vehicle

Abstract

To provide an electric shift type vehicle capable of suppressing an arrangement space for a power transmission mechanism which transmits power of an electric motor to a change shaft of the electric shift type vehicle.SOLUTION: A vehicle has a power unit which has a transmission having a pivoted change shaft and varied in speed change ratio with angular displacement around the change shaft to make speed change of output of a drive source for travel, and a case accommodating the transmission, an electric motor, and a power transmission mechanism which transmits the power of the electric motor to the change shaft as rotational power, and further comprises an operation unit for operating the change shaft into angular displacement with the power of the electric motor. The operation unit is fitted outside the case.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrically-variable transmission vehicle in which a change shaft of a transmission that changes the speed of the output of a drive source for traveling is electrically displaced angularly. [Background technology]

[0002] As shown in Patent Document 1, an electrically-driven vehicle is disclosed in which a shift rod is used to convert the power of an electric motor into linear power, and a change shaft of a transmission that changes the speed of a driving source for traveling is angularly displaced around an axis via the shift rod by the power of the electric motor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-309511 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1, a power transmission mechanism that transmits the power of the electric motor to the change shaft must be appropriately positioned on the vehicle body. However, a shift rod must be interposed within the mechanism, and the vehicle must be designed to provide space for the power transmission mechanism.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an electrically-transmitted vehicle that can reduce the space required for arranging a power transmission mechanism that transmits the power of an electric motor to a change shaft. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A vehicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a power unit having a transmission having an axially supported change shaft and changing the gear ratio in accordance with angular displacement of the change shaft about its axis, thereby changing the output of a drive source for traveling, and a case accommodating the transmission, an electric motor, and a power transmission mechanism that transmits the power of the electric motor to the change shaft as rotational power, and an operation unit that operates the change shaft to cause angular displacement using the power of the electric motor, and the operation unit is attached to the outside of the case.

[0007] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the operation unit is attached to the outside of the case of the power unit. Therefore, it is not necessary to arrange the operation unit inside the power unit, which makes it easier to provide the operation unit in the vehicle. Therefore, the arrangement space for arranging the operation unit in the vehicle can be reduced.

[0008] Furthermore, with the above-described configuration, the power of the electric motor is transmitted to the change shaft as rotational power. This eliminates the need for a shift rod that converts the power of the electric motor into linear power. This allows the entire system, including the power unit and the operation unit, to be more compact than when a shift rod is provided. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an electrically-transmitted vehicle that can reduce the space required for arranging a power transmission mechanism that transmits power from an electric motor to a change shaft. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a main part of a vehicle according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a partial view showing the internal structure of the power unit and the operation unit in FIG. 1 as viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the operation unit of FIG. 1 as viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an external view of the operation unit of FIG. 1 as viewed from the inside in the vehicle width direction. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an external view of the operation unit of FIG. 1 as seen from the rear. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Each direction described below is based on each direction as seen from the passenger of the vehicle 1. In addition, the drive source described below refers to a driving source for traveling unless otherwise specified. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a main part of the vehicle 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a partial view showing an internal structure of the power unit 2 and the operation unit 3 in FIG. 1 as seen from the outside in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle 1 is, as an example, a hybrid type equipped with multiple driving sources for traveling. The multiple driving sources include an engine (internal combustion engine) E and a driving motor M. The vehicle 1 is, as an example, a straddle vehicle on which a passenger straddles, and is a motorcycle. The vehicle 1 is configured so that the driving source used for traveling can be selected by the operation of the passenger. Specifically, the vehicle 1 is configured so that it can be switched between a mode in which only the driving motor M is used for traveling as a driving source and a mode in which at least the engine E is used for traveling as a driving source.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle 1 includes a power unit 2, an operation unit 3 connected to the power unit 2, and a body frame 7 extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. The body frame 7 has a pair of main frame portions 7d that extend rearward from the head pipe on both sides in the vehicle width direction. The power unit 2 has a driving source for traveling, a transmission 10 that changes the speed of the output of the driving source for traveling, and a unit case 11 that houses the transmission 10. The power unit 2 of this embodiment is connected to a plurality of points of the body frame 7, including the pair of main frame portions 7d, by fastening members and is supported by the body frame 7. The side portions of the power unit 2 are partially protected by the body frame 7. The power unit 2 is disposed forward of the driving wheels (rear wheels) 8 of the vehicle 1. The power unit 2 is disposed rearward of the front wheels of the vehicle 1.

[0013] The engine E has a crankcase 12, a cylinder block 13, a cylinder head cover 14, and an oil pan 15. The crankcase 12 is disposed under the vehicle body and houses and journals the crankshaft S1. The cylinder block 13 is disposed above the crankcase 12. A cylinder is formed inside the cylinder block 13. The cylinder head cover 14 is disposed above the cylinder block 13. The oil pan 15 is disposed below the crankcase 12.

[0014] An air cleaner 4 that cleans the intake air to the engine E is provided above the engine E. A radiator 5 is provided in front of the engine E. The radiator 5 cools the refrigerant sent from the engine E through a circulation pipe 20 that circulates the refrigerant between the radiator 5 and the engine E. An exhaust pipe 6 that distributes exhaust gas from the engine E is connected to the front side of the engine E. The exhaust pipe 6 extends from the front side of the engine E, passing under the engine E, to the rear of the power unit 2. The exhaust pipe 6 is connected to a muffler behind the operation unit 3. The traveling motor M is disposed on the rear side of the power unit 2. The traveling motor M is disposed behind the cylinder block 13 and above the transmission 10.

[0015] The transmission 10 is disposed behind the crankcase 12. The transmission 10 has an input shaft S2 to which power is transmitted from the crankshaft S1, an output shaft S3 that outputs the power of the transmission 10 to the outside, and a gear train 19 that changes the speed of the power in a power transmission path between the input shaft S2 and the output shaft S3. The transmission 10 of this embodiment is of a dog clutch type.

[0016] The transmission 10 also includes a shift fork 16 that shifts a predetermined gear that contributes to power transmission in a gear train 19 to change the gear ratio, a shift (change) drum 17 that has a guide groove formed on its circumferential surface to guide the shift fork 16 and displaces the shift fork 16 along the guide groove, and a change shaft S4 that angularly displaces the shift drum 17 at a predetermined angle relative to the shift fork 16 so as to move the portion of the guide groove that contacts the shift fork 16. The shift fork 16 extends toward both the input gear and the output gear included in the gear train 19. The shift drum 17 is disposed between the input shaft S2 and the output shaft S3 in the front-rear direction in order to fit both the input gear and the output gear to the shift fork 16. The shafts S1 to S4, which are components, extend along the vehicle width direction. In other words, the shafts S1 to S4 extend parallel to each other.

[0017] The input shaft S2 is disposed forward of the change shaft S4. The output shaft S3 is disposed forward of the change shaft S4. The output shaft S3 is disposed rearward of the input shaft S2. The output shaft S3 is disposed above the input shaft S2. The shafts S2 and S3 are separated from the change shaft S4 in the up-down direction. As an example, the change shaft S4 is disposed in an area below a straight line connecting the axial centers of the input shaft S2 and the output shaft S3 when viewed from the axial direction. The change shaft S4 is journaled inside the transmission 10 so as to be angularly displaceable around its axis. In this way, the transmission 10 changes the gear ratio in accordance with the angular displacement of the change shaft S4 around its axis. The transmission 10 further includes a clutch 18 that connects or disconnects the power transmission state between the traveling drive source and the drive wheels 8. The clutch 18 in this embodiment is disposed on the axis of the input shaft S2 on one side (for example, the right side) of the input shaft S2 in the axial direction.

[0018] The unit case 11 extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. In this embodiment, the unit case 11 is integrally formed with a crankcase 12. The unit case 11 is continuous with the crankcase 12 in the front-rear direction. The traveling motor M is disposed above the unit case 11.

[0019] The operation unit 3 has an electric motor 30 and a power transmission mechanism 31. The electric motor 30 has a drive shaft S5 that is driven to rotate, and outputs power as rotational power. The electric motor 30 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The electric motor 30 of this embodiment is disposed so as to overlap with the shift drum 17 in one direction perpendicular to the axis of the shift drum 17. The operation unit 3 operates the change shaft S4 to angularly displace it by the power of the electric motor 30 (as an example, a shift operation). The operation unit 3 is attached to the outside of the unit case 11. The operation unit 3 of this embodiment is attached to the side wall of the unit case 11 by a fastening member. The operation unit 3 is attached to the unit case 11 outside the center of the transmission 10 in the vehicle width direction. As a specific example, the operation unit 3 is supported in an area of ​​the rear side wall of the unit case 11 that is located on the other (left) side in the axial direction of the input shaft S2.

[0020] The operation unit 3 is arranged alongside the crankcase 12 in the front-rear direction. The operation unit 3 is located on the opposite side of the crankcase 12 across the input shaft S2 in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the rear end of the unit case 11 is located above the output shaft S3. The front end of the operation unit 3 is located forward of the rear end of the unit case 11. As an example, a recess is formed in the rear lower part of the unit case 11, which is retreated forward compared to the rear upper part of the unit case 11. The operation unit 3 is arranged so that the peripheral surface of the electric motor 30 faces the surface of this recess. The operation unit 3 is arranged behind the change shaft S4. The lower end of the operation unit 3 is located below the lower end of the rear end of the unit case 11. The mounting position of the operation unit 3 relative to the unit case 11 is located above the upper end of the oil pan 15.

[0021] The electric motor 30 is disposed overlapping the rear wall 11a of the unit case 11 in the front-rear direction. The electric motor 30 is disposed on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of a pair of main frame portions 7d of the body frame 7. The electric motor 30 is adjacent to the change shaft S4 via the rear wall 11a of the side walls of the unit case 11. As shown in FIG. 3, the drive shaft S5 of the electric motor 30 is closer to the change shaft S4 than at least one of the input shaft S2 and the output shaft S3. In other words, the axial distance between the drive shaft S5 and the change shaft S4 is shorter than the axial distance between the drive shaft S5 and at least one of the input shaft S2 and the output shaft S3.

[0022] In the vehicle 1, one axial end of the change shaft S4 is exposed axially outward from a side surface of the unit case 11 on the other axial side of the input shaft S2. The operation unit 3 is connected to the one end of the change shaft S4. This makes it possible, for example, to connect the operation unit 3 to the power unit 2 so as to transmit power without opening the inside of the unit case 11. This improves the ease of installation when installing the operation unit 3 to the power unit 2. Also, for example, the operation unit 3 can be installed later on an existing power unit 2.

[0023] The power transmission mechanism 31 transmits the power of the electric motor 30 to the change shaft S4 as rotational power. In other words, the power transmission mechanism 31 does not have a conversion mechanism for converting the power of the electric motor 30 into power other than rotational power, such as linear power, in the power transmission path between the electric motor 30 and the change shaft S4. The power transmission mechanism 31 is a reduction mechanism that reduces the speed of the power of the electric motor 30 and transmits it to the change shaft S4. The drive shaft S5 of the electric motor 30 extends in parallel with the change shaft S4. The front end of the electric motor 30 is located forward of the rearmost mounting position of the operation unit 3 relative to the unit case 11.

[0024] As an example, the operation unit 3 has a housing 33 that covers the power transmission mechanism 31. The maximum dimension of the housing 33 in the axial direction of the drive shaft S5 is smaller than the maximum dimension in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The maximum dimension of the housing 33 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction is larger than the maximum outer diameter of the electric motor 30. The housing 33 is disposed outside the unit case 11 in the axial direction.

[0025] The body frame 7 has a pair of left and right side frame portions 7a and at least one (two in this embodiment) cross frame portion 7b, 7c. The side frame portion 7a extends in the vertical direction behind the power unit 2. The side frame portion 7a extends downward from the main frame portion 7d. The cross frame portions 7b, 7c extend in the vehicle width direction behind the power unit 2 and connect the pair of side frame portions 7a in the vehicle width direction.

[0026] The operation unit 3 is disposed on the inner side of the side frame portion 7a in the vehicle width direction. The cross frame portion 7b is disposed above the operation unit 3. The lower end of the cross frame portion 7c is located below the lower end of the operation unit 3. The connection position between the operation unit 3 and the change shaft S4 is located between the cross frame portions 7b and 7c in the vertical direction. The operation unit 3 is disposed overlapping the cross frame portions 7b and 7c in the vertical direction. This prevents interference between the operation unit 3 and the cross frame portions 7b and 7c, and the operation unit 3 is efficiently disposed in the vehicle interior space. In addition, the cross frame portion 7c prevents the operation unit 3 from being hit by an obstacle from below. The mounting position of the housing 33 relative to the unit case 11 is located forward of the cross frame portions 7b and 7c.

[0027] The vehicle 1 further includes a shock absorber 21 and a power transmission body 22. The shock absorber 21 extends in the vertical direction and absorbs shocks that the drive wheels 8 receive from the road surface. The shock absorber 21 includes a main body 40 extending in the longitudinal direction, a spring (not shown) that covers the outer periphery of the main body 40 and is longitudinally expandable and contractible, and a rod 41 arranged to be able to protrude and retract from one longitudinal end of the main body 40. The upper end of the rod 41, which is the upper end of the shock absorber 21, is connected to the vehicle body above the operation unit 3. The lower end of the main body 40, which is the lower end of the shock absorber 21, is connected to a member (swing arm 23 in this embodiment) that axially supports the drive wheels 8 of the vehicle body, rearward of the operation unit 3.

[0028] The power transmission body 22 extends from the power unit 2 toward the radially inward direction of the drive wheels 8, and transmits the output of the transmission 10 to the drive wheels 8. The operation unit 3 is disposed on the inner side of the power transmission body 22 in the vehicle width direction. Examples of the power transmission body 22 include a chain, a belt, and a shaft. The power transmission body 22 in this embodiment is a chain. A sprocket gear 24 that meshes with the chain is provided on the output shaft S3. A driven gear that meshes with the chain is provided on the drive wheels 8.

[0029] The vehicle 1 includes a swing arm 23. The swing arm 23 is rotatably supported at its front end on the body frame 7 behind the power unit 2, and supports the drive wheels 8 at its rear end. In the vehicle 1, at least a part of the operation unit 3 is disposed below a rotation center P of the swing arm 23. The operation unit 3 is disposed on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of both ends of the power unit 2 in the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, the operation unit 3 is disposed on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of both ends of the unit case 11 in the vehicle width direction.

[0030] The vehicle 1 of this embodiment further includes a control device that controls the drive source and the clutch 18. This control device controls the drive source in response to one of a plurality of predetermined shift commands. As a specific example, this shift command includes air-fuel ratio control and ignition timing control as a shift command for the engine E. In addition, this shift command includes torque control as a shift command for the traveling motor M. In addition, this shift command includes cut-off control that cuts off the power transmission state between the drive source and the driving wheels 8 before the shift operation by the operation unit 3 as a shift command for the clutch 18. The drive source is driven in response to a shift command given from the control device depending on the situation. The transmission 10 of this embodiment may change the speed of the power input from the outside in response to a shift command, or in response to a driver's command (shift operation).

[0031] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the operation unit 3 in Fig. 1 as viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction. In Fig. 3, the housing 33 is omitted and the tooth surfaces of the gears G1 to G6 are diagrammatically shown. Fig. 4 is an external view of the operation unit 3 in Fig. 1 as viewed from the inside in the vehicle width direction. Fig. 4 shows a positioning arm 25 of the power unit 2. The positioning arm 25 is fixed to the change shaft S4 and is angularly displaced together with the change shaft S4 to position the shift drum 17 at predetermined angles.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the electric motor 30 further includes a motor case 36 that houses a rotor. The motor case 36 extends in the axial direction of the drive shaft S5. The drive shaft S5 protrudes from one longitudinal end of the motor case 36 to the outside. A bracket portion 36a is formed on the tip side of the drive shaft S5 of the motor case 36. The bracket portion 36a extends in the circumferential direction of the motor case 36 and also extends radially outward from the drive shaft S5. The bracket portion 36a surrounds the periphery of the drive shaft S5. A plurality of holes 36b through which fastening members are inserted are formed in the bracket portion 36a. The bracket portion 36a has a flat surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft S5. This flat surface is disposed on the outer side of the axial direction of the drive shaft S5 and is in surface contact with the housing 33.

[0033] The motor case 36 has a connector 36c arranged on the opposite side of the bracket portion 36a from the change shaft S4 side. A harness 37 (see FIG. 1) for supplying power to the electric motor 30 from the outside and transmitting signals to the electric motor 30 is connected to the connector 36c. The connector 36c is spaced apart from the power transmission mechanism 31 in the radial direction of the drive shaft S5. The connector 36c extends in the axial direction of the drive shaft S5. As a result, the harness 37 connected to the connector 36c extends in the axial direction of the drive shaft S5. Therefore, it is easier to prevent interference between the harness 37 and other components compared to, for example, a case in which the harness 37 extends directly from the connector 36c in the up-down or front-rear direction.

[0034] Furthermore, the operation unit 3 of this embodiment is located on the axially opposite side of the input shaft S2 from the clutch 18. This makes it possible to prevent interference between the operation unit 3 and a clutch case that covers the clutch 18, thereby improving the compactness of the operation unit 3.

[0035] The power transmission mechanism 31 has a gear train 32. The gear train 32 includes a plurality of gears G1 to G6. Among the plurality of gears G1 to G6, the gear G1 on the most upstream side of the power transmission path in the power transmission mechanism 31 meshes with the drive shaft S5 of the electric motor 30, and the gear G6 on the most downstream side meshes with the change shaft S4. Each of the gears G1 to G6 rotates around a rotation axis parallel to the axis of the drive shaft S5. The gear G1 is provided on the drive shaft S5 and meshes with a gear G2. The gear G2 is formed integrally with a gear G3 having a smaller diameter than the gear G2. The gear G3 meshes with a gear G4 having a larger diameter than the gear G3. The gear G4 is formed integrally with a gear G5 having a smaller diameter than the gear G4. The gear G5 meshes with the gear G6. The gear G6 is, for example, a sector gear, and is provided on the change shaft S4. The gear G6 may be a gear of another shape, such as a circular gear. The number of gears included in the gear train 32 is not limited to this.

[0036] Gears G2, G4 partially overlap in the thickness direction. Gears G4, G6 partially overlap in the thickness direction. The multiple gears included in the gear train 32 overlap with the unit case 11 in their respective thickness directions. In other words, at least a portion of the power transmission path in the power transmission mechanism 31 overlaps with the unit case 11 in the vehicle width direction. This allows the power transmission mechanism 31 to be made more compact in the vehicle 1, and improves the degree of freedom in the positioning of the operation unit 3 relative to the change shaft S4.

[0037] Furthermore, the power transmission mechanism 31 reduces the speed of the rotational power of the drive shaft S5 and transmits it to the change shaft S4 via the gears G1 to G6 in this order. This allows the rotational power of the electric motor 30 to be transmitted to the change shaft S4 with increased torque. Therefore, in addition to a high-output motor, a low-output motor can also be used as the electric motor 30. Furthermore, the power of the drive source is transmitted to the change shaft S4 as rotational power. This makes it possible to omit a shift rod that converts the power of the electric motor 30 into linear power.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 33 has a first member 34 and a second member 35. The members 34 and 35 are combined with each other in the axial direction of the drive shaft S5 to cover the power transmission mechanism 31. The members 34 and 35 extend in the radial direction of the drive shaft S5. The members 34 and 35 cover the power transmission mechanism 31 from opposite directions along the axial direction of the drive shaft S5. The members 34 and 35 have bracket parts 34a and 35a having multiple holes 34b and 35b formed on their respective peripheries. The members 34 and 35 are fastened to each other by fastening members B through the multiple holes 34b and 35b of the bracket parts 34a and 35a in a state where the bracket parts 34a and 35a are overlapped with each other. In addition, the housing 33 and the electric motor 30 are fastened to each other by fastening members B through the remaining hole 35b of the bracket portion 35a and the multiple holes 36b of the bracket portion 36a in a state in which the bracket portions 35a, 36a are overlapped.

[0039] In this embodiment, the electric motor 30 is supported by the housing 33, and the housing 33 is supported by the unit case 11. As a result, the tip side of the drive shaft S5 of the motor case 36 of the electric motor 30 is cantilevered to the unit case 11 via the housing 33. As a result, it is possible to make it difficult for vibrations to be transmitted from the power unit 2 to the electric motor 30. This improves the operational stability of the operation unit 3. In addition, since the power transmission mechanism 31 is covered by the housing 33, it is possible to suppress the influence of obstacles such as foreign objects flying from the outside and impacts on the power transmission mechanism 31. Specifically, when the power transmission mechanism 31 includes the gear train 32 as in this embodiment, foreign objects flying from the outside are prevented from adhering to the tooth surfaces of the gears G1 to G6. This improves the operational stability of the operation unit 3.

[0040] 5 is an external view of the operation unit 3 in FIG. 1 as viewed from the rear. As shown in FIG. 5, the operation unit 3 is disposed on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the end face of the unit case 11 in the vehicle width direction. When viewed from the rear, the operation unit 3 is located forward of the cross frame portion 7c. The oil pan 15 is fastened to the crankcase 12 from below the vehicle body by a fastening member. This fastening position is located below the operation unit 3. Therefore, the operation unit 3 does not interfere with the fastening position.

[0041] As described above, according to the vehicle 1, the operation unit 3 is attached to the outside of the unit case 11 of the power unit 2. Therefore, it is not necessary to arrange the operation unit 3 inside the power unit 2, and it is easy to provide the operation unit 3 in the vehicle 1. Therefore, the arrangement space for arranging the operation unit 3 in the vehicle 1 can be reduced.

[0042] Furthermore, with the vehicle 1, the power of the electric motor 30 is transmitted as rotational power to the change shaft S4. This makes it possible to omit a shift rod that converts the power of the electric motor 30 into linear power. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the entire system including the power unit 2 and the operation unit 3 compared to a case in which a shift rod is provided. Also, the burden of vehicle design to ensure a space for arranging the operation unit 3 in the vehicle 1 can be reduced. This allows the production cost of the vehicle 1 to be reduced.

[0043] In the operation unit 3 of this embodiment, the electric motor 30 is supported by the housing 33, and the housing 33 is supported by the unit case 11. This eliminates the need for a dedicated part for supporting the operation unit 3, and simplifies the support structure of the operation unit 3 with respect to the power unit 2.

[0044] Further, the drive shaft S5 of the electric motor 30 extends parallel to the change shaft S4, and the housing 33 is formed to have a larger maximum outer diameter than the electric motor 30 when viewed in the axial direction of the drive shaft S5, and is disposed outside the unit case 11 in the axial direction of the drive shaft S5. This allows the power transmission mechanism 31 and the unit case 11 to be disposed overlapping in the axial direction of the drive shaft S5. This prevents interference between the power transmission mechanism 31 and the unit case 11, and makes it easier to dispose the electric motor 30 close to the unit case 11.

[0045] Furthermore, the transmission 10 has the input shaft S2 disposed forward of the change shaft S4, and the operation unit 3 is disposed rearward of the change shaft S4. This makes it easy to dispose the operation unit 3 behind the power unit 2. As a result, the space behind the power unit 2 can be utilized effectively.

[0046] Furthermore, in the vehicle 1, at least a portion of the operation unit 3 is disposed below the rotation center P of the swing arm 23. By disposing the operation unit 3 below the rotation center P of the swing arm 23 in this manner, the space below the swing arm 23 can be effectively utilized. This allows for further efficiency in the arrangement space of the operation unit 3. Also, it is possible to prevent obstacles from colliding with the operation unit 3 from above the rotation center P.

[0047] The vehicle 1 is also equipped with a shock absorber 21, and the operation unit 3 is located below the upper end of the shock absorber 21 connected to the vehicle body, and forward of the lower end of the shock absorber 21 connected to a member that supports the drive wheels 8 of the vehicle body. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the space below the upper end of the shock absorber 21 while preventing interference between the operation unit 3 and the shock absorber 21.

[0048] The vehicle 1 also includes a body frame 7, which has a side frame portion 7a extending in the vertical direction behind the power unit 2, and the operation unit 3 is disposed inward in the vehicle width direction from the side frame portion 7a. This allows the operation unit 3 to be protected from the sides by the side frame portion 7a while efficiently utilizing the arrangement space for the operation unit 3, and prevents obstacles from colliding with the operation unit 3 from the sides. Also, interference between the operation unit 3 and the side frame portion 7a can be prevented.

[0049] Furthermore, in the vehicle 1, the operation unit 3 is disposed on the inner side in the vehicle width direction than the power transmission body 22. This makes it possible to prevent interference between the operation unit 3 and the power transmission body 22 while efficiently utilizing the arrangement space of the operation unit 3.

[0050] Furthermore, in the vehicle 1, the front end of the electric motor 30 is located forward of the rear end surface of the unit case 11. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of rearward protrusion of the electric motor 30, and makes it easier to prevent interference between the electric motor 30 and the swing arm 23, etc.

[0051] In addition, the drive source of the vehicle 1 includes a driving motor M, and the driving motor M is disposed above the unit case 11. This prevents interference between the electric motor 30 and the driving motor M, and allows the operation unit 3 to be located closer to the center of gravity of the power unit 2.

[0052] Furthermore, in the vehicle 1, the operation unit 3 is disposed on the inside in the vehicle width direction of both ends of the power unit 2 in the vehicle width direction. This prevents the operation unit 3 from protruding outward from the ends of the power unit 2 in the vehicle width direction, allowing the operation unit 3 to be disposed compactly. In addition, the operation unit 3 is prevented from coming into contact with external objects, allowing the operational stability of the operation unit 3 to be maintained.

[0053] In the vehicle 1, the clutch 18 is disposed on one axial side of the transmission 10 in the axial direction of the input shaft S2, and the operation unit 3 is attached to the unit case 11 on the other axial side. This prevents interference between the operation unit 3 and the clutch 18, and makes it easy to attach the operation unit 3 to the power unit 2 from the outside.

[0054] Furthermore, in the vehicle 1, when viewed in the axial direction of the input shaft S2, the driving motor M is disposed on one side of a line connecting the axial centers of the input shaft S2 and the output shaft S3, and the operation unit 3 is disposed on the other side. This prevents interference between the driving motor M and the operation unit 3, and allows the power unit 2 to be made compact. Also, in the vehicle 1, the operation unit 3 is disposed on the opposite side of the exhaust pipe 6 in the vehicle width direction. This makes it possible to suppress a temperature rise in the operation unit 3 due to exhaust heat.

[0055] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the configuration may be changed, added, or deleted. The vehicle 1 is not limited to a motorcycle, and may be various other vehicles such as a three-wheeled motor vehicle. The vehicle 1 does not have to be a saddle-ride vehicle. The vehicle 1 is not limited to a hybrid type. The power unit 2 may have different types of drive sources, or may have one type of drive source. For example, the power unit 2 may have only an internal combustion engine or only an electric motor as a drive source.

[0056] The gear train 32 is not limited to a configuration having only spur gears and sector gears, and may include other types of gears such as helical gears. The motor case 36 of the electric motor 30 may be directly attached to the unit case 11. The transmission 10 may be of a type in which gears are formed on dogs that are slidably displaced by the shift fork 16, or of a type in which gears are not formed on the dogs. The control device may control the output of the drive source to increase or decrease based on a shift command, to facilitate the axial movement of the dogs. The transmission 10 may be a dual clutch transmission (DCT).

[0057] The vehicle 1 may also be provided with a foot-operated lever that is operated by the driver, one of the passengers, to give a gear-shift command by operating the driver's foot. This foot-operated lever may be disposed, for example, in the same manner as in the past, near the change shaft S4. In this case, the power transmission path between the foot-operated lever and the change shaft S4 can be made compact. In this embodiment, the foot-operated lever is disposed on the axially opposite side of the input shaft S2 from the clutch case that covers the clutch 18, thereby preventing interference between the foot-operated lever and the clutch case. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] E-Engine M Driving motor S2 Input shaft S4 Change shaft 1 vehicle 2. Power unit 3 Operation Unit 7a Side frame part 8 Drive wheels 10. Transmission 11 Unit case (case) 21 Buffer 22 Power transmission body 23 Swingarm 30 Electric motor 33 Housing

Claims

1. A driving source having an oil pan; a power unit including a transmission having a journal-supported change shaft and a gear ratio that changes in accordance with an angular displacement of the change shaft about an axis thereof, the transmission changing an output of the driving source for traveling, and a case that accommodates the transmission; an operation unit that has an electric motor and a power transmission mechanism that transmits the power of the electric motor to the change shaft as rotational power, and operates the change shaft so as to angularly displace the change shaft by the power of the electric motor, The operation unit is attached to the outside of the case, A vehicle, wherein an attachment position of the operation unit relative to the case is located above the oil pan, and a lower end of the operation unit is located below an upper end of the oil pan.

2. A driving source having an oil pan; a power unit including a transmission having a journal-supported change shaft and a gear ratio that changes in accordance with an angular displacement of the change shaft about an axis thereof, the transmission changing an output of the driving source for traveling, and a case that accommodates the transmission; an operation unit that has an electric motor and a power transmission mechanism that transmits the power of the electric motor to the change shaft as rotational power, and operates the change shaft so as to angularly displace the change shaft by the power of the electric motor, The operation unit is attached to the outside of the case, The operation unit is attached to the case at a position higher than the oil pan, A vehicle in which a lower end of the operation unit is located lower than a lower end of a rear end of the case.

3. The operation unit has a housing that covers the power transmission mechanism, The drive shaft of the electric motor extends parallel to the change shaft, 3. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the housing has a maximum outer diameter larger than that of the electric motor when viewed in an axial direction of the drive shaft, and is disposed outside the electric motor in the axial direction.

4. The transmission has an input shaft disposed forward of the change shaft, The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation unit is disposed rearward of the change shaft.

5. a swing arm having a front end rotatably supported by a vehicle body frame and a rear end supporting a drive wheel, the swing arm being disposed behind the power unit; The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least a portion of the operation unit is disposed below a rotation center of the swing arm.

6. A shock absorber is provided which extends in the vertical direction and absorbs shocks received by the drive wheels from the road surface; The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the operating unit is located below an upper end of the shock absorber connected to the vehicle body and forward of a lower end of the shock absorber connected to a member supporting the drive wheels of the vehicle body.

7. Further comprising a body frame, the vehicle body frame has a side frame portion extending in a vertical direction behind the power unit, The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the operation unit is disposed on an inner side in a vehicle width direction than the side frame portion.

8. a power transmission body extending from the power unit toward a drive wheel and transmitting an output of the transmission to the drive wheel; The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the operation unit is disposed on an inner side of the power transmission body in a vehicle width direction.

9. A driving source having an oil pan; a power unit including a transmission having a journal-supported change shaft and a gear ratio that changes in accordance with an angular displacement of the change shaft about an axis thereof, the transmission changing an output of the driving source for traveling, and a case that accommodates the transmission; an operation unit that has an electric motor and a power transmission mechanism that transmits the power of the electric motor to the change shaft as rotational power, and operates the change shaft so as to angularly displace the change shaft by the power of the electric motor, The operation unit is attached to the outside of the case, The operation unit is attached to the case at a position higher than the oil pan, The electric motor has a motor case, the motor case has a connector to which a harness provided in the vehicle is connected and a bracket, The connector extends in a drive shaft direction of the electric motor and is disposed on an opposite side of the bracket to a side of the change shaft.

10. A driving source for traveling having an oil pan; a power unit including a transmission having a journal-supported change shaft and a gear ratio that changes in accordance with an angular displacement of the change shaft about an axis thereof, the transmission changing an output of the driving source for traveling, and a case that accommodates the transmission; an operation unit including an electric motor and a power transmission mechanism that transmits the power of the electric motor to the change shaft as rotational power, and that operates the change shaft to angularly displace using the power of the electric motor; An exhaust pipe extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle, The operation unit is attached to the outside of the case, The operation unit is attached to the case at a position higher than the oil pan, The operation unit is disposed on a side opposite to the exhaust pipe in a vehicle width direction.

11. A driving source for traveling having an oil pan; a power unit including a transmission having a journal-supported change shaft and a gear ratio that changes in accordance with an angular displacement of the change shaft about an axis thereof, the transmission changing an output of the driving source for traveling, and a case that accommodates the transmission; an operation unit that has an electric motor and a power transmission mechanism that transmits the power of the electric motor to the change shaft as rotational power, and operates the change shaft to angularly displace using the power of the electric motor, The operation unit is attached to the outside of the case, The operation unit is attached to the case at a position higher than the oil pan, A vehicle in which a recess is formed in a lower rear portion of the case that is recessed forward compared to an upper rear portion of the case in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and the operation unit is positioned so that a peripheral surface of the electric motor faces a surface of the recess.

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