Electric vehicles

Abstract

To provide an electric vehicle in which the harness can be easily attached to and detached from the battery-side connector. [Solution] The saddle-type electric vehicle 10 comprises a main frame 42, a lower frame 46 extending below the main frame 42, a battery 24, a harness 96 for conducting power from the battery 24, and a battery-side connector 86 provided on the battery 24 to which the harness 96 is connected, and in a side view, the lower frame 46 and the battery-side connector 86 overlap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to electric vehicles.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, research and development have been conducted on secondary batteries that contribute to energy efficiency in order to enable more people to access affordable, reliable, sustainable, and advanced energy.

[0003] For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-18270 discloses a saddle-type electric vehicle. The electric vehicle includes a drive unit including a motor and a battery that is a secondary battery. The battery is provided above the drive unit. The battery is provided with a battery-side connector.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An electric vehicle is equipped with a harness. By connecting the harness to the battery-side connector, power can be supplied from the battery to the motor via the harness.

[0006] By the way, when the state of charge (SOC), which is the remaining battery level of the battery, decreases, the user (operator) of the electric vehicle replaces the battery mounted on the electric vehicle with a fully charged battery. At this time, it is desired that the harness can be easily attached to and detached from the battery-side connector.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An aspect of the present disclosure is an electric vehicle comprising a main frame, a down frame extending below the main frame, a battery for supplying power, a harness for conducting the power from the battery, and a battery-side connector provided on the battery to which the harness is connected, wherein in a side view, the down frame and the battery-side connector overlap. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, the battery-side connector is located on the downframe side of the battery. This allows the user to easily connect and disconnect the harness to the battery-side connector by accessing the battery-side connector through the space between the downframe and the wheel when replacing the battery. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a left side view of a saddle-type electric vehicle. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view of a saddle-type electric vehicle. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a right side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a front view of the battery installed in a saddle-type electric vehicle. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the battery and lower frame. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a disassembled perspective view of the battery. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a left side view of the central case. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a left side view showing another configuration example of the central case. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] A saddle-type electric vehicle (hereinafter referred to as a saddle-type electric vehicle) comprises wheels, a steering shaft, a head pipe, a main frame, a down frame, a motor, a battery, a harness, and a battery-side connector.

[0011] The steering shaft supports the wheel in a steerable manner. The steering shaft is inserted into the head pipe. The main frame is connected to the head pipe. The main frame extends rearward from the head pipe. The down frame extends below the main frame. The battery supplies power to drive the motor. The harness conducts power from the battery. The battery-side connector is located on the battery. The battery-side connector is connected to the harness. Therefore, when the battery-side connector and the harness are connected, power is supplied from the battery to the motor via the harness. The motor is driven by the power supplied from the battery.

[0012] When power is supplied from the battery to the motor, the battery's State of Charge (SOC) decreases. In saddle-type electric vehicles, there is a desire to continue operating the vehicle by replacing the battery with a fully charged one when the SOC has decreased to a certain extent.

[0013] When replacing the battery, the user (worker) disconnects the electrical connection between the battery and the motor and other equipment installed in the saddle-type electric vehicle before removing the battery from the vehicle.

[0014] However, in saddle-type electric vehicles, the battery is surrounded by the vehicle frame, cowl, seat, etc. The vehicle frame includes the head pipe, main frame, and down frame. The user needs to access the battery and disconnect the harness from the battery-side connector while avoiding the vehicle frame, cowl, seat, etc. Therefore, there is a problem in that the harness cannot be easily and quickly disconnected from the battery-side connector.

[0015] In the saddle-type electric vehicle according to this disclosure, the harness can be easily attached to and detached from the battery-side connector, as detailed below.

[0016] [One Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a left side view of a saddle-type electric vehicle 10 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the saddle-type electric vehicle 10. In FIG. 2, the front wheel 12, the rear wheel 14, and the seat 22 (see FIG. 1), which will be described later, are not shown. FIG. 3 is a right side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle 10. In FIG. 3, the front wheel 12 and the rear wheel 14 (see FIG. 1) and the right side portion of the gusset 58, which will be described later, are not shown. Also, in FIG. 3, the right side lower frame 60R, which will be described later, is shown by a two-dot chain line. In the following description, the directions of front-rear, left-right, and up-down will be described with the direction in which the saddle-type electric vehicle 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 advances being defined as the front direction.

[0017] The front-rear direction includes the front direction and the rear direction. The front direction is the advancing direction of the saddle-type electric vehicle 10. The rear direction is the opposite direction of the front direction. The left-right direction includes the left direction and the right direction. The left-right direction is the vehicle width direction of the saddle-type electric vehicle 10 and is a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction. The left direction is the left side direction when a passenger rides on the saddle-type electric vehicle 10 and faces forward. The right direction is the opposite direction of the left direction and is the right side direction when the passenger rides on the vehicle and faces forward. The up-down direction includes the up direction and the down direction. The up-down direction is a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The up direction is the direction above the saddle-type electric vehicle 10 that contacts the horizontal plane. The down direction is the opposite direction of the up direction.

[0018] [[ID=Z]]As shown in FIG. 1, the saddle-type electric vehicle 10 is, for example, a two-wheeled electric vehicle, but is not limited thereto. The saddle-type electric vehicle 10 is, for example, a trial vehicle for off-road competition, but is not limited thereto.

[0019] The saddle-type electric vehicle

[00] includes a front wheel 12, a rear wheel 14, a front wheel suspension portion 16, a vehicle body frame 18, a rear wheel suspension portion 20, a seat 22, a battery 24, and a drive unit 26.

[0020] The front wheel 12 is disposed on the front side of the saddle-type electric vehicle 10. The front wheel 12 is supported by the front wheel suspension portion 16 so as to be steerable.

[0021] The front wheel suspension section 16 includes a pair of left and right front forks 30, a top bridge 32, a bottom bridge 34, a steering stem 36 (steering axis section), and a steering handle 38.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the left and right pair of front forks 30 are arranged side by side with a gap between them in the vehicle width direction. As shown in Figure 1, the lower end of each of the left and right pair of front forks 30 pivotally supports the front wheel 12.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the top bridge 32 extends in the vehicle width direction. The upper ends of the pair of left and right front forks 30 are connected to both ends of the top bridge 32.

[0024] The bottom bridge 34 extends in the vehicle width direction below the top bridge 32. The intermediate section between the upper and lower ends of the pair of front forks 30 is connected to both ends of the bottom bridge 34.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, a head pipe 40 of the vehicle frame 18, which will be described later, is provided between the top bridge 32 and the bottom bridge 34. The head pipe 40 is located between the center of the top bridge 32 and the center of the bottom bridge 34, between the left and right pair of front forks 30 (see Figure 2).

[0026] The steering stem 36 passes through the head pipe 40. The steering stem 36 is pivotally supported by the head pipe 40. The lower end of the steering stem 36 is connected to the bottom bridge 34. The upper end of the steering stem 36 is connected to the top bridge 32.

[0027] The steering handle 38 is connected to the top of the top bridge 32. The steering handle 38 steers the front wheels 12 through the operation of the occupant.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle frame 18 includes a head pipe 40, a main frame 42, a pivot frame 44, a lower frame 46, a first cross pipe 48 (see Figure 2), a second cross pipe 50, and a third cross pipe 52 (see Figure 3).

[0029] The main frame 42 extends rearward from the head pipe 40. The main frame 42 is positioned lower as it moves towards the rear.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the main frame 42 has a pair of left and right partial main frames 54. The pair of left and right partial main frames 54 consists of the left partial main frame 54L, which is the left partial main frame 54, and the right partial main frame 54R, which is the right partial main frame 54.

[0031] The left-side main frame 54L and the right-side main frame 54R are separated in the left-right direction (vehicle width direction). The left-side main frame 54L extends from the head pipe 40 (see Figure 1) to the left rear. The right-side main frame 54R extends from the head pipe 40 to the right rear.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, in a plan view, the front portions of the left and right main frame 54 overlap with the battery 24. Specifically, in a plan view, the battery 24 and the left and right main frame 54 overlap at the point where the distance between the left main frame 54L and the right main frame 54R in the vehicle width direction is greatest.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the dashed line extending vertically from the electric vehicle 10 is a straight line 55 that passes through the point where the distance between the left main frame 54L and the right main frame 54R in the vehicle width direction is greatest (see Figure 2). The battery 24 and the straight line 55 overlap in a side view.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1, the pivot frame 44 extends downward from the rear end of the main frame 42. The upper end of the pivot frame 44 is connected to the rear end of the main frame 42 by welding or the like. Alternatively, the rear of the main frame 42 may be extended downward, and the extended portion may be designated as the pivot frame 44.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the pivot frame 44 has a pair of left and right partial pivot frames 56. The pair of left and right partial pivot frames 56 consists of a left partial pivot frame 56L, which is the left partial pivot frame 56, and a right partial pivot frame 56R, which is the right partial pivot frame 56.

[0036] The left-side pivot frame 56L and the right-side pivot frame 56R are positioned separated in the vehicle width direction. As shown in Figure 1, the left-side pivot frame 56L extends downward from the rear end of the left-side main frame 54L. As shown in Figure 3, the right-side pivot frame 56R extends downward from the rear end of the right-side main frame 54R.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, the lower frame 46 is located below the main frame 42. A gusset 58 is connected to the rear of the head pipe 40. The gusset 58 is connected to the rear of the head pipe 40 and the front end of the main frame 42. The lower frame 46 is connected to the rear of the head pipe 40 via the gusset 58. As will be described later, the lower frame 46 is detachable from the gusset 58. The lower frame 46 extends downward and rearward below the main frame 42.

[0038] Figure 4 is a front view of the battery 24 when the front end of the main frame 42 is broken. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the battery 24 and the lower frame 46.

[0039] The lower frame 46 has a pair of left and right partial lower frames 60. The pair of left and right partial lower frames 60 consists of a left partial lower frame 60L, which is the left partial lower frame 60, and a right partial lower frame 60R, which is the right partial lower frame 60. The left partial lower frame 60L and the right partial lower frame 60R are separated in the vehicle width direction.

[0040] As shown in Figure 1, the left lower frame 60L extends downward and rearward from the lower left of the gusset 58. The upper end of the left lower frame 60L is fastened to the lower left of the gusset 58 by a bolt 62L. Therefore, the left lower frame 60L is removed from the main frame 42 by removing the bolt 62L from the gusset 58. The axial direction of the bolt 62L fastening the left lower frame 60L to the gusset 58 is in the vehicle width direction.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, the right-side lower frame 60R extends downward and rearward from the lower right side of the gusset 58. The upper end of the right-side lower frame 60R is fastened to the lower right side of the gusset 58 by a bolt 62R. Therefore, the right-side lower frame 60R is removed from the main frame 42 by removing the bolt 62R from the gusset 58. The axial direction of the bolt 62R fastening the right-side lower frame 60R to the gusset 58 is in the vehicle width direction.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, the first cross pipe 48 is provided between the left main frame 54L and the right main frame 54R. The longitudinal direction of the first cross pipe 48 is the vehicle width direction. One end of the first cross pipe 48 is connected to the intermediate section between the front end and the rear end of the left main frame 54L. The other end of the first cross pipe 48 is connected to the intermediate section between the front end and the rear end of the right main frame 54R.

[0043] The second cross pipe 50 is located between the left-side pivot frame 56L and the right-side pivot frame 56R. The longitudinal direction of the second cross pipe 50 is in the vehicle width direction. One end of the second cross pipe 50 is connected to the upper end of the left-side pivot frame 56L. The other end of the second cross pipe 50 is connected to the upper end of the right-side pivot frame 56R.

[0044] The third cross pipe 52 (see Figure 3) is located between the left-side pivot frame 56L and the right-side pivot frame 56R. The longitudinal direction of the third cross pipe 52 is in the vehicle width direction. One end of the third cross pipe 52 is connected to the lower end of the left-side pivot frame 56L. The other end of the third cross pipe 52 is connected to the lower end of the right-side pivot frame 56R.

[0045] As shown in Figure 1, the rear wheel suspension section 20 includes a swing arm 64, a rear cushion 66, and a linkage mechanism 68.

[0046] The swingarm 64 extends rearward from the pivot frame 44. The pivot shaft 80 is inserted in the vehicle width direction through the left-side pivot frame 56L and the right-side pivot frame 56R (see Figure 3). The front end of the swingarm 64 is pivotally supported on the pivot shaft 80. The swingarm 64 is pivotable around the pivot shaft 80 as the pivot point. The rear wheel 14 of the swingarm 64 is pivotally supported by the rear end of the swingarm 64.

[0047] The link mechanism 68 is provided between the swing arm 64 and the third cross pipe 52 (see Figure 3). The upper end of the rear cushion 66 is connected to the second cross pipe 50. The lower end of the rear cushion 66 is connected to one end of the link mechanism 68. The other end of the link mechanism 68 is connected to the third cross pipe 52.

[0048] As shown in Figure 1, the seat 22 is mounted on the upper part of the vehicle frame 18. The front portion of the seat 22 is positioned along the main frame 42. Therefore, the front portion of the seat 22 extends downward and rearward as it moves towards the rear. The rear portion of the seat 22 extends rearward from the rear end of the front portion. The rear portion of the seat 22 extends upward and rearward above the rear wheel 14.

[0049] The battery 24 and the drive unit 26 are each supported by the vehicle frame 18. Furthermore, as will be described later, the battery 24 and the drive unit 26 are fastened to each other.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4, the battery 24 is located below the main frame 42 (see Figure 1), between the left lower frame 60L and the right lower frame 60R. As shown in Figure 1, in a view in the vehicle width direction, a portion of the lower frame 46 overlaps with the battery 24. More specifically, a portion of the left lower frame 60L overlaps with the battery 24 in a view in the vehicle width direction. This portion of the left lower frame 60L is located to the left of the battery 24 in the vehicle width direction. Also, as shown in Figure 3, in a view in the vehicle width direction, a portion of the right lower frame 60R overlaps with the battery 24. This portion of the right lower frame 60R is located to the right of the battery 24 in the vehicle width direction.

[0051] As shown in Figure 1, the lower frame 46 extends from the middle of the front of the battery 24 in the vertical direction, towards the rear lower end of the battery 24, and overlaps it when viewed in the width direction of the vehicle (side view). In other words, the lower frame 46 traverses the side of the battery 24.

[0052] As shown in Figure 1, the shape of the battery 24 is roughly rectangular. More specifically, the shape of the battery 24 is roughly rectangular. The long direction of the battery 24 is aligned in the vertical direction.

[0053] As shown in Figure 5, the battery 24 has a battery case 84 and a battery-side connector 86. The battery case 84 is roughly rectangular in shape.

[0054] The battery case 84 has a bulge 88. The bulge 88 is located on the front of the battery case 84. The bulge 88 protrudes forward from the front of the battery case 84. As shown in Figure 1, the front side of the bulge 88 overlaps with the lower frame 46 in a side view. As shown in Figure 3, the front surface of the bulge 88 is aligned with the lower frame 46 in a side view. As shown in Figure 5, the upper surface 88a of the bulge 88 extends horizontally (in the longitudinal direction and in the vehicle width direction).

[0055] The battery-side connector 86 is a battery terminal provided on the upper surface 88a of the bulging portion 88. As shown in Figure 3, the battery-side connector 86 overlaps the lower frame 46 in a side view. Also, the battery-side connector 86 is located below the main frame 42 in a side view. As shown in Figure 5, the battery-side connector 86 is positioned below the front portion of the main frame 42 (see Figure 3) between a pair of left and right partial lower frames 60.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, the battery-side connector 86 has a positive terminal connector 86p, a negative terminal connector 86n, and a signal connector 86s. The positive terminal connector 86p, the negative terminal connector 86n, and the signal connector 86s are provided on the upper surface 88a of the bulge portion 88, spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction. As shown in Figure 4, the signal connector 86s is provided in the center of the upper surface 88a of the bulge portion 88 in the vehicle width direction. The negative terminal connector 86n is provided on the left side of the upper surface 88a of the bulge portion 88 in the vehicle width direction. The positive terminal connector 86p is provided on the right side of the upper surface 88a of the bulge portion 88 in the vehicle width direction. The positive terminal connector 86p, the negative terminal connector 86n, and the signal connector 86s extend upward from the upper surface 88a of the bulge portion 88.

[0057] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the battery case 84.

[0058] The battery case 84 includes a central case 84C, a first side case 84L, and a second side case 84R.

[0059] The central case 84C constitutes the central portion of the battery case 84. The central case 84C is a roughly rectangular case that is elongated in the vertical direction. Both sides of the central case 84C are open in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, a first opening 85L is formed on the left side of the central case 84C in the vehicle width direction. A second opening 85R is formed on the right side of the central case 84C in the vehicle width direction.

[0060] Inside the central case 84C, a wall portion 85C is provided between the first opening 85L and the second opening 85R. The wall portion 85C is located in the center of the central case 84C in the vehicle width direction. The wall portion 85C extends along the longitudinal and vertical directions. The wall portion 85C intersects in the vehicle width direction.

[0061] Figure 7 is a side view showing the interior of the central case 84C. Multiple holes 87 are formed in the wall portion 85C. The multiple holes 87 are formed in the front, upper and lower parts (see Figure 6) of the wall portion 85C. The multiple holes 87 penetrate in the vehicle width direction.

[0062] As shown in Figure 4, the first side case 84L constitutes the left side of the battery case 84. As shown in Figure 6, the first side case 84L has a plate-like portion 89L. The plate-like portion 89L extends along the front-rear and up-down directions. The plate-like portion 89L is elongated in the up-down direction. The plate-like portion 89L intersects in the vehicle width direction. An outer peripheral wall 91L is formed on the outer edge of the plate-like portion 89L, projecting to the right in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the inside of the first side case 84L is recessed to the left in the vehicle width direction.

[0063] As shown in Figure 4, the second side case 84R constitutes the right side of the battery case 84. As shown in Figure 6, the second side case 84R has a plate-like portion 89R. The plate-like portion 89R extends along the front-rear and up-down directions. The plate-like portion 89R is elongated in the up-down direction. The plate-like portion 89R intersects in the vehicle width direction. An outer peripheral wall 91R is formed on the outer edge of the plate-like portion 89R, projecting to the left in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the inside of the second side case 84R is recessed to the right in the vehicle width direction.

[0064] As shown in Figure 4, the first side case 84L is connected to the left side of the central case 84C so as to cover the first opening 85L (see Figure 6). By covering the first opening 85L with the first side case 84L, a first space 93L is formed between the wall portion 85C and the first side case 84L.

[0065] The second side case 84R is connected to the right side of the central case 84C so as to cover the second opening 85R (see Figure 6). By covering the second opening 85R, the second space 93R is formed between the wall portion 85C and the second side case 84R. The first space 93L and the second space 93R are in communication with each other through a plurality of holes 87 (see Figure 7).

[0066] As shown in Figure 4, the dimension Lc of the central case 84C in the vehicle width direction is greater than the dimension Ll of the first side case 84L in the vehicle width direction (Lc>Ll). Also, the dimension Lc of the central case 84C in the vehicle width direction is greater than the dimension Lr of the second side case 84R in the vehicle width direction (Lc>Lr). Furthermore, the dimension Ll of the first side case 84L in the vehicle width direction is greater than the dimension Lr of the second side case 84R in the vehicle width direction (Ll>Lr). Therefore, the dimensions decrease in the order of Lc, Ll, and Lr (Lc>Ll>Lr).

[0067] As shown in Figure 6, the upper front portion of the central case 84C, the upper front portion of the outer peripheral wall 91L of the first side case 84L, and the upper front portion of the outer peripheral wall 91R of the second side case 84R all protrude forward. By connecting the first side case 84L and the second side case 84R to the central case 84C, each of these upper portions constitutes a bulge 88 (see Figure 5).

[0068] As described above, since the dimension Lc of the central case 84C is larger than the dimensions Ll and Lr of the first side case 84L and the second side case 84R, the battery-side connector 86 is provided in the central case 84C. More specifically, the battery-side connector 86 is provided in the upper part of the front of the central case 84C, which constitutes the bulging portion 88.

[0069] In the upper front portion of the central case 84C, the signal connector 86s is located in the center in the vehicle width direction. Also, in the upper front portion of the central case 84C, the negative terminal connector 86n is located on the left side in the vehicle width direction. Also, in the upper front portion of the central case 84C, the positive terminal connector 86p is located on the right side in the vehicle width direction.

[0070] As shown in Figure 6, the battery 24 further comprises a plurality of battery cells 95 and a circuit board 99. The plurality of battery cells 95 and the circuit board 99 are housed inside the battery case 84.

[0071] The multiple battery cells 95 are roughly cylindrical batteries. The multiple battery cells 95 are rechargeable batteries. In each of the multiple battery cells 95, a positive terminal is provided at one end in the axial direction, and a negative terminal is provided at the other end in the axial direction.

[0072] The multiple battery cells 95 consist of multiple first battery cells 95L and multiple second battery cells 95R. The multiple first battery cells 95L are housed in the first space 93L. The multiple second battery cells 95R are housed in the second space 93R.

[0073] More specifically, each of the multiple first battery cells 95L is arranged in the first space 93L such that its axial direction is aligned with the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the multiple first battery cells 95L are arranged side-by-side in the vertical and longitudinal directions within the first space 93L. The multiple first battery cells 95L are electrically connected in series.

[0074] As shown in Figure 6, multiple first battery cells 95L connected in series constitute a first battery cell group 101L. In a first battery cell 95L located at one end of the first battery cell group 101L, the positive terminal that is not connected to any other first battery cell 95L is the positive terminal of the first battery cell group 101L. Similarly, in a first battery cell 95L located at the other end of the first battery cell group 101L, the negative terminal that is not connected to any other first battery cell 95L is the negative terminal of the first battery cell group 101L.

[0075] The positive terminal of the first battery cell group 101L is located below the first space 93L. The negative terminal of the first battery cell group 101L is located above the first space 93L. The negative terminal of the first battery cell group 101L and the negative terminal connector 86n are electrically connected via a negative terminal connection section 103n, which includes a busbar.

[0076] In the first space 93L, both ends of the multiple first battery cells 95L in the vehicle width direction are held by a pair of retaining members 105L. Of the pair of retaining members 105L, the retaining member 105L on the left side in the vehicle width direction has a heat dissipation sheet 107L placed on it. The heat dissipation sheet 107L dissipates heat from the multiple first battery cells 95L.

[0077] As shown in Figure 6, each of the multiple second battery cells 95R is positioned in the second space 93R such that its axial direction is aligned with the vehicle width direction. Similar to the multiple first battery cells 95L, the multiple second battery cells 95R are arranged side-by-side in the vertical and longitudinal directions within the second space 93R. The multiple second battery cells 95R are electrically connected in series.

[0078] Multiple second battery cells 95R connected in series constitute a second battery cell group 101R. In a second battery cell 95R located at one end of the second battery cell group 101R, the positive terminal that is not connected to any other second battery cell 95R is the positive terminal of the second battery cell group 101R. Similarly, in a second battery cell 95R located at the other end of the second battery cell group 101R, the negative terminal that is not connected to any other second battery cell 95R is the negative terminal of the second battery cell group 101R.

[0079] The positive terminal of the second battery cell group 101R is located above the second space 93R. The negative terminal of the second battery cell group 101R is located below the second space 93R. The positive terminal of the second battery cell group 101R and the positive terminal connector 86p are electrically connected via a positive terminal connection section 103p, which includes a busbar.

[0080] A connecting portion 103C, including a busbar, is inserted in the vehicle width direction through a hole 87 formed in the lower part of the wall portion 85C. The connecting portion 103C electrically connects the positive terminal of the first battery cell group 101L and the negative terminal of the second battery cell group 101R. By using the positive terminal connecting portion 103p, the connecting portion 103C, and the negative terminal connecting portion 103n, multiple battery cells 95 are electrically connected in series between the positive terminal connector 86p and the negative terminal connector 86n.

[0081] In the second space 93R, both ends of the multiple second battery cells 95R in the vehicle width direction are held by a pair of retaining members 105R. Of the pair of retaining members 105R, the retaining member 105R on the right side in the vehicle width direction has a heat dissipation sheet 107R placed on it. The heat dissipation sheet 107R dissipates heat from the multiple second battery cells 95R.

[0082] The circuit board 99 (control circuit board, electronic circuit board) detects, for example, the voltage, current, and temperature of the battery 24.

[0083] The circuit board 99 is housed inside the battery case 84 so as to pass through a hole 87C formed in the lower front part of the wall portion 85C, among a plurality of holes 87. The circuit board 99 is positioned in the vehicle width direction through the hole 87C. The circuit board 99 is positioned in the vehicle width direction center of the central case 84C. The circuit board 99 is electrically connected to the signal connector 86s via the signal line 103s.

[0084] As shown in Figure 1, the drive unit 26 is located below the main frame 42, between the battery 24 and the pivot frame 44 in the front-rear direction. The drive unit 26 is located behind the battery 24.

[0085] As shown in Figure 3, the drive unit 26 includes a motor 90, an inverter 92, and a transmission 70. The drive unit 26 integrates the motor 90, inverter 92, and transmission 70 into a single unit. The battery 24 is located in front of the drive unit 26.

[0086] As shown in Figure 3, the motor 90, inverter 92, and transmission 70 are arranged vertically behind the battery 24. The motor 90 and inverter 92 are located above the transmission 70. The transmission 70 is located below the motor 90 and inverter 92.

[0087] The inverter 92 is attached to the motor 90. The inverter 92 is installed inside the motor 90. Alternatively, the inverter 92 may be installed outside the motor 90.

[0088] As shown in Figure 3, the saddle-type electric vehicle 10 further comprises a harness 96 and a control unit 190. The control unit 190 is an electronic control unit (ECU) provided in the saddle-type electric vehicle 10. As shown in Figure 1, the control unit 190 is located behind the battery 24 and the drive unit 26. The control unit 190 is located below the seat 22. As shown in Figure 3, the harness 96 electrically connects the battery 24 and the drive unit 26, and also electrically connects the battery 24 and the control unit 190.

[0089] A portion of the harness 96 extends from the rear of the motor 90, over the drive unit 26 and the battery 24, and above the bulge 88 (see Figure 5). The portion of the harness 96 electrically connects the battery 24 and the drive unit 26.

[0090] Another portion of the harness 96 extends from the top of the control unit 190, over the drive unit 26 and the battery 24, and above the bulge 88. The other portion of the harness 96 electrically connects the battery 24 and the control unit 190.

[0091] More specifically, the harness 96 has a wiring section 109 and a harness-side connector 111.

[0092] The wiring section 109 is flexible. The base end of the wiring section 109 is connected to the inverter 92 or the control unit 190. The wiring section 109 connected to the inverter 92 extends from the rear of the motor 90, over the drive unit 26 and the battery 24, and above the bulge 88. The wiring section 109 connected to the control unit 190 extends from the top of the control unit 190, over the drive unit 26 and the battery 24, and above the bulge 88.

[0093] The harness-side connector 111 is provided at the end of the wiring section 109. The harness-side connector 111 is detachable from the battery-side connector 86. When the harness-side connector 111 is attached to the battery-side connector 86, the length of the harness-side connector 111 is aligned with the vertical direction.

[0094] The harness 96 includes a positive terminal harness 96p, a negative terminal harness 96n, and a signal harness 96s. The positive terminal harness 96p and the negative terminal harness 96n are parts of the harness 96 described above. The signal harness 96s is another part of the harness 96 described above.

[0095] As shown in Figure 5, the positive terminal harness 96p has a positive terminal wiring section 109p, which is a wiring section 109, and a harness-side positive terminal connector 111p, which is a harness-side connector 111. The harness-side positive terminal connector 111p is detachable from the positive terminal connector 86p of the battery 24.

[0096] The negative terminal harness 96n has a negative terminal wiring section 109n, which is a wiring section 109, and a harness-side negative terminal connector 111n, which is a harness-side connector 111. The harness-side negative terminal connector 111n is detachable from the negative terminal connector 86n of the battery 24.

[0097] The signal harness 96s includes a signal wiring section 109s, which is a wiring section 109, and a harness-side signal connector 111s, which is a harness-side connector 111. The harness-side signal connector 111s is detachable from the signal connector 86s of the battery 24.

[0098] When the positive terminal connector 86p is connected to the harness-side positive terminal connector 111p, and the negative terminal connector 86n is connected to the harness-side negative terminal connector 111n, DC power can be supplied from the battery 24 to the inverter 92 (see Figure 3). The inverter 92 converts the DC power to AC power.

[0099] Furthermore, when the signal connector 86s and the harness-side signal connector 111s are connected, signals can be transmitted and received between the battery 24's circuit board 99 (see Figure 6) and the control unit 190.

[0100] The control unit 190 receives signals indicating the status of each component of the saddle-type electric vehicle 10. The control unit 190 also outputs control signals to each component. Specifically, the components of the saddle-type electric vehicle 10 include, for example, the battery 24 and the drive unit 26. The control unit 190 acquires information such as the voltage, current, and temperature of the battery 24 from the circuit board 99 of the battery 24 via the signal harness 96s. The control unit 190 outputs control signals to the circuit board 99 of the battery 24 via the signal harness 96s.

[0101] The inverter 92 controls the drive of the motor 90, which is the drive source for the saddle-type electric vehicle 10.

[0102] As shown in Figure 2, the longitudinal direction of the motor 90 is the vehicle width direction. The motor 90 is an AC motor. As shown in Figure 3, the motor 90 has a drive shaft portion 97a. The longitudinal direction of the drive shaft portion 97a is the vehicle width direction.

[0103] The motor 90 is driven by AC power supplied from the inverter 92, which rotates the drive shaft 97a. The drive shaft 97a transmits the driving force (rotational output) of the motor 90 to the transmission 70.

[0104] The transmission 70 is a transmission with a switchable gear ratio. Alternatively, the transmission 70 may be a reduction gear with a fixed gear ratio. In this embodiment, the transmission 70 is a manual transmission.

[0105] The longitudinal direction of the transmission 70 is the vehicle width direction. The transmission 70 has an output shaft portion 100a. The longitudinal direction of the output shaft portion 100a is the vehicle width direction.

[0106] The transmission 70 uses multiple gears (not shown) to change the rotational output of the drive shaft 97a. The output shaft 100a rotates according to the changed rotational output.

[0107] As shown in Figure 1, a drive sprocket 102 is provided at the left end of the output shaft 100a. A driven sprocket 104 is provided on the rear wheel 14. A drive chain 106 is stretched between the drive sprocket 102 and the driven sprocket 104.

[0108] The output shaft 100a transmits power to the rear wheel 14 via the drive sprocket 102, the drive chain 106, and the driven sprocket 104. The rear wheel 14 rotates due to the transmitted power. As the rear wheel 14 rotates, the saddle-type electric vehicle 10 moves forward.

[0109] In this embodiment, the battery 24 is fastened to the lower frame 46. The drive unit 26 is fastened to the pivot frame 44. The battery 24 and the drive unit 26 are fastened to each other. Also, as shown in Figure 3, the motor 90 is fastened to the pivot frame 44 and the battery 24. The transmission 70 is fastened to the pivot frame 44 and the battery 24.

[0110] The fastening of the vehicle frame 18, battery 24, and drive unit 26 will be described in detail.

[0111] First, let's explain how the battery 24 is fastened to the lower frame 46.

[0112] As shown in Figure 5, the front of the battery 24 is provided with a forward projection 122 that protrudes forward. The forward projection 122 protrudes forward from below the bulge 88 on the front of the battery 24. A hole is formed in the forward projection 122 that penetrates in the vehicle width direction.

[0113] The left-side lower frame 60L is provided with a left-side front projection 124L. The right-side lower frame 60R is provided with a right-side front projection 124R. The left-side front projection 124L and the right-side front projection 124R are located in the intermediate section between the lower end and the front end of the lower frame 46. The left-side front projection 124L and the right-side front projection 124R protrude forward from the intermediate section of the lower frame 46. Holes are formed in the left-side front projection 124L and the right-side front projection 124R that penetrate in the vehicle width direction. The hole in the left-side front projection 124L is a screw hole.

[0114] A cylindrical collar 126L is positioned between the left front protrusion 124L and the front protrusion 122 of the battery 24. A cylindrical collar 126R is positioned between the right front protrusion 124R and the front protrusion 122 of the battery 24.

[0115] A bolt 128 is inserted through the left front projection 124L, the collar 126L, the front projection 122 of the battery 24, the collar 126R, and the right front projection 124R. The head 128a of the bolt 128 is located to the right in the vehicle width direction of the right front projection 124R. A threaded portion is formed on the shaft portion 128b of the bolt 128. The front part of the battery 24 is fastened to the middle part of the lower frame 46 by screwing the threaded portion of the bolt 128 into the threaded hole of the left front projection 124L.

[0116] As shown in Figure 3, the rear surface of the battery 24 is provided with a rearward projection 130 that protrudes to the rear. The lower ends of the left lower frame 60L and the right lower frame 60R are located outward in the vehicle width direction from the rearward projection 130.

[0117] The lower end of the left lower frame 60L and the lower end of the right lower frame 60R are fastened together in the vehicle width direction by a bolt 144. Specifically, the head 144a of the bolt 144 is located to the right in the vehicle width direction of the lower end of the right lower frame 60R. The shaft of the bolt 144 is inserted in the vehicle width direction through the lower end of the right lower frame 60R, the front end of the transmission 70, the rear projection 130 of the battery 24, and the left lower frame 60L. A threaded portion is formed on the shaft. A threaded hole is formed in the lower end of the left lower frame 60L.

[0118] The threaded portion of bolt 144 engages with the threaded hole at the lower end of the left lower frame 60L, thereby fastening the lower end of the right lower frame 60R, the front end of the transmission 70, the rear projection 130 of the battery 24, and the lower end of the left lower frame 60L. This fastens the battery 24 to the lower end of the lower frame 46. The battery 24 and the transmission 70 are also fastened to each other. Furthermore, the transmission 70 is fastened to the lower end of the lower frame 46.

[0119] The transmission 70 is fastened to the pivot frame 44 as follows.

[0120] The pivot shaft 80 passes through the lower end of the left-side pivot frame 56L, the front end of the swingarm 64, the rear of the transmission 70, and the lower end of the right-side pivot frame 56R. The pivot shaft 80 functions as a threaded member having a head and a shaft.

[0121] More specifically, the head of the pivot shaft 80 is located on the left side in the vehicle width direction of the left-side pivot frame 56L. The shaft portion of the pivot shaft 80 extends to the right from the head. The shaft portion of the pivot shaft 80 passes through the left-side pivot frame 56L, the front end of the swing arm 64, the rear end of the transmission 70, and the right-side pivot frame 56R. The tip (right end) of the shaft portion is located on the right side in the vehicle width direction of the right-side pivot frame 56R. A threaded portion is formed at the tip of the shaft portion. The threaded portion of the pivot shaft 80 is screwed into the nut 82. This fastens the transmission 70 to the pivot frame 44.

[0122] A support plate portion 150 is provided on the third cross pipe 52. The support plate portion 150 protrudes forward from the third cross pipe 52. A bolt 152 is inserted in the vehicle width direction between the rear of the transmission 70 and the support plate portion 150. The bolt 152 is fastened to the rear of the transmission 70 and the support plate portion 150 by screwing it with a nut 154. In this way, the transmission 70 and the pivot frame 44 are fastened together via the third cross pipe 52.

[0123] Next, we will describe how the motor 90 is fastened to the pivot frame 44.

[0124] As shown in Figure 2, the motor 90 is provided with a rear projection 156. The rear projection 156 extends upward and rearward from the top of the motor 90. Two plate-shaped connecting plates 158 are provided in the center of the second cross pipe 50. The two connecting plates 158 are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction and provided on the second cross pipe 50. The two connecting plates 158 protrude forward. The rear projection 156 of the motor 90 is located between the two connecting plates 158.

[0125] A bolt 160 is inserted in the vehicle width direction between the two connecting plates 158 and the rear projection 156 of the motor 90. The bolt 160 is screwed into a nut 162, thereby fastening the two connecting plates 158 and the rear projection 156 of the motor 90. As a result, the motor 90 is fastened to the upper end of the pivot frame 44 via the second cross pipe 50.

[0126] Next, we will explain how the battery 24 and motor 90 are connected.

[0127] As shown in Figure 3, a rear projection 170 is provided on the rear surface of the battery 24. The rear projection 170 protrudes rearward from the upper part of the rear surface of the battery 24. A front projection 172 is provided on the motor 90. The front projection 172 extends forward and upward from the top of the motor 90. In a view in the vehicle width direction, a part of the rear projection 170 of the battery 24 and a part of the front projection 172 of the motor 90 overlap. A bolt 174 is inserted in the vehicle width direction through the rear projection 170 of the battery 24 and the front projection 172 of the motor 90. The battery 24 and the motor 90 are fastened together by screwing the bolt 174 and nut 176 together.

[0128] As shown in Figure 3, the motor 90 is suspended by a hanger plate 178 extending downward from the first cross pipe 48 (see Figure 2). However, in this embodiment, the hanger plate 178 is not an essential component.

[0129] The battery 24 is replaceable in the saddle-type electric vehicle 10 as follows. The battery 24 is replaced, for example, when the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery 24 installed in the saddle-type electric vehicle 10 decreases.

[0130] This section describes how to remove the battery 24 from the saddle-type electric vehicle 10.

[0131] As shown in Figure 4, the user (worker) disconnects the harness 96 from the battery-side connector 86 while the saddle-type electric vehicle 10 (see Figure 1) is stopped. Next, the user removes the lower frame 46 from the saddle-type electric vehicle 10 by removing the bolts 62L, 62R, 128, and 144 that fasten the lower frame 46. Next, the user removes the bolt 174 that fastens the battery 24 to the motor 90. This allows the battery 24 to be removed from the saddle-type electric vehicle 10.

[0132] This section describes how to install a battery 24 on a saddle-type electric vehicle 10.

[0133] First, the user fastens the fully charged battery 24 to the motor 90 using bolt 174. Next, the user fastens the lower frame 46 to the battery 24 using bolts 62L, 62R, 128, and 144. This attaches the battery 24 to the saddle-type electric vehicle 10. Next, the user connects the harness 96 to the battery-side connector 86.

[0134] Thus, the battery-side connector 86 is located on the lower frame 46 side of the battery 24. Therefore, when the user replaces the battery 24, they can access the battery-side connector 86 through the space between the lower frame 46 and the front wheel 12. This allows the user to easily attach and detach the harness 96 to the battery-side connector 86.

[0135] Furthermore, by removing only the lower frame 46, the battery 24 can be removed from the saddle-type electric vehicle 10. Therefore, the user can easily and quickly attach and detach the battery 24 to the saddle-type electric vehicle 10.

[0136] Furthermore, in a view in the vehicle width direction, the lower frame 46 overlaps with the battery-side connector 86. The lower frame 46 is located outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the battery 24. This allows for proper protection of the battery-side connector 86 from impacts from the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0137] Figure 8 is a side view showing another configuration example of the central case 84C. In Figure 8, the upper surface 88a of the bulge 88 is inclined downward toward the front. As a result, water and mud adhering to the upper surface 88a of the bulge 88 flow along the inclined upper surface 88a and fall in front of the battery 24. This prevents water and mud from accumulating on the upper surface 88a of the bulge 88.

[0138] In this embodiment, the case where the saddle-type electric vehicle 10 is a trial vehicle was used as an example, but the invention is not limited to this. The saddle-type electric vehicle 10 may be any type of electric vehicle, such as an on-road type or a scooter type. Also, in this embodiment, the case where the saddle-type electric vehicle 10 is a two-wheeled electric vehicle was used as an example, but the invention is not limited to this. The saddle-type electric vehicle 10 may be any type of electric vehicle, such as a three-wheeled vehicle.

[0139] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the above embodiments.

[0140] (Note 1) The electric vehicle (10) of this disclosure comprises a main frame (42), a down frame (46) extending below the main frame, a battery (24) for supplying power, a harness (96) for conducting the power from the battery, and a battery-side connector (86) provided on the battery to which the harness is connected, wherein in a side view, the down frame and the battery-side connector overlap.

[0141] According to this disclosure, the battery-side connector is located on the downframe side of the battery. This allows the user to easily connect and disconnect the harness to the battery-side connector by accessing the battery-side connector through the space between the downframe and the wheel when replacing the battery.

[0142] (Note 2) The electric vehicle described in Appendix 1, wherein the down frames are provided in pairs with a gap between them in the vehicle width direction, and the battery-side connector is positioned between the pair of down frames.

[0143] According to this disclosure, a pair of down frames are subjected to impact from the outside in the width direction of the vehicle. This allows the connector positioned between the pair of down frames to be adequately protected from the impact.

[0144] (Note 3) An electric vehicle as described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the harness has a flexible wiring section (109) and a harness-side connector (111) provided at the tip of the wiring section and detachable from the battery-side connector, and the longitudinal direction of the harness-side connector attached to the battery-side connector may be along the vertical direction of the electric vehicle.

[0145] According to this disclosure, when the harness-side connector is attached to the battery-side connector, it is possible to suppress the space taken up by the harness-side connector in the front-rear direction and the vehicle width direction.

[0146] (Note 4) An electric vehicle as described in any of Appendix 1 to 3, wherein the down frame is detachable from the main frame, and in a side view, the battery-side connector may be located below the main frame.

[0147] According to this disclosure, it is possible to prevent the battery-side connector from interfering with the main frame when removing the battery from the vehicle frame.

[0148] (Note 5) An electric vehicle as described in any of Appendix 1 to 4, wherein the battery has a bulging portion (88) that protrudes forward in the longitudinal direction of the electric vehicle, and the battery-side connector may be provided on the upper surface (88a) of the bulging portion.

[0149] According to this disclosure, when an impact is applied to the battery from the front in the front-to-back direction, the impact is first applied to the bulge. This allows other parts of the battery (e.g., the battery-side connector) to be adequately protected from the impact.

[0150] (Note 6) In the electric vehicle described in Appendix 5, the upper surface of the bulging portion may be inclined downward toward the front.

[0151] According to this disclosure, water and mud adhering to the upper surface of the bulge flow along the inclined upper surface. This prevents water and mud from accumulating on the upper surface of the bulge.

[0152] (Note 7) In the electric vehicle described in Appendix 5 or 6, the front surface of the bulging portion may be aligned with the down frame in a side view.

[0153] According to this disclosure, it is possible to suppress the bulge from protruding too far forward from the down frame. This prevents interference between the bulge and the wheel.

[0154] (Note 8) An electric vehicle as described in any of Appendix 1 to 7, wherein the battery comprises a central case (84C), a first side case (84L) covering a first opening (85L) opening on one side of the central case in the vehicle width direction, and a second side case (84R) covering a second opening (85R) opening on the other side of the central case in the vehicle width direction, the central case having a wall portion (85C) located between the first and second openings, the dimensions (Lc) of the central case in the vehicle width direction being greater than the dimensions (Ll) of the first side case in the vehicle width direction and greater than the dimensions (Lr) of the second side case in the vehicle width direction, and the battery-side connector may be provided on the central case.

[0155] According to this disclosure, since the dimensions of the central case in the vehicle width direction are larger than the dimensions of the first and second side cases in the vehicle width direction, space for the battery-side connector can be easily secured. This improves the flexibility of the battery-side connector layout.

[0156] (Note 9) The electric vehicle described in Appendix 8, wherein the battery has a first space (93L) which is the space between the wall portion and the first side case, and a second space (93R) which is the space between the wall portion and the second side case, and the battery further has battery cells (95) arranged in the first space and the second space, respectively, and the battery-side connector has a positive electrode connector (86p) connected to one of the battery cells (95R) of the battery cell arranged in the first space and the battery cell arranged in the second space, and a negative electrode connector (86n) connected to the other battery cell (95L) of the battery cell arranged in the first space and the battery cell arranged in the second space, and the positive electrode connector may be provided on one side in the vehicle width direction, and the negative electrode connector may be provided on the other side in the vehicle width direction.

[0157] According to this disclosure, since space is secured in the central case for arranging connectors, the positive and negative terminal connectors can be provided side by side in the central case on one side and the other side in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the positive terminal connector is provided in the central case closer to one of the battery cells located in the second space. The negative terminal connector is provided in the central case closer to the other battery cell located in the first space. This makes it possible to shorten both the connection path between the positive terminal connector and one of the battery cells, and the connection path between the negative terminal connector and the other battery cell.

[0158] (Note 10) An electric vehicle as described in Appendix 8 or 9, wherein the wall portion has holes (87, 87C) that penetrate in the vehicle width direction, and the battery may be provided with a circuit board (99) that passes through the holes and is arranged in the vehicle width direction.

[0159] According to this disclosure, a circuit board can be placed inside the battery without taking up space in the front-to-back direction. This makes it possible to miniaturize the battery in the front-to-back direction.

[0160] (Note 11) The electric vehicle described in Appendix 10, wherein the battery-side connector has a signal connector (86s) electrically connected to the circuit board, and the signal connector and the circuit board may be located in the central part of the central case in the vehicle width direction.

[0161] According to this disclosure, the connection path between the signal connector and the circuit board can be shortened.

[0162] (Note 12) An electric vehicle as described in any of the appendices 1 to 11, wherein the main frame has a pair of partial main frames (54, 54L, 54R) separated in the vehicle width direction, and a line (55) extending in the vertical direction of the electric vehicle passes through the point where the distance between the pair of partial main frames in the vehicle width direction is greatest, and the battery and the line (55) overlap in a side view, and the longitudinal direction of the battery may be along the vertical direction.

[0163] According to this disclosure, it is possible to suppress the battery from protruding forward in the front-to-back direction.

[0164] (Note 13) An electric vehicle as described in any of Appendix 1 to 12, wherein the electric vehicle further comprises an inverter (92) that is located behind the battery and drives and controls the motor (90), and the harness may be connected to the inverter by passing over the battery.

[0165] According to this disclosure, when removing the battery from the vehicle frame in the vehicle width direction, interference between the harness and the battery can be suppressed.

[0166] While this disclosure has been described in detail, it is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. These embodiments can be added, replaced, modified, partially deleted, etc., in any way that does not depart from the gist of this disclosure or from the spirit of this disclosure derived from the claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, these embodiments can be implemented in combination. For example, the order of operations and processes in the embodiments described above are shown as examples only and are not limited thereto. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical formulas are used in the description of the embodiments described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0167] 10…Saddle-type electric vehicle (electric vehicle) 12…Front wheel 24… Battery 36…Steering stem (steering axis) 40... Head pipe 42…Mainframe 46... Lower frame (down frame) 86...Battery side connector 90...motor 96... Harness

Claims

1. Mainframe and A downframe extending below the mainframe, A battery that supplies power, A harness that conducts the power from the battery, A battery-side connector provided on the battery to which the harness is connected, Equipped with, An electric vehicle in which the down frame and the battery-side connector overlap in a side view.

2. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, The aforementioned down frames are provided in pairs with a gap between them in the vehicle width direction. The battery-side connector is located between a pair of down frames in an electric vehicle.

3. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, The harness has a flexible wiring section and a harness-side connector provided at the end of the wiring section and detachable from the battery-side connector. An electric vehicle in which the longitudinal direction of the harness-side connector attached to the battery-side connector is aligned with the vertical direction of the electric vehicle.

4. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, The down frame is detachable from the main frame. In a side view, the battery-side connector is located below the main frame in an electric vehicle.

5. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, The battery has a bulge that protrudes forward in the longitudinal direction of the electric vehicle, The battery-side connector is provided on the upper surface of the bulging portion of the electric vehicle.

6. The electric vehicle according to claim 5, The upper surface of the bulging portion is inclined downward toward the front, in this electric vehicle.

7. The electric vehicle according to claim 5, In a side view, the front surface of the bulging portion is aligned with the down frame of the electric vehicle.

8. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, The battery comprises a central case, a first side case covering a first opening that opens on one side of the central case in the vehicle width direction, and a second side case covering a second opening that opens on the other side of the central case in the vehicle width direction. The central case has a wall portion located between the first opening and the second opening, The dimensions of the central case in the vehicle width direction are greater than the dimensions of the first side case in the vehicle width direction, and greater than the dimensions of the second side case in the vehicle width direction. The battery-side connector is provided in the central case of the electric vehicle.

9. The electric vehicle according to claim 8, The battery has a first space which is the space between the wall portion and the first side case, and a second space which is the space between the wall portion and the second side case. The battery further comprises battery cells arranged in the first space and the second space, The aforementioned battery-side connector is A positive electrode connector connected to one of the battery cells, which is located in the first space and the battery cell located in the second space, A negative terminal connector connected to the other battery cell among the battery cells arranged in the first space and the battery cells arranged in the second space, It has, The positive terminal connector is provided on one side in the vehicle width direction, The negative terminal connector is provided on the other side in the vehicle width direction of the electric vehicle.

10. The electric vehicle according to claim 8, The wall portion has a hole that penetrates in the vehicle width direction, An electric vehicle, wherein the battery is equipped with a circuit board that is arranged in the vehicle width direction through the hole.

11. An electric vehicle according to claim 10, The battery-side connector has a signal connector electrically connected to the circuit board. The signal connector and the circuit board are located in the central part of the central case in the vehicle width direction, in an electric vehicle.

12. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, The main frame has a pair of partial main frames separated in the vehicle width direction, A line extending vertically from the electric vehicle and the battery overlap in a side view, passing through the point where the distance between the pair of aforementioned partial main frames in the vehicle width direction is greatest. An electric vehicle in which the long direction of the battery is aligned with the vertical direction.

13. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, It is positioned behind the aforementioned battery and further includes an inverter for driving and controlling the motor, An electric vehicle in which the harness passes over the battery and is connected to the inverter.

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