ELECTRIC VEHICLE OF THE STRAIGHT SEAT TYPE

Abstract

Electric vehicle of straddle seat type (1), comprising: a front wheel (FW) and a rear wheel (RW); a vehicle body frame (10) which carries a steering mechanism (18) for steering the front wheel (FW); a motor unit (30) with an electric motor (31) which outputs a driving force to rotate the rear wheel (RW); a battery (16) that supplies energy to the motor unit (30); and a control unit (40) that performs the drive control of the motor unit (30), wherein the vehicle body frame (10) has a main frame (12) which extends in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; the motor unit (30), the battery (16) and the control unit (40) are carried by the main frame (12) between the front wheel (FW) and the rear wheel (RW); and in the side view of a vehicle the engine unit (30) and control unit (40) are arranged overlapping; characterized by the fact that The motor unit (30) and the control unit (40) are arranged side by side in a top view of the vehicle, without overlapping, in a direction across the width of the vehicle, such that airflow passes between the motor unit (30) and the control unit (40).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a straddle type electric vehicle. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A known straddle-type electric vehicle using an electric motor as a power source includes a straddle-type electric vehicle installed with a battery that supplies power to an electric motor, and a control unit that controls the power supplied from the battery to the electric motor (e.g., WO 2012 / 063291 A1).

[0003] US 6 836 037 B1 discloses a motor-assisted drive unit comprising a motor housed in a housing as a power assist source and a control board on which control devices of the motor are mounted. The control board is arranged in the housing so that it is substantially perpendicular to the motor shaft of the motor. At least a portion of the control board extends, viewed in the axial direction of the motor, to a position where it overlaps the motor. Since a portion of the control board overlaps the motor, the size of the motor-assisted drive unit can be reduced. Furthermore, the dead space in the interior of the housing is minimized.

[0004] EP 2 534 034 B1 describes a drive unit for a motorized bicycle, which is configured to be driven at least partially by an electric motor. The drive unit comprises: a battery pack with one or more battery cells for supplying the electric motor with electrical energy, and a battery pack mount for connecting the battery pack to the frame, wherein the battery pack mount and the battery pack are adapted for positioning one of the one or more battery cells between the first and second sprockets of the motorized bicycle.

[0005] US 2013 / 0 270 981 A1 discloses a device housing comprising a housing body with a side wall and an opening; a cover plate for closing the opening, an end portion of the cover plate protruding from an outer surface of the side wall; and a welded portion connecting the cover plate to the side wall. The cover plate has a beam receiving area located near an end portion of the cover plate for receiving a beam emitted perpendicular to the beam receiving area. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0006] In a straddle-seat electric vehicle, where power is supplied from a battery to an electric motor, the range depends on the battery's capacity. Therefore, it is desirable to provide space for a larger battery.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a straddle-type electric vehicle in which more space can be ensured for accommodating a battery. SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0008] According to the present invention, there is provided an electric vehicle of the straddle type comprising: a front wheel and a rear wheel; a vehicle body frame supporting a steering mechanism for controlling the front wheel; a motor unit with an electric motor that outputs a driving force to rotate the rear wheel; a battery that supplies the motor unit with energy; and a control unit that executes drive control of the engine unit, wherein the vehicle body frame includes a main frame extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction; the motor unit, the battery and the control unit are carried by the main frame between the front wheel and the rear wheel; in the side view of a vehicle, the engine unit and control unit are arranged overlapping; and the motor unit and the control unit are arranged non-overlapping in a plan view of the vehicle and side by side in a vehicle width direction so that airflow passes between the motor unit and the control unit. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to the present invention, a straddle-seat type electric vehicle is provided in which more space can be ensured for accommodating a battery. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a left side view of a straddle type electric vehicle according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view along line II of Fig. 1, with some components omitted. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II of Fig. 1, which illustrates the arrangement configuration of a motor unit and a control unit. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the motor unit according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an area of ​​the motor unit of Fig. 4, which is opposite the control unit. Fig. 6 is a left side view of a straddle type electric vehicle according to a second embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0010] A straddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, arrows X, Y, and Z indicate mutually orthogonal directions, where the X direction indicates the front-rear direction of the straddle-type vehicle, the Y direction indicates the vehicle width direction (lateral direction) of the straddle-type vehicle, and the Z direction indicates the vertical direction. Hereinafter, the front and rear sides in the front-rear direction of the straddle-type vehicle may be simply referred to as "front" and "rear," and the inside and outside in the vehicle width direction (transverse direction) of the straddle-type vehicle may be simply referred to as "inside" and "outside." In addition, when describing a left and right pair of components, one of the two pairs may not be illustrated, or the description of the left and right pair may be omitted. First embodimentSummary of the straddle-seat type vehicle

[0011] Fig. 1 is a left side view of a straddle-type electric vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The same drawing is a schematic view with a main part of the straddle-type electric vehicle 1 at the center. Hereinafter, the straddle-type electric vehicle 1 may be referred to as vehicle 1.

[0012] The vehicle 1 is provided with a vehicle body frame 10 including a head pipe 11 provided in a vehicle front portion, a main frame 12 connected to the head pipe 11 and extending in the front-rear direction, a down frame 13 extending downward from the main frame 12 in the front-rear direction, and a seat frame 14 extending rearward from the main frame 12. Furthermore, the main frames 12 are connected to each other at their rear end portions, and the down frames 13 are connected to each other at their rear end portions.

[0013] Next, both Fig. 2 as well as Fig. 1 referred to. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view along line II of Fig. 1, with some components removed. The main frame 12 of the present embodiment includes a left frame portion 121 extending from the head pipe 11 on the left side of the vehicle 1, and a right frame portion 122 extending from the head pipe 11 on the right side of the vehicle 1. The portions are formed separately in the vehicle width direction (left and right). The left frame portion 121 and the right frame portion 122 each include a front frame portion 123 and a rear frame portion 124.

[0014] The front frame portion 123 of the present embodiment includes an upper portion 123a extending rearwardly and downwardly from an upper portion of the head pipe 11 with respect to the vehicle, and a lower portion 123b extending rearwardly and downwardly from a lower portion of the head pipe 11 with respect to the vehicle. The upper portion 123a and the lower portion 123b are connected at a rear end portion 126 of the front frame portion 123 or connected at a center portion. With this configuration, weight reduction and increased rigidity of the main frame 12 can be achieved.

[0015] Note that, in the present embodiment, the main frame 12 is divided left and right from the head pipe 11 and extends downwardly rearward with respect to the vehicle, forming the left frame portion 121 and the right frame portion 122 along the entire area of ​​the main frame 12. However, other configurations may be adopted, including configurations in which a single frame portion extends rearward from the head pipe 11 and branches into the left frame portion 121 and the right frame portion 122, and configurations in which the frame portion does not branch. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the front frame portion 123 includes the upper part 123a extending rearward from an upper part of the head pipe 11 and the lower part 123b extending rearward from a lower part, both of which are divided left and right.However, a configuration may be used in which a single section extends rearwardly to the left and right of the head pipe 11.

[0016] The left and right rear frame sections 124 are formed to extend vertically from the rear end portions 126 of the front frame sections 123, and the upper portions of the left and right rear frame sections 124 support a rear suspension 21. Furthermore, the rear frame sections 124 include a pivot shaft 125 that supports a rear swing arm 19, as described below, downward from the rear end portions 126 of the front frame section 123. Furthermore, the rear frame section 124 is connected at the lower end to the rear end of the down frame 13. Note that the front frame section 123 and the rear frame section 124 may be integrally formed or may be separate members joined by metallurgical bonding such as welding, mechanical joining such as screw fastening, or the like.

[0017] The down frame 13 is provided downwardly from the main frame 12 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The down frame 13 extends downwardly from a lower portion of the main frame to a lower end, extends rearwardly from the lower end, and connects to a lower end of the rear frame portion 124. Furthermore, the down frame 13 includes a left down frame portion 131 and a right down frame portion 132.

[0018] In the present embodiment, the down frame 13 extends downward from a lower part of the main frame 12. However, a configuration in which the down frame 13 extends downward from the head pipe 11 may be adopted. Furthermore, the down frame 13 is divided into the left down frame portion 131 and the right down frame portion 132 along the entire area of ​​the down frame 13. However, a configuration in which a single frame extends downward from the head pipe 11 or the main frame 12 and then branches into the left frame portion 121 and the right frame portion 122 may be adopted.

[0019] The pair of left and right seat frames 14 are provided to extend rearward from the left frame portion 121 and the right frame portion 122 of the main frame 12 and support a seat 4. Furthermore, a subframe 15 is provided which extends downward from the pair of left and right seat frames 14 and connects the left frame portion 121 and the right frame portion 122 and the pair of left and right seat frames 14.

[0020] The head pipe 11 supports a steering mechanism 18 for steering a front wheel FW. The steering mechanism 18 includes a steering shaft 181 rotatably supported on the head pipe 11, an upper bridge 182 fixed to an upper end portion of the steering mechanism 18, and a lower bridge 183 fixed to a lower end portion of the steering mechanism 18. The upper bridge 182 is provided with a handle 184 for the rider to steer the front wheel FW. A pair of left and right front forks 185 are supported by the upper bridge 182 and the lower bridge 183. The front forks 185 extend forward and downward with respect to the vehicle, and the front wheel is rotatably supported at its lower ends.

[0021] The rear swing arm 19 is rotatably supported at a front end portion on the pivot shaft 125 provided in the rear frame sections 124. A rear wheel RW is rotatably supported at a rear end portion of the rear swing arm 19, and the rear wheel RW is rotationally driven by a chain 23 wound around a drive pinion 323 of a motor unit 30 and a driven pinion 22 of the rear wheel RW. The rear swing arm 19 includes a support member 191 at its upper portion, which supports the rear wheel suspension 21, and vibrations are damped therein by the rear wheel suspension 21.

[0022] The motor unit 30 includes an electric motor 31 that outputs driving force to rotate the drive sprocket 323. A battery 16 stores the power supplied to the motor unit 30. A control unit 40 performs power supply control (drive control) using the battery 16 as a power source for the motor unit 30, and specifically, for the electric motor 31. The control unit 40 controls the power supply to the motor unit 30 in response to an acceleration operation or the like by the driver. The motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 generate heat during driving. However, a heat exchanger 24 and a circulating coolant cool the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40, thereby preventing the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 from reaching a high temperature.

[0023] Arrangement configuration of the motor unit and the control unit Next, the Fig. 1 to 3 are referred to. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II of Fig. 1, which illustrates the arrangement configuration of the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40.

[0024] In the present embodiment, a housing part 10a of the battery 16, the motor unit 30, and the control unit 40 is mainly defined by the main frames 12 and the down frames 13. In the present embodiment, the housing part 10a on the left side in the vehicle width direction is defined by the head pipe 11, the left frame portion 121, and the left down frame portion 131 connected in a loop-like shape, and the housing part 10a on the right side in the vehicle width direction is similarly defined by the head pipe 11, the right frame portion 122, and the right down frame portion 132 connected in a small-sized shape. With this loop-shaped frame, the protective effect of the sides of the battery 16, the motor unit 30, and the control unit 40 can be increased.The lower limit of the housing part 10a in the vertical direction is defined by the downward frames 13, and on the upper side, when the body frame 10 is opened, the housing part 10a is defined by a cover element 17.

[0025] Furthermore, the housing part 10a houses the battery 16, the motor unit 30, and the control unit 40. The battery 16 is arranged between the left frame portion 121 and the right frame portion 122 of the front frame portion 123, as viewed from the top of the vehicle, and is supported by the left frame portion 121 and the right frame portion 122 via a fastening structure (not shown). Furthermore, only the battery 16 is arranged to protrude higher than the front frame portion 123 and is covered by the cover member 17. Since the battery 16 protrudes higher than the front frame portion 123, a larger battery can be installed.

[0026] In the present embodiment, the following structure is adopted for the casing portion 10a to provide more installation space for the battery 16. In other words, in the present embodiment, the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 are arranged side by side and overlap in the side view of the vehicle. This allows for more space for the battery casing in the front-rear direction and / or vertical direction. In the configuration of the present embodiment, the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 are arranged within the casing portion 10a in the space on the rear side. This allows for more installation space for the battery 16 on the front side of the casing portion 10a. In addition, the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 are arranged within the casing portion 10a in the space on the bottom side. This allows for more installation space for the battery casing in the space on the top side of the casing portion 10a.Here, the battery 16 includes a surface 16a facing a front side of the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40, and a surface 16b facing a top side of the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40. According to the above-described configuration, the shape of the battery 16 can be determined such that the surface 16a is positioned further back and the surface 16b is positioned further down. This allows the battery 16 to be installed with a larger capacity.

[0027] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the left down frame portion 131 and the right down frame portion 132 each include a fixing portion 133 for fixing the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40. In the arrangement structure used, the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction, with the motor unit 30 being arranged at the front of the rear frame portion 124 and in a rear part on the left side of the housing part 10a, and the control unit 40 being arranged in a rear part on the right side of the housing part 10a.

[0028] The motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 with the configurations described below are designed to be narrow in the vehicle width direction. This allows the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 to be arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction within the housing part 10a. Also in the present embodiment, the two opposing surfaces of the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 have a shape with minimal deviation in the Y direction, with minimal ridges and grooves and / or steps. This allows the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 to be arranged with a small distance from each other, so that the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 can be arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction within the housing part 10a.Thus, both the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 include a portion where the two overlap within the range in the vertical direction and in the front-rear direction in which the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 are arranged.

[0029] In particular, in the present embodiment, the entire motor unit 30 is arranged overlapping the control unit 40 in a vehicle side view. This allows for more space for the battery 16 in the longitudinal and vertical directions of the vehicle. It should be noted that other arrangements are also possible, in which the entire control unit 40 overlaps the motor unit 30 or the control unit 40 and the motor unit 30 partially overlap.

[0030] In addition, in a plan view of the vehicle, the engine unit 30 and the control unit 40 are arranged between the left frame portion 121 and the right frame portion 122 in the Y direction, or in other words, within a range of their maximum width W. With such an arrangement, the configuration components of the engine unit 30, the control unit 40, and the like can be prevented from protruding outward in the vehicle width direction, thereby enabling a balanced arrangement of the configuration components on the left and right sides.

[0031] Even in the top view of the vehicle, the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 are not arranged so as to overlap. In the present embodiment, the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 do not include a portion where the two overlap within the area in the vehicle width direction where the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 are arranged, and are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction. The motor unit 30 is located on the left side, and the control unit 40 is located on the right side. As shown in Fig. 2, in such an arrangement, for example, the maximum width W of the left frame section 121 and the right frame section 122 in the Y direction is equally divided into thirds, and the motor unit 30 is arranged with an area A located opposite the control unit 40 within the central W / 3 range. Also, for example, in the case where the area A opposite the control unit 40 is not constant in the Y direction, the motor unit 30 is arranged so that the part of the area A closest to the control unit lies within the central W / 3 range.

[0032] In the present embodiment, in a plan view of the vehicle, the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction, without overlapping. This allows airflow or the like to easily pass directly between the opposing surfaces from the front. Since the opposing surfaces of the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 have large surface areas, and airflow or the like can easily come into direct contact with the surfaces, the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 can be efficiently cooled.

[0033] Next, the mounting structure of the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 will be described in detail. The motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 are supported by a pair of left and right mounting portions 128 and a pair of left and right mounting portions 129 formed on the rear frame portions 124, and the pair of left and right mounting portions 133 formed on the lower frame portions 13. The motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 are supported at three portions on the highly rigid vehicle body frame 10, thereby minimizing or preventing the effects of vehicle body vibrations and the like.

[0034] Next, the Fig. 4 and the Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 referred to. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the motor unit 30. The motor unit 30 includes through holes 301, 302, and 303 for attaching the motor unit 30 to the upper mounting portions 128, the lower mounting portions 129, and the mounting portions 133. The control unit 40 also includes through holes 401, 402, and 403, which, when the units are assembled, are aligned with the through holes 301, 302, and 303 in the side view of the vehicle.

[0035] A fastening member 501 extending between the left frame portion 121 and the right frame portion 122 in the vehicle width direction can be fastened to the upper fastening portions 128. The fastening member 501 is fastened to the upper fastening portions 128 extending through the through holes 301 and 401 to fix the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 to the rear frame portions 124.

[0036] Using a similar configuration, the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 are attached to the rear frame sections 124 via a fastener 502 at the lower attachment portions 129, and the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 are attached to the lower frame sections 13 via a fastener 503 at the attachment portions 133.

[0037] In this way, the fixing member 503 extends through the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 and fixes the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 to the rear frame portions 124 and the down frame 13. In this way, the number of parts for the fixing portions can be reduced and positional offset between the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 in the front-rear direction and in the vertical direction can be suppressed.

[0038] In the present embodiment, the heat exchanger 24 is also attached to the downstream frame 13. Thus, the heat exchanger 24, the motor unit 30, and the control unit 40 are all attached to the downstream frame 13. Thus, the heat exchanger 24, the motor unit 30, and the control unit 40 can be attached to the downstream frame 13 and formed into an integral body, which can then be attached to the main frame 12. This can improve ease of assembly and maintenance.

[0039] A busbar connecting portion 38 is provided at an upper portion of the motor unit 30, and a busbar connecting portion 48 is provided at an upper portion of the control unit 40, and a busbar 42 is connected to both. The control unit 40 supplies power to the motor unit 30 via the busbar 42.

[0040] In the present embodiment, the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 are fixed to the body frame 10 via the fixing members 501, 502, and 503 extending through the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 in the vehicle width direction. This suppresses positional misalignment between the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40. Therefore, oscillation in the connection between the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 does not need to be considered, and the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 can be fixed to each other via the bus bar 42. Since the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 are arranged side by side, the bus bar 42 can also be made short. This reduces costs and reduces the likelihood of cable breakage.

[0041] The control unit 40 includes a housing member 40a having a box-like shape and, inside the housing member 40a, a driver board 45 for supplying power to the electric motor and a control board 46 for transmitting a control signal to the driver board 45. The driver board 45 and the control board 46 are arranged so that the horizontal direction surfaces are aligned with the front-rear direction and the vertical direction, and the normal line direction surfaces are aligned with the vehicle width direction. This allows the entire control unit 40 to be narrow in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the driver board 45 and the control board 46 are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction, and in the present embodiment, the driver board 45 is arranged outside the control board 46 in the vehicle width direction.The driver board 45 is more susceptible to temperature increases than the control board 46, so that by arranging the driver board 45 on the outside, the driver board 45 can be efficiently cooled by airflow. Specific configuration of the motor unit

[0042] It is based on the Fig. 1, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 is referred to. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the surface of the motor unit 30 opposite the control unit 40. The motor unit 30 includes the electric motor 31, through which a motor shaft 311 extends in the vehicle width direction, and a deceleration section 32 for decelerating the rotation of the motor shaft 311 of the electric motor 31. In a side view of a vehicle, the electric motor 31 and the deceleration section 32 are arranged in an overlapping manner.

[0043] The deceleration section 32 includes a housing 321, a reduction gear (not shown) for decelerating the rotation of the motor shaft 311, and an output shaft 322 for outputting a driving force after deceleration through the reduction gear (not shown). In the present embodiment, the output shaft 322 is located rearward of the motor shaft 311 with respect to the vehicle. The drive sprocket 323 is fixed to the output shaft 322 of the deceleration section 32. The output shaft 322 is located in front of the rotation axis 125 and on an extension line of a straight line passing through the center of the rear wheel and the rotation axis.

[0044] An oil pan 33 is formed at a lower portion of the engine unit 30. The oil collected in the oil pan 33 is sucked and discharged by an oil pump 34 to circulate the oil within the engine unit 30 and a circulation path 25. The oil is used as a coolant to cool the engine unit and the control unit and to lubricate the internal parts of the engine unit 30. The oil supplied to the internal portions of the engine unit 30 is returned to the oil pan 33 through natural drainage.

[0045] The motor unit 30 includes a vent chamber 37 on an upper portion thereof for connecting the motor unit 30 to the outside and for gas-liquid separation. The motor unit 30 also includes an oil filter 36 that removes impurities from the oil circulating in the motor unit 30.

[0046] An angle sensor 35 is provided inside the motor unit 30 to detect the rotation angle of the electric motor 31. The surface opposite the control unit 40 is provided with a motor-side terminal 351. The surface of the control unit 40 opposite the motor unit 30 is provided with a control unit-side terminal portion 451 at a location that overlaps the motor-side terminal 351 in a vehicle side view when the units are assembled. The motor-side terminal 351 and the control unit-side terminal portion 451 engage with each other during assembly.

[0047] The overall shape of the motor unit 30 differs depending on the positional relationship of the individual elements. In the present embodiment, the electric motor 31 is arranged so that the axial direction of the motor shaft 311, whose length is short compared to the radial direction of the motor shaft 311, is aligned with the vehicle width direction. Also, the deceleration portion 32 and the oil pump 34 protrude outward from the electric motor 31 in the vehicle width direction and are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction. Since the deceleration portion 32 and the oil pump 34 protrude in the same direction from the electric motor 31 and are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction, the width of the motor unit 30 in the vehicle width direction can be reduced. Also, the oil pan 33 protrudes downward from the electric motor 31, and the breather chamber 37 protrudes upward from the electric motor 31. In this way, the width of the motor unit 30 in the vehicle width direction can be reduced.With this configuration, the entire engine unit 30 can be designed to be narrow in the vehicle width direction. The lower end of the oil pan 33 also protrudes downward from the control unit 40, allowing the oil pan 33 to easily come into contact with airflow.

[0048] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, both the deceleration section 32 and the oil pump 34 protrude outward from the electric motor 31 in the vehicle width direction. The surface of the motor unit 30 opposite the control unit 40 thus has a shape with minimal deviation in the Y direction, with minimal ridges, grooves, and / or steps. In this way, the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 can be arranged with a small distance from each other. Cooling circuit configuration

[0049] The configuration of a refrigeration cycle of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The heat exchanger 24 is an oil cooler according to the present embodiment, and the coolant is an oil that also serves as a lubricant for the internal part of the engine unit 30.

[0050] The coolant cooled at the heat exchanger 24 circulates through the inside of a first tubular member 251 to the oil pan 33. Here, the first tubular member 251 extends downward from the heat exchanger 24 along the down frame 13 and connects to the oil pan 33 after passing the side of the control unit 40. The oil that has been circulated through the inner portion of the engine unit 30 via the oil pump 34 is circulated to the heat exchanger 24 through the inner portion of a second tubular member 252. Here, the second tubular member 252 extends from the oil pan 33 along the down frame 13 and is connected to the heat exchanger. In other words, the circulation path 25 includes the first tubular member 251, the inner portion of the engine unit, and the second tubular member 252. The oil, i.e.the coolant circulates through the circulation path 25 in sequence from the heat exchanger 24, the control unit 40, the motor unit 30 and the heat exchanger 24.

[0051] Through this cooling path, the control unit 40 is cooled before the motor unit 30. This allows the control unit 40, which has lower heat resistance than the motor unit 30, to be preferentially cooled. Furthermore, since the heat exchanger 24, the control unit 40, and the motor unit 30 are arranged close to each other, the cooling path can be shortened.

[0052] In the present embodiment, the heat concentration caused by the proximity of the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 can also be mitigated by the heat exchanger 24. Furthermore, the heat exchanger 24 is also located near the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40, thereby shortening the circulation path 25.

[0053] It should be noted that the heat exchanger 24 may be a radiator; in the case where a radiator is used, the oil pan 33 may be provided with a water jacket consisting of holes capable of passing cooling fluid, with the cooling fluid flowing through the inner region of the oil pan. In this configuration, the oil inside the engine unit 30 can be cooled. Effect of the embodiment

[0054] As described above, according to the present embodiment, at least a portion of the control unit 40 overlaps the motor unit 30 in the vehicle width direction. This allows for more space for the battery 16 in the longitudinal and vertical directions of the vehicle. This allows for an increase in battery capacity. Furthermore, the wiring between the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 can be shortened, thereby reducing costs and reducing the likelihood of wire breakage.

[0055] Furthermore, the motor unit 30 and the control unit 40 are arranged between the main frames 12. This suppresses outward protrusions in the vehicle width direction. Thus, the configuration components on the left and right can be arranged in a well-balanced manner. Second embodiment

[0056] Fig.6 is a side view of a straddle-seat type electric vehicle 6 according to a second embodiment. Hereinafter, components similar to those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment with respect to the motor unit 30. In a motor unit 60 according to the second embodiment, a motor shaft 611 of an electric motor 61 and an output shaft 622 are coaxially arranged. By coaxially arranging the motor shaft 611 and the output shaft 622, a deceleration mechanism can be employed in which a deceleration section (not shown) includes, for example, a planetary gear.The motor unit 60 and the control unit 40 are mounted at three points, an upper mounting portion 631 on the front frame portion 123, a lower mounting portion 632 on the rear frame portion 124, and a mounting portion 633 on the lower frame 13.

[0057] The motor shaft 611 and the output shaft 622 are arranged coaxially, and the position of the output shaft 622 is the same as in the first embodiment in a vehicle side view. Thus, the motor unit 60 as a whole according to the first embodiment is arranged further rearward than the motor unit 30. Since the motor unit 60 is arranged further rearward in the present embodiment, a part of the unit is arranged overlapping the rear frame section 124 in a vehicle side view. The control unit 40 is also arranged overlapping the motor unit 60 in the vehicle side view, as in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the part of the control unit 40 that overlaps the rear frame section 124 is arranged further rearward because the motor unit 60 is arranged further rearward. This allows more installation space for the battery 16 to be created on the front side of the housing part 10a.In this way, more installation space can be provided for the battery 16, and the shape of the battery 16 can be designed such that the surface 16a opposite the front of the unit 60 and the unit 40 is positioned further back. In this way, the battery 16 can be installed with a larger capacity. Summary of embodiments

[0058] The above-described embodiments disclose at least the following vehicle. 1. A straddle-seat type electric vehicle (e.g., 1) of the above-described embodiment, comprising: a front wheel (e.g. FW) and a rear wheel (e.g. RW); a vehicle body frame (e.g. 10) carrying a steering mechanism (e.g. 18) for steering the front wheel; a motor unit (e.g. 30) with an electric motor (e.g. 31) which outputs a driving force for rotating the rear wheel; a battery (e.g. 16) that supplies the motor unit with energy; and a control unit (e.g. 40) which carries out the drive control of the engine unit, wherein the vehicle body frame comprises a main frame (e.g. 12) which extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction; the motor unit, the battery and the control unit are carried by the main frame between the front wheel and the rear wheel; and In the side view of a vehicle, the engine unit and control unit are arranged overlapping.

[0059] According to this embodiment, at least a portion of the control unit overlaps the motor unit in the vehicle width direction. This allows for more battery placement space in the longitudinal and vertical directions of the vehicle. This creates a straddle-seat type electric vehicle that allows for more battery placement space.

[0060] 2. In an electric vehicle of the straddle seat type having the embodiment described above, the main frame comprises a left frame section (e.g. 121) extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction and a right frame section (e.g. 122) extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction; and In a vehicle plan view, the engine unit and the control unit are arranged between the left frame section and the right frame section.

[0061] According to this embodiment, the engine unit and the control unit are arranged between the main frames. This suppresses outward protrusions in the vehicle width direction. This allows the configuration components to be arranged in a balanced manner on the left and right.

[0062] 3. In the straddle type electric vehicle as described above, an upper part of the motor unit and an upper part of the control unit are connected via a bus bar (e.g., 42).

[0063] According to this embodiment, the lateral arrangement of the control unit to the motor unit reduces the need to take vibration into account and the control unit and the motor unit can be attached via the busbar.

[0064] 4. The straddle type electric vehicle having the above-described embodiment further comprises a heat exchanger (e.g. 24) arranged in the vehicle longitudinal direction in front of the engine unit and the control unit; and a circulation path (e.g. 25) for circulating a cooling medium, the circulation path being formed to circulate the coolant in sequence from the heat exchanger, the control unit, the motor unit and the heat exchanger.

[0065] According to this design, the heat concentration caused by the proximity of the motor unit and the control unit can be mitigated by the heat exchanger. Furthermore, the heat exchanger is also located close to the motor unit and the control unit, thereby shortening the circulation path.

[0066] 5. In a straddle-seat type electric vehicle having the above-described embodiment, the motor unit has an angle sensor (e.g. 35) and a terminal (e.g. 351) for connecting the angle sensor to the control unit, and the connection terminal is oriented towards the control unit.

[0067] According to this embodiment, by aligning the angle encoder connection with the control unit, the control unit can be easily connected, which reduces the wiring effort.

[0068] 6. In an electric vehicle of the straddle seat type having the embodiment described above, the body frame of the vehicle further comprises a downward frame (e.g. 13) extending downwards from the main frame in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein a rear end portion of the main frame and a rear end portion of the down frame are connected and the heat exchanger, the motor unit and the control unit are attached to the down frame.

[0069] In this design, the engine unit, control unit, and heat exchanger are all attached to the down frame, forming an integral body that can be attached to the main frame. This improves ease of assembly and maintenance.

[0070] 7. In an electric vehicle of the straddle seat type having the embodiment described above, the downward frame comprises a left downward frame section (e.g. 131) and a right downward frame section (e.g. 132), the motor unit and the control unit each have a through hole (e.g. 303 and 403) extending therethrough in the vehicle width direction, a fastening element (e.g. 503) is provided which extends through the through holes and extends between the motor unit and the control unit in the direction of the vehicle width, and The motor unit and the control unit are attached to the left lower frame section and the right lower frame section via the fastening element.

[0071] According to this embodiment, the motor unit and control unit are secured via fasteners that run continuously in the vehicle's width direction. This allows the same fastener to be used for both units. This reduces the number of fastener parts and prevents positional misalignment between the motor unit and control unit.

[0072] 8. In an electric vehicle of the straddle seat type having the embodiment described above, the motor unit also includes a deceleration section (e.g. 32), and in the side view of a vehicle the electric motor, the deceleration section and the control unit are arranged overlapping.

[0073] According to this embodiment, the deceleration section can also be included on the inside of the body frame in the vehicle width direction. This facilitates the protection of the engine unit from external disturbances such as impacts during a fall or collision.

[0074] 9. In an electric vehicle of the straddle seat type having the embodiment described above, the control unit comprises a driver board (e.g. 45) for supplying power to the electric motor and a control board (e.g. 46) which transmits a control signal to the driver board, the drive and control boards are arranged next to each other in the vehicle width direction and the control board is located outside the control board in the vehicle width direction

[0075] According to this design, the driver board, which is more prone to overheating than the control board, is positioned on the outside in the vehicle's width direction. This facilitates cooling by airflow. List of reference numbers

[0076] 1 straddle type vehicle, 10 vehicle body frame, 12 main frame, 13 down frame, 16 battery, 18 steering mechanism, 24 heat exchanger, 25 circulation path, 30 motor unit, 31 electric motor, 32 deceleration section, 35 resolver, 40 control unit, 42 bus bar, 45 driver board, 46 control board, 121 left frame section, 122 right frame section, 131 left down frame part, 132 right down frame part, 303, 403 through hole, 351 connecting terminal, 503 fixing member FW front wheel, RW rear wheel

Claims

[1] Electric vehicle of straddle type (1), comprising: one front wheel (FW) and one rear wheel (RW); a vehicle body frame (10) supporting a steering mechanism (18) for steering the front wheel (FW); a motor unit (30) having an electric motor (31) which outputs a driving force for rotating the rear wheel (RW); a battery (16) that supplies the motor unit (30) with energy; and a control unit (40) which carries out the drive control of the motor unit (30), wherein the vehicle body frame (10) has a main frame (12) extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction; the motor unit (30), the battery (16) and the control unit (40) are carried by the main frame (12) between the front wheel (FW) and the rear wheel (RW); and in the side view of a vehicle, the engine unit (30) and control unit (40) are arranged overlapping; characterized by, that the motor unit (30) and the control unit (40) are arranged non-overlapping in a plan view of the vehicle and side by side in a vehicle width direction such that airflow passes between the motor unit (30) and the control unit (40). [2] A straddle type electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the motor unit (30) and the control unit (40) are arranged in the vehicle width direction so that running wind passes between opposite surfaces of the motor unit (30) and the control unit (40). [3] A straddle type electric vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the main frame (12) comprises a left frame section (121) extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction and a right frame section (122) extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction; and in a vehicle plan view, the motor unit (30) and the control unit (40) are arranged between the left frame section (121) and the right frame section (122). [4] A straddle type electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that an upper part of the motor unit (30) and an upper part of the control unit (40) are connected via a busbar (42). [5] A straddle-seat type electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that it has: a heat exchanger (24) arranged in the vehicle longitudinal direction in front of the engine unit (30) and the control unit (40); and a circulation path (25) for circulating a coolant, wherein the circulation path (25) is formed to circulate the coolant in sequence from the heat exchanger (24), the control unit (40), the motor unit (30) and the heat exchanger (24). [6] A straddle-seat type electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the motor unit (30) contains a resolver (35) and a connection terminal (351) for connecting the resolver (35) to the control unit (40), and the connection terminal (351) is arranged oriented towards the control unit (40). [7] Electric vehicle of straddle type according to claim 5, characterized by , that the vehicle body frame (10) further comprises a downward frame (13) extending downwards from the main frame (12) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, a rear end portion of the main frame (12) and a rear end portion of the down frame (13) are connected and the heat exchanger (24), the motor unit (30) and the control unit (40) are attached to the downward frame (13). [8] A straddle-seat type electric vehicle according to claim 7, characterized by , that the downward frame (13) comprises a left downward frame part (131) and a right downward frame part (132), the motor unit (30) and the control unit (40) each have a through hole (303, 403) extending in the vehicle width direction, a fastening element (503) is provided which extends through the through holes (303, 403) and extends between the motor unit (30) and the control unit (40) in the direction of the vehicle width, and the motor unit (30) and the control unit (40) are fastened to the left downward frame part (131) and the right downward frame part (132) via the fastening element (503). [9] A straddle-seat type electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the motor unit (30) further includes a delay section (32), and in the side view of a vehicle, the electric motor (31), the deceleration section (32) and the control unit (40) are arranged overlapping. [10] A straddle-seat type electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the control unit (40) comprises a driver board (45) for supplying power to the electric motor (31) and a control board (46) which transmits a control signal to the driver board (45), the driver and control boards (45, 46) are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction, and the driver board (45) is arranged outside the control board (46) in the vehicle width direction.

Images