Electric vehicles

Abstract

To provide an electric vehicle which includes a speed reducer at a side of a motor and can make the layout around a pivot shaft compact.SOLUTION: An electric vehicle has: a vehicle body frame (11) having a pivot frame (24) that supports a swing arm (17) swingably; a motor (12) disposed above a pivot shaft (26); and a speed reducer (32) disposed on a side of the motor (12). A lateral width of the pivot frame (24) is narrower than a lateral width of the motor (12), and the speed reducer (32) is disposed on a side of the pivot frame (24).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an electric vehicle in which a motor is disposed above a pivot shaft and the motor has a reduction mechanism, and power is transmitted by a chain serving as a power transmission member provided between a drive sprocket provided on an output shaft of the reduction mechanism and a driven sprocket provided on a driving wheel (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, the reduction mechanism is provided on the outer side of the motor in the width direction, and the motor and the reduction mechanism are provided between a pivot frame supporting a swing arm. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6977149 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, the size of the pivot frame in the vehicle width direction is larger than the motor and the reduction mechanism. However, since a swing arm is also provided on the outer side of the pivot frame in the width direction, there is a problem in that it is desirable to make the size of the pivot frame in the width direction compact. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to provide an electric vehicle that has a reduction gear on the side of the motor and that can make the layout around the pivot shaft compact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The first aspectThe electric vehicle includes a vehicle body frame having a pivot frame that swingably supports a swing arm, a motor disposed above the pivot shaft, and a reducer disposed to the side of the motor, The pivot frame has a pivot shaft support portion and an output shaft support portion, The pivot frame from one left-right end to the other left-right end of the pivot shaft support portion and the output shaft support portion in The left and right width is 、 The reduction gear is disposed on the side of the pivot frame, the width of which is narrower than the width of the motor. An electric vehicle of a second aspect has a body frame having a pivot frame that supports a swing arm so that it can swing, a motor arranged above the pivot shaft, and a reducer arranged to the side of the motor, wherein the reducer is disposed to the side of the pivot frame, and the left-right width of the pivot frame is narrower than the left-right width of the motor and the reducer. Effect of the Invention

[0006] It is possible to provide an electric vehicle that can have a compact layout around the pivot shaft. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a left side view of an electric motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a right side view of an electric motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a front view of an electric motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a plan view of an electric motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the electric motorcycle according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a left side view showing a main part of the electric motorcycle with the body cover omitted. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] XI-XI line cross-sectional view of FIG. 6. [Figure 12] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. [Figure 13]4 is a front left perspective view showing the lower portion and periphery of the battery case. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a main part of the electric motorcycle from the right rear, with the body cover not shown. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a rear view of the electric motorcycle when the side stand is used. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description, directions such as front, rear, left, right, up and down are the same as directions relative to the vehicle body unless otherwise specified. In addition, the symbol FR in each drawing indicates the front of the vehicle body, the symbol UP indicates the upper side of the vehicle body, and the symbol LH indicates the left side of the vehicle body.

[0009] [Embodiment Mode] Fig. 1 is a left side view of an electric motorcycle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a right side view of the electric motorcycle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a front view of the electric motorcycle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a plan view of the electric motorcycle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the electric motorcycle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electric two-wheeler (electric vehicle) 10 is a saddle-ride type vehicle in which a battery-powered electric motor (motor) 12 is supported on a body frame 11, a front fork 15 supporting a front wheel 13 is supported at the front end of the body frame 11 so as to be steerable, a swing arm 17 supporting a rear wheel 16 is supported at the rear of the body frame 11 so as to be swingable, and a seat 18 on which a rider sits astride is supported above the rear of the body frame 11.

[0010] The body frame 11 includes a head pipe 20 provided at the front end, a front frame 21 positioned rearward of the head pipe 20, and a rear frame 22 positioned rearward of the front frame 21.

[0011] The front fork 15 is steerably attached to the head pipe 20. A steering handle 25 is attached to the upper part of the front fork 15. The front wheel 13 is supported at the lower end of the front fork 15 via a front wheel shaft (axle) 13a.

[0012] The swing arm 17 is supported by a pivot shaft 26 supported by the rear frame 22. The pivot shaft 26 is an axis that extends horizontally in the vehicle width direction. The swing arm 17 swings up and down about the pivot shaft 26. A rear cushion 28 is connected to the swing arm 17 via a link mechanism 27. The rear wheel 16 is supported at the rear end of the swing arm 17 via a rear wheel shaft (axle) 16a.

[0013] The seat 18 is disposed above the rear frame 22. The seat 18 is supported by the rear frame 22. The seat 18 includes a rider seat 18a in the front, and a passenger seat 18b provided behind the rider seat 18a and above the rider seat 18a.

[0014] A battery 30 is supported on the front frame 21. A PCU (Power Control Unit) 31 is disposed above the battery 30. The PCU 31 is configured to include an inverter and the like, and, for example, converts DC power supplied from the battery 30 into AC power and supplies the converted AC power to the electric motor 12. Furthermore, during regeneration of the electric motor 12, the PCU 31 converts the AC power generated by the electric motor 12 into DC power and charges the battery 30. The PCU 31 controls the electric motor 12 in response to the operation of the electric motorcycle 10.

[0015] The electric motor 12 is disposed behind the PCU 31. The electric motor 12 is disposed above the pivot shaft 26. A reducer 32 (see FIG. 2) is disposed to the side of the electric motor 12. The electric motor 12 transmits driving force to a power transmission mechanism 33 (see FIG. 1) via the reducer 32. The power transmission mechanism 33 transmits the driving force from the electric motor 12 to the rear wheels 16.

[0016] A headlight 34 is supported on the front fork 15. A pair of left and right front blinkers 35 are supported on the upper rear part of the headlight 34.

[0017] The body frame 11 is provided with a body cover 40. The body cover 40 of the present embodiment has a unit cowl 41 disposed above the front frame 21 and a rear cowl 42 supported by the rear frame 22. The unit cowl 41 is a bowl-shaped cover that is concave downward. The unit cowl 41 has an external shape that imitates a fuel tank of a saddle-ride type vehicle having an internal combustion engine. The unit cowl 41 is disposed between the steering handlebars 25 and the seat 18. The unit cowl 41 covers the upper front part of the electric motorcycle 10. A locking mechanism 41a is provided on the upper surface of the unit cowl 41. The unit cowl 41 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the vehicle body by operating the locking mechanism 41a.

[0018] The rear cowl 42 is disposed between the seat 18 and the rear wheel 16. The rear cowl 42 covers the below of the seat 18 from the side of the vehicle body. The rear cowl 42 has an upper surface (first surface) 42a extending from below the seat 18 outward in the vehicle width direction. A lower surface (second surface) 42b extending inward in the vehicle width direction as it extends downward is formed at the outer end of the upper surface 42a in the vehicle width direction. The connection portion between the upper surface 42a and the lower surface 42b has a shape that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction, and forms a ridge line 42c of the rear cowl 42.

[0019] A front fender 43 that covers the front wheel 13 from above is provided on the front fork 15. A rear fender 44 that covers the rear wheel 16 from above is attached to the rear frame 22.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a left side view showing a main part of the electric motorcycle 10 with the body cover 40 omitted. 1 to 6, in the vehicle body frame 11 of the present embodiment, the front frame 21 and the rear frame 22 are separate bodies. That is, the front frame 21 and the rear frame 22 are configured so as to be separable into the front and rear. Moreover, the rear frame 22 of the present embodiment has an upper seat frame 23 and a lower pivot frame 24. In the rear frame 22 of the present embodiment, the seat frame 23 and the pivot frame 24 are separate bodies. That is, the seat frame 23 and the pivot frame 24 are configured to be separable into upper and lower parts.

[0021] The front frame 21 extends rearward from the head pipe 20. The front frame 21 has a pair of left and right upper frames (main frames) 21a extending rearward and downward from the upper end of the head pipe 20. At the front end, the upper frames 21a extend outward in the vehicle width direction as they move rearward, and at a portion rearward of the front end, they extend linearly rearward and downward. A connection portion 21a1 is formed at the rear end of the upper frames 21a.

[0022] A pair of left and right sub-frames 21b extending rearward and upward from the lower end of the head pipe 20 are connected to the lower part of the front end of the upper frame 21a. The sub-frames 21b have rear ends connected to the corresponding upper frames 21a.

[0023] A pair of left and right down frames 21c extending downward from the head pipe 20 are connected to the lower part of the front end of the subframe 21b. The down frames 21c are connected to the lower end of the head pipe 20 via the subframes 21b. The down frames 21c extend linearly rearward and downward in a side view of the vehicle. The down frames 21c extend downward at a steeper incline than the upper frame 21a in a side view of the vehicle. A battery support part 21c1 is formed at the lower end of the down frames 21c.

[0024] The connection between the sub-frame 21b and the down frame 21c is reinforced by a gusset 21d.

[0025] The upper frame 21a, the sub-frame 21b, the down frame 21c, and the gusset 21d constitute the front frame 21 of the present embodiment. In the front frame 21, the upper frame 21a, the sub-frame 21b, and the down frame 21c are formed in a pipe shape.

[0026] The rear frame 22 is connected to a connection portion 21a1 at the rear end of the upper frame 21a. More specifically, a seat frame 23 of the rear frame 22 is connected to the connection portion 21a1. The seat frame 23 is fastened to the connection portion 21a1 of the upper frame 21a by fastening members. The fastening members are, for example, bolts.

[0027] The seat frame 23 has a pair of left and right seat rails 23a extending rearward and upward. The seat rails 23a extend rearward and upward from each of the pair of left and right upper frames 21a. The seat rails 23a extend to the rear end of the vehicle body. The seat 18 is supported above the seat rails 23a. The seat rails 23a are covered from the left and right by a rear cowl 42.

[0028] A seat subframe 23b extending downward is connected to each of the pair of left and right seat rails 23a at longitudinal midpoints. The seat subframe 23b extends forward and downward at a steeper incline than the seat rails 23a and is connected to a pivot frame 24, which is a frame other than the seat rails 23a. In other words, the seat subframe 23b extends rearward and upward from the pivot frame 24 to support the seat rails 23a.

[0029] The connection portion 22a between the pivot frame 24 and the seat subframe 23b is reinforced by a rear gusset 23c. The rear gusset 23c is a plate material having a substantially triangular shape in a side view of the vehicle. The rear gusset 23c is disposed along the rear of the upper end portion of the seat subframe 23b and along the lower portion of the seat rail 23a, and is welded to cover the upper end portion of the seat subframe 23b and the lower portion of the seat rail 23a from the side of the vehicle. A grab rail 23d is provided on the seat rail 23a behind the connection portion 22a. Thus, the seat frame 23 supporting the seat 18 is provided across the upper frame 21a and the pivot frame 24 in the front-rear direction.

[0030] The seat rail 23a, the seat subframe 23b, the rear gusset 23c, and the grab rail 23d constitute a seat frame 23 of the present embodiment. In the seat frame 23, the seat rail 23a and the seat subframe 23b are formed in a pipe shape.

[0031] A battery case 50 serving as an exterior member of the battery 30 is supported by the front frame 21 and the pivot frame 24. The battery case 50 has a hollow box shape. The battery case 50 is disposed so as to be surrounded by the front frame 21 and the pivot frame 24 in a side view of the vehicle.

[0032] In detail, the battery case 50 has, in a side view of the vehicle, a front portion 51 extending along the subframe 21b and the down frame 21c of the front frame 21, a top surface portion 52 extending rearward from the upper end of the front surface portion 51 along the upper frame 21a, a bottom surface portion (battery bottom surface) 53 extending from the lower end of the front surface portion 51 along the inclined shape of the top surface portion 52, a rear surface portion 54 connecting the rear end of the top surface portion 52 and the rear end of the bottom surface portion 53, a left side surface portion 55 (see Figure 1) located on the left side of the front surface portion 51, the top surface portion 52, the bottom surface portion 53, and the rear surface portion 54, and a right side surface portion 56 (see Figure 2) located on the right side of the front surface portion 51, the top surface portion 52, the bottom surface portion 53, and the rear surface portion 54.

[0033] The rear surface portion 54 has a stepped shape in a side view of the vehicle. In detail, the rear surface portion 54 has a front-side rear surface 54a extending downward from the rear end of the top surface portion 52, a stepped surface 54b extending rearward from the rear end of the front-side rear surface 54a, and a rear-side rear surface 54c extending downward from the rear end of the stepped surface 54b.

[0034] In the battery case 50, a front end fixing portion 57 that protrudes downward and forward is formed at the front end of the bottom surface portion 53. The front end fixing portion 57 is disposed between the battery support portions 21c1 of the left and right down frames 21c. A fixing member is inserted into the battery support portion 21c1 in the vehicle width direction, whereby the front end fixing portion 57 is fixed to the battery support portion 21c1.

[0035] An upper end fixing portion 58 (see FIG. 6) that protrudes upward is formed at the rear end of the top surface portion 52. As shown in FIG. 6, the upper end fixing portion 58 extends in the front-to-rear direction. The upper end fixing portion 58 is formed in the center in the vehicle width direction. The front end side of the upper end fixing portion 58 is fixed to the connection portion 21a1 of the upper frame 21a. The rear end side of the upper end fixing portion 58 protrudes rearward beyond the front rear surface 54a of the battery case 50. The rear end side of the upper end fixing portion 58 is fixed to the upper portion of the pivot frame 24. A rear end fixing portion 59 that protrudes rearward is formed on the rear surface 54c of the rear side. The rear end fixing portion 59 is fixed to the lower portion of the pivot frame 24.

[0036] The lower end of the pivot frame 24 is located below the battery support portion 21c1 of the down frame 21c. The battery case 50 is supported by the down frame 21c and the pivot frame 24, and the battery case 50 of the battery 30 is disposed between the down frame 21c and the pivot frame 24. That is, the battery 30 is disposed such that the rear of the bottom surface portion 53 is lower than the front. The bottom surface portion 53 extends along a line L1 (see FIG. 1) connecting the lower end of the down frame 21c and the lower end of the pivot frame 24 in a side view of the vehicle. The bottom surface portion 53 is inclined at an acute angle with respect to the road surface (ground) R. Below the bottom surface portion 53, a substantially triangular space S1 is formed by the front wheel 13, the road surface R, and the bottom surface portion 53 in a side view of the vehicle.

[0037] In this embodiment, a vehicle body having a skeleton shape of the electric motorcycle 10 is made up of the vehicle body frame 11 such as the pivot frames 24 of the front frame 21 and the rear frame 22, a battery case 50 that houses the battery 30, and the like.

[0038] Fig. 7 is a front view of the pivot frame 24. Fig. 8 is a left side view of the pivot frame 24. Fig. 9 is a rear view of the pivot frame 24. Fig. 10 is a right side view of the pivot frame 24. The pivot frame 24 of the present embodiment is a single frame having a solid structure and an integral shape. The pivot frame 24 is, for example, a casting. Since the pivot frame 24 is solid, it is possible to ensure rigidity and strength.

[0039] The pivot frame 24 of this embodiment has a pillar portion 60 in the shape of a substantially rectangular pillar extending in the vertical direction. More specifically, the pillar portion 60 is inclined slightly rearward as it advances upward. A rear arm portion (second arm) 61 extending rearward and upward is formed above the pillar portion 60. The rear arm portion 61 extends rearward along the outer periphery of the electric motor 12 (see FIG. 6). A frame fixing portion 61a having a through hole penetrating in the vehicle width direction (left and right direction) is formed at the tip end (rear end) of the rear arm portion 61. A cushion connecting portion 61b having a through hole penetrating in the vehicle width direction is formed at the front lower side of the frame fixing portion 61a. A cushion inserting portion 61c recessed upward is formed on the rear lower surface of the rear arm portion 61 in correspondence with the cushion connecting portion 61b (see FIG. 9). The cushion connecting portion 61b and the cushion inserting portion 61c are formed at the longitudinal midpoint of the rear arm portion 61.

[0040] A cylindrical pivot shaft support portion 62 extending in the vehicle width direction is formed between the pillar portion 60 and the rear arm portion 61, corresponding to the connection portion between the pillar portion 60 and the rear arm portion 61. The pivot shaft support portion 62 protrudes to the right (the other side in the left-right direction) beyond the pillar portion 60 (see FIG. 9). The pivot shaft support portion 62 is formed with a pivot shaft hole 62a penetrating in the vehicle width direction.

[0041] A cylindrical output shaft support portion 63 is formed in front of the pivot shaft support portion 62. The output shaft support portion 63 protrudes to the left (one side in the left-right direction) beyond the pillar portion 60 (see FIG. 9). The output shaft support portion 63 is formed with an output shaft hole 63a that penetrates in the vehicle width direction. The output shaft hole 63a has a larger diameter than the pivot shaft hole 62a.

[0042] A plate-shaped fastening plate 64 is formed around the output shaft support portion 63. A plurality of fastening holes 64a are formed on the outer periphery of the fastening plate 64. The fastening plate 64 is spaced apart from the rear arm portion 61 in the vehicle width direction (see Figs. 7 and 9). The fastening plate 64 is formed offset to the right with respect to the pillar portion 60 (see Figs. 7 and 9). The fastening plate 64 is formed offset to the right of the vehicle width center line L10 (see Fig. 11). The fastening plate 64 has a smaller left-right width than the rear arm portion 61. The fastening plate 64 has a front arm portion (first arm) 65 that extends forward along the outer periphery of the electric motor 12 (see Fig. 6). The front arm portion 65 has an upper edge that is concave and curved downward along the outer periphery of the electric motor 12. A through hole that penetrates in the vehicle width direction is formed at the tip (front end) of the front arm portion 65 to form a battery fixing portion 65a.

[0043] An upwardly protruding motor fixing piece 66 is formed between the rear arm portion 61 and the front arm portion 65 (see FIG. 10). A plurality of fastening portions 66a, 66b that penetrate in the vehicle width direction are formed in the motor fixing piece 66. A seat portion 67 that protrudes to the left is formed below the motor fixing piece 66 (see FIG. 8). The seat portion 67 extends in the front-rear direction.

[0044] A cylindrical link connecting portion 68 is formed at the rear lower end of the pillar portion 60. The link connecting portion 68 is formed with a link shaft hole 68a that penetrates in the vehicle width direction.

[0045] A plate-shaped plate fixing portion 69 extending in the vehicle width direction is formed above and in front of the link connecting portion 68. The plate fixing portion 69 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction on both sides of the pillar portion 60 (see Figures 7 and 9). The plate fixing portion 69 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction further than the pivot shaft support portion 62 and the output shaft support portion 63. The plate fixing portion 69 inclines downward as it advances forward. The front end of the plate fixing portion 69 protrudes forward further than the pillar portion 60. A battery fixing hole 69a that penetrates in the vehicle width direction is formed at the front end of the plate fixing portion 69. A plate fastening hole 69b that is recessed in the vehicle width direction is formed at the rear end of the plate fixing portion 69.

[0046] In FIG. 6, the pivot frame 24 is connected to the front frame 21, the seat sub-frame 23b of the rear frame 22, the electric motor 12, and the battery 30. That is, in the pivot frame 24, the front arm portion 65 and the rear arm portion 61 that are disposed along the outer periphery of the electric motor 12 have the upper end fixing portion 58 of the battery case 50 and the electric motor 12 fastened to a battery fixing portion 65a (see FIG. 8) of the front arm portion 65. Also, the lower end of the seat subframe 23b is connected to the frame fixing portion 61a (see FIG. 8) of the rear arm portion 61.

[0047] In addition, in the pivot frame 24, the electric motor 12 and the like are fixed to a fastening plate 64 (see FIG. 8) and a motor fixing piece 66 (see FIG. 8). Furthermore, in the pivot frame 24 , the rear end fixing portion 59 of the battery case 50 is disposed between the left and right plate fixing portions 69 , and the battery case 50 is fixed to the left and right plate fixing portions 69 . Therefore, the pivot frame 24 is integral with the front frame 21, the rear frame 22, and the battery case 50. The pivot frame 24 being integral with the battery case 50 etc. contributes to improving the rigidity of the narrow pivot frame 24.

[0048] 1 to 5, a pivot shaft 26 is supported on a pivot shaft support portion 62 of the pivot frame 24. The pivot shaft 26 passes through a pivot shaft hole 62a (see FIG. 8) and protrudes to both the left and right sides of the pivot frame 24. A swing arm 17 is supported on both ends of the pivot shaft 26 so as to be able to swing.

[0049] 5, the swing arm 17 has a pair of left and right pivot portions 71, 72 extending in the front-rear direction. The pivot portions 71, 72 are respectively disposed on both sides in the vehicle width direction of the pivot frame 24. The pivot portions 71, 72 are supported via the pivot shaft 26 so as to be able to swing. The pivot portions 71, 72 extend rearward from the pivot shaft 26. Here, the right pivot portion 72 extends rearward from the pivot shaft 26 and inclines to the left as it proceeds rearward. The right pivot portion 72 is connected to the left pivot portion 71 at its rear end portion.

[0050] An arm portion 73 extending rearward is formed at the rear end of the right pivot portion 72. The arm portion 73 extends rearward while curving to make a detour around the outer side (left side) in the vehicle width direction. The rear wheel 16 is supported at the rear end of the arm portion 73 via the rear wheel axle 16a. The swing arm 17 supports the rear wheel 16 at one side.

[0051] A link connection part 74 that protrudes downward is formed at the connection part between the left pivot part 71 and the right pivot part 72. The link mechanism 27 is connected to the link connection part 74. Thus, the rear cushion 28 is connected to the swing arm 17 via the link mechanism 27.

[0052] As shown in Figs. 1 to 5, the rear cushion 28 has a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. The rear cushion 28 is connected to the pivot frame 24 above the pivot shaft 26. The rear cushion 28 is disposed between the left and right pivot portions 71, 72 of the swing arm 17 (see Fig. 5). The rear cushion 28 extends downward from above the swing arm 17. Connecting portions 28a, 28b (see Fig. 6) are formed on the top and bottom of the rear cushion 28. Holes extending in the vehicle width direction are formed in the connecting portions 28a, 28b. The upper connecting portion 28a of the rear cushion 28 is supported to be swingable on the cushion connecting portion 61b (see Fig. 8) by a shaft extending in the vehicle width direction in a state where it is inserted into the cushion inserting portion 61c (see Fig. 9) of the pivot frame 24. The lower connecting portion 28b of the rear cushion 28 is supported to be swingable on the link mechanism 27.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the link mechanism 27 includes a cushion connecting portion 76 that is substantially triangular in a side view of the vehicle, and a pair of left and right links 77, 78 that are rotatably supported by the cushion connecting portion 76. Swinging portions 76a, 76b, and 76c are formed at positions corresponding to the vertices of the substantially triangular shape in the cushion connecting portion 76. Specifically, the cushion connecting portion 76 has an upper-rear swinging portion 76a, a lower-front swinging portion 76b provided in front and below the swinging portion 76a, and a lower-rear swinging portion 76c provided behind the lower-front swinging portion 76b.

[0054] The upper rear swing portion 76a is swingably connected to the link connection portion 74 of the swing arm 17. The lower connection portion 28b of the rear cushion 28 is swingably connected to the lower front swing portion 76b. A pair of left and right links 77, 78 are swingably connected to the lower rear swing portion 76c. The links 77, 78 extend forward. The links 77, 78 are respectively disposed on both the left and right sides of the link connection portion 68 at the lower end portion of the pivot frame 24. The links 77, 78 are swingably connected to the link connection portion 68 of the pivot frame 24.

[0055] That is, the pivot frame 24 supports a connecting portion 28a at the upper end of the rear cushion 28, and also supports a connecting portion 28b at the lower end of the rear cushion 28 via the link mechanism 27. Thus, the upper and lower ends of the rear cushion 28 attached to the swing arm 17 are supported by a single member, the pivot frame 24. This makes it easier to make the rear cushion 28 compact and to manage its accuracy. The rear cushion 28 expands and contracts via the link mechanism 27, thereby damping the swing of the swing arm 17.

[0056] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. In this embodiment, a pair of left and right pivot subframes 80, 81 are provided on both outer sides of the swing arm 17 in the vehicle width direction. The pivot subframes 80, 81 are arranged on the outer sides of the pivot portions 71, 72 of the swing arm in the vehicle width direction. The pivot subframes 80, 81 extend in the vertical direction. The pivot subframes 80, 81 curve inward in the vehicle width direction as they extend downward. The upper ends of the pivot subframes 80, 81 are supported by the end of the pivot shaft 26 (see Figures 1 and 2). The pivot subframes 80, 81 are fixed at their lower ends to the plate fixing portion 69 of the pivot frame 24. Predetermined spaces S2, S3 are formed between the pivot subframes 80, 81 and the pivot frame 24.

[0057] A side stand 82 is rotatably supported on the left pivot subframe 80. When the side stand 82 is set upright and placed on the road surface R, the vehicle body can be supported in a state in which it is tilted towards the side stand 82.

[0058] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in Fig. 6. Fig. 12 shows a cross section of the battery 30. The battery 30 includes a battery case 50 and a plurality of battery units (battery bodies) 90 housed in the battery case 50.

[0059] Inside the battery case 50, two battery storage sections 50a, 50b are formed, one on top of the other. The two battery storage sections 50a, 50b are provided in pairs on the left and right sides. Thus, a total of four battery storage sections 50a, 50b are provided inside the battery case 50. The basic configurations of the battery storage sections 50a, 50b are the same regardless of their positions. The battery storage sections 50a, 50b each accommodate a battery unit 90 having a similar configuration. The battery unit 90 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape having an elongated shape. The battery unit 90 is a part that stores electricity and is the main body part of the battery 30 in this embodiment.

[0060] The upper battery accommodating section 50a is formed forward of the lower battery accommodating section 50b. That is, the upper battery accommodating section 50a is formed offset forward of the lower battery accommodating section 50b. In other words, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in the rear surface section 54 of the battery case 50, the upper battery accommodating section 50a is formed by a space extending forward from the front rear surface 54a. Also, the lower battery accommodating section 50b is formed by a space extending forward from the rear rear surface 54c. Therefore, in the battery case 50, the upper and lower battery units 90 are arranged to be stacked vertically while being offset forward and backward.

[0061] 12, the side portions 55, 56 of the battery case 50 are located inward in the vehicle width direction from the upper frames 21a, 21a. In other words, the side portions 55, 56 of the battery case 50 are located inward in the vehicle width direction from the outer end of the upper frame 21a, and are essentially located inward in the vehicle width direction from the inner end of the upper frame 21a. This prevents the battery case 50 from bulging out in the vehicle width direction.

[0062] In the battery 30, heat from the battery unit 90 is dissipated through the battery case 50. The battery case 50 is cooled by the wind blowing on it. In this embodiment, the radiator 130 is disposed below the bottom surface 53 of the battery case 50, so that the battery case 50 is provided at a position that is not easily affected by the exhaust wind of the radiator 130 or the like. Therefore, the battery case 50 is easily and efficiently cooled by the wind blowing on it. Although the battery case 50 is illustrated as having a flat surface, the battery case 50 may be provided with cooling fins. For example, the battery case 50 may be configured to be cooled by the wind blowing on the outside of the battery case 50 by providing cooling fins on the side surfaces 55 and 56.

[0063] A junction box (distribution box) 95 is disposed above the battery case 50. The junction box 95 has a main body portion to which various electronic functional parts (not shown), such as a contactor, a main fuse, and a current sensor, are attached, and an exterior case 96 that covers the main body portion. A predetermined wiring extending from an electric harness 97 (see FIG. 6) is connected to the junction box 95. The junction box 95 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The junction box 95 is shorter in the front-rear direction and larger in the left-right direction than one battery unit 90. The junction box 95 is smaller in the left-right direction than two battery units 90. That is, the junction box 95 is shorter in the front-rear direction than the battery case 50. The left-right width of the junction box 95 is narrower than the left-right width of the battery case 50. The junction box 95 extends upward from between the pair of upper frames 21a. The exterior case 96 of this embodiment is integrally formed with the battery case 50, and extends upward from the top surface portion 52.

[0064] 6, the PCU 31 is disposed behind the junction box 95 and above the battery case 50. The PCU 31 has a PCU case 100. The PCU case 100 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The PCU case 100 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending along the top surface portion 52 of the battery 30. The electric motor 12 is disposed behind the PCU case 100.

[0065] The electric motor 12 is disposed behind the PCU 31. The electric motor 12 is disposed above the pivot frame 24 and directly above the pivot shaft 26.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 11 , the electric motor 12 has a cylindrical motor case 110. A motor shaft 111 extending in the vehicle width direction is rotatably supported in the motor case 110. A rotor 112 is fixed to the motor shaft 111. A stator 113 having a coil portion is supported radially outward of the rotor 112. The motor shaft 111 protrudes to the right of the motor case 110. A drive gear 114 is supported at the right end of the motor shaft 111. The drive gear 114 is connected to an input gear 121 of the reducer 32.

[0067] The motor case 110 is fixed to the PCU case 100 from the rear by a fastener, and the PCU 31 and the electric motor 12 are integrated (see Figs. 1, 2 and 6). A fixing piece 110a that is fixed to the pivot frame 24 is provided on the outer periphery of the motor case 110 of the electric motor 12. The fixing piece 110a is fastened to the fastening portions 66a, 66b (see Fig. 9) of the pivot frame 24.

[0068] The electric motor 12 is formed to be larger than the left-right width of the pivot frame 24. Specifically, the electric motor 12 is formed to be larger than the left-right width from the right end of the pivot shaft support portion 62 to the left end of the output shaft support portion 63. Thus, a space S4 is formed below the electric motor 12 and to the right of the pivot frame 24. The reducer 32 is disposed in this space S4. The reducer 32 is disposed in a state in which it enters the step surface 54b of the battery case 50 (see FIG. 2). The reducer 32 extends rearward and upward and is disposed to the side (right side) of the electric motor 12 in a side view of the vehicle body. Therefore, for example, in the past, the width of an electric two-wheeler depended on the size of the four layers of the electric motor, reduction gear, and left and right pivot frames stacked together, but in this embodiment, by making the pivot frame 24 smaller than the left and right width of the electric motor 12, it is possible to fit the electric motor 12 and reduction gear 32 into a two-layer stack, making it easier to reduce the left and right width (vehicle width) of the electric two-wheeler 10.

[0069] The reducer 32 has a reducer case (case) 120, an input gear 121, an output gear (not shown), and an intermediate gear (not shown) disposed between the input gear 121 and the output gear. The reducer case 120 of this embodiment has a structure in which it is split into left and right halves. The reducer case 120 is assembled by stacking them in the left and right direction. An input gear 121, an output gear, etc. are rotatably arranged inside the reducer case 120. This allows the rotation of the input gear 121 to be output from the output gear at a predetermined reduction ratio.

[0070] The reducer case 120 is fastened to the motor case 110 of the electric motor 12, a fastening plate 64 (see FIG. 8) of the pivot frame 24, and the like from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. 11, a line L12 passing through the connection surface between the motor case 110 of the electric motor 12 and the reducer case 120 of the reducer 32 is spaced apart in the vehicle width direction from a line L11 passing through a side surface of the fastening plate 64 of the pivot frame 24. The reducer case 120 has a protruding portion 120a that protrudes toward the fastening plate 64 of the pivot frame 24. The protruding portion 120a makes it possible to utilize the space S4 between the electric motor 12 and the pivot frame 24 as an arrangement space for the reducer 32.

[0071] An output gear is disposed within the protruding portion 120a of the reducer case 120. An output shaft 122 extending in the vehicle width direction is fixed to this output gear. The output shaft 122 is inserted through the output shaft support portion 63 (see FIG. 8) of the pivot frame 24. The output shaft 122 extends on both sides of the pivot frame 24 in the vehicle width direction.

[0072] A drive pulley 125 is disposed on the output shaft 122 on the opposite side to the reduction gear 32 in the vehicle width direction (see FIG. 1). The drive pulley 125 rotates integrally with the output shaft 122. An endless drive belt (belt) 126 is wound around the drive pulley 125. The drive belt 126 extends rearward and is wound around a driven pulley 127 fixed to the rear wheel axle 12a. The drive belt 126 is located above and below the pivot portion 71 on the left side of the swing arm 17 in a side view of the vehicle body. The drive pulley 125, the drive belt 126, and the driven pulley 127 constitute the power transmission mechanism 33 of the present embodiment.

[0073] In this embodiment, since the pivot shaft 26 and the output shaft 122 are supported by the pivot frame 24, it is easy to achieve high accuracy in mounting the pivot shaft 26 and the output shaft 122. Therefore, it is easy to control the accuracy in mounting the drive system related to the output shaft 122 and the swing system related to the pivot shaft 26.

[0074] Here, the output shaft support portion 63 is located on a line L3 that connects the pivot shaft 26 and the rear wheel shaft 16a in a side view of the vehicle. This allows the circumferential changes in the sinking and extending directions of the drive belt 126 wound around the drive pulley 125 to be uniform, so that even in the power transmission mechanism 33 that uses the drive belt 126, it is easy to achieve tension accuracy even if the pivot shaft 26 and the output shaft 122 are separate shafts.

[0075] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the lower portion and periphery of the battery case 50, viewed from the front left. A radiator 130 for cooling the electric vehicle functional components is disposed below the battery case 50. More specifically, the radiator 130 is disposed below an on-board charger 140 supported below the battery case 50. In this embodiment, the electric vehicle functional components include the electric motor 12, the PCU 31, and an on-board charger (charger) 140. That is, in this embodiment, the bottom surface portion 53 is disposed at an angle, so that a space S1 is formed below the battery 30, and the radiator 130 can be disposed in this space S1. In addition, since this space S1 is sufficiently large, the on-board charger 140 can also be disposed therein, but by disposing the on-board charger 140 supported by a bottom surface bracket 141, a compact layout can be achieved.

[0076] In particular, the lowest part 130d (see FIG. 1) of the radiator 130 in this embodiment is located below the line L3 connecting the front wheel shaft 13a and the rear wheel shaft 16a in a side view of the vehicle. The radiator 130 can be disposed in the dead space below the vehicle.

[0077] Here, the radiator 130 is disposed on an extension line L4 of the down frame 21c in a side view of the vehicle. Therefore, the radiator 130 can be easily disposed at a position on the front side of the vehicle where it is likely to receive the traveling wind, and the radiator 130 can be disposed in a layout that follows the frame shape. In addition, the radiator 130 is disposed above the rear end of the bottom surface portion 53 of the battery 30 and below the front end of the bottom surface portion 53 of the battery 30 in a side view of the vehicle, and is disposed behind the front wheels 13. That is, when a horizontal line passing through the rear end of the bottom surface portion 53 of the battery 30 is defined as a rear end line L5, and a horizontal line passing through the front end of the bottom surface portion 53 of the battery 30 is defined as a front end line L6, the radiator 130 is disposed above the rear end line L5 and below the front end line L6 in a side view of the vehicle, and is disposed behind the front wheels 13. By disposing the radiator 130 behind the front wheels 13 where the width in the vehicle width direction tends to be narrow, the radiator 130 can be easily subjected to the wind generated during traveling.

[0078] Regarding the radiator 130, a specific arrangement structure is described. A pair of left and right bottom brackets (brackets) 141 are fixed to the bottom surface portion 53. The bottom brackets 141 extend in the front-rear direction. The bottom brackets 141 are formed with a plurality of triangular lightening holes penetrating in the left-right direction. A rectangular parallelepiped on-board charger 140 is disposed between the left and right bottom brackets 141. The on-board charger 140 is supported by the left and right bottom brackets 141. The on-board charger 140 is inclined downward toward the front along the bottom surface portion 53. The on-board charger 140 is electrically connected to the battery 30. The on-board charger 140 converts AC power into DC power and supplies it to the battery unit 90.

[0079] A bracket stay (bracket) 142 extending downward and forward is provided at the front end of the bottom bracket 141. The radiator 130 is fastened to the bracket stay 142. The radiator 130 is supported so as to be suspended by the bottom bracket 141 and the bracket stay 142 at the lower front side of the bottom portion 53. The radiator 130 is disposed in a substantially triangular space S1 (see FIG. 1 ) surrounded by the front wheels 13, the bottom portion 53 of the battery case 50, and the road surface R. Since the radiator 130 is supported by the bottom bracket 141 and the bracket stay 142, the radiator 130 can be supported compactly even under the vehicle.

[0080] The radiator 130 includes a core 130a having a plate-like appearance extending in the vehicle width direction, a tank 130b on the left side of the core 130a, and a tank 130c on the right side of the core 130a. The core 130a, into which the wind can flow while traveling, has a lower portion located forward of an upper portion. In other words, the core 130a has a front surface that inclines upward as it moves rearward. The core 130a faces the front wheel 13 below the front wheel axle 13a. The front surface of the core 130a has a lower portion located forward of an upper portion, so that the core 130a can receive the wind while preventing sand or the like on the front wheel 13 from entering the front surface of the radiator 130.

[0081] 5, a first cooling pipe 131 extending rearward is connected to the tank 130c on the right side of the radiator 130. A downstream end of the first cooling pipe 131 is connected to the on-board charger 140. A cooling path (not shown) is formed in the on-board charger 140. A second cooling pipe 132 extending rearward is connected to an outlet, which is the downstream end of the cooling path of the on-board charger 140.

[0082] The second cooling pipe 132 extends rearward, enters the space S2 (see FIG. 11) between the pivot frame 24 and the pivot subframe 81, and is routed toward the upper part of the battery case 50. The second cooling pipe 132 is routed above the battery case 50 while bending in a stepped shape along the rear surface portion 54 (see FIG. 1), and its downstream end is connected to the PCU case 100. A cooling path communicating with the inside of the motor case 110 of the electric motor 12 is formed inside the PCU case 100. As shown in FIG. 2, an outlet, which is the downstream end of the cooling path, is formed on the rear surface of the motor case 110 of the electric motor 12, and the third cooling pipe 133 is connected to the outlet.

[0083] The third cooling pipe 133 is routed downward from the right side of the pivot frame 24 and the swing arm 17. The third cooling pipe 133 routed downward is routed forward toward the bottom of the bottom surface portion 53 through a space S3 (see FIG. 11) between the pivot frame 24 and the pivot subframe 80. As shown in FIG. 5, the third cooling pipe 133 is bent to the left at the front end and connected to an axial inlet portion 135a of a water pump 135. The water pump 135 is fixed to the left bottom surface bracket 141 via a pump bracket 143. The water pump 135 is driven by an electric motor (not shown) different from the driving electric motor 12. The water pump 135 pressure-feeds the cooling water from a radial delivery portion 135b of the water pump 135 to the outside. The fourth cooling pipe 134 is connected to the delivery portion 135b of the water pump 135. The downstream end of the fourth cooling pipe 134 is connected to the tank 130 b on the left side of the radiator 130 .

[0084] The radiator 130, the on-board charger (functional part of electric vehicle) 140, the PCU (functional part of electric vehicle) 31, the electric motor (functional part of electric vehicle) 12, the water pump 135, and the cooling pipes 131 to 134 that appropriately connect these components constitute a circulation path 138 through which the cooling water of this embodiment circulates. In the circulation path 138, the cooling water is circulated and cooled in the order of the on-board charger 140, the PCU 31, and the electric motor 12 by driving the water pump 135. Here, the amount of heat generated increases in the order of the on-board charger 140, the PCU 31, and the electric motor 12. Therefore, by passing the cooling water through the on-board charger 140, the PCU 31, and the electric motor 12 in this order, even if the temperature of the cooling water rises, it is possible to efficiently cool the cooling water by flowing it to the downstream side where the temperature is higher.

[0085] In particular, the on-board charger 140, which is cooled first, is disposed on the bottom surface portion 53 together with the radiator 130, and the on-board charger 140 is provided close to the radiator 130. Therefore, the cooling water cooled by the radiator 130 can be sent quickly to the on-board charger 140, and it is easier to arrange a compact circulation path 138 compared to a case where the radiator 130 and each electric vehicle functional component are separated from each other.

[0086] A circular radiator fan (air-cooled fan) 136 is provided on the back of the radiator 130. The radiator fan 136 is provided on the right side in the vehicle width direction, and is provided close to the tank 130c on the right side. The radiator fan 136 creates a negative pressure between the radiator 130 and the radiator 130, and guides cooling air from the front of the radiator 130 to the radiator 130. The cooling air that has cooled the cooling water in the radiator 130 is exhausted rearward by the radiator fan 136. The radiator fan 136 and the water pump 135 are disposed behind the radiator 130, between the radiator 130 and the battery 30. Therefore, the radiator fan 136 and the water pump 135 can be compactly disposed in the space S1 generated below the battery 30. In particular, the radiator fan 136 is disposed close to the tank 130c on the right side, and is disposed at a position away from the water pump 135. Therefore, the radiator fan 136 and the water pump 135 can be efficiently arranged, making it easy to arrange them in a compact manner.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 6 , a front power supply unit 98 is provided above the junction box 95. The front power supply unit 98 is provided with an upper power feed port 99 that is connected to an external power source. The upper power feed port 99 is configured based on a predetermined standard. The upper power feed port 99 includes a terminal for AC charging and a terminal for DC charging. The upper power feed port 99 faces upward. The upper power feed port 99 is electrically connected to the on-board charger 140 and the battery 30.

[0088] The front power supply unit 98 is configured to be able to accommodate an AC charging cable 150. In this embodiment, the AC charging cable 150 can be stored in the electric motorcycle 10 in a state where it is wound around the front power supply unit 98. The stored AC charging cable 150 is covered by a detachable unit cowl 41 (see FIG. 1).

[0089] AC charging cable 150 of the present embodiment has a power feeding gun portion 151 connected to upper surface power feeding port 99, a power cable portion 152 extending from power feeding gun portion 151, and a plug portion 153 connected to the other end of power cable portion 152. AC charging cable 150 has power feeding gun portion 151 connected to upper surface power feeding port 99 from above, and plug portion 153 connected to a so-called household outlet. As a result, AC power is supplied to upper surface power feeding port 99, and battery 30 is charged via on-board charger 140.

[0090] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the main parts of the electric motorcycle 10 from the right rear, with the body cover 40 not shown. A side power supply unit 160 is supported on the rear frame 22. The side power supply unit 160 is provided on the right side of the vehicle opposite the side stand 82. The side power supply unit 160 has a side power supply port (power supply port) 161 (see FIG. 2) connected to an external power source, a base cover 162 surrounding the side power supply port 161, and an opening / closing cover 163 supported on the base cover 162 around a hinge 164 so as to be openable and closable. The side power supply port 161 is configured based on a predetermined standard. The side power supply port 161 includes a terminal for AC charging and a terminal for DC charging. The side power supply port 161 is electrically connected to the on-board charger 140 and the battery 30. The normal direction N1 of the side power supply unit 160 that is perpendicular to the connection surface of the side power supply port 161, in other words, the insertion direction into the side power supply port 161, intersects with the extension direction L20 of the side stand 82 in a plan view (see FIG. 4). The side power supply unit 160 is disposed in front of the grab rail 23d.

[0091] Power can be fed from the side of the vehicle body by the side power feeding unit 160. Therefore, for example, when the electric motorcycle 10 is parked to the side of a charging facility such as a high-speed power feeding station, an external power source provided in the charging facility can be connected from the side to the side power feeding unit 160. At this time, the external power source can be connected to and disconnected from the side power feeding port 161 while the grab rail 23d is gripped to stabilize the electric motorcycle 10.

[0092] Figure 15 is a rear view of the electric motorcycle 10 when the side stand 82 is in use. In Figure 15, the two-dot chain line shows the electric motorcycle 10 in an upright state. In other words, this shows the case when the side stand 82 is not in use. At this time, the vehicle width center line L10 is perpendicular to the road surface R. The solid line shows the electric motorcycle 10 in a stopped state when the side stand 82 is in use. At this time, the vehicle width center line L10 is also inclined.

[0093] Side power feeding unit 160 of the present embodiment is disposed below ridge line 42c of rear cowl 42. In addition, the outer surface in the vehicle width direction of side power feeding unit 160 is disposed along underside 42b of rear cowl 42. Thus, side power feeding unit 160 is disposed while suppressing a protruding shape in the vehicle width direction. Because underside 42b faces downward, side power feeding port 161 can be provided in a position that is less noticeable in appearance.

[0094] The side power supply unit 160 is provided at a connection portion 22a between the seat rail 23a and the seat subframe 23b. The connection portion 22a is used to mean a position where the extending direction of the seat rail 23a and the extending direction of the seat subframe 23b intersect. In other words, the connection portion 22a is a portion supported by both the seat rail 23a and the seat subframe 23b. Therefore, for example, the position overlapping the rear gusset 23c in a side view of the vehicle body is the connection portion 22a. In the present embodiment, the side power supply unit 160 is provided so as to overlap the rear gusset 23c in a side view of the vehicle body.

[0095] The side power supply unit 160 is provided so that a normal direction N1 of the side power supply unit 160 faces downward and to the right. That is, on an electric motorcycle 10 in an upright state, the side power supply unit 160 is provided so that the normal direction N1 faces away from the side stand 82 and faces slightly downward in a rear view. In other words, on an electric motorcycle 10 in an upright state, the side power supply unit 160 is provided so that when the vehicle body is tilted using the side stand 82, the normal direction N1 of the side power supply port 161 is at least perpendicular to the road surface R, that is, rotated more than perpendicular to become oriented vertically or at an elevation angle.

[0096] Therefore, since side power feeding unit 160 is provided at connection portion 22a between seat rail 23a and seat subframe 23b, side power feeding unit 160 is provided at a rigid position, namely connection portion 22a, and an external power source can be easily connected to side power feed port 161. In particular, since side power feeding unit 160 in this embodiment is provided on the opposite side of side stand 82, the force in the connection direction of the external power source during charging can be easily received by side stand 82. In addition, since normal direction N1 of side power feed port 161 faces downward, side power feed port 161 is exposed to the side when the vehicle body is tilted, making it easy for an operator to access side power feed port 161.

[0097] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, in the electric two-wheeler 10 having the body frame 11 having the pivot frame 24 that swingably supports the swing arm 17, the electric motor 12 arranged above the pivot shaft 26, and the reducer 32 arranged to the side of the electric motor 12, the left-right width of the pivot frame 24 is narrower than the left-right width of the electric motor 12, and the reducer 32 is disposed to the side of the pivot frame 24. According to this configuration, the left-right width of the pivot frame 24 is not affected by the electric motor 12 and the reduction gear 32, making it possible to make the pivot frame 24 narrower. Also, it is easy to provide space S4 on the side of the pivot frame 24, and this space S4 can be used to provide the reduction gear 32. Therefore, in an electric motorcycle 10 having the reduction gear 32 on the side of the electric motor 12, the layout around the pivot shaft 26 can be made compact.

[0098] In this embodiment, the swing arm 17 has a pair of left and right pivot portions 71, 72 that are swingably supported on the pivot shaft 26, and the pivot frame 24 is a single member provided between the pair of left and right pivot portions 71, 72. According to this configuration, even if the pivot frame 24 is narrow, it is easy to ensure the rigidity and strength of the pivot frame 24, and the pivot frame 24 can be made compact.

[0099] 11, in this embodiment, a line L12 passing through the connection surface between the electric motor 12 and the reducer 32 is separated from a line L11 passing through the side surface of the pivot frame 24. Therefore, the connection surface between the electric motor 12 and the reducer 32 is separated from the side surface of the pivot frame 24, and the reducer case 120 of the reducer 32 has a protruding portion 120a that protrudes toward the pivot frame 24 side. According to this configuration, the space S4 between the electric motor 12 and the pivot frame 24 can be utilized as a space for arranging the reduction gear 32.

[0100] In addition, in this embodiment, the pivot frame 24 has an output shaft support portion 63, which has an output shaft hole 63a that penetrates from left to right, and the output shaft support portion 63 has an output shaft 122 inserted therethrough, and a drive pulley 125 is arranged on the output shaft 122 on the side opposite the reducer 32. According to this configuration, the pivot shaft 26 and the output shaft 122 are supported by the pivot frame 24, so that it is easy to achieve precision in mounting the pivot shaft 26 and the output shaft 122, and it is also easy to control the precision in assembling the swing system involving the pivot shaft 26 and the drive system involving the output shaft 122. Even when the rear wheel 16 is driven using the drive belt 126, since it is easy to ensure precision in mounting the pivot shaft 26 and the output shaft 122, it is easy to achieve precision in tension of the drive belt 126 even if they are not coaxial but are separate shafts.

[0101] In the present embodiment, the output shaft support portion 63 is located on a line L2 that connects the pivot shaft 26 and the rear wheel shaft 16a in a side view of the vehicle. According to this configuration, the change in circumferential length of the drive belt 126 wound around the drive pulley 125 can be made uniform in the sinking and extending directions, which is suitable for belt drive.

[0102] In addition, in this embodiment, the pivot frame 24 is provided with a front arm portion 65 extending forward along the outer periphery of the electric motor 12, and a rear arm portion 61 extending rearward along the outer periphery of the electric motor 12, and the pivot frame 24 supports the electric motor 12 and the rear frame 22 supporting the seat 18 with the front arm portion 65 and the rear arm portion 61. This configuration contributes to improving the rigidity of the pivot frame 24, which is narrower than the left-right width of the electric motor 12, and also makes it possible to connect the pivot frame 24 to other members.

[0103] In this embodiment, the pivot frame 24 supports the lower and upper ends of the rear cushion 28 . According to this configuration, the rear cushion 28 attached to the swing arm 17 is also supported by the pivot frame 24, which contributes to making the rear cushion 28 compact and to controlling its accuracy.

[0104] [Other embodiments] The above-described embodiment merely shows one aspect of the present invention, and any modification and application can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the electric motorcycle 10 having the front wheel 13 and the rear wheel 16 has been described as an example of an electric vehicle, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention is applicable to three-wheeled saddle-ride vehicles having two front or two rear wheels, and electric saddle-ride vehicles having four or more wheels.

[0106] [Configuration supported by the above embodiment] The above embodiment supports the following configurations.

[0107] (Configuration 1) An electric vehicle having a body frame with a pivot frame that supports a swing arm so that it can swing, a motor arranged above the pivot shaft, and a reducer arranged to the side of the motor, characterized in that the left-right width of the pivot frame is narrower than the left-right width of the motor, and the reducer is disposed to the side of the pivot frame. With this configuration, the left-right width of the pivot frame is not affected by the motor and the reducer, so it is possible to make the pivot frame narrower. Also, it is easy to provide space on the side of the pivot frame, and this space can be used to provide the reducer. Therefore, in an electric vehicle that has a reducer on the side of the motor, the layout around the pivot shaft can be made compact.

[0108] (Configuration 2) The electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the swing arm has a pair of left and right pivot portions supported swingably on the pivot shaft, and the pivot frame is a single member provided between the pair of left and right pivot portions. According to this configuration, even if the pivot frame is narrow, it is easy to ensure the rigidity and strength of the pivot frame, and a compact pivot frame can be obtained.

[0109] (Configuration 3) The electric vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a line passing through a connection surface between the motor and the reducer is spaced apart from a side surface of the pivot frame, and a case of the reducer has a protrusion that protrudes toward the pivot frame. According to this configuration, the space between the motor and the pivot frame can be utilized as a space for arranging the reducer.

[0110] (Configuration 4) The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the pivot frame has an output shaft support portion, the output shaft support portion being a hole penetrating from left to right, an output shaft is inserted into the output shaft support portion, and a drive pulley is disposed on the output shaft on the opposite side to the reducer. With this configuration, the pivot shaft and the output shaft are supported by the pivot frame, making it easier to achieve high mounting accuracy between the pivot shaft and the output shaft, and also making it easier to control the accuracy of the assembly between the swing system involving the pivot shaft and the drive system involving the output shaft.

[0111] (Configuration 5) The electric vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the output shaft support portion is located on a line connecting the pivot shaft and the rear wheel shaft in a side view of the vehicle. According to this configuration, the circumferential length of the belt wound around the drive pulley can be changed equally in the sinking and extending directions, which is suitable for belt drive.

[0112] (Configuration 6) The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the pivot frame includes a first arm extending forward along an outer periphery of the motor and a second arm extending rearward along an outer periphery of the motor, and the pivot frame supports the motor and a rear frame supporting a seat with the first arm and the second arm. This configuration contributes to improving the rigidity of the pivot frame, which is narrower than the left-right width of the motor, and also makes it possible to connect the pivot frame to other members.

[0113] (Configuration 7) The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the pivot frame supports a lower end and an upper end of a cushion. According to this configuration, the cushion attached to the swing arm is also supported by the pivot frame, which contributes to making the cushion more compact and to controlling its accuracy. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 10 Electric two-wheelers (electric vehicles) 11 Body frame 12 Electric motor (motor) 16a Rear wheel axle 17 Swingarm 18 sheets 22 Rear frame 24 Pivot Frame (other frames) 26 Pivot Axis 28 Rear cushion (cushion) 32 Reducer 61 Rear arm section (second arm) 63 Output shaft support 65 Front arm (first arm) 71 Pivot part 72 Pivot part 120 Gearbox case (case) 120a protrusion 122 Output shaft 125 Drive pulley L2 line

Claims

1. An electric vehicle having a body frame (11) having a pivot frame (24) that swingably supports a swing arm (17), a motor (12) disposed above a pivot shaft (26), and a reducer (32) disposed to the side of the motor (12), The pivot frame (24) has a pivot shaft support portion (62) and an output shaft support portion (63), a lateral width from one lateral end to the other lateral end of the pivot shaft support portion (62) and the output shaft support portion (63) of the pivot frame (24) is narrower than a lateral width of the motor (12); The reducer (32) is disposed on the side of the pivot frame (24). An electric vehicle characterized by:

2. An electric vehicle having a body frame (11) having a pivot frame (24) that swingably supports a swing arm (17), a motor (12) disposed above a pivot shaft (26), and a reducer (32) disposed to the side of the motor (12), The reducer (32) is disposed on the side of the pivot frame (24), The left-right width of the pivot frame (24) is narrower than the left-right width of the motor (12) and the reducer (32). An electric vehicle characterized by:

3. The reducer (32) is disposed below the motor (12) and to the side of the pivot frame (24).

3. The electric vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The swing arm (17) has a pair of left and right pivot portions (71, 72) swingably supported on the pivot shaft (26), The pivot frame (24) is a single member provided between the pair of left and right pivot portions (71, 72).

3. The electric vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A line (L12) passing through a connection surface between the motor (12) and the reducer (32) is spaced apart from a side surface of the pivot frame (24). The case (120) of the reducer (32) has a protruding portion (120a) that protrudes toward the pivot frame (24).

3. The electric vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The pivot frame (24) has an output shaft support portion (63), The output shaft support portion (63) is a hole penetrating from left to right, An output shaft (122) is inserted into the output shaft support portion (63), A drive pulley (125) is disposed on the output shaft (122) on the opposite side to the reducer (32).

3. The electric vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The output shaft support portion (63) is located on a line (L2) connecting the pivot shaft (26) and the rear wheel shaft (16a) in a side view of the vehicle.

7. The electric vehicle according to claim 6.

8. The pivot frame (24) includes a first arm (65) extending forward along an outer periphery of the motor (12) and a second arm (61) extending rearward along an outer periphery of the motor (12), The pivot frame (24) supports the motor (12) and a rear frame (22) that supports a seat (18) with the first arm (65) and the second arm (61).

3. The electric vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The pivot frame (24) supports the lower and upper ends of the cushion (28).

3. The electric vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

Images