a mobile battery, for example, as a power source for external equipment.

[0071] The vehicle also includes a box portion 45 forming a space 46 below the seat 15. The box portion 45 functions as an item storage area that allows items to be placed in and taken out of the space 46 below the seat 15. A cutout portion 47 is formed in the box portion 45. The cutout portion 47 is formed in the front lower portion of the box portion 45. The cutout portion 47 is formed so as to open forward and downward directly below the front portion of the seat 15. The control device 9 is housed in the cutout portion 47. The rear inner surface of the cutout portion 47 is formed so as to follow the wiring 65 that extends rearward from the upper surface of the PCU 60 and bends downward.

[0072] <Load Receiving Part>

[0073] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the main parts of the vehicle 1 as viewed from the left front. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the load receiving portion 70 that receives the load of the seat 15 in the vehicle 1 , as viewed from the left front. Figure 4 It is a front view of the main parts of the vehicle 1. Figure 5 It is a left side view of the main parts of the vehicle 1. Figure 6 is included Figure 4 Left side view of section VI-VI.

[0074] Refer to Figures 1 to 6 The battery 100 supports the seat 15 via the load receiving portion 70. The control device 9 is arranged between the seat 15 and the battery 100. The control device 9 is supported by the load receiving portion 70. The load receiving portion 70 is arranged in front of the control device 9.

[0075] The load-bearing portion 70 is formed into a U-shape (an inverted U-shape) that opens downward when viewed from the front-back direction. A hinge bracket 80 is attached to the load-bearing portion 70, which rotatably supports the hinge shaft 16 of the seat 15. The load-bearing portion 70 is configured to receive the load of the seat 15 via the hinge bracket 80.

[0076] The hinge bracket 80 includes a pair of left and right rotation support plates 81, each of which is formed into a plate-like shape having thickness in the vehicle width direction and rotatably supports the hinge shaft 16; and a connecting plate 82, which connects the left and right rotation support plates 81 and has a U-shaped (inverted U-shaped) shape that opens downward when viewed from the front-back direction. The lower edges of the left and right rotation support plates 81 can be joined to the upper surface of the connecting plate 82 by, for example, metal welding, integral molding with resin, or the like.

[0077] The load-bearing portion 70 includes: a front wall portion 71 that is U-shaped (inverted U-shaped) and open downward when viewed from the front-to-back direction; an upper wall portion 72 that is connected to the central upper end of the front wall portion 71 in the vehicle width direction and extends in the vehicle width direction; left and right side wall portions 73 that extend outward and downward in the vehicle width direction from the left and right ends of the upper wall portion 72; and a lower wall portion 74 that extends from the lower ends of the left and right side wall portions 73 in a manner along the upper surface of the battery 100 (in a manner that is in contact with a portion of the upper surface of the battery 100).

[0078] The hinge bracket 80 is attached to the front wall portion 71. The hinge bracket 80 (the rear end edge portion of the connecting plate 82) can be joined to the front wall portion 71 by, for example, metal welding, integral molding with resin, or the like.

[0079] The box portion 45 has a front flange portion 48 extending forward of the control device 9 between the control device 9 and the hinge shaft 16 of the seat 15. The front flange portion 48 of the box portion 45 is fixed to the upper wall portion 72. The front flange portion 48 of the box portion 45 can be fixed to the upper wall portion 72 from above the vehicle by, for example, a pair of left and right bolts.

[0080] The upper portion of the battery 100 is fixed to the left and right lower walls 74. The left and right lower walls 74 can be fixed to the upper portion of the battery 100 (specifically, the protrusions protruding upward from the front upper portion of the rising portion 104) by a pair of front and rear bolts.

[0081] A gap 75 is formed in the portion of the load-receiving portion 70 that overlaps with the control device 9 when viewed from the front of the vehicle. The gap 75 corresponds to the portion of the load-receiving portion 70 that is open downward when viewed from the front-back direction. The gap 75 is formed to be defined by the inner edge of the load-receiving portion 70 and the upper surface of the battery 100 when viewed from the front of the vehicle.

[0082] Cooling fins 61 are provided on the lower surface of the control device 9. The lower surface of the control device 9 extends in the front-rear direction (specifically, slightly tilted with the front lower and the rear higher relative to the front-rear direction) when viewed from the side of the vehicle.

[0083] The cooling fins 61 are formed into a rectangular shape with a length extending along the control device 9 (slightly tilted so that the front is lower and the rear is higher) when viewed from the side of the vehicle. The cooling fins 61 extend from the front end to the rear end of the lower surface of the control device 9 in the front-to-back direction (specifically, slightly tilted so that the front is lower and the rear is higher relative to the front-to-back direction). A plurality of cooling fins 61 are provided at intervals in the vehicle width direction.

[0084] In the front view of the vehicle, the gap 75 overlaps with the cooling fins 61 provided on the control device 9. In the front view of the vehicle, the gap 75 overlaps with the plurality of cooling fins 61 located on the center side in the vehicle width direction (in the center side). Figure 4 In the example of 8 cooling fins 61, the cooling fins 61 overlap. When viewed from the front of the vehicle, the space outside the load receiving portion 70 in the vehicle width direction and the plurality of cooling fins 61 located outside the vehicle width direction (in the example of 8 cooling fins 61) overlap. Figure 4 In the example, 4 cooling fins 61 are overlapped on each side. It should be noted that the arrangement form (arrangement location, number, etc.) of the cooling fins 61 is not limited to the above and can be changed according to design specifications.

[0085] <Stand>

[0086] The control device 9 is supported by the load-bearing portion 70 via a bracket 90. The bracket 90 includes wiring support portions 92 and 93 on the side opposite to the load-bearing portion 70, which support the wiring 65 connected to the control device 9. Specifically, the bracket 90 includes a main body support portion 91 that supports the control device 9 and wiring support portions 92 and 93 that support the wiring.

[0087] The main body support portion 91 is arranged parallel to the lower surface of the control device 9. When viewed from the side of the vehicle, the main body support portion 91 extends in the front-to-back direction (specifically, it is slightly inclined with the front lower and the rear higher relative to the front-to-back direction). The main body support portion 91 may have a through hole 91h formed therein, which opens in the vertical direction so as to communicate with the gap 75 formed in the load-bearing portion 70.

[0088] A recessed portion is formed in the front portion of the main body support portion 91 to avoid the side wall portions 73 of the load-bearing portion 70. The front portion (the portion facing the recessed portion) of the main body support portion 91 includes an overlapping portion 91a that overlaps with the lower wall portion 74 (the rear portion of the lower wall portion 74) of the load-bearing portion 70 when viewed from above. The overlapping portion 91a of the main body support portion 91 is secured to the upper portion of the battery 100 along with the rear portions of the left and right lower walls 74. The overlapping portion 91a of the main body support portion 91 and the left and right lower walls 74 can be secured to the upper portion of the battery 100 (specifically, the front upper portion of the rising portion 104) by, for example, bolts or the like, being fastened together from above the vehicle.

[0089] The main body support portion 91 has an outer shape that overlaps with the control device 9 when viewed from above. The control device 9 has cylindrical bosses 62 at the corners of the rectangular portion when viewed from above. Bolts with short heads are attached to the portions of the main body support portion 91 (corners 91b) that overlap with the bosses 62 when viewed from above. Each corner 91b of the main body support portion 91 can be secured, for example, from above the vehicle using nuts to the external threads of the bolts that protrude upward from the bosses 62 of the control device 9.

[0090] Multiple wiring supports 92 and 93 are provided on the rear side of the main body support 91. These include an upper wiring support 92, which is connected to the rear edge of the outer end of the main body support 91 in the vehicle width direction and extends while curving upward and forward; and a lower wiring support 93, which is connected to the rear edge of the center of the main body support 91 in the vehicle width direction and extends while curving forward and downward. Each wiring support 92 and 93 supports the wiring 65 via retaining members 95 and 96, such as protective rings.

[0091] The wiring 65 extends from the center of the upper surface of the control device 9 in the front-to-back direction as viewed from the side of the vehicle, then bends and extends rearward and downward. The wiring 65 is supported by the upper wiring support portion 92 via a retaining member 95 at a portion thereof. The wiring 65 then extends rearward and downward, then bends and extends forward and downward. The wiring 65 is then supported by the lower wiring support portion 93 via a retaining member 96 at a portion thereof. The wiring 65 then extends forward and downward, then bends and extends rearward and downward. The wiring 65 is then connected to the swing unit 8 (specifically, the motor 50) at a portion thereof.

[0092] The battery cable 105 extends forward and downward from the front upper portion of the control unit 9 as seen from the side of the vehicle, then curves and extends downward (slightly higher in front and lower in the rear). The battery cable 105 is connected to the upper portion of the battery 100 (specifically, the front surface of the upright portion 104) at a portion thereof. The left and right battery cables 105 are connected to a portion of the front surface of the upright portion 104 near the center in the vehicle width direction, where they emerge from the front lower edge of the seat 15 and extend downward and inward in the vehicle width direction as seen from the front of the vehicle. The left and right battery cables 105 are arranged to avoid the gap 75 of the load-bearing portion 70 as seen from the front of the vehicle (in other words, to overlap the vehicle width direction outer portion of the front wall portion 71).

[0093] <Connection and support of control device>

[0094] The control device 9 connects the battery 100 to the vehicle frame 5. The control device 9 is connected to both the battery 100 and the vehicle frame 5. The vehicle frame 5 includes a central transverse frame 23 (an example of a frame-side support portion) that supports the battery 100. The control device 9 is supported by the central transverse frame 23.

[0095] The central transverse frame 23 is formed to protrude forward and upward from the front portions of the left and right rear frames 22 in a side view of the vehicle. The central transverse frame 23 is formed in a U-shape (inverted U-shape) open downward in a front-rear view.

[0096] A pair of left and right suspension brackets 25 are provided on the central cross frame 23. When viewed from the side of the vehicle, the left and right suspension brackets 25 extend forward and downward from the front portion of the central cross frame 23. The battery 100 is supported on the central cross frame 23 via the left and right suspension brackets 25. The upper rear end of the battery 100 (specifically, the upright portion 104) is fastened to the left and right suspension brackets 25 from the left and right outer sides via third fixing portions 113 and the like with bolts.

[0097] A pair of left and right support brackets 27 are provided on the central horizontal frame 23 .

[0098] When viewed from the side of the vehicle, left and right support brackets 27 extend rearward from the rear portion of the central cross frame 23. The left and right support brackets 27 are formed into a U-shape (an inverted U-shape) that opens downward when viewed from the front-to-back direction. The control device 9 is supported on the central cross frame 23 via a bracket 90 and the left and right support brackets 27. The rear lower surface of the bracket 90 abuts the upper surfaces of the left and right support brackets 27.

[0099] <Cooling air passage>

[0100] Figure 7 This is a left side view for explaining an example of the flow of cooling air in the vehicle 1. Figure 7, the shape of the battery 100 and the like as viewed from the side of the vehicle is simplified.

[0101] Refer to Figures 1 to 7 In this embodiment, the load-bearing portion 70 is arranged in front of the control device 9. In the load-bearing portion 70, a gap 75 is formed in the portion overlapping with the control device 9 when viewed from the front of the vehicle. A cooling air passage (gap) 120 for cooling air to pass through is formed between the control device 9 and the battery 100. The cooling air passage 120 is formed between the lower surface of the control device 9 and the upper surface of the battery 100. At least a portion of the lower surface of the control device 9 and the upper surface of the battery 100 are arranged parallel to each other when viewed from the side of the vehicle. Figure 7 In the vehicle side view, the upper surface of battery 100 (rising portion 104) extends linearly in the front-to-back direction (specifically, slightly tilted with the front lower and the rear higher relative to the front-to-back direction). Cooling fins 61 protrude downward from the lower surface of control unit 9 to define cooling air passage 120 in the vehicle width direction.

[0102] When viewed from the side of the vehicle, the cooling air duct 120 extends rearward (specifically, slightly lower in the front and higher in the rear) from near the front upper end of the upright portion 104, along the lower surface of the control unit 9 and the upper surface of the battery 100, respectively. A portion of the cooling air duct 120 is divided into upper and lower sections by the bracket 90. It should be noted that an opening capable of introducing cooling air (outside air) into the gap 75 of the load-bearing portion 70 may be formed in the fairing portion below the seat 15 (e.g., the rear center cover 34) and / or the fairing portion behind the front wheel 2 (e.g., the front cover 31).

[0103] As a result, at least a portion of the wind passing through gap 75 from the front of control device 9 flows in the direction of arrow W1 in the figure and is guided along cooling fins 61 provided on control device 9. Furthermore, at least a portion of the wind passing through gap 75 flows in the direction of arrow W2 in the figure and is guided along the upper surface of rising portion 104 constituting battery 100. Furthermore, at least a portion of the wind passing through gap 75 flows through through-hole 91h formed in bracket 90 in the direction of arrow W3 in the figure and is guided toward the rear of rising portion 104.

[0104] <Effects>

[0105] As described above, the vehicle structure in the above embodiment includes the battery 100 for storing electric power used for the operation of the vehicle 1, the vehicle frame 5 of the vehicle 1, and the control device 9 for controlling the operation of the vehicle 1. The control device 9 connects the battery 100 to the vehicle frame 5.

[0106] This configuration allows the control device 9 to be connected to both the battery 100 and the vehicle frame 5. In other words, the control device 9 can be effectively used as a connection portion for connecting the battery 100 to the vehicle frame 5. This improves the degree of freedom in layout.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the vehicle frame 5 includes the central transverse frame 23 that supports the battery 100 . The control device 9 is supported by the central transverse frame 23 .

[0108] According to this configuration, the control device 9 is supported by the strong central transverse frame 23 that supports the weight of the battery 100 , thereby improving the stability of the control device 9 .

[0109] The above embodiment further includes a seat 15 for seating passengers of the vehicle 1 and a load receiving portion 70 for receiving the load of the seat 15. The battery 100 supports the seat 15 via the load receiving portion 70. The control device 9 is disposed between the seat 15 and the battery 100.

[0110] According to this structure, the battery 100 supports the seat 15 via the load-bearing portion 70, thereby creating a space around the load-bearing portion 70. Therefore, the space around the load-bearing portion 70 can be utilized to dispose the control device 9 between the seat 15 and the battery 100. Therefore, the vehicle structure in the above embodiment contributes to the miniaturization of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, the vehicle structure in the above embodiment contributes to improved energy efficiency.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the control device 9 is supported by the load receiving portion 70 .

[0112] According to this configuration, the control device 9 is supported by the load receiving portion 70 having a strength sufficient to receive the seat load, thereby improving the stability of the control device 9 .

[0113] In the above embodiment, the control device 9 is supported by the load receiving portion 70 via the bracket 90 .

[0114] The bracket 90 includes wiring support portions 92 and 93 on the side opposite to the load receiving portion 70 for supporting the wiring 65 connected to the control device 9 .

[0115] According to this configuration, the wiring support portions 92 and 93 can be provided on the side of the bracket 90 where the degree of layout freedom is high.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the load receiving portion 70 is arranged in front of the control device 9. A gap 75 is formed in the load receiving portion 70 at a portion overlapping with the control device 9 in a front view of the vehicle.

[0117] According to this configuration, at least a portion of the wind passing through the gap 75 from the front of the control device 9 can be guided toward the control device 9. Therefore, the above embodiment contributes to improvement in the cooling efficiency of the control device 9.

[0118] In the above embodiment, the gap 75 overlaps with the cooling fin 61 provided on the control device 9 in a front view of the vehicle.

[0119] According to this configuration, the cooling air can be more efficiently guided toward the portion to be cooled in the control device 9 .

[0120] In the above embodiment, the cooling air passage 120 through which cooling air passes is formed between the control device 9 and the battery 100 .

[0121] According to this configuration, at least a portion of the cooling air passing through the cooling air passage 120 can be effectively used to cool the control device 9 and the battery 100 .

[0122] In the above embodiment, cooling air duct 120 is formed between the lower surface of control device 9 and the upper surface of battery 100. At least a portion of the lower surface of control device 9 and the upper surface of battery 100 are arranged parallel to each other in a side view of the vehicle.

[0123] According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the flow of cooling air from being blocked. Therefore, the above embodiment contributes to further improvement in the cooling efficiency of the control device 9 and the battery 100.

[0124] In the above embodiment, a box portion 45 forming a space 46 is further provided below the seat 15. A cutout portion 47 is formed in the box portion 45. The control device 9 is accommodated in the cutout portion 47.

[0125] According to this configuration, the box portion 45 can protect the control device 9 by covering the control device 9 .

[0126] <Modification>

[0127] In the above embodiment, an example is given in which the vehicle frame includes a central transverse frame that supports the battery, and the control device is supported by the central transverse frame. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the control device may be supported by a portion of the vehicle frame other than the central transverse frame. For example, the frame-side support portion may be provided at a portion other than the central transverse frame. The support configuration of the control device and / or the configuration of the frame-side support portion may be modified according to design specifications.

[0128] In the above embodiment, an example is described in which a vehicle further includes a seat for seating vehicle occupants and a load-bearing portion for receiving the load of the seat, a battery supports the seat via the load-bearing portion, and a control device is disposed between the seat and the battery. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the control device may be disposed in a location other than between the seat and the battery. The configuration of the control device can be modified according to design specifications.

[0129] In the above embodiment, the control device is supported by the load-bearing portion, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the control device may be supported by a component different from the load-bearing portion. For example, the control device may not be supported by the load-bearing portion. The support structure of the control device can be changed according to design specifications.

[0130] In the above embodiment, an example is given in which a control device is supported on a load-bearing portion via a bracket, and the bracket includes a wiring support portion on the side opposite the load-bearing portion to support wiring connected to the control device. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the bracket may include a wiring support portion on the same side as the load-bearing portion. For example, the wiring support portion may be provided on a component separate from the bracket. For example, the bracket may not include a wiring support portion. The configuration of the wiring support portion can be modified according to design specifications.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the load-bearing portion is arranged in front of the control device, and a gap is formed in the portion of the load-bearing portion that overlaps with the control device when viewed from the front of the vehicle. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the load-bearing portion may be arranged on the left or right side of the control device. For example, the load-bearing portion may not have a gap. The configuration of the load-bearing portion and / or the formation of the gap can be modified according to design specifications.

[0132] In the above embodiment, an example is given in which the gap overlaps with the cooling fins provided on the control device when viewed from the front of the vehicle. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the gap may overlap with the main body of the control device (the portion other than the cooling fins) when viewed from the front of the vehicle. For example, the control device may not be provided with cooling fins. The configuration of the gap and / or the arrangement of the cooling fins can be changed according to design specifications.

[0133] In the above embodiment, a cooling air duct for cooling air is formed between the control device and the battery. However, this is not limiting. For example, the control device may be in direct contact with the battery. For example, a cooling air duct may not be formed between the control device and the battery. The form of the cooling air duct can be modified according to design specifications.

[0134] In the above embodiment, the cooling air duct is formed between the lower surface of the control device and the upper surface of the battery, and at least a portion of the lower surface of the control device and the upper surface of the battery are arranged parallel to each other when viewed from the side of the vehicle. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the lower surface of the control device and the upper surface of the battery may be arranged non-parallel to each other when viewed from the side of the vehicle. For example, the lower surface of the control device and / or the upper surface of the battery may be formed with concave and convex portions that appear concave and convex when viewed from the side of the vehicle. The formation of the lower surface of the control device and / or the upper surface of the battery can be changed according to design specifications.

[0135] In the above embodiment, an example is given in which a box portion forming a space is provided below the seat, a cutout portion is formed in the box portion, and the control device is accommodated in the cutout portion, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cutout portion may not be formed in the box portion. For example, the control device may be configured to face a portion other than the cutout portion in the box portion. For example, components other than the box portion may be provided below the seat. For example, the vehicle may not further include a box portion. The arrangement of the box portion, the formation of the cutout portion, and / or the configuration of the control device may be changed according to the design specifications.

[0136] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, in the embodiment, the electrical component positioned between the seat and the battery is a power control unit (PCU), but it may also be another electrical component such as a converter or charger. The load-bearing portion is secured to the upper portion of the battery (the upper portion of the upright portion) and the front portion of the seat pan, for example, by bolts. However, this is not limited to a structure in which the load-bearing portion is completely separate from the seat and battery; at least a portion of the load-bearing portion may be integrally formed with the seat or battery.

[0137] The structure of the embodiment is not limited to application to scooter-type motorcycles, but can also be applied to various straddle-type vehicles. Straddle-type vehicles include all vehicles in which a rider straddles the vehicle, including not only motorcycles (including bicycles and scooters with a prime mover), but also three-wheeled vehicles (including vehicles with two front wheels and one rear wheel, in addition to one front wheel and two rear wheels) and four-wheeled vehicles (such as four-wheeled buggies).

[0138] Furthermore, the configuration in the above-described embodiment is an example of the present invention, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention, such as replacing the components of the embodiment with well-known components.

Claims

1. A vehicle structure, wherein: The vehicle structure comprises: A battery that stores electricity used for vehicle operation; the frame of the vehicle; and a control device for controlling the movement of the vehicle, The control device connects the battery to the vehicle frame.

2. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein: The vehicle frame includes a frame-side support portion that supports the battery, and the control device is supported by the frame-side support portion.

3. The vehicle structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The vehicle structure further comprises: seats for occupants of the vehicle; and a load-bearing portion that bears the load of the seat, The battery supports the seat via the load-bearing portion. The control device is arranged between the seat and the battery.

4. The vehicle structure according to claim 3, wherein: The control device has a flat shape with a suppressed thickness in the vertical direction. The seat is arranged above the control device. The battery is arranged below the control device.

5. The vehicle structure according to claim 3, wherein: The control device is supported by the load receiving portion.

6. The vehicle structure according to claim 5, wherein: The control device is supported on the load receiving portion via a bracket. The bracket includes a wiring support portion that supports wiring connected to the control device on the side opposite to the load receiving portion.

7. The vehicle structure according to claim 5, wherein: The load-bearing portion is arranged in front of the control device, A gap is formed in the load receiving portion at a portion overlapping the control device when viewed from the front of the vehicle.

8. The vehicle structure according to claim 7, wherein: The gap overlaps with a cooling fin provided on the control device when viewed from the front of the vehicle.

9. The vehicle structure according to claim 7, wherein: A cooling air passage through which cooling air passes is formed between the control device and the battery.

10. The vehicle structure according to claim 9, wherein: The cooling air passage is formed between the lower surface of the control device and the upper surface of the battery. At least a portion of a lower surface of the control device and an upper surface of the battery are arranged parallel to each other when viewed from the side of the vehicle.

11. The vehicle structure according to claim 3, wherein: The vehicle structure further includes a box portion forming a space below the seat. A cutout portion is formed in the box portion. The control device is accommodated in the cutout portion.

12. The vehicle structure according to claim 11, wherein: Wiring is connected to the upper surface of the control device. The wiring extends in a curved manner along the inner surface of the cutout portion.

Images