Saddle-type vehicle

Abstract

This invention provides a saddle-type vehicle that allows for efficient frame design regardless of the type of prime mover or energy storage unit installed. [Solution] The saddle-type vehicle 101 comprises a main frame 102 having a head pipe 103 and a pair of left and right frame sections 110 extending rearward from the head pipe 103; a subframe 150 provided below the main frame 102 and detachably connected to the main frame 102; a prime mover 200 connected to the subframe 150; and an energy storage unit 300 for storing an energy source supplied to the prime mover 200.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, it has been devised to allow a part of the frame of a straddle-type vehicle to be split, thereby improving installation workability (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in recent years, efforts toward the realization of a low-carbon or decarbonized society have been activated, and research and development on electrification technology have been carried out for vehicles to reduce CO₂ emissions and improve energy efficiency. Therefore, it is desired to provide a straddle-type vehicle that can be re-mounted according to the type of prime mover mounted.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a straddle-type vehicle in which the frame can be shared regardless of the types of the mounted prime mover and energy storage unit, and different types of prime movers can be re-mounted.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] One aspect of the present invention comprises a main frame (102) having a head pipe (103) and a pair of left and right frame portions (110) extending rearward from the head pipe (103); a subframe (150) provided below the main frame (102) and detachably connected to the main frame (102); a prime mover (200) connected to the subframe (150); and an energy storage unit (300) for storing an energy source supplied to the prime mover (200).

[0007] Aspect 2 of the present invention is a saddle-type vehicle (101) of aspect 1, wherein the prime mover (200) is a motor (210), the energy storage unit (300) is a battery (310), and the motor (210) is connected to the subframe (150M) for the motor.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is the saddle-type vehicle (101) of the second aspect, wherein the subframe (150M) for the motor is connected to the frame (110) by a front fastening portion (157) and a rear fastening portion (158), and the motor (210) is positioned behind the rear fastening portion (158) and attached to the subframe (150M) for the motor in front of the rear fastening portion (158).

[0009] Aspect 4 of the present invention is a saddle-type vehicle (101) of aspect 3, wherein the subframe (150M) for the motor has a downward extension (151) extending downward from the front fastening portion (157), a rearward extension (152) extending rearward from the downward extension (151), and an upward extension (153) extending upward from the rearward extension (152) and connected to the rear fastening portion (158), and the battery (310) is connected to at least one of the downward extension (151) and the rearward extension (152).

[0010] Aspect 5 of the present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle (101) in any one of aspects 2 to 4, wherein the battery (310) comprises a portable mobile battery (311) and a battery holder (312) that detachably holds the mobile battery (311), and the battery holder (312) is connected to at least one of the main frame (102) and the subframe (150M) for the motor.

[0011] Aspect 6 of the present invention is a saddle-type vehicle (101) of aspect 5, wherein multiple sets of the mobile battery (311) and the battery holder (312) are provided at intervals from front to back, and at least one set of the battery holder (312) is connected to the motor subframe (150M), and at least one other set of the battery holder (312) is connected to the main frame (102).

[0012] Aspect 7 of the present invention is a saddle-type vehicle (101) in any one of aspects 2 to 4, wherein the battery (310) is a fixed battery (320) fixed to at least one of the main frame (102) and the motor subframe (150M).

[0013] Aspect 8 of the present invention is a saddle-type vehicle (101) of aspect 7, wherein the fixed battery (320) is provided so as to extend downward from the main frame (102), the upper part of the fixed battery (320) is connected to the main frame (102), and the lower part of the fixed battery (320) is connected to the subframe (150M) for the motor.

[0014] Aspect 9 of the present invention is a saddle-type vehicle (101) according to aspect 7 or aspect 8, further comprising: a drive control device (360) positioned to the side or rear of the fixed battery (320) and controlling the drive of the motor (210); and a main harness (370) connecting the connection terminal (350) of the fixed battery (320) to the drive control device (360), wherein the connection terminal (350) is positioned in front of the fixed battery (320) between a pair of left and right frame portions (110), and at least a portion of the main harness (370) is positioned in a region that overlaps with the frame portion (110) in a side view.

[0015] Aspect 10 of the present invention is a saddle-type vehicle (101) of aspect 1, wherein the prime mover (200) is an engine (280), and the engine (280) is connected to the subframe (150E) for the engine.

[0016] Aspect 11 of the present invention is a saddle-type vehicle (101) of aspect 10, wherein the engine (280) is connected to a subframe (150E) for the engine and to the main frame (102).

[0017] Aspect 12 of the present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle (101) in any one of aspects 1 to 11, wherein the main frame (102) has a subframe mounting portion (116) to which a motor subframe (150M) for mounting a motor (210) as the prime mover (200) and an engine subframe (150E) for mounting an engine (280) as the prime mover (200) can be selectively mounted.

[0018] Aspect 13 of the present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle (101) in any one of aspects 1 to 12, wherein each of a pair of left and right frame sections (110) comprises an upper frame (111) extending rearward from the head pipe (103) and a lower frame (112) extending rearward from the head pipe (103) below the upper frame (111), and the subframe (150) is detachably connected to the lower frame (112).

[0019] Aspect 14 of the present invention is a saddle-type vehicle (101) of aspect 13, wherein each of the left and right pair of frame sections (110) further comprises a reinforcing frame (113) connecting the upper frame (111) and the lower frame (112).

[0020] Aspect 15 of the present invention is a saddle-type vehicle (101) of aspect 13 or aspect 14, comprising: seating portions (131) provided separately behind the head pipe (103) and on the left and right upper frames (111); side covers (132) on each of the left and right sides that cover the space between the upper frame (111) and the lower frame (112) from the side; an upper cover (133) between the head pipe (103) and the seating portion (131) that covers the space between the left and right upper frames (111) from above; a connecting plate (115) behind the head pipe (103) that connects the left and right lower frames (112); and electrical components (350) arranged in the area surrounded by the left and right side covers (132), the upper cover (133), and the connecting plate (115).

[0021] Aspect 16 of the present invention provides the saddle-ride type vehicle (101) according to Aspect 15, further comprising a cargo bed frame (120) capable of loading an article, wherein the cargo bed frame (120) comprises: an upper cargo bed frame (121) extending forward from the head pipe (103) from the upper frame (111); and a lower cargo bed frame (122) extending forward from the head pipe (103) from the lower frame (112) and connected to the upper cargo bed frame (121) forward of the head pipe (103), and at least a part of the upper frame (111) and the lower frame (112) is provided so as to overlap with the electrical component (350) in a side view.

[0022] Aspect 17 of the present invention provides the saddle-ride type vehicle (101) according to Aspect 14, wherein the prime mover (200) is an engine (280), the energy storage unit (300) is a fuel tank (380), and the fuel tank (380) is arranged inside the upper frames (111) on both left and right sides, the lower frame (112), and the reinforcing frame (113).

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0023] According to the invention described in claim 1, since the prime mover is attached to the main frame via the sub-frame, the main frame can be used commonly regardless of whether an engine or a motor is used as the prime mover. Therefore, the frame can be efficiently designed regardless of the types of the mounted prime mover and energy storage unit. Furthermore, since the prime mover is connected to the sub-frame provided below the main frame, the prime mover can be arranged by effectively utilizing the space between the front and rear wheels, and an increase in the wheelbase can be suppressed.

[0024] According to the invention described in claim 2, since the motor serving as the prime mover is connected to the motor-specific sub-frame, the motor can be appropriately arranged by using the motor-specific sub-frame designed according to the motor.

[0025] According to the invention described in claim 3, arranging the motor rearward of the rear fastening portion of the motor subframe allows effective utilization of the area forward of the rear fastening portion as a battery arrangement space. Further, since the motor is attached to the subframe forward of the rear fastening portion, an increase in the wheelbase can be effectively suppressed.

[0026] According to the invention described in claim 4, extending the motor subframe downward from the frame portion makes it possible to increase the battery arrangement area, thereby increasing the battery capacity and extending the cruising range. Further, since the battery is connected to at least one of the downwardly extending portion and the rearwardly extending portion in the portion extending downward from the frame portion, the battery can be firmly held.

[0027] According to the invention described in claim 5, connecting the battery holder of the battery to at least one of the main frame and the motor subframe allows the portable mobile battery held by the battery holder to be firmly provided on the vehicle body.

[0028] According to the invention described in claim 6, providing a plurality of sets of mobile batteries and battery holders spaced apart in the front-rear direction makes it possible to increase the battery capacity and extend the cruising range while efficiently arranging the batteries. Further, among the plurality of sets, connecting the battery holder of at least one set to the subframe and connecting the battery holder of at least another set to the main frame allows the plurality of sets of batteries and battery holders to be arranged efficiently.

[0029] According to the invention described in claim 7, since the battery is a fixed battery fixed to at least one of the main frame and the subframe, the fixed battery firmly fixed to the vehicle body can be provided as an energy storage unit.

[0030] According to the invention described in claim 8, the upper part of the fixed battery is connected to the main frame and the lower part of the fixed battery is connected to a subframe for the motor, thereby increasing the battery capacity while firmly mounting the fixed battery to the vehicle body.

[0031] According to the invention described in claim 9, the connection terminals located at the front of the fixed battery and the drive control device located at the side or rear of the fixed battery are connected by a main harness, thereby allowing for efficient arrangement of the connection terminals and the drive control device. Furthermore, the connection terminals are located between a pair of left and right frame sections, and at least a portion of the main harness is located in an area that overlaps with the frame section in a side view, thereby protecting the connection terminals and at least a portion of the main harness from disturbances from the outside in the left and right directions.

[0032] According to the invention described in claim 10, since the engine is connected to an engine subframe, the engine can be properly positioned using an engine subframe designed to match the engine.

[0033] According to the invention described in claim 11, the engine can be firmly supported by being connected to an engine subframe and a mainframe.

[0034] According to the invention described in claim 12, the main frame has a subframe mounting portion to which a motor subframe and an engine subframe can be selectively attached, thereby making the main frame highly versatile in which a motor and an engine can be selectively attached as prime movers.

[0035] According to the invention described in claim 13, a subframe is detachably connected to the lower frame of a frame section comprising an upper frame and a lower frame, thereby allowing the subframe, to which a motor or engine serving as a prime mover is connected, to be easily attached to and detached from the frame section.

[0036] According to the invention described in claim 14, the frame portion can be made robust by including a reinforcing frame that connects the upper frame and the lower frame.

[0037] According to the invention described in claim 15, the electrical components are arranged in an area surrounded by the left and right side covers, the upper cover, and the connecting plate, thereby preventing external disturbances such as wind, rain, mud, and falls from affecting the electrical components.

[0038] According to the invention described in claim 16, at least a portion of the upper cargo bed frame and the lower frame of the cargo bed frame on which articles can be loaded is provided so as to overlap with electrical components in a side view, thereby more effectively suppressing external disturbances such as wind, rain, mud, and tipping over from affecting the electrical components.

[0039] According to the invention described in claim 17, the fuel tank can be protected from disturbances from the left and right outer sides by positioning it inside the upper frame, lower frame, and reinforcing frame on both sides. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0040] [Figure 1] This is a left side view of a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a motor and a mobile battery according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] The above is a top view of the saddle-type vehicle. [Figure 3] This is a top view, enlarged from a portion of Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a left side view of Figure 1 with the side cover and upper cover removed. [Figure 5] This is a left side view of a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a motor and a fixed battery according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a left side view of a saddle-type vehicle equipped with an engine and fuel tank according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise specified, directions such as front, rear, left, and right in the following description shall be the same as the directions of the vehicle described below. In addition, in the drawings used in the following description, arrows FR indicating the front of the vehicle, LH indicating the left side of the vehicle, UP indicating the top of the vehicle, and CL indicating the left-right center of the vehicle are shown where appropriate. In the following description, it is assumed that the body of the saddle-type vehicle is stationary in an upright state with no tilt to the left or right and a steering angle of 0 degrees, and furthermore, that it is in an unloaded state of 1G on a horizontal plane. In the following description, "intermediate" means not only the center between the two ends of the object, but also the range inside between the two ends of the object.

[0042] <First Embodiment> Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the common configuration of the saddle-type vehicle in the embodiment will be described. This configuration is common to the first to third embodiments. In the embodiment, a motorcycle is shown as an example of a saddle-type vehicle.

[0043] In the saddle-type vehicle 101 shown in Figures 1 and 2, the main frame 102 of the vehicle body is formed by integrally joining multiple types of steel materials by welding or the like. The main frame 102 has a head pipe 103 and a pair of left and right frame sections 110.

[0044] The head pipe 103 supports a pair of left and right front forks 105 and a steering handle 106 via a steering stem (not shown) of the front wheel suspension system, allowing them to be steered. Reference numeral 107 indicates the front wheel supported by the pair of left and right front forks 105.

[0045] Referring also to Figure 3, the pair of left and right frame sections 110 extend rearward from the head pipe 103. Each of the pair of left and right frame sections 110 has an upper frame 111, a lower frame 112, and a plurality of reinforcing frames 113.

[0046] The upper frame 111 extends rearward from the head pipe 103. The upper frame 111 integrally comprises a front extension 111a that extends outward in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) and inclined diagonally downward from the head pipe 103 toward the rear, an intermediate extension 111b that extends substantially horizontally toward the rear from the front extension 111a, and a rear extension 111c that extends further substantially horizontally toward the rear from the intermediate extension 111b. A seat 131 on which a user can sit is provided on the intermediate extension 111b of the pair of left and right frame sections 110. The rear ends of the rear extensions 111c of the pair of left and right frame sections 110 are connected to each other, and a rear cargo bed 107 on which luggage can be loaded is provided. The upper end of the rear cushion 108 of the rear wheel suspension system is connected to the rear extension 111c.

[0047] The lower frame 112 is positioned below and separated from the upper frame 111. The lower frame 112 extends rearward from the head pipe 103 below the upper frame 111. The lower frame 112 integrally includes a front inclined portion 112a that extends rearward from the head pipe 103, inclined outward in the vehicle width direction and diagonally downward; an intermediate extension portion 112b that extends approximately horizontally rearward from the front inclined portion 112a; and a rear inclined portion 112c that extends diagonally upward rearward from the intermediate extension portion 112b and connects from below to the joint between the intermediate extension portion 111b and the rear extension portion 111c of the upper frame 111.

[0048] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a connecting plate 115 is provided between the front inclined portions 112a of a pair of left and right lower frames 112. The connecting plate 115 connects the front inclined portions 112a of the left and right lower frames 112 behind the head pipe 103. The connecting plate 115 may also be provided as a so-called gusset plate that reinforces the main frame 102 by being welded to the front inclined portions 112a of the left and right lower frames 112. The connecting plate 115 may also be detachably attached to the front inclined portions 112a of the left and right lower frames 112 using appropriate brackets, bolts, etc.

[0049] The main frame 102 has a subframe mounting portion 116 to which the subframe 150 described later can be attached. In this embodiment, the subframe mounting portion 116 is provided as a front subframe mounting portion 117 and a rear subframe mounting portion 118. In this embodiment, the front subframe mounting portion 117 and the rear subframe mounting portion 118 are provided on the lower frame 112. In this embodiment, the front subframe mounting portion 117 is provided, for example, in the middle of the front-rear direction of the front inclined portion 112a, projecting downward. In this embodiment, the rear subframe mounting portion 118 is provided at the joint between the intermediate extension portion 112b and the rear inclined portion 112c, projecting downward. The front subframe mounting portion 117 and the rear subframe mounting portion 118 are brackets that detachably connect to the subframe 150 described later and other members by bolt fastening in the vehicle width direction.

[0050] The reinforcing frame 113 is provided between the upper frame 111 and the lower frame 112. The reinforcing frame 113 extends vertically, with its upper end joined to the upper frame 111 and its lower end joined to the lower frame 112. In this embodiment, multiple reinforcing frames 113 are provided at intervals in the front-to-back direction. In a side view, the reinforcing frame 113 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction and also inclined with respect to the upper frame 111 and the lower frame 112, respectively. The frame section 110 is generally truss-shaped. The position and number of reinforcing frames 113 can be changed as appropriate.

[0051] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the saddle-type vehicle 101 in this embodiment further comprises a cargo bed frame 120. The cargo bed frame 120 has a pair of left and right upper cargo bed frames 121 and lower cargo bed frames 122, and a front cargo bed 123.

[0052] Each of the left and right upper cargo bed frames 121 extends forward from the upper frame 111 beyond the head pipe 103. The rear end of the upper cargo bed frame 121 is joined to the front extension 111a of the upper frame 111 together with the subframe 150 by bolt fastening in the vehicle width direction. The upper cargo bed frame 121 extends forward, passing outside the front fork 105 in the vehicle width direction. The front ends of the left and right upper cargo bed frames 121 are connected to each other via a front end frame 124 that extends in the left-right direction. The front cargo bed 123 is located between the left and right upper cargo bed frames 121, forward of the head pipe 103 and the front fork 105.

[0053] Each of the pair of lower cargo bed frames 122 extends from the lower frame 112, passing outside the front fork 105 in the vehicle width direction, and forward of the head pipe 103. The front end of the lower cargo bed frame 122 is joined to the front lower part of the upper cargo bed frame 121 by welding or the like. The rear end of the lower cargo bed frame 122 is joined to the front subframe mounting portion 117 provided on the lower frame 112 by bolting in the vehicle width direction.

[0054] Referring to Figure 1, the main frame 102 is detachably provided with side covers 132 and upper covers 133. The side covers 132 are provided on each of the left and right sides of the main frame 102 so as to cover from the side the space between the upper frame 111 and the lower frame 112 that constitute the frame section 110. The upper covers 133 are provided between the head pipe 103 and the seating section 131 so as to cover from above the space between the upper frames 111 on both the left and right sides. The side covers 132 and upper covers 133 are made of resin or metal, etc., and function as exterior parts that characterize the design of the saddle-type vehicle 101, while also preventing foreign objects from entering the inside of the pair of left and right frame sections 110.

[0055] The saddle-type vehicle 101 of this embodiment has a configuration that allows for the selective provision of an electric motor 210 or an engine 280 as a prime mover 200 by attaching a subframe 150 to the main frame 102 as described above.

[0056] (A saddle-type vehicle equipped with a motor and a mobile battery) The configuration of the first embodiment will be described below. As shown in Figure 3, the saddle-type vehicle 101 of the first embodiment is equipped with an electric motor 210 as the prime mover 200 and a mobile battery 311 as the energy storage unit 300, by attaching a subframe 150M for the battery motor to the main frame 102.

[0057] The motor subframe 150M has a downward extension 151, a rearward extension 152, and an upward extension 153. The downward extension 151 has a front fastening portion 157 at its upper end. The front fastening portion 157 is joined to the front subframe mounting portion 117 of the lower frame 112 by bolt fastening in the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, the front fastening portion 157 is fastened together with the rear end of the lower cargo bed frame 122 to the front subframe mounting portion 117. The downward extension 151 extends downward from the front fastening portion 157. The rearward extension 152 extends rearward from the lower part (or lower end) of the downward extension 151. The upward extension portion 153 extends diagonally upward toward the rear from the rear end (or rear) of the rear extension portion 152, and its upper end is joined to the rear fastening portion 158 by bolt fastening in the vehicle width direction.

[0058] The motor 210, acting as the prime mover 200, is mounted at the rear of the drive unit 212, which acts as the swing unit. The front end of the drive unit 212 is connected to a pivot portion 211, located at the connection point between the rear extension portion 152 and the upper extension portion 153, via a pivot shaft that runs along the vehicle width direction, allowing it to swing up and down. The rear end of the drive unit 212 supports the rear wheel 109. The drive unit 212 transmits the driving force from the motor 210 to the rear wheel 109. A rear cushion 108 is provided between the rear end of the drive unit 212 and the rear extension portion 111c of the upper frame 111.

[0059] The motor 210 is positioned behind the rear fastening portion 158. The motor 210 (drive unit 212) is attached to the pivot portion 211 (subframe 150M) in front of the rear fastening portion 158.

[0060] The saddle-type vehicle 101 is equipped with a battery 310 as an energy storage unit 300 for storing the energy source supplied to the prime mover 200. The battery 310 stores the electricity supplied to the motor 210, which is the prime mover 200.

[0061] In the saddle-type vehicle 101 shown in Figures 1 to 4, the battery 310, which serves as the energy storage unit 300, comprises a portable mobile battery 311 and a battery holder 312 that detachably holds the mobile battery 311.

[0062] The battery holder 312 is positioned at an upward and diagonal rearward angle. The battery holder 312 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape that opens upward and diagonally rearward, and is configured to allow the mobile battery 311 to be attached and detached when the seat portion 131 is removed from the main frame 102.

[0063] The mobile battery 311 can be charged by an external charging device (not shown) when it is removed from the battery holder 312. The mobile battery 311 can supply power to the motor 210 when it is attached to the battery holder 312.

[0064] In this embodiment, multiple sets (for example, two sets) of mobile batteries 311 and battery holders 312 are provided with spacing between them in the front and rear. Of the battery holders 312 in each set, one set of battery holders 312F located at the front is connected to the motor subframe 150M, and the other set of battery holders 312R located at the rear is connected to the main frame 102. In this embodiment, the one set of battery holders 312F located at the front is joined to a bracket plate 155 provided near the joint between the downward extension portion 151 and the rear extension portion 152 of the subframe 150M by bolt fastening in the vehicle width direction. The other set of battery holders 312R located at the rear is joined to a bracket 113b provided on the reinforcing frame 113 of the main frame 102 by bolt fastening in the vehicle width direction.

[0065] The saddle-type vehicle 101 further comprises a connection terminal box (connection terminals, electrical components) 350 connected to the battery 310, a drive control device 360 ​​that controls the drive of the motor 210, and a main harness 370 that connects the terminal box 350 and the drive control device 360.

[0066] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in this embodiment, the terminal box 350 is positioned at the front of the battery 250, between a pair of left and right frame portions 110. In this embodiment, the terminal box 350 is provided on a connection plate 115. The terminal box 350 is positioned in the area enclosed by the left and right side covers 132, the upper cover 133, and the connection plate 115 shown in Figure 1. At least a portion of the upper frame 111 and the lower frame 112 is provided so as to overlap the terminal box 350 in a side view.

[0067] The drive control device 360 ​​is positioned to the side or rear of the battery 250. In this embodiment, the drive control device 360 ​​is mounted at the rear of the battery 250, near the joint between the rear of the upper frame 111 and the rear inclined portion 112c of the lower frame 112, via a bracket plate 119.

[0068] The main harness 370 is positioned between the left and right frame sections 110. At least a portion of the main harness 370 is positioned in an area that overlaps with the frame section 110 in a side view. In this embodiment, the main harness 370 is routed from the front terminal box 350 to the rear drive control device 360, passing between the left frame section 110 and the battery 250.

[0069] <Second Embodiment> (A saddle-type vehicle equipped with a motor and a fixed battery) The configuration of the second embodiment will be described below. As shown in Figure 5, the saddle-type vehicle 101 is equipped with an electric motor 210 as the prime mover 200 and a fixed battery 320 as the energy storage unit 300, by attaching a subframe 150M for the battery motor to the main frame 102.

[0070] The motor 210 is located at the rear of the swing unit (drive unit 212), similar to the configuration shown in Figure 4. The fixed battery 320 is attached to at least one of the main frame 102 and the subframe 150M for the motor.

[0071] In this embodiment, the fixed battery 320 is connected to both the motor subframe 150M and the main frame 102. The fixed battery 320 is provided so as to extend downward from the main frame 102. The upper part of the fixed battery 320 is joined to a bracket 113b provided on a reinforcing frame 113 in the main frame 102 by bolting in the vehicle width direction, and the lower part of the fixed battery 320 is joined to a bracket plate 155 provided near the joint between the downward extension portion 151 and the rear extension portion 152 of the motor subframe 150M by bolting in the vehicle width direction. This motor subframe 150M can be manufactured in common with the subframe of the first embodiment.

[0072] The fixed battery 320 is joined to a bracket plate 155 located near the joint between the downward extension 151 and the rear extension 152 of the motor subframe 150M, and to a bracket 113b located on the reinforcing frame 113 of the main frame 102, by bolts in the vehicle width direction.

[0073] The terminal box 350 is positioned at the front of the fixed battery 320, between a pair of left and right frame sections 110. In this embodiment, the terminal box 350 is provided on the connection plate 115. The terminal box 350 is positioned in the area surrounded by the left and right side covers 132, the upper cover 133, and the connection plate 115 shown in Figure 1.

[0074] The drive control device 360 ​​is positioned to the side or rear of the fixed battery 320. In this embodiment, the drive control device 360 ​​is mounted at the rear of the fixed battery 320, near the joint between the rear of the upper frame 111 and the rear inclined portion 112c of the lower frame 112, via a bracket plate 119.

[0075] The main harness 370 is positioned between the left and right frame sections 110. At least a portion of the main harness 370 is positioned in an area that overlaps with the frame section 110 in a side view. In this embodiment, the main harness 370 is routed from the front terminal box 350 to the rear drive control device 360, passing between the left frame section 110 and the fixed battery 320.

[0076] <Third Embodiment> (A saddle-type vehicle equipped with an engine and fuel tank) The configuration of the third embodiment will be described below. As shown in Figure 6, the saddle-type vehicle 101 is equipped with an engine 280, which is an internal combustion engine, as the prime mover 200 by attaching a subframe 150E for the engine to the main frame 102. Engine 280 is, for example, an air-cooled single-cylinder engine in which the rotational axis of the crankshaft (not shown) is aligned in the left-right direction, and the cylinder 282 protrudes approximately horizontally (more specifically, slightly upward) from the front end of the crankcase 281 toward the front in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0077] The engine 280 is connected to the engine subframe 150E. In this embodiment, the engine 280 is connected to the engine subframe 150E and the main frame 102. For example, the front upper part of the crankcase 281 of the engine 280 is joined to the lower frame 112 of the main frame 102 via a bracket 159 by bolt fastening in the vehicle width direction. The upper and lower rear ends of the crankcase 281 of the engine 280 are joined to the upper and lower front ends of the subframe 150E by bolt fastening in the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, the rear subframe mounting portion 118 is provided projecting downward at the joint between the intermediate extension portion 112b and the rear inclined portion 112c. The rear subframe mounting portion 118 is a bracket that detachably connects the engine subframe 150E by bolt fastening in the vehicle width direction. The rear subframe mounting portion 118 is manufactured with the same mounting position and shape as the subframe 150M in other embodiments.

[0078] The subframe 150E supports the front end of the swingarm 290 so that it can swing up and down via a pivot axis that runs along the width of the vehicle. The rear wheel 109 is supported at the rear end of the swingarm 290. A rear cushion 108 is provided between the rear of the swingarm 290 and the rear of the upper frame 111.

[0079] The saddle-type vehicle 101, equipped with engine 280, includes a fuel tank 380 as an energy storage unit 300. The fuel tank 380 is located inside the upper frame 111, lower frame 112, and reinforcing frame 113 on both the left and right sides. Reference numeral 350' in the figure indicates a 12V battery provided on a connection plate 115 in place of a terminal box 350.

[0080] As described above, the saddle-type vehicle 101 of each embodiment comprises a main frame 102 having a head pipe 103 and a pair of left and right frame sections 110 extending rearward from the head pipe 103, a subframe 150 provided below the main frame 102 and detachably connected to the main frame 102, a prime mover 200 connected to the subframe 150, and an energy storage unit 300 for storing an energy source supplied to the prime mover 200.

[0081] With this configuration, the prime mover 200 is attached to the main frame 102 via a subframe 150, so the main frame 102 can be used regardless of whether an engine 280 or a motor 210 is used as the prime mover 200. Therefore, the design of the main frame 102 can be carried out efficiently regardless of the type of prime mover 200 or energy storage unit 300 installed. In addition, since the prime mover 200 is connected to the subframe 150 located below the main frame 102, the space between the front and rear wheels can be effectively utilized to position the prime mover 200, thus preventing the wheelbase from becoming too long.

[0082] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the prime mover 200 is a motor 210, and the energy storage unit 300 is a battery 310, and the motor 210 is connected to a motor subframe 150M. Because the motor 210 as the prime mover 200 is connected to a motor subframe 150M, the motor 210 can be appropriately positioned using a motor subframe 150M designed to match the motor 210.

[0083] Furthermore, the motor subframe 150M is connected to the frame 110 by a front fastening portion 157 and a rear fastening portion 158. The motor 210 is positioned behind the rear fastening portion 158 and pivotably mounted to the subframe 150M in front of the rear fastening portion 158. By positioning the motor 210 behind the rear fastening portion 158 of the subframe 150M, the space in front of the rear fastening portion 158 can be effectively utilized as battery placement space. In addition, by mounting the pivot shaft of the drive unit 212 to the subframe 150M in front of the rear fastening portion 158, the wheelbase length can be effectively suppressed.

[0084] Furthermore, the motor subframe 150M has a downward extension portion 151 extending downward from the front fastening portion 157, a rearward extension portion 152 extending rearward from the downward extension portion 151, and an upward extension portion 153 extending upward from the rearward extension portion 152 and connected to the rear fastening portion 158. The battery 310 is connected to at least one of the downward extension portion 151 and the rearward extension portion 152. By extending the motor subframe 150M downward from the frame portion 110, the area for arranging the battery 310 can be increased, thereby increasing the capacity of the battery 310 and extending the cruising range. In addition, the battery 310 can be firmly held by being connected to at least one of the downward extension portion 151 and the rearward extension portion 152 in the portion that extends downward from the frame portion 110.

[0085] Furthermore, the battery 310 of the first embodiment includes a portable mobile battery 311 and a battery holder 312 that detachably holds the mobile battery 311, and the battery holder 312 is connected to at least one of the main frame 102 and the subframe 150M for the motor. By connecting the battery holder 312 of the battery 310 to at least one of the main frame 102 and the subframe 150M for the motor, the portable mobile battery 311 held in the battery holder 312 can be firmly mounted on the vehicle body.

[0086] Furthermore, multiple sets of mobile batteries 311 and battery holders 312 are provided, spaced apart front to back. Of these sets, at least one battery holder 312 is connected to the motor subframe 150M, and at least one battery holder 312 is connected to the main frame 102. By providing multiple sets of mobile batteries 311 and battery holders 312 spaced apart front to back, the battery 310 can be efficiently positioned while increasing its capacity and extending the cruising range.

[0087] Furthermore, the battery 310 in the second embodiment is a fixed battery 320 fixed to at least one of the main frame 102 and the motor subframe 150M. Because the battery 310 is a fixed battery 320 fixed to at least one of the main frame 102 and the motor subframe 150M, a fixed battery 320 firmly fixed to the vehicle body can be provided as an energy storage unit 300.

[0088] Furthermore, the fixed battery 320 is provided so as to extend downward from the main frame 102, with the upper part of the fixed battery 320 connected to the main frame 102 and the lower part of the fixed battery 320 connected to the motor subframe 150M. By connecting the upper part of the fixed battery 320 to the main frame 102 and the lower part of the fixed battery 320 to the motor subframe 150M, the capacity of the battery 310 can be increased while the fixed battery 320 can be firmly attached to the vehicle body.

[0089] Furthermore, the system includes a drive control device 360 ​​positioned to the side or rear of the fixed battery 320 to control the drive of the motor 210, and a main harness 370 connecting the connection terminal 350 of the fixed battery 320 to the drive control device 360. The connection terminal 350 is positioned at the front of the fixed battery 320 between a pair of left and right frame sections 110, and at least a portion of the main harness 370 is positioned in an area that overlaps with the frame section 110 in a side view. By connecting the connection terminal 350 positioned at the front of the fixed battery 320 and the drive control device 360 ​​positioned to the side or rear of the fixed battery 320 with the main harness 370, the connection terminal 350 and the drive control device 360 ​​can be efficiently positioned. In addition, by positioning the connection terminal 350 between a pair of left and right frame sections 110 and positioning at least a portion of the main harness 370 in an area that overlaps with the frame section 110 in a side view, at least a portion of the connection terminal 350 and the main harness 370 can be protected from disturbances from the outside in the left and right directions.

[0090] Furthermore, the prime mover 200 in the third embodiment is an engine 280, which is connected to an engine subframe 150E. Because the engine 280 is connected to the engine subframe 150E, the engine 280 can be properly positioned using an engine subframe 150E that is designed to fit the engine 280.

[0091] Furthermore, the engine 280 is connected to the engine subframe 150E and the main frame 102. By connecting the engine 280 to the engine subframe 150E and the main frame 102, the engine 280 can be firmly supported.

[0092] Furthermore, in each embodiment, the main frame 102 has a subframe mounting section 116 to which a motor subframe 150M for mounting a motor 210 as the prime mover 200 and an engine subframe 150E for mounting an engine 280 as the prime mover 200 can be selectively mounted. This makes the main frame 102 highly versatile, as it can selectively mount either a motor 210 or an engine 280 as the prime mover 200.

[0093] Furthermore, each of the pair of left and right frame sections 110 includes an upper frame 111 extending rearward from the head pipe 103 and a lower frame 112 extending rearward from the head pipe 103 below the upper frame 111, and the subframe 150 is detachably connected to the lower frame 112. Because the subframe 150 is detachably connected to the lower frame 112 of the frame section 110, the subframe 150 to which the motor 210 or engine 280, which serves as the prime mover 200, is connected can be easily attached to and detached from the frame section 110.

[0094] Furthermore, each of the left and right frame sections 110 is further provided with a reinforcing frame 113 that connects the upper frame 111 and the lower frame 112. This allows the frame section 110 to be constructed more robustly.

[0095] Furthermore, the vehicle includes a seating area 131 provided separately behind the head pipe 103 and on the upper frames 111 on both the left and right sides, a side cover 132 on each of the left and right sides that covers the space between the upper frame 111 and the lower frame 112 from the side, an upper cover 133 between the head pipe 103 and the seating area 131 that covers the space between the upper frames 111 on both the left and right sides from above, a connecting plate 115 connecting the lower frames 112 on both the left and right sides behind the head pipe 103, and electrical components 350 arranged in the area surrounded by the left and right side covers 132, the upper cover 133, and the connecting plate 115. By arranging the electrical components 350 behind the head pipe 103, the drive control device 360 ​​can be positioned behind the main battery, and the battery 310, motor 210, and drive control device 360 ​​can be positioned closer to each other. This reduces energy loss of power supplied from the battery 310, improving the overall energy efficiency of the vehicle. Furthermore, because the electrical components 350 are positioned in an area surrounded by the left and right side covers 132, the upper cover 133, and the connecting plate 115, external disturbances such as wind, rain, mud, and falls can be prevented from affecting the electrical components 350.

[0096] Furthermore, the vehicle is equipped with a cargo bed frame 120 on which goods can be loaded. The cargo bed frame 120 comprises an upper cargo bed frame 121 extending forward from the upper frame 111 beyond the head pipe 103, and a lower cargo bed frame 122 extending forward from the lower frame 112 beyond the head pipe 103 and connected to the upper cargo bed frame 121 in front of the head pipe 103. At least a portion of the upper frame 111 and the lower frame 112 is provided so as to overlap with the electrical components 350 in a side view. By providing at least a portion of the upper cargo bed frame 121 and the lower frame 112 of the cargo bed frame 120 on which goods can be loaded so as to overlap with the electrical components 350 in a side view, it is possible to more effectively suppress disturbances such as wind, rain, mud, and tipping over from affecting the electrical components 350.

[0097] In the third embodiment, the energy storage unit 300 is a fuel tank 380, and the fuel tank 380 is located inside the upper frame 111, lower frame 112, and reinforcing frame 113 on both the left and right sides. This protects the fuel tank 380 from disturbances from the outside in the left and right directions.

[0098] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above with reference to the drawings, and various modifications are conceivable within its technical scope. For example, if the prime mover 200 is equipped with a motor 210, the configuration is not limited to mounting the motor 210 on the swing unit, but may also be one in which the motor 210 is fixedly mounted on at least one of the main frame 102 and the subframe 150. Furthermore, for example, if the prime mover 200 is equipped with an engine 280, the configuration is not limited to one in which the engine 280 is fixedly mounted on the main frame 102 and subframe 150, but may also be one in which the engine 280 is mounted on the swing unit.

[0099] Furthermore, saddle-type vehicles include all vehicles in which the driver straddles the vehicle, and include not only motorcycles (including mopeds and scooter-type vehicles), but also three-wheeled vehicles (including vehicles with one wheel in the front and two in the rear, as well as vehicles with two wheels in the front and one in the rear) or four-wheeled vehicles (such as four-wheeled buggies). Furthermore, the configuration in the above embodiment is just one example of the present invention, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 101 Saddle-type vehicle 102 Mainframe 103 Headpipe 110 Frame section 111 Upper frame 112 Lower frame 113 Reinforcement Frame 115 Connection Plate 116 Subframe mounting section 120 cargo bed frame 121 Upper cargo bed frame 122 Lower cargo bed frame 131 Seating area 132 Side cover 133 Upper Cover 150 Subframe Subframe for 150E engine Subframe for 150M motor 151 Downward extension part 152 Rear extension part 153 Upper extension part 157 Front fastening section 158 Rear fastening section 200 Engine 210 Motor 250 batteries 280 engine 300 Energy Storage Unit 310 Battery 311 Mobile Battery 312 Battery holder 320 Fixed Battery 350 Terminal Box (Connection Terminals, Electrical Components) 360 Drive Control System 370 Main Harness 380 Fuel Tank

Claims

1. A main frame (102) having a head pipe (103) and a pair of left and right frame sections (110) extending rearward from the head pipe (103), A subframe (150) is provided below the main frame (102) and is detachably connected to the main frame (102), The prime mover (200) connected to the subframe (150), The system includes an energy storage unit (300) that stores an energy source supplied to the prime mover (200). A saddle-type vehicle (101) characterized by the above.

2. The prime mover (200) is a motor (210), and the energy storage unit (300) is a battery (310). The motor (210) is connected to the motor subframe (150M). The saddle-type vehicle (101) according to feature 1.

3. The motor subframe (150M) is connected to the frame portion (110) by a front fastening portion (157) and a rear fastening portion (158). The motor (210) is positioned behind the rear fastening portion (158) and is attached to the motor subframe (150M) in front of the rear fastening portion (158). The saddle-type vehicle (101) according to feature 2.

4. The subframe (150M) for the motor is, A downward extension portion (151) extending downward from the front fastening portion (157), A rearward extension portion (152) extends rearward from the downward extension portion (151), It has an upward extending portion (153) that extends upward from the rear extending portion (152) and is connected to the rear fastening portion (158), The battery (310) is connected to at least one of the downward extension (151) and the rearward extension (152). The saddle-type vehicle (101) according to feature 3.

5. The aforementioned battery (310) A portable mobile battery (311), The mobile battery (311) is detachably held by a battery holder (312), The battery holder (312) is connected to at least one of the main frame (102) and the motor subframe (150M). A saddle-type vehicle (101) according to the feature described in 2 or 3.

6. Multiple sets of the aforementioned mobile battery (311) and battery holder (312) are provided, spaced apart from each other in the front and back. Of the multiple sets of the mobile battery (311) and the battery holder (312), at least one set of the battery holder (312) is connected to the motor subframe (150M), and at least one set of the battery holder (312) is connected to the main frame (102). The saddle-type vehicle (101) according to feature 5.

7. The battery (310) is a fixed battery (320) fixed to at least one of the main frame (102) and the motor subframe (150M). The saddle-type vehicle (101) according to feature 2.

8. The fixed battery (320) is provided so as to extend downward from the main frame (102), The upper part of the fixed battery (320) is connected to the main frame (102), The lower part of the fixed battery (320) is connected to the motor subframe (150M). The saddle-type vehicle (101) according to feature 7.

9. A drive control device (360) is positioned to the side or rear of the fixed battery (320) and controls the drive of the motor (210), The system further includes a main harness (370) that connects the connection terminal (350) of the fixed battery (320) to the drive control device (360), The connection terminal (350) is located at the front of the fixed battery (320) between the left and right frame portions (110). At least a portion of the main harness (370) is positioned in a region that overlaps with the frame portion (110) in a side view. A saddle-type vehicle (101) as described in 7 or 8.

10. The prime mover (200) is an engine (280), The engine (280) is connected to the engine subframe (150E). The saddle-type vehicle (101) according to feature 1.

11. The aforementioned engine (280) is The subframe (150E) for the engine is connected to the main frame (102). The saddle-type vehicle (101) according to feature 10.

12. The aforementioned mainframe (102) is A motor subframe (150M) for mounting the motor (210) as the prime mover (200), The engine subframe (150E) for mounting the engine (280) as the prime mover (200), It has a subframe mounting portion (116) that can be selectively attached. The saddle-type vehicle (101) according to feature 1.

13. Each of the left and right pair of frame portions (110) is An upper frame (111) extending rearward from the head pipe (103), The upper frame (111) is further comprising a lower frame (112) that extends rearward from the head pipe (103) below the upper frame (111), The subframe (150) is detachably connected to the lower frame (112). The saddle-type vehicle (101) according to feature 1.

14. Each of the left and right pair of frame portions (110) is The system further includes a reinforcing frame (113) connecting the upper frame (111) and the lower frame (112). The saddle-type vehicle (101) according to feature 13.

15. The seating portions (131) are provided separately behind the head pipe (103) and on the upper frames (111) on both the left and right sides, On each of the left and right sides, a side cover (132) covers the space between the upper frame (111) and the lower frame (112) from the side, Between the head pipe (103) and the seating portion (131), an upper cover (133) covers the space between the left and right upper frames (111) from above, At the rear of the head pipe (103), a connecting plate (115) connects the left and right lower frames (112), It comprises electrical components (350) arranged in the area surrounded by the left and right side covers (132), the upper cover (133), and the connecting plate (115). A saddle-type vehicle (101) as described in 13 or 14.

16. It is further equipped with a cargo bed frame (120) on which goods can be loaded, The aforementioned cargo bed frame (120) is An upper cargo bed frame (121) extends forward from the upper frame (111) beyond the head pipe (103), The lower bed frame (122) extends forward from the lower frame (112) beyond the head pipe (103) and is connected to the upper bed frame (121) in front of the head pipe (103), At least a portion of the upper cargo bed frame (121) and the lower frame (112) is provided so as to overlap with the electrical components (350) in a side view. The saddle-type vehicle (101) according to feature 15.

17. The energy storage unit (300) is a fuel tank (380), The fuel tank (380) is positioned inside the left and right upper frames (111), the lower frame (112), and the reinforcing frame (113). The saddle-type vehicle (101) according to feature 14.

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