Electric vehicles

Abstract

To provide an electric vehicle which includes a swing arm for supporting a motor and has good assemblability between the swing arm having the motor and a functional component of the electric vehicle while inhibiting increase of the size of the swing arm and the unsprung weight.SOLUTION: An electric vehicle includes: a swing arm (16) swingably supported by a vehicle body through a pivot shaft (29); a motor (13) provided in the swing arm (16) and configured to drive a driving wheel (12); and a functional component (32) of the electric vehicle electrically connected to the motor (13). The electric vehicle further includes a sub frame (28) formed separately from a vehicle body frame (11) forming the vehicle body and being attachable to the vehicle body frame (11). The sub frame (28) includes pivot portions (65b, 75b) swingably supporting the swing arm (16), and the functional component (32) of the electric vehicle is supported by the sub frame (28).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, electric vehicles in which a drive motor is supported on a swing arm are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a PDU (Power Drive Unit) that controls the output of the electric motor, which is a functional component of the electric vehicle, is supported on a swing arm equipped with an electric motor. In Patent Document 1, by arranging a PDU in addition to the electric motor provided on the swing arm, the swing arm equipped with the functional component of the electric vehicle can be easily assembled to the vehicle body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5608031 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, since the swing arm equipped with the electric motor also supports other functional components of the electric vehicle, there is a problem that the swing arm tends to become large and the unsprung weight, which is the oscillating part, tends to increase. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to provide an electric vehicle having a swing arm supporting a motor, which has good assemblyability between the swing arm having a motor and functional components of the electric vehicle, while suppressing an increase in the size of the swing arm and an increase in unsprung weight. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The electric vehicle includes a swing arm that is swingably supported on a vehicle body via a pivot shaft, a motor that is provided on the swing arm and drives a drive wheel, and A control member for controlling In an electric vehicle comprising: Kicked The swing arm is supported by a pivot portion. a base portion extending in a vertical direction; and at least two upper and lower connection portions, an upper connection portion and a lower connection portion, that connect the base portion to the vehicle body frame. having The upper connection portion and the lower connection portion extend in a front-rear direction of the vehicle, The above Control Member teeth, In the up and down direction The subframe Between the upper connection portion and the lower connection portion It is characterized by being supported by. Effect of the Invention

[0006] In an electric vehicle equipped with a swing arm supporting a motor, it is possible to provide an electric vehicle in which the swing arm having the motor and functional components of the electric vehicle can be easily assembled while suppressing an increase in the size of the swing arm and an increase in the unsprung weight. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a left side view of an electric vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view of a main part of an electric vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a bottom view of a main portion of an electric vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing the surrounding area of ​​a subframe and a PCU according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left front. FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is a rear view showing the surrounding area of ​​the subframe and the PCU according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a right side view showing the surrounding area of ​​a subframe and a PCU according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a rear view showing the surrounding area of ​​a subframe and a PCU according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]13 is a perspective view showing the surrounding area of ​​a subframe and a PCU according to a third embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left front. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a rear view showing the surrounding area of ​​a subframe and a PCU according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a left side view of an electric vehicle according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 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] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a left side view of an electric vehicle 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The electric vehicle 10 is an electric motorcycle that includes a body frame 11, an electric motor (motor) 13 that drives a rear wheel 12 which is a drive wheel, a front fork 15 that supports a front wheel 14 so as to be freely steerable, a swing arm 16 that supports the rear wheel 12, and a seat 17 for a passenger. The electric vehicle 10 is a saddle-ride type vehicle in which a rider sits astride a seat 17. The electric vehicle 10 of this embodiment is an electric scooter having a low floor portion 18.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main portion of the electric vehicle 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The body frame 11 has a head pipe 20 at the front end, a down frame 21 extending diagonally downward and rearward from the head pipe 20, an underframe 22 extending rearward from the lower end of the down frame 21, a cross frame 23 extending in the vehicle width direction from the rear end of the underframe 22, and a pair of left and right side frames 24 extending rearward and upward from left and right outer ends of the cross frame 23. The side frame 24 has a rising frame portion 25 extending diagonally upward and rearward from the cross frame 23, and a rear frame portion 26 extending rearward from the rising frame portion 25. The rear ends of the pair of left and right rear frame portions 26 are connected by a tail pipe 27.

[0011] A pair of left and right step frames 21a extending rearward are connected to the lower end of the down frame 21. The step frames 21a are each connected to a rising frame portion 25 of the side frame 24. The pair of left and right rising frame portions 25 are connected by a connecting frame 25a that connects the rising frame portions 25 at the front. The rising frame portions 25 are provided with rear step brackets 25b extending outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, a pair of left and right front forks 15 are steerably attached to a head pipe 20. A steering handle 19 is attached to the upper part of the front forks 15. A front wheel 14 is attached to the lower end of the front forks 15 via an axle 14a.

[0013] A separate sub-frame 28 is attached to the lower end of the left and right side frames 24. A pivot shaft 29 extending in the left-right direction (vehicle width direction) is supported by the sub-frame 28. A swing arm 16 extending along the front-rear direction is journalled on the pivot shaft 29. The swing arm 16 extends from the pivot shaft 29 to the left of the rear wheel 12 (see FIG. 2). The rear end of the swing arm 16 supports the rear wheel 12 via an axle 12a.

[0014] The electric motor 13 is built into the swing arm 16. The electric motor 13 is located to the left of the rear wheel 12. Thus, the swing arm 16 is configured as a swing-type power unit. A rear cushion 30 is connected between the rear end of the swing arm 16 and the left rear frame portion 26.

[0015] The rear frame portion 26 supports from below the seat 17 on which an occupant sits. A battery 31 is disposed below the seat 17. The battery 31 is supported by the pair of left and right side frames 24 and a connecting frame 25a in front of the side frames 24.

[0016] A PCU (Power Control Unit) 32 as an electronic component is supported below the battery 31. The PCU 32 includes an inverter and the like, and, for example, converts DC power supplied from the battery 31 into AC power and supplies the converted AC power to the electric motor 13. In addition, during regeneration of the electric motor 13, the PCU 32 converts AC power generated by the electric motor 13 into DC power and charges the battery 31.

[0017] The vehicle body frame 11 is covered by a vehicle body cover 40 . The vehicle body cover 40 includes a front cover 41, a handle cover 42, a leg shield 43, a pair of left and right floor side covers 44, an under-seat cover 45, and a rear side cover 46, etc.

[0018] The front cover 41 covers the front end of the body frame 11, including the head pipe 20, from the front. The handle cover 42 is above the front cover 41 and covers the left and right central portions of the steering handle 19. The leg shield 43 is connected to the rear of the front cover 41 and covers the head pipe 20 and down frame 21 from the rear. The under-seat cover 45 covers the space below the seat 17 from the front.

[0019] The floor side cover 44 is connected to the leg shield 43 and the under-seat cover 45, and covers the pair of left and right step frames 21a, the underframe 22, and the subframe 28 from both the left and right sides. The rear side cover 46 is connected to the rear edge of the under-seat cover 45, and covers the side frames 24, the battery 31, etc. from both the left and right sides.

[0020] A front fender 47 that covers the front wheel 14 from above is attached to the front fork 15. In addition, a rear fender 48 that covers the rear wheel 12 from above is attached to the rear frame portion 26.

[0021] A main stand 50 is supported on the swing arm 16. In addition, a side stand 51 is supported on the left portion of the cross frame 23.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a main portion of the electric vehicle 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A swing arm unit 100 having a swing arm 16 is attached to the body frame 11. The swing arm unit 100 has a subframe 28 attached to the body frame 11, a PCU (functional component of an electric vehicle) 32 supported by the subframe 28, a swing arm 16 supported swingably by the subframe 28, and an electric motor 13 supported by the swing arm 16.

[0023] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the subframe 28 and the PCU 32 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left front. Fig. 5 is a rear view showing the subframe 28 and the PCU 32 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a right side view showing the subframe 28 and the PCU 32 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The subframe 28 extends in the vehicle width direction. The subframe 28 has a left portion 60 provided on the left side in the vehicle width direction, and a right portion 70 provided on the right side in the vehicle width direction.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the left portion 60 has a vertical pipe portion (base portion) 61a extending in the vertical direction, an upper connection stay portion (upper connection portion) 63 extending forward from the upper end of the vertical pipe portion 61a in a side view of the vehicle, and a lower connection pipe portion (lower connection portion) 61b extending forward from the lower end of the vertical pipe portion 61a in a side view of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 6, the right portion 70 has a vertical pipe portion (base portion) 71a extending in the vertical direction, an upper connection stay portion (upper connection portion) 73 extending forward from the upper end of the vertical pipe portion 71a in a side view of the vehicle, and a lower connection pipe portion 71b extending forward from the lower end of the vertical pipe portion 71a in a side view of the vehicle.

[0025] In this embodiment, the subframe 28 is configured to be symmetrical. That is, in this embodiment, the left section 60 and the right section 70 are symmetrical. Furthermore, in the subframe 28, the left section 60 and the right section 70 are configured as an integral unit.

[0026] Specifically, subframe 28 has an upper cross pipe (cross member, first cross member) 55 that extends in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) to connect the left and right subframes 28 and form part of the base. As shown in Fig. 5, upper cross pipe 55 has a left pipe portion 55L on the left side of the vehicle width centerline L0 of subframe 28, and a right pipe portion 55R on the right side of the vehicle width centerline L0.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 5, a vertical pipe section 61a extending downward and outward in the vehicle width direction from the vehicle width centerline L0 is supported on the left pipe section 55L. The vertical pipe section 61a inclines to the left in the vehicle width direction as it extends downward from the vehicle width centerline L0. A lower connecting pipe section 61b extending forward is formed at the lower end of the vertical pipe section 61a. The vertical pipe section 61a is joined to the left pipe section 55L by a reinforcing stay 62.

[0028] An upper connection stay 63 extending forward is provided at the left end of the left pipe section 55L. The upper connection stay 63 is provided to the left of the lower connection pipe section 61b. The upper connection stay 63 is a bent plate extending forward with a generally U-shaped cross section. In detail, the upper connection stay 63 has a plate-shaped side section 63a extending forward. A plate-shaped upper section 63b bent inward in the vehicle width direction is formed at the upper end of the side section 63a. A plate-shaped lower section 63c bent inward in the vehicle width direction is formed at the lower end of the side section 63a. The lower section 63c is bent to face the upper section 63b.

[0029] The upper connection stay 63 is joined in a state in which the rear end of the side surface portion 63a abuts against the front surface of the left pipe portion 55L, and the upper surface portion 63b and the lower surface portion 63c sandwich the left pipe portion 55L from above and below. As a result, the left pipe portion 55L is provided with the upper connection stay 63 extending forward. The upper connection stay 63 is shaped to extend forward from the upper end of the vertical pipe portion 61a in a side view of the vehicle. An upper fixed stay 64 is formed on the upper surface portion 63b, which is bent into a substantially L-shape when viewed from behind. The upper fixed stay 64 is bent upward at an inner end in the vehicle width direction. The upper fixed stay 64 is formed with a fixing hole 64a (see FIG. 4) extending in the vehicle width direction.

[0030] A bent plate-like gusset left portion 65 is joined to the outer periphery of the left pipe portion 55L. The left gusset portion 65 has an upper surface portion 65a extending in the left-right direction along the upper surface of the left pipe portion 55L, a pivot portion 65b as a left surface portion bent downward from the left end of the upper surface portion 65a, and a left lower surface portion 65c bent outward in the vehicle width direction at a lower front end of the pivot portion 65b. The upper surface portion 65a, the pivot portion 65b, and the left lower surface portion 65c are joined to the upper cross pipe 55 at their front ends.

[0031] As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the rear edge of the upper surface portion 65a curves rearward as it moves outward in the vehicle width direction from the vehicle width centerline L0. 1, the pivot portion 65b protrudes rearward from the upper cross pipe 55 in a side view of the vehicle. The pivot portion 65b has a generally fan-shaped shape whose vertical width increases toward the rear in a side view of the vehicle. A cylindrical pivot insertion portion 65d extending in the thickness direction is supported at the rear end of the pivot portion 65b.

[0032] The left section 60 of the present embodiment is configured by the left pipe section 55L, the vertical pipe section 61a, the lower connecting pipe section 61b, the reinforcing stay 62, the upper connecting stay section 63, and the left gusset section 65. The left section 60 may include other members and shapes.

[0033] The right section 70, which is a symmetrical part, is formed similarly to the left section 60. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, a vertical pipe section 71a extending downward and outward in the vehicle width direction from the vehicle width centerline L0 is supported on the pipe right section 55R. The vertical pipe section 71a inclines to the right in the vehicle width direction as it extends downward from the vehicle width centerline L0. A lower connecting pipe section 71b extending forward is formed at the lower end of the vertical pipe section 71a. The vertical pipe section 71a is joined to the pipe right section 55R by a reinforcing stay 72.

[0034] An upper connection stay portion 73 extending forward is provided at the right end of the right pipe portion 55R. The upper connection stay portion 73 is provided to the right of the lower connection pipe portion 71b. The upper connection stay portion 73 is a bent plate having a generally U-shaped cross section and extending forward. In detail, the upper connection stay portion 73 has a plate-shaped side portion 73a extending forward. A plate-shaped upper surface portion 73b bent inward in the vehicle width direction is formed at the upper end of the side portion 73a. A plate-shaped lower surface portion 73c bent inward in the vehicle width direction is formed at the lower end of the side portion 73a. The lower surface portion 73c is bent so as to face the upper surface portion 73b.

[0035] The upper connection stay 73 is joined in a state in which the rear end of the side surface portion 73a abuts against the front surface of the right pipe portion 55R, and the upper surface portion 73b and the lower surface portion 73c sandwich the right pipe portion 55R from above and below. As a result, the right pipe portion 55R is provided with the upper connection stay 73 extending forward. The upper connection stay 73 is shaped to extend forward from the upper end of the vertical pipe portion 71a in a side view of the vehicle. An upper fixed stay 74 is formed on the upper surface portion 73b and is bent into a substantially L-shape when viewed from behind. The upper fixed stay 74 is bent upward at an inner end in the vehicle width direction. The upper fixed stay 74 is formed with a fixing hole 74a extending in the vehicle width direction (see FIG. 6).

[0036] A bent plate-shaped right gusset portion 75 is joined to the outer periphery of the right pipe portion 55R. The right gusset portion 75 has an upper surface portion 75a extending in the left-right direction along the upper surface of the right pipe portion 55R, a pivot portion 75b as a right surface portion bent downward from the right end of the upper surface portion 75a, and a right lower surface portion 75c bent outward in the vehicle width direction at a lower front end of the pivot portion 75b. The upper surface portion 75a, the pivot portion 75b, and the right lower surface portion 75c are joined to the upper cross pipe 55 at their front ends.

[0037] As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the rear edge of the upper surface portion 75a curves rearward as it moves outward in the vehicle width direction from the vehicle width centerline L0. 6, the pivot portion 75b protrudes rearward from the upper cross pipe 55 in a side view of the vehicle. The pivot portion 75b has a generally fan-shaped shape whose vertical width increases toward the rear in a side view of the vehicle. A cylindrical pivot insertion portion 75d extending in the thickness direction is supported at the rear end of the pivot portion 75b.

[0038] The right section 70 of the present embodiment is constituted by the right pipe section 55R, the vertical pipe section 71a, the lower connecting pipe section 71b, the reinforcing stay 72, the upper connecting stay section 73, and the right gusset section 75. The right section 70 may include other members and shapes.

[0039] Here, the vertical pipe portion 61a of the left portion 60 and the vertical pipe portion 71a of the right portion 70 are curved at their tip ends to follow the upper cross pipe 55 and are connected to each other. That is, in this embodiment, the vertical pipe section 61a of the left section 60 and the vertical pipe section 71a of the right section 70 have an integral pipe shape. The vertical pipe section 61a and the lower connecting pipe section 61b of the left section 60, and the vertical pipe section 71a and the lower connecting pipe section 71b of the right section 70 are configured from a partial shape of an integral pipe material 56 that has been bent.

[0040] Additionally, the left gusset portion 65 of the left portion 60 and the right gusset portion 75 of the right portion 70 are connected to each other in the vehicle width direction. That is, in this embodiment, the gusset right portion 75 of the left portion 60 and the gusset right portion 75 of the right portion 70 have an integral bent plate shape. The gusset left portion 65 of the left portion 60 and the gusset right portion 75 of the right portion 70 are configured as an integral pivot gusset 57 that is bent. In the pivot gusset 57, a curved portion 57a ​​(see FIG. 4) that is recessed forward is formed by the rear end of the upper surface portion 65a of the gusset left portion 65 and the rear end of the upper surface portion 75a of the gusset right portion 75.

[0041] A lower cross pipe (cross member, second cross member) 58 extending in the vehicle width direction is fixed between the front end of the lower connecting pipe portion 61b of the left section 60 and the front end of the lower connecting pipe portion 71b of the right section 70. This reinforces the longitudinal lower connecting pipe portions 61b, 71b. A lower fixing stay 59 is provided in the center of the lower cross pipe 58 in the vehicle width direction (see FIG. 4). A through hole 59a (see FIG. 4) penetrating in the up-down direction is formed in the lower fixing stay 59.

[0042] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, in the subframe 28, the vertical pipe portions 61a, 71a, the upper connection stay portions 63, 73, and the lower connection pipe portions 61b, 71b form a generally U-shaped space with an open front side in a side view of the vehicle. Also, in the subframe 28, a space sandwiched in the left-right direction in a front view of the vehicle body is formed by the left and right upper connection stay portions 63, 73 and the lower connection pipe portions 61b, 71b. That is, in the subframe 28, the vertical pipe portions 61a, 71a, the upper connection stay portions 63, 73, and the lower connection pipe portions 61b, 71b form an electrical equipment arrangement space S (see Figure 4) with an open front side.

[0043] In this embodiment, the PCU 32, which is an example of a functional component of an electric vehicle, is disposed in the electrical component arrangement space S. The PCU 32 has a PCU main body, which is an electronic device not shown, a rectangular parallelepiped casing 80 that houses the PCU main body, a power terminal section (terminal) 81 provided on the upper surface of the casing 80, and a communication terminal section 82 provided on the right side surface of the casing 80. The casing 80 has cylindrical fastening sections 80a, 80b (see FIG. 5) formed at positions corresponding to the four corners of the rectangular shape in rear view shown in FIG. 5. The fastening sections 80a, 80b extend in the front-rear direction. The PCU 32 is fixed to the subframe 28 by fastening members to the fastening sections 80a, 80b.

[0044] In particular, a casing 80 of the PCU 32 is fixed to the subframe 28 via a bracket 90 . As shown in FIG. 4, the bracket 90 has a plate-shaped base surface 91. The base surface 91 is formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape in a front view. Appropriate lightening holes 91a are formed in the base surface 91, penetrating in the thickness direction. The lightening holes 91a expose the casing 80 of the PCU 32 to the front of the bracket 90. The lightening holes 91a allow the PCU 32 to come into contact with the outside air, making it easier for the PCU 32 to dissipate heat. Fastening holes 91b, 91c are formed in the four corners of the base surface 91, penetrating in the front-rear direction. Fastening members are inserted from the front into the fastening holes 91b, 91c at the four corners. The fastening members are fastened to the four fastening portions 80a, 80b of the casing 80 of the PCU 32. The lower fastening portion 80b is located below the lower cross pipe 58, and is fastened from the front below the lower cross pipe 58. In this manner, the PCU 32 is fixed to the bracket 90.

[0045] At the upper end of the bracket 90, a left fixing portion 92 that is bent rearward is formed on the left side of the base surface 91. The left fixing portion 92 is fixed to the upper fixing stay 64 of the left section 60 of the subframe 28. A fastening member is inserted into the upper fixing stay 64 from the left side. At the upper end of the bracket 90, a right fixing portion 93 that is bent rearward is formed on the right side of the base surface 91. The right fixing portion 93 is fixed to an upper fixing stay 74 of the right portion 70 of the subframe 28. A fastening member is inserted into the upper fixing stay 74 from the right side. At the lower end of the bracket 90, a bent fixing portion 94 that is bent forward in a cut-and-raised manner is formed in the center of the base surface 91 in the vehicle width direction. The bent fixing portion 94 is fixed to a lower fixing stay 59 of the subframe 28. A fastening member is inserted into the lower fixing stay 59 from above.

[0046] The bracket 90 is fastened at its upper portion in the left-right direction. The bracket 90 is fastened at its lower portion in the up-down direction. By fastening the bracket 90 in multiple directions, that is, the left-right direction and the up-down direction, the bracket 90 can be easily and securely fixed to the subframe 28. The bracket 90 is fixed to the subframe 28 at a total of three points. In this way, the PCU 32 is fixed to the subframe 28 via the bracket 90.

[0047] The PCU 32 is fixed to the subframe 28 at a position where it is sandwiched between the bracket 90 and the base portion (vertical pipe portions 61a, 71a) of the subframe 28 in the front-rear direction, and between the upper connection stay portions 63, 73 and the lower connection pipe portions 61b, 71b on the left and right sides of the subframe 28 in the left-right direction. By fixing the PCU 32 to the subframe 28 via the bracket 90, it is possible to mount a PCU 32 of a different shape simply by changing the specifications and shape of the bracket 90. Furthermore, since the bracket 90 can easily absorb external forces applied to the subframe 28, it is possible to suppress transmission of external forces to the PCU 32.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, the power terminal unit 81 of the PCU 32 has three-phase AC terminals 81a, 81b, and 81c corresponding to the U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase, and DC power terminals 81d and 81e. Three-phase AC high-voltage wiring (wiring) 83, 84, and 85 are connected to the three-phase AC terminals 81a, 81b, and 81c. The high-voltage wiring 83 to 85 is guided by the upper cross pipe 55 and passes above the upper cross pipe 55 and is routed to the rear pivot gusset 57. In the pivot gusset 57, the high-voltage wiring 83 to 85 is routed to the rear surface of the subframe 28 while bending downward at the curved portion 57a. A bent rod-shaped engagement bar 28a is provided on the rear surface of the subframe 28, and the high-voltage wiring 83 to 85 is hooked and held by the engagement bar 28b. A connector 86 is provided at the tip (rear end) of the high-voltage wiring 83 to 85 (see FIG. 5). The connector 86 is connected to the electric motor 13 supported by the swing arm 16 .

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the swing arm 16 is supported by a subframe 28 so as to be able to swing. The swing arm 16 has a swing arm body 110 that supports the rear wheel 12, and a swing arm cover 111 that is attached to the outer side of the swing arm body 110 in the vehicle width direction. The swing arm body 110 extends left and right in front of the rear wheel 12, and at its rear part, extends front and rear on the left side of the rear wheel 12. The swing arm body 110 has a shape that is open on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The swing arm body 110 accommodates the electric motor 13 and a power transmission mechanism (not shown) that transmits the power of the electric motor 13 to the rear wheel 12. The swing arm body 110 is closed from the outer side in the vehicle width direction by the swing arm cover 111.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 3, the swing arm body 110 extends in the left-right direction in front of the rear wheel 12 so as to straddle the vehicle width centerline L1 in the vehicle width direction of the electric vehicle 10. A pair of left and right pivot connection parts 110a, 110b are formed at the front end of the swing arm body 110. The pivot connection parts 110a, 110b are disposed between the pivot insertion parts 65d, 75d of the subframe 28. A single pivot shaft 29 is inserted through the pivot connection parts 110a, 110b of the swing arm 16 and the pivot insertion parts 65d, 75d of the subframe 28. As a result, the swing arm 16 is supported by the subframe 28 via the pivot shaft 29 so as to be able to swing.

[0051] The electric motor 13 is housed in the rear of the swing arm body 110. The electric motor 13 is disposed on the side of the rear wheel 12. That is, in this embodiment, the electric motor 13 is a so-called wheel side motor. High voltage wiring 83-85 extending from the PCU 32 is connected to the electric motor 13. The high voltage wiring 83-85 is introduced into the swing arm body 110 from an opening 110c formed in the front end portion of the swing arm body 110, and a connector 86 of the high voltage wiring 83-85 is connected to the electric motor 13. The PCU 32 supplies AC power to the electric motor 13 to control it.

[0052] The subframe 28, the swing arm 16, the electric motor 13, the PCU 32 and the like constitute a swing arm unit 100 of the present embodiment. The swing arm unit 100 is attached to the vehicle body frame 11. In this embodiment, the swing arm unit 100 is attached to the rising frame portions 25 of the left and right side frames 24.

[0053] Specifically, the subframe 28 has the upper connecting stay portions 63, 73 positioned on the vehicle width outer side of the rising frame portion 25, and the lower cross pipes 58 of the lower connecting pipe portions 61b, 71b positioned on the vehicle width inner side of the rising frame portion 25.

[0054] The upper connecting stay portion 63 of the left portion 60 is fixed to the vehicle width direction outer surface of the left side raising frame portion 25 by a connecting member extending in the left-right direction while being abutted against the vehicle width direction outer surface of the left side raising frame portion 25. In addition, the upper connecting stay portion 73 of the right portion 70 is fixed to the vehicle width direction outer surface of the right-side raised frame portion 25 by a connecting member extending in the left-right direction while being abutted against the vehicle width direction outer surface of the right-side raised frame portion 25. Furthermore, a connecting member extending in the left-right direction is inserted through the lower cross pipe 58 of the lower connecting pipe portions 61b, 71b and is connected to the inside of the left and right rising frame portions 25. Therefore, the subframe 28 that rotatably supports the swing arm 16 is attached to the body frame 11 by three connecting members that extend in the left-right direction.

[0055] Here, in the swing arm unit 100, it is possible to connect wiring such as the high voltage wiring 83-85 between the electric motor 13 and the PCU 32 in advance before mounting it to the body frame 11. Therefore, compared to connecting the wiring between the electric motor and the PCU after mounting the swing arm equipped with the electric motor to the body, the wiring connection work can be done in a situation where the body frame 11 etc. is not present, making it easier to connect the wiring.

[0056] When the subframe 28 of the swing arm unit 100 is attached to the body frame 11, the rear cushion 30 extending from above is connected to the rear end of the swing arm unit 100. A connector of a communication line extending from an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) (not shown) of the body frame 11 is connected to a communication terminal portion 82 (see FIG. 6) of the PCU 32 from the right side of the subframe 28. As shown in FIG. 6, the communication terminal portion 82 is exposed to the right from between the bracket 90, the vertical pipe portion 71a, the upper connection stay portion 73, and the lower connection pipe portion 71b in the right portion 70, facilitating the connection work of the connector of the communication line. In this embodiment, the assembly work of the electric vehicle 10 is simplified.

[0057] As described above, according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied, in an electric vehicle 10 including a swing arm 16 that is swingably supported on the vehicle body via a pivot shaft 29, an electric motor 13 that is provided on the swing arm 16 and drives the rear wheel 12, and an electric vehicle functional component 32 that is electrically connected to the electric motor 13, the electric vehicle 10 includes a subframe 28 that is separate from the body frame 11 that constitutes the vehicle body and can be attached to the body frame 11, the subframe 28 has pivot portions 65b, 75b that swingably support the swing arm 16, and the electric vehicle functional component 32 is supported by the subframe 28.

[0058] According to this configuration, by supporting the swing arm 16 supporting the electric motor 13 and the functional component 32 of the electric vehicle electrically connected to the electric motor 13 on the subframe 28, it is possible to configure a configuration in which the swing arm 16, the functional component 32 of the electric vehicle, etc. are unitized and pre-assembled. Therefore, after connecting the wiring between the electric motor 13 and the functional component 32 of the electric vehicle, the swing arm 16 provided with the electric motor 13 can be attached to the vehicle body, improving the ease of assembling the electric motor 13 and the functional component 32 of the electric vehicle. In addition, since the functional component 32 of the electric vehicle is not provided on the swing arm 16, the swing weight of the swing arm 16 can be reduced. Therefore, in an electric vehicle 10 equipped with a swing arm 16 supporting an electric motor 13, it is possible to provide an electric vehicle 10 having good assemblyability between the swing arm 16 having the electric motor 13 and the functional components 32 of the electric vehicle, while suppressing an increase in the size of the swing arm 16 and an increase in the unsprung weight, which is the part that swings together with the swing arm 16.

[0059] In this embodiment, the subframe 28 has vertical pipe sections 61a, 71a extending in the vertical direction, and the subframe 28 has at least two connection sections, one above and one below, between upper connecting stay sections 63, 73 that connect the vertical pipe sections 61a, 71a to the body frame 11 and lower connecting pipe sections 61b, 71b. According to this configuration, the subframe 28 has the vertical pipe portions 61a, 71a extending in the vertical direction, which makes it easy to support the functional components 32 of the electric vehicle in the vertical space formed by the vertical pipe portions 61a, 71a. In addition, since the subframe 28 is supported at two points, the top and bottom, it is possible to support the swing arm 16 with sufficient rigidity.

[0060] In addition, in this embodiment, the upper connecting stay portions 63, 73 extend forward from the upper portions of the vertical pipe portions 61a, 71a in a side view of the vehicle and are connected to the vehicle frame 11, and the lower connecting pipe portions 61b, 71b extend forward from the lower portions of the vertical pipe portions 61a, 71a in a side view of the vehicle and are connected to the vehicle frame 11 via the lower cross pipe 58. According to this configuration, by extending the upper connecting stay portions 63, 73 and the lower connecting pipe portions 61b, 71b forward and connecting them to the body frame 11, a space in the fore-and-aft direction can be provided between the vertical pipe portions 61a, 71a and the body frame 11, making it easier to accommodate the functional components 32 of the electric vehicle in that space.

[0061] In addition, in this embodiment, the subframe 28 has a left portion 60 and a right portion 70, each of which has a corresponding vertical pipe portion 61a, 71a, upper connecting stay portion 63, 73 and lower connecting pipe portion 61b, 71b, and the subframe 28 has an upper cross pipe 55 and a lower cross pipe 58 connecting the left portion 60 and the right portion 70. According to this configuration, by forming the subframe 28 into a pair of left and right shapes, a space can be formed in the left-right direction, making it easier to accommodate the functional components 32 of the electric vehicle in the space. In addition, the strength of the subframe 28 can be further improved by the upper cross pipe 55 and the lower cross pipe 58.

[0062] In addition, in this embodiment, the functional parts 32 of the electric vehicle are disposed between the left part 60 and the right part 70, and are located between the body frame 11 and the vertical pipe parts 61a, 71a in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and between the upper connecting stay parts 63, 73 and the lower connecting pipe parts 61b, 71b in the up-down direction. According to this configuration, the functional components 32 of the electric vehicle are arranged within the space formed by the subframe 28, so that the functional components 32 of the electric vehicle can be arranged compactly while the functional components 32 of the electric vehicle can be strongly supported by the subframe 28.

[0063] In this embodiment, the functional components 32 of the electric vehicle are connected to the subframe 28 via a bracket 90 . According to this configuration, the functional component 32 of the electric vehicle is attached to the subframe 28 via the bracket 90, so that the degree of freedom in attaching the functional component 32 of the electric vehicle can be increased.

[0064] In addition, in this embodiment, an upper cross pipe 55 is provided to which the upper ends of the vertical pipe sections 61a, 71a are connected, and a power terminal section 81 of the functional part 32 of the electric vehicle is located at the upper part, and wiring 83-85 is provided which is connected to the power terminal section 81 of the functional part 32 of the electric vehicle, and the wiring 83-85 is routed above the upper cross pipe 55 to the electric motor 13. According to this configuration, the wiring 83-85 can be easily arranged, and the upper cross pipe 55 can be used as a guide for the wiring 83-85.

[0065] In the present embodiment, the functional component 32 of the electric vehicle is a PCU 32 that supplies high voltage power to the electric motor 13 . According to this configuration, the swing arm 16 provided with the electric motor 13 can be attached to the vehicle body after connecting the high voltage wiring 83-85 between the electric motor 13 and the PCU 32. Therefore, the high voltage wiring 83-85 extending from the PCU 32, which is thick and likely to have high rigidity, can be connected without being affected by the vehicle frame 11, and the ease of assembling the electric motor 13 and the PCU 32 can be improved.

[0066] In addition, this embodiment includes an upper cross pipe 55 to which the upper ends of the vertical pipe portions 61a, 71a are connected, and a pivot gusset 57 having pivot portions 65b, 75b is provided between the upper cross pipe 55 and the vertical pipe portions 61a, 71a. According to this configuration, the strength of the subframe 28 can be further improved, and the swing arm 16 can be supported by the subframe 28.

[0067] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described below. In this second embodiment, parts configured similarly to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0068] FIG. 7 is a rear view showing the surrounding area of ​​a subframe 228 and a PCU 32 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Subframe 228 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it has upper fixed stays 264, 274 instead of the upper fixed stays 64, 74 of subframe 28 of the first embodiment. The upper fixed stays 264, 274 of the second embodiment are formed further forward than the upper fixed stays 64, 74 of the first embodiment. As a result, in subframe 228 of the second embodiment, PCU 32 is spaced forward from upper cross pipe 55, making it easier to form a wide space between upper cross pipe 55 and PCU 32.

[0069] In the second embodiment, the high voltage wiring 83-85 extending from the PCU 32 is passed from above through the space between the upper cross pipe 55 and the PCU 32. The high voltage wiring 83-85 passed from above is guided by the upper cross pipe 55 and passes below the upper cross pipe 55 to be routed to the rear of the upper cross pipe 55. The high voltage wiring 83-85 routed to the rear of the upper cross pipe 55 is held by the engagement bar 28a and routed rearward. In this way, in the second embodiment, the high voltage wiring 83-85 is routed rearward, and the connector 86 of the high voltage wiring 83-85 is connected to the electric motor 13.

[0070] The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except that the high voltage wiring 83-85 is configured to pass below the upper cross pipe 55. Therefore, in the second embodiment to which the present invention is applied, in an electric vehicle 10 in which the electric motor 13 is supported on the swing arm 16, it is possible to provide an electric vehicle 10 in which the wiring can be easily connected to the electric motor 13 while suppressing an increase in unsprung weight, and in which the assembly of the electric motor 13 and the swing arm 16 is excellent.

[0071] In particular, in this embodiment, an upper cross pipe 55 is provided to which the upper ends of the vertical pipe sections 61a, 71a are connected, and the power terminal section 81 of the PCU 32 is located at the upper part and is provided with high-voltage wiring 83-85 connected to the power terminal section 81 of the PCU 32, and the high-voltage wiring 83-85 is routed through below the upper cross pipe 55 to the electric motor 13. According to this configuration, the high voltage wirings 83-85 can be easily arranged, and the upper cross pipe 55 can be used as a guide for the high voltage wirings 83-85.

[0072] [Third embodiment] A third embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described below. In this third embodiment, parts configured in the same manner as in the first or second embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0073] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the surrounding area of ​​a subframe 328 and a PCU 32 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left front. Fig. 9 is a rear view showing the surrounding area of ​​a subframe 328 and a PCU 32 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The subframe 328 of the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it has vertical pipe portions 361a, 371a and gussets 362, 372 instead of the vertical pipe portions 61a, 71a and reinforcing stays 62, 72 of the subframe 28 of the first embodiment.

[0074] That is, as shown in Fig. 9, vertical pipe parts 361a, 371a extending upward from the rear ends of the lower connecting pipe parts 61b, 71b are connected to the left pipe part 55L and the right pipe part 55R, respectively. The left and right vertical pipe parts 361a, 371a each extend linearly outward in the vehicle width direction as they proceed upward. The upper ends of the vertical pipe parts 361a, 371a are connected to the left pipe part 55L and the right pipe part 55R, respectively. The upper ends of the vertical pipe parts 361a, 371a are reinforced by gussets 362, 363 and fixed to the left pipe part 55L and the right pipe part 55R, respectively.

[0075] In this embodiment, the vertical pipe section 361a and the lower connecting pipe section 61b of the left section 360 are a part of an integrated pipe section 356R. Also, in this embodiment, the vertical pipe section 371a and the lower connecting pipe section 71b of the right section 370 are a part of an integrated pipe section 356L. The pipe section 356R and the pipe section 356L are separate bodies. That is, in the first embodiment, the vertical pipe section 61a and the lower connecting pipe section 61b of the left section 60, and the vertical pipe section 71a and the lower connecting pipe section 71b of the right section 70, are formed as parts of an integrated pipe material 56. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the vertical pipe section 361a and the lower connecting pipe section 61b of the left section 360, and the vertical pipe section 371a and the lower connecting pipe section 71b of the right section 370 are formed as separate, distinct bodies.

[0076] The third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except that the vertical pipe portion 361a and the lower connecting pipe portion 61b of the left portion 360, and the vertical pipe portion 371a and the lower connecting pipe portion 71b of the right portion 370 are separate bodies. Therefore, even in the third embodiment to which the present invention is applied, in an electric vehicle 10 in which the electric motor 13 is supported on the swing arm 16, it is possible to provide an electric vehicle 10 in which the wiring to the electric motor 13 is easy to connect while suppressing an increase in unsprung weight, and the assembly of the electric motor 13 and the swing arm 16 is favorable.

[0077] [Fourth embodiment] A fourth embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described below. In this fourth embodiment, parts configured similarly to the first to third embodiments are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0078] FIG. 10 is a left side view of an electric vehicle 410 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Electric vehicle 410 in the fourth embodiment is a different model from electric vehicle 10 in the first to third embodiments. Accordingly, electric vehicle 410 is different from electric vehicle 10 in the first embodiment in body frame 411 and body cover 440. Here, regarding the configuration of electric vehicle 410 corresponding to electric vehicle 10 in the first embodiment, the explanation of the configuration other than body frame 411 and body cover 440 is omitted by adding "4" to the third digit of the reference numerals in the first embodiment.

[0079] A body frame 411 of the electric vehicle 410 has a head pipe 420 at the front end, a pair of left and right main frames 421 extending diagonally downward and rearward from an upper portion of the head pipe 420, a pair of left and right down frames 422 extending rearward and downward from a front end of the main frame 421 at a steeper incline than the main frame 421, a pair of left and right center frames 423 extending downward from a rear end of the main frame 421, and a pair of left and right seat frames 424 extending rearward and upward from the center frames 423. In a side view of the vehicle, a battery 431 is disposed in a space surrounded by the main frame 421, the down frame 422, and the center frame 423. The battery 431 is supported by the body frame 411.

[0080] A subframe 428 of the swing arm unit 400 is attached to the center frame 423 from the rear. Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the swing arm 416 of the swing arm unit 400 is supported swingably on the body frame 411. The swing arm 416 is connected to a rear cushion 430 extending downward from the left seat frame 424. The subframe 428 is covered with a body cover 440.

[0081] Similarly to the first embodiment, electric vehicle 410 of the fourth embodiment has swing arm unit 400 attached to vehicle body frame 411. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment to which the present invention is applied, electric vehicle 410 in which electric motor 413 is supported by swing arm 416 can easily connect wiring to electric motor 413 while suppressing an increase in unsprung weight, and electric vehicle 410 in which electric motor 413 and swing arm 416 can be easily assembled can be provided.

[0082] [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.

[0083] In the subframes 28, 228, 328, 428 of the above embodiment, the upper connection stay portions 63, 73 and the vertical pipe portions 61a, 71a are connected via the upper cross pipe 55, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the upper ends of the vertical pipe portions 61a, 71a may be further extended and bent forward, so that the upper end portions of the vertical pipe portions 61a, 71a form upper connection portions that extend forward in a side view of the vehicle.

[0084] In the subframes 28 to 428 of the above embodiment, the upper connecting stays 63, 73 and the lower connecting pipes 61b, 71b extending forward are provided above and below the vertical pipes 61a, 71a, respectively. However, the subframes 28 to 428 are not limited to this configuration. For example, one of the upper connecting stays 63, 73 and the lower connecting pipes 61b, 71b provided above and below the vertical pipes 61a, 71a may be omitted. In other words, at least one of the upper connecting portion and the lower connecting portion may be extended from the base portion 61a, 71a, 361a, 371a toward the front of the vehicle body in a side view of the vehicle and connected to the vehicle body frame 11, 411. In this case, the subframe can form a substantially triangular space in a side view of the vehicle. In addition, the subframe can be easily attached to the vehicle body frame that is inclined obliquely with the base portion extended in the vertical direction.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the subframes 28 to 428 have been described as having an upper cross pipe 55 and a lower cross pipe 58, but the present invention is not limited to this. Any one of the upper cross pipe 55 and the lower cross pipe 58 may be configured to integrally connect the left portion 60, 360 and the right portion 70, 370. Furthermore, in addition to the upper cross pipe 55 and the lower cross pipe 58, the subframes 28 to 428 may further include a cross member extending in the vehicle width direction, and may include three or more cross members. Furthermore, the cross member is not limited to being provided at the upper end or lower end of the base portion, and may be provided at a longitudinal midpoint of the base portion.

[0086] In the subframes 28 to 428 in the above-described embodiment, the left portion 60 and the right portion 70 are symmetrically configured, but may be asymmetrically configured.

[0087] In the subframes 28 to 428 of the above embodiment, the left section 60, 360 and the right section 70, 370 are separated to the left and right except for the upper cross pipe 55 and the lower cross pipe 58. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The left section 60, 360 and the right section 70, 370 may not be separated except for the upper cross pipe 55 and the lower cross pipe 58. For example, instead of the left and right vertical pipe sections 61a, 71a, a single plate material may be used to form an integral base section at the left and right sections. Also, instead of the upper connection stay sections 63, 73, a single plate material may be used to form an integral upper connection section at the left and right sections. Furthermore, instead of the lower connection pipe sections 61b, 71b, a single plate material may be used to form an integral lower connection section at the left and right sections. Therefore, for example, the base portion, the upper connection portion, and the lower connection portion may be configured as an integral shape by bending a single plate material when viewed from the side of the vehicle.

[0088] In other words, as described above, the subframe may be a pair of left and right components or an integrated left and right component, so long as it has a structure having a component (base portion) extending in the vertical direction and upper and lower mounting portions extending forward.

[0089] In the subframes 28 to 428 of the above-described embodiments, the pivot insertion portions 65d, 75d are provided between the upper cross pipe 55 and the base portions 61a, 71a, 361a, 371a in the pivot gussets 57 provided between the upper cross pipe 55 and the base portions 61a, 71a, 361a, 371a, but the pivot insertion portions 65d, 75d do not have to be provided in the reinforcing member. In other words, the pivot insertion portions 65d, 75d may be provided separately from the reinforcing member at a position between the upper cross pipe 55 and the base portions 61a, 71a, 361a, 371a.

[0090] In the above fourth embodiment, the body frame 411 has been described as having the head pipe 420, the main frame 421, the down frame 422, the center frame 423, and the seat frame 424, but the configuration of the body frame 411 is not limited to this. For example, the body frame 411 may include a battery case that is supported across the down frame 422 and the main frame 421 and corresponds to a frame that houses the battery 431. That is, although the configuration has been described in which the subframe 428 of the swing arm unit 400 is attached to the center frame 423, the subframe 428 of the swing arm unit 400 may be attached to a battery case or the like.

[0091] In the above embodiment, as a configuration in which the electric motor 13, 413 is supported by the swing arm 16, 416, a wheel-side motor configuration in which the electric motor 13, 413 is disposed on the side of the rear wheel 12, 412 and power is transmitted from the electric motor 13, 413 to the rear wheel 12, 412 via a reduction mechanism as a power transmission member is exemplified, but the configuration in which the electric motor 13, 413 is supported by the swing arm 16, 416 is not limited to this wheel-side motor configuration. For example, the electric motor 13 may be disposed right beside the wheel of the rear wheel 12, 413, and the drive shaft of the electric motor 13, 413 may be the same as the rear wheel shaft, and a reduction mechanism may not be provided. Also, the electric motor 13, 413 may be supported by the swing arm 16, 416 by a configuration in which the electric motor 13, 413 is accommodated in the wheel of the rear wheel 12, 412, that is, a so-called in-wheel motor configuration.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the PCU 32 has been exemplified as a functional component of the electric vehicle supported by the subframes 28 to 428, but instead of the PCU 32, functional components that are not necessary for an internal combustion engine vehicle but are specific to the electric vehicles 10, 410, such as a battery or an on-board charger for charging the battery, may be supported. Also, while the PCU 32 has been exemplified as a functional component of the electric vehicle, a control member that controls the electric motor 13, such as a PDU or ECU, may be supported instead of the PCU 32.

[0093] In the above embodiment, a saddle-ride type motorcycle having a front wheel 14 and a rear wheel 12 has been used as an example of electric vehicle 10, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is applicable to three-wheel saddle-ride type electric vehicles having two front wheels or two rear wheels, and saddle-ride type electric vehicles having four or more wheels.

[0094] [Configuration supported by the above embodiment] The above embodiment supports the following configurations.

[0095] (Configuration 1) An electric vehicle comprising a swing arm supported on a vehicle body via a pivot shaft so as to be swingable, a motor provided on the swing arm for driving drive wheels, and functional components of the electric vehicle electrically connected to the motor, the electric vehicle further comprising a subframe which is separate from a body frame constituting the vehicle body and can be attached to the body frame, the subframe having a pivot portion which swingably supports the swing arm, and the functional components of the electric vehicle being supported by the subframe. According to this configuration, the swing arm that supports the motor and the functional components of the electric vehicle that are electrically connected to the motor are supported on the subframe, so that the swing arm and the functional components of the electric vehicle can be preassembled as a unit. Therefore, after connecting the wiring between the motor and the functional components of the electric vehicle, the swing arm provided with the motor can be attached to the vehicle body, improving the ease of assembling the motor and the functional components of the electric vehicle. In addition, since the functional components of the electric vehicle are not provided on the swing arm, the swing weight of the swing arm can be reduced. Therefore, in an electric vehicle equipped with a swing arm supporting a motor, it is possible to provide an electric vehicle in which the swing arm having the motor and the functional components of the electric vehicle can be easily assembled while suppressing an increase in the size of the swing arm and an increase in the unsprung weight.

[0096] (Configuration 2) The electric vehicle described in Configuration 1, characterized in that the subframe has a base portion extending in the vertical direction, and the subframe has at least two upper and lower connection portions, an upper connection portion and a lower connection portion, that connect the base portion to the vehicle body frame. According to this configuration, since the subframe has a base portion that extends in the vertical direction, it is easy to support the functional components of the electric vehicle in the space formed by the base portion. Also, since the subframe is supported at two points, the top and bottom, it is possible to support the swing arm with sufficient rigidity.

[0097] (Configuration 3) The electric vehicle according to configuration 2, wherein at least one of the upper connection portion and the lower connection portion extends from the base portion toward the front of the vehicle body in a side view of the vehicle and is connected to the vehicle body frame. According to this configuration, by extending at least one of the upper connection portion and the lower connection portion forward and connecting it to the vehicle frame, a space can be created between the base portion and the vehicle frame, making it easier to accommodate the functional components of the electric vehicle in that space.

[0098] (Configuration 4) An electric vehicle as described in Configuration 3, characterized in that, in a side view of the vehicle, the upper connection portion extends from an upper portion of the base portion toward the front of the vehicle body and is connected to the vehicle body frame, and the lower connection portion extends from a lower portion of the base portion toward the front of the vehicle body and is connected to the vehicle body frame. According to this configuration, by extending the upper connection portion and the lower connection portion forward and connecting them to the vehicle frame, a space can be created between the base portion and the vehicle frame, making it easier to accommodate the functional components of the electric vehicle in that space.

[0099] (Configuration 5) An electric vehicle described in any one of configurations 2 to 4, characterized in that the subframe has a left portion and a right portion, the left portion and the right portion each having a corresponding base portion, upper connection portion and lower connection portion, and the subframe has at least one cross member connecting between the left portion and the right portion. According to this configuration, by forming the subframe into a pair of left and right shapes, a space can be formed in the left and right direction, which makes it easier to accommodate functional components of the electric vehicle in the space. In addition, the strength of the subframe can be further improved by the cross member.

[0100] (Configuration 6) An electric vehicle as described in Configuration 5, characterized in that the functional components of the electric vehicle are arranged between the left portion and the right portion, are located between the vehicle body frame and the base portion in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body, and are located between the upper connection portion and the lower connection portion in the up-and-down direction. According to this configuration, the functional components of the electric vehicle are arranged within the space formed by the subframe, so that the functional components of the electric vehicle can be arranged compactly while being strongly supported by the subframe.

[0101] (Configuration 7) The electric vehicle according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein functional components of the electric vehicle are connected to the subframe via a bracket. According to this configuration, the functional components of the electric vehicle are attached to the subframe via the bracket, which increases the degree of freedom in attaching the functional components of the electric vehicle.

[0102] (Configuration 8) An electric vehicle as described in any one of configurations 2 to 6, further comprising a cross member to which an upper end portion of the base portion is connected, terminals of functional components of the electric vehicle are located at an upper portion, and wiring is provided which is connected to the terminals of the functional components of the electric vehicle, and the wiring is routed to the motor by passing above or below the cross member. With this configuration, the wiring can be easily arranged, and the cross member can be used as a guide for the wiring.

[0103] (Configuration 9) The electric vehicle according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the functional component of the electric vehicle is a control member that controls the motor. According to this configuration, after connecting the wiring between the motor and the control member, the swing arm provided with the motor can be attached to the vehicle body. In particular, when the control member is a PCU that controls the motor, the wiring extending from the PCU, which is thick and likely to have high rigidity, can be connected without being affected by the vehicle frame, improving the ease of assembly of the motor and the PCU.

[0104] (Configuration 10) An electric vehicle as described in any one of configurations 2 to 6 or 8, further comprising a cross member to which an upper end portion of the base portion is connected, and the pivot portion is provided between the cross member and the base portion. According to this configuration, the swing arm can be supported by the subframe while further improving the strength of the subframe. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 10 Electric vehicles 11 Body frame 12 Rear wheels (drive wheels) 13 Electric motor (motor) 16 Swingarm 28 Subframe 29 Pivot Axis 32 PCU (functional components and control parts for electric vehicles) 55 Upper cross pipe (cross member) 57 Pivot gusset 58 Lower cross pipe (cross member) 60 Left 61a Vertical pipe section (base section) 61b Lower connection pipe section (lower connection section) 63 Upper connection stay part (upper connection part) 65b Left side (pivot part) 71a Vertical pipe section (base section) 71b Lower pipe section (lower connection section) 73 Upper connection stay (upper connection) 75b Right side (pivot part) 70 Right part 55 Cross member 58 Cross member 81 Power terminal section (terminal) 83 High voltage wiring (wiring) 84 High voltage wiring (wiring) 85 High voltage wiring (wiring) 90 Bracket 360 Left 361a Vertical pipe section (base section) 370 Right side 371a Vertical pipe section (base section) 410 Electric Vehicles 411 Body frame 412 Rear wheels (drive wheels) 413 Electric motor (motor) 416 Swingarm 428 Subframe 429 Pivot Axis 432 PCU (Functional parts and control components of electric vehicles)

Claims

1. An electric vehicle including a swing arm (16, 416) swingably supported on a vehicle body via a pivot shaft (29, 429), a motor (13, 413) provided on the swing arm (16, 416) for driving a drive wheel (12, 412), and a control member (32) for controlling the motor (13, 413), a subframe (28, 228, 328, 428) attached to a vehicle body frame (11, 411) constituting the vehicle body, the subframe (28, 228, 328, 428) has a pivot portion (65b, 75b) that swingably supports the swing arm (16, 416), a base portion (61a, 71a, 361a, 371a) extending in the vertical direction, and at least two upper and lower connection portions, an upper connection portion (63, 73) and a lower connection portion (61b, 71b) that connect the base portion (61a, 71a, 361a, 371a) to the vehicle body frame (11, 411), The upper connection portion (63, 73) and the lower connection portion (61b, 71b) extend in a vehicle front-rear direction, The control member (32) is supported between the upper connection portion (63, 73) and the lower connection portion (61b, 71b) of the subframe (28, 228, 328, 428) in the vertical direction. An electric vehicle characterized by:

2. At least one of the upper connection portion (63, 73) and the lower connection portion (61b, 71b) extends from the base portion (61a, 71a, 361a, 371a) toward the front of the vehicle body in a vehicle side view and is connected to the vehicle body frame (11, 411).

2. The electric vehicle according to claim 1 .

3. the subframe (28, 228, 328, 428) having a left portion (60, 360) and a right portion (70, 370); the left portion (60, 360) and the right portion (70, 370) each include the base portion (61a, 71a, 361a, 371a), the upper connection portion (63, 73), and the lower connection portion (61b, 71b), The subframe (28, 228, 328, 428) has at least one cross member (55, 58) connecting between the left portion (60, 360) and the right portion (70, 370).

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

4. The control member (32) is disposed between the left portion (60, 360) and the right portion (70, 370) and is located between the vehicle body frame (11, 411) and the base portion (61a, 71a, 361a, 371a) in the vehicle body longitudinal direction.

4. The electric vehicle according to claim 3.

5. The control member (32) is connected to the subframe (28, 228, 328, 428) via a bracket (90).

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

6. A cross member (55, 58) to which an upper end of the base portion (61a, 71a, 361a, 371a) is connected, The terminal (81) of the control member (32) is located at the top, Wires (83, 84, 85) connected to the terminals (81) of the control member (32), The wiring (83, 84, 85) is routed to the motor (13, 413) through above or below the cross member (55, 58).

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

7. A cross member (55, 58) to which an upper end of the base portion (61a, 71a, 361a, 371a) is connected, The pivot portion (65b, 75b) is provided between the cross member (55, 58) and the base portion (61a, 71a, 361a, 371a).

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

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