Saddle-type electric vehicle

Abstract

We provide a saddle-type electric vehicle that can achieve both comfort and convenience. [Solution] The saddle-type electric vehicle comprises a step floor (18), a seat (17) provided above and behind the step floor (18), a battery (34) and a housing (33) located below the seat (17), an electric motor (13) driven by power from the battery (34), and a PCU (35) that controls the power supplied to the electric motor (13), wherein the housing (33) is formed above and in front of the battery (34).

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, efforts towards realizing a low-carbon society or a decarbonized society have been active, and in saddle-type vehicles as well, research and development on electrification technologies have been carried out in order to reduce CO2 emissions and improve energy efficiency. Regarding such electrification technologies, technologies related to saddle-type electric vehicles having a step floor are known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Patent Document 1 describes an electric scooter, and describes a technique of arranging a plurality of batteries below a step floor. Patent Document 2 describes a saddle-type electric vehicle, and describes a technique of arranging a battery below a seat. In Patent Document 2, a housing portion for housing a portable charger for charging the battery is formed behind the battery, and the housing portion is also formed below the seat.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in technologies related to electrification technologies, there are problems associated with the arrangement of batteries. In the configuration of arranging a battery below a step floor as described in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that the position of the step floor tends to be high and it is difficult to improve habitability. As described in Patent Document 2, in a configuration where the battery is simply placed below the seat, it becomes difficult to secure sufficient storage capacity for luggage below the seat, which presents a problem in terms of convenience. This invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and aims to provide a saddle-type electric vehicle that can achieve both livability and convenience. Furthermore, it contributes to improving energy efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A saddle-type electric vehicle comprises a step floor, a seat provided above and behind the step floor, a battery and housing located below the seat, an electric motor driven by power from the battery, and a PCU that controls the power supplied to the electric motor, wherein the housing is formed above and in front of the battery. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] We can provide a saddle-type electric vehicle that balances comfort and convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a left side view of an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the front of an electric vehicle, seen from the rear. [Figure 3] This is a front view of the main section showing the area below the seat of an electric vehicle. [Figure 4] This is a left rear view of the electric vehicle. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a left side view showing the electric vehicle with the under-seat cover, rear side cover, floor cover, etc., removed. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a left side view showing the electric vehicle with the rear cover and swingarm cover removed. [Figure 7]This is a front-view perspective showing the area around the rear frame and battery. [Figure 8] This is a rearward perspective view showing the area around the rear frame and battery. [Figure 9] This is a view in the direction of arrow IX in Figure 6. [Figure 10] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the rear of an electric vehicle, along the center of the vehicle's width. [Figure 11] This is a plan view showing the area around the luggage box. [Figure 12] This is a plan view showing the luggage box removed from Figure 11. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description, directions such as front, back, left, right, and up and down refer to directions relative to the vehicle body unless otherwise specified. In each figure, the symbol FR indicates the front of the vehicle body, the symbol UP indicates the top of the vehicle body, and the symbol LH indicates the left side of the vehicle body.

[0009] [Embodiment] Figure 1 is a left side view of an electric vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electric vehicle 10 is an electric motorcycle comprising a body frame 11, an electric motor 13 that drives the rear wheel 12 which is the drive wheel, a front fork 15 that supports the front wheel 14 in a steerable manner, a swing arm 16 that supports the rear wheel 12, and a seat 17 for the rider. The electric vehicle 10 is a saddle-type vehicle in which the rider sits straddling the seat 17. The electric vehicle 10 in this embodiment is an electric scooter having a low-floor step floor 18.

[0010] The vehicle body frame 11 has a scooter frame (frame) 20 and a sub-frame 30 attached to the scooter frame 20. The scooter frame 20 has a head pipe 21 at the front end, a down frame 22 extending downward from the head pipe 21, a center frame 23 extending rearward from the down frame 22, and a pair of left and right rear frames 24 extending rearward and upward from the center frame 23. The sub-frame 30 is attached across the pair of left and right rear frames 24 of the scooter frame 20.

[0011] A pair of left and right front forks 15 are attached to the head pipe 21 so as to be steerable. A steering handle 19 is attached to the upper part of the front fork 15. A front wheel 14 is attached to the lower end of the front fork 15 via an axle 14a.

[0012] A pivot shaft 31 extending in the left-right direction (vehicle width direction) is supported by the sub-frame 30. A swing arm 16 extending in the front-rear direction is pivotally supported by the pivot shaft 31. The swing arm 16 extends from the pivot shaft 31 to the side of the rear wheel 12. The rear end portion of the swing arm 16 supports the rear wheel 12 via an axle 12a.

[0013] An electric motor 13 is supported by the rear wheel 12. The electric motor 13 of the present embodiment is an in-wheel motor. A rear cushion 32 is connected between the rear end portion of the swing arm 16 and the rear frame 24.

[0014] A seat 17 on which a passenger sits is arranged above the rear frame 24. A luggage box (accommodation portion) 33 is arranged below the seat 17. A battery 34 is arranged below the luggage box 33.

[0015] A Power Control Unit (PCU) 35, an electrical component, is supported in front of the battery 34. The PCU 35 controls the power supplied to the electric motor 13. Specifically, the PCU 35 includes an inverter and other components, and for example, converts the DC power supplied from the battery 34 into AC power, and supplies the converted AC power to the electric motor 13. In addition, when the electric motor 13 is regenerating, the PCU 35 converts the AC power generated by the electric motor 13 into DC power and charges the battery 34.

[0016] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the front of the electric vehicle 10, seen from the rear. Figure 3 is a front view of the main part of the electric vehicle 10, showing the area below the seat 17. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the vehicle frame 11, luggage box 33, battery 34, etc., are covered by the vehicle cover 40. The vehicle body cover 40 includes a front cover 41, a leg shield 42 behind the front cover 41, a floor cover 43 below the leg shield 42, a pair of left and right floor side covers 44 located on the left and right sides of the floor cover 43, an under cover 45 below the floor side covers 44, a seat under cover 46 behind the floor cover 43, a pair of left and right rear side covers 47 located behind the seat under cover 46, and a rear cover 48 located behind the rear side covers 47, etc.

[0017] The front cover 41 covers the front end of the vehicle frame 11, including the head pipe 21, from the front. The leg shield 42 is connected to the rear of the front cover 41 and covers the head pipe 21 and down frame 22 from the rear. The floor cover 43 is connected to the lower end of the leg shield 42 and covers the center frame 23 from above. The floor cover 43 constitutes the step floor 18. The floor side covers 44 are positioned on the left and right of the floor cover 43 and cover the center frame 23 from the left and right sides. The under cover 45 is connected to the lower ends of the left and right floor side covers 44 and covers the center frame 23 from below.

[0018] The underseat cover 46 is positioned below the front of the seat 17 and connects to the rear end of the floor cover 43. The rear side cover 47 extends from the side of the underseat cover 46 to the rear and covers the rear frame 24 from the left and right outer sides. Thus, the rear side cover 47 covers the luggage box 33 from the left and right outer sides. The rear cover 48 is positioned between the left and right rear side covers 47 and covers the battery 34 from the rear.

[0019] Here, a pocket 42a capable of accommodating items is provided on the left side of the leg shield 42 (see Figure 2). Above the pocket 42a, a terminal port 36 is provided. The terminal port 36 is closed by a lid 36a that can be opened and closed. The terminal port 36 is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port. A terminal or the like can be charged using the power supplied from the terminal port 36. Furthermore, a power supply port 37 for supplying power to the battery 34 is provided on the left side of the under-seat cover 46. The power supply port 37 is closed by a power supply lid 37a that can be opened and closed.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, a front fender 38 is attached to the front fork 15, covering the front wheel 14 from above. A rear fender 39 is attached to the rear frame 24, covering the rear wheel 12 from above. The swingarm 16 supports the main stand 28. Additionally, the lower end of the left rear frame 24 supports the side stand 29.

[0021] Figure 4 is a left rear side view of the electric vehicle 10. Figure 5 is a left side view of the electric vehicle 10 shown in Figure 4 with the under-seat cover 46, rear side cover 47, floor cover 43, etc. removed. Figure 6 is a left side view of the electric vehicle 10 shown in Figure 5 with the rear cover 48 and swing arm cover 16b removed. Each of the left and right rear frames 24 has an inclined portion 50 that extends upward and rearward, and a horizontal portion 51 that extends horizontally from the upper end of the inclined portion 50. Here, the battery 34 is located behind the inclined portion 50 and below the horizontal portion 51, and extends along the inclined portion 50. Therefore, in a side view of the vehicle, the drive battery 34 is not located on the front and upper sides of the rear frame 24. For this reason, in the electric vehicle 10 of this embodiment, space can be secured on the front and upper sides of the rear frame 24 for components and materials other than the battery 34. In other words, in the electric vehicle 10 of this embodiment, the front and upper sides of the rear frame 24 can be made compact because the battery 34 is not located there. The arrangement of the battery 34 in this embodiment can suppress the impact on the passenger living space, such as the step floor 18 in front of the seat 17.

[0022] Figure 7 is a front perspective view showing the area around the rear frame 24 and battery 34. Figure 8 is a rear perspective view showing the area around the rear frame 24 and battery 34. Figure 9 is a view in the direction of arrow IX in Figure 6. The vehicle frame 11 surrounding the battery 34 in this embodiment will be described in detail using Figures 6 to 9, etc.

[0023] In this embodiment, the center frame 23 (see Figure 7) of the vehicle body frame 11 is a single frame extending to the rear. A cross frame (cross member) 25 extending in the vehicle width direction is connected to the rear end of the center frame 23. Rear frames 24 are connected to both outer ends of the cross frame 25 in the vehicle width direction.

[0024] On both the left and right sides of the center frame 23, a pair of left and right step frames 26 are positioned above the center frame 23, extending in the front-rear direction (see Figures 1 and 7). The left and right step frames 26 extend in the front-rear direction. The rear ends of the step frames 26 are connected to the lower end of the rear frame 24 and the upper surface of the cross frame 25 (see Figure 7).

[0025] The rear frame 24 has an inclined section 50, a horizontal section 51, and a rear end cross frame 52 (see Figures 8 and 9) that connects the rear end of the horizontal section 51 in the vehicle width direction. The lower end of the inclined section 50 is connected to the outer end of the cross frame 25 in the vehicle width direction. The inclined section 50 extends from the cross frame 25 in the vehicle width direction (see Figure 9) and then extends rearward. The horizontal section 51 extends rearward, and at its rear end, it curves inward in the vehicle width direction as it moves rearward (see Figures 7 and 9). The rear end of the horizontal section 51 is supported by the rear end cross frame 52.

[0026] As shown in Figure 7, an arch-shaped front stay portion 53 is supported on the front of the inclined portion 50 of the rear frame 24. The front stay portion 53 is supported across the left and right rear frames 24. In a side view of the vehicle, the front stay portion 53 inclins forward as it moves upward (see Figure 6). A pair of left and right front luggage stays 54 are formed in the center of the front stay portion 53 in the vehicle width direction. A fastening boss portion 54a that protrudes upward is formed on the upper surface of the front luggage stay 54. The fastening boss portion 54a is cylindrical. A screw groove is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the fastening boss portion 54a. A frame-shaped electrical equipment stay portion 55 is supported on the front luggage stay 54. The electrical equipment stay portion 55 extends in the vertical direction (see Figure 6).

[0027] An inner protruding frame 56, which protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction, is supported at the front end of the horizontal portion 51 of the rear frame 24. The inner protruding frame 56 is cylindrical. A rear luggage stay 57 extending upward is formed on the upper surface of the inner protruding frame 56. A fastening boss portion 57a ​​protruding upward is formed at the upper end of the rear luggage stay 57. The fastening boss portion 57a ​​is cylindrical. Screw grooves are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the fastening boss portion 57a.

[0028] A cushion stay portion 58 extending downward and rearward is formed on the rear lower surface of the inner protruding frame 56. The cushion stay portion 58 is a roughly U-shaped bent plate. More specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the cushion stay portion 58 has an upper bottom portion 58a and a pair of left and right side portions 58b and 58c extending downward from both ends of the upper bottom portion 58a. The side portions 58b and 58c are spaced apart from each other and face each other. The upper end of the rear cushion 32 enters and connects to the cushion stay portion 58 (see Figure 6).

[0029] As shown in Figure 7, a plurality of grab rail stay sections 59 are formed behind the inner protruding frame 56. Grab rails 71 (see Figure 5) are fixed to the grab rail stay sections 59. Lamp stay sections 60 are formed on the rear end cross frame 52. A rear lamp unit (tail lamp) 72 (see Figure 5) is fixed to the lamp stay sections 60. An electrical component stay section 61 is formed in front of the lamp stay sections 60. A down regulator 136 (see Figure 10), as an example of an electrical component, is fixed to the electrical component stay section 61.

[0030] A step stay portion 62 is provided on the rear surface of the inclined portion 50 of the rear frame 24. The step stay portion 62 has a pipe-shaped first frame 62a extending downward and rearward from the rear of the rear frame 24, and a pipe-shaped second frame 62b extending forward from the front of the first frame 62a and connected to the rear surface of the rear frame 24. A bent plate-shaped bracket portion 62c is fixed to the tip of the first frame 62a. The bracket portion 62c has a substantially U-shaped cross-section. A step 74 (see Figure 5) is rotatably supported on the bracket portion 62c.

[0031] A second step stay portion 63 is formed on the horizontal portion 51 of the left rear frame 24. A support frame 75 is connected to the second step stay portion 63, as shown in Figure 5. The support frame 75 extends downward. A step plate 76 is supported at the lower end of the support frame 75 so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction.

[0032] As shown in Figures 6, 8, and 9, a subframe 30 is integrally provided on the inclined portion 50 of the rear frame 24. The subframe 30 has a pair of left and right base portions 80. In this embodiment, the base portions 80 are pipe-shaped. The base portions 80 have a sub-horizontal portion 81 extending in the front-rear direction and a sub-inclined portion 82 extending rearward and upward from the rear end of the sub-horizontal portion 81. The sub-horizontal portion 81 is connected to the cross frame 25 at its front end. More specifically, each sub-horizontal portion 81 is connected to the cross frame 25 at a position between the center frame 23 and the rear frame 24 in the vehicle width direction. The sub-inclined portion 82 extends along the inclined portion 50 of the rear frame 24.

[0033] A forward extension 83 is formed in the middle of the longitudinal direction of the sub-inclined portion 82, extending forward perpendicularly to the sub-inclined portion 82 when viewed from the side of the vehicle. The forward extension 83 is approximately L-shaped (in plan view). That is, the forward extension 83 extends outward in the vehicle width direction, and then extends linearly upward and forward. The forward extension 83 is connected to the rear surface of the inclined portion 50 of the rear frame 24. A cover fixing portion 83a (see Figures 6 and 8) is formed on the forward extension 83.

[0034] Below the forward extension 83, a central connecting section 84 is formed, connecting the left and right base sections 80. The central connecting section 84 is a pipe material that extends in a straight line. The central connecting section 84 and the forward extension 83 are connected to the base section 80 in an alternating manner. That is, the forward extension 83 does not exist in the direction of extension of the central connecting section 84, and the central connecting section 84 and the forward extension 83 are not in a straight line.

[0035] As shown in Figure 9, a lower battery fixing portion 85 is formed in the sub-horizontal portion 81. A pair of lower battery fixing portions 85 are formed on the left and right sides, straddling the center of the vehicle width. The lower battery fixing portion 85 has a fixing surface 85a (see Figure 10) that follows the inclination of the sub-inclined portion 82. The fixing surface 85a faces forward and upward.

[0036] A frame support portion 82a is formed at the upper end of the base portion 80, that is, at the upper end of the sub-inclined portion 82. The battery support frame 86 is supported by the frame support portion 82a. The battery support frame 86 is a pipe material bent into a roughly U-shape. The battery support frame 86 has an asymmetrical structure (see Figure 9). In detail, the battery support frame 86 has a pair of left and right extensions 86a and 86e fixed to the frame support portion 82a. Inclined portions 86b and 86d are formed at the upper ends of each extension portion 86a and 86e, extending upward and rearward at a steeper angle than the extensions 86a and 86e. The inclined portions 86b and 86d incline inward in the vehicle width direction as they proceed upward and rearward. Left and right connecting portions 86c extending in the vehicle width direction are formed at the upper ends of the inclined portions 86b and 86d.

[0037] Here, in the left inclined portion 86b and the right inclined portion 86d, the left inclined portion 86b is more inclined inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the respective extensions 86a and 86e than the right inclined portion 86d. Therefore, the left and right connecting portion 86c is biased to the right with respect to the vehicle width center. An upper battery fixing portion 87 is formed on the left and right connecting portion 86c. The upper battery fixing portion 87 is biased to the right with respect to the vehicle width center. The upper battery fixing portion 87 has a fixing surface 87a (see Figure 10) that follows the inclination of the sub-inclined portion 82. The fixing surface 87a faces forward and upward.

[0038] A plate-shaped pivot stay portion (pivot portion) 88 is provided at the connection point between the sub-horizontal portion 81 and the sub-inclined portion 82 (see Figure 8). An axle member 89 extending in the vehicle width direction is fixed to the pivot stay portion 88. A pivot shaft hole 88a is formed above and behind the axle member 89. The pivot shaft hole 88a penetrates the pivot stay portion 88 in the vehicle width direction.

[0039] Figure 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the rear of the electric vehicle 10 along the center of the vehicle width. The battery 34 is supported by the subframe 30. The battery 34 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. When viewed from the side of the vehicle, the battery 34 has a long portion 34d and a short portion 34e that is shorter than the long portion 34d. The battery 34 extends from the front lower to the rear upper. The battery 34 has thickness in the direction from the front upper to the rear lower.

[0040] The battery 34 is positioned below the rear frame 24, between the inclined portion 50 of the rear frame 24 and the sub-inclined portion 82 of the subframe 30. The battery 34 is supported along the inclined portion 50 of the rear frame 24 and the sub-inclined portion 82 of the subframe 30.

[0041] The battery 34 has a terminal portion 34f on its upper short portion 34e (see Figure 5). The terminal portion 34f protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the short portion 34e. The terminal portion 34f is formed at a position that is offset below the halfway point P1 in the length direction of the short portion 34e, i.e., in the thickness direction of the battery 34. The terminal portion 34f is formed at the left end of the battery 34 (one end in the vehicle width direction) (see Figure 12). Here, in a side view of the vehicle, the rear extension line La (see Figures 1 and 10), which is the upper surface of the step floor 18 extended rearward, overlaps the battery 34. Also, in a side view of the vehicle, the terminal portion 34f is located above the rear extension line La (see Figure 5).

[0042] Here, the battery 34 overlaps the pivot axis 31 when viewed from the rear (or front) of the vehicle, and also overlaps the pivot axis 31 when viewed from the bottom (or top) of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the lower end 34b of the battery 34 is located below the pivot axis 31, and the upper end 34a of the battery 34 is located above the pivot axis 31. Furthermore, the front end 34g of the battery 34 is located in front of the pivot axis 31, and the rear end 34h of the battery 34 is located behind the pivot axis 31. By arranging the battery 34 with an upward slant at the rear so as to straddle the pivot axis 31 both front-to-back and up-to-down, it is possible to secure both the capacity of the luggage box 33 and the space for the battery 34, and furthermore, the rear wheels 12 can be positioned relatively far forward of the vehicle, thereby preventing the front-to-rear length of the electric vehicle 10 from becoming too long.

[0043] The battery 34 is supported on the subframe 30 via the battery case 90. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the battery case 90 is box-shaped with an open front and top. The battery case 90 has a bottom surface 91 that extends along the inclined portion 50 and side surfaces 92 formed on the left and right sides of the bottom surface 91. A pair of left and right lower fixing portions 93 (see Figure 9) are formed at the lower end of the bottom surface 91 of the battery case 90. The lower fixing portions 93 are recessed upward. The lower battery fixing portion 85 of the subframe 30 is housed in the lower fixing portions 93 from below. Fixing holes (not shown) are formed in the lower fixing portions 93 that penetrate in a direction perpendicular to the inclined portion 50.

[0044] Furthermore, a support frame housing portion 91a is formed on the upper part of the bottom portion 91, recessed in a groove shape towards the front and upper. The battery support frame 86 of the subframe 30 is housed in the support frame housing portion 91a. An upper fixing portion 94 is formed in the support frame housing portion 91a, corresponding to the position of the upper battery fixing portion 87. A fixing hole (not shown) is formed in the upper fixing portion 94, penetrating in the thickness direction.

[0045] The battery case 90 houses the lower battery fixing portion 85 of the subframe 30 in its lower fixing portion 93, and the left and right connecting portions 86c of the battery support frame 86 house in its support frame housing portion 91a. This temporarily positions the battery case 90 on the subframe 30. In this state, the battery 34 is placed on the upper surface of the battery case 90. The battery 34 is then covered and secured from above by the battery bracket 100 (see Figures 7 and 10).

[0046] As shown in Figure 10, the battery bracket 100 includes a plate-shaped upper portion 101 that extends along the upper surface of the battery 34. In this embodiment, a pair of upper portions 101 are provided on the left and right sides (see Figure 7). At the lower end of the upper surface portion 101, a folded plate-shaped lower connecting portion 102 is formed to connect the left and right upper surface portions 101. The front side of the lower connecting portion 102 is folded downward. At the lower end of the lower connecting portion 102, a fixing portion 102a is formed which is fixed to the lower battery fixing portion 85 of the subframe 30. In a side view of the vehicle, the fixing portion 102a is formed above (forward) the position P1 which is halfway across the thickness of the battery 34. The fixing portion 102a is positioned on the lower fixing portion 93 of the battery case 90.

[0047] A connecting portion 103 is provided at the upper end of the upper surface portion 101 to connect the left and right upper surface portions 101. A folded plate-shaped upper connecting portion 104 is fixed to the left and right center of the connecting portion 103. The upper connecting portion 104 has a base portion 104a extending to the rear, an extension portion 104b extending downward and rearward from the base portion 104a, a fixing portion 104c formed at the lower end of the extension portion 104b, and a pedestal-shaped electrical equipment support portion 104d. The base portion 104a extends along the rear part 114 of the bottom wall of the luggage box 33. The extension portion 104b extends below (to the rear) the halfway point P1 in the thickness direction of the battery 34 when viewed from the side of the vehicle. The fixing portion 104c is formed below (to the rear) the halfway point P1 in the thickness direction of the battery 34 when viewed from the side of the vehicle. Therefore, when viewed from the side of the vehicle, the fixing portion 104c is formed on the opposite side of the fixing portion 102a, with the center position 34c of the battery 34 in between. When viewed from the side of the vehicle, the fixing portion 104c and the fixing portion 102a are formed in a manner that is approximately point-symmetric with respect to the center position 34c. The fixing portion 104c is positioned on the upper fixing portion 94 of the battery case 90.

[0048] The fixing portions 102a and 104c of the battery bracket 100 are fixed to the lower battery fixing portion 85 and the upper battery fixing portion 87 of the subframe 30 by fasteners 108. As a result, the battery case 90 is fastened together with the lower battery fixing portion 85 and the upper battery fixing portion 87 of the subframe 30. The fasteners 108 are, for example, bolts.

[0049] Here, a support pin 105 is provided on the upper surface 101, penetrating in the thickness direction. A rubber 106 (see Figure 10) is supported at the lower end of the support pin 105. The rubber 106 is positioned on the lower surface of the upper surface 101. The battery bracket 100 faces the battery 34 via the rubber 106. The battery 34 is fixed to the subframe 30 while sandwiched between the battery case 90 and the battery bracket 100.

[0050] Figure 11 is a plan view showing the area around the luggage box 33. Figure 12 is a plan view showing the state with the luggage box 33 removed from Figure 11. A luggage box 33 is positioned above the battery 34. More specifically, the luggage box 33 is positioned above and in front of the battery 34. The luggage box 33 is a container that is recessed downwards. In plan view, the luggage box 33 is oval-shaped and extends in the front-to-back direction. The luggage box 33 is supported by the rear frame 24. In this embodiment, the luggage box 33 is fixed to the front luggage stay 54 (see Figure 12) and the rear luggage stay 57 (see Figure 12) of the rear frame 24 by fastening members. The luggage box 33 is supported by the left and right rear frame 24, straddling the left and right rear frame 24.

[0051] In Figures 10 to 12, the luggage box 33 comprises a bottom wall portion (storage bottom surface) 110 and a peripheral wall portion 120 extending upward from the outer periphery of the bottom wall portion 110. The bottom wall portion 110 has, at the center of the vehicle width, a bottom wall front end portion (storage front wall) 111 extending rearward and downward from the front end peripheral wall portion 120, a bottom wall bottom portion 112 extending rearward and downward from the lower end of the bottom wall front end portion 111 with a gentler slope than the bottom wall front end portion 111, a bottom wall middle portion (inclined portion) 113 extending rearward and upward from the lower end of the bottom wall bottom portion 112, and a bottom wall rear portion (horizontal portion) 114 extending rearward from the upper end of the bottom wall middle portion 113. The peripheral wall front portion (storage front wall) 121, which is the front part of the peripheral wall portion 120, extends upward from around the bottom wall front end portion 111, the bottom wall bottom portion 112, and the bottom wall middle portion 113. The peripheral wall rear portion 122, which is the rear part of the peripheral wall portion 120, extends upward from around the bottom wall rear portion 114.

[0052] The front end portion 111 of the bottom wall, the bottom portion 112 of the bottom wall, the middle portion 113 of the bottom wall, and the front portion 121 of the surrounding wall constitute the downward extension portion 33a, which is the front part of the luggage box 33 in this embodiment. The rear portion 114 of the bottom wall and the rear portion 122 of the surrounding wall constitute the rear extension portion 33b, which is the rear part of the luggage box 33 in this embodiment.

[0053] In the luggage box 33, the front end of the front part 121 of the surrounding wall extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle body, while the rear end of the rear part 122 of the surrounding wall slopes slightly forward as it goes downward. Also, the downward extension 33a protrudes further downward than the rear extension 33b. Therefore, in the luggage box 33, the length in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle relative to its volume, i.e., the longitudinal lengths W1, W2, and W3, decrease from top to bottom. The longitudinal length W2 is smaller than the longitudinal length W1, and the longitudinal length W3 is smaller than the longitudinal length W2.

[0054] The downward extension 33a is below the horizontal portion 51 of the rear frame 24, and its vertical occupancy overlaps with the battery 34. The lower end 33a1 of the downward extension 33a, in other words, the connection between the bottom wall 112 and the middle portion 113 of the bottom wall, is located below the upper end 34a of the battery 34. In particular, in this embodiment, the lower end 33a1 of the downward extension 33a is located below the center position 34c, which is halfway between the upper end 34a and the lower end 34b of the battery 34. The downward extension 33a is deep enough to be located below the center position 34c. A full-face helmet 140 can be stored in the luggage box 33 using the downward extension 33a. Specifically, the helmet 140 can be stored in the luggage box 33 with the opening for inserting the head angled.

[0055] A portion of the downward extension 33a is located between the inclined portions 50 of the left and right rear frames 24. The middle section 113 of the bottom wall of the downward extension 33a extends along the inclined portion 50 of the rear frame 24. In this embodiment, the middle section 113 protrudes slightly downward (rearward) from the inclined portion 50 of the rear frame 24 when viewed from the side of the vehicle (see Figure 5). The middle section 113 extends along the elongated portion 34d of the battery 34 when viewed from the side of the vehicle. The front end 111 of the bottom wall of the downward extension 33a extends upward along the front stay portion 53 of the rear frame 24. A hinge portion 115 that protrudes forward is provided at the front end of the front portion 121 of the surrounding wall of the downward extension 33a. In a plan view, the hinge portion 115 overlaps with the PCU 35 supported by the front stay portion 53 (see Figures 10 and 11).

[0056] The PCU 35 is positioned below the seat 17, along the front end 111 of the bottom wall. The PCU 35 is positioned behind the front end L1 of the seat 17 (see Figure 10) and in front of the front end L2 of the luggage box 33 (see Figure 10). The front end L2 of the luggage box 33 refers to the inner end of the storage space of the luggage box 33. In this embodiment, the front end L2 of the luggage box 33 corresponds to the vehicle's up and down lines passing through the inner surface of the front end of the surrounding wall front portion 121. The PCU 35, the luggage box 33, and the battery 34 overlap in a front view (see Figures 3 and 10). The seat 17 is rotatably supported by the hinge portion 115. Therefore, in this embodiment, the seat 17 is supported by the rear frame 24 via the luggage box 33.

[0057] An opening 112a is formed in the bottom wall 112 of the downward extension 33a, penetrating vertically. The opening 112a is closed by a lid (not shown) that can be opened and closed. The area below the front stay portion 53 is accessible through the opening 112a. In this embodiment, electrical components 135 are accessible through the opening 112a.

[0058] The rear extension 33b of the luggage box 33 overlaps with the horizontal portion 51 of the rear frame 24 in a side view of the vehicle (see Figure 5). The rear bottom wall 114 of the rear extension 33b is located below the rear frame 24. The rear bottom wall 114 extends horizontally along the horizontal portion 51 of the rear frame 24 (see Figure 10). Cushion avoidance portions 122a and 122b are formed on the rear peripheral wall 122 of the rear extension 33b, bulging inward in the vehicle width direction (see Figure 11). The cushion avoidance portions 122a and 122b allow the luggage box 33 to be positioned between the rear frame 24 while avoiding the rear cushion 32. The luggage box 33 can accommodate a charger 141 used for charging by utilizing the rear extension 33b. That is, the charger 141 is placed on the horizontally shaped rear bottom wall 114.

[0059] Below the rear bottom wall 114, a fuse box 137, which is an example of an electrical component, is positioned as an external panel. The fuse box 137 has its front fixing part 137a (see Figure 12) fixed to the electrical support part 104d (see Figure 7) of the battery bracket 100. The fuse box 137 also has its rear fixing part 137b (see Figure 12) fixed to the rear fender 39. The fuse box 137 is supported in a manner that straddles the battery bracket 100 and the rear fender 39. As a result, the fuse box 137 is positioned close to the rear bottom wall 114 of the luggage box 33 and is positioned along the lower surface of the rear bottom wall 114 of the luggage box 33.

[0060] A down regulator 136, an example of an electrical component, is positioned behind the luggage box 33. The down regulator 136 is positioned between the rear end L3 (see Figure 3) of the luggage box 33 and the rear lamp unit 72. Here, the rear end L3 of the luggage box 33 refers to the inner end of the storage space of the luggage box 33. In this embodiment, the rear end L3 of the luggage box 33 corresponds to the vehicle's up and down lines passing through the inner surface of the rear end of the surrounding wall rear portion 122.

[0061] As shown in Figure 12, a connector 130 is connected to the terminal portion 34f at the top of the left side (one side in the vehicle width direction) of the battery 34. A cable 131 extends from the connector 130. The cable 131 extends beyond the center of the vehicle width toward the rear frame 24 on the right side (the other side in the vehicle width direction). The cable 131 is bundled with other cables to form a cable 134, which extends forward along the right rear frame 24. The cable 134 that extends along the right rear frame 24 is connected to the PCU 35 (see Figure 10), which is fixed to the electrical bracket portion 55.

[0062] Here, since a large current flows through the cables 131 and 134 extending from the battery 34, the cables 131 and 134 tend to be thick and heavy, and also tend to be rigid. In this embodiment, a terminal portion 34f is provided at the upper left end of the battery 34, and when the cables 131 and 134 connected to the terminal portion 34f go toward the PCU 35, they can be routed in a large arc to the lower right side of the battery 34. Therefore, the cables 131 and 134 can be routed with a gentle curve, and are easy to handle even if they are rigid. In addition, the terminal portion 34f is formed below the rear bottom wall 114 of the bottom wall portion 110 of the luggage box 33, far from the position P1 which is half the thickness of the battery 34. Therefore, since the distance between the terminal portion 34f of the battery 34 and the bottom wall portion 110 of the luggage box 33 can be secured, it is easy to secure space around the terminal portion 34f. Therefore, it is easier to improve the workability of tasks such as attaching the connector 130 and cable 131 to the terminal section 34f.

[0063] The PCU35 is roughly plate-shaped. The PCU35 is supported in a position aligned in the vertical direction. Cables extend from the PCU35 to the electric motor 13 and other components. Electrical components 135 are positioned below the front stay portion 53.

[0064] As shown in Figure 6, a pivot shaft 31 is inserted through the pivot shaft hole 88a of the pivot stay portion 88 of the subframe 30. The swingarm 16 is pivotably supported on the pivot shaft 31. The swingarm 16 in this embodiment has a pair of plate-shaped swingarm bodies 16a extending in the front-rear direction, and a pair of left and right swingarm covers 16b that cover each swingarm body 16a from the outside in the vehicle width direction. The rear wheel 12 is supported while sandwiched between the pair of left and right swingarm bodies 16a. The lower end of the rear cushion 32 is connected to the rear of the swingarm body 16a. The upper end of the rear cushion 32 is connected to the cushion stay portion 58 of the rear frame 24. The rear cushion 32 is positioned inward in the vehicle width direction from the rear frame 24.

[0065] As shown in Figure 5, a rear cover 48 is positioned behind the battery case 90. The rear cover 48 is fixed to the cover fixing portion 83a of the forward extension portion 83 of the subframe 30. The rear cover 48 covers the battery case 90 from the rear. On the outside of the rear cover 48 in the vehicle width direction, as shown in Figure 4, a rear side cover 47 is positioned. The rear side cover 47 covers the rear frame 24 and luggage box 33 from the outside in the vehicle width direction (see Figure 4). An under-seat cover 46 is positioned in front of the luggage box 33. Between the under-seat cover 46 and the luggage box 33, as shown in Figure 10, the PCU 35 and power supply port 37 (see Figure 3) are positioned in front of the rear frame 24. The power supply port 37 is supported by the under-seat cover 46. The power supply port 37 is located on the left side relative to the center of the vehicle width. A cable (not shown) extending from the charger 141 is connected to the power supply port 37. The charger 141 is connected to a power source via a cable (not shown). This charges the battery 34.

[0066] As described above, according to this embodiment to which the present invention is applied, in an electric vehicle 10 comprising a step floor 18, a seat 17 provided above and behind the step floor 18, a battery 34 and a luggage box 33 located below the seat 17, an electric motor 13 driven by power from the battery 34, and a PCU 35 that controls the power supplied to the electric motor 13, the luggage box 33 is formed above and in front of the battery 34. With this configuration, since the battery 34 is positioned below the seat 17, the impact of the battery 34 on the step floor 18 is easily minimized, ensuring passenger comfort. Furthermore, since the luggage box 33 is formed above and in front of the battery 34, the capacity of the luggage box 33 can be easily increased, ensuring convenience. Therefore, this configuration makes it possible to provide an electric vehicle 10 that can achieve both passenger comfort and convenience.

[0067] In this embodiment, the PCU 35 is positioned below the seat 17 so as to follow the front end portion 111 of the bottom wall and the front portion 121 of the surrounding wall that constitute the front wall of the luggage box 33. This configuration allows for efficient placement of the PCU 35 by utilizing the space below the seat 17.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the PCU 35 is positioned behind the front end L1 of the seat 17 and in front of the front end L2 of the luggage box 33. With this configuration, the PCU 35 can be positioned using the dead space below the hinge portion 115 of the seat 17.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the luggage box 33 is formed such that its front-to-back lengths W1, W2, and W3 become shorter as you move from top to bottom. This configuration makes it easier to increase the storage volume of the luggage box 33 by making the opening 33o at the top of the luggage box 33 larger while also forming the luggage box 33 down to the bottom.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the PCU 35, the luggage box 33, and the battery 34 overlap when viewed from the front. This configuration allows for efficient placement of components while ensuring ease of access to the luggage box 33 and battery 34, thus enhancing convenience.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the battery 34 is formed in a rectangular shape having a long portion 34d and a short portion 34e when viewed from the side of the vehicle, and the battery 34 is provided with a terminal portion 34f on the short portion 34e, and the terminal portion 34f is provided on the side furthest from the luggage box 33 with respect to position P1, which is half the length of the short portion 34e. This configuration allows for sufficient distance between the terminal portion 34f of the battery 34 and the luggage box 33, thereby creating space around the terminal portion 34f and improving the ease of work, such as attaching the cable 131 to the terminal portion 34f.

[0072] In this embodiment, the battery 34 is formed in a rectangular shape having a long portion 34d and a short portion 34e when viewed from the side of the vehicle, and the bottom wall portion 110 has a bottom wall intermediate portion 113 along the long portion 34d of the battery 34 and a bottom wall rear portion 114 as a horizontal portion extending rearward from the bottom wall intermediate portion 113, and the bottom wall rear portion 114 is configured so that the charger 141 can be mounted on it. With this configuration, the horizontal shape of the rear bottom wall 114 can be used to stably position the charger 141 in the luggage box 33.

[0073] In this embodiment, a fuse box 137 is located below the rear bottom wall 114 of the luggage box 33, along the rear bottom wall 114. This configuration allows for efficient placement of components, increasing the capacity of the luggage box 33 while keeping the overall size compact.

[0074] In this embodiment, a down regulator 136 is positioned between the rear end L3 of the luggage box 33 and the rear lamp unit 72. This configuration allows for efficient placement of components, increasing the capacity of the luggage box 33 while keeping the overall size compact.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the battery 34 is positioned behind the step floor 18, the step floor 18 is inclined upwards towards the rear, and in a side view of the vehicle, the rear extension line La of the upper surface of the step floor 18 coincides with the battery 34, and in a side view of the vehicle, the terminal portion 34f of the battery 34 is located above the rear extension line La. With this configuration, the battery 34 is arranged to be elongated in the height direction, and the terminal portion 34f of the battery 34 is placed at a high position, thereby improving workability on the terminal portion 34f of the battery 34 and suppressing the effects of water exposure and other factors on the terminal portion 34f of the battery 34.

[0076] [Other embodiments] The embodiments described above represent only one aspect of the present invention and can be modified and applied as needed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the vehicle body frame 11 has a single center frame 23 extending in the front-rear direction, and a pair of left and right rear frames 24 are connected to the center frame 23 via a cross frame 25, thereby illustrating a configuration in which the pair of left and right rear frames 24 extend upward and rearward from the center frame 23. However, the configuration in which the pair of left and right rear frames 24 extend upward and rearward from the center frame 23 is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which a pair of left and right center frames extend from the lower end of a down frame, and a pair of left and right rear frames extend upward and rearward from the rear end of each of these center frames is also possible.

[0078] In the above embodiment, a motorcycle having a front wheel 14 and a rear wheel 12 was used as an example to describe the electric vehicle 10. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be applied to three-wheeled saddle-type vehicles having two front or rear wheels, or saddle-type vehicles having four or more wheels.

[0079] [Configurations supported by the above embodiment] The above embodiment supports the following configuration.

[0080] (Configuration 1) A saddle-type electric vehicle comprising a step floor, a seat provided above and behind the step floor, a battery and housing located below the seat, an electric motor driven by power from the battery, and a PCU that controls the power supplied to the electric motor, wherein the housing is formed above and in front of the battery. With this configuration, the battery is positioned below the seat, which minimizes its impact on the step floor and ensures passenger comfort. Furthermore, since the storage area is formed above and in front of the battery, it is easier to increase the storage capacity and ensure convenience. Therefore, this configuration makes it possible to provide a saddle-type electric vehicle that balances passenger comfort and convenience.

[0081] (Configuration 2) The saddle-type electric vehicle according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the PCU is positioned below the seat so as to be along the front wall of the housing. This configuration allows for efficient placement of the PCU by utilizing the space below the seat.

[0082] (Configuration 3) The saddle-type electric vehicle according to Configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the PCU is positioned behind the front end of the seat and in front of the front end of the storage compartment. This configuration allows the PCU to be placed in the dead space below the seat hinge.

[0083] (Configuration 4) The saddle-type electric vehicle according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the housing section is formed such that its front-to-back length decreases as it moves from top to bottom. This configuration allows for a larger opening at the top of the storage section while extending the storage section downwards, making it easier to increase the storage volume of the storage section.

[0084] (Configuration 5) A saddle-type electric vehicle according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the PCU, the housing, and the battery overlap when viewed from the front. This configuration allows for efficient placement of components while ensuring ease of access to the storage area and battery, thus facilitating convenience.

[0085] (Configuration 6) The saddle-type electric vehicle according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the battery is formed in a rectangular shape having a long portion and a short portion when viewed from the side of the vehicle, the battery has a terminal portion in the short portion, and the terminal portion is located on the side furthest from the housing portion relative to the halfway point in the length direction of the short portion. This configuration allows for sufficient distance between the battery terminals and the housing, creating space around the terminals and improving the ease of tasks such as attaching cables to the terminals.

[0086] (Configuration 7) The saddle-type electric vehicle according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that the battery is formed in a rectangular shape having a long portion and a short portion when viewed from the side of the vehicle, the bottom surface of the housing has an inclined portion along the long portion of the battery and a horizontal portion extending rearward from the inclined portion, and the horizontal portion is configured so that a charger can be placed on it. With this configuration, the horizontal shape of the horizontal section can be used to stably position the charger in the housing.

[0087] (Configuration 8) The saddle-type electric vehicle according to Configuration 7, characterized in that electrical components are arranged along the horizontal portion below the horizontal portion of the housing. This configuration allows for efficient placement of components, increasing the capacity of the storage area while keeping the overall size compact.

[0088] (Configuration 9) A saddle-type electric vehicle according to any one of Configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that electrical components are arranged between the rear end of the housing and the taillight. This configuration allows for efficient placement of components, increasing the capacity of the storage area while keeping the overall size compact.

[0089] (Configuration 10) A saddle-type electric vehicle according to any one of Configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that the battery is located behind the step floor, the step floor is inclined upward at the rear, the rear extension line of the upper surface of the step floor coincides with the battery in a side view of the vehicle, and the terminal portion of the battery is located above the rear extension line in a side view of the vehicle. This configuration allows the battery to be positioned so that it is elongated in height, and the battery terminals are placed at a higher position, thereby improving accessibility to the battery terminals and suppressing the effects of water exposure and other factors on the battery terminals. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 10. Electric vehicles (saddle-type electric vehicles) 13 Electric motor 17 seats 18-step floor 33. Luggage box (storage area) 34 batteries 34d Long section 34e Short section 34f Terminal section 35 PCU 72 Rear lamp unit (tail lamp) 110 Bottom wall section (bottom surface of the storage section) 111 Front end of bottom wall (front wall of storage section) 113 Middle section of the bottom wall (sloping section) 114 Bottom wall rear (horizontal part) 121 Front of the surrounding wall (front wall of the storage area) 136 Down regulator (electrical component) 137 Fuse box (electrical components) 141 Charger L1 Front end of the seat L2 Front end of storage section L3 Rear end of the storage section La rear extension line P1 position W1 Front and back length W2 Front-to-back length W3 Front and back length

Claims

1. In a saddle-type electric vehicle comprising a step floor (18), a seat (17) provided above and behind the step floor (18), a battery (34) and a housing (33) located below the seat (17), an electric motor (13) driven by power from the battery (34), and a PCU (35) that controls the power supplied to the electric motor (13), The housing portion (33) is formed above and in front of the battery (34). A saddle-type electric vehicle characterized by its features.

2. The PCU (35) is positioned below the seat (17) so as to be along the front wall (111, 121) of the housing section. The saddle-type electric vehicle according to feature 1.

3. The PCU (35) is positioned behind the front end (L1) of the seat (17) and in front of the front end (L2) of the housing (33). A saddle-type electric vehicle according to feature 1 or 2.

4. The housing section (33) is formed such that its front-to-back length (W1, W2, W3) decreases as it moves from top to bottom. A saddle-type electric vehicle according to feature 1 or 2.

5. The PCU (35), the housing (33), and the battery (34) overlap in a front view. A saddle-type electric vehicle according to feature 1 or 2.

6. The battery (34) is formed in a rectangular shape having a long portion (34d) and a short portion (34e) when viewed from the side of the vehicle. The battery (34) has a terminal portion (34f) on the short portion (34e), The terminal portion (34f) is located on the side furthest from the housing portion (33) relative to the position (P1) halfway along the length of the short portion (34e). A saddle-type electric vehicle according to feature 1 or 2.

7. The battery (34) is formed in a rectangular shape having a long portion (34d) and a short portion (34e) when viewed from the side of the vehicle. The bottom surface (110) of the housing has an inclined portion (113) along the elongated portion (34d) of the battery (34) and a horizontal portion (114) extending rearward from the inclined portion (113). The horizontal section (114) is configured to accommodate a charger (141). A saddle-type electric vehicle according to feature 1 or 2.

8. Below the horizontal portion (114) of the housing portion (33), electrical components (137) are arranged along the horizontal portion (114). The saddle-type electric vehicle according to feature 7.

9. An electrical component (136) is positioned between the rear end (L3) of the housing (33) and the taillight (72). A saddle-type electric vehicle according to feature 1 or 2.

10. The battery (34) is located behind the step floor (18), The aforementioned step floor (18) is sloped upward towards the rear. In a side view of the vehicle, the rear extension line (La) of the upper surface of the step floor (18) and the battery (34) overlap. In a side view of the vehicle, the terminal portion (34f) of the battery (34) is located above the rear extension line (La). A saddle-type electric vehicle according to feature 1 or 2.

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