Vehicle

Abstract

To provide a vehicle in which a battery can be attached so that it is easily accessible and protected from external shocks, while being located in a low position at the front of the vehicle.SOLUTION: A vehicle 10 comprises two or three wheels, including front wheels 2L, 2R and a rear wheel 2B, a frame 1, a handle 4 rotatably mounted on the frame to steer the front wheels or the rear wheel, a cargo box 5 provided in front of the handle and having a storage space for luggage or persons, a motor 3 driving at least one of the wheels, a battery 6 supplying power to the motor, and an adapter 7 to which the battery is attached. A bottom surface of the storage space of the cargo box is located below an upper end of the front wheels. The adapter is located within the storage space of the cargo box. The battery is attached to the adapter within the storage space of the cargo box.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a two - or three - wheeled electric vehicle having a cargo box.

Background Art

[0002] EP3778365A1 (Patent Document 1) discloses a three - wheeled electric vehicle equipped with a cargo box for carrying luggage or people. The chassis of the electric vehicle has a plate - shaped loading platform provided between two front wheels and one rear wheel. The plate - shaped loading platform has a battery housing. A cargo box is arranged on the plate - shaped loading platform.

[0003] WO2020 / 012801 (Patent Document 2) discloses an electric tricycle having a loading platform. This electric tricycle has two front wheels, one rear wheel, a frame portion, a handle portion, a loading platform, and a link mechanism. The frame portion connects the front wheel and the rear wheel. The front wheel is steered by the handle portion. The frame portion is telescopic between a first position allowing the movement of the front wheel and a second position restricting the movement of the front wheel. The electric tricycle has a battery storage portion. A portable battery is detachably attached to the battery storage portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present application discloses a vehicle in which a battery can be mounted in an easily accessible state and protected from external impacts while being arranged at a low position in the front part of the vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle in the embodiment of the present invention includes two or three wheels including front wheels and rear wheels, a frame, a handle rotatably attached to the frame for steering the front wheel or the rear wheel, a cargo box provided in front of the handle and having a storage space for luggage or a person, a motor for driving at least one of the wheels, a battery for supplying power to the motor, and an adapter to which the battery is attached. The bottom surface of the storage space of the cargo box is located below the upper end of the front wheel, the adapter is provided in the storage space of the cargo box, and the battery is attached to the adapter in the storage space of the cargo box.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] (Configuration 1) The vehicle in the embodiment of the present invention includes two or three wheels including front wheels and rear wheels, a frame, a handle rotatably attached to the frame for steering the front wheel or the rear wheel, a cargo box provided in front of the handle and having a storage space for luggage or a person, a motor for driving at least one of the wheels, a battery for supplying power to the motor, and an adapter to which the battery is attached. The bottom surface of the storage space of the cargo box is located below the upper end of the front wheel, the adapter is provided in the storage space of the cargo box, and the battery is attached to the adapter in the storage space of the cargo box.

[0009] According to the above configuration 1, the battery is mounted on the adapter within the storage space of the cargo box. The cargo box is provided in front of the handle, and the bottom surface of its storage space is located below the upper end of the front wheel. That is, the battery is arranged at a low position in the front part of the vehicle. Thereby, the center of gravity of the vehicle can be made forward and low. Therefore, it becomes easier for the occupant to maintain the posture of the vehicle during driving. Also, since the battery is arranged within the cargo box, the occupant can access the battery through the same route as when putting luggage or a person into the cargo box. Furthermore, the battery is protected from external impacts by the cargo box. Thus, according to the above configuration 1, the battery can be mounted while being arranged at a low position in the front part of the vehicle, being easily accessible, and being protected from external impacts.

[0010] The configuration in which the battery is mounted on the adapter within the storage space of the cargo box is a configuration in which the battery is mounted on the adapter such that at least a part of the battery is located within the storage space when the vehicle is in an upright state.

[0011] For example, the battery may be mounted on the adapter in a state where the entire battery is located within the storage space when the vehicle is in an upright state. Thereby, the effect of protecting the battery from external impacts becomes higher.

[0012] In the state where the battery is mounted on the adapter, the battery and the adapter are electrically connected. For example, the connection terminal of the battery and the connection terminal of the adapter are electrically connected.

[0013] The cargo box may have a bottom defining the bottom surface of the storage space, a left wall defining the left surface of the storage space, a right wall defining the right surface of the storage space, a front wall defining the entire surface of the storage space, and a rear wall defining the rear surface of the storage space. In this case, the space surrounded by the bottom, the left wall, the right wall, the front wall, and the rear wall becomes the storage space. The bottom of the cargo box may be located below the upper end of the front wheel, and the left wall, the right wall, the front wall, and the rear wall may all extend upward from the upper end of the front wheel. That is, the storage space may extend upward from the bottom surface above the upper end of the front wheel.

[0014] The configuration in which the bottom surface of the storage space is located below the upper end of the front wheel means that when the vehicle is in an upright state, the bottom surface of the storage space is located below the upper end of the front wheel. The vehicle being in an upright state means a state in which the vertical direction of the vehicle coincides with the vertical direction.

[0015] (Configuration 2) In Configuration 1, the battery may be mounted on the adapter such that the longitudinal direction of the battery is along a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction of the vehicle when the vehicle is in an upright state. That is, the battery may be mounted on the adapter such that the longitudinal direction of the battery is along a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction of the vehicle. Thereby, the center of gravity of the battery can be lowered compared to the case where the battery is mounted such that the longitudinal direction of the battery is along the vertical direction of the vehicle. Note that the form in which the longitudinal direction of the battery is along a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction of the vehicle includes not only the case where the longitudinal direction of the battery exactly coincides with the direction (plane) perpendicular to the vertical direction of the vehicle, but also the case where the difference between the longitudinal direction of the battery and the direction (plane) perpendicular to the vertical direction of the vehicle is small (for example, within 15 degrees) to the extent that they can be regarded as coinciding.

[0016] For example, the battery may be mounted on the adapter such that when the vehicle is in an upright state, the longitudinal direction of the battery is along the front-rear direction of the vehicle. In this case, it becomes easier for the occupant to access the battery from the left-right direction of the vehicle. Alternatively, the battery may be mounted on the adapter such that when the vehicle is in an upright state, the longitudinal direction of the battery is along the left-right direction of the vehicle.

[0017] In Configuration 1, the battery may be mounted on the adapter such that when the vehicle is in an upright state, the longitudinal direction of the battery is along the vertical direction of the vehicle. Thereby, compared with the case where the battery is mounted such that the longitudinal direction of the battery is along a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction of the vehicle, the dimensions in the front-rear or left-right direction occupied by the battery in the storage space can be reduced. Note that the form in which the longitudinal direction of the battery is along the vertical direction of the vehicle includes not only the case where the longitudinal direction of the battery exactly coincides with the vertical direction of the vehicle, but also the case where the difference between the longitudinal direction of the battery and the vertical direction of the vehicle is small (for example, within 15 degrees) to the extent that they can be regarded as coinciding.

[0018] (Configuration 3) In the above Configuration 1 or 2, the battery may be mounted on the adapter such that the entire battery is located behind the axle of the front wheel within the storage space. Thereby, the battery can be arranged at a position closer to the steering wheel. Therefore, the weight distribution of the battery can be concentrated near the center of the yaw rotation of the vehicle. As a result, the yaw moment during turning can be reduced, and the turning performance can be improved.

[0019] (Configuration 4) In any of the above Configurations 1 to 3, the battery may be configured to be detachable from the adapter by linearly sliding or rotating with respect to the adapter within the storage space. Thereby, the battery can be detached and attached within the storage space of the cargo box. For example, the adapter may have a guide that supports while sliding when the battery linearly slides or rotates. In this case, the battery may have a slide portion having a shape that engages with the guide of the adapter.

[0020] (Configuration 5) In any of the above Configurations 1 to 3, the battery may be configured to be detachable from the adapter by rotating the battery between the inside and the outside of the storage space with respect to the adapter. Thereby, it becomes easier for the occupant to attach and detach the battery. For example, the adapter may have a guide that supports the battery while sliding when the battery rotates. In this case, the battery may have a slide portion shaped to engage with the guide of the adapter. Further, the cargo box may include side walls that extend upward from the bottom surface of the storage space and define side surfaces, and an opening through which the battery passes when rotating and detaching with respect to the adapter may be provided in a part of the side wall.

[0021] (Configuration 6) In any of the above Configurations 1 to 5, the vehicle may further include a cover that covers at least a part of the battery mounted on the adapter within the storage space. Thereby, the battery can be better protected against external impacts.

[0022] The cover may be configured to cover the entire battery.

[0023] Within the storage space, the storage space for the battery defined by the cover may be open in at least one direction.

[0024] The opening of the storage space for the battery defined by the cover can be, for example, in a direction other than the direction from the stored battery toward the vehicle occupant. That is, the cover may be provided to shield between the battery and the occupant.

[0025] (Configuration 7) In any of the above configurations 1 to 6, the battery may be mounted on the adapter such that when the vehicle is in an upright state, the entire battery is positioned below an imaginary line passing through the upper end of the handle and contacting the outer peripheral edge of the upper half of the front wheel when viewed from the left - right direction of the vehicle. Thereby, the effect of protecting the battery from impact can be further enhanced.

[0026] In either the state where the handle is not turned (i.e., the steering angle is 0 degrees) or the state where the handle is turned (the steering angle is not 0 degrees), the battery may be mounted on the adapter such that the entire battery is positioned below an imaginary line passing through the upper end of the handle and contacting the outer peripheral edge of the upper half of the front wheel.

[0027] (Configuration 8) In any of the above configurations 1 to 7, when the vehicle is in an upright state, the battery may be mounted on the adapter such that the electrical connection terminal of the battery is positioned behind the center in the front - rear direction of the battery. Thereby, the electrical connection terminal of the battery can be arranged at a position close to the handle.

[0028] For example, when the vehicle is in an upright state, the longitudinal direction of the battery may be along the front - rear direction of the vehicle, and the electrical connection terminal of the battery may be positioned at the rear end of the battery. In this case, the battery may be configured to be detachable from the adapter by sliding the battery in the front - rear direction of the vehicle with respect to the adapter.

[0029] (Configuration 9) In any of the above configurations 1 to 8, the wheels may include a left front wheel and a right front wheel arranged side - by - side in the left - right direction. The vehicle may include an arm that supports the left front wheel and the right front wheel and is rotatably supported with respect to the frame, and may further include a lean mechanism in which the frame, the left front wheel, and the right front wheel lean in the left - right direction as the arm rotates. The cargo box is disposed at a position overlapping a part of the lean mechanism when viewed from above the vehicle when the vehicle is in an upright state. The battery may be attached to the adapter so as not to protrude forward of the front end of the arm of the lean mechanism when the vehicle is in an upright state. Thereby, in the storage space, the battery can be disposed at a position where the vibration applied to the battery is relatively small. Therefore, the vibration applied to the battery is reduced. Further, the effect of protecting the battery from impact can be enhanced.

[0030] (Configuration 10) In any of the above Configurations 1 to 9, the wheels may include a left front wheel and a right front wheel arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The vehicle may further include a left steering transmission member that transmits the rotation of the handle to the left front wheel to steer the left front wheel, and a right steering transmission member that transmits the rotation of the handle to the right front wheel to steer the right front wheel. The cargo box is disposed at a position overlapping at least a part of the left steering transmission member and the right steering transmission member when viewed from above the vehicle when the vehicle is in an upright state. The battery may be attached to the adapter so that when the vehicle is in an upright state and the handle is not turned, the battery does not protrude to the left of the left steering transmission member and does not protrude to the right of the right steering transmission member when viewed from above the vehicle. Thereby, the effect of protecting the battery from impact can be enhanced.

[0031] Hereinafter, an electric assist bicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the members will not be repeated. Also, the dimensions of the constituent members in each figure do not faithfully represent the actual dimensions of the constituent members and the dimensional ratios of the constituent members.

[0032] In this specification, the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions of the vehicle mean the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions with reference to the state where the occupant is seated on the saddle (seat 8) and holds the handle 4. When the vehicle is in an upright state, each of the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions of the vehicle is the same as the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions of the vehicle body, i.e., the frame. Also, the traveling direction of the vehicle is the same as the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Further, in this specification, when the configuration of the vehicle is described using the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions, unless otherwise specified, it means the configuration when the vehicle is in an upright state.

[0033] In the drawings, arrow F indicates the front direction of the vehicle. Arrow B indicates the rear direction of the vehicle. Arrow U indicates the up direction of the vehicle. Arrow D indicates the down direction of the vehicle. Arrow R indicates the right direction of the vehicle. Arrow L indicates the left direction of the vehicle.

[0034] <Example of vehicle configuration> FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the vehicle in this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a left side view of the vehicle in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a top view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 10 includes wheels including front wheels 2R, 2L and rear wheels 2B, a frame 1, a handle 4, a seat 8, a cargo box 5, a motor 3, a battery 6, and an adapter 7. The handle 4 is rotatably attached to the frame 1. The motor 3 is a power source for driving the wheels. The battery 6 supplies power to the motor 3. The rotation of the handle 4 is transmitted to the steering wheels (front wheels 2R, 2L in the example of FIG. 1). The steering wheels are steered by the rotation of the handle 4. The cargo box 5 is provided in front of the handle 4. The cargo box 5 has a storage space 5S for storing luggage or people. The cargo box 5 is a box that opens upward.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom surface 5SM of the storage space of the cargo box 5 is located below the upper ends of the front wheels 2R and 2L. That is, the entire bottom surface of the storage space is at a position lower than the upper ends of the front wheels. The storage space of the cargo box 5 extends upward from the bottom surface 5SM above the upper ends of the front wheels 2R and 2L. As shown in FIG. 1, the cargo box 5 has a bottom portion 5T that defines the bottom surface 5SM, and a left wall 5L, a right wall 5R, a front wall 5F, and a rear wall 5B that extend upward from the periphery of the bottom surface 5SM. The space surrounded by the bottom portion 5T, the left wall 5L, the right wall 5R, the front wall 5F, and the rear wall 5B is the storage space 5S. The left wall 5L, the right wall 5R, the front wall 5F, and the rear wall 5B are collectively referred to as side walls. The side walls define the sides of the storage space 5S.

[0036] An adapter 7 is provided in the storage space 5S. The battery 6 is mounted on the adapter 7 in the storage space 5S of the cargo box 5. In this way, the battery 6 is mounted in the storage space 5S of the cargo box 5 that has a bottom surface lower than the upper ends of the front wheels 2R and 2L in front of the handle 4.

[0037] With this configuration, the battery 6 can be arranged at a low position in front of the handle. Therefore, the center of gravity of the vehicle 10 is lowered. As a result, the maneuverability of the vehicle 10 can be ensured. Also, the occupant can attach and detach the battery 6 during the operation of placing luggage or a person in the storage space 5S. Furthermore, the bottom, left and right, and front and rear of the battery 6 are covered by the cargo box 5. Therefore, the battery 6 is protected from external impacts. In this way, both the protection of the battery and the accessibility to the battery, and the maneuverability of the vehicle can be achieved.

[0038] The battery 6 is, for example, a battery pack including a plurality of cells. The battery 6 has a plurality of cells, a case that houses the plurality of cells, and electrical connection terminals exposed outside the case. The battery 6 may have a battery management system (BMS). The battery 6 may be referred to as a battery pack, for example.

[0039] The adapter 7 has electrical connection terminals. The adapter 7 is configured to hold the battery 6 in a mounted state. The mounted state is a state in which the electrical connection terminals of the adapter 7 are in contact with the electrical connection terminals of the battery 6. The adapter 7 may have a locking member that locks the battery 6 in the mounted state to the adapter 7. The locking member may be a locking protrusion such as a hook, for example. Also, a locking member for locking and unlocking the locking of the battery 6 in the mounted state by the locking member of the adapter 7 may be provided in the storage space 5S. j

[0040] A cable is connected to the electrical connection terminals of the adapter 7. The battery 6 and the motor 3 are electrically connected by the cable. In the example of FIG. 1, the motor 3 drives the rear wheel 2B. The motor 3 is, as an example, an in-wheel motor provided on the hub of the rear wheel 2B. The form of the motor that drives the wheels is not limited to this. For example, the motor may be configured to drive the front wheel. Or, the motor may be configured to drive the front wheel and the rear wheel. For example, the motor may be in a form that assists the pedaling force of the occupant who propels the vehicle. In this case, the vehicle 10 may include a crankshaft, a pedal to which the pedaling force for rotating the crankshaft is input, and a transmission mechanism that transmits the rotation of the crankshaft to the wheels. The transmission mechanism may include a resultant force mechanism that synthesizes the rotation of the motor and the rotation by the pedaling force.

[0041] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the frame 1 includes a head pipe 1a that rotatably holds a steering shaft (steering column) 11. A handle 4 is attached to the upper part of the steering shaft 11. A steering transmission member is attached to the lower part of the steering shaft 11. The frame 1 includes a rear part that extends rearward from the head pipe 1a and a front part 1b that extends forward of the head pipe 1a. The rear part includes a seat tube 1c that holds the seat 8. In the example of FIG. 2, a swing arm 1d is rotatably attached to the rear part of the frame 1 about a rotation axis in the left-right direction. The swing arm 1d rotatably supports the rear wheel 2B about the axle center. The motor 3 that drives the rear wheel 2B is provided on the swing arm 1d.

[0042] Note that the support structure of the rear wheel 2B is not limited to the example of FIG. 2. For example, the frame may include a seat stay and a chain stay at the rear portion. In this case, the rear wheel 2 is supported at the rear ends of the seat stay and the chain stay.

[0043] The materials of the side walls and the bottom of the cargo box 5 are not particularly limited, and for example, they can be made of resin, metal, or wood. There may be openings in a part of the side walls and the bottom of the cargo box 5. Also, at least a part of the side walls and the bottom of the cargo box 5 may be formed of a mesh. Further, the cargo box 5 may have a lid (shutter) that can open and close the opening above the cargo box 5.

[0044] (Example of battery arrangement in the storage space) In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the battery 6 is attached to the adapter 7 such that the longitudinal direction of the battery 6 is along the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10. Thus, when the longitudinal direction of the battery 6 is along the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction of the vehicle 10 within the storage space, the center of gravity of the battery 6 can be lowered. As a modification, the battery 6 may be attached to the adapter 7 such that the longitudinal direction of the battery 6 is along the left-right direction of the vehicle 10. Also in this case, the center of gravity of the battery 6 can be lowered.

[0045] In the example of FIG. 2, the adapter 7 is provided on the bottom surface 5SM of the storage space 5S. Thus, in the configuration where the battery 6 is attached such that the longitudinal direction of the battery 6 is along the plane perpendicular to the vertical direction of the vehicle, the adapter 7 can be provided on the bottom surface of the storage space 5S. Thereby, the effect of lowering the center of gravity of the battery can be further enhanced. From the viewpoint of lowering the center of gravity, it is preferable that the battery is attached to the adapter such that the whole of the battery is positioned below half of the height of the storage space 5S in the vehicle vertical direction. The height of the storage space 5S in the vehicle vertical direction is the distance in the vehicle vertical direction from the lowest position of the bottom surface to the highest position of the side wall.

[0046] Note that the longitudinal direction of the battery is the direction with the largest dimension among the three mutually perpendicular directions (for example, width, length, and height) that serve as the reference for the size of the battery 6.

[0047] As another modification example, the battery 6 may be mounted on the adapter 7 such that the longitudinal direction of the battery 6 follows the vertical direction of the vehicle 10 when the vehicle 10 is in an upright state. Thereby, the dimensions in the front - rear or left - right direction occupied by the battery in the storage space can be reduced. Also, in this case, by providing the adapter 7 on the rear surface of the storage space, that is, on the rear wall, the weight distribution of the battery 6 can be concentrated closer to the handle. Therefore, the maneuverability of the vehicle can be ensured.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a modification example of the battery arrangement. In the example of FIG. 4, the battery 6 is mounted on the adapter 7 such that the longitudinal direction of the battery 6 is slightly inclined with respect to the plane perpendicular to the vertical direction of the vehicle 10. By mounting the battery 6 on the adapter 7 in a state where the longitudinal direction of the battery 6 is inclined in this way, the mounting stability can be enhanced. For example, when electrical connection terminals are provided on one of the two end surfaces in the longitudinal direction of the battery 6, the battery 6 may be mounted on the adapter 7 in a state where the longitudinal direction is inclined such that one of the surfaces is lower than the other surface. Thereby, the mounting stability can be enhanced by utilizing the gravity of the battery. Note that, as shown in FIG. 4, from the viewpoint of the center - of - gravity position of the battery, when the angle between the longitudinal direction of the battery and the plane perpendicular to the vertical direction of the vehicle is small (for example, within 15 degrees), the longitudinal direction of the battery can be regarded as following the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a modification of the battery arrangement. In the example of FIG. 5, the longitudinal direction of the battery 6 is along the vertical direction of the vehicle 10, and the battery 6 is mounted on the adapter 7 such that the longitudinal direction of the battery 6 is slightly inclined rearward with respect to the vertical direction of the vehicle 10. The adapter 7 is provided on the rear surface 5SB of the storage space. The rear surface of the storage space 5S is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. The rear surface 5SB of the storage space 5S and the longitudinal direction of the battery are inclined so as to be rearward as going upward. Thereby, the mounting stability and accessibility of the battery can be further enhanced. Also, since the battery can be arranged near the handle 4, it is easier to ensure the turning performance of the vehicle.

[0050] As an example, the inclination of the rear surface 5SB and the longitudinal direction of the battery may be the same as the inclination of the steering shaft 11 supported by the head pipe 1a. Thereby, the space in front of the steering shaft 11 can be efficiently utilized in accordance with the inclination of the steering shaft 11.

[0051] As a modification, when viewed from the left-right direction, the battery 6 may be mounted on the adapter 7 at a position overlapping the steering shaft 11. Thereby, the space can be effectively utilized, and the battery can be arranged near the handle. For example, in a configuration in which two batteries 6 are mounted, the two batteries 6 may be mounted on the adapter 7 at positions arranged in the left-right direction such that the steering shaft 11 is located between the two batteries 6.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 3 again, an example of the arrangement of the battery 6 with respect to the frame 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the battery 6 may be mounted on the adapter 7 such that at least a part of the battery 6 overlaps the front portion 1b of the frame 1 when viewed from above the vehicle when the vehicle is in an upright state. Thereby, the frame 1 can support the weight of the battery 6. Also, the effect of protecting the battery 6 from impact is higher. Also, the battery 6 may be mounted on the adapter 7 such that the battery 6 does not protrude in front of the front end of the frame 1 when viewed from above the vehicle when the vehicle is in an upright state.

[0053] In the example of FIG. 3, the battery 6 is attached to the adapter 7 such that the electrical connection terminal 6a of the battery 6 is located behind the center in the front-rear direction of the battery 6 indicated by the line C1. Thereby, the electrical connection terminal of the battery can be arranged at a position close to the handle 4. Thereby, the cables of the vehicle 10 connected to the battery can be efficiently arranged. Also, from the same viewpoint, when there is an electrical connection terminal 6a on one of the surfaces at both longitudinal ends of the battery 6 as in the example of FIG. 3, the battery 6 can be connected to the adapter 7 such that one surface is more rearward than the other surface.

[0054] In the example of FIG. 2, the storage space 5S is formed to extend forward of the axle 2a of the front wheel 2L. That is, at least a part of the front wall 5F of the cargo box 5 is located forward of the axle 2a of the front wheel 2L. Also, within the storage space 5S, the battery 6 is attached to the adapter 7 in a state where the entire battery 6 is located behind the axle 2a of the front wheel 2L. Thereby, a wide storage space 5S can be secured forward, and the battery 6 can be arranged at a position close to the handle 4. Therefore, while securing a wide storage space 5S in the front and rear directions, the weight distribution of the battery can be concentrated near the center of the yaw rotation of the vehicle. Note that the configuration of arranging the battery 6 behind the axle 2a is also applicable to the battery arrangement in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 or other modified examples.

[0055] In the example of FIG. 2, when the vehicle is in an upright state, as viewed from the left-right direction of the vehicle, the entire battery 6 attached to the adapter 7 is located below the virtual line K1 that passes through the upper end of the handle 4 and contacts the outer peripheral edge of the upper half of the front wheel 2L. Thereby, in addition to the cargo box 5, the front wheel 2L and the handle 4 are also arranged at positions to protect the battery 6 from impact.

[0056] The virtual line K2 shown in FIG. 2 is an example of a virtual line that passes through the upper end of the handle 4 in a state where the handle 4 is turned, that is, in a state where the steering angle is not 0 degrees, and contacts the outer peripheral edge of the upper half of the front wheel 2L. The entire battery 6 is located below the virtual line K2. Thus, within the range of the steering angle enabled by the rotation of the handle 4, the battery attached to the adapter may be configured to be located below a virtual line that passes through the upper end of the handle and contacts the outer peripheral edge of the upper half of the front wheel. Note that the configuration of arranging the battery 6 below the above-described virtual line is also applicable to the battery arrangement in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 or other modified examples.

[0057] (Example of battery attachment / detachment form) In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the battery 6 is configured to be detachable from the adapter 7 by linearly sliding it with respect to the adapter 7 within the storage space 5S. For example, the adapter 7 may have a guide for linearly sliding the battery 6, and the battery 6 may have a slide portion shaped to fit the guide of the adapter 7. The guide of the adapter 7 may be, for example, a linearly extending groove or protrusion. The slide portion of the battery 6 may be, for example, a linearly extending protrusion or groove. By the slide portion of the battery 6 contacting and sliding along the guide of the adapter 7, the battery 6 linearly slides toward the mounting position. Further, the adapter 7 may have a locking member that locks the battery 6 at the mounting position when the battery 6 is mounted.

[0058] In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the battery 6 is configured to be detachable from the adapter 7 by linearly sliding it in the front-rear direction (arrows Y1, Y2) with respect to the adapter 7 within the storage space 5S. In this case, since the mounting position of the battery 6 is located at the rear of the storage space, the occupant can easily mount the battery by inserting the battery 6 from the front, where there is sufficient space, toward the rear.

[0059] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the battery 6 is configured to be detachable from the adapter 7 by linearly sliding in the vertical direction (arrow Y3) with respect to the adapter 7 within the storage space 5S. In this case, the occupant can easily attach the battery by inserting the battery 6 through the upward opening of the cargo box 5.

[0060] The battery 6 may be configured to be detachable from the adapter by rotating with respect to the adapter 7 within the storage space 5S. In this case, the adapter 7 may have, for example, a guide that supports while sliding when the battery rotates. The battery 6 may have a slide portion shaped to engage with the guide of the adapter 7. The guide of the adapter 7 may be, for example, a recess. The slide portion of the battery may be a protrusion that fits into the recess and can rotate. In this case, with the protrusion of the battery 6 fitted into the recess of the guide of the adapter 7, the battery 6 pivots and rotates about the protrusion. Also in this case, the adapter 7 may have a locking member that locks the battery 6 in the mounted position when the battery 6 is mounted.

[0061] The battery 6 may be configured to be detachable from the adapter by rotating with respect to the adapter 7 between the inside and outside of the storage space 5S. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing this configuration example. In the example of FIG. 6, the battery 6 is configured to be detachable from the adapter by rotating with respect to the adapter 7 through the opening of the rear wall 5B that defines the rear surface 5SB of the storage space 5S. In this example, with the protrusion 6b, which is the slide portion of the battery 6, fitted into a recess (not shown), which is the guide of the adapter 7, the battery 6 rotates with the protrusion 6b as the pivot axis. By this rotation, the battery 6 is detached (mounted and removed).

[0062] FIG. 6 shows that when mounted, by rotating the battery 6 relative to the adapter 7, the battery 6 reaches the mounting position inside the storage space 5S from outside the storage space 5S. The electrical connection terminals of the battery 6 and the electrical connection terminals of the adapter 7 are separated during rotation and are in contact at the mounting position. As a modification, the adapter 7 may have a rotatable terminal block that holds the electrical connection terminals. In this case, by rotating the battery 6 while it is connected to the terminal block of the adapter 7, it is configured to be detachable from the adapter 7. When the battery 6 is connected to the terminal block of the adapter 7, the electrical connection terminals of the battery 6 and the electrical connection terminals of the adapter 7 are electrically connected. The terminal block of the adapter 7 is configured to be rotatable between a mounting position connected to the terminal block and a removal position.

[0063] (Configuration example of battery cover) FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a cover 60 that covers the battery 6. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the battery and the cover 60 in FIG. 7 as viewed from the front of the vehicle. In the examples shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a cover 60 is provided that covers the entire battery 6 from above and from the sides (left and right). The entire cover 60 is disposed within the storage space 5S. The shape of the cover 60 is not limited to the examples of FIGS. 7 and 8. For example, the cover 60 may be configured to cover a part of the battery 6 from above. The cover 60 may be configured to cover the upper part of the battery 6 and not cover the sides. Also, the battery 6 may be mounted on the adapter 7 within a recess provided in the bottom surface within the storage space. In this case, the cover 60 may be constituted by a lid that covers the recess in which the battery 6 is disposed from above.

[0064] In the examples shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the front of the battery is not covered by the cover 60. Thus, within the storage space 5S, the storage space of the battery defined by the cover may be open in at least one direction. Thereby, the storage space of the battery can be prevented from being a sealed space. In this case, for example, the opening of the storage space of the battery can be made not to face the passenger side. Thereby, the cover 60 shields between the passenger and the battery.

[0065] For example, a seat such as a child seat may be provided within the storage space 5S. In this case, the battery 6 may be mounted on the adapter 7 under the seat. In this case, the seat serves as a cover. For example, when viewed from above, the battery 6 may be mounted on the adapter 7 such that the entire battery 6 overlaps with the seat. In this case, the battery and the occupant are shielded by the seat. Also, or in addition to the seat, a further cover 60 may be provided.

[0066] (Examples of the lean mechanism and the steering mechanism) FIG. 9 is a left side view showing a perspective configuration of the cargo box 5 of the vehicle shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 10 is a front view of the vehicle configuration shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a top view of the vehicle configuration shown in FIG. 9.

[0067] In the example shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the vehicle 10 includes a lean mechanism. The lean mechanism includes arms 21a and 21b that support the left front wheel 2L and the right front wheel 2R and are rotatably supported with respect to the frame 1. When the arms 21a and 21b rotate, the relative positions of the left front wheel 2L and the right front wheel 2R with respect to the frame 1 change. As a result, the frame 1, the left front wheel 2L, and the right front wheel 2R lean in the left-right direction. The arms 21a and 21b are arranged one above the other. Both ends of the arms 21a and 21b are rotatably connected to the left front wheel support portion 9L and the right front wheel support portion 9R. An intermediate portion between both ends of the arms 21a and 21b is rotatably supported by the frame 1 about front-rear direction axes P1 and P2. The left front wheel support portion 9L rotatably supports the left front wheel 2L. The right front wheel support portion 9R rotatably supports the right front wheel 2R.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 10, a vehicle 10 equipped with a lean mechanism tilts and turns the frame 1 in the left - right direction of the vehicle with respect to the vertical direction. Therefore, in addition to the directions based on the vehicle 10, directions based on the frame 1 are defined. In FIG. 10, the arrow FU indicates the upward direction of the frame. The arrow FD indicates the downward direction of the frame. The arrow FR indicates the right direction of the frame. The arrow FL indicates the left direction of the frame. When the vehicle is in an upright state (the left figure in FIG. 10), the up - down direction of the vehicle coincides with the up - down direction of the frame. When the frame is tilted in the left - right direction with respect to the vertical direction (the right figure in FIG. 10), the left - right direction of the vehicle does not coincide with the left - right direction of the frame. Also, the up - down direction of the vehicle does not coincide with the up - down direction of the frame.

[0069] In the example of FIG. 10, the cargo box 5 is fixed to the frame 1. When the frame 1 tilts in the left - right direction, the cargo box 5 also tilts together with the frame 1. As a modification, even when the frame 1 tilts in the left - right direction, the cargo box can be configured not to tilt. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a lean mechanism in which the cargo box does not tilt even when the frame tilts in the left - right direction. In the example of FIG. 12, the cargo box 5 is attached to a base 23 that is rotatably supported with respect to the frame 1. The lean mechanism has an arm 21a that supports the left front wheel 2L and the right front wheel 2R and is rotatably supported with respect to the frame 1, and an arm 22 that supports the left front wheel 2L and the right front wheel 2R and is attached to the base 23. In this case, the rotation axis 23a of the base 23 with respect to the frame 1 and the rotation axis 21a1 of the arm 21a with respect to the frame are in the same direction (in the example of FIG. 12, the front - rear direction of the vehicle).

[0070] As shown in FIG. 11, the cargo box 5 is disposed at a position overlapping a part of the lean mechanism when viewed from above the vehicle. In this example, the cargo box 5 protrudes forward of the front ends of the arms 21a and 21b of the lean mechanism. The battery 6 is mounted on the adapter 7 in the storage space 5S so as not to protrude forward of the front ends of the arms 21a and 21b of the lean mechanism. Thereby, the battery 6 can be disposed at a position closer to the center of the vehicle where the vibration is smaller than near the end of the vehicle. Therefore, the vibration applied to the battery 6 can be reduced. Also, by disposing the battery 6 so as not to protrude forward of the lean mechanism, the stability of the vehicle is improved. Furthermore, the effect of protecting the battery 6 from impact becomes higher. From this viewpoint, for example, the battery 6 may be mounted on the adapter 7 such that the entire battery 6 is positioned rearward of the arms 21a and 21b of the lean mechanism. Also, the battery 6 may be mounted on the adapter 7 so as not to protrude forward of the front end of the front portion 1b of the frame 1 and not to protrude forward of the front ends of the arms 21a and 21b of the lean mechanism. Also, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the battery 6 can be mounted on the adapter 7 so as not to protrude below the lower ends of the arms 21a and 21b of the lean mechanism. Thereby, the effect of protecting the battery from impact can be enhanced. From a similar viewpoint, the battery 6 may be mounted on the adapter 7 such that the entire battery is positioned above the arms 21a and 21b of the lean mechanism.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the vehicle 10 further includes a left steering transmission member 13L that transmits the rotation of the steering wheel 4 to the left front wheel 2L to steer the left front wheel 2L, and a right steering transmission member 13R that transmits the rotation of the steering wheel 4 to the right front wheel 2R to steer the right front wheel 2R. A branch transmission member 12 is attached to the lower end of the steering shaft 11. The branch transmission member 12 extends left and right from the steering shaft 11 and then extends downward from the left and right sides of the operating shaft 11 respectively. The branch transmission member 12 rotates together with the steering shaft 11. One end of the right steering transmission member 13R is rotatably connected to the lower right end of the branch transmission member 12, and the other end is rotatably connected to the bracket 14R of the right front wheel support portion 9R. One end of the left steering transmission member 13L is rotatably connected to the lower left end of the branch transmission member 12, and the other end is rotatably connected to the bracket 14L of the left front wheel support portion 9L.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 11, the cargo box 5 is disposed at a position overlapping at least a part of the left steering transmission member 13L and the right steering transmission member 13R when viewed from above the vehicle. The battery 6 is mounted on the adapter 7 so that when the vehicle is in an upright state and the steering wheel is not turned to the right or left, it does not protrude to the left of the left steering transmission member 13L and does not protrude to the right of the right steering transmission member 13R when viewed from above the vehicle. Thereby, the stability of the vehicle is improved. The effect of protecting the battery from impact and reducing the vibration applied to the battery can be obtained. From the same viewpoint, the battery 6 may be mounted on the adapter 7 so that it is positioned between the left steering transmission member 13L and the right steering transmission member 13R when the vehicle is in an upright state and the steering wheel is not turned to the right or left when viewed from above the vehicle. Also, the battery 6 may be mounted on the adapter 7 so that it does not protrude in front of the front end of the front portion 1b of the frame 1, does not protrude to the left of the left steering transmission member 13L, and does not protrude to the right of the right steering transmission member 13R when viewed from above the vehicle. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the battery 6 can be mounted on the adapter 7 so that it does not protrude below the lower ends of the left steering transmission member 13L and the right steering transmission member 13R. Thereby, the effect of protecting the battery from impact can be enhanced. From the same viewpoint, the battery 6 may be mounted on the adapter 7 so that the entire battery is positioned above the left steering transmission member 13L and the right steering transmission member 13R.

[0073] The vehicle of the present invention is not limited to a configuration having two front wheels and one rear wheel. For example, a vehicle having one front wheel and two rear wheels or a vehicle having one front wheel and one rear wheel is also included in the embodiments of the present invention. Further, the wheel steered by the rotation of the handle may be a front wheel or a rear wheel.

[0074] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the above-described embodiments are merely examples for carrying out the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is possible to appropriately modify and implement the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0075] 1: Frame, 2: Wheel, 3: Motor, 4: Handle, 5: Cargo box, 6: Battery, 7: Adapter, 8: Seat

Claims

1. Two- or three-wheeled vehicle including front and rear wheels, a frame, a handlebar rotatably attached to the frame for steering the front or rear wheel, a cargo box provided in front of the handlebar and having a storage space for luggage or a person, a motor for driving at least one of the wheels, a battery for supplying power to the motor, and an adapter to which the battery is attached, comprising a vehicle, wherein the bottom surface of the storage space of the cargo box is located below the upper end of the front wheel, wherein the adapter is provided in the storage space of the cargo box, and the battery is attached to the adapter within the storage space of the cargo box.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the battery is attached to the adapter such that the longitudinal direction of the battery is along a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction of the vehicle when the vehicle is in an upright state.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the battery is attached to the adapter such that the entire battery is located behind the axle of the front wheel within the storage space.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the battery is configured to be detachable from the adapter by linearly sliding or rotating with respect to the adapter within the storage space.

5. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the battery is configured to be detachable from the adapter by rotating with respect to the adapter between the inside and outside of the storage space.

6. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a cover covering at least a part of the battery attached to the adapter within the storage space.

7. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the battery is attached to the adapter such that the entire battery is located below a virtual line passing through the upper end of the handlebar and contacting the outer peripheral edge of the upper half of the front wheel when viewed from the left-right direction of the vehicle when the vehicle is in an upright state.

8. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the battery is attached to the adapter such that the electrical connection terminal of the battery is located behind the center in the front-rear direction of the battery when the vehicle is in an upright state.

9. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, The wheels include a left front wheel and a right front wheel arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The vehicle includes an arm that supports the left front wheel and the right front wheel and is rotatably supported with respect to the frame, and further includes a lean mechanism in which the frame leans in the left-right direction as the arm rotates. The cargo box is disposed at a position overlapping a part of the lean mechanism when viewed from above the vehicle when the vehicle is in an upright state. The battery is mounted on the adapter so as not to protrude forward of the front end of the arm of the lean mechanism when the vehicle is in an upright state. Vehicle.

10. A vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, The wheels include a left front wheel and a right front wheel arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The vehicle further includes a left steering transmission member that transmits the rotation of the steering wheel to the left front wheel to steer the left front wheel, and a right steering transmission member that transmits the rotation of the steering wheel to the right front wheel to steer the right front wheel. The cargo box is disposed at a position overlapping at least a part of the left steering transmission member and the right steering transmission member when viewed from above the vehicle when the vehicle is in an upright state. The battery is mounted on the adapter so that when the vehicle is in an upright state and the steering wheel is not turned to the right or left, the battery does not protrude to the left of the left steering transmission member and does not protrude to the right of the right steering transmission member when viewed from above the vehicle. Vehicle.

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