Electric vehicle

Abstract

To provide a slimmed-down electric vehicle.SOLUTION: An electric vehicle 10 according to the disclosure includes: a head tube 24 provided with a steering shaft 30; a down frame 42 extending downward from the head tube in an oblique rear direction; an elongated battery 54 provided so as to extend along an extending direction of the down frame; and a motor 52 which is located at a position lower than the battery and operated by using electric power output from the battery. A center line LC of the battery along a longitudinal direction of the battery and a stator 62 or a rotor 63 provided at the motor overlap with each other in a side view.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electric vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electric vehicle. According to Patent Document 1, a battery can be mounted on the front part of the electric vehicle.

[0003] In recent years, efforts to realize a low-carbon society or a decarbonized society have become active, and research and development on electrification technologies have been conducted in vehicles in order to reduce CO 2 emissions and improve energy efficiency.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in technologies related to electrification technologies, slimming down an electric vehicle is an issue.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is an electric vehicle including a head pipe provided with a steering shaft, a down frame extending obliquely rearward downward from the head pipe, a long battery provided along the extending direction of the down frame, and a motor positioned below the battery and operating using electric power output from the battery, wherein a center line of the battery along the longitudinal direction of the battery and a stator or a rotor provided in the motor overlap in a side view.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, since the battery and the motor are compactly arranged, a slim electric vehicle is provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] It is not preferable that the battery provided in the electric vehicle interferes with the legs of the driver of the electric vehicle. In order to suppress such interference, it is conceivable to arrange the battery at the front part of the electric vehicle.

[0011] However, a motor may be provided at the front part of the electric vehicle. When the battery and the motor are arranged at the front part of the electric vehicle, a relatively large space for accommodating the battery and the motor is required. Due to such a requirement, it has been difficult to make the electric vehicle slim in the past.

[0012] Based on the above preliminary explanation, an embodiment is described below.

[0013] The front-rear direction DFB used in the following description includes the front direction DF and the rear direction DB. The front direction DF indicates the front of the vehicle body of the electric vehicle 10 described below. The rear direction DB is the opposite direction of the front direction DF.

[0014] The vertical direction DUD used in the following description is a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction DFB. The upward direction DU indicates above the vehicle body of the electric vehicle 10 described below. The downward direction DD is the opposite direction of the upward direction DU.

[0015] The vehicle width direction DLR used in the following description is a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction DFB and also orthogonal to the vertical direction DUD. The vehicle width direction DLR includes the left direction DL and the right direction DR. The left direction DL indicates the left side as viewed from the driver facing the forward direction DF described above. The right direction DR is the opposite direction of the left direction DL.

[0016] (One embodiment) FIG. 1 is a side view of an electric vehicle 10 according to one embodiment. The left side of the electric vehicle 10 is shown in FIG. 1. Although not shown, the right side of the electric vehicle 10 is substantially symmetric with the left side of the electric vehicle 10. Note that the right side of the electric vehicle 10 and the left side of the electric vehicle 10 may be asymmetric.

[0017] The electric vehicle 10 is a saddle-riding type vehicle such as a two-wheeled vehicle, for example. As shown in FIG. 1, the electric vehicle 10 includes a plurality of wheels 12 (121, 122), a vehicle body frame 14, a front fork 16, a swing arm 18, a seat 20, and a vehicle body cover 22. The plurality of wheels 12 include a front wheel 121 and a rear wheel 122. The vehicle body cover 22 has a unit cowl 221 and a rear cowl 222. The rear cowl 222 is located rearward of the unit cowl 221. Note that the elements provided in the electric vehicle 10 are not limited to these, and the description in this embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0018] The vehicle body frame 14 includes a head pipe 24, a front frame 26, and a rear frame 28. The head pipe 24 is provided at the front part of the vehicle body frame 14. The head pipe 24 is provided with a steering shaft 30. A handle 32 is connected to the steering shaft 30. That is, the handle 32 is connected to the head pipe 24 via the steering shaft 30. The front frame 26 extends rearward from the head pipe 24. The rear frame 28 is located rearward with respect to the front frame 26. The rear frame 28 is connected to the swing arm 18.

[0019] The front fork 16 supports the front wheel 121. The front fork 16 is steerably attached to the head pipe 24. The above-described handle 32 is located above the front fork 16. As shown in FIG. 1, the electric vehicle 10 may further include a front fender 36. The front fender 36 covers the front wheel 121 from above the front wheel 121.

[0020] The swing arm 18 supports the rear wheel 122. As described above, the swing arm 18 is connected to the rear frame 28. The swing arm 18 is swingable up and down. As shown in FIG. 1, the electric vehicle 10 may further include a rear fender 38. The rear fender 38 covers the rear wheel 122 from above the rear wheel 122.

[0021] The seat 20 is disposed above the rear frame 28. A driver who drives the electric vehicle 10 can sit on the seat 20. The seat 20 is supported by the vehicle body frame 14. More specifically, the seat 20 is supported by the rear frame 28. At least a part of the seat 20 may be supported by the front frame 26.

[0022] The front frame 26 includes a main frame 40 and a down frame 42. The main frame 40 extends obliquely rearward downward from the head pipe 24. The main frame 40 has a main frame front portion 401 and a main frame rear portion 402. The main frame front portion 401 is connected to the head pipe 24. The main frame rear portion 402 is located rearward of the main frame front portion 401 and extends obliquely rearward downward. The main frame rear portion 402 is more steeply inclined than the main frame front portion 401. The main frame rear portion 402 is connected to the rear frame 28.

[0023] The down frame 42 extends obliquely rearward downward from the head pipe 24. The down frame connection portion 44, which is the connection portion between the down frame 42 and the head pipe 24, is located below the main frame connection portion 46, which is the connection portion between the main frame 40 and the head pipe 24. The down frame 42 extends obliquely rearward downward more steeply than the main frame front portion 401. The down frame 42 extends, for example, parallel to the main frame rear portion 402 described above, but is not limited thereto. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the electric vehicle 10 may further include a reinforcing frame 43. The reinforcing frame 43 is a member included in the vehicle body frame 14. The reinforcing frame 43 connects the head pipe 24, the main frame 40 (main frame front portion 401), and the down frame 42.

[0024] The electric vehicle 10 further includes a battery support portion 48, a terminal portion 50, a motor 52, a battery 54, and a motor control device 56. The terminal portion 50 and the motor 52 are connected via the motor control device 56. In a side view of the electric vehicle 10, the motor 52, the motor control device 56, and the battery 54 (battery cell 70) are arranged between the main frame 40 and the down frame 42 described above. Note that the electric vehicle 10 may be provided with a plurality of terminal portions 50 (see also FIG. 3). Also, the electric vehicle 10 may be provided with a plurality of batteries 54 corresponding to the plurality of terminal portions 50 (see also FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0025] The battery support portion 48 supports the battery 54. The battery support portion 48 includes a lower support portion 58 that can support the lower portion 54b of the battery 54 and a rear support portion 60 that can support the rear portion of the battery 54.

[0026] The lower support portion 58 extends obliquely upward rearward from the down frame 42. In a state where the battery 54 is supported by the lower support portion 58, the lower portion 54b (lower surface) of the battery 54 extends along the extending direction of the lower support portion 58. In other words, in a state where the battery 54 is supported by the lower support portion 58, the extending direction of the lower support portion 58 extends along the lower portion 54b (lower surface) of the battery 54. The extending direction of the lower support portion 58 in the side view of the electric vehicle 10 intersects the extending direction of the down frame 42 in the side view. For example, the lower support portion 58 extends perpendicular to the down frame 42, but is not limited thereto. The terminal portion 50 is fixed to the lower support portion 58 (battery support portion 48). The fixing method of the terminal portion 50 to the lower support portion 58 is, for example, screwing, but is not limited thereto.

[0027] The rear support portion 60 extends obliquely rearward downward from the front portion 401 of the main frame. Further, the rear support portion 60 is connected to the lower support portion 58. In other words, one end portion of the rear support portion 60 is connected to the lower support portion 58, and the other end portion of the rear support portion 60 is connected to the main frame 40 (front portion 401 of the main frame). The rear support portion 60 extends, for example, parallel to the rear portion 402 of the main frame or the down frame 42 described above, but is not limited thereto. The rear support portion 60 includes, for example, one or more columnar members (see also FIG. 4), but is not limited thereto.

[0028] The motor 52 operates using the power output from the battery 54 via the terminal portion 50. As described above, the electric vehicle 10 may be provided with a plurality of batteries 54. The motor 52 can be supplied with power from the plurality of batteries 54. The motor 52 includes a stator 62, a rotor 63, and a rotating shaft (main shaft) 64. A speed reducer 66 is connected to the rotating shaft 64. The speed reducer 66 is provided with an output shaft 68. The output shaft 68 drives the wheels 12 in response to the operation of the motor 52.

[0029] The motor 52 is located below the battery support portion 48. In a side view of the electric vehicle 10, the motor 52 overlaps with the terminal portion 50. Also, in a top view of the electric vehicle 10, the motor 52 overlaps with the lower support portion 58 of the battery support portion 48 described above.

[0030] As described above, the battery 54 is supported by the battery support portion 48. The battery 54 is in a long shape. Also, the battery 54 includes a battery cell 70 and a battery case 72. The battery cell 70 is stored in the battery case 72. A plurality of battery cells 70 can be stored in the battery case 72. The position of the battery cell 70 in a side view of the electric vehicle 10 is preferably below the main frame 40. More specifically, the position of the battery cell 70 in a side view of the electric vehicle 10 is preferably below the front portion 401 of the main frame described above. Note that, in a side view of the electric vehicle 10, a part of the battery case 72 may overlap with the main frame 40.

[0031] The battery 54 supported by the battery support portion 48 tilts forward along the extending direction of the down frame 42. That is, the center line LC of the long battery 54 is shown in FIG. 1. The center line LC is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the battery 54. Further, the center line LC is perpendicular to the short-side direction of the battery 54 in the side view of the electric vehicle 10. The center line LC passes through the center of the battery 54 in the short-side direction. That is, the width dimension, which is the dimension of the battery 54 in the short-side direction, can be bisected by the center line LC. As described above, the battery 54 tilts forward along the extending direction of the down frame 42. Therefore, the center line LC extends along the down frame 42. In this state, the center line LC and the stator 62 provided in the motor 52 overlap in the side view of the electric vehicle 10. The center line LC and the rotor 63 provided in the motor 52 may overlap in the side view of the electric vehicle 10.

[0032] The battery 54 has a battery rear end portion 54t. The battery rear end portion 54t is the rear end portion in the front-rear direction DFB of the electric vehicle 10. More specifically, the battery rear end portion 54t is the rear end portion of the lower portion 54b of the battery 54 provided in the electric vehicle 10 in the tilted-forward state. Further, the battery lower center point (first intersection point) PC is shown in FIG. 1. The battery lower center point PC indicates the center position of the lower portion 54b of the battery 54. That is, the battery lower center point PC is the intersection point of the lower portion 54b of the battery 54 and the center line LC of the battery 54 described above.

[0033] In the side view of the electric vehicle 10, the position of the rotation axis 64 of the motor 52 is between the battery rear end portion 54t and the battery lower center point PC. That is, in the side view of the electric vehicle 10, the battery lower center point PC is located in front of the rotation axis 64 of the motor 52. Further, in the side view of the electric vehicle 10, the battery rear end portion 54t is located behind the rotation axis 64 of the motor 52.

[0034] Also, as described above, a speed reducer 66 is connected to the motor 52. The speed reducer 66 is provided with an output shaft 68. A first straight line L1, which is a straight line passing through the rotation shaft 64 of the motor 52 and the output shaft 68 of the speed reducer 66, is shown in FIG. 1. The first straight line L1 and the center line LC of the battery 54 form an obtuse angle α in a side view of the electric vehicle 10. More specifically, a second intersection point PB, which is the intersection point of the first straight line L1 and the center line LC of the battery 54, is shown in FIG. 1. The first straight line L1 includes a half straight line (first half straight line) extending from the second intersection point PB toward the output shaft 68. On the other hand, the center line LC of the battery 54 includes a half straight line (second half straight line) extending from the second intersection point PB toward the battery 54. When the first half straight line is used as a reference (starting line) in a left side view (FIG. 1) of the electric vehicle 10, the positive angle formed by the first half straight line and the second half straight line is the above-described obtuse angle α.

[0035] The motor control device 56 is a device that controls the motor 52. The motor control device 56 includes, for example, an inverter. The terminal portion 50 and the motor 52 are connected via the motor control device 56. Therefore, the battery 54 mounted on the terminal portion 50 and the motor 52 are connected via the motor control device 56.

[0036] The motor control device 56 converts the electric power output from the battery 54 via the terminal portion 50 and supplies it to the motor 52. The motor control device 56 is arranged rearward with respect to the battery 54. More specifically, the motor control device 56 is arranged along the rear surface 54s of the battery via a rear support portion 60 provided in the battery support portion 48. The rear surface 54s of the battery is the surface facing the rear of the battery 54. The control device rear end 56t, which is the rear end of the motor control device 56, is located in front of the motor rear end 52t. The motor rear end 52t is the rear end of the motor 52 in the front-rear direction DFB. More specifically, the motor rear end 52t is the rear end of the portion (region) where the stator 62 and the rotor 63 of the motor 52 are located in the front-rear direction DFB.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a top view showing a part of the electric vehicle 10.

[0038] As described above, the electric vehicle 10 is provided with a steering wheel 32. The steering wheel 32 is connected to a steering shaft 30. As shown in FIG. 2, in a top view of the electric vehicle 10, the battery 54 (a plurality of batteries 54) overlaps the steering wheel 32. Also, in a top view of the electric vehicle 10, the battery 54 is located between both ends of the steering wheel 32 in the vehicle width direction DLR of the electric vehicle 10. That is, a first steering wheel end 321 which is one end of the steering wheel 32 in the vehicle width direction DLR and a second steering wheel end 322 which is the other end of the steering wheel 32 in the vehicle width direction DLR are shown in FIG. 2. The position of the battery 54 in the top view of the electric vehicle 10 is between the first steering wheel end 321 and the second steering wheel end 322.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle 10. A part of the cross-section taken along line III-III in FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a part of the electric vehicle 10. The lower support portion 58 of the electric vehicle 10 is mainly shown in FIG. 4.

[0040] The lower support portion 58 includes a plurality of partial support portions 74. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 4, the plurality of partial support portions 74 are arranged at intervals along the vehicle width direction DLR. The battery 54 is supported by the plurality of partial support portions 74. The plurality of partial support portions 74 include, for example, columnar members extending in the front-rear direction DFB. The columnar member forming the partial support portion 74 may have a hollow portion 74h. That is, the columnar member forming the partial support portion 74 may be a cylindrical member.

[0041] The plurality of partial support portions 74 have a first partial support portion 741 and a second partial support portion 742 which are arranged with the terminal portion 50 interposed therebetween. The terminal portion 50 is provided so as to extend downward from between the first partial support portion 741 and the second partial support portion 742.

[0042] Further, the lower support portion 58 has a first portion 58a and a second portion 58b. The first portion 58a is a portion of the lower support portion 58 that overlaps with the motor 52 in a top view of the electric vehicle 10. A more detailed description of the motor 52 will be given later. The second portion 58b is a portion of the lower support portion 58 that does not overlap with the motor 52 in a top view of the electric vehicle 10. It is preferable that the position of the upper end portion of the first portion 58a in the vertical direction DUD coincides with the position of the upper end portion of the second portion 58b in the vertical direction DUD.

[0043] The first dimension D58a and the second dimension D58b are shown in FIG. 3. The first dimension D58a is the dimension of the cross section of the first portion 58a in the vertical direction DUD. The second dimension D58b is the dimension of the cross section of the second portion 58b in the vertical direction DUD. The first dimension D58a is shorter than the second dimension D58b (D58a < D58b). In other words, the thickness of the first portion 58a is thinner than the thickness of the second portion 58b.

[0044] The lower support portion 58 may further include a convex reinforcing portion 75 and a terminal support portion 77. The convex reinforcing portion 75 is arranged at the central portion in the vehicle width direction DLR of the electric vehicle 10. Further, the convex reinforcing portion 75 is connected to a partial support portion 74 located on one side in the vehicle width direction DLR with respect to the convex reinforcing portion 75 and a partial support portion 74 located on the other side in the vehicle width direction DLR with respect to the convex reinforcing portion 75. The convex reinforcing portion 75 has a convex shape protruding upward. The terminal support portion 77 is located between the above-described first partial support portion 741 and second partial support portion 742 and is connected to the first partial support portion 741 and the second partial support portion 742. The terminal support portion 77 is, for example, a flat plate-like member, but is not limited thereto. An insertion hole 77h is formed in advance in the terminal support portion 77. The insertion hole 77h is a through hole through which the terminal portion 50 is inserted. The electric vehicle 10 may be provided with a plurality of terminal support portions 77 corresponding to the number of terminal portions 50.

[0045] The terminal portion 50 can be screwed to the terminal support portion 77 while being inserted into the insertion hole 77h. The battery 54 is detachably connected to the terminal portion 50. As described above, the electric vehicle 10 may be provided with a plurality of terminal portions 50. The plurality of terminal portions 50 are arranged along the vehicle width direction DLR while passing through the partial support portion 74 described above. In this case, the plurality of batteries 54 are also arranged along the vehicle width direction DLR. The plurality of terminal portions 50 (501, 502) include a first terminal portion 501 and a second terminal portion 502 which will be described next.

[0046] The first terminal portion 501 is a terminal portion 50 arranged on one side in the vehicle width direction DLR. In the present embodiment, the terminal portion 50 arranged on the rightmost side among the plurality of terminal portions 50 is the first terminal portion 501. The first terminal portion 501 is attached to a portion on the outer side (right side) in the vehicle width direction of the lower portion 541b of the first battery. The lower portion 541b of the first battery is the lower portion 54b of the first battery 541. The first battery 541 is a battery 54 arranged on one side in the vehicle width direction DLR among the plurality of batteries 54 (541, 542). In the present embodiment, the battery 54 arranged on the rightmost side among the plurality of batteries 54 is the first battery 541.

[0047] The second terminal portion 502 is a terminal portion 50 arranged on the other side in the vehicle width direction DLR. In the present embodiment, the terminal portion 50 arranged on the leftmost side among the plurality of terminal portions 50 is the second terminal portion 502. The second terminal portion 502 is attached to a portion on the outer side (left side) in the vehicle width direction of the lower portion 542b of the second battery. The lower portion 542b of the second battery is the lower portion 54b of the second battery 542. The second battery 542 is a battery 54 arranged on the other side in the vehicle width direction DLR among the plurality of batteries 54. In the present embodiment, the battery 54 arranged on the leftmost side among the plurality of batteries 54 is the second battery 542.

[0048] According to the present embodiment, the electric vehicle 10 exhibits the following effects, for example.

[0049] As described above, in a side view of the electric vehicle 10, the terminal portion 50 and the motor 52 overlap. As a result, the position of the battery 54 can be shifted in the direction toward the motor 52 by the amount of the overlap between the terminal portion 50 and the motor 52. In other words, the motor 52 and the battery 54 can be arranged compactly. As a result, a slim electric vehicle 10 is realized.

[0050] As described above, the electric vehicle 10 is provided with a battery support portion 48. The battery support portion 48 includes a lower support portion 58 that supports the lower portion 54b of the battery 54. Thereby, the position of the battery 54 is stabilized. Moreover, the battery support portion 48 has a first partial support portion 741 and a second partial support portion 742 that are arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction DLR. The terminal portion 50 is provided between the first partial support portion 741 and the second partial support portion 742. Therefore, the battery support portion 48 supports the lower portion 54b of the battery 54 without hindering the connection between the battery 54 and the terminal portion 50.

[0051] Also, as described above, the extending direction of the lower support portion 58 in a side view of the electric vehicle 10 intersects with the extending direction of the down frame 42 in the side view. Thereby, the battery 54 is likely to be arranged along the down frame 42. Therefore, the position of the battery 54 can be shifted forward in the front-rear direction DFB of the electric vehicle 10. As a result, it is possible to suppress interference between the legs of the driver on the electric vehicle 10 and the battery 54.

[0052] Also, as described above, the battery support portion 48 has a first part 58a and a second part 58b. A first dimension D58a, which is the dimension of at least a part of the first part 58a in the vertical direction DUD, is shorter than a second dimension D58b, which is the dimension of the second part 58b in the vertical direction DUD (D58a < D58b). Thereby, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper part of the motor 52 and the battery support portion 48 can be overlapped in a side view of the electric vehicle 10 (see also FIG. 3). That is, the battery 54 and the motor 52 can be arranged closer to each other.

[0053] The plurality of terminal portions 50 includes a first terminal portion 501 arranged on one side in the vehicle width direction DLR. The first terminal portion 501 is mounted on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the first battery lower portion 541b which is the lower portion 54b of the first battery 541. Thereby, the user (driver) of the electric vehicle 10 can easily visually recognize the connection portion between the first terminal portion 501 and the first battery 541 in a side view of the electric vehicle 10. For example, the first terminal portion 501 is the terminal portion 50 located on the rightmost side among the plurality of terminal portions 50. In this case, the first terminal portion 501 is mounted on the right side portion of the first battery lower portion 541b. Thereby, the above-mentioned user can easily visually recognize the connection portion between the first terminal portion 501 and the first battery 541 in a right side view of the electric vehicle 10. As a result, the above-mentioned user can easily perform the operation of mounting the first battery 541 on the first terminal portion 501. Further, the plurality of terminal portions 50 includes a second terminal portion 502 arranged on the other side in the vehicle width direction DLR. The second terminal portion 502 is mounted on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the second battery lower portion 542b which is the lower portion 54b of the second battery 542. Thereby, the above-mentioned user can easily visually recognize the connection portion between the second terminal portion 502 and the second battery 542 in a side view of the electric vehicle 10. For example, the second terminal portion 502 is the terminal portion 50 located on the leftmost side among the plurality of terminal portions 50. In this case, the second terminal portion 502 is mounted on the left side portion of the second battery lower portion 542b. Thereby, the above-mentioned user can easily visually recognize the connection portion between the second terminal portion 502 and the second battery 542 in a left side view of the electric vehicle 10. As a result, the above-mentioned user can easily perform the operation of mounting the second battery 542 on the second terminal portion 502.

[0054] The long battery 54 is provided in the electric vehicle 10 along the extending direction of the down frame 42. More specifically, the center line LC of the long battery 54 and the stator 62 provided in the motor 52 overlap in the side view of the electric vehicle 10. The center line LC and the rotor 63 provided in the motor 52 may overlap in the side view of the electric vehicle 10. Thereby, the long battery 54 can be tilted forward while being brought closer to the down frame 42. As a result, the possibility that the legs of the driver sitting on the seat 20 interfere with the battery 54 is reduced.

[0055] Also, the rotating shaft 64 provided in the motor 52 is located in front of the rear end portion 54t of the battery. In this way, the possibility that the legs of the driver sitting on the seat 20 interfere with the motor 52 is reduced.

[0056] Furthermore, the above-described lower center point PC of the battery is located in front of the rotating shaft 64 provided in the motor 52. In this way, the battery 54 is arranged relatively forward with respect to the motor 52. As a result, the possibility that the legs of the driver sitting on the seat 20 interfere with the battery 54 is further reduced.

[0057] The straight line passing through the rotating shaft 64 of the motor 52 and the output shaft 68 provided in the speed reducer 66 connected to the motor 52 and the center line LC form an obtuse angle α in the side view of the electric vehicle 10. More specifically, when the above-described first half line is used as a reference (starting line), the positive angle formed by the first half line and the above-described second half line in the left side view of the electric vehicle 10 is greater than 90 degrees. The position of the motor 52 in this case is higher than the position of the motor 52 when the above-described angle formed by the first half line and the second half line is an acute angle (less than 90 degrees) in the left side view of the electric vehicle 10. Thereby, the lowering of the center of gravity of the electric vehicle 10 is suppressed.

[0058] The battery cells 70 provided in the battery 54 are located below the main frame 40 in a side view of the electric vehicle 10. More specifically, the battery cells 70 are located below the front portion 401 of the main frame in a side view of the electric vehicle 10. Thereby, space can be secured in the upper part of the electric vehicle 10.

[0059] As described above, a motor control device 56 is provided behind the battery 54. A control device rear end 56t, which is the rear end of the motor control device 56, is located in front of the motor rear end 52t. By doing so, the battery 54, the motor 52, and the motor control device 56 are arranged compactly. For example, the battery 54, the motor 52, and the motor control device 56 are accommodated between the down frame 42 and the main frame 40 in a side view of the electric vehicle 10. Thereby, a slim electric vehicle 10 is realized. Note that, as described above, the motor rear end 52t is the rear end in the front-rear direction DFB of the part (region) where the stator 62 and the rotor 63 of the motor 52 are located.

[0060] The battery support portion 48 described above includes not only the lower support portion 58 but also a rear support portion 60. Thereby, the rear support portion 60 can support the rear portion of the battery 54. As a result, the position of the battery 54 becomes even more stable.

[0061] One end portion of the rear support portion 60 is connected to the lower support portion 58. Also, the other end portion of the rear support portion 60 is connected to the main frame 40. Thereby, the position of the rear support portion 60 is stabilized.

[0062] The battery 54 is located between a first handle end 321 and a second handle end 322 in the vehicle width direction DLR of the electric vehicle 10. Thereby, when an object approaches the electric vehicle 10 from the side of the electric vehicle 10, the collision between the object and the battery 54 can be inhibited by the handle 32. That is, the battery 54 can be protected from the object by the handle 32.

[0063] Also, in a top view of the electric vehicle 10, the battery 54 and the handle 32 overlap. Thereby, when an object approaches the electric vehicle 10 from above the electric vehicle 10, the handle 32 can prevent the object and the battery 54 from colliding. That is, the handle 32 can protect the battery 54 from the object.

[0064] The electric vehicle 10 includes a reinforcing frame 43 that connects the head pipe 24, the main frame 40 (main frame front portion 401), and the down frame 42. Thereby, the rigidity of the electric vehicle 10 (vehicle body frame 14) is improved.

[0065] The lower support portion 58 includes a convex reinforcing portion 75. The convex reinforcing portion 75 has a convex shape that protrudes upward. The convex reinforcing portion 75 is located between the first battery 541 and the second battery 542. Thereby, it contributes to the positioning of the first battery 541 and the second battery 542 and suppresses interference between the first battery 541 and the second battery 542. Further, the convex reinforcing portion 75 is located between two adjacent partial support portions 74 and is connected to the two partial support portions 74. Thereby, the rigidity of the electric vehicle 10 (lower support portion 58) is improved.

[0066] The lower support portion 58 includes a terminal support portion 77. An insertion hole 77h is formed in the terminal support portion 77. By inserting the terminal portion 50 into the insertion hole 77h, positioning of the terminal portion 50 in the front-rear direction DFB or the vehicle width direction DLR can be easily achieved. Further, the terminal support portion 77 is connected to the first partial support portion 741 and the second partial support portion 742. Thereby, the rigidity of the electric vehicle 10 (lower support portion 58) is improved.

[0067] One embodiment may be modified as follows. In the following modification examples, descriptions that overlap with the embodiment are omitted as appropriate. Also, for the figures used in the following modification examples, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those described in the embodiment.

[0068] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle 10(101) according to Modification 1.

[0069] The lower support portion 58 (lower support portion 581) provided in the electric vehicle 101 is shown in FIG. 5. The lower support portion 581 is a plate-like member. An insertion hole 77h is formed in advance in the lower support portion 581. A portion of the lower support portion 581 on one side in the vehicle width direction DLR with respect to the insertion hole 77h is the first partial support portion 741. On the other hand, a portion of the lower support portion 581 on the other side in the vehicle width direction DLR with respect to the insertion hole 77h is the second partial support portion 742. The first partial support portion 741 and the second partial support portion 742 in this case can be integral. Similar to the lower support portion 58 described in the embodiment, the lower support portion 581 can support the lower portion 54b of the battery 54 without inhibiting the connection between the battery 54 and the connection portion.

[0070] Similar to the lower support portion 58 described in the embodiment, the lower support portion 581 has a first portion 58a and a second portion 58b. The first portion 58a can be formed as a relatively thin portion (downward concave portion) of the plate-like lower support portion 581. On the other hand, the second portion 58b can be formed as a relatively thick portion (downward convex portion) of the plate-like lower support portion 581. Thereby, similar to the lower support portion 58 described in the embodiment, the lower support portion 581 allows the battery 54 and the motor 52 to be close to each other. Although omitted in FIG. 5, the lower support portion 581 may further include a convex reinforcing portion 75 (FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0071] According to the above embodiment and modification, the battery 54 and the motor 52 provided in the electric vehicle 10 are arranged compactly. As a result, a slim electric vehicle 10 is provided.

[0072] Regarding the above embodiment, the following additional remarks are further disclosed.

[0073] (Additional Remark 1) The electric vehicle (10) according to the present disclosure includes a head pipe (24) provided with a steering shaft (30), a down frame (42) extending obliquely rearward downward from the head pipe, a long battery (54) provided along the extending direction of the down frame, and a motor (52) located below the battery and operating using the electric power output from the battery. The center line (LC) of the battery along the longitudinal direction of the battery and the stator (62) or rotor (63) provided in the motor overlap in a side view. Thus, since the battery and the motor are arranged compactly, a slim electric vehicle is provided.

[0074] (Appendix 2) The electric vehicle according to Appendix 1, wherein the rotation shaft (64) of the motor is located in front of the rear end portion (54t) of the battery, which is the rear end portion of the battery in the front-rear direction (DFB) of the electric vehicle, may also be an electric vehicle. Thereby, the possibility of interference between the legs of the driver seated on the seat and the motor is reduced.

[0075] (Appendix 3) The electric vehicle according to Appendix 1, wherein the intersection point (PC) of the lower portion (54b) of the battery and the center line is located in front of the rotation shaft (64) of the motor, may also be an electric vehicle. Thereby, the possibility of interference between the legs of the driver seated on the seat and the motor is reduced.

[0076] (Appendix 4) The electric vehicle according to Appendix 1, wherein a straight line (L1) passing through the rotation shaft (64) of the motor and the output shaft (68) provided in the speed reducer (66) connected to the motor and the center line form an obtuse angle (α) in the side view, may also be an electric vehicle. Thereby, the lowering of the center of gravity of the electric vehicle is suppressed.

[0077] (Appendix 5) The electric vehicle according to Supplementary Note 1, comprising a main frame (40) extending rearward from the head pipe, wherein a main frame connection portion (46), which is a connection portion between the head pipe and the main frame, is located above a down frame connection portion (44), which is a connection portion between the head pipe and the down frame, and a battery cell (70) provided in the battery is located below the main frame in the side view, may be an electric vehicle. Thereby, a space can be secured in the upper part of the electric vehicle.

[0078] (Supplementary Note 6) The electric vehicle according to Supplementary Note 1, comprising a motor control device (56) arranged along a battery rear surface (54s), which is a rear-facing surface of the battery, wherein a control device rear end (56t), which is a rear end of the motor control device in the front-rear direction (DFB) of the electric vehicle, is located in front of a motor rear end (52t), which is a rear end of the part where the stator and the rotor of the motor are located in the front-rear direction, may be an electric vehicle. Thereby, a slim electric vehicle is realized.

[0079] (Supplementary Note 7) The electric vehicle according to Supplementary Note 6, comprising a main frame (40) extending rearward from the head pipe, wherein the main frame is located above the down frame, and in the side view, the battery, the motor, and the motor control device are arranged between the down frame and the main frame, may be an electric vehicle. Thereby, a slim electric vehicle is realized.

[0080] (Supplementary Note 8) The electric vehicle according to Supplementary Note 1 may be an electric vehicle comprising a lower support portion (58) that supports a lower part (54b) of the battery. Thereby, the position of the battery is stabilized.

[0081] (Supplementary Note 9) The electric vehicle according to Supplementary Note 8, wherein the lower support portion extends along the lower surface of the battery, and the extending direction of the lower support portion in the side view intersects the extending direction of the down frame in the side view, may be an electric vehicle. Thereby, the battery is likely to be arranged along the down frame. Therefore, the position of the battery can be shifted forward in the vehicle. As a result, interference between the driver's legs and the battery can be suppressed.

[0082] (Supplementary Note 10) The electric vehicle according to Supplementary Note 8 may be an electric vehicle including a rear support portion (60) capable of supporting the rear portion of the battery. Thereby, the position of the battery becomes even more stable.

[0083] (Supplementary Note 11) The electric vehicle according to Supplementary Note 10, including a main frame (40) extending rearward from the head pipe, the main frame being located above the down frame, one end of the rear support portion being connected to the lower support portion, and the other end of the rear support portion being connected to the main frame, may be an electric vehicle. Thereby, the position of the rear support portion is stabilized.

[0084] (Supplementary Note 12) The electric vehicle according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 11, including a handle (32) connected to the steering shaft, the battery being located between both ends of the handle in the vehicle width direction (DLR) of the electric vehicle, and the battery and the handle overlapping in the top view of the electric vehicle, may be an electric vehicle. Thereby, when an object collides with the electric vehicle from the side or above of the electric vehicle, the battery can be protected.

[0085] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described disclosure, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0086] 10... Electric vehicle 24... Head pipe 30…Steering shaft 32…Handle 40…Main frame 42…Down frame 44…Down frame connection part 46…Main frame connection part 52…Motor 52t…Rear end of motor 54…Battery 54b…Lower part 54s…Back side of battery 54t…Rear end part of battery 56…Motor control device 56t…Rear end of control device 58…Lower support part 60…Rear support part 62…Stator 63…Rotor 64…Rotating shaft 66…Reducer 68…Output shaft 70…Battery cell L1…First straight line (straight line) LC…Center line α…Obtuse angle

Claims

1. a head pipe (24) provided with a steering shaft (30); a down frame (42) extending obliquely rearward downward from the head pipe (24); a long battery (54) provided along the extending direction of the down frame (42); a motor (52) located below the battery (54) and operating using the power output from the battery (54); characterized by comprising an electric vehicle (10) in which a center line (LC) of the battery (54) along the longitudinal direction of the battery (54) overlaps with a stator (62) or a rotor (63) provided in the motor (52) in a side view.

2. The electric vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein a rotation shaft (64) of the motor (52) is located in front of a battery rear end portion (54t) which is a rear end portion of the battery (54) in the front-rear direction (DFB) of the electric vehicle (10).

3. The electric vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein an intersection point of a lower portion (54b) of the battery (54) and the center line (LC) is located in front of a rotation shaft (64) of the motor (52).

4. The electric vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein a straight line (L1) passing through a rotation shaft (64) of the motor (52) and an output shaft (68) provided in a speed reducer (66) connected to the motor (52) and the center line (LC) form an obtuse angle (α) in the side view.

5. The electric vehicle (10) according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a main frame (40) extending rearward from the head pipe (24), a main frame connection portion (46) which is a connection portion between the head pipe (24) and the main frame (40) is located above a down frame connection portion (44) which is a connection portion between the head pipe (24) and the down frame (42), and battery cells (70) provided in the battery (54) are located below the main frame (40) in the side view.

6. The electric vehicle (10) according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a motor control device (56) arranged along a battery rear surface (54s) which is a surface facing rearward of the battery (54). The control device rear end (56t), which is the rear end of the motor control device (56) in the front-rear direction (DFB) of the electric vehicle (10), is located forward of the motor rear end (52t), which is the rear end in the front-rear direction (DFB) of the part where the stator (62) and the rotor (63) of the motor (52) are located, of the electric vehicle (10).

7. The electric vehicle (10) according to claim 6, wherein it includes a main frame (40) extending rearward from the head pipe (24), the main frame (40) is located above the down frame (42), in a side view, the battery (54), the motor (52), and the motor control device (56) are arranged between the down frame (42) and the main frame (40), of the electric vehicle (10).

8. The electric vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein it includes a lower support portion (58) that supports the lower portion (54b) of the battery (54), of the electric vehicle (10).

9. The electric vehicle (10) according to claim 8, wherein the lower support portion (58) extends along the lower surface of the battery (54), in a side view, the extending direction of the lower support portion (58) intersects the extending direction of the down frame (42) in the side view, of the electric vehicle (10).

10. The electric vehicle (10) according to claim 8, wherein it includes a rear support portion (60) that can support the rear portion of the battery (54), of the electric vehicle (10).

11. The electric vehicle (10) according to claim 10, wherein it includes a main frame (40) extending rearward from the head pipe (24), the main frame (40) is located above the down frame (42), one end of the rear support portion (60) is connected to the lower support portion (58), and the other end of the rear support portion (60) is connected to the main frame (40), of the electric vehicle (10).

12. The electric vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein it includes a handle (32) connected to the steering shaft (30), the battery (54) is located between both ends of the handle (32) in the vehicle width direction (DLR) of the electric vehicle (10), in a top view of the electric vehicle (10), the battery (54) and the handle (32) overlap, of the electric vehicle (10).

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