Straddle type electric vehicle

Abstract

To provide a straddle type electric vehicle that is able to improve water immersion resistance of a drive system while facilitating attachment / detachment of an electric motor.SOLUTION: In an electric motorcycle 1 including a motor (an electric motor 30), a storage battery (a battery 100), and a control device (a PCU 320), a terminal block 50 that detachably connects a first wire extending from the control device and a second wire extending from the motor is provided between the control device and the motor; and the terminal block 50 is disposed in a vehicle vertical direction and between a seating portion (a seat 8) for an occupant and a footrest portion (a floor step 9a).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in an electric two-wheeler including a motor for driving a vehicle and a battery, and a control device that controls the power of the battery and supplies it to the motor, a terminal block is provided between the battery and the control device, and the cable on the battery side and the cable on the control device side can be separated (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The terminal block of Patent Document 1 is located above the floor portion and is arranged so as to be difficult to be flooded.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above conventional configuration, by providing a terminal block between the battery and the control device, the attachment and detachment of the battery becomes easy, but it does not facilitate the attachment and detachment of the motor. For example, when the battery is a mobile battery, the battery can be easily attached and detached regardless of the presence or absence of the terminal block. On the other hand, the motor, which is often arranged at the lower part of the vehicle body to approach the drive wheel, is likely to be flooded, so sufficient waterproof measures are taken. Therefore, there is a demand for a configuration that includes a terminal block between the control device and the motor to facilitate the attachment and detachment of the motor while maintaining good water immersion resistance of the drive system.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a straddle-type electric vehicle that can improve the water immersion resistance of the drive system while facilitating the attachment and detachment of the motor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] As a means for solving the above problems, a first aspect of the present invention is a saddle-type electric vehicle (1) including an electric motor (30) for driving the vehicle, a storage battery (100) for storing power supplied to the electric motor (30), and a control device (320) for controlling the power of the storage battery (100) and supplying it to the electric motor (30). A terminal block (50) is provided between the control device (320) and the electric motor (30) to detachably connect a first wiring (40A) extending from the control device (320) and a second wiring (40B) extending from the electric motor (30). The terminal block (50) is arranged between the seating portion (8) for the occupant and the footrest portion (9a) in the vehicle vertical direction. According to this configuration, the first wiring and the second wiring extending from the control device and the electric motor respectively are connected to each other at the terminal block. The terminal block is arranged below the seating portion and above the footrest portion. Thereby, the wiring between the control device and the electric motor can be detachably disconnected by the terminal block, facilitating the detachment and attachment of the electric motor, suppressing water ingress into the terminal block, and improving the water immersion resistance of the drive system.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the electric motor (30) is an in-wheel motor integrally provided with the drive wheels (4) of the vehicle. According to this configuration, it is possible to facilitate the detachment and attachment of the in-wheel motor during tire replacement or the like, and to suppress water ingress into the terminal block.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first or second aspect, an exterior member (25d) spanning between the seating portion (8) and the footrest portion (9a) is provided. The exterior member (25d) covers the terminal block (50) from the front in the vehicle front-rear direction. When the exterior member (25d) is removed, the terminal fastening portions (51, 52, 53) or a cover (55) covering the terminal fastening portions (51, 52, 53) are exposed to the front of the vehicle. According to this configuration, by covering the terminal block with the exterior member extending between the seating portion and the footrest portion from the front, it is possible to suppress disturbances to the terminal block during travel and improve the appearance. When the exterior member is removed, the terminal fastening portion or its cover is exposed to the front of the vehicle, so that the terminal block can be easily accessed from the footrest portion side by removing the exterior member, and the workability for the terminal block can be improved.

[0009] The fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to third aspects, the control device (320) is disposed below the footrest portion (9a). According to this configuration, by disposing the control device below the footrest portion, it is possible to lower the center of gravity of the vehicle body. Although the waterproof property of the control device is enhanced, by providing a terminal block separately from the control device, it is possible to eliminate the need for attaching and detaching wiring in the control device and suppress the influence on workability.

[0010] The fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the terminal block (50) is supported by a support member (56) attached to the vehicle body frame (11), and the support member (56) has a wiring support portion (58) that supports the first wiring (40A) and the second wiring (40B). According to this configuration, since the support member that supports the terminal block has a wiring support portion, the terminal block and the wiring can be efficiently supported by the support member.

[0011] The sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, it includes a bank angle sensor (60) that detects the bank angle of the vehicle body, and the support member (56) includes a sensor support portion (57) that supports the bank angle sensor (60). According to this configuration, since the support member that supports the terminal block also supports the bank angle sensor, it is not necessary to separately provide a support member for the bank angle sensor, and the number of parts can be reduced.

[0012] The seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, a battery box (103) for housing the storage battery (100) is provided below the seating portion (8), and the support member (56) includes a box support portion (56a) for supporting the battery box (103). According to this configuration, since the support member that supports the terminal block also supports the battery box, it becomes possible to eliminate or reduce the support member for the battery box, and the number of parts can be reduced.

[0013] The eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the third aspect, the terminal block (50) is arranged such that its longitudinal direction is along the exterior member (25d). According to this configuration, since the terminal block is arranged with its longitudinal direction along the exterior member, the space between the terminal block and the exterior member can be minimized. When the exterior member is removed, it is easy to access the terminal block, and workability can be improved.

[0014] The ninth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the terminal block (50) is arranged behind the front end (8b) of the seating portion (8). According to this configuration, since the terminal block is arranged behind the front end of the seating portion, the terminal block and the exterior member covering it do not protrude toward the footrest side and do not interfere with the legs of the occupant.

[0015] The tenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the electric motor (30) and the terminal block (50) are arranged offset to one lateral side in the left - right direction with respect to the vehicle body center line (CL) in the left - right direction, and the second wiring (40B) is connected to the terminal block (50) from one lateral side in the left - right direction, and the first wiring (40A) is connected to the terminal block (50) from the other lateral side in the left - right direction. According to this configuration, the motor and the terminal block are arranged offset to one side in the left-right direction. The second wiring is connected to the terminal block from one side in the left-right direction, and the first wiring is connected from the other side in the left-right direction, so that each cable can be routed in the shortest possible way without stress.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a straddle-type electric vehicle that can improve the water immersion resistance of the drive system while facilitating the attachment and detachment of the motor.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, directions such as front, rear, left, and right are the same as those of the vehicle described below unless otherwise specified. Also, in the figures used in the following description, arrows FR indicating the front of the vehicle, LH indicating the left side of the vehicle, UP indicating the upper side of the vehicle, and a line CL indicating the center of the vehicle body left and right are shown at appropriate positions.

[0019] <Overall Vehicle> Figure 1 shows, as an example of a straddle-type electric vehicle, a scooter-type electric motorcycle (motorcycle) 1 having a floor section (low floor section) 9 on which a rider (driver) places their feet. The electric motorcycle 1 includes a front wheel 3 that is a steering wheel and a rear wheel 4 that is a drive wheel. The front wheel 3 is supported by a front fork 6 and can be steered by a bar handle (steering handle) 2. In the figure, reference numeral 2a denotes grip portions on both the left and right sides of the bar handle 2, and reference numeral 2b denotes a handle cover 2b that covers the periphery of the bar handle 2 excluding the left and right grip portions 2a.

[0020] The rear wheel 4 is supported at the rear end of a swing arm 20 and can be driven by an electric motor 30. The front end portion of the swing arm 20 is connected to the vehicle body frame 11. The drive unit 30A is provided integrally with the swing arm 20 that supports the rear wheel 4. The drive unit 30A includes an in-wheel motor.

[0021] The steering system components 5 including the bar handle 2, the front fork 6, and the front wheel 3 are supported by the front end portion of the vehicle body frame 11 so as to be steerable. The swing arm 20, the drive unit 30A, and the rear wheel 4 are supported by the lower portion of the vehicle body frame 11 so as to be vertically swingable. The periphery of the vehicle body frame 11 is covered by a vehicle body cover 25.

[0022] The electric motorcycle 1 includes a floor section 9 that forms a footrest surface on which a driver seated on the seat 8 places their feet, a front body FB that continues forward of the floor section 9, and a rear body RB that continues rearward of the floor section 9. Above the floor section 9, a straddle space K1 is formed to facilitate the rider to straddle the vehicle body.

[0023] On the rear body RB, a seat 8 on which a passenger sits is supported. The front end lower side of the seat 8 is connected to the vehicle body via a hinge shaft 8a along the vehicle width direction (left - right direction). The seat 8 opens and closes the upper part of the rear body RB by rotating up and down around the hinge shaft 8a. When the seat 8 makes the seating surface substantially horizontal and closes the upper part of the rear body RB (see Fig. 1), a passenger can sit on the seat 8, and the battery accommodation part below the seat 8 is closed. In this state, the seat 8 can be locked. When the seat 8 rotates around the hinge shaft 8a and makes the seating surface stand up upward to open the upper part of the rear body RB, a passenger cannot sit on the seat 8, and the battery accommodation part below the seat 8 opens and the battery 100 can be detached and attached.

[0024] The vehicle body frame 11 is formed by integrally joining a plurality of types of steel materials by welding or the like. The vehicle body frame 11 includes a head pipe 12 located at the front end, a down frame 13 extending downward from the head pipe 12, a pair of left and right lower frames 14 branching left and right from the lower part of the down frame 13 and extending rearward, and a pair of left and right rear frames 15 extending upward and rearward from the rear parts of the left and right lower frames 14. Above the left and right lower frames 14, a pair of left and right support frames 14a extending in the vehicle front - rear direction are provided between the lower part of the down frame 13 and the front - lower parts of the left and right rear frames 15. A PCU 320 described later is arranged in the under - floor space surrounded by the left and right lower frames 14 and the left and right support frames 14a. A center cross frame 16 is provided between the front parts of the left and right rear frames 15.

[0025] The periphery of the vehicle body frame 11 is covered with a vehicle body cover 25. The vehicle body cover 25 includes a front cover 25a covering the front part of the vehicle body frame 11 from the front, an inner cover 25b covering the front part of the vehicle body frame 11 from the rear, a floor cover 25c covering the lower part of the vehicle body frame 11 from above, a rear center cover 25d covering the rear part of the vehicle body frame 11 from the front, and a pair of left and right rear side covers 25e covering the rear part of the vehicle body frame 11 from the left and right sides.

[0026] The front cover 25a and the inner cover 25b constitute a front body cover 25f that forms the outer surface of the front body FB. The front body cover 25f also serves as a leg shield that covers the front of the driver's legs. The upper surface portion of the floor cover 25c constitutes a floor step 9a. The floor step 9a forms a flat upper surface (footrest surface) over the entire width in the vehicle width direction, for example. The floor step 9a may be provided with a center tunnel that bulges upward on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. The rear center cover 25d and the left and right rear side covers 25e constitute a rear body cover 25g that forms the outer surface of the rear body RB. The body cover 25 is fixedly supported on the vehicle body frame 11 except for the handle cover 2b.

[0027] <Drive unit 30A> The drive unit 30A includes an electric motor 30 that generates driving force for the running of the electric two-wheeler 1, and a unit case 35 that houses the electric motor 30 and is provided integrally with the left arm of the swing arm 20. The term "provided integrally" includes not only a configuration in which the swing arm 20 and the unit case 35 are integrated, but also a configuration in which they are connected so as to be relatively immovable including relative rotation. The drive unit 30A may include a speed reduction mechanism that reduces the output of the electric motor 30. The electric motor 30 is disposed offset to one side (left side) in the left-right direction with respect to the vehicle body center CL in the left-right direction.

[0028] The electric motor 30 is driven by the power of the battery 100. The electric motor 30 is disposed with its drive shaft along the vehicle width direction (for example, coaxially with the axle of the rear wheel 4). The electric motor 30 includes a rotor that rotates integrally with the drive shaft, and a stator that surrounds the outer periphery of the rotor and is fixed to the unit case 35 (both are not shown). The electric motor 30 is variably speed-driven by, for example, VVVF (variable voltage variable frequency) control. The electric motor 30 is speed-controlled as if it has a continuously variable transmission, but is not limited thereto. The electric motor 30 may be speed-controlled as if it has a stepped transmission.

[0029] The driving force generated by the electric motor 30 is transmitted to the drive wheel (rear wheel 4) supported by the swing arm 20 to drive the electric two-wheeler 1. For example, a rear fender 27 is supported by the swing arm 20. For example, the lower end of the rear cushion 28 is connected to the rear end portion of the swing arm 20. A suspension device (rear suspension) that supports the rear wheel 4 is configured including the swing arm 20 and the rear cushion 28.

[0030] <Battery 100> The battery 100 is mounted below the seat 8. The battery 100 is arranged so as to overlap the front portion of the seat 8 in plan view. The battery 100 includes, for example, one unit battery 101. The battery 100 may include, for example, a plurality of unit batteries 101.

[0031] The unit battery 101 has, for example, a rectangular cross-section (for example, a substantially square shape) and is in the shape of a rectangular prism (cuboid) extending in the longitudinal direction (indicated by the arrow L in the figure). The front and rear sides of the cross-sectional shape of the unit battery 101 are arranged along the left-right direction. The unit battery 101 is arranged in an upright posture inclined so that the longitudinal direction is positioned more rearward as it is positioned upward. The unit battery 101 is configured, for example, as a rechargeable energy storage, such as a lithium-ion battery.

[0032] Referring also to FIG. 5, battery cables 45 extend from the positive and negative electrodes of the battery 100, respectively. Each battery cable 45 is connected to a PDU (Power Driver Unit) 321. A three-phase cable 40 extends from the PDU 321, and this three-phase cable 40 is connected to the electric motor 30.

[0033] The battery 100 is a mobile battery that can be manually attached and detached without using tools with respect to the vehicle body. The battery 100 can be charged using an external charger outside the vehicle, for example, in a state where it is removed from the vehicle body. The battery 100 can be used alone, such as being used as a power source for an external device as a mobile battery.

[0034] <pcu320> Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the PCU 320 is disposed inside the floor portion 9. The PCU 320 is disposed between the left and right lower frames 14. The entire PCU 320 is disposed above the lower ends of the left and right lower frames 14. Thereby, contact between the PCU 320 and the ground surface is suppressed. One end of a three-phase cable 40 is connected to the inverter of the PCU 320, and battery cables 45 of positive and negative electrodes extending from a battery box 103 that houses the battery 100 are connected thereto.

[0035] <Drive System> As shown in FIG. 5, a PDU (Power Driver Unit) 321 and an ECU (Electric Control Unit) 322 constitute a PCU (Power control unit) 320 which is an integrated control unit. The PDU 321 includes an inverter that converts the direct current supplied by the battery 100 into three-phase alternating current and supplies it to the electric motor 30. The PDU 321 controls the energization of the stator windings of the electric motor 30. The electric motor 30 performs a power running operation according to the control by the PDU 321 to drive the electric two-wheeler 1. The electric motor 30 performs regenerative braking during deceleration of the electric two-wheeler 1, and recovers the kinetic energy of the vehicle body as electric energy to the battery 100.

[0036] The output voltage from the battery 100 is stepped down via a DC-DC converter (down regulator) and used for charging a 12V sub-battery (both not shown). The sub-battery supplies power to general electrical components such as a lighting device, a meter, a smart unit, and control system components such as the ECU 322. By mounting the sub-battery, various electromagnetic locks and the like can be operated even when the battery 100 is removed.

[0037] The battery 100 is equipped with a BMU (Battery Managing Unit) 101a that monitors the charge / discharge status, temperature, etc. The information monitored by the BMU 101a is shared with the ECU 322 when the battery 100 is mounted on the vehicle body. Output request information is input to the ECU 322 from an accelerator sensor (not shown). Based on the input output request information, the ECU 322 drives and controls the electric motor 30 via the PDU 321.

[0038] <Terminal block 50> In the embodiment, the three-phase cable 40 extending between the PCU 320 and the electric motor 30 is split midway, and the split cables are connected to each other by the terminal block 50. Hereinafter, the three-phase split cable extending from the PCU 320 may be referred to as the first cable 40A, and the three-phase split cable extending from the electric motor 30 may be referred to as the second cable 40B. The terminal block 50 detachably connects the terminals at the ends of the first cable 40A and the terminals at the ends of the second cable 40B to each other for each phase by fastening bolts B1, B2, and B3.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the terminal block 50 has an approximately rectangular parallelepiped appearance. The terminal block 50 has a flat shape with suppressed dimensions in the thickness direction. The terminal block 50 is arranged inside (rear side) of the rear center cover 25d in a manner where the front-rear width is suppressed with the thickness direction along the vehicle front-rear direction. The terminal block 50 is arranged so that the vertical and horizontal width directions are along the inner surface of the rear center cover 25d. In particular, the terminal block 50 is arranged so that the longitudinal direction (the vertical width direction in the embodiment) when viewed in the front-rear direction is along the inner surface of the rear center cover 25d. Thereby, the terminal block 50 can be arranged in the limited space between the rear center cover 25d and the battery box 103. With this arrangement, the terminal block 50 suppresses the influence on the arrangement space of the battery box 103 and the influence on the footrest space due to the bulge of the rear center cover 25d. Furthermore, the terminal block 50 and the rear center cover 25d are located behind the front end 8b of the seat 8 (shown by line 8b in FIG. 1), suppressing the influence on the footrest space. The terminal block 50 of the embodiment has the longitudinal direction in the vertical direction, but the longitudinal direction may be in the horizontal direction or in an oblique direction between the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0040] The terminal block 50 is close to the inner surface of the rear center cover 25d, enhancing the accessibility when the rear center cover 25d is removed. The space between the terminal block 50 and the rear center cover 25d is a component-free space K2 where no other components are arranged, and the accessibility to the terminal block 50 is enhanced also in this regard. Note that the component-free space K2 does not necessarily need to be a space where the entire terminal block 50 is exposed when the rear center cover 25d is removed. For example, even a space shape where, without having a cover 55 as in the present application, removing the rear center cover 25d exposes the screw members (fastening bolts B1, B2, B3) for fixing the cable terminals, improving the workability, may be acceptable.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 4, the terminal block 50 is disposed offset to one lateral side (left side, the same side as the electric motor 30) in the lateral direction with respect to the vehicle body center line CL in the left-right direction. A cable 40A on the PCU320 side is connected to the terminal block 50 from the center CL side (right side) in the vehicle width direction, and a cable 40B on the electric motor 30 side is connected from the outside (left side) in the vehicle width direction. Thereby, each of the cables 40A and 40B can be routed with the shortest length and without stress. On the front side of the terminal block 50, there are provided terminal fastening portions 51, 52, and 53 for fastening and fixing the terminals of the respective cables 40A and 40B.

[0042] Three terminal fastening portions 51, 52, and 53 are provided corresponding to each of the U, V, and W phases, and these are arranged in order from above. The first cable 40A on the PCU320 side and the second cable 40B on the electric motor 30 side are fastened and fixed together for each phase. On the front side of the terminal block 50, a flat cover 55 that covers the periphery of the plurality of terminal fastening portions 51, 52, 53 and the terminals of the respective cables 40A and 40B from the front is detachably attached by a pair of upper and lower bolts B4.

[0043] A plate-shaped mounting bracket 56 that forms a front surface orthogonal to the front-rear direction is fixed to the center cross frame 16 of the vehicle body frame 11. The terminal block 50 is fastened and fixed to the front surface of the mounting bracket 56 by a plurality of bolts B5. The portion of the mounting bracket 56 that overlaps the terminal block 50 is a terminal block mounting portion for mounting the terminal block 50.

[0044] On the right side of the attachment bracket 56, there is a side extension portion 57 extending so as to reach the right side of the center cross frame 16. On the front surface of the side extension portion 57, an angle sensor 60 for detecting the bank angle (roll angle) of the vehicle is attached by a pair of left and right bolts B6. The side extension portion 57 (the right side of the attachment bracket 56) is a sensor attachment portion for attaching the angle sensor 60. The angle sensor 60 is, for example, a 5-axis or 6-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). The IMU detects the angular velocity of three axes (roll axis, pitch axis, yaw axis) in the vehicle body. Instead of an acceleration sensor such as an IMU, an inclination sensor for detecting the bank angle of the vehicle body may be provided.

[0045] Here, the center cross frame 16 has a curved shape convex upward and forward. The center cross frame 16 is close to the front lower part of the battery box 103 from the front. The center cross frame 16 has a curved shape convex upward and forward so as to avoid the front lower part of the battery box 103. On the upper surface side of the left and right side portions of the center cross frame 16, U-shaped left and right support brackets 17 that open downward when viewed from the front-rear direction are fixed. On the lower front surface side of the battery box 103, a stepped portion 104 facing downward is formed. The stepped portion 104 is supported from below by the left and right support brackets 17. The left and right support brackets 17 are fastened to the stepped portion 104, for example, to fixedly support the front lower part of the battery box 103.

[0046] Between the lower surface sides of the left and right sides of the center cross frame 16 and the left and right rear frames 15, step brackets 18 that support the pillion step 18a for rear passengers are respectively fixed. Between the upper surface sides of the left and right step brackets 18 and the lower surface sides of the left and right sides of the center cross frame 16, first gussets 19a are respectively fixed. Between the upper surface sides of the left and right sides of the center cross frame 16 and the left and right rear frames 15, second gussets 19b are respectively fixed. In this way, the periphery of the left and right sides of the center cross frame 16 is strongly configured and can withstand the load input from the terminal block 50 and the battery box 103.

[0047] Cable support portions 58 are respectively fixed to the left and right of the mounting bracket 56. Each of the left and right cable support portions 58 bundles and supports the first cable 40A on the PCU 320 side and the second cable 40B on the electric motor 30 side. The left and right cable support portions 58 are formed, for example, by bending a thin steel material (wire rod). The left and right cable support portions 58 include a fixed arm portion 58a that extends in the vertical direction along the front surface of the mounting bracket 56, and a holding portion 58b that curves along the outer periphery of a cylinder that extends in the vertical direction below the fixed arm portion 58a. The three-phase first cable 40A on the PCU 320 side is held in a bundled state via a cylindrical rubber bush 58c by the holding portion 58b on the right side. The three-phase second cable 40B on the electric motor 30 side is held in a bundled state via a cylindrical rubber bush 58c by the holding portion 58b on the left side.

[0048] In the in-wheel motor type electric two-wheeler 1, when removing the rear wheel 4 for tire replacement or the like, it is necessary to remove the power cable 40 between the electric motor 30 and the PCU 320. Therefore, by providing a terminal block 50 between the electric motor 30 and the PCU 320 and making it possible to easily disconnect the first cable 40A on the PCU 320 side and the second cable 40B on the electric motor 30 side, the work required for attaching and detaching the rear wheel 4 is facilitated. On the other hand, the terminal block 50 is preferably at a height where it is difficult to be wetted by water.

[0049] In the embodiment, the terminal block 50 is disposed above the footrest surface of the floor step 9a. As a result, while the electric motor 30 and the PCU 320 located in the lower part of the vehicle body adopt a sufficient waterproof structure, the terminal block 50 that interrupts the electrical connection between the electric motor 30 and the PCU 320 can simplify the waterproof structure. Thereby, it is easy for an operator to access the terminal block 50, and the attachment and detachment operations of the respective cables 40A and 40B can be facilitated. For example, the terminal block 50 may be detachable only for at least the cable 40B on the electric motor 30 side. When the rear wheel 4 is attached and detached, the rear wheel 4 together with the electric motor 30 can be attached and detached by removing the cable 40B on the electric motor 30 side from the terminal block 50.

[0050] As described above, the saddle-type electric vehicle in the above embodiment includes an electric motor (electric motor 30) provided integrally with a drive wheel (rear wheel 4), a storage battery (battery 100) that stores supply power to the electric motor, and a control device (PCU 320) that controls the power of the storage battery and supplies it to the electric motor. The electric two-wheeler 1 is provided with a terminal block 50 that detachably connects a first wiring (first cable 40A) extending from the control device and a second wiring (second cable 40B) extending from the electric motor between the control device and the electric motor, and the terminal block 50 is disposed between the seating portion (seat 8) for the occupant and the footrest portion (floor step 9a) in the vehicle vertical direction. According to this configuration, the first wiring and the second wiring extending from the control device and the electric motor respectively are connected to each other at the terminal block 50. The terminal block 50 is disposed below the seating portion and above the footrest portion. As a result, the wiring (three-phase cable 40) between the control device and the electric motor can be detachably disconnected by the terminal block 50, facilitating the attachment and detachment of the in-wheel motor during tire replacement or the like, suppressing water ingress into the terminal block 50, and improving the water immersion resistance of the drive system. The battery 100 is a mobile battery that is detachable from the vehicle, and even if the terminal block between the battery 100 and the PCU 320 is eliminated, the influence on the attachment and detachment of the battery 100 can be suppressed.

[0051] In the above-described saddle-type electric vehicle, an exterior member (rear center cover 25d) spanning between the seating part and the footrest part is provided. The exterior member covers the terminal block 50 from the front in the vehicle longitudinal direction. When the exterior member is removed, the terminal fastening parts 51, 52, 53, or the cover 55 covering the terminal fastening parts 51, 52, 53 is exposed to the front of the vehicle (the footrest part side). According to this configuration, since the terminal block 50 is covered from the front by the exterior member spanning between the seating part and the footrest part, disturbance to the terminal block 50 during running can be suppressed and the appearance can be improved. When the exterior member is removed, the terminal fastening part or its cover is exposed to the front of the vehicle, so that the terminal block 50 can be easily accessed from the footrest part side when the exterior member is removed, and the workability for the terminal block 50 can be improved.

[0052] In the above-described saddle-type electric vehicle, the control device is disposed below the footrest part. According to this configuration, by disposing the control device below the footrest part, the center of gravity of the vehicle body can be lowered. Although the waterproof property of the control device is enhanced, by providing the terminal block 50 separately from the control device, the attachment and detachment of the wiring at the control device can be made unnecessary, and the influence on the workability can be suppressed.

[0053] In the above-described saddle-type electric vehicle, the terminal block 50 is supported by a support member (mounting bracket 56) attached to the vehicle body frame 11. The support member has a wiring support part (cable support part 58) that supports the first wiring and the second wiring. According to this configuration, since the support member that supports the terminal block 50 has a wiring support part, the terminal block 50 and the wiring can be efficiently supported by the support member.

[0054] In the above-described saddle-type electric vehicle, a bank angle sensor (angle sensor 60) for detecting the bank angle of the vehicle body is provided. The support member includes a sensor support part (lateral extension part 57) that supports the bank angle sensor. According to this configuration, since the support member that supports the terminal block 50 also supports the bank angle sensor, it is not necessary to separately provide a support member for the bank angle sensor, and the number of components can be reduced.

[0055] In the above-described straddle-type electric vehicle, a battery box 103 for storing a storage battery is provided below the seating portion, and the support member includes a box support portion 56a that supports the battery box 103. According to this configuration, since the support member that supports the terminal block 50 also supports the battery box 103, it is possible to eliminate or reduce the support member for the battery box 103, and the number of components can be reduced.

[0056] In the above-described straddle-type electric vehicle, the terminal block 50 is arranged such that its longitudinal direction is along the exterior member (rear center cover 25d). According to this configuration, since the terminal block 50 is arranged with its longitudinal direction along the exterior member, the space between the terminal block 50 and the exterior member can be minimized, making it easy to access the terminal block 50 when the exterior member is removed and improving workability.

[0057] In the above-described straddle-type electric vehicle, the terminal block 50 is arranged behind the front end 8b of the seating portion (seat 8). According to this configuration, since the terminal block 50 is arranged behind the front end of the seating portion, the terminal block 50 and the exterior member (rear center cover 25d) that covers it do not protrude toward the footrest side and do not interfere with the legs of the occupant.

[0058] In the above-described straddle-type electric vehicle, the electric motor 30 and the terminal block 50 are arranged offset to one lateral side in the left-right direction with respect to the vehicle body left-right center CL, and the second cable 40B is connected to the terminal block 50 from one lateral side in the left-right direction, and the first cable 40A is connected to the terminal block 50 from the other lateral side in the left-right direction. According to this configuration, the electric motor 30 and the terminal block 50 are arranged so as to be offset to one side in the left-right direction. The second cable 40B is connected to the terminal block 50 from one side in the left-right direction, and the first cable 40A is connected from the other side in the left-right direction. Thus, each of the cables 40A and 40B can be routed in the shortest possible length without stress.

[0059] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, a PCU is cited as an under-floor electrical component disposed below the floor portion, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the under-floor electrical component may be a battery, or may be a PDU (a motor driver including at least an inverter) in which a control device (ECU) is separated from the PCU. Furthermore, a configuration including at least a part of the PCU and the battery may be used. A configuration including a plurality of batteries instead of a single battery may also be used. For example, the terminal block does not necessarily have to fasten the first and second cables with the same screw member. For example, the battery and the motor are not limited to those for vehicle driving, and may be shared for purposes and applications other than driving. The present invention may be applied to a straddle-type vehicle other than a motorcycle. The straddle-type vehicle includes all vehicles on which a driver rides straddling the vehicle body, and includes not only motorcycles (including motorized bicycles), but also three-wheeled vehicles (including vehicles with one front wheel and two rear wheels, as well as vehicles with two front wheels and one rear wheel) or four-wheeled vehicles (such as four-wheel buggies). Vehicles other than scooter-type vehicles having a floor portion 9 are also included. The configuration in the above-described embodiment is an example of the present invention, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention, such as replacing the components of the embodiment with well-known components.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0060] 1 Electric motorcycle (straddle-type electric vehicle) 4 Rear wheel (drive wheel) 8 Seat (seating portion) 8b Front end 9a Floor step (footrest portion) 11 Vehicle body frame 16 Center cross frame 25d Rear center cover (exterior member) 30 Electric motor 40A First cable (first wiring) 40B Second cable (second wiring) 50 Terminal block 51, 52, 53 Terminal fastening parts 55 Cover 56 Mounting bracket (support member) 56a Box support part 57 Lateral extension part (sensor support part) 58 Cable support part (wiring support part) 60 Angle sensor (bank angle sensor) 100 Battery 103 Battery box 320 PCU (control device)

Claims

1. An electric motor (30) for driving the vehicle, A storage battery (100) for storing the power supplied to the electric motor (30), In a saddle-type electric vehicle (1) comprising a control device (320) for controlling the power of the storage battery (100) and supplying it to the electric motor (30), A terminal block (50) is provided between the control device (320) and the electric motor (30) to detachably connect a first wiring (40A) extending from the control device (320) and a second wiring (40B) extending from the electric motor (30), The saddle-type electric vehicle, wherein the terminal block (50) is disposed between a seating portion (8) for the occupant and a footrest portion (9a) in the vehicle vertical direction.

2. The saddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the electric motor (30) is a in-wheel motor provided integrally with a drive wheel (4) of the vehicle.

3. An exterior member (25d) is provided between the seating portion (8) and the footrest portion (9a), The exterior member (25d) covers the terminal block (50) from the front in the vehicle front-rear direction, The saddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the exterior member (25d) is removed, a terminal fastening portion (51, 52, 53) or a cover (55) covering the terminal fastening portion (51, 52, 53) is exposed to the front of the vehicle.

4. The saddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device (320) is disposed below the footrest portion (9a).

5. The terminal block (50) is supported by a support member (56) attached to the vehicle body frame (11), The saddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support member (56) has a wiring support portion (58) for supporting the first wiring (40A) and the second wiring (40B).

6. It is equipped with a bank angle sensor (60) for detecting the bank angle of the vehicle body, The support member (56) is provided with a sensor support portion (57) for supporting the bank angle sensor (60). The saddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

7. It is equipped with a battery box (103) for storing the storage battery (100) below the seating portion (8), The support member (56) is provided with a box support portion (56a) for supporting the battery box (103). The saddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

8. The terminal block (50) is arranged such that its longitudinal direction is along the exterior member (25d). The saddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that.

9. The terminal block (50) is arranged behind the front end (8b) of the seating portion (8). The saddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that.

10. The motor (30) and the terminal block (50) are arranged offset to one lateral side in the left-right direction with respect to the center (CL) of the vehicle body left and right, The second wiring (40B) is connected to the terminal block (50) from one lateral side in the left-right direction, and the first wiring (40A) is connected from the other lateral side in the left-right direction. The saddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

Images